Chapter 9: Exploring
On this particular day, Von and Ren finalized their preparations for their inaugural dungeon exploration. However, they recognized the importance of securing essential equipment and items before embarking on this perilous journey. With this in mind, they made the decision to visit the tower.
As they continued, they overheard conversations of others describing the tower as a focal point where awakeners converged, a place filled with opportunities and challenges.
It was no surprise that even regular people had decided to seek employment within the tower. In a world now centered around this enigmatic structure, it had become a hub of commerce, adventure, and intrigue.
Von and Ren were keenly aware that their journey would be profoundly influenced by the evolving significance of the tower, and they moved forward with a sense of anticipation and wonder.
"BROOOO, I was so nervous to come in here, but this is nothing like I imagined," Ren exclaimed, his surprise evident in his words.
"I remember my first entry here in my dream; I was so scared because I had no idea what to do. I nearly got into trouble," Von reminisced, his memories of the dream feeling like an embarrassing past.
They both chuckled as they shared their initial apprehensions, finding humor in the contrast between their expectations and reality.
As they wandered through the town, they couldn't resist sampling a variety of delectable foods, exploring the merchandise on display in the markets, and making a few purchases along the way.
However, amidst the vibrant and lively surroundings, Von's heightened sensitivity detected an unusual and foreboding dark energy emanating from a specific location within the town.
Intrigued, he decided to utilize his Six Senses skill to investigate this unsettling energy. As Ren followed Von into a dimly lit and narrow alley, they discovered a store that seemed to radiate an overwhelmingly powerful dark aura. The sign above the entrance bore the ominous name "NIGHTMARE," sending a chill down their spines as they contemplated the enigmatic secrets concealed within its walls.
"Von, don't you think this is a bad idea? I have a feeling that once we step inside, we won't be able to easily leave." Ren cautioned, trying to stop Von from entering the mysterious store.
"What, are you thinking there'll be ghosts or something?" Von joked with a light-hearted chuckle before boldly stepping inside the mysterious store.
Upon entering the store, they were met with a surprising transformation. The interior was nothing like its unassuming exterior. Instead, it was a well-lit emporium displaying a diverse range of items, from potions to equipment and various other intriguing wares. The stark contrast between the outside and inside left them both in awe, further deepening the enigma surrounding the store.
"Greetings, gentlemen. Welcome to my store. You are free to look as much as you want." a man in a blue robe greeted them as they entered.
Both of them nodded in response to the man's welcome and began to explore the items displayed in the store.
Von couldn't help but notice that every item in the store seemed to have a faint, mysterious dark energy emanating from it. As he was examining the items, he heard a faint, almost imperceptible whisper in his mind, urging him to come closer.
Von's attention was drawn to a sword in a captivating black and blue hue, and it emitted a palpable dark aura, giving it an ominous yet alluring appearance.
Von initiated a silent conversation with the sword in his mind, asking, "Are you the one who called me?"
However, there was no direct response from the sword. Yet, an inexplicable connection and attraction formed between Von and the mysterious weapon, drawing him closer to it.
Ren, observing Von's intense interest in the sword, asked, "What's wrong? Are you considering getting this sword?"
Von carefully appraised the sword and examined its stats. Every awakener had the ability to appraise an item, but this skill had its limitations.
System:
Name: Voidshroud Edge
Attributes:
Type: One-Handed Sword
Rarity: Rare
Material: Unknown
Enchantment: Dark Power
Damage:
Physical Damage: 20-35
Dark Energy Damage: 15-30
Total Damage: 40-65
Note: This sword possesses the potential to grow in power and reveal hidden abilities as its wielder becomes attuned to its dark enchantment.
"Yeah, this sword is quite impressive. How about you? Did you find something you like?" Von inquired, He was also preparing to make the purchase.
Ren replied, "Yeah, I found a decent sword that I can use for now, but it's not as remarkable as yours." He seemed content with his choice.
Von placed the Voidshroud Edge on the counter in front of the store owner and expressed his desire to buy it. The man in the blue robe appeared momentarily surprised but eventually broke into a smile. In a hushed tone, he remarked, "You've found your new owner." and then began to assist Von with the purchase.
