章 68: Beginner Dungeon [7]
[14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country.
Several boxes lay before the combat and support class students, as the auxiliary class had already been escorted away.
Miriam noticed the students' puzzled expressions and walked towards the boxes. Lifting the lids, she revealed chain mail armor in one, basic weapons for all classes in another, and support class items like wands, staves, shields, small daggers, and more in the others.
"Students, in celebration of our school's improved classes this year, we have decided to present you with these beginner gifts," he announced, prompting smiles from some students, while others stood emotionless, likely because many had parents who were hunters and could afford to provide their children with such equipment.
Those with eligible parents were relieved, having anticipated the need to make expensive purchases.
Miriam gestured for the teachers to distribute the items to those in need.
Tess, Helen, Marlo, and Cedric assumed this duty, while Vaedin attended to the auxiliary class students.
As the principal's gifts were accepted or declined, the attention shifted to Lyre's assistant, who had arrived with an item in hand.
It was a ring that drew everyone's gaze, a special ring well-known to all, sparking curiosity as to why it was now the center of attention.
Yes, it was a spatial ring used by high society people. Some may wonder why they used it if the system already had an inventory. Not all high society individuals had access to this system, so they devised this method to store items, and it proved to be quite successful.
It became very useful even for those who had not awakened their class, as only those who had awakened a class were eligible for the system.
As a student from a family without the means to purchase these items, I was quite pleased, as I hadn't even considered this possibility.
"First, let's acquire the items, then use them to earn money and obtain more," I thought. When Helen approached me with the items, I chose armor and a sword. He looked at me, puzzled.
"Evan, why aren't you picking a staff instead of a sword?" he asked. It was a reasonable question since I was a necromancer class individual and should have chosen a staff.
"Sir, my skills require a sword, and I don't think I can carry both a staff and a sword. So, I might as well choose what's best for me right now," I explained, which seemed to confuse him momentarily, but he let it go and moved on to distribute items to other children in need.
I donned the chain mail and placed the sword in my inventory, which had thirty regular spaces. It was partially full, but before adding the sword, I checked my system to see its stats.
__
{Basic Chain Mail Chestplate
Type: Armor (Chest)
Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0)
Description: A beginner's chain mail chestplate crafted from low-grade iron, designed for minimal defense. It provides adequate protection against weak physical attacks, suitable for those just starting their journey.
Attributes:
Defense: +5
Durability: 50/50
Weight: Moderate
Special Notes: No additional effects or enhancements.}
{Basic Iron Sword
Type: Weapon (One-Handed Sword)
Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0)
Description: A standard iron sword with no frills, perfect for new adventurers. While its power is limited, it serves as a reliable weapon for basic combat.
Attributes:
Attack Power: +7
Durability: 40/40
Weight: Light
Special Notes: Easily replaceable and non-upgradable.}
__
The weapon was basic and unremarkable, yet it was better than being unarmed, representing the lowest tier of equipment. In contrast, Lyre stood out, clad in a mage's attire, wielding a three-meter staff topped with a large crystal, beneath which runes were etched, indicating its high rank—likely a <Caldo> or perhaps even an <Erith> grade item. Such opulence wasn't surprising given her father's status as a GuildMaster. {Check the auxiliary chapters for the item ranking system}
Her smirk, directed at Lucas and me, seemed to convey a message of triumph for rejecting her earlier offer, suggesting we would regret not joining her.
Ignoring her, I surveyed the area, noting many students equipped with superior items. Nevertheless, I was confident in my ability to acquire similar gear in time.
Lucas, too, had armed himself with a sword and chainmail armor, likely chosen to complement his class's elemental abilities and future upgrades.
I realized the urgency of advancing my own capabilities to prevent him from becoming too formidable an opponent. Despite this resolve, I couldn't shake off a persistent chill and the unsettling feeling of being watched, as if by a predator. This sensation had been absent in the solitude of the restroom, but now it returned, stronger than before.
Scanning the crowd for any signs of animosity directed at me yielded nothing, yet the feeling of unease lingered.
Lucas and Lyre sighed softly as they executed the move, while Evan looked around, unaware that he was being watched.
After the distribution was complete, Miriam gathered everyone and led them to the dungeon area they had seen earlier.
For many, it was their first glimpse of the dungeons; they had never been close enough before, but today they were all going to enter one. The excitement was palpable, yet so was the nervousness about the potential dangers.
They approached an area where the dungeons were smaller in size, which also indicated their strength, measured by the mana emanating from them and their physical dimensions.
"Students, or should I say raiders, we are here for your first raid. I have prepared a gate for you all, which leads to a beginner's dungeon. Let our guide introduce its description to you," Miriam announced, stepping aside for a staff member responsible for the dungeons to come forward.
He was a fifty-year-old man with a scar on his cheek.
"Raiders, pay close attention, as today is your first day of raiding. I will grant you the privilege of this information, so listen carefully," he began, as all the students focused on the information being shared.
