[ This chapter and the rest are not edited yet. ]
In the middle of a heavy rainstorm, raindrops fell from the sky, creating a relentless symphony of nature's anger.
Underneath a large tree, Marcus stood with a determined expression on his face, his clothes soaked and clinging to his body.
'Should I listen to him?' he was thinking.
The lifeless body of the orangutan lay in front of him, a result of a fierce battle between man and beast.
The sound of raindrops echoed with each beat of Marcus's heart as a wicked desire consumed him.
He stared at the open wound he had caused on the orangutan, a gateway to a red stream that tempted him with a strange allure.
"I'll do it to see what will happen!"
With a surge of instinct, Marcus leaned forward and bit into the exposed flesh of the creature's neck, seeking the life-giving liquid of blood.
Gahk!
As the metallic taste filled his mouth and the warm liquid flowed over his tongue, Marcus felt a peculiar energy coursing through his veins.
The rain-soaked ground beneath his feet seemed to tremble in response to this unnatural connection.
With each pulsating heartbeat, the transfusion of blood fueled an exhilarating change within Marcus. The weak and beaten body he once had now felt like overflowed with newfound strength, like a dormant beast awakened from slumber.
Soon, he lifted the orangutan's body with that strength and let the orangutan's blood flow over his whole body, as per the Baron's suggestion.
Woosh!
As soon as Marcus was done—only a little blood was flowing left—he threw the orangutan's body away and looked out at the rainy forest in front of him, now with a clearer view.
A whisper escaped his lips, carried away by the continuous downpour.
"Is this it?"
Marcus wondered loudly, but his voice barely audible in the roaring storm.
"I can feel a new vitality and it's far better," he mumbled as he made a fist with his palm.
Creak!
Despite his body still bearing the wounds from the encounter with the orangutan, an undeniable surge of vitality filled his being. It was as if the very essence of the slain creature had merged with him, granting him a semblance of strength that defied reason.
With newfound strength flowing through his veins, blood and entire fiber muscles of his body, Marcus spoke confidently, "With this power, even though I'm a mage, it won't be easy for me to die..."
But suddenly, a chat window appeared below him, showing the name Wallace once again.
[ GM Wallace: Good job, buddy. ]
The message of Wallace read like he was teasing him.
Marcus could only respond with a cunning smile, nodding subtly.
Just then, another screen appeared, taking up the center of his vision.
[ Ding!
[ Activate blood absorption!
[ Absorb the life essence of thirty creatures to level up! ]
[ Current absorbed blood: 1/30. ]
Marcus was surprised by this revelation, but he quickly understood. He didn't fully grasp the implications, but if he had enough time, he was willing to take on the task.
After all, in the world of 'Noble Dungeons,' leveling up was only important for improving skills, getting magic scrolls, and finding treasures.
To rise in rank as a 'Mana User,' he would have to meditate, defeat powerful magical beasts or mutated creatures, or explore the depths of the dungeons now controlled by the Nobles—the 'Natural Dungeons.'
So, even if he rose up in level here, he believed that it would still be useless.
He— believed.
…
Outside, Wallace eagerly looked forward to another display of Marcus's newfound energy.
He longed for the thrill of seeing a boar charging at Marcus, or a wild dog's fierce growl, or perhaps the graceful agility of a wild cat.
Maybe Marcus would surprise him with an encounter involving another monkey but more violent that orangutan—an Ape or a different kind of monkey.
It didn't matter, as long as it promised entertainment to him, he would be fine at everything.
Glancing at the screen, Wallace noticed how Marcus's hunger for fresh blood seemed unquenchable, needing even more food. However, contrary to what he expected and thought, the monitor showed a different scene unfolding before him.
"I needed meat for today," Marcus's voice echoed through the speakers, "but this non-stop rain has taken away my ability to cook, and the flames that used to obey me have disappeared."
Curiosity was on Wallace's head as Marcus's figure faded from view, leaving the stage of their wild spectacle.
Perplexed by the sudden change in behavior, Wallace watched closely as Marcus stood in the swaying grass, his lips moving in a barely audible whisper.
"I don't have spices either," Marcus muttered, his voice filled with frustration. "They vanished as soon as I got here. Sighhh, what should I do..."
Wallace's excitement diminished, replaced by an uneasy feeling that something was wrong.
Marcus's lack of aggression and his focus on ordinary matters were completely out of character.
As for whatever he was searching for, Wallace had his suspicions, but uncertainty clouded his mind.
Out of the blue, he made up his mind to write a message, saying, "Hey, pal, get up and search for food or you'll regret it later. Don't hold me responsible for it." However, Marcus would come across the message in the hologram, yet he would simply brush it off. He seemed uninterested in it.
Wallace was furious. Earlier, Marcus paid attention to his command, but now?
"Well, if you're not interested in heeding my advice, then I won't share any information with you anymore in the future…"
As Wallace sat in his chair, a strange feeling filled the whole place, causing him to turn his gaze.
To his surprise, Butler Mendez stood before him, no longer wearing a pathetic expression like earlier. Instead, he held a tray of tea, which he offered to Wallace with a steady hand. "Sir, here is your tea," Mendez said, his voice calm and steady.
Wallace accepted the tea with a thankful nod, his attention immediately returning to the hologram before him, which showed Marcus engaged in an important task.
Without warning, Wallace's curiosity got the best of him, and he couldn't help but speak up.
"Do dungeon explorers prioritize their meals once they enter a dungeon? And if they do, why?"
His question caught Butler Mendez off guard, evident by the surprise that flashed across his face.
After a moment, Mendez regained his composure and nodded.
"Sir, usually, dungeon explorers focus on clearing the area first before eating. It's a matter of time, you know, as it often takes a long time before they can leave and exit the dungeon so they must prepare their daily necessities," Mendez explained, his words brief and informative.
Understanding dawned on Wallace's face as he absorbed this new information.
"Ah, I see. That makes sense. I had no idea. Thank you for explaining it to me," Wallace replied, his voice filled with understanding and gratitude.