Von and Ren expressed their gratitude to the store owner before leaving with their purchases. As they walked out of the dark alley, they continued with their plan to head to the dungeon. However, they didn't realize that once they had departed, the store had mysteriously vanished from the area, leaving no trace of its presence behind.
They were at a portal in the tower that allowed them to choose different dungeons in Zone 5. They decided to enter a dungeon meant for users between level 5 and 10, filled with goblins, kobolds, and orcs.
As Von and Ren walked through the portal, a sensation of weightlessness enveloped them. It felt as if they were suspended in a void, with no solid ground beneath their feet. The surroundings became obscured, and a gentle hum resonated in their ears.
Then, a bluish-white light emanated from the portal, gradually enveloping them. The light was warm and ethereal, casting a soothing glow that illuminated their surroundings. As the light intensified, they could feel a subtle but constant pull in a specific direction, guiding them through the portal's passage.
Time seemed to blur as they traversed this otherworldly conduit. It was as if they were moving through a realm that existed beyond the boundaries of their world. The light and the humming sound persisted, creating a surreal and somewhat mesmerizing experience.
Finally, as the light began to wane, they found themselves stepping out of the portal and onto a different terrain. The transition was smooth, and the feeling of weightlessness gradually subsided. They were now in the dungeon, ready to face the challenges and adventures that awaited them.
The dungeon resembled a dense forest, with towering trees that created a thick canopy overhead. Sunlight struggled to penetrate the green foliage, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was cool and filled with the earthy scent of leaves and moss. They could hear the rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the occasional hoot of an owl. It felt like a real forest, teeming with life. But they knew this place was far from ordinary.
Ren remarked, "As always, I can't get used to this mode of transportation."
Suddenly, a system window appeared, and a quest was displayed on it.
Quest Log
Quest: Goblin Extermination
Description: Eliminate 20 goblins in the forest dungeon.
Progress:
Goblins Slain: 0/20
Reward: Experience Points, Goblin Loot
As Von and Ren read the quest message, they realized their immediate task was to eliminate 15 goblins within the forest dungeon. With newfound determination, they began scouring the forest, moving carefully among the trees and underbrush. Soon, they spotted a group of goblins lurking nearby. The battle was about to begin.
Von and Ren found themselves hidden among the foliage, silently observing a group of five goblins that had gathered in the forest.
Ren whispered to Von, "Von, there are five goblins here. Should we take them out?" They remained concealed, deliberating on the best course of action
Von nodded and replied in a hushed tone, "I checked with my skill, and there's another goblin about 3 meters away from here. If we eliminate this group now, we can go after the one I sensed next." They continued to assess the situation, planning their approach with caution.
Ren nodded and agreed, "Alright, I'll be the bait. You take them out silently." With that, Ren moved quickly toward the group of goblins, hoping to draw their attention and create an opportunity for Von to strike.
Ren confronted the group of five goblins, boldly calling them out to provoke a reaction. As expected, the goblins grew hostile and launched their attack on Ren. Their crude weapons swung in his direction as they attempted to overwhelm him with sheer numbers.
Ren's exceptional agility and perfect parry skill enabled him to skillfully evade, block, and counter the goblins' attacks, expertly countering their advances.
Simultaneously, Von harnessed the power of his Shadow Step, allowing him to deftly slip behind a goblin that posed a threat to Ren. With his Ebon Chain ability, he swiftly restrained one of the goblins, ensuring Ren's safety. As the immobilized goblin became vulnerable, Ren swiftly dispatched it, and together, they eliminated the remaining goblins without issue.
"Aren't we a great team?" Ren said, feeling a sense of pride in their teamwork.
"I guess we can complete the quest without any problems," Von replied, checking the loot they had acquired.
"Let's consider selling these goblin ears and trading their coins." Ren suggested as he examined their inventory.
"Yeah, and these potions and crafting materials are a bonus." Von agreed.
Von then noticed the gold box he had received as a reward for being a top scorer in the tutorial.
"I almost forgot about this box I received for acing the tutorial" he remarked, eager to see its contents.
Von eagerly opened the box, and to his amazement, it emitted a brilliant, radiant glow. Inside the box, he discovered a delicate earring crafted in the shape of a feather.