《Luck of the Dice (A Former Dungeon-Master's LITRPG)》 Chapter 1: The Luck of the Dice Miles Jorden darted into the small antique shop, the bell above the door jingling softly as he pushed it open. Rain cascaded in torrents outside, soaking through his already soggy hoodie. He muttered a curse under his breath, brushing water off his arms. It was just his luck¡ªthe forecast had been clear, but the weather decided to betray him anyway. The shop was cramped, dimly lit, and filled with the smell of old wood and dust. Shelves were crammed with knick-knacks, from tarnished teapots to eerie porcelain dolls. Miles was about to turn back into the rainstorm, but something caught his eye. In the far corner, a glass display case gleamed faintly. Inside, nestled among tarnished jewelry and ornate watches, was a set of dice. They weren¡¯t ordinary dice¡ªthey seemed carved from a material that shimmered between gold and black, their numbers glowing faintly, almost alive. ¡°Caught your eye, eh?¡± Miles turned to see the shopkeeper: an elderly man with sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through him. He wore an old cardigan, and his crooked smile was somehow both inviting and unsettling. ¡°How much for the dice?¡± Miles asked, his curiosity outweighing his usual skepticism. ¡°For you, $5,¡± the shopkeeper replied. Miles raised an eyebrow. ¡°That cheap? What¡¯s the catch?¡± The shopkeeper chuckled. ¡°No catch. Let¡¯s just say... they¡¯re meant for someone like you.¡± Miles frowned but fished a crumpled bill from his pocket. He handed it over, and the shopkeeper slid the dice into a small velvet pouch. As Miles took the pouch, the man¡¯s smile widened, his eyes glinting with an unreadable emotion. ¡°Good luck,¡± the shopkeeper said, his voice oddly heavy with meaning. Back at his cramped apartment, Miles flopped onto his couch, tossing the pouch onto the coffee table. The rain still pounded against the windows, a rhythmic reminder of his terrible day. Fired from his job, rejected for yet another position, and ghosted by his date¡ªhe couldn¡¯t even remember the last time something went right. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re worth five bucks,¡± he muttered, pulling the dice out of the pouch. They felt cool and heavy in his hand, their surface unnaturally smooth. He placed them on the table and gave them a roll. The moment the dice hit the surface, the numbers glowed fiercely, illuminating the room in golden light. A deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind: ¡°Player identified. Initializing transfer...¡± ¡°What the¡ª¡± Miles barely managed to speak before the world dissolved around him.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Light consumed his vision, and a rush of wind roared in his ears. His stomach churned as if he were falling through endless space. Then, with a thud, he landed on hard ground. Miles groaned, pushing himself up. He was no longer in his apartment. Instead, he stood in the middle of a dense forest, sunlight streaming through the canopy above. The air smelled fresh, too fresh, and the distant sound of birdsong mingled with the rustle of leaves. ¡°What the hell just happened?¡± he muttered. A glowing screen materialized before him, floating in mid-air. Welcome, Player. You have been summoned to [Alandria]. Your skills will be determined by your luck and choices. Proceed with caution. The screen flickered, revealing a set of stats. Name: Miles Jorden Class: [Roller] Abilities: ¡°What... is this?¡± Miles waved a hand through the screen, but it stayed firm. His mind raced, piecing together the situation. He had been isekaied. The dice had dragged him into some sort of game world. Before he could process further, a sharp growl froze him in place. From the underbrush, a pack of goblin-like creatures emerged, their green, leathery skin glinting in the sunlight. Each one held crude weapons¡ªrusted swords and jagged clubs. Their beady red eyes fixed on him with predatory glee. ¡°Of course,¡± Miles muttered, backing away. ¡°This is how it starts.¡± The largest goblin snarled and raised its club. As it charged, the system screen popped up again. Initiating combat. Roll for action. A six-sided die appeared in his hand, materializing out of thin air. Miles didn¡¯t have time to question it. Instinct took over, and he rolled. The die hit the ground, spinning wildly before stopping on a 6. Critical Success. A surge of energy coursed through Miles as the system announced: ¡°Skill Unlocked: Beginner¡¯s Blade.¡± In a flash, a simple but sturdy sword appeared in his hand. He gripped it tightly, just as the goblin lunged at him. With surprising ease, Miles sidestepped and swung the sword in a wide arc. The blade connected with the goblin¡¯s side, sending it sprawling to the ground. The creature dissolved into shimmering particles, leaving behind a small pouch of coins. The other goblins hesitated but then screeched and charged together. ¡°Not good,¡± Miles muttered, rolling the die again. This time, it landed on a 4, and the system responded: ¡°Moderate Success: Evasive Maneuver.¡± Miles felt his body move faster than he thought possible, dodging the incoming attacks with an awkward but effective series of rolls and leaps. His sword slashed out, taking down another goblin. The remaining creatures hissed in frustration, retreating slightly to regroup. ¡°Okay, I can work with this,¡± Miles said, adrenaline pumping through him. He rolled again, landing a 5. The system declared: ¡°Skill Activated: Cleave Strike.¡± His sword glowed faintly as he charged forward, swinging it in a powerful arc that cut through the remaining goblins in one blow. They disintegrated into glowing particles, leaving the forest eerily quiet. Breathing heavily, Miles leaned against a tree. The glowing interface reappeared. Combat Complete. Rewards: 10 Gold, 1 Healing Potion. Experience Gained. ¡°Right,¡± he said, picking up the coins and the small vial left behind. ¡°So I¡¯m in some kind of RPG world. With dice powers.¡± The absurdity of it all hit him, but so did a strange sense of excitement. For once, his uncanny luck might actually be useful. As he stared at the pouch of dice in his hand, a grin spread across his face. ¡°Let¡¯s see how far this luck can take me.¡± Chapter 2: Into the Unknown The sun dipped lower in the sky as Miles wandered through the forest, the events of the day still fresh in his mind. His encounter with the goblins had left him more shaken than he cared to admit, but the glowing system screen hovering before him reminded him of what he had accomplished. Player Status: Name: Miles Jorden Level: 1 HP: 100/100 Abilities Unlocked: Beginner¡¯s Blade, Cleave Strike, Evasive Maneuver Inventory: ¡°Okay, Miles,¡± he muttered to himself, rubbing his temples. ¡°You survived the goblins. Now you just need somewhere safe to crash before something worse comes along.¡± The forest stretched endlessly in every direction, and the rustling of leaves and distant howls reminded him that the night wouldn¡¯t be forgiving. As if sensing his growing anxiety, the system chimed in: Quest Activated: Find Shelter Objective: Locate a safe resting place before nightfall. Reward: 50 EXP, +1 Luck Miles blinked at the screen. ¡°Wait, I get rewards for doing things I was going to do anyway? I think I¡¯m starting to like this system.¡± As the shadows lengthened, Miles kept moving, scanning the area for anything that could serve as a temporary shelter. He came across a few overhangs and hollow logs, but none felt secure enough. The system periodically flashed prompts: Roll for Perception. Each time, Miles rolled his dice, holding his breath. His uncanny luck didn¡¯t fail him, and after several high rolls, he spotted a narrow trail leading up a rocky slope. At the end of the trail, half-hidden by a curtain of vines, was a cave. The entrance was small, just wide enough for him to squeeze through, but inside, it opened into a spacious chamber. The air was cool but dry, and the ground was mostly flat. Best of all, there were no immediate signs of hostile creatures. Miles let out a relieved sigh. ¡°Jackpot.¡± The system chimed again: Quest Progress: Shelter Found. Roll for Safety Check.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Safety check?¡± Miles asked aloud. ¡°What, like making sure there¡¯s no bears or giant spiders in here?¡± With a shrug, he tossed the dice. They landed on a 6 and a 5, prompting the system to announce: Critical Success: The cave is uninhabited and defensible. Proceed with caution. ¡°Thank you, dice gods,¡± Miles said, flopping down onto the cool stone floor. As night fell, Miles set about preparing for rest. The system prompted him with options, offering advice for surviving in the wild. One such option included rolling to gather resources for a makeshift barrier at the cave¡¯s entrance. ¡°Sure, why not?¡± Miles said, rolling again. The dice landed on a 6 and a 4. Success: You gather sturdy branches and vines to create a secure barrier. Miles found himself working with an almost unnatural efficiency, weaving the materials into a surprisingly solid barricade that covered the entrance. The system even gave him a bonus: Temporary Skill Unlocked: Basic Fortifications ¡°That¡¯s... really specific,¡± Miles said, wiping sweat from his brow. ¡°But hey, I¡¯ll take it.¡± With the barrier in place, he rolled again for a fire. His luck held, and he managed to find flint stones near the cave, sparking a small but warm flame that filled the chamber with light and heat. As Miles sat by the fire, nibbling on some wild berries he found (after another successful roll for foraging), the system chimed with a final prompt for the night: Roll for Night Defense. His heart skipped a beat. ¡°Defense? From what?¡± The dice felt heavier in his hand as he rolled. They clattered across the stone floor, landing on a 5 and a 6. Critical Success: Passive Protection Activated. Barrier reinforced with magical warding for the night. A soft glow emanated from the barrier at the cave entrance, faintly shimmering with a protective aura. Miles stared in awe as the system explained: Warding Barrier (Temporary): Prevents hostile entities from entering the cave until dawn. Miles leaned back against the cave wall, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Now this is the kind of luck I can get used to.¡± As the fire crackled, Miles let himself relax for the first time since arriving in this world. The events of the day played back in his mind: the dice, the goblins, the system, and now this defensible cave. He looked at the glowing dice in his hand, marveling at how they felt like an extension of himself. For once in his life, luck wasn¡¯t just a fluke¡ªit was his power. ¡°Maybe this world isn¡¯t so bad after all,¡± he muttered, stifling a yawn. The system screen hovered in the air, displaying his progress: Quest Complete: Find Shelter. Reward: +50 EXP, +1 Luck. Miles drifted off to sleep, the soft glow of the warded barrier illuminating the cave. Outside, the forest grew darker, the sounds of nocturnal predators echoing through the night. But for now, he was safe. And for the first time in a long time, Miles felt like he might have rolled something better than just a temporary streak of fortune. This was his chance to finally turn the tide. Chapter 3: The Morning Gambit Miles woke to the sound of guttural voices, their harsh tones echoing faintly through the cave. His eyes snapped open, and for a split second, he forgot where he was. The glowing dice pouch beside him and the faint shimmer of the magical barrier at the cave entrance quickly reminded him: this wasn¡¯t a dream. He pushed himself up, his muscles stiff from sleeping on the stone floor, and carefully approached the barrier. The light from the ward had dimmed but was still visible¡ªa faint blue shimmer covering the entrance. Beyond it, a small horde of goblins had gathered. Their green, leathery skin glistened in the morning sunlight filtering through the forest. They brandished crude weapons¡ªdaggers, clubs, and even a rusty spear or two. Miles counted at least a dozen of them, each one snarling and growling in frustration as they pressed against the invisible ward. ¡°Seriously?¡± he whispered, backing away. ¡°Can¡¯t a guy catch a break?¡± The largest goblin, wearing a crude crown made of bones, stepped forward and slammed his club against the barrier. Sparks of magical energy rippled outward, holding firm. The goblin screeched something in its guttural language, and the others joined in, shouting and beating at the ward with renewed fury. Miles fumbled for his dice pouch, heart pounding. He didn¡¯t know how long the barrier would hold, but the system¡¯s familiar chime offered a glimmer of hope. System Alert: Hostile Forces Detected Threat Level: Moderate Luck Factor: Applied A new prompt appeared: Roll to Assess Barrier Integrity. Miles rolled immediately, his hands trembling as the dice clattered to the floor. They landed on a 5 and a 6. Critical Success: Barrier Reinforced by Passive Luck Bonus. Duration Extended by 2 Hours. The shimmering ward brightened for a moment, sending a ripple of energy outward that pushed the goblins back a few steps. They hissed and snarled, but their strikes against the barrier became more cautious. Miles exhaled a shaky breath. ¡°Okay, that buys me some time. But I can¡¯t just sit here and wait for them to break through.¡± The system offered another prompt: Objective: Escape or Eliminate Threat Options Available: ¡°Negotiation? With goblins? Yeah, no thanks.¡± Miles shook his head and selected the second option. Roll for Combat Advantage.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. He tossed the dice again, holding his breath. They rolled and landed on a 4 and a 5. Success: Ambush Position Established. Bonus to First Strike Damage. Miles grinned as the system highlighted a series of rocks near the back of the cave. With the barrier holding the goblins at bay, he quickly climbed to the higher vantage point, steadying himself behind a large boulder. New Skill Unlocked: Rockfall Strike Description: Use the environment to damage multiple enemies. Requires roll for accuracy.** He looked up at the jagged rocks hanging precariously above the cave entrance. ¡°That¡¯s convenient,¡± he muttered, gripping his dice. The goblin leader barked orders, and the smaller goblins began probing the barrier again, their blows growing more frenzied. The shimmer of the ward flickered, and Miles knew it wouldn¡¯t last forever. ¡°Showtime,¡± he muttered, rolling the dice. They landed on a 6 and a 4, and the system responded: Success: Rockfall Strike Activated. Damage Multiplier Applied. Miles shoved against the boulder with all his might, and the rocks above the cave entrance groaned ominously. The goblins froze, their red eyes darting upward just as the first stone broke free. A cascade of jagged rocks tumbled down, slamming into the goblins with devastating force. Screeches and yelps filled the air as half of the group was crushed or pinned beneath the rubble. The goblin leader barely managed to leap back, his crown askew as he roared in fury. System Update: Enemies Defeated: 7 EXP Gained: 70 Level Up! New Stats: Miles felt a surge of energy course through him as the system announced his level-up. But the fight wasn¡¯t over. The remaining goblins regrouped, their eyes blazing with renewed anger. The barrier flickered one last time before vanishing entirely, leaving Miles exposed. The goblin leader screeched and charged, his remaining minions following close behind. ¡°Time for the big guns,¡± Miles said, rolling the dice once more. The dice landed on a 6 and a 6. Critical Success: Cleave Strike Activated. Bonus Effect: Stunning Blow. Miles leapt from his perch, the Beginner¡¯s Blade materializing in his hand, glowing faintly with magical energy. As the goblins closed in, he swung the sword in a wide arc. The blade¡¯s glow intensified, sending a shockwave rippling outward. The goblins froze mid-charge, their weapons falling from their hands as they collapsed, stunned by the force of the attack. The goblin leader staggered but managed to stay upright, snarling defiantly. Miles rolled again, the dice spinning wildly before landing on a 5 and a 6. Skill Activated: Precision Strike. With a burst of speed, Miles lunged at the leader, his blade slicing cleanly through the goblin¡¯s defenses. The creature let out a final screech before dissolving into shimmering particles. System Update: Enemy Defeated: Goblin Leader EXP Gained: 50 Rare Loot Obtained: Goblin¡¯s Crown (Artifact) Miles collapsed to his knees, panting as the last of the goblins vanished. The forest fell silent once more, save for the rustling of leaves in the breeze. ¡°Okay,¡± he said between gasps. ¡°That was way too close.