Noah stood before the entrance to the **Tainted Hollow Dungeon**, a low-level dungeon situated on the outskirts of the town. It was the perfect place for someone at his level to begin his journey—dangerous enough to provide a challenge, but not overwhelming. He needed to level up. Needed to **gain experience**. And in this world, there was no better way to do that than to venture into the unknown, to fight, and to survive.
The stone archway of the dungeon loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. The thick air hummed with mana, the telltale sign of something hidden within—something powerful, waiting to be discovered. It was a place where adventurers like him would begin their path, slaying monsters for experience, honing their skills. But for Noah, it was the first step on a much larger journey. This was about evolving, about rising beyond his limits.
**Level five.** That was the milestone he had set in his mind. Once he hit that threshold, his class would evolve, opening new abilities, new opportunities. If he could make it through this dungeon, if he could survive the dangers within, he would unlock the next stage of his strength.
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Noah glanced at **Abyssal Night**, the sword that had never failed him. It was his greatest asset, and now it felt like a part of him. He had trained for days, swinging it against trees, cutting down dummies, refining his technique. Sword Mastery had yet to level up, but he could feel the subtle improvements in his movements. His body had begun to adjust to the skill's requirements, and with time, it would evolve. Everything took time in this world, but time was something Noah had in abundance.
He adjusted his **Hunter's Belt**, which held a few basic supplies—potions, bandages, and a few low-tier mana crystals he had acquired from his part-time work. His armor was minimal: just leather bracers, a simple vest, and cloth boots. Nothing fancy. The dungeon wasn't high-level, but Noah wasn't taking any chances. He had learned quickly that in this world, you could never be too prepared.
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With a deep breath, Noah stepped into the darkened cavern. The temperature dropped instantly, the air thick with the stench of decay and earth. His eyes adjusted to the gloom, and he activated his **Night Vision** skill. It was a basic ability, but useful in this situation. The cave walls, wet with moisture, reflected the faint light of the crystals embedded in the stone, casting eerie shadows that seemed to move in the corners of his vision.
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As he ventured deeper, the sounds of dripping water and distant growls echoed through the air. Monsters. Low-tier creatures that lurked in the dungeon's shadows. He could feel them, their mana signatures faint but noticeable. This wasn't a place for recklessness. But Noah wasn't reckless. He was calculated, methodical, and he had learned how to fight in his previous life.
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Suddenly, a **Basilisk Lizard**, the first monster of the dungeon, appeared from behind a cluster of stalagmites. Its scales glistened in the dim light, and its yellow eyes locked onto Noah. It hissed menacingly, its long tail lashing behind it.
Noah didn't flinch. He had faced far worse in his past life. In the blink of an eye, he drew **Abyssal Night**, the blade cutting through the air with a fluid motion. His first strike aimed for the basilisk's neck, but the creature was fast, dodging to the side with surprising agility.
Noah gritted his teeth. This was no time to be careless. The creature lunged, its claws sharp as it charged toward him, jaws wide open, ready to snap.
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**"Steady…"**
Noah's mind went quiet, his movements becoming instinctive. He sidestepped the creature's bite and swung his sword in a wide arc, catching the basilisk's flank. The blade tore through its scales, drawing blood, but the creature retaliated with a vicious tail swipe. Noah barely dodged, the tip of the tail grazing his side.
He staggered back, feeling the sting of the wound, but he didn't stop. The pain was nothing compared to what he had endured before. He refocused, gathering his mana. He could feel the flow of energy within him, now that his training had begun to bear fruit. His **Sword Mastery** skill pulsed faintly, responding to the rhythm of battle.
The basilisk was relentless, charging again. But Noah was quicker this time. He pivoted, his body moving with grace, as though the sword was an extension of his very being. He slashed downward, carving through the basilisk's tail with a clean, fluid motion. The creature let out a pained hiss, but Noah was already on top of it. He raised his sword high and brought it down with full force.
The blade cleaved through the basilisk's skull in a single, precise stroke. Its body collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
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Noah exhaled slowly, wiping the sweat from his brow. He had done it. His first kill in this world, and it had come easily. He had expected it to be difficult, but the sword, the skill—everything just flowed. This world had its rules, but Noah had already adapted to them.
**"Level 2 Hunter. Experience gained: 25."**
The system chimed, and Noah felt a surge of power. His first taste of experience. The feeling was intoxicating.
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He continued deeper into the dungeon, encountering more low-level creatures—slime beasts, giant rats, and the occasional rogue adventurer looking to make a quick profit. Each fight was a calculated dance, Noah taking every opportunity to practice his swordsmanship, honing his skills with each strike. He was a novice once more, but he wasn't going to stay that way for long.
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As the hours passed, Noah grew more confident in his abilities. His sword felt more natural in his grip, and his **Sword Mastery** skill seemed to respond to his efforts, even if it hadn't leveled up yet. His strength was growing, but it wasn't enough. Not yet. He had his eyes on bigger prey.
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The deeper he went, the more dangerous the monsters became. But Noah wasn't worried. He had trained for this. This world might have been a new challenge, but it was nothing compared to what he had already overcome. Each step forward was one closer to achieving his true goal: **ascension**. Becoming stronger, evolving his class, and one day, becoming **the ruler of this world**.
He could feel the pull of the **level 5 milestone**. It was within his grasp.
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By the time Noah reached the heart of the dungeon, he was nearly exhausted, but his eyes gleamed with anticipation. He could already sense the boss—the **Dungeon Guardian**—waiting for him. This would be the final test. The last challenge before he reached level five.
And Noah was ready.
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