After resting for some time, Rey finally stood up and tightened the strap of his gear.
The dungeon air was heavy and cold, filled with the faint smell of earth and mana. Torches embedded in the stone walls flickered weakly as shadows danced around them.
Rey turned toward his companions.
"Let's continue," he said calmly.
At that moment, Rey had reached Level 21, while Melvin was Level 8, and Elysa had reached Level 9.
The three of them resumed their journey, moving deeper into the dungeon while fighting monsters along the way. As time passed, their levels gradually increased, and the dungeon itself became more oppressive—its corridors wider, its silence heavier.
Eventually, they arrived at a place that made all three of them stop instinctively.
Before them stretched a vast, terrifyingly deep Valley.
It looked like the earth itself had been torn apart, leaving behind a dark chasm that swallowed all light. Small pebbles dropped from the edge vanished without a sound.
Rey narrowed his eyes.
"Melvin," he said, "use Fireball. Shoot it down there."
Melvin swallowed nervously but nodded. He raised his staff, chanting softly as mana gathered at its tip.
A blazing sphere of fire formed.
"Fireball!"
The magic shot downward into the abyss.
At first, the fireball illuminated the ravine walls, revealing jagged stone formations. But as it continued falling, the light slowly grew smaller… and smaller… until it disappeared completely.
They waited.
Nothing returned.
No explosion sound.
No echo.
Only silence.
Melvin's face turned pale. "That… that thing didn't even hit the bottom."
Elysa clenched her fists. "This Valley… it's too deep."
Rey exhaled slowly.
"This Valley is extremely deep. We don't know what's down there," Rey said firmly. "We should take another path."
He turned back toward Melvin and Elysa, his tone leaving no room for argument.
At that exact moment—
System:
"Host, system detects a powerful presence moving toward the host. System requests the host to be cautious. If the host dies, the system will also disappear."
Rey's eyes widened.
"What?!" Rey hissed. "Is that a monster?! Damn it—this is bad!"
He immediately turned toward Melvin and Elysa.
"We're leaving. Now. Run!"
Rey reacted instantly, telling them both to flee with him.
As they ran—
"System," Rey spoke urgently in his mind, "what is that monster? Can I defeat it?"
System:
"Host's current stats are still low. Host needs to increase stats to face the detected monster."
Rey gritted his teeth.
"What monster is chasing us? I need its level and stats."
System:
"Verified (Using Invisible Sight)… Loading…
System is unable to detect the monster due to extreme distance."
Rey frowned deeply.
"Too far? Then why did you tell us to run if it's still far away?!"
System:
"System detects lethal danger threatening the host's life. System recommends the host use one Mana Stone to upgrade the detection range of Invisible Sight so the system can verify the approaching monster."
"Tch…!" Rey clicked his tongue.
"My Mana Stones…" he muttered bitterly. "But this is life or death."
"Fine," Rey said firmly. "Use one Mana Stone. Upgrade the detection range of Invisible Sight."
System:
"Upgrading…
Locating monster…
Loading…
Upgrade successful.
Monster verification complete.
Displaying target stats."
________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: Earth Dragon
Level: 38
Stats:
HP: 7357STR: 99AGI: 78SPD: 83INT: 98END: 115MP: 103Note: HP value calculated after END.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rey inhaled sharply.
"Level 38…?" His voice dropped. "HP over seven thousand… There's no way I can defeat this with my current level and stats."
System:
"System recommends the host to use stored EXP in inventory and check inventory rewards. Host has received multiple level-up rewards. Current host level after calculation: Level 26."
Rey's eyes lit up.
"Good," he said decisively. "Open all level-up rewards. Open my inventory. Use all available EXP immediately."
System:
"Loading…
Ding Dong.
Congratulations, Host. You have reached Level 32.
Bonus reward granted for surpassing Level 30.
All rewards and bonuses have been transferred to inventory.
Would the host like to review the details?"
"Yes," Rey answered without hesitation. "Show me how many stats I have now."