¡± The system chimed cheerfully: Quest Complete: Eliminate Threat. Reward: +100 EXP, +1 Luck. Miles chuckled weakly, looking at the glowing dice in his hand. For all the chaos they had brought him, he couldn¡¯t deny they were his best shot at surviving this strange new world. He pocketed the Goblin¡¯s Crown and stood, his eyes scanning the forest beyond. ¡°Let¡¯s hope my luck holds out,¡± he muttered, stepping into the morning light. This was his first attempt to understand this new world he had found himself in. Chapter 4: Into the Unknown The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting golden light across the forest floor. Miles stretched his sore muscles, still feeling the aftermath of the previous day¡¯s battle. His stomach growled loudly, cutting through the tranquil sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. ¡°Right, food,¡± he muttered, glancing at his inventory screen. Apart from a single healing potion, 10 gold coins, and the oddly ominous Goblin¡¯s Crown, he didn¡¯t have anything remotely edible. The system chimed helpfully: Quest Activated: Forage for Food Objective: Locate sustainable food in the forest. Reward: 75 EXP, +1 Survival Skill** Miles grinned at the reward. ¡°You keep dangling shiny things in front of me, system, and I¡¯ll keep jumping for them.¡± He adjusted the strap of his dice pouch, feeling their comforting weight as he ventured deeper into the forest. The forest was alive with activity. Squirrels darted through the branches, and the occasional deer pranced between the trees, always staying just out of reach. Miles noted the vibrancy of the world around him. It was far more vivid than the drab city streets he had left behind. For the first time, he wasn¡¯t thinking about his terrible luck back home¡ªjust how he could survive in this world. The system periodically prompted him to roll for perception. He tossed the dice, getting decent rolls¡ªa 4 and a 5. Success: Nearby edible resources detected. Proceed with caution. Miles followed the system¡¯s guidance to a small clearing. There, scattered beneath the shade of an enormous oak tree, was a cluster of mushrooms. They were a vibrant blue, speckled with white spots, glowing faintly in the dim light. The system chimed again: Rare Resource Found: Starcap Mushrooms Effect: Grants +2 Stamina and +50 EXP when consumed. Low toxicity risk. Roll to confirm safety before consumption. Miles knelt by the mushrooms, eyebrows raised. ¡°You¡¯re telling me these are edible and they give me a boost? What¡¯s the catch?¡± The system prompted a new roll: Roll to Determine Toxicity. Miles tossed the dice, watching them spin across the soft earth. They landed on a 6 and a 3. Moderate Success: Mushrooms are safe to eat. Minimal side effects. ¡°Minimal side effects,¡± Miles repeated, narrowing his eyes. ¡°You could be a little more specific, system.¡± His stomach growled again, and he sighed. ¡°Well, here goes nothing.¡± Plucking one of the glowing mushrooms, he hesitated for a moment before popping it into his mouth. The texture was surprisingly chewy, and the taste was sweet with a faint earthy aftertaste.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Almost immediately, warmth spread through his body, and the system flashed a notification: Starcap Mushroom Consumed. +2 Stamina Gained. +50 EXP Earned. New Stats: Miles grinned as he felt his fatigue ebb away. ¡°Not bad. Not bad at all.¡± He carefully gathered the remaining mushrooms, tucking them into a makeshift pouch he fashioned from his shirt. Inventory Update: ¡°Looks like breakfast is taken care of for a while,¡± he said, standing and brushing off his hands. With his immediate hunger addressed, Miles decided to explore further. The forest opened up into rolling meadows and rocky outcroppings, giving him a clearer view of the world around him. He climbed a small hill, marveling at the sight beyond. In the distance, he spotted a winding river glinting in the sunlight, with a faint plume of smoke rising near its banks. ¡°Civilization?¡± Miles murmured, excitement bubbling up. He was about to head that way when the system chimed again: Side Quest Activated: Investigate the Smoke Optional Objective: Proceed with caution. Roll for survival checks en route. ¡°Optional?¡± Miles muttered. ¡°You¡¯re saying I don¡¯t have to do this, but you know I¡¯m going to, don¡¯t you?¡± Shaking his head, he started toward the river, keeping an eye on his surroundings. The path toward the smoke wasn¡¯t without danger. The system prompted him to roll for perception periodically as he navigated the uneven terrain. On one roll, he scored a 3 and a 6, resulting in a Moderate Success. The system flashed a warning: Hostile Entity Detected: Wild Boar (Aggressive). Prepare for Combat. Miles barely had time to react before a massive boar charged out from the underbrush. Its tusks gleamed menacingly, and its deep snorts echoed through the forest. ¡°Why does this world hate me?¡± Miles yelled, drawing the Beginner¡¯s Blade from his inventory. The boar was fast, its bulk belying its speed. Miles barely dodged its initial charge, rolling to the side as its tusks gouged deep grooves into the ground where he had stood. The system chimed: Roll for Combat Initiative. Miles rolled his dice, landing a 5 and a 4. Success: Player Initiative Gained. Bonus Attack Activated. Capitalizing on the boar¡¯s momentary confusion, Miles lunged forward, swinging his blade in a precise arc. The sword bit into the boar¡¯s flank, drawing a pained squeal. The system flashed: Damage Dealt: 35 HP. Enemy HP Remaining: 65/100. The boar wheeled around, eyes blazing with fury, and charged again. Roll for Evasion. Miles rolled, his dice landing on a 6 and a 2. Success: Evasion Skill Activated. No Damage Taken. He dove to the side just in time, the boar¡¯s tusks missing him by inches. Miles gritted his teeth. ¡°This thing¡¯s tougher than those goblins!¡± The system prompted him for another attack roll. He threw the dice, landing a 6 and a 5. Critical Success: Cleave Strike Activated. Miles felt a surge of energy as his blade glowed faintly. With a roar, he brought the sword down in a powerful strike, cutting deep into the boar¡¯s side. The creature staggered, letting out one final squeal before collapsing. Combat Complete. Enemy Defeated. Rewards: Miles collapsed onto the ground, panting. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m definitely keeping these dice close.¡± With fresh meat in hand and his hunger sated by the Starcap mushrooms, Miles made his way cautiously toward the river. The plume of smoke loomed closer, and his thoughts raced with possibilities. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a village,¡± he mused. ¡°Or bandits. Knowing my luck, probably both.¡± As he approached, the system chimed again: Quest Progress: Forage for Food Completed. Reward: +75 EXP, +1 Survival Skill. New Skill Unlocked: Basic Tracking. Miles chuckled. ¡°This world¡¯s trying to kill me, but at least I¡¯m leveling up fast.¡± The dice pouch jingled at his side as he pressed forward, the glowing smoke marking his next adventure in this strange, dangerous world. Chapter 5: A Misguided Path The forest had grown denser as Miles followed the smoke plume in the distance. His newfound skill, Basic Tracking, highlighted subtle clues along the way: broken twigs, trampled grass, and faint trails that seemed to point him toward civilization. The prospect of finding a village filled Miles with hope. A village meant people, food, shelter, and most importantly, information about this strange world. But with every step, an uneasy feeling gnawed at him. ¡°Come on, Miles. You¡¯re doing fine,¡± he muttered, clutching his dice pouch. The small jingles it made with each step were oddly comforting. The system chimed, pulling his attention away from his worries. Quest Update: Track Down the Smoke Source Roll for Directional Accuracy. Miles took a deep breath, pulling out the dice. The glowing objects seemed to pulse faintly, as if alive with anticipation. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s see if my luck holds up,¡± he said, tossing them onto a nearby rock. The dice spun and clattered, landing on a 6 and a 5. Critical Success: Trail Identified. Proceed with confidence. A glowing line appeared in his vision, marking a path through the trees. It wasn¡¯t straight, weaving erratically like a twisting river, but it seemed reliable. Miles grinned, rolling the dice back into their pouch. ¡°See? Luck¡¯s finally on my side!¡± He stepped forward, determination in his stride. The path took him through increasingly unfamiliar terrain. The trees grew larger and gnarled, their twisted roots snaking above the ground like ancient serpents. The air turned cooler, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and moss. ¡°Doesn¡¯t exactly scream village,¡± Miles muttered, but the glowing line in his vision didn¡¯t waver. ¡°The system says it¡¯s right. Just keep going.¡± He passed over a ridge, his boots crunching on loose stones. The sound of running water reached his ears¡ªa small creek, babbling as it wound its way through the forest. The line led him across it, over a makeshift bridge of fallen logs. Miles paused on the other side, kneeling to drink from the creek. The water was icy and refreshing, rejuvenating him after the long trek. The system chimed again: Stamina Restored: +10 ¡°Nice,¡± Miles said, wiping his mouth. He stood, stretching before continuing along the glowing trail. The further he walked, the more unnatural the forest felt. The towering trees formed an almost impenetrable canopy, plunging the ground into shadow. The air grew heavier, and strange noises echoed through the woods¡ªscratching, distant whispers, the occasional rustle of leaves when there was no wind. Miles slowed his pace, unease prickling at the back of his neck. ¡°This... doesn¡¯t feel like a village.¡± The glowing line in his vision remained steadfast, urging him onward. He glanced at it, debating whether to trust the system. ¡°Critical success, right?¡± he said aloud, trying to reassure himself. ¡°The dice wouldn¡¯t lie to me.¡± But as he took another step, the ground beneath his foot gave way with a loud crack.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°Whoa!¡± Miles shouted, stumbling as the earth crumbled. Before he could react, the forest floor collapsed, sending him plummeting into darkness. Miles landed hard, the wind knocked from his lungs. He groaned, rolling onto his side and blinking against the sudden dim light. His surroundings were vastly different from the forest above. He was in a large, cavernous chamber, its walls lined with glowing blue crystals. The air was damp, and the sound of dripping water echoed eerily. Strange markings were etched into the stone floor, forming intricate patterns that pulsed faintly with a light of their own. The system chimed: New Area Discovered: Hidden Dungeon ¡ª Forgotten Catacombs Difficulty: Unknown Warning: High-Risk Zone. Proceed with caution. Miles sat up, wincing as he rubbed his shoulder. ¡°A dungeon? Great. Just great. I was trying to find a village, not a death trap.¡± He looked around, his eyes adjusting to the low light. The room he was in seemed empty, save for the glowing crystals and strange markings. A single, narrow passageway led deeper into the dungeon. The system prompted him again: Quest Update: Explore the Hidden Dungeon Objective: Survive and uncover its secrets. Reward: 200 EXP, Unique Item. ¡°Of course,¡± Miles muttered, standing and brushing dirt off his pants. ¡°Can¡¯t just climb back out, can I?¡± He glanced up at the hole he¡¯d fallen through. It was far above, the jagged edges of the opening silhouetted against the faint light of the forest. Roll for Environmental Analysis, the system prompted. Miles sighed, pulling out his dice. He tossed them onto the stone floor. The dice rolled and landed on a 5 and a 6. Critical Success: Exit Found. Marked on Map. A translucent map appeared in his vision, highlighting the layout of the dungeon. A glowing marker indicated an exit, though it was far from where he stood. ¡°Guess I¡¯m going deeper,¡± Miles said, gripping his dice pouch tightly. The narrow passageway led into another chamber, this one filled with more of the glowing crystals. In the center of the room stood a pedestal, and atop it rested a small, ornately carved box. Miles approached cautiously. The system chimed again: Roll for Trap Detection. He rolled the dice, watching them spin before landing on a 4 and a 5. Success: Trap Detected. Disarming Options Available. The system highlighted a series of pressure plates surrounding the pedestal, barely visible beneath the dust and grime. Miles knelt, studying the plates. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s not trigger anything, shall we?¡± The system offered a disarming roll, and he tossed the dice again. This time, they landed on a 6 and a 3. Success: Trap Disarmed. The plates shifted slightly before locking into place, the faint sound of gears clicking beneath the floor. Miles exhaled in relief, stepping forward to claim the box. As soon as his fingers touched it, the system flashed another notification: Loot Acquired: Rune-Carved Lockbox Description: A mysterious box sealed with magical runes. Requires a key to open. ¡°Well, that¡¯s cryptic,¡± Miles said, tucking the box into his inventory. As he prepared to leave the chamber, the dungeon rumbled faintly, and a low growl echoed from the passage ahead. Miles froze, his grip tightening on the Beginner¡¯s Blade. The system flashed a warning: Hostile Entities Detected: Lesser Wraiths (x3) Shadows began to coalesce at the far end of the room, taking on vaguely humanoid forms with glowing red eyes. Miles rolled his dice instinctively, landing a 6 and a 5. Critical Success: Surprise Attack Advantage. Before the wraiths could fully materialize, Miles lunged forward, his blade glowing faintly as he activated Cleave Strike. The attack struck true, slicing through the wraiths with a burst of energy. Two of them dissipated immediately, their forms unraveling into wisps of black smoke. The third wraith hissed, retreating momentarily. The system chimed: Damage Dealt: 80 HP Enemy HP Remaining: 20/100 Miles didn¡¯t wait for the wraith to recover. He rolled again, landing a 5 and a 4, and followed up with a precise strike that finished it off. The system congratulated him: Enemies Defeated: 3 Lesser Wraiths. EXP Gained: +90. Breathing heavily, Miles glanced around the now-silent chamber. The adrenaline coursing through his veins slowly ebbed as he realized just how dangerous this place could be. ¡°Next time,¡± he muttered, ¡°I¡¯m sticking to villages.¡± He glanced at the glowing map in his vision, noting the exit marker. Despite the danger, a flicker of curiosity burned in him. This dungeon was full of secrets¡ªand Miles had always been lucky when it came to rolling the dice. With renewed determination, he stepped forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Chapter 6: The Deeper Descent Miles stood still for a moment, wiping the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the now-silent chamber. The eerie glow of the blue crystals was almost comforting in this dark, unfamiliar place. The Lesser Wraiths were vanquished, their wispy forms now dissipated into nothingness. Yet, the danger hadn¡¯t passed. If anything, the deeper he ventured, the more unsettled he became. The system¡¯s map showed an exit marker not too far away, but it was on the other side of the dungeon, deeper into the shadows. Miles¡¯ fingers hovered over the glowing map in his vision as he pondered his options. ¡°Do I go back up and risk it?¡± he muttered to himself, glancing up at the jagged hole through which he had fallen. The climb would be difficult, and there was no telling what else awaited him in the deeper parts of the dungeon. ¡°Yeah,¡± he sighed, rolling his shoulders, ¡°let¡¯s see where this crazy path takes me.¡± He had been rolling his dice for most of his encounters so far, and while luck had been on his side, the dice had kept him alive through perilous situations. But he had to admit¡ªthis place, this dungeon, had a strange feeling to it. It wasn¡¯t just the ambiance; it was the unnerving stillness, as if the dungeon was alive, watching him. With a deep breath, Miles pressed forward, following the glowing blue crystals embedded in the stone walls. His Basic Tracking skill remained activated, and the system guided him toward the next chamber. As he walked, the winding passage grew narrower, the air heavier with each step. The rhythmic sound of his footsteps echoed in the silence. The further he moved, the darker the path became, and the less certain he felt about his decision to push deeper. It was easy to convince himself at first that he was doing the right thing¡ªafter all, the system had shown him a clear path. And yet, a creeping unease began to settle over him. "Why would there be an exit so deep?" he muttered, eyeing the glimmer of crystals that lit the path ahead. "This isn¡¯t right." Just then, the system chimed, causing him to flinch. Quest Update: Proceed Deeper into Dungeon for Better Rewards New Objective: Continue exploring to unlock hidden chambers. Reward: +200 EXP, +1 Dungeon Lore (Unlocked) ¡°That¡¯s just great,¡± Miles said dryly. ¡°Now I¡¯m not just stuck in a dungeon, I¡¯m supposed to go deeper for rewards?