After finishing sharpening the sword and purchasing items from the shop—
[Flame, Healing Potion]
The combined cost of the two items reached 55 coins. Even the potion alone carried an exorbitant price.
"Damn it, are we in the end times for this to cost this much?"
[Alert]
[Currently on Floor One]
[Requirements to advance to Floor Two:
Eliminate 1,000 Slime creatures,
100 Fire creatures,
1 Earth Mushroom]
Ashien moved toward the cliff, body slightly bent forward to stretch and rub the knees before leaping, not even giving a thought to announcing it.
The body collided with the slanted rocky wall, sliding down while the flame on the extended arm fluttered above, casting shadows that danced across the jagged surface.
[Chat]
[Unkown: You mad bastard]
Reaching the deepest part of the area, where the terrifying creatures lurked, confidence radiated from every movement. The only allure of those monsters was the XP points they would grant.
A faint smirk appeared as Ashien imagined climbing the leaderboards, drenched in dreams of strength and glory. Yet that dream felt fragile, as if it could shatter in an instant.
A Slime lunged suddenly, attempting to take advantage of a moment of carelessness.
Pain stabbed sharply below the knee. Ashien leapt back, rubbing the spot instinctively.
"Ouch."
[Alert]
[Health decreased to 97/100]
The sword was drawn, stepping forward a few paces. A sharp swing sliced the slime clean in half. A peculiar scent, reminiscent of cleaning powders, wafted from the sticky substance splattering across the hand.
"Disgusting."
As the slime's jelly-like body disintegrated, a notification window appeared beside Ashien:
[Received 10 XP]
Combat continued, dispatching the weaker creatures. Numerous fragile lives were extinguished without hesitation.
Slimes were not inherently difficult opponents; the true challenge lay in the exhaustion from repeating the same motions over and over.
[565/1,000 Slimes]
Hours passed. The small, underfed, and dehydrated frame was nearing its limits.
Rest was necessary. Ashien decided to continue the task the following day, setting up a small tent to ward off the bitter cold of the tower's nights.
Some passing insects were caught for roasting over the flame, which lasted about thirty minutes before flickering out.
A wooden branch carried the roasted insects. Crunching sounds echoed as the first bite was taken.
Crrrunch~
The sound brought a strange comfort, a momentary reprieve from the fatigue and hunger gnawing beneath the surface.
[Chat]
[Wood: Gross, how can you eat that?]
[Anonymous: If I could help, I would.]
"No, don't worry. It's not difficult. In the end, it will only give a little pain, nothing more."
[Health restored to 100/100]
Chin rubbed thoughtfully, eyes tracing the now full health bar. Then attention returned to the crispy insects.
Deep inside, the realization emerged: natural food increased vitality, making healing potions almost redundant.
Frustration rose until the branch was set near the fire. A move toward the dirt bed, pillow made of grass beneath the head, provided some comfort.
Lying down, low murmurs of irritation escaped.
***
The next morning, a strange heat rose from the soles of the feet, waking Ashien abruptly.
Eyes opened sluggishly, head turning toward the source. A small, watermelon-sized creature played with the flames overhead.
Moments of curiosity passed before glancing back at the feet, discovering leather boots smoldering dangerously.
A rapid stand, yanking the shoes from their grasp.
"Haaaa…"
Panting, chest heaving with fear, the shoes were thrown aside. The fiery creature retreated as well, its small form flickering with the last sparks of heat.
[Chat]
[Anonymous: Look at him, scared of a matchstick!]
"Tsk, even in sleep, still spying."
Dust brushed off, the surrounding darkness unbroken—no natural light entering this space… Damn it.
Despair threatened to settle, yet transformed into fuel, pushing forward the will to survive.
Grasping the belongings, Ashien advanced toward the endless horde of monsters.
Inhaling the polluted air deeply, lungs filled with the musty scent of the cave.
"Hooh…"
A slime emerged in the path. The sword swung, cutting through the creature with precision. Sticky liquid splattered, some over the face and lips, but there was no pause.
The thirst momentarily forgotten; focus narrowed solely on clearing the monsters and ascending to Floor Two.
Slash after slash, the process repeated. Statistics updated constantly:
[Slimes 1,000/1,000]
[Fire Creatures 0/100]
[Earth Mushroom 0/1]
Only the fire creatures and the Earth Mushroom remained. The fire creature would be dealt with first, extinguishing its flames with the slime's liquid substance. The Earth Mushroom would require a different strategy, carefully considered.
Scanning the surroundings, one fire creature was spotted. Stealthy tracking led to the entrance of its den.
The small flame creature shrank to pass through the hole. A quick glance revealed its position.
A cunning smile formed. Slime chunks were removed from the system bag, collected, and poured precisely into the hole.
Ssshh~
The counter rose, fires dimming with each passing second.
[Slimes 1,000/1,000]
[Fire Creatures 100/100]
[Earth Mushroom 0/1]
Only the last one remained—the Earth Mushroom. The beginner's trial neared completion. Time was early, so a brief rest was permitted.
Hands raised to the mouth, licking the jelly to quench the lingering thirst.
[Chat]
[Anonymous: Don't! That's disgusting! And don't kill creatures that way—it's horrifying.]
"Isn't this normal?"
[Anonymous: No, absolutely not. Didn't you learn values?]
"No."
Licking continued until hands shone clean. Standing, the next plan took form.
If the mushroom were roughly the same size, alternative methods would be necessary.
Excitement rose. Hands moved up and down in a small celebratory gesture.
Searching the large area, wooden stakes were found—remnants of ghoul traps.
Collected and dragged near the cliff's base. Constructed a small square enclosure, slightly raised, with a narrow entrance blocked by planks.
Surrounding the interior with slime liquid, Ashien stepped back, smiling, sweat glistening from pride.
"Not much left now, just contain the creature."
[David4655: How do you know all this?]
"Addiction to stupid games."
[David4655: Dude, you're amazing! Like a survival game character.]
"Don't know."
Moving to the farthest point from the trap, the mushroom remained elusive.
Hours passed. Searching, exploring every shadow—no sign.
Returning to the tent, disappointment pressed on the chest. Everything seemed wasted; progression to Floor Two appeared impossible.
Sitting before the orange flame, eyes fixed without shifting.
[Chat]
[Anonymous: Why not rest tonight and continue tomorrow?]
Scratching the head, a reply formed:
"If the prey escaped rhythm, everything built here would vanish."
[Anonymous: But exhaustion will get to you.]
"No excuse."
Hands stretched toward the fire, warming frozen fingers. Features, once fresh, now hardened from survival fatigue.
[Anonymous: You look pathetic.]
"Then that's fine?"
Stretching out, arms thrown wide, a lazy yawn escaped. Eyes caught the faint light above.
A grin formed. Anticipation built for what lay beyond the ruined building. Then—a rustling sound from behind.
Rolling to the stomach like a soldier, eyes scanned swiftly.
A mushroom creature, matching the body's height, appeared. System window opened for full information.
[Creature Info]
[Earth Mushroom: Level 2, Rank F]
[180/180 HP]
Eyes widened, a smile emerging. Leaping forward, running toward the wandering creature.