Haruto exited the dungeon, his body weary but his spirit invigorated. The sunlight felt warm on his skin, a stark contrast to the cool, damp air inside the dungeon. He took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air and the sense of accomplishment that filled his chest. The battle with the Dungeon Boss had been intense, but it had also unlocked something within him—new powers, new possibilities.
He walked slowly back toward the park, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the Boss's Core he had acquired. According to the System Notification, the core could be used to enhance weapons or skills. Haruto wasn't entirely sure how to do that, but he knew it would be important for his survival in this new world.
As he reached the park, Haruto found a quiet spot under a tree and sat down to rest. The park was peaceful, with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind. It was hard to believe that just moments ago, he had been fighting for his life in a deadly dungeon.
Haruto opened his Inventory Window and examined the Boss's Core. It was a small, glowing orb that pulsed with a faint light. He could feel the power emanating from it, a reminder of the fierce battle he had fought to obtain it.
Inventory Window:
Boss's Core (x1)
Minor Health Potion (x1)
Coins: 0
He wondered what he should do with it. Enhancing his Blazing Strike skill could make his attacks more powerful, but he also considered enhancing his new Mana Shield for better defense. The decision wasn't easy, but Haruto knew he needed to make a choice soon.
Before he could decide, a new System Notification appeared:
System Notification:
New Skill Available for Enhancement!
Skill: "Blazing Strike"
Enhancement Options:
Blazing Strike - Enhanced Power
Blazing Strike - Burning Effect
Haruto considered his options. Enhancing the power of his Blazing Strike would allow him to deal more damage with each hit, which could be crucial in future battles. On the other hand, adding a Burning Effect would cause continuous damage to enemies even after the initial strike, potentially turning the tide in prolonged fights.
After a moment of thought, Haruto made his decision. "I'll go with the Burning Effect," he said aloud.
The Boss's Core glowed brighter as the System Notification updated:
System Notification:
Blazing Strike has been enhanced with the Burning Effect!
Skill Level: Basic -> Enhanced
Haruto felt a surge of energy course through him as the enhancement took effect. He could sense the change in his Blazing Strike skill, the flames now carrying an extra layer of intensity. He knew this would make him even more formidable in battle.
Skills:
Blazing Strike (Enhanced: Burning Effect)
Healing Aura (Basic)
Mana Shield (Basic)
Satisfied with his choice, Haruto closed the System Windows and stood up. He felt stronger, more confident than before. But he also knew that there were still many challenges ahead—more dungeons to explore, more enemies to defeat.
As he left the park and headed back home, Haruto's thoughts turned to the future. The world he had been transported to was dangerous, but it was also full of opportunities. And with his growing arsenal of skills, he was ready to face whatever came his way.
The next day, Haruto returned to the park, eager to explore more of the dungeons. But as he approached the ancient tree, he noticed something different—a faint glow emanating from the base of the tree, as if it were calling out to him.
Curious, Haruto reached out and touched the glowing area. The moment his fingers made contact, the ground beneath him shifted, and a small stone tablet emerged from the earth. The tablet was covered in strange symbols that Haruto couldn't read, but he felt a strange connection to it.
As he studied the tablet, a System Notification appeared:
System Notification:
You have discovered a Rune Tablet!
Rune Tablets can be used to unlock new skills or enhance existing ones.
Would you like to unlock a new skill?
Haruto's heart raced with excitement. This was exactly what he needed—another skill to add to his growing repertoire. Without hesitation, he selected "Yes."
The tablet glowed brightly, and a new System Notification appeared:
System Notification:
Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill: "Shadow Step"
Skill Description: A movement ability that allows the user to teleport short distances instantly. Useful for dodging attacks or closing the gap on enemies.
Skill Level: Basic
Haruto's eyes widened in amazement. The Shadow Step skill was exactly what he needed to complement his current abilities. With this new skill, he could move more quickly in battle, avoiding attacks and positioning himself for the perfect strike.
He quickly checked his Status Window to see the new skill added:
Skills:
Blazing Strike (Enhanced: Burning Effect)
Healing Aura (Basic)
Mana Shield (Basic)
Shadow Step (Basic)
With his new skill in hand, Haruto felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead. He knew that the world he had been transported to was full of dangers, but he was ready to tackle them head-on.
As he prepared to enter the dungeon once more, Haruto couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The journey was just beginning, and he was eager to see where it would take him.
With a determined look in his eyes, Haruto stepped into the dungeon, ready to face whatever lay ahead. He was no longer just a high school student—he was a dungeon explorer, a warrior in a world of monsters and magic. And he was ready to become the strongest.