________________________________________________________________________________________________
InventoryTotal Stats: 270
(110 from Level Up 21–32, +25 bonus stats, total doubled using passive skill 'Overgrowth')Mana Stone: 7Low-tier Potion: 8Mid-tier Potion: 10Gold Coin: 4500________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rey clenched his fist.
"Alright. Now I'll use all my stats. We're increasing STR. I'll defeat this monster in one hit."
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Status WindowName: REY
Level: 32
Race: Human
Role: Free
Title: Chosen One (All stats ×30)
Stats:
HP: 6530 ×30STR: 250 ×30AGI: 200 ×30SPD: 210 ×30INT: 120 ×30END: 110 ×30MP: 10 ×30Note: HP calculated after END.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Now we can stop, Rey thought calmly.
I've upgraded my stats. I can face that Level 38 monster now.
"We stop here," Rey said aloud.
Melvin and Elysa obeyed instantly, though confusion filled their expressions. They had not sensed any danger at all.
Elysa finally spoke.
"Lord Rey," she asked anxiously, "why did we have to run? Is there really danger?"
Rey turned toward them, his expression confident and composed—almost stylish.
"I detected a threat earlier," Rey said casually. "But now is the perfect time to defeat it. I don't want my attack to awaken other powerful monsters."
He waved his hand lightly.
"Don't worry."
After a short while—
The ground began to tremble.
A massive creature emerged from the shadows.
It looked like a giant lizard, its body covered in thick brown scales hardened like stone.
An Earth Dragon.
Level 38.
Melvin and Elysa froze in terror.
Earth Dragons were monsters with extremely high defense. Even a Class A adventurer would struggle against one.
And this one was considered young only because of its level.
There were Earth Dragons above Level 50—true nightmares.
Melvin and Elysa had heard stories back at the Adventurers' Guild.
A party composed of two Class S adventurers and three Class A adventurers had once defeated an Earth Dragon Level 83—but they suffered severe injuries and consumed countless rare potions to survive.
Melvin trembled.
"Lord Rey," he said urgently, "that is an Earth Dragon. You must be careful because—"
Before Melvin could finish—
Rey disappeared.
In an instant, Rey crossed the distance with terrifying speed, appearing directly in front of the Earth Dragon.
His body twisted slightly.
His stance resembled a baseball player preparing for a home run swing.
His fist pulled back.
Then—
BOOM.
With a single punch, Rey obliterated the Earth Dragon.
The impact was catastrophic.
The ground shattered, cracks spreading outward like spiderwebs. The combined force of Rey's speed and strength created a double impact, blasting a hole straight through the dungeon wall behind the dragon.
The Earth Dragon's body collapsed, completely destroyed.
Rey laughed loudly.
"Hahahahaha! One problem solved—"
Suddenly—
A burst of ice magic shot toward him.
Rey instantly leapt backward.
Frost swept past where he had been standing.
When Rey looked up, his expression hardened.
Before him stood another dragon.
This one was covered in blue scales, its breath forming icy mist in the air.
A Frost Dragon.
A monster capable of unleashing freezing breath that could turn its prey into ice.
Rey's eyes narrowed.
Its presence was far more overwhelming.
This Frost Dragon's level—
Was higher than the Earth Dragon he had just defeated.
System Data Identified
________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: Frost Dragon
Level: 45
Stats:
HP: 5965STR: 198AGI: 167SPD: 204INT: 143END: 102MP: 221Note: HP value calculated after END.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rey stared at the floating status panel calmly.
"So this monster is a speed-type with magic attack," Rey muttered. "Its HP is lower than the Earth Dragon's."
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
"You made a mistake by meeting me," Rey said coldly. "Your SPD… compared to mine, it doesn't even reach one-quarter."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Sorry to say this, monster—but you're going to die now."
Before the Frost Dragon could even react—
Rey vanished.
His speed exceeded the Frost Dragon's perception entirely. In less than a heartbeat, Rey appeared directly in front of the dragon and struck it with a single punch.
BOOM.
The Frost Dragon's body shattered instantly, exploding into fragments of ice and mana.