¡± The reward sounded tempting, but his gut told him otherwise. The dice had always been kind to him, but something about this dungeon felt different. It was as if the very air around him was thick with danger. Still, curiosity gnawed at him. Taking another cautious step forward, Miles paused before a new passageway appeared before him. This one was wider than the others, lined with strange runic symbols on the walls that pulsed faintly in the dim light. He reached out a hand to touch one of the symbols. It hummed under his fingertips, sending a chill through his body. Suddenly, the floor beneath him shifted. Roll for Perception. Miles pulled back, just in time for the floor to crack open beneath his feet. Before he could even react, he fell, landing with a harsh thud on something soft and wet. ¡°Great. More falling,¡± Miles groaned, his head spinning slightly from the impact. He scrambled to his feet, shaking off the dizziness, and quickly checked his status. HP: 65/100 Stamina: 9/12 At least he wasn¡¯t critically injured. Still, the fall had been jarring, and the world around him was eerily silent. He found himself in a large cavern, illuminated only by the faint glow of moss-covered rocks scattered along the floor. In the center of the cavern was a strange altar, its surface covered with more runic symbols, some of which were glowing faintly. ¡°Why does this place feel like some kind of ritual chamber?¡± Miles muttered, stepping forward cautiously.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. His feet crunched on the moss-covered floor as he approached the altar. The closer he got, the more intense the sensation of being watched became. His instincts screamed at him to leave, but curiosity held him in place. He turned back, but the path from which he¡¯d come had already sealed itself. The entrance was gone, replaced by a wall of rock, as if the dungeon had chosen to lock him in. ¡°Not again,¡± he hissed, his hand automatically reaching for the dice pouch at his waist. ¡°Alright, Miles, think. Think like a player. What would you do?¡± The system gave him no choice but to move forward. Quest Update: Investigate the Altar New Objective: Examine the altar for hidden secrets. Reward: +100 EXP, +1 Dungeon Lore The system wasn¡¯t letting up. Taking a deep breath, Miles stepped toward the altar and knelt, carefully running his fingers over the ancient carvings. The stone was cold and smooth, but the symbols felt alive, almost as if they were reacting to his touch. As his hand traced the final symbol, there was a sudden rumble, and the altar shifted. A low, guttural voice echoed through the cavern, seemingly coming from the walls themselves. ¡°Awaken, lost soul...¡± Miles jerked his hand back, eyes wide as the runes on the altar flared to life, casting a harsh glow across the cavern. From the shadows, something stirred. Roll for Perception. With his heart racing, Miles threw the dice, his hands trembling. The dice spun in midair and landed, almost predictably, on a 5 and a 4. Success: Enemy Presence Detected. The shadows around the altar began to take form, coalescing into two towering figures. Their eyes gleamed a fiery red, and their grotesque forms towered over him, long claws scraping against the stone floor. ¡°Great,¡± Miles muttered, unsheathing his sword. ¡°I guess this is where the fun begins.¡± The system flashed a new alert: Hostile Entities Detected: Dark Sentinels (x2) HP: 150/150 (Each) Weakness: Holy Magic, Fire ¡°Holy Magic? Fire? What am I, a paladin?¡± Miles quipped, tightening his grip on the sword. He had no spells, no magic to speak of. He¡¯d only ever relied on his dice¡ªand they¡¯d gotten him this far. The Sentinels lunged simultaneously, their clawed hands sweeping toward him with terrifying speed. Miles rolled backward, narrowly dodging one of the attacks. His sword sliced through the air, but it barely scratched the Sentinel¡¯s thick armor. Roll for Evasion. The dice clattered on the floor, landing on a 3 and a 6. Success: Evasion Activated. No Damage Taken. Miles scrambled to his feet, scanning the Sentinels. They were fast, their movements sharp and predatory. He could feel his stamina draining quickly as he dodged another strike, his sword clashing against the Sentinel¡¯s clawed arm. "Come on, give me something!" Miles shouted, his voice echoing in the cavern. Roll for Critical Attack. The dice spun again. This time, they landed on 6 and 5. Critical Success: Flame Strike Activated. To his surprise, a burst of fiery energy erupted from his sword, engulfing the Sentinel¡¯s arm. The creature screeched in pain as the flames licked at its body. For a brief moment, it faltered, its red eyes flickering with confusion. Miles didn¡¯t hesitate. He lunged forward, sword raised high. He wasn¡¯t sure how it happened, but his strike connected with the Sentinel¡¯s chest, and the creature stumbled back, its form disintegrating into shadowy wisps. Enemy Defeated: Dark Sentinel (x1). EXP Gained: +100 A sense of accomplishment surged through him, but there was no time to celebrate. The second Dark Sentinel was already upon him, its claws aimed for his throat. Roll for Evasion. The dice spun, landing on a 4 and a 2. Failure: Attack Evaded, but Player Takes 20 Damage. The claws raked across his side, and Miles grunted in pain, stumbling back. He quickly checked his health. HP: 45/100 His hand shot to the dice pouch again. ¡°Alright, no more chances,¡± he muttered. The second Sentinel raised its claws for another strike. Miles raised his sword, focusing all his energy into one final attack. Roll for Final Strike. The dice landed on a 6 and a 6. Ultimate Success: Sword of Destiny Activated. In a burst of intense light, his sword became an extension of his will. The blade cleaved through the air, carving through the second Sentinel¡¯s chest. With one final scream, the creature disintegrated into ash. Enemy Defeated: Dark Sentinel (x2). EXP Gained: +100 Miles collapsed to his knees, panting heavily as the echo of the battle faded. The dungeon was silent again, save for the faint hum of the altar¡¯s runes. His heart raced as the adrenaline slowly wore off, but he had survived. ¡°Next time,¡± he said, his voice shaky, ¡°I¡¯m definitely taking the village route.¡± The system chimed with a final notification. Dungeon Objective Complete: Enemies Defeated. Reward: +200 EXP, Rune of Fate He glanced at the glowing rune in his inventory, a strange sense of accomplishment settling over him. He had ventured deeper into the dungeon and emerged victorious. But the deeper he went, the more questions arose. The rune¡¯s energy hummed faintly in his pocket, as if beckoning him to uncover even more secrets. The exit was still out of reach. And for the first time since he arrived in this world, Miles wasn¡¯t sure if he was even heading in the right direction anymore. Chapter 7: The Swarm and the Sweet Escape Miles was starting to feel like the dungeon had a vendetta against him. Each step felt heavier as he cautiously made his way through the next chamber¡ªa dark, musty space that reeked of decay and damp earth. He had hoped to get out of this dungeon as quickly as possible, but the deeper he ventured, the more impossible that seemed to be. Every twist and turn seemed to lead him into more danger, more trials. He had no idea how long he had been stuck in this underground labyrinth, but he was starting to lose track of time. After defeating the Dark Sentinels, the path ahead seemed clearer. He had heard the familiar hum of the system¡¯s guidance, leading him towards a possible exit. However, as he turned a corner, he stumbled upon a wide opening, revealing a large cavern bathed in the sickly yellow light of bioluminescent plants. The air was thick with the buzzing of something unseen¡ªan unsettling, almost rhythmic hum that filled his ears. Before him was a nest. It stretched across the entire cavern, hanging from the stalactites and covering the floor in thick, waxy layers. It looked like a beehive on steroids, but there were no normal bees here. These creatures were far larger and far more dangerous. Miles squinted, trying to make sense of the situation. Roll for Perception. He held his breath as the dice hit the floor. The numbers spun into place: 2 and 1. Failure: Limited Awareness. His heart sank as the dice rolled. He hadn¡¯t seen anything particularly out of the ordinary. He could barely make out the shadows of the creatures inside the nest, but that didn¡¯t stop the humming from growing louder, more intense. A shiver ran down his spine. ¡°Alright, just move quickly and quietly,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡± With careful steps, Miles edged around the outside of the cavern, staying as far from the hive as possible. He moved with the precision of someone who had been on edge for far too long, knowing that one wrong move could cost him his life. Just as he reached the far side of the cavern, his foot scraped against a small rock. Roll for Stealth. The dice danced in the air and landed with a heavy clatter: 3 and 2. Failure: Stealth Check Failed. The noise was minimal, but the swarm heard it. Like a tide of furious bees, a hundred pairs of glowing eyes snapped open from within the hive. The buzzing increased in volume and intensity, and Miles¡¯ heart skipped a beat. ¡°Oh no,¡± he whispered. ¡°Oh no, no, no.¡± The swarm erupted from their nest, dark shapes flying toward him faster than he could react. His instincts screamed at him to run, but the realization hit him like a ton of bricks: there was no way out. Roll for Evasion. Miles rolled the dice in a desperate hope to escape, but when the numbers settled, they didn¡¯t give him much to work with. A 1 and a 4. Failure: Evasion Failed. The bees¡ªif that was what they were¡ªslammed into him with a force that knocked him to the ground. They weren¡¯t just large; their stingers were razor-sharp, and their sheer numbers were overwhelming. Miles yelped in pain as the first sting landed in his shoulder, followed by another across his cheek. His body instinctively jerked, trying to shake them off, but the swarm was relentless.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. HP: 30/100 "Come on!" he gritted his teeth, scrambling backward, swatting at the creatures. "Get off me, get off me!" Roll for Strength. His hands were shaking, his fingers fumbling to grab the dice from his pouch. He threw them with all the strength he could muster, praying for something¡ªanything¡ªto save him. The dice tumbled across the floor, and the outcome was¡­ dismal: 2 and 3. Failure: Strength Check Failed. The bees were relentless. Each sting felt like fire, each buzz like a hammer pounding in his ears. His stamina was draining faster than he could fight them off. His vision blurred, and he could feel the cold sweat trickling down his back as his body began to lose the fight. Just as he was about to give up, something strange happened. The swarm suddenly pulled back. The creatures hovered in the air, their wings whirring loudly, but they didn¡¯t attack anymore. Miles barely had the strength to comprehend what had happened, but he knew he had to act fast. He turned his head, his body covered in stings and bruises, and spotted something that caught his eye. At the far end of the cavern, near the walls, a cluster of strange, golden-glowing honeycombs had formed. This honey didn¡¯t look ordinary¡ªno, it shimmered with a kind of ethereal light. And, as crazy as it sounded, Miles had a sudden, wild idea. Miles didn¡¯t have much of a choice. The bees were still hovering in the air, watching him, but they didn¡¯t seem inclined to attack for the moment. He staggered to his feet, his legs shaky, and began stumbling toward the honey. His plan was reckless, but if he could get to the honey, maybe there was a chance he could survive this. His mind raced, and despite the pain that clouded his thoughts, he pushed forward, moving as fast as he could. Roll for Luck. He threw the dice, nearly dropping them in his haste. The numbers spun: 6 and 6. Critical Success: Lucky Encounter. The dice responded in ways Miles had never seen before. As soon as the dice hit the floor, something changed. The bees shifted again, but this time, they didn¡¯t seem so aggressive. It was as though they had received some sort of signal from the golden honeycomb. And then, out of nowhere, a large, glowing honeydrop fell from the hive and landed at Miles¡¯ feet. The swarm didn¡¯t attack¡ªit simply hovered as though in some strange, trance-like state. ¡°Are they¡­ guarding it?¡± Miles muttered, bewildered by what was happening. Without wasting any more time, he scooped up the golden honeydrop. It felt warm in his hand, almost alive, and he could feel its power radiating from it. It was strange¡ªthis honey wasn¡¯t like anything he had ever seen. It looked as though it had a faint, golden glow, and the air around it seemed to hum with energy. Without thinking, Miles brought it to his lips and took a small taste. The effect was immediate. HP Restored: +50 Status Buff: Stamina +5 Item Discovered: Healing Honey The honey was more than just a food source¡ªit was a potent, magical substance that healed his wounds and restored his stamina. In an instant, Miles felt his strength returning. His body no longer felt like it was on the edge of collapse. The throbbing pain from the bee stings began to dull, replaced with a comforting warmth that spread through his body. The bees, as if sensing that the situation had shifted, finally withdrew. Their buzzing grew softer, their presence less intimidating as they returned to their hive. Miles stood there, breathing heavily but relieved that the immediate danger had passed. "Well, that was insane," Miles muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. The honey in his hand was still warm, and his injuries were already beginning to heal. Roll for Gratitude. Miles wasn¡¯t sure if he was just losing it at this point, but he threw the dice one more time. They landed on 5 and 4. Success: Luck Confirmed. The honey was not only an effective medicine¡ªit had also given him an unexpected advantage. ¡°Alright, Miles. Time to make your exit,¡± he said, smiling in spite of himself. He didn¡¯t know how much longer the bees would be docile, but now, with the honey in his possession and his strength back, he had one goal: get out of this dungeon. He started toward the cavern¡¯s exit, more confident now that he had the advantage of healing honey in his bag. The deeper parts of the dungeon were behind him, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come. For now, though, he had survived. And that, for Miles Jorden, was a small victory. Little did he know, the dungeon¡¯s trials were far from over. Chapter 8: The Puzzle of the Three-Headed Guardian Miles staggered through the dimly lit passage, his legs pounding with every step. Behind him, the buzzing of the swarm echoed faintly, the bees seeming less aggressive now but still too close for comfort. His heart was still racing from the encounter, but his mind was already moving onto the next problem: finding somewhere safe to hide and recover. The honey¡¯s restorative properties had kept him alive, but he knew that it wouldn¡¯t last forever. As he stumbled around another corner, the system chimed softly in his mind. Quest Update: Find a Safe Space Objective: Locate a secure location to evade the swarm. Reward: +50 EXP, Temporary Buff ¨C Focus +1 "Safe space? Sure, because I haven¡¯t been doing that this entire time," he muttered sarcastically, glancing around the endless stone walls. Up ahead, the passage split into three separate tunnels, each equally dark and uninviting. Miles paused, weighing his options. Roll for Perception. He reached for his dice, his hands trembling slightly as he tossed them onto the ground. They spun and landed with a satisfying clatter: 5 and 6. Critical Success: Hidden Room Detected. Almost immediately, a faint outline of a door shimmered into view along the wall of the middle tunnel. It was faint, almost ethereal, but it was unmistakably there. Miles blinked in surprise and quickly approached it. The system provided another prompt: Roll to Open Secret Room. "Alright, here goes nothing," he said, tossing the dice once more. They landed on a 4 and a 5. Success: Secret Room Unlocked. With a low rumble, the faint outline solidified into a physical door. The ancient stone creaked as it swung inward, revealing a dark, cavernous room lit by an unnatural golden glow. Miles wasted no time, slipping inside and shutting the door behind him. The buzzing of the bees faded into silence, leaving him in a strange, almost oppressive stillness. As Miles turned to take in his surroundings, his eyes widened in awe¡ªand dread. The room was larger than he expected, the walls covered in intricate carvings that seemed to pulse faintly with golden light. At the center of the room stood a massive three-headed dog, its muscular form sprawled out before a small stone pedestal. On the pedestal was a small box, no larger than a jewelry case, glowing faintly with a soft, golden light. Miles froze, his breath catching in his throat. The dog¡¯s three heads were alert, each one seemingly aware of his presence despite its closed eyes. The creature¡¯s chest rose and fell rhythmically, its snores echoing softly in the chamber. New Quest: Retrieve the Box Objective: Obtain the box without waking the guardian. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.Reward: +300 EXP, +1 Rare Item "Of course," Miles whispered, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Why would it ever be easy?" He considered his options carefully. The system hadn¡¯t given him any details about the creature¡¯s stats, but it was clear that this thing was no ordinary dog. He reached for his dice again. Roll for Combat. The dice clattered to the floor, and Miles held his breath as the numbers landed: 3 and 4. Failure: Combat Not Advised. Enemy Stats Exceed Player Capabilities. "Great," Miles muttered. The system flashed another message, almost mocking in its tone: Hint: Use Your Head. The Tools in Your Possession Hold the Answer. Miles frowned, his eyes darting to his inventory. He didn¡¯t have much¡ªa few healing honeydrops, some dried rations, his sword, and his dice. None of it screamed "solution" to him. But then, another prompt appeared: Hint: The Guardian Falls Into a 4-Hour Deep Sleep After Consuming Something Sweet. His eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. The honey! The guardian liked sweet things, and the honeydrop he had received earlier wasn¡¯t just a lifesaver¡ªit was the key to getting past this beast. Miles reached into his pouch and pulled out the glowing honeydrop, the golden substance still radiating warmth. He approached the guardian cautiously, his heart pounding with every step. The three-headed dog stirred slightly as he neared, one of its massive paws twitching. Miles froze, holding his breath. ¡°Easy, boy¡­ or boys?¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible. He stopped just out of reach and gently placed the honeydrop on the ground. The rich, sweet scent wafted through the air, and almost immediately, the dog¡¯s three noses twitched. One of the heads lifted slightly, its glowing red eyes blinking open as it sniffed the air. For a moment, Miles thought he was done for. The massive creature¡¯s jaws opened slightly, revealing rows of sharp teeth. But instead of attacking, the guardian slowly leaned forward, its heads sniffing curiously at the honeydrop. One of the heads nudged the honeydrop with its nose before lapping it up with a long, slimy tongue. The other two heads soon followed suit, devouring the honey with surprising gentleness. As the creature finished the treat, it let out a low, satisfied rumble and settled back down. Within moments, its breathing slowed, and its heads drooped, the creature falling into a deep, tranquil sleep. Miles let out a shaky breath, his knees almost buckling from relief. ¡°Thank you, dice gods,¡± he whispered, stepping around the slumbering beast. Now that the guardian was dealt with, Miles approached the pedestal. The box was small but intricately designed, covered in runes similar to the ones he had seen throughout the dungeon. It pulsed faintly, as if alive, and when he touched it, a warm sensation spread through his fingers. Item Acquired: Rune Box Description: A mysterious artifact containing a powerful rune. Its purpose is unknown. Miles slipped the box into his inventory, the system chiming softly in acknowledgment. Quest Complete: Retrieve the Box Reward: +300 EXP, +1 Rare Item Level Up! Miles Jorden: Level 4 ¡ú Level 5 New Stats: ¡°Alright,¡± Miles said, rolling his shoulders as the system¡¯s notifications faded. ¡°Now to get out of here before anything else wakes up.¡± He glanced back at the sleeping guardian, its three heads snoring softly. A part of him almost felt guilty for tricking it, but then he remembered how easily it could have torn him apart if he had tried to fight. As he turned to leave, the runes on the walls began to glow brighter, and the faint hum of energy filled the room. "Uh-oh," Miles muttered, quickening his pace toward the exit. The system chimed again, its voice calm yet urgent: Warning: The Rune Box Has Activated a Dungeon Event. Prepare for Additional Challenges. ¡°Because of course it did,¡± Miles groaned. With no time to waste, he sprinted back toward the secret door, the sound of distant rumbling growing louder behind him. The dungeon was changing again, and Miles had a sinking feeling that his luck was about to be tested once more. Chapter 9: The Clock is Ticking Miles sprinted through the dimly lit halls of the dungeon, his breaths coming in sharp, ragged gasps. His legs ached, and his heart pounded as though it might burst. He had less than an hour before the three-headed guardian woke, and there was no turning back now. The glowing runes on the walls pulsed faster, as though counting down the seconds. The Rune Box in his inventory was warm to the touch, a constant reminder of the chaos he had unwittingly unleashed. The system¡¯s cold, monotone voice chimed in again, cutting through his frantic thoughts. Event Triggered: Rune Escape Objective: Escape the dungeon within 4 hours. Time Remaining: 59:34. Failure Penalty: Death by Guardian. ¡°Yeah, no pressure,¡± Miles muttered, clutching his side as he stumbled into a narrow passage. He glanced at his inventory. The miracle honey was gone, consumed to placate the guardian, and all he had left were two minor health potions. Not exactly enough to survive another encounter with something massive, magical, or monstrous. ¡°This is fine. Everything¡¯s fine,¡± he muttered to himself, trying to calm the rising panic in his chest. ¡°I¡¯ve made it this far. I just need to¡­ not die.¡± The glow of the walls dimmed briefly before flaring up again, brighter this time. The system chimed once more, its tone eerily neutral: Warning: Environmental Challenge Activated. Dungeon Difficulty Increased. Miles pushed forward, ignoring the ominous message. Every turn and every step felt heavier than the last. He had long since stopped caring about where he was going; all he could do was keep moving. His path was soon blocked by a shallow pit filled with spikes jutting up like jagged teeth. A narrow beam of stone stretched across it, barely wide enough for his boots. Roll for Agility. Miles tossed the dice, watching them spin with a mix of desperation and hope. The numbers landed: 4 and 5. Success: Agility Check Passed. With careful steps, Miles balanced his way across the beam, his arms outstretched to steady himself. His foot slipped once, and his heart leapt into his throat, but he managed to catch himself before he fell. When he finally reached the other side, he collapsed to his knees, panting. "Okay, just keep going," he muttered, forcing himself to his feet. The path grew steeper as he pressed on, his lungs burning with exertion. The dungeon¡¯s oppressive atmosphere seemed to weigh heavier on him with each passing second.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Miles checked the timer on the system¡¯s interface. Time Remaining: 23:47. He grimaced, wiping the sweat from his brow. The realization that he had already spent most of his allotted time hit him like a ton of bricks. He was no closer to finding an exit, and the walls felt as though they were closing in. "I¡¯m not going to make it," he whispered, his voice shaking. For a moment, he stopped to catch his breath, leaning against a cracked pillar. His mind raced, trying to piece together a plan, but the anxiety clawing at his chest made it impossible to think clearly. His fingers brushed against the Rune Box in his inventory. It was the reason he was in this mess, but it might also hold the answer. ¡°Come on, system. Give me something,¡± he muttered, pulling the box from his bag. Item: Rune Box Description: A powerful artifact tied to the dungeon¡¯s core. It radiates faint magic that influences the environment. Miles scowled. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s not helpful.¡± As if in response, the system chimed again: Hint: The Rune Box Holds the Key to Your Escape. Solve the Dungeon¡¯s Core Challenge. He groaned, stuffing the box back into his bag. ¡°Solve the challenge? I don¡¯t even know what the challenge is!¡± His voice echoed down the hallway, bouncing back at him mockingly. As he continued down the passage, the air grew colder, and a faint rumble echoed through the walls. The glow of the runes dimmed, replaced by the flickering light of torches. Miles stopped in his tracks as he reached a massive set of double doors, carved with intricate depictions of monstrous creatures locked in battle. A chill ran down his spine. "No, no, no," he muttered, taking a step back. "This cannot be the boss room." The system chimed ominously: Location Discovered: Boss Room Entrance ¡°Of course it is,¡± Miles groaned, pressing a hand to his forehead. He glanced at the timer again: Time Remaining: 15:03. If he went in there now, he¡¯d risk spending the rest of his time fighting something that could kill him before the guardian even had the chance. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see if I can roll for something easier,¡± he said, grabbing his dice. He tossed them onto the cold stone floor, praying for a good result. The numbers landed: 6 and 5. Request Denied: Boss Difficulty Locked Due to Prior Event Development. ¡°What?¡± Miles blinked, staring at the system¡¯s message. ¡°What does that even mean?¡± The system didn¡¯t answer. Instead, the torches flared brighter, and the rumbling from behind the doors grew louder. A deep, guttural growl reverberated through the hallway, and Miles felt the blood drain from his face. Quest Update: Defeat the Dungeon Boss Objective: Overcome the boss to unlock the dungeon exit. Miles stood frozen, his mind racing as the implications sank in. ¡°So¡­ it¡¯s impossible to avoid, isn¡¯t it?¡± he whispered. The system, as always, remained silent. Miles took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He had no healing honey, no time to strategize, and no idea what was waiting for him behind those doors. But the Rune Box¡¯s presence in his inventory felt heavier now, its faint glow almost beckoning him forward. He didn¡¯t know what the "prior event development" was that had locked the boss difficulty, but he had a sinking feeling that everything¡ªthe guardian, the honey, the box¡ªwas connected in ways he didn¡¯t yet understand. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, gripping his sword tightly. ¡°One step at a time.¡± With a heavy heart, Miles stepped forward, the weight of the dungeon pressing down on him as he reached for the massive doors. As his fingers brushed against the cold stone, the system chimed again, its voice softer this time. Hint: Your Luck Has Always Been Your Ally. Trust It. Miles hesitated, the words sinking in. Then, with a deep breath, he pushed the doors open, ready to face whatever lay beyond. Chapter 10: A Gamble with Luck The massive double doors creaked open as Miles pushed them with all his strength, revealing a cavernous chamber bathed in an eerie, pale light. Jagged stalactites hung from the ceiling, dripping water onto the uneven stone floor. In the center of the room was a deep pit, surrounded by faintly glowing runes etched into the ground. Miles stepped cautiously into the room, his eyes darting around for any sign of movement. It was quiet¡ªtoo quiet. Location: Boss Chamber Objective Update: Retrieve the Nest Key to Unlock the Rune Box. Warning: Boss is currently dormant but will activate if proximity to the nest is detected. "So, the boss is hiding underground, huh?" Miles muttered, scanning the pit warily. He couldn¡¯t see the bottom, but the way the air seemed to shimmer above it gave him the unsettling impression that something massive was lying in wait. The system chimed again, almost tauntingly: Time Remaining: 05:00. Miles felt his heart sink. "Five minutes... great. No pressure at all." The pit was ringed with strange, mossy nests, one of which glowed faintly¡ªa clear indicator of where the key was hidden. He clenched his fists, knowing full well that getting close to the nest would wake the beast. Before he could formulate a plan, a distant, guttural growl echoed through the dungeon halls, sending a chill down Miles'' spine. Warning: Dungeon Guardian has Awakened. Miles turned sharply, his breath catching in his throat. The sound of claws scraping against stone grew louder as the three-headed dog from before barreled into the boss chamber. Each head snarled, its glowing red eyes locking onto Miles with unbridled fury. ¡°Oh, come on!¡± he shouted, drawing his sword instinctively. The guardian lunged forward, its sheer size making the ground tremble beneath its paws. Miles knew he didn¡¯t stand a chance against it in direct combat¡ªhis only hope was to buy time. His mind raced, searching for options. Then it hit him: the boss was still dormant. Maybe, just maybe, he could redirect the guardian toward it. "Alright, dice gods," he whispered, pulling out his lucky dice. "Don¡¯t fail me now." Roll for Redirection: Manipulate Boss to Engage Guardian. The dice spun across the stone floor, their clatter echoing through the chamber. They landed on a 6 and a 6. Critical Success: Dungeon Guardian¡¯s Aggression Redirected to Dormant Boss.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The system chimed in confirmation just as the guardian skidded to a halt at the edge of the pit. Its heads swiveled, snarling and snapping at the seemingly empty void. For a tense moment, nothing happened. Then, the ground beneath the pit began to shake. Miles backed away as cracks spiderwebbed out from the edges of the hole. A deafening roar erupted from the depths, and a massive, insectoid creature burst forth, its chitinous body shimmering with golden hues. It had multiple legs, each ending in razor-sharp claws, and its head was adorned with glowing runes that pulsed angrily. The guardian immediately lunged at the creature, its three heads snapping and biting. The boss retaliated with a swipe of its massive claw, sending the guardian sprawling across the chamber. "That¡¯s my cue," Miles muttered, bolting toward the glowing nest while the two monsters clashed. Miles weaved through the chaos, dodging chunks of debris that rained down from the ceiling. The nest was just ahead, glowing faintly with the key he desperately needed. The ground shook violently as the guardian and the boss exchanged blows, their roars deafening. Miles skidded to a stop in front of the nest and plunged his hands into the moss. His fingers closed around the cold, metallic key, and the system chimed: Item Acquired: Dungeon Key. Objective Update: Use the Key to Unlock the Rune Box. Before he could celebrate, the ground erupted nearby, sending him flying into a jagged stone pillar. Pain shot through his side as he landed in a heap, gasping for air. HP: 60/120 Miles groaned, clutching his ribs as he staggered to his feet. He looked up just in time to see the boss slam one of its massive claws into the guardian, sending it crashing into the wall. The impact sent a shockwave through the chamber, knocking Miles off balance. A massive stalactite broke loose from the ceiling, plummeting toward him. Roll for Evasion. He tossed the dice with trembling hands, his heart racing. They landed on a 5 and a 6. Critical Success: Evasion Successful. Miles dove to the side just as the stalactite smashed into the ground where he had been standing. The impact sent shards of stone flying, one of which grazed his leg. HP: 45/120 "Perfect rolls, my ass," he hissed through clenched teeth, limping toward the chamber¡¯s exit. The battle between the guardian and the boss showed no signs of slowing. The two massive creatures were locked in a vicious struggle, their attacks sending shockwaves through the chamber. Miles glanced at the timer again: 00:03. The system chimed one final time: Time Expired: Dungeon Guardian Has Fully Awakened. The three-headed dog let out a deafening roar, its heads snapping toward Miles even as it struggled against the boss. Its glowing red eyes locked onto him, filled with a fury that sent chills down his spine. "Time to go," Miles muttered, forcing himself to run despite the pain. He stumbled through the exit just as another roar echoed behind him. The sound of claws and chitinous legs scraping against stone grew fainter as the two monsters continued their battle, giving Miles the precious seconds he needed to put distance between himself and the chaos. Miles collapsed against a wall, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He pulled out the Dungeon Key, its cold surface a small comfort in the madness he had just survived. His body ached, and his health was dangerously low, but he had made it. Barely. The system chimed softly: Quest Update: Use the Key to Unlock the Rune Box. Time Remaining: Unlimited. "Unlimited now? Really?" he muttered, shaking his head. As the echoes of the battle faded into the distance, Miles couldn¡¯t help but wonder what lay ahead. The Rune Box was supposed to hold answers, but at what cost? He gripped the key tightly, determination flickering in his eyes despite his exhaustion. Whatever came next, he would be ready. Or at least, he hoped so. Chapter 11: The Real Key Miles sat slumped against the cold stone wall, cradling the Dungeon Key in his hands. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, his injuries stinging as if to remind him how close he¡¯d come to death. But his mind was focused on one thing: the Rune Box. "Alright," he muttered, pulling the ornate box out of his inventory. The intricate runes carved into its surface pulsed faintly, almost as though they were alive. "Let¡¯s see what secrets you¡¯re hiding." He pressed the Dungeon Key into the slot at the top of the box. For a moment, the runes flickered brighter, and his heart leapt with hope. But the system¡¯s cold, monotone voice shattered his expectations: Error: Incorrect Key. Miles blinked, his mind racing. "What do you mean, incorrect key? I nearly got killed for this thing!" The runes dimmed again, leaving the box inert in his hands. He resisted the urge to throw it against the wall and instead opened his inventory, desperate for answers. Miles scrolled through the items he had collected in the dungeon, each one seemingly more useless than the last. His frustration grew until his eyes landed on an unfamiliar object near the bottom of the list. Item: Rune-Carved Lockbox Description: A mysterious container requiring a rune and a key to unlock. Miles furrowed his brow, pulling the item from his inventory. The lockbox was smaller than the Rune Box, its surface covered in the same glowing symbols. It was heavy in his hands, and the air around it seemed to hum faintly. "How did I miss this?" he muttered, examining the lockbox. The system chimed again, its voice as unhelpful as ever: Hint: Some puzzles require more than one step. "Yeah, thanks for that," Miles grumbled. "Real helpful." He glanced back at the Dungeon Key, realization dawning on him. "Wait... this key isn¡¯t for the Rune Box. It¡¯s for this thing, isn¡¯t it?" The system offered no response, but he had a feeling he was on the right track. Miles turned the lockbox over in his hands, searching for a keyhole. Sure enough, near the bottom was a small slot that perfectly matched the Dungeon Key. "Alright," he said, taking a deep breath. "Let¡¯s try this."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. He inserted the key and turned it. The runes on the lockbox flared to life, glowing so brightly that he had to shield his eyes. A low hum filled the air, growing louder as the box began to shift and click. Then, nothing. The system chimed once more: Incomplete: Rune Required to Complete Unlocking Process. "Of course it¡¯s not that simple," Miles muttered, digging through his inventory again. He quickly found the glowing rune he had picked up earlier in the dungeon. It had seemed like just another collectible at the time, but now it was clear that it was more important. Item: Rune Of Fate Description: A magical artifact used to unlock sealed containers. He held the rune against the top of the lockbox. As soon as it made contact, the entire box shuddered, the runes swirling and rearranging themselves. A loud click echoed through the chamber, and the lid sprang open. Inside was a smaller, ornate key, its surface covered in intricate carvings that matched the runes on the Rune Box. Item Acquired: Rune Box Key Miles stared at the key, equal parts relieved and annoyed. "All of that¡­ just to get the real key?" He discarded the Rune-Carved Lockbox since it had been used already and turned his attention to the Rune Box. It sat on the ground in front of him, its faint glow now more intense as though it recognized the key¡¯s presence. "Alright, no more games," Miles said, sliding the new key into the box¡¯s lock. This time, the response was immediate. The runes on the box flared to life, swirling and shifting across its surface. The box trembled slightly before letting out a soft click. The lid creaked open, revealing its contents:
  1. Item: Enchanted Dice Set Description: A magical set of dice that enhances the user¡¯s rolls.
  2. Item: Rune Compass (One time item) Description: A device that points toward the nearest dungeon exit or hidden treasure.
  3. Skill Unlock: Rune Manipulation (Based on the Dice Roll) Description: Allows the user to interact with runes in the environment, solving puzzles or activating magical traps.
Miles stared at the items, his mind racing. "This¡­ this might actually be worth it." He picked up the enchanted dice, feeling their strange, magical energy pulse through his fingers. The system chimed as he added them to his inventory, replacing his previous dice: Item Acquired: Enchanted Dice Set. Luck Enhancement +5. Next, he examined the Rune Compass, its needle already spinning wildly before settling on a direction. "Looks like you¡¯re going to lead me out of here," he muttered, slipping the compass into his belt. Finally, the system chimed again, announcing his newly unlocked skill: Skill Acquired: Rune Manipulation (Based on Dice Roll) Effect: User can activate, alter, or neutralize runes found in dungeons. Miles allowed himself a small, tired smile. For the first time since he¡¯d entered this cursed dungeon, he felt like he had a chance to survive. He rose to his feet, wincing at the pain in his side. The exit was still out there, and the clock might not be ticking anymore, but the dungeon was far from done with him. "Let¡¯s see what else this place has to throw at me," he said, clutching the Rune Compass as he stepped forward into the unknown, but of course, how could he forget about the boss and the guardian that were fighting not to far away from him? They rushed toward Miles as soon as they saw that he was capable of standing. Their movement created rumbling of the ground, causing Miles to lose his focus and collapse. ''Fuck! I might actually die at this rate. I need to roll the dice and gamble on my luck now. Hopefully, I will roll something worthwhile'' Chapter 12: A Gamble for Survival The eerie glow of the Rune Box dimmed as Miles slipped the enchanted dice and Rune Compass into his inventory. But the momentary calm didn¡¯t last. A low growl from behind him made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Miles turned slowly, his heart hammering in his chest. The Dungeon Guardian, its three heads snarling in unison, stood at the chamber¡¯s entrance. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the Rune Compass dangling from his belt. Behind the guardian, the massive insectoid boss dragged itself out of the pit, its golden carapace gleaming ominously. The runes etched across its body pulsed, filling the chamber with a faint hum. Miles tightened his grip on his sword. "You¡¯ve got to be kidding me," he muttered. Warning: Both Dungeon Guardian and Boss have entered a state of aggression. Chance of survival: 7%. "Seven percent?" Miles laughed bitterly. "Might as well be zero." The guardian lunged first, its middle head snapping inches from Miles as he dove to the side. He rolled onto his feet just as the boss raised one of its massive claws and slammed it into the ground, sending shockwaves through the chamber. Miles staggered, narrowly avoiding a falling stalactite. His eyes darted toward the Rune Box still sitting on the ground. Desperation clawed at him as he realized he only had one option left. "Come on, dice gods," he muttered, scrambling toward the box. "One last miracle!" He grabbed the Rune Box and rolled to avoid another swipe from the guardian. Pulling out his enchanted dice, he tossed them with trembling hands, praying for a good roll. Roll for Item Retrieval: Open Rune Box. The dice clattered across the stone floor, landing on a 6 and a 4. Success: Rune Box Opening. The lid of the Rune Box snapped open, releasing a blinding light. Inside was a single scroll, its surface covered in glowing runes that seemed to shift and shimmer as Miles grabbed it. Item Acquired: Emergency Transportation Scroll (One-Time Use). Description: Teleports the user to a random safe location. Success rate: 75%.** "Random?" Miles groaned, dodging another attack. "Of course it¡¯s random." The guardian and the boss both roared, their aggression reaching a fever pitch. Miles had no time to think. He unfurled the scroll and placed his hand over the glowing rune in the center.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Here goes nothing!" Roll for Teleportation Success. The dice flew from his hands once more. They spun in the air, seemingly defying gravity before landing with a 5 and a 6. Success: Teleportation Activated. The scroll disintegrated in a burst of light, and Miles felt a strange pulling sensation, like he was being yanked through the air. The chamber dissolved around him, the roars of the monsters fading into silence. He felt a phantom limb of the Dungeon boss go through him before he vanished into light, but Miles was not sure if it was even real or not. Miles crashed onto soft grass, the cool night air filling his lungs. He groaned, rolling onto his back as the system chimed: Location: Safe Zone - Village of Faelwen. Relief washed over him, but it was short-lived. His body felt like it had been run over by a cart, every inch of him aching. The system displayed his health bar in the corner of his vision: HP: 10/120 He tried to reach for the remaining potion in his inventory, but his hand wouldn¡¯t cooperate. Exhaustion overtook him, his vision swimming. "So...that attack did happen. Fuck, it hurts!" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Just as darkness began to claim him, he felt a faint presence¡ªa shadow moving toward him. It wasn¡¯t hostile; it was warm, calming. A faint voice reached his ears, but he couldn¡¯t make out the words. Then, everything went black. When Miles opened his eyes, he was greeted by the dim light of a crumbling ceiling. The faint scent of mildew and wood rot filled his nose, and the sound of dripping water echoed in the distance. He tried to move, but his body felt heavy, and his wrists and ankles were tied to the bed with rough rope. "Fantastic," he muttered weakly. "Out of the frying pan, into the fire." He scanned the room as best as he could. The walls were cracked, and the wooden beams overhead looked like they could collapse at any moment. Despite the state of disrepair, someone had taken the time to light a small lantern near the bed, its warm glow casting long shadows across the room. The sound of footsteps approaching made him freeze. He strained his neck, trying to see who¡ªor what¡ªwas coming. The door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the room. Miles couldn¡¯t make out their face in the dim light, but they carried a small tray with what looked like a bowl of steaming liquid. "Well, this is new," Miles muttered, his voice hoarse. "Whoever you are, I hope you¡¯re not planning to eat me." The figure chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "Eat you? You¡¯re not even worth the trouble." They set the tray down on a nearby table and moved closer, their features becoming clearer in the lantern¡¯s glow. Miles saw a rugged-looking man with a wiry frame, his face weathered from years of hardship. A long scar ran diagonally across his forehead, and his sharp eyes regarded Miles with a mix of curiosity and caution. "You¡¯ve got some explaining to do," the man said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "People don¡¯t just fall out of thin air around here." Miles groaned, his head throbbing. "Trust me, I¡¯d explain if I could. Right now, I just need to not die." The man sighed, his expression softening slightly. "You¡¯re lucky I found you when I did. Another hour out there, and the wolves would¡¯ve gotten to you." He untied the ropes around Miles¡¯s wrists and ankles, though his wary gaze never wavered. "Rest up. You¡¯re safe for now, but I¡¯ll need answers soon." Miles nodded weakly, his eyelids growing heavy once more. As he drifted back into unconsciousness, one thought lingered in his mind: Whoever this man was, he might just be his best chance at surviving this crazy world. Chapter 13: The Chieftain’s True Nature When Miles stirred awake again, he felt a little stronger but still disoriented. The aches in his body had dulled, though his movements remained sluggish. The room was quiet, save for the faint creaking of wood in the wind. He shifted slightly, noticing the rope bindings were gone. The door opened with a slow creak, and a man stepped inside. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and wore simple but sturdy clothing that hinted at his role as someone of importance. His face bore a calm, almost fatherly expression, with sharp eyes that seemed to miss nothing. "Ah, you¡¯re awake," the man said, his voice deep and steady. "I hope you¡¯re feeling better. My name is Vadamir, chieftain of the Village of Faelwen." Miles sat up cautiously, taking in the man¡¯s imposing presence. Something about Vadamir¡¯s demeanor felt genuine, but there was an edge to his calmness that put Miles on guard. He he good intuition that kept him alive this long, and out of all his senses, Miles trusted his intuition the most. "Thanks for, uh, saving me," Miles said hesitantly. "I don¡¯t know what would¡¯ve happened if you hadn¡¯t found me." Vadamir smiled faintly and took a seat on a stool near the bed. "It¡¯s our duty to help those in need. Faelwen is a haven for the lost and weary. But I must admit, you¡¯re an unusual guest. People don¡¯t simply appear out of nowhere, battered and on the brink of death. Usually, they are found being mauled to death by the creatures in the forest" Miles forced a laugh, trying to keep the conversation light, but dread filled his heart after hearing those words. "Yeah, I¡¯ve been having a bit of a rough time lately." The chieftain leaned forward slightly, his tone softening. "Tell me, young one, how did you come to possess such powers? Teleportation is a skill that not many is able to master, especially one as young smelling as you! Your power must be great if you can already control a spell of this magnitude." Miles stiffened. His hand instinctively hovered near his belt where the Rune Compass was hidden. "I¡¯m not sure what you mean," Miles said cautiously. His senses told him not to trust his man and not to fall for his smile. Vadamir¡¯s sharp eyes lingered on him for a moment before he leaned back with a patient smile. "Come now. There¡¯s no need for secrets here. I can sense the energy around you. It¡¯s¡­ unique. Powerful. I¡¯m merely curious. If you could tell me more, it would help me understand how best to aid you. " Miles hesitated. On the surface, Vadamir seemed like a kind and compassionate man, genuinely interested in helping him. But something about the way he phrased his request¡ªhow he spoke of Miles¡¯s ¡°powers¡±¡ªsent a chill down his spine. It was the same way politicians spoke and smiled when they lied to public about their promisesHelp support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ''I¡¯ve trusted the dice so far,'' Miles thought. ''Might as well see what they say about him.'' He discreetly retrieved the enchanted dice from his inventory, clenching them tightly in his hand. Roll for Insight: Determine Trustworthiness. The dice glowed faintly as they tumbled across the bedspread. They landed on a 2 and a 3. Result: Do not trust. Miles¡¯s heart sank. The system confirmed what his gut was already warning him. Despite Vadamir¡¯s calm demeanor and kind words, this man was not what he appeared to be. "Figures," Miles muttered under his breath. His heart skipped a beat when he realized that he spoke aloud, but thankfully, it did not seem as if the older man had heard him. Vadamir¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter, but there was a slight tension in his posture as he gestured to a small tray on the nearby table. "You must be hungry after everything you¡¯ve been through. Please, eat. It¡¯s a simple stew, but it¡¯ll help you regain your strength." Miles¡¯s stomach growled on cue, but the system¡¯s warning about Vadamir made him wary. He leaned forward slightly, inspecting the bowl. The stew smelled rich and savory, but something about its overly sweet aroma made him pause. ''Better not take the chance,'' he thought. "Uh, thanks," Miles said quickly, leaning back. "But I, uh, actually have a severe allergy to some spices. I wouldn¡¯t want to risk it." Vadamir¡¯s smile wavered for the briefest of moments, his brow twitching in annoyance before he composed himself. Miles heart lept in his throat as he realized that the Chieftain knew of his lie and deception. He felt like he had been caught and would now be shown this man''s true colors. But Vadamir did not do such a thing. Instead of getting angry and showing what he truly felt, the man just smiled a sad smile before pulling back and replying, "Ah, I see. How unfortunate. Well, if you change your mind, the food will be here for you." Miles nodded, forcing a smile. "I appreciate it." The chieftain lingered a moment longer, his gaze hardening slightly. Then, without another word, he stood and walked toward the door. As Vadamir reached the threshold, he paused. With a quiet murmur, he traced a rune in the air. A faint shimmer rippled across the walls of the room, and the door clicked shut behind him. Miles¡¯s heart sank. The system chimed in his mind: Barrier Detected: Magical Containment Field Active. Exit is restricted. Cannot be rolled to deactivate at your current level "Great," Miles muttered, slumping back against the bed. "Saved just to be locked in a glorified prison." He paced the room, frustration bubbling within him. "This was supposed to be a safe village," he grumbled, shaking his fists at the air. "Why does everything keep going wrong?" The dice felt heavy in his pocket, a reminder of the roll that had brought him here. It had been a success, hadn¡¯t it? So why did the village feel anything but safe? As he stared at the barrier shimmering faintly over the door, he clenched his fists. "I don¡¯t know what your deal is, Vadamir," he muttered, "but I¡¯m not sticking around to find out." Miles turned back to the dice, rolling them in his hands. He needed a way out¡ªand soon. Whatever kindness Vadamir pretended to have was wearing thin, and Miles wasn¡¯t going to wait for it to run out entirely. Unfortunately, his luck with dice would not help him this time. He was truly stuck in this place for now. Chapter 14: A Village Under a Curse Miles sat on the edge of the creaky bed, frustration mounting. The shimmering barrier over the door taunted him, its faint glow a constant reminder of his captivity. Every attempt he made to roll the dice had failed; the system refused to allow it, citing his insufficient level to overcome the magical restriction. Current Objective: Survive. Status: Restricted. "Thanks for nothing," Miles muttered bitterly to the system. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows through the cracks in the wooden walls. Just as his stomach growled in protest, the door creaked open, and Vadamir stepped inside, carrying another tray of food. His calm demeanor hadn¡¯t faltered, but there was an unmistakable edge to his movements. "I trust you¡¯re feeling better," Vadamir said, placing the tray on the table. Miles¡¯s eyes narrowed. He hadn¡¯t forgotten the system¡¯s warning about the man¡¯s intentions. He needed to act fast. As Vadamir turned to leave, Miles shot to his feet and lunged. His body still ached from his previous injuries, but adrenaline surged through him. Roll for Attack: Knock Vadamir Unconscious. The dice clattered to the floor, landing on a 5 and a 4. Result: Success. Miles shoved Vadamir with all his strength, sending the larger man stumbling backward. The chieftain¡¯s head struck the edge of the table with a dull thud, and he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. "Sorry about this," Miles muttered, panting heavily. He bent down to check Vadamir¡¯s pulse, relieved to find it steady. "Not personal. Just trying not to die." The system chimed: Time Remaining Until Vadamir Wakes: 20 Minutes. Miles bolted out the door, his heart pounding. The scene outside stopped him in his tracks. The village was nothing like the serene safe zone he¡¯d envisioned. The wooden houses were dilapidated, their walls barely standing. Fields that should have been lush with crops were barren, the soil cracked and lifeless. Villagers staggered through the streets like ghosts, their sunken faces pale and gaunt. Many of them leaned against walls or sat on the ground, too weak to stand. Their clothes hung off their skeletal frames, and their eyes were dull, devoid of hope. "What the hell happened here?" Miles whispered, a pang of guilt twisting in his chest. For a moment, he considered going back to help, but his survival instincts screamed louder. This place is a death trap. I need to get out.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Shaking his head, he ducked into the nearest abandoned-looking house. The door creaked loudly, but no one seemed to notice. Inside, the air was thick with dust, and broken furniture was scattered across the room. Miles froze when he heard a faint cough. His eyes darted to the corner, where a small figure huddled beneath a tattered blanket. It was a child, no older than six or seven, with hollow cheeks and frail limbs. The boy¡¯s breathing was shallow, and his skin was alarmingly pale. "Hey, kid," Miles said softly, kneeling beside him. The boy¡¯s eyes fluttered open, dull and unfocused. The system chimed: Target Scanned: Malnourished Child. HP: 1/20. Condition: Critical. Miles bit his lip. He had one potion left¡ªa low-grade healing potion he¡¯d been saving for himself. But looking at the boy, he knew the kid wouldn¡¯t survive much longer without it. "Great," Miles muttered. "Save myself or save the kid. Awesome." Sighing, he pulled the potion from his inventory and gently tilted the boy¡¯s head up. "Here, drink this." The boy sipped weakly, and a faint glow surrounded him as the potion took effect. His breathing steadied, and some color returned to his cheeks. Potion Used: Low-Grade Healing Potion. Target HP: 5/20. Condition: Stable. Miles exhaled in relief. "Well, that¡¯s something." The boy¡¯s eyes focused on Miles, and he whispered hoarsely, "Thank you." Miles managed a small smile. "Don¡¯t mention it, kid." The system chimed again as Miles scanned the boy: Roll for Health Check: Analyze Recovery Status. The dice rolled in his vision, landing on a 2 and a 3. Result: Success. Analysis Complete: Subject¡¯s Base HP Stat is Critically Low (Max: 10). Nutritional Deficiency Detected. Recovery Limited Without Proper Sustenance. "Max HP of ten?" Miles muttered, his stomach sinking. "That¡¯s... not good." The boy tugged weakly at Miles¡¯s sleeve. "Mister... why are you here?" Miles hesitated. How could he explain his situation to a child? Instead, he asked, "What happened to this village? Why is everyone so..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. The boy¡¯s eyes filled with tears. "There¡¯s no food. The fields stopped growing. People tried to leave, but..." "But what?" Miles pressed. "They never came back," the boy whispered, his voice trembling. Miles¡¯s mind raced. A village with no food, no escape, and a chieftain who wasn¡¯t what he seemed. Something dark was happening here, and he was right in the middle of it. Footsteps echoed outside, and Miles¡¯s heart leapt into his throat. Vadamir was waking up¡ªor worse, someone else was coming. "Stay quiet," he whispered to the boy, gripping his sword tightly. He didn¡¯t know what was coming, but one thing was clear: this "safe zone" was anything but safe. Miles felt like he was safe and he was about to relax when he suddenly heard a loud knock at the door. He knew that he was out of luck, but his first instinct was not to roll the dice - it was to hide. Miles pressed his back against the wooden wall of the closet, his breath shallow and quiet. The faint footsteps outside the house grew louder, and then came the dreaded knock. ¡°Open the door,¡± Vadamir¡¯s deep voice called, calm but laced with an edge that made Miles¡¯s skin crawl. The boy, still weak but recovering, glanced nervously toward the closet where Miles hid. He seemed to weigh his options before shuffling to the door. As it opened with a creak, Miles could just barely make out the conversation from his hiding spot. ¡°Where is he?¡± Vadamir asked, his tone sharp and authoritative. ¡°W-Who?¡± the boy stammered, his small frame trembling. ¡°The outsider. I know he came through here. Did you see him?¡± The boy hesitated, but his voice was steady when he replied, ¡°No, sir. I¡¯ve been alone.¡± There was a tense pause before Vadamir sighed. ¡°Move aside. I¡¯ll check for myself.¡± The boy tried to protest, but Vadamir pushed his way inside. Miles¡¯s pulse quickened as heavy boots creaked across the floorboards. His hand hovered over the dice in his pocket, desperate for a miracle. Chapter 15: The way to save the Village Roll for Stealth: Avoid Detection. Miles clutched the dice tightly, and the system responded, rolling in his mind¡¯s eye. The dice tumbled, landing on a 6 and a 5. Result: Success. Vadamir¡¯s footsteps stopped just in front of the closet. Miles held his breath as the door creaked open. Nothing. The system¡¯s notification explained it before Miles could process: Vadamir checked inside the closet, but not behind it. You remain undetected. Miles exhaled silently, relief washing over him as Vadamir stepped back and closed the closet door. ¡°Nothing here,¡± Vadamir muttered. ¡°But I¡¯ll find him.¡± With one last glance around, Vadamir stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him. Miles waited a full minute before stepping out from behind the closet. His legs were shaky, but he managed to steady himself. The boy sat by the door, his expression a mixture of fear and relief. ¡°Thanks for not ratting me out,¡± Miles said, his voice low. The boy gave a small nod. ¡°You saved me. I didn¡¯t want to betray you.¡± Miles crouched down, his tone softening. ¡°What¡¯s going on here, kid? Why is this place... like this?¡± The boy hesitated before speaking, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s the curse.¡± ¡°Curse?¡± ¡°The Village of Faelwen hasn¡¯t been able to grow food or thrive for twenty years. Nothing works. The soil is dead, the animals are scarce, and we can¡¯t leave because of the beasts in the wild.¡± Miles frowned. ¡°How does a village end up cursed like that?¡± The boy¡¯s eyes filled with sadness. ¡°It¡¯s because of the Saintess. She was our protector, a blessed one who kept the village safe and prosperous. But she was killed a long time ago. Without her, we have no protection, no blessings. The beasts come to take what little we have, and we... we¡¯re starving.¡± Miles¡¯s heart sank as he pieced it together. ¡°So the villagers just... what, survive on nothing?¡± The boy shook his head. ¡°No. We offer sacrifices to the wild beasts. Animals, sometimes even... people. We pray it¡¯s enough to keep them from destroying the village completely. And when we can, we hunt, but it¡¯s never enough.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Miles sat back, his mind racing. A dead Saintess, a cursed village, and people forced to make sacrifices just to scrape by. The weight of it all pressed down on him, but his survival instincts screamed louder. ¡°This isn¡¯t my problem,¡± he muttered to himself, though the guilt in his chest didn¡¯t ease. The boy¡¯s gaze was pleading. ¡°You¡¯re strong. You have powers. Maybe you can¡ª¡± ¡°Stop,¡± Miles cut him off, his tone sharper than he intended. ¡°I¡¯m not a hero, kid. I¡¯m just trying to stay alive.¡± The boy flinched, and Miles sighed, softening his voice. ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t fix this. I don¡¯t even know how to get out of here.¡± The boy hesitated before speaking again. ¡°There¡¯s... a way to lift the curse. But it¡¯s dangerous.¡± Miles arched a brow. ¡°Dangerous how?¡± ¡°The curse can only be broken by returning the Saintess¡¯s relic to her shrine,¡± the boy explained. ¡°But the shrine is deep in the forest, surrounded by beasts. No one who¡¯s gone after it has come back.¡± Miles groaned, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Of course it is.¡± He glanced at the boy, who looked hopeful despite his frail condition. Miles hated how much the kid reminded him of himself¡ªdesperate, clinging to the smallest shred of hope in a hopeless situation. ¡°I¡¯ll... think about it,¡± Miles said finally. ¡°But first, I need to figure out how to get out of this village without Vadamir catching me.¡± The boy nodded, his expression serious. ¡°Be careful. Vadamir isn¡¯t what he seems. He¡¯s... he¡¯s done things.¡± Miles didn¡¯t need the system to confirm that. His gut had been warning him from the moment he met the chieftain. As he sat in the dim, crumbling house, Miles weighed his options. Stay and try to help a dying village, risking his life in the process, or cut his losses and find a way to escape. Neither option felt good, but one thing was clear: the longer he stayed in Faelwen, the more danger he was in. Miles sat cross-legged on the creaky wooden floor, staring at the dice in his hand. He hadn¡¯t planned on staying in Faelwen a second longer than necessary, but the sight of the boy and the villagers had gnawed at his conscience. Finally, he decided to roll and see if there was a way to help this cursed place. Roll for Guidance: Determine a Way to Save the Village. The dice rolled in his mind, tumbling endlessly until they finally stopped. 6 and 6. Result: Critical Success. The system chimed: There is a way to lift the curse afflicting the Village of Faelwen. Objective Unlocked: Challenge the Dungeon Known as "The Curse of the God." Requirements: A party of 4, each member at or above Level 5. Miles frowned, rubbing his temple. A dungeon? That explained a lot but made everything infinitely more complicated. He didn¡¯t even know where to begin recruiting three more people, let alone leveling them all to meet the system¡¯s requirements. The boy¡¯s small voice cut through his thoughts. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Miles glanced at him, debating whether to tell the truth. After a moment, he shrugged. ¡°Trying to figure out how to help this place.¡± The boy blinked. ¡°How? You¡¯ve just been staring at the air for a while.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Miles said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°You didn¡¯t see anything? Like... glowing text or something?¡± The boy shook his head. ¡°No, why? Should I?¡± Miles exhaled, realizing that this kid wasn¡¯t a ¡°player¡± like him. That much was obvious, but the next question gnawed at him. ¡°Do you know anyone who¡¯s ever had... I don¡¯t know, special powers? Abilities that normal people don¡¯t have?¡± The boy nodded slowly. ¡°There¡¯s something called a ¡®divine blessing.¡¯ My dad used to talk about it. People with blessings could do special things¡ªfight better, heal faster, or even use magic. But he said it was really rare. Most people never see someone like that in their whole lives.¡± Miles¡¯s mind raced. That sounded a lot like his system, though clearly less expansive. ¡°So, these people... where would I find them?¡± The boy hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Some of the villagers who left said they were heading to a big human settlement. Maybe you could find someone there.¡± Miles nodded thoughtfully. It wasn¡¯t much to go on, but it was a start. If the system wanted him to form a party, the settlement was his best bet. Chapter 16: Luck is a skill - Part 1 ¡°Alright,¡± Miles said, standing up and dusting himself off. ¡°I¡¯ll head for the settlement and see what I can find.¡± The boy¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± ¡°For now,¡± Miles admitted. ¡°If I don¡¯t, your chieftain¡¯s probably going to figure out I¡¯m still here, and I doubt he¡¯s in a forgiving mood.¡± The boy looked down, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. ¡°But you¡¯ll come back, right? To help us?¡± Miles hesitated. He hated making promises he couldn¡¯t keep, but the kid¡¯s desperate expression softened him. ¡°Yeah,¡± he said finally. ¡°I¡¯ll come back. I can¡¯t promise when, but I will.¡± The boy¡¯s face brightened, and he nodded firmly. ¡°Then I¡¯ll help you sneak out.¡± The two of them huddled by the window, peeking out at the village. Vadamir was stalking through the streets, speaking to the villagers and pointing at houses. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time,¡± Miles whispered. ¡°He¡¯s going to figure out where I am eventually.¡± The boy nodded. ¡°There¡¯s a gap in the barrier on the north side. It¡¯s small, but you should be able to squeeze through. I¡¯ll distract him.¡± Miles frowned. ¡°That¡¯s risky. What if he catches you?¡± The boy smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. He doesn¡¯t pay much attention to me.¡± Miles didn¡¯t like it, but there wasn¡¯t a better option. He crouched by the door, ready to move. ¡°Alright. Just be careful.¡± The boy nodded and slipped out the door. Miles watched as he approached Vadamir, tugging on the chieftain¡¯s sleeve to get his attention. The boy¡¯s voice carried faintly on the wind. ¡°Chief Vadamir! I thought I saw the outsider near the well!¡± Vadamir turned sharply, his eyes narrowing. ¡°The well, you say?¡± The boy nodded earnestly, pointing in the opposite direction of the gap in the barrier. Vadamir muttered something under his breath and stormed off, barking orders at a couple of villagers to follow him. Miles wasted no time. He darted out of the house, sticking to the shadows as he made his way north. The village was eerily quiet, the only sounds the faint creak of collapsing buildings and the distant shuffle of malnourished villagers. Finally, he reached the edge of the barrier. Just as the boy had said, there was a small gap near the ground, barely wide enough for him to crawl through.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Miles dropped to his hands and knees, squeezing through the opening. The barrier hummed faintly as he passed, sending a tingling sensation through his skin, but he made it out unscathed. He turned back to look at the village one last time. The boy stood by the well, waving at him discreetly. Miles raised a hand in return before slipping into the forest. As he walked through the dense woods, the system chimed: Objective Updated: Form a Party of 4 and Challenge the Dungeon Known as ¡°The Curse of the God.¡± Current Party Members: 0. Recommended Level: 5. Miles sighed. ¡°No pressure, huh?¡± He adjusted the straps on his pack and set his sights on the horizon. Somewhere out there was a settlement where he could find allies, answers, and maybe even a way to save Faelwen. But for now, survival was his top priority. ______ After hours of trudging through dense woods and uneven terrain, Miles found himself at the edge of a bustling settlement. Rolling hills gave way to a sprawling village surrounded by wooden palisades, its towering gate flanked by guards wearing mismatched armor. He paused to catch his breath, leaning against a tree. Roll for Navigation: Locate the Village. The dice had been generous, granting him a high roll earlier that pointed him directly to this settlement. As he approached the gate, Miles couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how much the village resembled the fantasy RPG games he used to play. Cobbled streets twisted between quaint, half-timbered houses. Market stalls lined the central square, their owners shouting to hawk wares ranging from fresh produce to weapons and enchanted trinkets. ¡°Feels like I walked into a video game,¡± Miles muttered, his stomach growling loudly enough to turn a few heads. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, and Miles followed it like a moth to a flame. He stopped at a food stall manned by a burly man with a crooked grin. The vendor¡¯s display featured skewers of steaming meat and a bubbling cauldron of stew. ¡°What¡¯ll it be, traveler?¡± the vendor asked, his grin widening as he eyed Miles¡¯s dusty clothes and slightly bulging coin pouch. ¡°I¡¯ll take a skewer,¡± Miles said, trying to sound casual. ¡°That¡¯ll be three gold coins,¡± the vendor said smoothly. Miles froze. Three gold coins? That seemed absurd for something as simple as a snack. He narrowed his eyes. Roll to Determine if You¡¯re Being Ripped Off. The dice rolled in his mind, landing on a high result. Result: You are being scammed. The average price for a skewer is 2 silver coins. ¡°Three gold coins?¡± Miles repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. ¡°You think I¡¯m made of money? That¡¯s at least ten times what this should cost!¡± The vendor¡¯s grin faltered, but he quickly recovered. ¡°Well, it¡¯s premium meat, seasoned with rare spices¡ª¡± ¡°Cut the nonsense!¡± Miles snapped. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you two silver coins and not a copper more.¡± The vendor opened his mouth to argue, but a commotion behind Miles caught his attention. While Miles was busy berating the vendor, a scruffy-looking kid darted through the crowd, bumping into him hard enough to make him stagger. ¡°Watch it!¡± Miles barked, instinctively clutching his coin pouch. The boy muttered an apology, his hands moving quickly to swipe the pouch from Miles¡¯s belt. But instead of finding it hanging loosely, he encountered only empty air¡ªMiles still had it firmly in his grip, having never let go. The boy¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and he scurried off, disappearing into the crowd. Miles blinked, realizing what had just happened. ¡°Oh. That little punk tried to rob me!¡± The vendor sighed, dropping the act entirely. ¡°Fine. Two silvers. You drive a hard bargain.¡± Miles paid and snatched his skewer, glaring at the vendor as he walked away. He still felt a little rattled, but at least his money was safe. Chapter 17: Luck is a skill - Part 2 ¡°Not bad, outsider,¡± a voice drawled from nearby. Miles turned to see a woman leaning against a post, her arms crossed. She was a half-dog hybrid, with floppy ears poking out from her short, unkempt hair and a bushy tail swishing behind her. Her sharp amber eyes gleamed with curiosity. ¡°That was a classic scam,¡± she said, her tone half-impressed, half-amused. ¡°You catch the price gouge, make a scene, and while you¡¯re distracted, the real thief takes your pouch. But you didn¡¯t fall for it. Nice work.¡± Miles rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a flush of embarrassment. If only she knew it wasn¡¯t skill, just pure dumb luck. ¡°Uh, thanks,¡± he muttered. She smirked, pushing off the post. ¡°Name¡¯s Lancy. And you are?¡± ¡°Miles,¡± he replied, trying to keep his tone neutral. ¡°Well, Miles, I¡¯ve got to say, it¡¯s rare to see someone handle themselves so well against this crowd. Especially someone new. You¡¯ve got a sharp eye.¡± Miles bit back a laugh. Sharp eye? More like rolling high on a dice roll. But he decided not to correct her. If she wanted to think he was skilled, who was he to argue? Lancy¡¯s tail flicked as she studied him more closely. ¡°You¡¯re not from around here, are you? What brings you to our little slice of chaos?¡± ¡°Just passing through,¡± Miles said, avoiding the question. ¡°Well, if you¡¯re looking for something more interesting than overpriced snacks and pickpockets, come find me at the tavern later,¡± Lancy said, tossing a casual wave over her shoulder as she walked off. ¡°I might have something for someone with your... talents.¡± Miles watched her go, still chewing on his skewer. ¡°Talents,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°If only she knew.¡± As the day wore on, Miles wandered through the village, taking in the sights and sounds. His encounter with Lancy lingered in his mind. ¡°She might be useful,¡± he mused. ¡°If I need to form a party, someone who knows the ins and outs of this place could be a good start.¡± For now, though, he focused on gathering information. He asked around about the dungeon, other players, and anyone with ¡°divine blessings.¡± The answers were vague at best, but he did learn one important thing: this village was a hub for adventurers, mercenaries, and anyone else looking to make a name for themselves. With a little luck¡ªand maybe some more rolls¡ªMiles was certain he could find what he needed here.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. As Miles chewed on the revelation that he¡¯d stumbled into a new world where adventurers with "divine blessings" might exist, Lancy¡¯s parting words echoed in his mind. ¡°Find me at the tavern later. I might have something for someone with your talents.¡± Curiosity gnawed at him. Could she be an adventurer herself? Or was she just another opportunist trying to sniff out his coin pouch? Miles decided he couldn¡¯t risk wasting time on false leads. ¡°Let¡¯s see if she¡¯s the real deal,¡± he muttered, focusing on the question. Roll to Determine Lancy¡¯s Authenticity as an Adventurer. The dice spun in his mind and landed with a satisfying thud. Result: Positive. Lancy is a genuine adventurer. Relieved, Miles nodded to himself. At least she wasn¡¯t another scammer. He spent the next few hours wandering the market and soaking in the sights before heading toward the tavern Lancy had mentioned. The building looked unassuming from the outside¡ªa sturdy, worn-down structure with flickering lanterns above the door. But as Miles stepped inside, he realized this was no ordinary tavern. The room was dimly lit, and the air hummed with quiet intensity. Adventurers of all kinds were scattered around: hulking warriors polishing their weapons, mages flipping through spellbooks, and archers adjusting quivers. The atmosphere was electric, heavy with the promise of untold stories. Miles paused, taking it all in. His system pinged. Alert: This is a front for the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Access Restricted. A new message followed. Requirement: Level 10 or Higher Adventurers Only. You do not qualify under normal circumstances. Miles¡¯s stomach dropped. Of course, there was a catch. Then, another notification appeared. Exception: You have an invitation from Lancy. You may roll to test your luck. ¡°Guess I don¡¯t have much of a choice,¡± Miles muttered, mentally rolling the dice. The result flashed in his mind: Success. The guard at the entryway, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, gave Miles a once-over. His eyes narrowed. ¡°You don¡¯t look like you belong here, kid. What do you want?¡± ¡°Uh,¡± Miles began, his voice faltering. ¡°Lancy invited me.¡± The guard¡¯s brows rose slightly at the mention of her name. After a tense moment, he grunted and stepped aside. ¡°Fine. She¡¯s in the back. Don¡¯t cause trouble.¡± Miles let out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding. He spotted Lancy sitting alone at a table in the back, nursing a drink. The room seemed to give her a wide berth, with no one sitting near her. She radiated an air of quiet authority, her sharp eyes scanning the room. Gathering his courage, Miles approached her. ¡°Hey, Lancy,¡± he called out, perhaps a little louder than intended. The reaction was immediate. Every conversation in the room stopped. Heads turned toward him, and he felt the weight of dozens of eyes on his back. Even Lancy, who had seemed so approachable earlier, suddenly looked more intimidating. Her amber eyes narrowed, and her ears twitched. A faint growl escaped her throat, and her tail swished sharply. Miles froze mid-step, sweat breaking out on his forehead. Had he just made her angry? Roll to Determine Lancy¡¯s Mood. The dice rolled, and the result appeared in his mind: Amused and Happy. He blinked in confusion. If she was happy, why did she look ready to tear him apart? Before he could overthink it, Lancy leaned back in her chair, her intense expression melting into something more relaxed. Relief flickered across her face, and she gestured for him to sit down. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts,¡± she said, her tone carrying a hint of laughter. ¡°Calling me out like that in a place like this.¡± Chapter 18: Meet the team - Part 1 Miles sat down cautiously, still feeling the weight of curious stares around them. ¡°Was¡­ was that a test?¡± Lancy smirked. ¡°Of course. Had to see if you really didn¡¯t know who I was or if you were playing dumb to trick me. Turns out, you¡¯re as clueless as you seem.¡± Her words stung a little, but Miles decided not to take it personally. ¡°So, who are you, exactly?¡± Lancy¡¯s eyes gleamed with amusement. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m someone who¡¯s been around long enough to know when someone¡¯s bluffing¡ªand when they¡¯re not. You¡¯ve got an interesting kind of luck, Miles. The kind that could get you into a lot of trouble¡ªor pull you out of it.¡± Her cryptic words only made him more curious, but he didn¡¯t press. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, trying to project an air of nonchalance. ¡°So, why¡¯d you invite me here?¡± Lancy took a sip of her drink, her gaze steady. ¡°I¡¯ve got a job that might interest you. But before we talk business, I need to know something.¡± Miles tensed. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Are you willing to take risks?¡± she asked, her tone suddenly serious. The room seemed to grow quieter, and Miles felt the weight of her question. He thought about everything he¡¯d been through¡ªthe dungeon, the dice, the cursed village. Risks were all he¡¯d been taking since he got here. He nodded. ¡°Yeah. I am.¡± Lancy¡¯s lips curved into a small smile. ¡°Good. Because if you¡¯re going to survive in this world, you¡¯ll need to take plenty of them.¡± She leaned forward, lowering her voice. ¡°Meet me here tomorrow. I¡¯ll tell you everything you need to know.¡± Miles nodded, his curiosity piqued. As he left the tavern, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he¡¯d just taken the first step into something far bigger than he realized. Miles leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with questions about Lancy. She exuded an aura of confidence that made him curious¡ªand wary. Deciding to test the waters, he focused his thoughts on a simple command. Roll to Detect Lancy¡¯s Skills and Level. The dice in his mind spun furiously before coming to an abrupt halt. The result flashed, but it wasn¡¯t what he wanted to see: Failure. Level and skill detection blocked due to significant skill disparity. Miles frowned as the system chimed in with a warning. Alert: Target possesses advanced mana awareness. Attempting to detect their stats may reveal your intent. Proceed with caution.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Before he could decide whether to try again, Lancy¡¯s amber eyes locked onto him, sharp and calculating. ¡°Did you just try to cast a detection skill on me?¡± she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. Miles¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Uh, no! Nothing like that. My skill set is... complicated.¡± She arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but not pressing the issue. ¡°Complicated, huh?¡± Miles decided to deflect. ¡°What about you? What¡¯s your skill set?¡± Lancy chuckled softly, a sound that sent shivers down his spine. ¡°You¡¯re bold, I¡¯ll give you that.¡± She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. ¡°But asking someone to reveal their skills without offering anything in return? That¡¯s not how this works.¡± Her evasion only fueled Miles¡¯s suspicion, but before he could press further, Lancy changed the subject. ¡°How about this: instead of interrogating me, you join my party?¡± Miles blinked in surprise. ¡°Your party?¡± Lancy nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve already got a team of three, but we¡¯re looking for a fourth before we tackle our next dungeon. Your skill set seems... unconventional, but I think it could be useful.¡± Miles hesitated. Joining her party sounded like a good opportunity, but the disparity in their levels made him cautious. He couldn¡¯t risk becoming a liability or being abandoned midway through a dungeon. Roll to Decide if Joining Lancy¡¯s Party is a Good Idea. The dice spun again, landing on a favorable result. Outcome: Positive. Proceed with caution. But then the system added: Note: The dice cannot make decisions for you. Choose wisely. Miles sighed. ¡°Thanks for the reminder,¡± he muttered under his breath. He looked back at Lancy, her gaze steady as she waited for his response. ¡°Okay,¡± he said finally. ¡°I¡¯ll join your party, but only on one condition.¡± Her brow furrowed slightly. ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help you clear your dungeon, but you and your party will need to help me clear one too. It¡¯s not a high-level dungeon¡ªit only requires level 5 to enter¡ªand we¡¯ll split the rewards.¡± Lancy¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, her tail flicking in thought. ¡°If it¡¯s so easy, why haven¡¯t you cleared it yourself?¡± Miles stiffened, his mind scrambling for an explanation. He couldn¡¯t admit he was only level 3¡ªit would raise too many questions about his abilities. Then he remembered the dungeon¡¯s level requirement. ¡°It has a minimum level restriction,¡± he said quickly. ¡°I can¡¯t enter it alone, but with your team, we¡¯ll breeze through it.¡± Lancy studied him for a long moment, her sharp gaze making him feel as though she could see right through him. Finally, she nodded. ¡°All right,¡± she said. ¡°But this is strictly temporary. Once we¡¯re done with your dungeon, we go our separate ways.¡± Miles nodded, relieved. ¡°Deal.¡± With the agreement in place, Lancy leaned back in her chair, her demeanor relaxing slightly. ¡°We¡¯ll meet tomorrow morning at the guild¡¯s main entrance. I¡¯ll introduce you to the others then.¡± ¡°Sounds good,¡± Miles said, though his nerves were still buzzing. As Lancy stood to leave, she paused and gave him one last appraising look. ¡°One more thing. Don¡¯t try anything stupid. My team doesn¡¯t tolerate dead weight.¡± Miles gave her a weak smile. ¡°Noted.¡± As she walked away, Miles let out a long breath. He¡¯d secured his first party, but the stakes had just been raised. He wasn¡¯t just gambling with his luck anymore¡ªhe was gambling with his life. The next morning, Miles stood outside the Adventurer''s Guild, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He¡¯d agreed to join Lancy¡¯s party, but meeting her teammates was another matter. He adjusted his gear and entered the guild, spotting Lancy standing near the bulletin board with two others. The first was a broad-shouldered man with a calm demeanor. He carried a medical satchel over one shoulder and a staff strapped to his back. His short brown hair and warm smile gave him an approachable air. The second was a petite woman with sharp eyes, her outfit decorated with vials and pouches of unknown liquids. Her crimson hair was tied back, and she held a mortar and pestle in one hand as if she¡¯d been working on something moments before. ¡°Miles,¡± Lancy called out, waving him over. ¡°Meet my team.¡± Chapter 20: Meet the team - Part 2 ¡°Miles,¡± Lancy called out, waving him over. ¡°Meet my team.¡± As Miles approached, Lancy gestured to the man first. ¡°This is Josh, our medic. He¡¯s level 6 and the best healer I¡¯ve worked with.¡± Josh extended a hand. ¡°Nice to meet you. Hope you¡¯re ready for some action.¡± Miles shook his hand, noting the firm grip. ¡°Likewise.¡± Lancy then gestured to the woman. ¡°And this is Nancy, our potion master. She¡¯s level 7 and can brew anything you need¡ªprovided you¡¯ve got the coin.¡± Nancy smirked. ¡°Or the materials. Welcome aboard, newbie.¡± Miles gave a small nod, trying to appear confident. He needed to know if he could trust them. Roll to Check Trustworthiness. The dice spun in his mind and landed with a clear result: Positive. These individuals can be trusted. Relief washed over him. At least for now, he didn¡¯t have to worry about being betrayed. ¡°So,¡± Lancy began, crossing her arms. ¡°Do you want to handle your dungeon first, or shall we tackle ours?¡± Miles hesitated. The system had made it clear he didn¡¯t qualify for his dungeon yet, but he couldn¡¯t admit that to Lancy or her team. Instead, he decided to deflect. ¡°I checked last night,¡± Miles said, scratching the back of his head. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m not ready for it yet. Why don¡¯t we handle your dungeon first?