The clash of steel rang out like thunder. Hunters shouted, blades cut through the air, and monsters roared as their bodies fell across the dungeon floor. Blood painted the stone walls crimson while the guild's elites pressed forward with confidence.
And then there was him.
Rian crouched at the very back of the raid party, his hands shaking around a chipped dagger. Sweat stung his eyes. His rank was F, the kind of grade people didn't even bother whispering about anymore. Everyone knew what it meant—worthless.
"Stay out of the way, trash!" one of the hunters barked as he ran past.
Rian's lips pressed together, holding back the words burning in his throat. He wanted to fight. He wanted to stand shoulder to shoulder with them. But no matter how much he wished, reality mocked him. He was weak. Too weak to even put down a goblin without risking his life.
Then the boss appeared.
The dungeon floor shook under the monster's steps, its towering body wrapped in shadow and fury. The elites charged without hesitation, but Rian's body refused to obey. His legs locked in place, heart hammering like it wanted to break free from his chest.
The creature's eyes fell on him.
A massive claw cut through the air, and before he could even scream, the impact sent him crashing into the wall. His vision blurred. Warm blood filled his mouth.
"Useless garbage," someone spat, already turning back to the fight.
The words stabbed deeper than the monster's strike.
Darkness crept at the edge of his vision. His breath came shallow, ragged. And then, just as he thought this was the end, a sound unlike any he had ever heard echoed inside his mind—cold, metallic, commanding.
[System initializing…]
[Searching for host compatibility…]
[Compatibility 100% detected.]
[Welcome, Worthless One. Infinite Growth System Activated.]
Rian's eyes snapped open, widening in disbelief.
In front of him, glowing letters hovered in the air—something no hunter had ever seen before.
[Daily Quest: Survive certain death.]
[Reward: Awakening of Infinite Potential.]
His chest tightened, not from fear, but from something he had never felt before. A spark. A fire.
Coughing blood, he forced himself to his feet. His voice trembled, but his words rang with a determination stronger than any blade.
"If this is real… then I swear… I'll never be worthless again."
The cold, mechanical tone replied:
[Quest Accepted.]
And the dungeon itself seemed to shudder at those words.
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