Rey burst into laughter.
"Hahahahaha!"
Behind him, Melvin and Elysa stood frozen in shock.
Their minds could not process what they had just witnessed.
Elysa clutched her chest tightly.
For some reason, her heart was beating wildly.
Her face felt hot.
Her breath became shallow.
Why…? Elysa thought.
Why do I suddenly feel like this? What is this feeling?
Every time Lord Rey fights… I feel excited, but also scared that something might happen to him.
She bit her lip softly.
Hmmm… but there's no denying it. Lord Rey is truly amazing.
Suddenly—
A deep, terrifying roar echoed from far ahead.
The sound shook the dungeon itself.
Rey's expression changed.
That roar was heavy.
Ancient.
Enormous.
It felt like something far larger than anything they had faced before.
"System," Rey said immediately. "What was that sound? Can you check using Invisible Sight?"
System:
"One moment, Host… Loading…
System detects a Frost Dragon Level 89 approaching Host.
System strongly recommends Host to retreat immediately."
Rey's pupils shrank.
"Level 89?!" he shouted.
At the same time, he gave a sharp command.
"Melvin! Elysa! Run! Now!"
As they began moving—
"Why didn't you detect it earlier?!" Rey demanded.
System:
"This Frost Dragon's level is extremely high. It used a skill to conceal its aura earlier.
Additionally, the monster originated from within the Valley.
System did not activate Invisible Sight at that time, therefore detection failed."
Rey clenched his teeth.
"Did it come because I killed its companion? What are its stats?"
System:
"Displaying Frost Dragon Level 89 stats."
Name: Frost Dragon
Level: 89
Stats:
HP: 9215STR: 426AGI: 396SPD: 608INT: 296END: 315MP: 448Note: HP value calculated after END.
Rey exhaled sharply.
"HP over nine thousand… I'll need at least two hits to kill this thing," he muttered.
"But its speed is extremely annoying."
"I might be able to dodge its attacks."
System:
"Although Host's raw stats surpass this Frost Dragon, Host lacks sufficient combat experience and training time to fully control speed and offensive power."
"System strongly advises Host to retreat. Do not engage this Frost Dragon."
"This Frost Dragon is highly experienced. Almost all of its prey have died."
Rey frowned.
"So you want me to abandon them?" he snapped. "You think I'm alone?"
System:
"In the current emergency situation, System advises Host to flee immediately."
"If possible, Host may carry the two women—or leave them behind."
Before Rey could respond—
A massive shadow descended before them.
The Frost Dragon stood directly in their path, blocking the escape route.
Melvin and Elysa froze in terror.
The pressure alone was suffocating.
They could feel it—
This monster could kill them within seconds.
Rey stepped forward without hesitation, placing himself in front of them.
"Stay behind me," he ordered.
Damn it… Rey thought.
This monster's power is overwhelming.
But I'll try to defeat it.
With my speed, it shouldn't be able to catch me.
Movement like-Lightning—
Rey vanished again.
In an instant, he appeared directly behind the Frost Dragon.
"Two hits," Rey said coldly. "That's all I need."
He swung his fist—
But—
A magic barrier formed instantly around the Frost Dragon.
CRACK!
Rey's punch shattered the barrier, but the Frost Dragon was blasted away instead of being hit directly.
"Tch…" Rey clicked his tongue.
"Its INT is high. Combined with its strength and intelligence, this monster is extremely dangerous."
Rey attempted to chase it—
But failed.
The Frost Dragon moved with terrifying agility, launching a counterattack mid-air.
A massive ice breath surged forward.
Rey tried to block—
Suddenly—
His dagger reacted.
The dagger glowed brightly.
The ice magic was absorbed completely.
Rey froze.
"System, what just happened? Why is my dagger glowing?"
System:
"This dagger possesses a passive ability."
"It can absorb magic attacks that are weaker than the Host."
Rey's eyes widened.
"Attacks weaker than me…?"
"Which means it can absorb this Frost Dragon's magic!"
