Having successfully defeated the Thunder Catfish, Cedric decided to share the remaining liquified mana with Goldenfist, a gesture of camaraderie and gratitude. Retrieving a storing gourd gifted to him by Isabella, Cedric filled it with the precious liquid that had been drained from the depths of the Thundra forest's mana lake. As he handed the gourd to Goldenfist, the monkey's eyes sparkled with curiosity and anticipation.
Cedric took a moment to demonstrate the usage of the liquified mana to Goldenfist, showcasing the potent substance that could enhance one's mana capacity and purity. Goldenfist, eager to explore this newfound source of strength, received the gourd with apparent delight. With a wave and a playful gesture, Goldenfist disappeared into the forest, likely eager to delve into the mysteries of mana cultivation.
Amused by Goldenfist's enthusiasm, Cedric couldn't help but laugh. The monkey's eagerness to embrace the opportunity for growth resonated with Cedric's own determination to continually strengthen himself in the face of the Thundra forest's challenges.
After Goldenfist's departure, Cedric turned his attention to the massive body of the defeated Thunder Catfish. Recognizing the value of this resource, Cedric efficiently stored the remains in his storage bracelet. The catfish's size, approximately 20 meters in length, meant that Cedric wouldn't need to hunt for sustenance for an extended period.
Carrying some stored water, Cedric made his way back to his treehouse. Once there, he diligently cleaned the bones Goldenfist had left behind. As he prepared his meal, the remnants of the Thunder Catfish would serve as a substantial source of nourishment. With the bones cleaned, Cedric sat down to enjoy his meal, savoring the taste of victory and the fruits of his successful hunt.
After replenishing his energy, Cedric began his meditation routine. The Thundra forest, with its mystical aura, provided a serene backdrop for Cedric to delve into the depths of his inner self. As he entered a state of deep meditation, the experiences of the day, from the intense battle with the Thunder Catfish to the camaraderie with Goldenfist, lingered in his consciousness.
In the tranquility of the Thundra forest, Cedric found a harmonious balance between the elemental forces and his own spiritual journey. The treehouse, nestled amidst the ancient trees, became a sanctuary where Cedric could reflect, recharge, and prepare for the ongoing challenges that awaited him in this mystical realm.
The following day, Cedric felt a newfound strength coursing through his veins, thanks to the liquified mana and the completion of his third planet. Eager to test his enhanced abilities, he decided to venture deeper into the Thundra forest than he had before. As he walked through the towering trees, a familiar figure emerged from the foliage—Goldenfist. The 4-eyed monkey's aura had intensified, a testament to the mana absorption from the liquified pool.
Goldenfist, holding a gourd, approached Cedric with an expression of camaraderie, perhaps a gesture of gratitude for the mana-filled gift. Cedric, however, declined the return of the gourd, signaling that he still had his own supply. The unspoken understanding between them led to a decision to explore the forest together, their camaraderie solidified by shared experiences.
As they ventured into the depths of the Thundra forest, the air crackled with an energized atmosphere. Cedric and Goldenfist navigated through the dense vegetation, their footsteps echoing in harmony. The duo, with Cedric wielding his sword and Goldenfist showcasing his agile movements, encountered various magical creatures and unique terrains.
Their exploration eventually led them to a clearing, a tranquil space in the midst of the towering trees. In the center stood a rock-like structure, catching their attention. Approaching it, Cedric's keen eyes discerned the sudden appearance of a door and inscriptions that revealed the nature of their discovery—a Silver-ranked dungeon with a maximum capacity of three participants.
The revelation sent a jolt of excitement through Cedric. The prospect of exploring an uncharted dungeon, especially one with the potential for first-time rewards, ignited his adventurous spirit. Goldenfist, though incapable of verbalizing his thoughts, seemed eager to embrace the challenge, his golden-furred arm glistening in the dappled sunlight.
Without hesitation, Cedric and Goldenfist decided to enter the Silver-ranked dungeon together. The door creaked open, revealing a mystical passage that beckoned them into the unknown. As they crossed the threshold, the dungeon's magical ambiance enveloped them, and the journey into the depths of mystery and danger commenced.
The tunnel led Cedric and Goldenfist to an underground expanse, each cavern presenting its unique challenges and inhabitants. The atmosphere shifted, and a sense of anticipation filled the air. The setting was now an intricate network of tunnels, dimly lit by luminescent fungi clinging to the rocky walls.
As they delved deeper into the dungeon, the duo encountered the remains of a mole-like creature, its skeletal structure a testament to the dangers lurking in these subterranean passages. The dungeon's mysterious design hinted at the variety of environments and creatures that awaited them.
The silence of the tunnels was abruptly interrupted as a notification resonated within Cedric's mind. The directive was clear: "To clear dungeon, kill all the goblins present in the village." Goldenfist, attuned to the same message, readied himself for the upcoming battle. The revelation that they needed to confront an entire goblin village indicated a significant challenge ahead.
Continuing through the underground labyrinth, they approached the village. The cavernous space opened up to reveal a crude goblin settlement, complete with huts made from a mishmash of materials and a central bonfire casting flickering shadows. Goblins, both common and hobgoblins, roamed the village, engaged in various activities.
The sight triggered a wave of nostalgia for Cedric. Goblins were among the first magical creatures he encountered during his training in the Thundra forest. However, the difference now was his increased strength and the evolved nature of the dungeon, introducing challenges beyond mere survival.
Without wasting time, Cedric and Goldenfist engaged the goblins head-on. Cedric's sword danced with precision, each strike a testament to his enhanced abilities. The goblins, accustomed to preying on weaker beings, found themselves facing a force they could not comprehend. The 50% boost from Cedric's aspect turned him into a formidable adversary.
Goldenfist, with his golden-furred arms, showcased agility and ferocity as he darted through the chaotic battlefield. Goblins fell one after another, their crude weapons no match for the coordinated onslaught. The echoes of combat reverberated in the cavern as the duo pressed forward.
Amidst the goblin horde, a larger figure emerged—the hobgoblin chief. Towering over the others, adorned with makeshift armor, the chief bellowed commands to bolster the goblins' defense. Cedric, undeterred, focused on the chief, recognizing the need to neutralize the leadership to quell the goblin resistance.
The battle reached its climax as Cedric and Goldenfist confronted the hobgoblin chief. The chief, wielding a rusty, oversized weapon, posed a formidable challenge. Yet, Cedric's increased strength and combat prowess allowed him to match the chief blow for blow.
In the midst of the battle, Cedric's sword technique shone brightly. He executed the Northstar Sword Art with unparalleled finesse, creating a dazzling display of mana-infused strikes. The goblins, witnessing their chief's defeat, wavered in morale, and victory became imminent.
As the final blow landed, the hobgoblin chief fell, and a sense of accomplishment enveloped Cedric and Goldenfist. The goblin village, once a haven for mischief and danger, now lay subdued. The dungeon acknowledged their success, and a portal opened, signaling the end of this underground exploration.
Cedric and Goldenfist emerged from the dungeon, victorious and filled with the satisfaction of overcoming a challenging trial. The Thundra forest, with its secrets and dungeons, continued to unfold before them, each adventure shaping their journey into the unknown.