After defeating the giant centipede, I stepped deeper into the dungeon.
The air grew increasingly stuffy and cold, with water droplets from the stalactites creating a haunting rhythm that echoed through the dark corridors.
My newfound strength made me feel a bit more confident than before, but I had to remain cautious.
In the distance, illuminated by the glow of the crystals embedded in the walls, I spotted a group of low-level Goblins gathered together. I quickly hid behind some rocks and used my appraisal skill on the Goblins.
'Appraisal'
Race: Goblin
Level: 3
HP: 70
'These Goblins are only level 3.'
'This is a great opportunity to train my skills,' I thought.
Sneaking through the shadows, I approached the group of Goblins. A foul stench wafted from their direction.
They were tearing apart the carcass of a monster, fresh blood still dripping from their mouths, having just feasted on their latest kill.
The sound of crunching bones and their raspy laughter made me feel nauseous. With [Dash], I lunged toward the nearest Goblin, my claws glinting in the dim light.
'CLAW STRIKE!'
CRASH! My attack struck the first Goblin's neck. Blood sprayed like a red fountain, splattering the stone walls around us.
The creature collapsed instantly, its eyes wide open in death. The other two Goblins were startled, their spears trembling in their hands.
A roar echoed through the corridor as I used [Dash] to evade the first spear thrust. Their movements were clear and far too slow.
'Claw Strike!'
Slaashhh! Slasshh!
I unleashed [Claw Strike] on the second Goblin, my claws tearing through flesh and bone, creating a gaping hole in its chest.
Blood soaked the dungeon floor, forming a red puddle that reflected the dim light.
The last Goblin tried to flee, stumbling in panic.
'Dash!'
With my increased AGI and leveled-up dash, I shot forward like a shadow, pursuing it mercilessly. I executed [Claw Strike] and severed its head from its body.
You leveled up!
'I only leveled up once from defeating three Goblins; is it because they were only level 3?'
I allocated 2 points to STR and 3 to AGI, feeling a surge of new power coursing through my veins, though not as much as when I defeated the centipede. But the feeling of becoming stronger fueled my enthusiasm.
Due to the level-up, my [Claw Strike] skill, now at level 2, was sharper and more powerful than before, and when I used [Dash], the surroundings felt slower compared to when my [Dash] was at level 1.
I continued my journey deeper into the dungeon. The passage grew darker, leading me into a vast room with a high ceiling. Blue glowing crystals provided dim lighting, casting moving shadows on the walls.
The sound of water dripping from the trembling stalactites added to the eerie atmosphere, as if the dungeon were alive and watching my every step. On the wet, glistening floor, a group of Slimes moved, swirling like living blue waves.
"Appraisal!"
Race: Blue Slime
Level: 3
HP: 60
Congratulations!! Your [Appraisal II] skill has leveled up to [Appraisal III].
Suddenly, I heard a robotic voice informing me that my appraisal skill had leveled up.
"Only 2 more levels until I can use the Pride skill."
I used the skill again on the Blue Slime.
"Appraisal!"
Race: Blue Slime
Level: 3
HP: 60
MP: 10
STR: 2
Only the MP and STR stats had increased. They were weaker than Goblins, but their numbers were greater.
The wet, sticky sound filled the room as the Slimes moved. Six Slimes moved in a nearly organized formation.
I quickly approached the Slimes, activating [Dash] to seize the first moment and followed up with [Claw Strike].
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
The combination of [Dash] and [Claw Strike] created a deadly dance. Blue liquid splattered everywhere, soaking the walls and floor with a sticky substance that glittered in the light of the crystals.
The squelching sound of the Slimes being destroyed intensified the eerie atmosphere, as if every strike called more creatures to come.
Congratulations!! Your [Dash II] skill has leveled up to [Dash III].
You leveled up!
I allocated all my stat points to VIT, feeling my body become more resistant to damage as my [Dash] skill improved to level 3.
Suddenly, I felt exhausted. Despite my resolve and desire to become stronger, my mind and body could not accept it.
Each step seemed to grow heavier, and though I had allocated my stat points to VIT to strengthen my endurance, exhaustion slowly crept through my entire body.
'I should rest for a bit...' I muttered to myself.
Although I knew well that resting wasn't a wise choice in a dungeon like this, I couldn't deny it my body and mind were too tired to continue.
I turned my gaze, searching for a safe spot to rest.
The damp stone walls and the cold air made each breath feel heavier.
My ears were sharp, picking up every faint sound, even if it was just the echo of my footsteps. I knew this wasn't a place where it was safe to stop for long.
However, I had little choice. I spotted a small room to the side of the corridor. It seemed to be adequately protected, with no obvious signs of danger. I slowly made my way towards it.
Once inside the room, I felt a small sense of relief. There were stone ruins around me, which might offer some protection from sudden attacks.
My small body finally felt a bit of comfort as I lay on a large stone in the corner of the room.
'It feels nice, even if it's only for a moment'
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to calm my mind, which was beginning to spiral.
All the exhaustion, all the battles I had fought... everything seemed to converge in one point in my body and mind.
'Mom...Dad...' I still remembered the image of my parents who had saved me.
Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes.
'Eh... Why is this happening...I thought I had made up my mind!'
'Why I still crying when I remember them...'
'Why... Hiks... Hiks'(Sound of crying)
'Mom....Dad....'
Without realizing it, I fell asleep.
_________________
When I opened my eyes, I felt a heavy sensation filling my chest. The room was still the same dark and damp, but something felt different.
I felt calmer, though the pain and confusion still lingered inside me, my mind felt clearer than before.
I wiped my damp tears, realizing that the tears I had shed earlier weren't something I could just ignore.
Hadn't I made up my mind? Hadn't I promised myself to take revenge? Then why did these tears still flow?
I slowly stood up. My resolve reignited. My body may have been tired, but I couldn't stop.
I had to grow stronger and escape from this dungeon, to take my revenge on those humans.