"Hahahahaha!"
"So your attacks won't work on me!"
System:
"The dagger can also release the absorbed magic as a counterattack once Host activates the skill."
Rey laughed loudly.
"This dagger is incredible! Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
System:
"Because Host has been killing enemies in a single hit.
System had no opportunity to reveal this dagger's special ability."
"Oooh… I see," Rey said.
"But how many times can it release the attack?"
System:
"That depends on how many attacks it has absorbed."
So only one attack, Rey thought.
I must use it precisely.
System:
"Does Host wish to activate Auto Pilot?"
Rey blinked.
"What does that mean?"
System:
"Auto Pilot allows the System to control Host's body with maximum efficiency.
System can adapt perfectly to Host's power output."
"Hmm…" Rey murmured. "Let's try it."
System:
"Activating this function requires one Mana Stone."
"Ughhh…" Rey groaned.
"Again with the Mana Stone? I'm going bankrupt."
"Fine, open it."
System:
"Auto Pilot function unlocked.
Does Host wish to activate it?"
"Yes," Rey answered. "Activate."
The moment Auto Pilot activated—
Rey's eyes glowed with an unnatural light.
He vanished completely.
Melvin, Elysa, and even the Frost Dragon lost sight of him.
In the next instant—
Rey appeared behind the Frost Dragon.
He activated the dagger's stored power.
The absorbed ice magic erupted outward.
The Frost Dragon's body froze partially.
Rey surged forward.
BOOM!
The dragon crashed into the ground.
The earth shattered.
Rey descended like lightning.
His second strike landed.
The impact was catastrophic.
The ground exploded as if struck by a meteor.
The Frost Dragon's body collapsed completely.
Silence followed.
Melvin and Elysa stared in disbelief.
The Level 89 monster had fallen.
Melvin shouted in awe.
"Lord Rey is incredible! A Level 89 monster defeated with only three attacks!"
Elysa clasped her hands tightly.
"Lord Rey is unbelievably strong. His power is like a Class S adventurer… no, even stronger."
"He feels like someone above Level 95."
Rey looked down at his own hands.
"How can you control my body so perfectly?" Rey asked.
"When I try to control my speed and strength, it becomes unstable."
System:
"System calculates optimal output points for Host's power."
"System recommends Host train extensively to gain full control over acquired strength."
"Alright," Rey nodded.
"Now… check my level."
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: REY
Level: 39
Race: Human
Role: Free
Title: Chosen One (All stats ×30)
Stats:
HP: 6530 ×30STR: 250 ×30AGI: 200 ×30SPD: 210 ×30INT: 120 ×30END: 110 ×30MP: 10 ×30Note: HP calculated after END.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rey blinked.
"Huh? Only seven levels?"
System:
"Seven levels is not a small amount. Many others struggle to gain even one level."
"Host is fortunate to possess the passive skill 'Overgrowth.'"
"Alright… alright," Rey sighed.
"So I'm Level 39 now. I can leave the dungeon, right?"
System:
"Yes, Host. However, System recommends opening rewards first."
"Hmm… fine. Open the rewards."
Reward Package7000 bonus EXP after leveling to Level 3010 bonus stats after leveling to Level 3010 bonus stats after killing monsters above Level 3010 bonus stats after killing monsters above Level 4017500 bonus EXP after killing monster above Level 8030 bonus stats after killing monster above Level 80Mana Stone ×1 after leveling to Level 30Mid-tier Potion ×2 after leveling to Level 30High-tier Potion ×2 after killing monster above Level 80Mana Stone ×2 after killing monster above Level 803000 Gold Coin after killing monster above Level 80"Hahahahaha!" Rey laughed loudly.
"So many rewards just from killing that Frost Dragon Level 89."
"I can level up again if I use all this EXP."
InventoryTotal Stats: 260Total EXP: 49,000Mana Stone: 12Low-tier Potion: 8Mid-tier Potion: 14High-tier Potion: 4Gold Coin: 10,500Rey used all stored EXP.
He reached Level 40.
