On the surface, the Black Iron Skeleton Warrior in front of Marsh looked identical to the one summoned in the afternoon—its structure and appearance seemed ordinary, much like a discarded skeleton from a junkyard.
But appearances could be deceiving.
[Black Iron Skeleton Warrior]
[Strength: 150]
[Agility: 150]
[Spirit: 150]
[Physique: 150]
[Skill: None]
Though the skeleton's outward form hadn't changed, its attributes had undergone an earth-shattering transformation.
Every stat had been amplified tenfold.
The skeleton's physical endurance and defense, already formidable, were now leagues above its previous state. Combined with Marsh's passive skill, Damage Transfer, the task of defeating him was now daunting, if not nearly impossible.
Marsh decided to test something and released the skeleton warrior in the summoning space. He discovered that it, too, had its stats multiplied by ten thanks to his Comprehensive Amplification talent.
Satisfied, Marsh summoned another Black Iron Skeleton with his remaining mental energy. Once he was done, he began to meditate, the most efficient method to restore mental power and an effective substitute for sleep.
---
The next morning, Marsh awoke on time, his mental power fully restored.
Three Black Iron Skeleton Warriors stood motionless before him, their loyalty unwavering. The flickering soul flames in their skulls cast eerie shadows across the room, and the air felt colder, as if winter had taken residence within the walls.
"It's actually not bad during summer," Marsh thought, the corners of his mouth quirking upward briefly.
Summoning once more, Marsh called forth a fourth skeleton warrior. With four enhanced Black Iron Skeletons in his summoning space and 10 points of mental energy reserved, he felt adequately prepared.
Each skeleton boasted 150 points in strength, agility, and spirit—enough to rival level 7 or 8 knight warriors. Marsh was confident that he could handle anything the dungeon threw at him.
---
A bus waited at the school gates to transport the students to the dungeon. Upon arrival, the place was already crowded.
It wasn't just students from Marsh's school—nearly every school in Xihai City had sent their newly transitioned students here.
Out of the 800 students who had transitioned the day before, fewer than 200 qualified to enter the novice dungeon. The rest had non-combat professions and would need to level up elsewhere.
As the students gathered, their teachers busied themselves with the dungeon registration process.
Meanwhile, David, the principal, was approached by other school leaders.
"David, you really hit the jackpot this year," one of them commented with a laugh.
"A rare main combat profession and a unique hidden class? Incredible."
Another chimed in, "Your school has been on fire these past few years. Last year, Lin Mohan made it to Xiajing Academy. Are you aiming to send more students there this year?"
David's face lit up with pride. "Jeny and Marsh are truly outstanding. If everything goes well, they both have a good chance of getting into Xiajing Academy."
"Jeny? Isn't she the young lady from the Xia family?"
"And Marsh—his name sounds awfully familiar. Is he related to Lin Mohan?"
David nodded. "Jeny is indeed the eldest daughter of the Xia family. As for Marsh, he's Lin Mohan's younger brother."
"No wonder! The Xia family's lineage is renowned for producing talents. And Lin Mohan's family seems equally remarkable."
---
Nearby, Kevin poked Marsh's arm playfully. "Hey, want to team up?"
Marsh shook his head without hesitation.
Kevin feigned indignation. "Oh, so you're too good for me now?"
"You'd better have a good reason for turning me down, or I won't let this go!" he added, though the grin in his eyes betrayed his amusement.
Marsh remained silent, and after a moment, Kevin switched tactics.
"Alright, fine. Boss, can I join your team instead?"
Marsh finally spoke, his tone flat. "Teaming slows progress. Solo leveling is faster."
Kevin frowned. "How do you figure?"
"Read more," Marsh replied curtly.
Kevin scratched his head, unconvinced but unwilling to argue.
Just then, Jeny chimed in. "Marsh is right. When two people team up, they can kill monsters faster, but the experience gets split between them.
"At most, a team of two might increase their monster-killing speed by 50–60%. But the time spent finding monsters stays the same, so overall efficiency drops.
"According to what seasoned adventurers have learned, solo runs are better for dungeons below level 10. For dungeons above level 10, team play becomes necessary."
Her explanation was clear, and Kevin finally understood.
---
David approached the group, addressing the students directly. "Except for Jeny and Marsh, all main combat professions must pair up with support roles before entering the dungeon."
He surveyed the crowd, his tone firm. "Don't think you can level up alone. When you move on to higher-level dungeons, you'll need support to survive.
"If you refuse to work with support now, you'll regret it later when you can't find reliable allies. Better to build those connections with your classmates now—people you can trust."
His words struck a chord, calming the more independent-minded students.
One student raised their hand. "Why don't Jeny and Marsh need support?"
David cleared his throat. "Jeny is preparing for Xiajing Academy and needs to level up quickly. She won't stay in the novice dungeon for long—two days at most.
"As for Marsh…" David paused, glancing at Marsh. "His combat class and power levels are unique. Ask yourselves: would you feel confident as his support?"
The students turned their attention to Marsh, whose cold demeanor and silent presence sent shivers down their spines. None dared volunteer.
David smiled knowingly. "Exactly. Marsh is an exception."
With that, the groups were finalized, and the students prepared to enter the dungeon. Marsh, however, stood alone, his four skeletal warriors waiting patiently in his summoning space.
The battle ahead would not intimidate him; he was ready to face it solo.
for more Episodes visit
patreon.com/Noan994