"Are you all ready?" The resounding voice reverberated through the room, electrifying the air with anticipation.
A united chorus of determined voices responded in unison, "Yes, sir!"
With unwavering conviction, a warrior clad in gleaming silver armor and an equally radiant helmet stepped forward, brandishing a shimmering light blue sword. Pointing towards the ominous entrance of the dungeon, he declared, "Then let's embark on this adventure!"
In the company of 42 miners, accompanied by five formidable adventurers hailing from the renowned Rudra clan, the party set forth on their treacherous journey.
Guiding the way, the silver-armored hero led the group through winding corridors shrouded in darkness. His helmet emitted a soft, ethereal glow, scanning the path ahead, vigilant for lurking dangers.
Close behind, the miners clutched their trusty tools, ready to face the mysteries that awaited them in the depths.
The presence of the legendary Rudra clan adventurers infused the party with a palpable sense of courage and confidence. Their formidable weapons and battle-worn armor served as testament to their prowess and valor.
With each descent into the dungeon's abyss, Aryan, the young and audacious adventurer, felt the gravity grow heavier. But his spirit remained unyielding, accepting the challenge with unshakeable determination.
Even while following the shortest and supposedly safest route to the seventeenth floor, they encountered fearsome monsters along the way. Ferocious wolves and agile humanoid grasshoppers leapt out, only to be swiftly vanquished by the party's formidable techniques.
"Ice wall!" followed by "ice spikes" or "wind blades" brought their adversaries to swift demise, a testament to their skill and might.
Aryan couldn't help but marvel, whispering quietly to himself, "If only I possessed such moves. But I'll bide my time and save up for the fireball skill, even if it's considered one of the more affordable options. I won't compromise my future strength."
Amidst the banter, a silver-haired man in his forties, his right hand replaced by wolf-like ears and a tail, interjected with a chuckle, "Hahaha! Aren't you a bit too young to worry about such things, lad?"
With a mischievous wink, he continued, "Let me enlighten you, young one. The rarity or cost of a skill does not determine its true power. Any skill, no matter how humble, can ascend to legendary status through dedication and unwavering perseverance."
Aryan gave the man a discerning gaze, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "Really? You're not just pulling my leg, are you, uncle?"
Laughter erupted within the group, breaking the tension, as a young man walking ahead of Aryan joined in, "Bro! Don't you know? The one you're questioning used to be a C-rank dual sword wielder!" His smile faded as he realized his slip-up. "Oops, my bad. I didn't mean to blurt that out."
"No apologies necessary." The man reassured, turning his gaze towards Aryan with a serious expression. "But tell me, lad, you're not venturing to the seventeenth floor without a single skill, are you?"
Aryan replied nonchalantly, his face a mask of indifference, "Well, I am."
The man spun around, his voice tinged with anger. "What do you mean, 'I am'? And you're even smiling about it! How much money do you need? Are you on the brink of starvation, forced into such perilous work?"
The group halted, every eye fixed on the exchange between the two. "Doesn't your family
know what you're getting into?" someone inquired.
"Nah, they won't worry. I don't even have parents," Aryan chuckled, his own joke hanging in the air.
"Michell! Remember, we're still within the dungeon. Keep your voice down unless you want to attract unwanted attention," the silver-armored knight interjected with a deep, icy tone, his gaze fixed upon Aryan.
"And you," he commanded, locking eyes with Aryan, "move to the front and stay close behind me."
"Yes, sir," Aryan replied, acquiescing to the order.
Soon, the group arrived at a towering pillar on the fourteenth floor. The Silver Knight approached, touching the pillar and reciting an incantation that enveloped the entire party in a radiant dome of light, teleporting them to the fifteenth floor.
Unlike the treacherous floors above, the fifteenth floor greeted them with safety. The terrain transformed into lush grasslands, meandering rivers, and vibrant blue crystals that bathed the surroundings in a soft glow.
Strolling through streets that resembled an independent city rather than a dungeon, Aryan marveled at the sight. Houses made of sturdy red brick stood tall, merchants peddled weapons and equipment, and people went about their daily lives.
"Listen up, everyone," the Silver Knight announced, turning to face the group. "We have reached the safe floor."
(Author's Note: Safe floors are areas within the dungeon where no monsters spawn.)
"We will establish this city as our base of operations, focusing on conquering the seventeenth floor."
He continued, "Each day, we will spend six hours mining on the seventeenth floor, leaving the remainder of the day for your leisure. We will maintain this schedule for three days before returning to Patliputra."
"Food and accommodations will be provided by the Rudra Guild. Enjoy your time here, but remember to report for work on time." The Silver Knight released a deep sigh as his speech concluded.
Since their arrival in the evening, night had already fallen outside. Without the guidance of sun or moon, Aryan decided to explore until their meal was ready.
Wandering the enchanting streets, he stumbled upon a captivating "enchantment store." Intrigued, he ventured inside, finding himself in a crimson-hued interior.
One aspect he particularly cherished in this new world was his magical desk's scanning ability. By pointing the device at any object, he could gather detailed information, shielding himself from scams and trickery.
"Welcome, young sir, to our shop specializing in magically enhanced and enchanted items. From garments to headwear to undergarments, everything here is truly unique. Feel free to peruse our selection, and don't hesitate to seek assistance," a woman behind the reception desk warmly greeted him.
Aryan's curiosity soared, and he began exploring the inventory:
- Enhanced steel sword, enchanted with fiery magic, boasting a burning blade—a weapon of undeniable allure.
- Enhanced summer hat, infused with the element of ice, ensuring a pleasant body temperature no matter the season—a perfect accessory.
- Enhanced dragon ring, resonating with the essence of dragon blood, granting the power to withstand a single magical attack—a priceless artifact, indeed.
His gaze then fell upon a peculiar pink box. Driven by both intrigue and mischief, he couldn't resist investigating further.
"Magically enchanted, strawberry-flavored condoms," the description revealed. And their unique feature? Auto-equipping.
Aryan's face blazed scarlet, hastily exiting the shop and returning to his temporary quarters, his mind abuzz with a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.
"Goodness gracious! Who comes up with such things? Well, maybe I'll try them somedays...if I ever make a girlfriend," Aryan pondered, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.
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As the meal was served, Aryan reclined on his bed in the small room, lost in his thoughts, when a knock interrupted his reverie. Opening the door, he found a familiar figure standing before him.
"I assume you desire to master magic control," the person inquired.