[Quest Chain: Level Up Arc II Activated] Current Rank: D → Target Rank: B Requirement: Defeat 300 monsters + Clear Dungeon Boss.
The dungeon's air was thick with mana, pressing down like a predator's gaze. Jinyoung tightened his grip on the dagger. This wasn't goblins anymore—this was a trial meant to break him.
Orcs and Ogres
The first wave came crashing in: brutish orcs and ogres, their muscles bulging, weapons crude but deadly.
"Dagger Rush!" Jinyoung's blade carved arcs of mana, slicing through the orcs' defenses. An ogre swung a club the size of a tree trunk. Jinyoung darted aside with Mana Flow Step, his movements sharper, faster.
The cavern echoed with clang, slash, boom as bodies fell.
Fishmen Ambush
The tunnels flooded with water. From the depths, fishmen surged forward, their scales glistening, tridents flashing.
They moved in packs, striking with speed that rivaled lightning. Jinyoung clenched his fists. "Mana Palm Strike!" A shockwave rippled through the water, scattering the fishmen formation. He pressed forward, cutting them down one by one.
Giant Snake Beast
A hiss rattled the cavern walls. The giant snake beast slithered into view, its body coiling endlessly, venom dripping from its fangs.
It lunged, constricting the tunnel itself. Jinyoung stabbed with the Paralysis Dagger, its venomous breath faltering as paralysis spread.
"Explosion Burst!" Mana detonated from his strike, shattering the serpent's skull. The beast collapsed, shaking the ground as its coils loosened.
Boss Battle – Armored Beast Gorilla
The final chamber trembled. From the shadows, the Armored Beast Gorilla emerged. Its hide gleamed like iron, defense close to A-rank.
Each punch shook the cavern, stone cracking under its fists. Jinyoung's heart pounded. Too strong… but not invincible.
He fused martial arts with mana:
mana palm strike staggered the beast.
mana silver sliced through its armor, sparks flying.
The gorilla roared, charging with brute force. Jinyoung met it head-on, his blade piercing through its chest in a final, desperate strike. The beast collapsed, shaking the dungeon into silence.
Back in Seoul, Somi watched her brother quietly. His aura felt heavier, darker.
"Big brother… are you really getting stronger? Or are you just… changing?"
Jinyoung froze, gripping the dagger. "Strength changes people," he said softly. "But I'll make sure it changes me for you, not against you."
Somi nodded, but her eyes lingered on him, worried.