Contrary to what I expected, keeping the flag in mind, I didn't encounter anything on the way and arrived safely in front of the dungeon.
The dungeon was located slightly outside the swamp and appeared to extend into a mesa-like red plateau. Its entrance resembled a small animal's den, which piqued my curiosity. I decided to enter.
As soon as I stepped in, I felt an energy barrier pass through my body, followed by a notification that appeared before me:
The notification wasn't particularly surprising, so I didn't dwell on it and turned my focus to the dungeon's interior. Inside, I noticed roots hanging from above and other unique subterranean plants. After taking in my surroundings for a while, I moved cautiously forward.
"Squeak."
I heard a strange noise. Curiously, the first enemies I encountered weren't ordinary mongooses.
Instead, there were two creatures resembling oversized rats. Their bodies were covered in slightly brown, earthy-colored fur, blending large frames with a somewhat lean structure.
....
Earth Mustazana - Level 11
Race: Mustazana.
Description: A unique monster that is a hybrid of mongoose and rat species. It can manipulate earth and sand. Though not particularly strong, these monsters are stealthy and capable of injuring inattentive targets.
...
The two Mustazanas were gnawing on roots nearby, seemingly content. I gripped my wand in my left hand, preparing for combat. Slowly, I activated my dark magic, setting a few traps. The dark energy, manipulated by my wand and hand, sank discreetly into the ground.
I was pleased with my setup, but I didn't have time to celebrate. Sand spikes erupted from the wall to my right, aiming to pierce me. Reacting quickly, I used my whip to strike the spikes while stepping lightly backward.
One of the Mustazanas stared at me with alert aggression. Smiling, I greeted it sarcastically and conjured water orbs in my hand. It retaliated by launching sand attacks, but my water orbs countered them, making the sand dense and causing it to drop to the ground.
With my right hand, I conjured and shot a hidden arrow, which struck one of the creature's legs through the wet sand.
"Squeak!"
It squealed angrily, drawing its companion's attention. I followed up by launching dark orbs at them. With my whip now infused with water, I attacked with speed and force.
The other Mustazana, seemingly braver—or crazier—than the first, charged at me but was slowed by my whip and struck directly by elemental dark orbs. The magical attack caused it to scream in pain as it took significant damage.
Meanwhile, its companion, demonstrating more intelligence, used earth and sand to attack both me and its ally. I countered with a light water barrier to defend myself, then resumed attacking with arrows and my whip.
After a short but intense fight, I emerged mostly unharmed and defeated the creatures.
Continuing onward, it didn't take long to encounter the "adorable" mongooses. Their skin was darker than the previous earthy tones, displaying a faint metallic sheen. They had small, sharp fangs and exuded hostility, clearly intent on attacking me.
There were three of them. Anticipating their aggression, I quickly conjured a water barrier. This proved necessary as they charged at it, trying to break through.
Behind the barrier, I set up more traps using my dark elemental magic.
"Good... this should slow them down a bit, giving me time to assess their status and start attacking," I murmured.
...
Mongoose - Level 13
Race: Iron-Skinned Mongoose.
Description: The iron-skinned mongoose is a violent and aggressive creature, typical of its species. It can control the earth and has exceptionally tough skin, capable of resisting both physical and magical damage. Its sharp teeth are a danger—don't let your bones be gnawed.
....
Using magic and my whip, I engaged in battle while collecting their tough hides, gaining both resources and experience.
"Dark orbs, multiple arrows," I muttered, casting one spell with my wand in my right hand and another with my left.
"Fight!"
After a few hours of battling and gathering materials, I only needed two more hides to meet my goal. Smiling, I also realized I had leveled up to 13.
.....
Status
Name: Alan
Race: Half Aeros (Blue Macaw), Half Aquos (Humpback Whale)
Title: Innovator, Little Scholar, Heir of the Primordial Mage, Great Enemy of Wolves
Class: Elemental Mage
Subclass: None
Level: 13
Persona: 0
HP: 100%
MP: 100%
Physical Stats
Vitality: 20 Strength: 23 Agility: 24
Magical Stats
Wisdom: 24 Intelligence: 33
Special Stats
Luck: 5 Dexterity: 57
.....
After distributing my points, I proceeded to the final area. With only two more hides needed, I was eager to face the boss battle.
I stood before the boss's lair, observing four smaller iron mongooses grouped into pairs, and at the center of the room stood the boss itself. It was a massive mongoose, measuring about 2 to 3 meters in length, with sharp, iron-like teeth and a body covered in tough metallic skin.
....
Father Mongoose - Level 15
Race: Iron-Skinned Mongoose.
Description: The boss of this dungeon. A massive iron mongoose with enhanced metal manipulation abilities and an incredibly durable skin, nearly impervious to attacks. The father of all the mongooses in the dungeon—but is he affectionate with his offspring?
....
Carefully observing the battlefield, I hid behind a large rock. Fortunately, they all seemed distracted. Two of the smaller ones played in the sand, scribbling something, while the other two gnawed on meat scraps. The boss appeared to be dozing.
I took a deep breath and began preparing the battlefield to give myself an advantage in the upcoming fight.