"Hey, hey, I can't believe we're actually in a real dungeon. This is incredible!"
Kael's voice, full of excitement, rang out immediately. Just as he said, they were inside a dungeon.
Martyn observed their surroundings. The walls were emerald green, lit by several torches with purple flames, and there was a corridor ahead that only suggested they move forward.
"It doesn't seem as big as we thought," Martyn said, clearly disappointed.
("If the books I read were true, this shouldn't be the case...")
During the little free time Martyn had to rest, he would sometimes visit the library to read interesting books, though he couldn't afford to take them home.
On one of those occasions, he read a book about dungeons. According to it, dungeon entrances varied based on their level.
In high-ranking dungeons like Blessed, Celestial, or Divine, people would enter into a large central hall where they could choose different paths.
But this wasn't one of those cases.
"What the hell? All that mystery was just a lie? I even got my clothes wet!" Kael angrily exclaimed, clearly frustrated.
"It's not all bad. You and I are just rookie hunters. I'd rather not die in a dungeon," Martyn said as he jumped up and yanked one of the torches from the wall.
"Why don't we keep moving?" Martyn ordered as he started walking.
Kael followed, observing the area like an excited child.
"Do you think we'll find a skill stone or something even better?" the albino asked, a greedy smirk crossing his face. He was likely imagining all the loot they'd earn if they completed the dungeon successfully.
"I'm not sure, but I'd like to find a weapon," Martyn admitted honestly.
Ever since Selene had stolen the legendary weapon right in front of him, he'd been left with a feeling of dissatisfaction. He might not find a better weapon, but at least something strong enough to make up for it.
"I see, so you're into weapons. Alright then..."
Kael, who had been cheerful so far, suddenly stopped, his expression turning serious.
"You can feel it too, can't you?" Kael asked.
[Warning]
[Enemies nearby]
The system responded before Martyn could, prompting him to draw his dagger. It seemed there was a threat waiting at the end of the corridor.
"Yeah, it seems the fun's about to start," Martyn said smugly, rushing ahead.
"Hey, not so fast! You already stole the last kill!"
Kael shouted angrily. Not willing to let Martyn have the lead, he channeled a massive amount of mana into his legs, which transformed into a more beast-like form.
"I want to hunt too," Kael said with a wicked grin before making an enormous leap that put him ahead of Martyn.
("Looks like speed is his strong suit,") Martyn thought, impressed by the feat.
[Warning]
But his focus shifted as the system's alert was followed by a massive fireball—so large it lit up the entire corridor.
"Looks like this bastard's faster than we are," Kael remarked with a grin as he propelled himself forward and kicked the fireball.
"Reflect Kick!"
As the skill's name suggested, the fireball was sent back toward its source, but it was stopped by a wall of ice.
Martyn noticed this and quickly fired a mana charge at the enemy's defense, forcing it to move and reveal itself at last.
It was a type of monster known as a Black Mage—a skeleton draped in robes and equipped with magical artifacts.
Their power level depended on the color of their robes, and this one wore green, indicating it wasn't very strong.
"It's just a twig with some magic tricks," Kael scoffed, launching himself at the monster.
The Black Mage didn't wait for Kael's attack. It raised its palm toward him, and a surge of electricity shot out.
Martyn frowned, releasing another mana charge to cancel out both attacks before speaking.
"You think we're going to make this easy for you?"
With those arrogant words, Kael's speed overwhelmed the Black Mage, allowing him to slice it apart with his claws in an instant.
[Congratulations]
[You have defeated a Black Mage]
[You gained 40 experience points]
[827/1040]
[Due to your intervention, a secondary trial will now begin.]
"Finally, some decent rewards," Martyn said with a grin. It seemed they'd not only earn loot from the dungeon but also grow stronger.
"Alright, one down. Shall we head down?" Kael asked, pointing to a staircase. It appeared the first part of the dungeon had ended.
"Sure, just let me catch my breath," Martyn replied, using the excuse to check out his new trial.
[Secondary Trial: First Dungeon]
[Complete the dungeon. The faster you do, the better the rewards.]
[Reward: Calculating based on time...]
[Current Floor: N7]
("I have to admit, that's tempting. Plus, now I know the dungeon has seven floors.")
Any nerves Martyn might have felt disappeared. He now knew there were only six more floors to explore.
"All set. Let's go."
"Man, I didn't think you'd get tired so quickly. Alright, let's head down, but first..."
Kael approached the lifeless body of the Black Mage and placed his hands in front of it.
As though casting a destruction spell, the monster's body turned to dust.
Kael struck several combat poses before exclaiming, "Awesome! I feel stronger already!"
Confused, Martyn asked, "What did you just do? Is that what you mentioned earlier?"
"Yeah, exactly. It's just a way to get stronger by killing more enemies."
Martyn's questions were answered instantly, though something about Kael's casual tone unnerved him.
("How can he say something like that so casually?")
Martyn pondered this as they descended the staircase.
The next floor was much larger than the last. Instead of a simple corridor, the space was wide open, lit by glowing pink crystals.
"Come out wherever you are! We're here to kill you!"
Kael shouted without hesitation, clearly eager for battle.
"Hey, I don't think that's going to work..."
[Warning]
[Enemies nearby]
Martyn was about to scold Kael for his foolish idea when the system message slapped him in the face.
Kael's provocations had worked, and their enemies were now advancing.
They were Black Knights, skeletal monsters clad in armor that, like the mages, changed color based on their strength. Unlike the mages, these were blue.
"Well, at least they're not mages," Kael remarked sarcastically.
"Actually, this is the perfect opportunity," Martyn said, searching for something in his inventory.
[Inventory]
[Weapon:]
[Hammer of Fenrir]
A massive hammer engraved with glowing runes appeared in Martyn's hands, his expression fierce.
"Finally, I get to smash something with this."