The Warok Dungeon Boss was a colossal white wolf, standing five meters tall and reaching Level 500. Beyond its massive scale, the creature possessed devastating offensive power that could not be taken lightly.
Typically, a full team of hunters is required to subdue such a beast. In fact, there were almost no records of a solo hunter ever defeating the Great White Wolf alone.
But today, that record was shattered by Rega.
Upon the wolf's defeat, Rega surged to Level 1000, ready to rank up at a moment's notice. Once a dungeon boss is slain, it takes a considerable amount of time for a new one to respawn. During this interval, the boss room becomes the safest place in the dungeon, as no lesser wolves from the outside dare to sneak in.
[Rank Up Successful. Skill: Lesser Teleportation has been acquired.]
(Lesser Teleportation: Instantly move from one location to another within your line of sight. The distance covered depends on the MP consumed: 1,000 MP / Meter.)
"This skill is definitely useful, but the MP consumption is insane," Rega sighed, feeling a bittersweet mix of joy and frustration.
[It is quite simple to overcome this skill's deficiency. Especially for you, who possesses the 10,000x System.]
"Ah, you're right. Let's give it a try then."
Rega focused his mind, staring at a spot just one meter ahead, and vanished instantly. His MP took a hit, but he successfully activated the skill and increased its proficiency.
"This is easier to use than I thought. I should train this until it reaches Master rank."
With that goal in mind, Rega repeatedly used Lesser Teleportation until he had gained enough experience to push the skill to the Master level. The transformation was staggering: what originally cost 1,000 MP per meter now required only 1 MP per meter.
With Rega's current MP pool, he could now travel dozens of kilometers with a single thought. A truly formidable ability.
However, Lesser Teleportation wasn't just for travel; it was a deadly tool for combat. As long as Rega remained sharp enough to find the right opening, he could eliminate any opponent or monster with a single, fatal strike.
"Alright, time to test this in a real fight."
Rega stepped out of the boss room. He blinked through space using his new skill, slaughtering ten white wolves in his immediate vicinity before they could even react. He repeated the process, flickering like a ghost until he finally exited the Warok Dungeon.
...
Upon reaching the surface, Rega headed to the reception desk to sell his magic crystals. However, the receptionist informed him that someone had left a message for him.
"Mr. Rega, there is someone who wishes to meet you."
"With me? Who?"
"Mr. Carte and his son, Young Master Yoga."
"Carte? I'm sure I've heard that name before, but where?"
"Mr. Carte is the founder of the Keris Guild. As a hunter, surely you've heard of them."
"Ah, no wonder it sounds familiar. The Keris Guild is the most powerful guild in Central Java. I've often heard of their members' heroic deeds."
"Mr. Carte is waiting in the VIP room. Please meet him if you don't mind."
"..."
Rega realized he didn't really have a choice. Offending the leader of the region's number one guild was hardly a wise move.
'I hope this doesn't lead to trouble,' Rega thought, swallowing hard as he opened the door to the VIP lounge.
Inside, a burly middle-aged man and a familiar youth came into view.
"You..."
Yoga rushed forward to greet Rega.
"My name is Yoga. Thank you for saving me from that pack of white wolves!" Yoga smiled enthusiastically, shaking Rega's hand firmly.
"...I see. So, the reason you wanted to see me was to say thank you?"
"That's true, but we have another objective that is just as important." Yoga glanced at his father.
Carte stood up, offering Rega a hospitable smile.
"Have a seat. There is something I'd like to discuss with you."
Gulp.
Rega swallowed nervously and sat across from Carte.
"Relax, I'm not going to eat you," Carte joked, trying to put Rega at ease, though it only seemed to make him more tense.
"Mr. Carte, what is it you want to talk about?" Rega asked hesitantly.
Carte took a deep breath and his expression turned serious.
"I'll get straight to the point. I am curious about your leveling speed—it defies all logic. You don't come from a Great Family, so how is your progress this fast?"
Rega's expression darkened as he swallowed hard again. He had anticipated that people would eventually ask questions, but he hadn't expected the confrontation to happen so soon—or to come from someone as powerful as Carte.
To be continued...