Extra 70+ chapters available in patreon 🤩🥳
Discount code " 4D346"
Just check it out 🤗😇♥️
_______________________________________________________________________
"Myriad Realms Cave – Level 20."
That was the name of the dungeon assigned to Lily Winters by her family, the prestigious Winters clan.
Although the Winters family had a strict tradition of letting new family members grow through their own efforts early on, they still had a long-standing practice: every newcomer had to complete a trial prepared specifically for them.
These trials were different for everyone, and upon completion, came with unique rewards.
For Lily, the prize was something she had set her eyes on for a long time — a passive skill called "Swordsman's Heart (Blue)."
This skill would significantly boost her long-blade damage output, which matched her class and fighting style perfectly. Even better, the Winters clan had its own private channels to upgrade this skill later — all the way to a legendary red-tier skill.
In every way, this skill was a perfect fit for her path as a swordswoman.
But earning it wouldn't be easy.
The "Myriad Realms" dungeon wasn't just another trial. It was infamously known as the toughest Level 20 dungeon before players underwent their first class advancement. It had been prepared for her final trial just before her academy entrance exams.
Lily had completed several earlier missions, but their rewards were nothing impressive—mostly decorative costumes and items she didn't need. This was different.
She didn't intend to clear it all in one go. She came here today just to test the waters.
---
The next morning, Lily arrived at the dungeon gate.
The dungeon was located within the city limits of Ravenshade City, and was heavily guarded. Dozens of armed personnel stood at the entrance, ensuring no chaos broke out.
For a dungeon like "Myriad Realms – LV20," known for being brutal, few beginners dared to show up.
Just then, four young figures stood nearby, huddled together.
If Ethan had been there, he would've recognized them immediately — these were the same people he met yesterday while registering his own dungeon.
"B-B-Boss, are we… are we really doing this dungeon today?" asked a nervous, stuttering boy.
The one called "Boss" stood confidently with his arm wrapped around a red-haired girl named Ava, who held a newly acquired gold-tier staff in her hand.
"What are you afraid of?" the Boss snorted. "Now that we've got Ava, we don't have to be scared of anyone. Stop panicking."
He looked around at the security guards and then, with a smack, slapped his anxious teammate on the back of the head.
"Stand up straight! You're shaking like a guilty thief. Chill out."
"B-B-But Boss… this dungeon's cursed."
The Boss frowned. He couldn't fully argue. The last time they entered this dungeon, they barely made it out alive. They burned through expensive gear and nearly died to the very first boss.
Right at that moment, Lily Winters walked past them.
The stammering teammate's eyes widened. "B-Boss, check her out!"
Smack!
Another slap to the head.
The Boss rolled his eyes and gave a subtle glance at Ava, who was standing right next to him. "Watch it. That's not how we talk when you've got a sister-in-law present. Ava would roast us alive."
Still, the Boss eyed Lily as she approached the dungeon. His mind churned.
A solo player entering the "Myriad Realms" dungeon? That meant she had serious skills.
He gave another kick to his stammering friend. "Hey! Go ask if she wants to team up. One more strong hand could make all the difference."
But then he paused. "Wait. You stutter too much. Da Zane, you go instead. Be polite."
In truth, the Boss wanted to go himself — Lily was stunning — but Ava was still holding onto that shiny new staff. Asking another girl directly would've been... awkward.
So Da Zane walked over.
And came back in seconds.
"Well? What'd she say?" the Boss asked.
Da Zane looked frustrated. "I said 'hello,' and she said—'Get lost.'"
The three others blinked.
Yikes.
Before Ava could even step forward as the team's "sister-in-law" and attempt some damage control, Lily had already entered the dungeon without a word.
Then, the stammering boy pointed down the street.
"Boss! Look! That guy from yesterday!"
The team turned, and there was Ethan, walking calmly, dragging his long-blade behind him.
Clink. Clink. Clink.
The blade lightly scraped against the pavement, creating a crisp metallic rhythm with every step.
Since yesterday's scouting mission, Ethan had developed the habit of dragging his blade like a treasured stick. It reminded him of being a kid, finding a cool branch and never wanting to let it go.
Despite being strapped for cash yesterday, Ethan had chosen not to sell this weapon. Instead, he pawned off a few silver-tier materials just to keep it.
The Boss stared at the long knife with a wince. "Damn. That's gonna cost a fortune in repairs."
He turned to Da Zane again. "Invite him too. If he joins, maybe we'll finally beat that first boss."
However, Ethan, whose mental stats were sky-high, overheard the entire conversation.
As Da Zane began walking toward him, Ethan waved dismissively and walked right past.
They weren't on the same path.
Their goal was to beat the first boss.
Ethan? He wanted every single one.
He registered his name at the gate, answered a few formal questions, and strolled toward the entrance.
For this level of dungeon, only names were recorded unless someone had a criminal history.
Before he stepped in, one of the security guards nearby—perhaps noticing how young Ethan looked—called out to him.
"Young man, be careful in there. For this dungeon, a solo player should have at least 40 stars of combat power. In a team of five, each should have 35 stars minimum."
Of course, he was only referring to the first floor. The real difficulty started deeper inside.
Ethan smiled politely and nodded. "Thanks."
With that, he stepped into the dungeon.
---
In an instant, the environment around him shifted.
He now stood in a massive stone corridor, carved with ancient runes and shrouded in silence.
Ethan didn't panic.
According to dungeon guides, this place was structured like a giant maze.
So, he released Rebel Bone Boy, his powerful skeletal summon.
The ant colony's layout was also like a maze. Ethan had already trained Rebel Bone Boy to leave a scent trail, making backtracking through labyrinths incredibly easy.
Suddenly—
JINGLE! JINGLE! JINGLE!
The sharp clang of combat echoed from deep within the passageway.
Someone was already fighting.
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
He wasn't alone in this dungeon.
And that meant… competition.
------------------------------------------------------
Get membership in patreon to read more chapters
Extra chapters available in patreon
patreon.com/Dragonscribe31
--------------------------------------------------