"This dungeon is designed for all novice raiders, and the information is now before you," he concluded, as a hologram materialized in front of the group, displaying:
Dungeon Name: Verdant Hollow
Type: Forest Dungeon
Recommended Rank: F
Location: Deep within an ancient forest filled with overgrown vegetation, hidden dangers, and eerie sounds.
Dungeon Lore:
Once a sacred grove, Verdant Hollow was corrupted by dark forces. Now, it teems with dangerous creatures, led by a Hobgoblin warlord. Brave adventurers who conquer this dungeon will prove their mettle and claim the hidden treasures.
Dungeon Layout:
The dungeon has three stages, each increasing in difficulty with more dangerous creatures and natural hazards like poisonous plants, pitfalls, and dense foliage.
Stage 1: The Slime Grove (Lv. 1-4)
Description: A lush, vibrant area with glowing mushrooms and shallow pools of water. Slimes and monkeys roam freely, ambushing unwary adventurers.
Enemies:
Green Slimes (Lv. 1-2)
Slow-moving blobs that attack with acidic touches.
Forest Monkeys (Lv. 3-4)
Agile creatures attacking from trees and vines.
Stage 2: The Wildfang Den (Lv. 5-8)
Description: A dark, twisted section of the forest where the undergrowth is thick, and the air feels heavy. Wolves and serpents lurk in the shadows, waiting for prey.
Enemies:
Forest Wolves (Lv. 5-6)
Fast, coordinated pack hunters.
Venomfang Serpents (Lv. 7-8)
Stealthy snakes that blend into the environment.
Alpha Wolf (Lv.10, Mini Boss)
The leader of the wolf pack, quite crafty and sly beast be cautious or won't know when killed.
Stage 3: The Goblin Nest (Lv. 9-10)
Description: A large clearing with makeshift goblin huts and fire pits. Goblins patrol the area, and the Hobgoblin warlord commands them from a crude throne.
Enemies:
Goblins (Lv. 9-10)
Small but vicious, armed with crude weapons.
Hobgoblin Warlord (Lv. 12-13, Boss)
A massive, armored goblin wielding a heavy club.
Final Boss Objective:
Defeat the Hobgoblin Warlord and destroy the Goblin Totem to break the dungeon's curse and claim victory.
The document was meticulously detailed, including images and descriptions of every enemy within.
"Let's go over the details. The dungeon, known as Verdant Hollow, unfolds across three stages. The first stage pits you against slimes and monkeys, which you must defeat to advance. Upon clearing this stage, two portals will appear: a green one to return and a blue one leading to the second stage. If you're not feeling confident, it's better to retreat than to press on unprepared.
In the second stage, you'll encounter forest wolves and venomfang snakes. These creatures are more challenging, requiring strategy and caution to overcome. Defeating them allows you to face the mini-boss, whose defeat is necessary to progress. Remember, once you enter the third stage, there's no turning back.
The final stage introduces goblins and the ultimate boss, the hobgoblin. Triumph over these foes, and you'll emerge as victorious raiders. Fail, and it's the end of the line," he concluded, summarizing the dungeon's challenges.
Which was quite okay, as I remember that in my past life, no one provided such a good summary of the dungeon on our first attempt.
"Are you all ready?" he asked, as all the students erupted in a roar.
"Yes, we are ready!" all the students exclaimed in excitement and began entering the dungeon one by one, which was not slow as those who went in teams entered simultaneously, and those who entered alone did so individually.
Lucas nodded at me and walked inside. "Like, hell dude, am I your girlfriend or something?" I thought to myself, reassured by his gesture.
While I was pondering, two students approached me with light steps.
I looked at them as one extended his hand towards me for a handshake and said, "Hi, my name is Dain. I am a shield bearer, and I wish to form a party with you for raiding the dungeon with this friend of mine, Mira, who is a healer. We both are <D> rank like you, so do you want to join?" He said with a sweet smile.
At first, I glanced at his hand, then at his face, and replied, "Sorry, bro, I'm going to raid alone, so please find someone else." I seized the opportunity and entered the dungeon, leaving them behind.
"What? He didn't accept, even though he's a <D> rank necromancer? Did you see his ego, Mira?" Dain said as Mira just sighed, and they went to find another person to join. Luckily, a swordsman of <E> rank agreed.
They entered together, and that's how the journey truly began for all these students. Above the dungeon, the names of all the students started appearing with three dots, the first in green and the other two dull, with a number count starting behind them.
Yes, it was the board where they would know who died, who passed which stage, and how much time they took to clear the dungeon.
-- To be continued --
Hey guys, I hope you liked the chapter. The dungeon is about to start, so be attentive and add it to your library to get notifications of new chapters. Also, I am working on a project for audio novel videos of this novel on YouTube, so I will notify you all when it happens.
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