He turned toward Melvin and Elysa.
"It's over," Rey said. "We're leaving this dungeon."
Melvin and Elysa smiled brightly.
Elysa clasped her hands.
"Really, Lord Rey? We're finally leaving? I've been waiting for this."
"Don't worry," Rey replied. "I'll find a shortcut."
Rey asked the System.
System:
"There is a shortcut. However, Host must pay 1000 Gold Coin."
"Normally it costs 500 Gold Coin, but Host is bringing others."
"1000 Gold?" Rey muttered.
"Expensive… but I have over 10,000 now."
"No problem. Activate it."
Light enveloped the three of them.
In a blink—
They were outside.
Rey opened his eyes.
Sunlight.
Warm.
Beautiful.
Tears welled up.
Finally… finally I'm out of that cursed place.
"I'm going to enjoy myself."
Ding Dong.
System:
"Host detected outside dungeon."
"Host must register at Beginner City."
"To conceal Host's true power, System will reset Host's displayed level to Level 15."
"Below are the stats and level that will be applied to Host."
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: REY
Level: 15
Race: Human
Role: Free
Title: Chosen One (All stats ×30)
Stats:
HP: 3030 ×30STR: 90 ×30AGI: 80 ×30SPD: 90 ×30INT: 50 ×30END: 50 ×30MP: 10 ×30Note: HP calculated after END.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rey stared at the status window in shock.
"Level 15?!" Rey exclaimed. "What about my Level 40?! What happened to all the stats I worked so hard to collect?!"
His heart pounded.
"System, don't mess with me like this! I just got out of that cursed dungeon and wanted to enjoy myself, and now you've taken everything away?!"
System:
"This is only a surface concealment."
"It functions as a disguise to hide Host's true power from others."
"System advises Host to inform the two women."
Rey froze for a moment.
"Oh…" he muttered. "So it's like fake values?"
"But when the time comes, I can still show my real strength?"
System:
"That is correct, Host."
"However, System strongly advises Host to control power usage."
"Outside the dungeon, many individuals will target Host."
"Host's strength is abnormal."
"There exist super-powerful beings capable of detecting the System if they focus."
Rey's expression darkened.
"What kind of beings?" he asked. "How can they even detect you?"
System:
"Because their power exists above this world."
"However, if Host reaches a sufficiently high level, they will be unable to detect the System."
Rey clenched his fist.
So I need to become stronger. Fast.
Inside his heart, a crooked grin appeared.
So my future harem life won't be disturbed by anyone… hehehehehe.
Melvin and Elysa called out to Rey, asking him to follow them to their destination.
Rey nodded.
"Alright, if that's what you want."
"But there's one condition."
He turned serious.
"You must keep it a secret that I defeated a Level 89 monster, and my power too."
"It will be troublesome if others find out."
Melvin and Elysa both nodded firmly.
They understood.
After some time, the three of them arrived before the massive gates of Beginner City.
Tall stone walls surrounded the city, filled with bustling life and adventurers of all ranks.
As Rey stepped forward, he was immediately stopped by the guards.
"You do not possess Beginner City resident status," one guard said sternly.
"You cannot enter freely."
Melvin stepped forward.
"He wants to register at the Adventurer Guild," Melvin explained.
Elysa nodded in agreement.
The guard frowned.
"Outsiders are not allowed to cause disturbances inside the city."
"He needs proper authorization."
Time passed.
Then—
A man approached them.
He was tall, well-built, wearing armor with signs of frequent battle.
It was Robert.
The party leader whom Melvin and Elysa had recently joined.
Robert frowned.
"Where have you two been? Where are my subordinate?" he asked.
Melvin and Elysa explained what had happened—but they hid Rey's true power.
They only spoke of Rey fighting a Level 25 Wolf, nearly dying in the process.
Robert clearly didn't believe them.
He turned to Rey.
"Where are you headed?" Robert asked.
"I want to register at the Adventurer Guild," Rey replied calmly.
Robert thought for a moment.
"Fine," he said. "I'll take responsibility and escort you."
