Chapitre 7: Nest Of Thorns
The Next Day.
I found myself at the entrance of the F-Rank Dungeon, the Thornneedle Lair.
Just as I was about to enter, I noticed a group of adventurers loitering near the entrance.
Judging by their well-equipped gear, they were all likely over level 20. Considering they were in a party, their levels were significantly higher than the recommended level 18 for the Thornneedle Lair.
(This isn't a game, this is reality. They might just be very cautious. Especially given the nature of this dungeon.)
With that thought, I proceeded into the Thornneedle Lair.
Inside, the dungeon was a dimly lit maze-like cave. Compared to the Newbie's Training Grounds I cleared yesterday, this place had a much more chaotic feel.
"Kiiee!"
"Ssssh!"
After a few minutes of exploring, a couple of monsters appeared. One was a small rabbit-like creature, and the other was a mantis with sharp blades.
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[Poisonous Rabbit]
Recommended Level: 12
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[Paralysis Mantis]
Recommended Level: 14
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"Here they come."
I steadied my breath and drew my short sword.
The Poisonous Rabbit's tail was laced with deadly poison, while the Paralysis Mantis's blades carried a paralyzing toxin. The Thornneedle Lair was a dungeon themed around status ailments, making solo runs highly inadvisable. If you get paralyzed, there's no way to recover alone, and you'll be done for.
But that only applies to ordinary players.
"As long as I don't get hit, there's no problem."
Right after I muttered that, the Poisonous Rabbit lunged with its sharp tail, and the Paralysis Mantis slashed low with its blade. Both were fast, making evasion difficult.
However, I had just learned a new skill.
"Parry."
Standing still, I swiftly swung my short sword twice. Sparks flew as the tail and blade were effortlessly deflected backward. The impact left both the Poisonous Rabbit and Paralysis Mantis off-balance.
This was the true charm of the Parry skill. After being deflected by a Parry, enemies were often left wide open.
With precise follow-up strikes—
"Haa!"
"Kiiiee!? "Shaaa!"
Two powerful slashes struck home, and the two monsters collapsed on the spot.
『Gained experience. Level up.』
『Acquired 2 stat points.』
The system notification rang out, and I nodded in satisfaction.
"Alright, let's keep this pace."
I continued progressing smoothly, and an hour later, after gaining another level, I reached the boss room.
I opened the door and entered alone. Inside was a lizard with a tail covered in numerous spikes.
"Status."
I chanted, and information appeared before my eyes.
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[Needle Lizard]
Recommended Level: 18
Dungeon Boss: Thornneedle Lair
A cunning lizard with a tail covered in various poisoned spikes.
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Needle Lizard. Its skill is Needle Shot. As the name suggests, it shoots the spikes from its tail.
Even a graze could inflict a status ailment. To defeat it, avoiding its attacks entirely was crucial.
"Well, as long as I know that, it's no big deal. Open the path to the Inheritance Shrine already."
With those words, I charged towards the Needle Lizard.
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Zelos Sylphide
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Crest: Crest of Null
Level: 14
HP: 140/140 MP: 70/70
Strength: 27
Endurance: 14
Agility: 27
Intelligence: 14
Luck: 14
Stat Points: 0
Skills: [Parry] Lv.1
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone