I walked through the dimly lit corridors of the dungeon, my footsteps echoing softly in the eerie silence. I had been exploring these depths for weeks, honing my skills and battling low-level monsters in hopes of leveling up before the upcoming Academy Exam. As a quiet girl who preferred observation over interaction, the dungeons had become my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the judgmental eyes of others.

Lost in my thoughts, I absentmindedly took a wrong turn, straying from my usual route. I found myself in an unfamiliar area, a foreboding sensation settling in the pit of my stomach. Something was off. Unease crept into my heart as I cautiously treaded deeper into the dungeon, my senses alert for any signs of danger.

And then, I stumbled upon it—a massive doorway that loomed before me. A sense of foreboding washed over me as I hesitated at the threshold. But curiosity and a thirst for challenge pushed me forward. I crossed the threshold, unaware of the monumental mistake I had just made.

As I entered, the sight that greeted my eyes left me frozen in awe and terror. Before me stood the Void Dragon, an unparalleled creature rumored to be unbeatable. It emanated an otherworldly aura, its massive frame dwarfing my existence. Its scales shimmered with a void-like hue, as if it were a living embodiment of the deepest abyss. This was no ordinary boss; it was the pinnacle of strength in the entire world.

My mind raced, realizing the direness of my situation. I had unknowingly stumbled into a boss floor, facing a beast that had never been defeated by a human. Death seemed imminent, but strangely, a calm acceptance washed over me. If I were to perish by the claws of the Void Dragon, it would be a death worthy of honor.

The dragon's piercing gaze fixed upon me, and with a voice that reverberated through the chamber, it asked,

"What is your name, young adventurer?"

I felt a surge of fear as this beast addressed me directly, but summoning my courage, I replied,

"I am Fixia."

The Void Dragon's eyes gleamed with a flicker of amusement.

"Fixia, your way of leveling up is inefficient."

It stated matter-of-factly, causing my curiosity to stir.

"How is it inefficient?"

I inquired, my voice tinged with skepticism. I didn't know what to expect.

The dragon's voice resonated with ancient wisdom as it explained,

"You rely too heavily on external aids—gear, items, spells, weapons, and armor."

"True strength lies within oneself."

"To unlock your fullest potential, you must learn to rely on your own abilities."

"Strip away the crutches and face the monsters with your bare hands."

I couldn't help but feel incredulous. How could battling monsters without any gear possibly be more efficient? Nevertheless, a seed of curiosity took root within me. Either I die trying to kill a monster without any gear or get killed by the dragon. With a mixture of doubt and determination, I decided to give it a try. I encountered a low-level monster, its beady eyes fixed upon me.

Taking a deep breath, I discarded my weapons, removed my armor, and prepared to face the creature head-on. The dragon's words echoed in my mind as I launched myself at the monster, relying solely on my own strength and skills.

To my astonishment, the battle was over in an instant. The monster fell defeated at my feet, and an inexplicable surge of power coursed through my veins. As I stood there, breathless and bewildered, I couldn't believe what had just transpired. I had gained two levels, simply from killing one monster without any gear.

A mix of shock and excitement flooded my senses. How could this method be so effective, yet remain unknown to everyone? Throughout our childhood, we were always taught to be extra careful and bring as much gear as possible while exploring the dungeons. The concept of defeating monsters with bare hands was unheard of, dismissed as reckless and impractical. Yet here I stood, the proof of its efficacy standing before me.

As I contemplated the newfound knowledge, the Void Dragon's voice reverberated through the chamber once more.

"Fixia, the world has always been bound by conventional wisdom and fear of the unknown."

"People rarely question the established norms, afraid to venture beyond their comfort zones."

"True growth lies in challenging those boundaries and embracing the unexplored."

"But everything comes at a cost, and this leveling method is not an exemption."

...

His words struck a chord within me, resonating with the hidden desires I had buried deep within my heart. The allure of defying expectations, of discovering untapped potential, beckoned me forward. With newfound determination, I resolved to delve deeper into this uncharted path, forsaking the reliance on external aids.

The Void Dragon, its piercing gaze unwavering, continued,

"Remember, Fixia, I won't devour or harm you unless you attack me."

"You are free to leave this place unscathed, but should you desire further guidance, return to me."

"Embrace the path of self-reliance, and together, we shall illuminate the unexplored depths of your true strength."

With those parting words, a surge of energy enveloped me, and in an instant, I found myself back outside the dungeon, standing under the open sky. The encounter with the Void Dragon had forever altered my perspective.

As I walked away from the dungeon, my steps carried a newfound purpose. I would pursue this unconventional path, honing my abilities and uncovering the depths of my potential. The Academy Exam loomed on the horizon, but now I knew it was not just about achieving a higher level. It was about embracing my own strength