I woke up early on my couch. I couldn't sleep in my own room because of the low-humming sound of the gate. I brushed my teeth and got straight into my car. I messaged Tobias, telling him I would go to the Litt Canyon dungeon.
On the drive, I was listening to the morning radio. From around the world, things were changing. In some places, individuals that had awakened were starting fights, fights that the police couldn't stop. Some places had already established guilds and groups. Vigilantes tried taking charge in their own countries to combat corruption. In a lot of cases, the military had to act. These people might be powerful in the dungeons, but they couldn't resist bullets yet. I could also understand it. The power we possess impacts the mind. I feel invincible with this power, but logically I couldn't fully dodge bullets and especially not take it on the chin.
I left my car parked near the river. I followed the riverbank towards the dungeon. It smelled like summer; the water flowing over the rocks adding details of white over the clear blue and green scenery. The abundant moisture in the air provides the perfect conditions for the plants and trees to thrive and prosper. As I walked along the soft dirt path, my feet sank into its comforting embrace. I enjoy this.
This is like a normal morning walk, but I'm on my way to kill monsters.
I wonder what I will find in there? Obviously it should be a canyon environment, but what is a litt?
After walking for a short distance, I arrived at the gate. It was positioned slightly within the forest on the side, rather than on the riverbank.
It wasn't guarded; the association didn't have that kind of man-power. I took a scant breath and headed right inside.
[DUNGEON]
- Litt Canyon.
- Level: 5-10.
I immediately felt the warm wind against my cheeks. It was dry. I could see an expanse of canyons surrounding me. Gusts of wind threw dust off the ground. I've arrived.
The towering canyons blocked my vision. The path stretched out before me, beckoning me to follow its twists and turns. I wanted to preserve my Mana until I at least knew what I was dealing with. After a short walk, I saw a creature I've never seen or heard of before.
A four-legged creature stood at about a meter in height. It didn't resemble any ordinary canine; its body size surpassed that, and its skin appeared to be made of stone. Not thrown together like a golem, but a material that grew on their bodies. A unique exoskeleton. It had red tufts of hair for a mane that followed along its back. No tail was present. Its formidable physique showcased the creature's strength. Its feet had sharp, blue claws that seemed capable of piercing through my skin, and its eyes glowed a deep crimson.
I shouldn't be too surprised. Goblins weren't supposed to exist, either. I wonder if the beginner dungeons used creatures we were familiar with. It could just be random as well. I'm sure many more wonders exist outside of our imaginations, too.
I wanted to attack it, but I wasn't sure how to go about it. There didn't seem to be any weak points. My weapon was stronger than the kitchen knife, but I wasn't confident I could pierce its rocky skin. I put my remaining stat points into strength.
[STATS]
- Name: Arild Dahl
- Level: 6
- Health: 150/150 (15/min)
- Mana: 300/300 (30/min)
————
- Strength: 28 (42)
- Dexterity: 20
- Vitality: 15
- Wisdom: 31
- Available stat points: 0
————
...
With my Enhanced Strength, it reached 42. Although I haven't measured my strength yet, I could feel the power pulsating through my muscles, ready to be unleashed. If I couldn't cut through it, I would rip it apart! The crackling of lightning surrounded me, causing a tingling sensation to spread throughout my body.
I ran at it, not using my full power. It turned to me.
"Grrrr!"
Its jaws snapping like a rabid dog. It ran at me. Seeing its limbs move, I could tell the limbs were more than just pretty rocks. The movement possessed power.
When we were close enough, I used my full lightning power to side-step it. I needed to get to its side. I did a preliminary slash on its mid back.
*TING!*
No way! It made a mere scratch on its rocky skin! These enemies are resistant to physical attacks!
I attempted to stay close to it as it spun around, trying to find me. It looked like a dog chasing its tail.
I didn't want to waste any more time; I jumped on it, grabbing its neck. It didn't like that very much. It kept snapping at me from different angles, trying to shake me off its back. Despite the challenges, I pushed through and began using my strength wholeheartedly. I twisted its head back; I focused all my strength on my upper back and biceps to crack its spine.
*Crackle* *crackle* *Szzzzz!*
The lightning especially covered those areas. It's assisting me! I powered my forearm flexors too. the lightning snaked all the way to my hands this time. The beast started trembling. It's not shaking me off anymore, just trembling in place.
What the...
*CRACK!*
It snapped. The beast was dead. That was a really tough fight. Without my enhanced strength, I doubt I could quickly kill it. It seemed to be much stronger than the goblin boss. I got off its back as it had slumped to the ground; I inspected the carcass carefully when a prompt popped up.
[INSPECT]
- Rockscale Litt.
- A species of four-legged creatures known for their defensive properties. The scales grow smooth rocks to protect them from predators.
- The scales they drop are often used to craft equipment.
Wow! there's an inspect function! That's very convenient! And what could possibly prey on these rock dogs? Maybe it's referring to me…
[INVENTORY]
- Crude dagger (F) – 12
- Crude Club (F) – 8
- High-Grade Mana Crystal (F) – 1
- Rockscale Litt Scale (E) – 1
Now that's a surprise. The scale dropped, and it's an E-grade item! I'm not sure who could craft items out of it, though. Nothing wrong with collecting them, I guess. At worst, they should fetch a high price.
What was even more surprising was the Mana crystal it dropped. I couldn't fully comprehend the reason behind its high-grade status. The lower level of this dungeon was 5. The highest level of the goblin dungeon was also 5, which should be the boss. The boss dropped a mid-grade crystal.
[High-Grade Mana Crystal (F)]
- A crystal containing Mana. Can be consumed.
- Grade: F
- Mana: 250
There's something I'm not getting here, I'm sure of it, but what?
I continued studying its body when I noticed something on its neck.
There are burn marks? How did it get that?
I thought about it some more and noticed the location was exactly where I held my hands. It must've been from my skill. I did not know it could do that as well. That must've been why it stopped snapping and moving so violently all of a sudden!
My Incorporate Lightning skill went up 1 in proficiency. It made me happy to see it working again. I tried to recall the feeling I just had when I concentrated the lightning on specific points. While observing my hands, I noticed the flickering lightning, picturing it spreading across my hands and unleashing its untamed power. I kept experimenting with it. When I concentrated all my tension and power into my hands, I experimented with various methods, resulting in sporadic lightning jumping along my hands. I attempted to vividly imagine it, as if I possessed the power to manipulate lightning. While concentrating, I could feel each snake of lightning individually hopping inside my hands. I clapped my hands together and struck a pose.
"KAAA–MEEEEE–HAAA–MEEEEE–HA!"
Nothing happened.
It seems my power level isn't at that point yet.
Although I didn't create a ball of lightning, I could see the sparks jumping between my hands.