He informed the guards and discreetly slipped them coins.
Rey noticed everything.
Something feels off, Rey thought.
But for now, I'll follow his flow.
They arrived at the Adventurer Guild.
Rey registered.
As part of the process, he was asked to hold a crystal orb.
The orb glowed faintly.
MP Value: 10
The moment the number appeared—
Laughter erupted.
"Hahaha! MP 10?!"
"Is this guy serious?"
"With MP that low, he won't survive a dungeon!"
"Every role needs MP to activate skills!"
Rey ignored them.
Inside, he smiled.
Perfect.
My strategy worked.
No one will look at me seriously—even if I do something big later.
After registration, Robert approached him.
"You must join my party," Robert said coldly.
"I helped you register."
"You'll work under me from now on."
"If not, I'll tell every party and even the clans that you have no talent."
"MP 10."
Rey burst into laughter.
"Hahahahaha!"
"You want to tell people about my MP?"
"If you're going to do it, print posters too so everyone knows faster."
"If you want to tell them, go ahead."
"The sooner the better."
"Right now, I want to rest."
"So don't bother me."
At that moment—
Melvin and Elysa stepped forward.
"We're leaving the party," they said together.
"These are all the items we borrowed. We're returning them."
Melvin removed a shining accessory.
It was expensive.
Worth 100 Gold Coins.
Robert's face twisted with rage.
"Melvin!!! Elysa!!!"
"Do you even know party rules?!"
Melvin replied calmly.
"As far as we know, there is no rule preventing us from leaving."
"We only need to return borrowed items."
Robert clenched his fists.
"That's true."
"But that accessory…"
"It doesn't belong to me."
"It belongs to the S-Rank Clan Glory Leader."
"He gave it to me so I could give it to you."
"Because of that, I received huge support from Clan Glory."
"Do you know how powerful Clan Glory is?!"
"They will do anything to get what they want!"
Rey snapped.
"What are you babbling about?"
"Melvin, Elysa—if you're done, let's go."
"If you want to stay, I'll leave alone."
Inside, Rey prayed.
Please decide quickly.
Melvin and Elysa made their choice.
They left Robert's party.
Robert exploded with rage, releasing his aura.
Rey's gaze turned icy.
"YOU."
"Stop right now—before I destroy you."
Robert felt terror grip him.
His legs gave out.
He collapsed.
His face pale.
He apologized desperately.
As Robert tried to flee—
Rey appeared instantly in front of him.
BAM.
One punch.
Robert collapsed unconscious.
Rey exhaled.
"Hmmm… with Level 15 strength, STR 90 is still manageable."
"One problem solved."
He turned.
"So, Melvin… Elysa… shall we move now?"
They nodded.
They went to their lodging.
Melvin explained.
"We rented rooms here."
"A cheap place."
"We paid 50 silver for a room with two beds."
"Lord Rey might get it cheaper since you're alone."
"50 silver?" Rey asked. "How much is that exactly? I only have gold coins."
System:
"1 Gold Coin = 100 Silver."
"1 Silver = 100 Copper."
"Ohhh…" Rey nodded. "Now I understand."
"Do you both have 100 silver?"
Elysa nodded.
"Yes. I have around 212 silver."
"Then exchange with me," Rey said. "I don't have silver."
Melvin and Elysa each gave him 100 silver.
Rey now had 200 silver.
"Tomorrow," Melvin said, "we can go to the exchange office."
"You can change money there."
Rey nodded.
"That's good."
"Having only gold coins is inconvenient."
Long story short—
Rey rented a room for 25 silver.
Paid 1 silver for dinner and breakfast.
And tipped the owner.
After dinner, Rey rested.
Morning came.
After breakfast, he met Melvin and Elysa.
They planned to head to the Currency Exchange Office.
To exchange money.
And to sell items obtained from the dungeon.
Rey walked forward—
Unaware—
That someone inside the city had already noticed something strange.
Something hidden.
Something that should not exist at Level 15.
And that was when—
A pair of cold eyes watched him from afar.