¡± Lancy raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t push the issue. ¡°Fair enough. Ours is a mid-tier dungeon located near the eastern hills. It¡¯s called the Labyrinth of Shadows. We¡¯ve been preparing for it for weeks.¡± Josh added, ¡°It¡¯s tricky, but with the right teamwork, we can manage it.¡± Nancy leaned against a table, arms folded. ¡°And it¡¯s lucrative. Plenty of rare herbs and materials to gather, not to mention the treasure.¡± Miles nodded, trying to keep up. ¡°Sounds good to me. What¡¯s the level range?¡± ¡°Level 8 and above,¡± Nancy replied casually. Miles suppressed a grimace. He was far below that level, but his luck and the support of the party would have to carry him through. ¡°Let¡¯s gear up and head out,¡± Lancy said, motioning for the group to follow her. On the way, Lancy walked alongside Miles. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, I¡¯ll give you that,¡± she said, glancing at him. ¡°But you¡¯re not telling us everything, are you?¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Miles tensed. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Your skills,¡± she said simply. ¡°You¡¯re holding back.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not¡ª¡± Miles began but stopped himself. She wasn¡¯t wrong, but he couldn¡¯t reveal the truth. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.¡± Lancy studied him for a moment, then smirked. ¡°Fair enough. Just don¡¯t get us killed.¡± Miles nodded, his resolve hardening. He might be out of his depth, but he wasn¡¯t about to let this team down¡ªor blow his cover. The Labyrinth of Shadows loomed ahead, an ominous stone structure covered in creeping vines. Its entrance, a dark, gaping maw, seemed to swallow the light. Miles followed closely behind the party, his stomach churning with nerves. ¡°Alright,¡± Lancy said, glancing back at the group. ¡°This is where it gets serious. Stick close, and don¡¯t do anything reckless.¡± Josh and Nancy nodded in agreement, their expressions calm yet focused. Miles, however, had his doubts. What if the dungeon rejects me? He had rolled to be lucky in entering the Adventurer''s Guild earlier, but this was a level 8 dungeon, far above his current level of 3. Roll to be allowed entry. The dice spun, and the result appeared in his mind: Success. Entry granted. The system elaborated: ¡°Entry permitted due to the high-level average of your party. Without them, access would be denied.¡± Miles let out a sigh of relief, but the system¡¯s words made him pause. His party wasn¡¯t exceptionally high-leveled; Nancy was level 7, and Josh was level 6. That meant Lancy must be significantly higher-leveled to balance out the average. He glanced at her as they approached the entrance. She walked with the confidence of someone who had seen countless battles, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade. How high is her level? Miles wondered, but before he could dwell on it further, they stepped into a clearing filled with shimmering plants and herbs. The clearing was a stark contrast to the foreboding exterior of the labyrinth. Lush greenery stretched out in all directions, and faintly glowing herbs dotted the ground, casting a gentle light. Josh¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Magical herbs! These are incredibly rare.¡± Nancy crouched to inspect one of the plants. ¡°And potent, too. If we harvest some, I can brew potions worth a fortune.¡± Josh, unable to contain his excitement, took a step forward. ¡°We should¡ª¡± ¡°Stop.¡± Lancy¡¯s voice cut through the air like a blade. She extended an arm, blocking Josh from moving further. Her eyes scanned the clearing, sharp and alert. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Josh asked, frowning. ¡°This area isn¡¯t natural,¡± Lancy said. ¡°Look closer.¡± Miles squinted, trying to see what Lancy had noticed. At first, everything seemed fine, but then he saw it: faint distortions in the air, like ripples on the surface of water. Nancy cursed under her breath. ¡°A trap.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Lancy said. ¡°These herbs are bait. Step in the wrong spot, and you¡¯ll trigger something nasty.¡± Josh groaned, his enthusiasm deflating. ¡°So, no herbs?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll mark this area for later,¡± Lancy replied. ¡°Once the dungeon¡¯s cleared, we can gather them safely. For now, we keep moving.¡± Miles felt a twinge of admiration for Lancy. Her keen observation had likely saved them from a disastrous mistake. The group continued past the clearing, entering the labyrinth¡¯s shadowy corridors. The air grew colder, and the walls pulsed faintly with a strange, otherworldly light. ¡°Stay close,¡± Lancy instructed. ¡°This dungeon is known for separating parties with illusions.¡± Miles shuddered at the thought and stuck close to Josh, who seemed the most approachable. As they ventured deeper, the system chimed in Miles¡¯ mind. ¡°Warning: Environment Hostile. Proceed with caution.¡± Thanks for the tip, Miles thought sarcastically. Josh glanced at him. ¡°You okay? You look tense.¡± ¡°Just... trying to stay focused,¡± Miles replied. Chapter 21 : Just tell us the truth - Part 1 Nancy snorted. ¡°Good luck with that. The labyrinth is designed to mess with your head.¡± As if on cue, the corridor ahead split into three paths, each identical. ¡°Which way?¡± Josh asked, glancing at Lancy. She studied the paths, her eyes narrowing. ¡°Give me a minute.¡± Miles decided to take a gamble. Roll to determine the correct path. The dice spun, and the result appeared: Right Path. 85% chance of success. He pointed to the right. ¡°I think we should go this way.¡± Lancy raised an eyebrow. ¡°And you know that how?¡± ¡°Call it a hunch,¡± Miles said, trying to sound confident. Lancy stared at him for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll try it your way. But if you¡¯re wrong...¡± Miles gulped. ¡°I won¡¯t be.¡± As they walked down the corridor, Miles¡¯ heart raced. The system had given him a high probability of success, but there was still a chance he was wrong. To his relief, the path didn¡¯t lead them into any traps or dead ends. Instead, it opened into a large chamber with high ceilings and glowing crystals embedded in the walls. Josh let out a low whistle. ¡°This place is incredible.¡± Nancy knelt to examine one of the crystals. ¡°And valuable. If we can take some of these back...¡± Lancy held up a hand. ¡°Focus. We¡¯re not here to collect souvenirs.¡± Miles felt a surge of gratitude for her leadership. Without her, the group might have been distracted by every shiny object they encountered. But even as he admired her skills, one thought nagged at the back of his mind: How high is her level? The dungeon¡¯s eerie silence was shattered by the skittering of legs and the sharp sound of webbing snapping underfoot. Miles froze, his eyes widening as massive spiders descended from the chamber ceiling, their glowing red eyes locked onto the party. ¡°Ambush!¡± Lancy shouted, drawing her twin swords with practiced ease. Josh fumbled to ready his staff, his voice trembling as he began an incantation. ¡°By the light of the heavens, I¡ª¡± One of the spiders lunged at him, its fangs glinting. Lancy intercepted, her blade slicing cleanly through the creature. Josh staggered back, his face pale. ¡°Holy Magic: Smite!¡± he cried, directing his spell at another spider.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. A faint glow surrounded his target, but nothing happened. ¡°What?¡± Josh stammered. ¡°Why didn¡¯t it work?¡± Nancy, standing behind him, quickly cast a buff spell. ¡°Try again, Josh! I just boosted your magic attack!¡± Josh gritted his teeth and tried once more. ¡°Holy Magic: Smite!¡± The spider remained unaffected, scuttling forward menacingly. ¡°They¡¯re level 10,¡± Lancy said, her voice calm but urgent. ¡°Your magic¡¯s not strong enough to pierce their resistance.¡± Miles clenched his fists. I have to do something. He drew his dagger, attempting to attack the nearest spider. But as he moved, the system chimed: ¡°Warning: Opponent too high-leveled. Attack will fail.¡± The spider swatted him aside like a toy, sending him sprawling against the chamber wall. His health dropped by a third, and his hands shook as he struggled to get back up. ¡°I can¡¯t...¡± Miles muttered, frustration welling up in his chest. ¡°Stay back!¡± Lancy barked. ¡°You¡¯ll just get yourself killed!¡± While Josh and Nancy hesitated, and Miles struggled to recover, Lancy became a whirlwind of steel. Her twin swords glinted in the dim light, moving faster than Miles could follow. Each strike was precise and deadly, severing legs, fangs, and webbing with ease. She leapt over one spider, plunging both blades into its thorax, and twisted mid-air to slash another in half. Her movements were fluid, almost like a dance, and within minutes, a dozen spiders lay dead at her feet. Miles stared, stunned. She¡¯s... incredible. The remaining spiders hesitated, their instinctive hunger for prey overtaken by fear. They scuttled back into the shadows, disappearing into the labyrinth. The silence returned, broken only by the sound of Lancy sheathing her swords. ¡°Is everyone okay?¡± she asked, her voice steady. Josh and Nancy exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions pale and tense. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lancy pressed, her brow furrowing. Josh took a shaky step back. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you kidding me?¡± Nancy crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. ¡°We¡¯ve been fighting together for months, and I¡¯ve never seen you fight like that. You¡¯re hiding something, Lancy. What¡¯s your level?¡± Lancy¡¯s face darkened. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s exactly the time!¡± Josh interrupted. ¡°You just took down a dozen level 10 monsters like they were nothing! Meanwhile, I couldn¡¯t even scratch them. You¡¯ve been holding back this whole time, haven¡¯t you?¡± Nancy nodded, her tone accusatory. ¡°You¡¯ve been lying to us. If you¡¯re strong enough to do that, why even bother forming a party with us? What are you using us for?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not using you,¡± Lancy said, her tone calm but defensive. ¡°Then explain,¡± Nancy demanded. Lancy hesitated, her usual confidence faltering. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Josh¡¯s hands curled into fists. ¡°That¡¯s not good enough.¡± Nancy¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°If you can¡¯t tell us the truth, then we¡¯re done. We¡¯re not going to risk our lives for someone who¡¯s keeping secrets.¡± Miles stepped forward, holding up his hands. ¡°Hey, wait! Let¡¯s not do anything drastic.¡± Nancy turned on him. ¡°Don¡¯t defend her. You saw what she did. If she¡¯s hiding this, who knows what else she¡¯s keeping from us?¡± Miles glanced at Lancy, who looked uncharacteristically vulnerable. Why won¡¯t she explain herself? Before anyone could speak further, Miles¡¯ system chimed. ¡°Item dropped: Strong Spider String.¡± A small pile of silk-like material glowed faintly near the spiders¡¯ corpses. Lancy walked over and picked it up, holding it out to the group. ¡°This is Strong Spider String,¡± she said. ¡°It can be used to craft armor or weapons with +1 durability. It¡¯s valuable, and I¡¯m offering it to the team. Take it.¡± Josh and Nancy didn¡¯t move. ¡°Take it,¡± Lancy repeated, her voice firm but not unkind. ¡°You earned it just by being here.¡± Nancy hesitated before reaching out and taking her share, muttering under her breath. Josh, however, didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Keep it. I don¡¯t want anything from you until you start telling the truth.¡± Lancy said nothing, her expression unreadable. Miles watched the tension between them, his stomach knotting. He wasn¡¯t sure how to fix this, but one thing was clear: the party was on the verge of falling apart. Chapter 22 : Just tell us the truth - Part 2 The atmosphere was thick with tension, the glow of the magical herbs barely illuminating the mistrust in the party¡¯s eyes. Josh¡¯s glare burned into Lancy, and Nancy crossed her arms tightly, her jaw set in frustration. ¡°This isn¡¯t working,¡± Josh muttered, his voice low but sharp. ¡°We can¡¯t keep going like this if you¡¯re going to keep secrets, Lancy.¡± Nancy nodded. ¡°We trusted you. We¡¯re risking our lives in this dungeon, and you¡¯re hiding something that could get us all killed.¡± Lancy exhaled slowly, her hands gripping her swords. ¡°You think I¡¯m hiding something because I want to? You think this is easy for me?¡± ¡°Then tell us!¡± Josh snapped. ¡°What level are you? What are you? Why are you even here?¡± Lancy¡¯s jaw tightened. For a moment, it looked as though she might lash out, but then she relaxed, her expression cold and distant. ¡°If you¡¯re so unhappy with me, then leave. Go on. Try making it through this dungeon without me.¡± Josh flinched, the anger in his eyes faltering. Nancy hesitated as well, her stance shifting uncertainly. ¡°Fine,¡± Josh muttered after a long silence. ¡°Maybe we will.¡± Nancy didn¡¯t speak, but the way she glanced between Josh and Lancy made it clear she wasn¡¯t sure she wanted to take that step. Miles, who had been quiet up until now, realized the team was seconds away from falling apart. He didn¡¯t know everything about Lancy or her past, but he couldn¡¯t afford to let the group disband, not when they were deep in a dangerous dungeon. He clenched his fists and mentally called for a roll. ¡°Roll for Diplomacy.¡± The dice appeared in his mind¡¯s eye, tumbling across the virtual plane. It landed on a high number, and the system chimed: ¡°Success: Your diplomatic efforts will be effective.¡± Miles cleared his throat, stepping forward to draw attention to himself. ¡°Look,¡± he began, his voice steady but firm. ¡°I get that there¡¯s tension right now. And yeah, maybe Lancy isn¡¯t telling us everything. But think about where we are. This is the Labyrinth of Shadows. We¡¯ve already been ambushed by spiders stronger than any of us expected. Do you really think splitting up is a good idea?¡± Josh scowled but didn¡¯t respond. Nancy looked down at her feet, her lips pressed into a thin line. Miles pressed on. ¡°We¡¯re in this together, whether we like it or not. If we can¡¯t trust each other right now, then let¡¯s at least agree to work together long enough to get out of here alive.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. He glanced at Lancy, who was watching him with a guarded expression. ¡°And that includes you, Lancy. If you want this party to work, you¡¯ve got to meet us halfway. Even if you can¡¯t tell us everything, show us that we can trust you through your actions.¡± There was a long pause, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. Josh sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Fine. You¡¯ve got a point. I don¡¯t want to die in here, and I¡¯m not stupid enough to think I can handle this place alone.¡± Nancy nodded reluctantly. ¡°I¡¯ll stay. But I¡¯m keeping my guard up.¡± Lancy¡¯s shoulders relaxed slightly, though her expression remained unreadable. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere,¡± she said. ¡°But don¡¯t think for a second that I owe you my life story. You want to know who I am? Watch what I do.¡± Miles nodded, grateful the situation hadn¡¯t devolved into chaos. ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯m asking. Let¡¯s just focus on surviving this dungeon for now. We can figure the rest out later.¡± The group fell silent, the tension still lingering but no longer on the verge of exploding. Josh and Nancy moved to examine the Strong Spider String, their curiosity momentarily distracting them from their frustrations. Miles felt a wave of relief wash over him. The truce was fragile, but it was enough to keep them moving forward. After a brief rest, the group regrouped and prepared to continue deeper into the labyrinth. The magical herbs in the clearing had been collected and stored by Nancy, who noted their potential use in crafting potions and antidotes. Lancy led the way, her twin swords at the ready. Josh walked beside Nancy, still throwing occasional glances at Lancy but keeping his thoughts to himself. Miles stayed near the back, his thoughts racing. Lancy¡¯s strong¡ªstronger than she¡¯s letting on. But why is she hiding it? What¡¯s her real goal here? The group entered a narrow corridor lined with glowing glyphs. The oppressive darkness of the labyrinth seemed to close in around them, the air growing colder with every step. ¡°Stay alert,¡± Lancy said, her voice low but commanding. ¡°We don¡¯t know what¡¯s waiting for us up ahead.¡± Miles tightened his grip on his dagger, silently praying that they wouldn¡¯t encounter anything worse than the spiders. For now, they were a team again. But Miles couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the dungeon wasn¡¯t the only challenge they¡¯d face before this was over. The corridor ahead was narrow and dark, lit only by faint glyphs glowing with a pale, unsettling light. Lancy¡¯s voice broke the silence, firm and urgent. ¡°There¡¯s a trap ahead,¡± she warned, raising a hand to stop the group. ¡°Be careful where you step.¡± Josh scoffed, rolling his eyes. ¡°Another one of your secrets, Lancy? Or are you just making things up to look important?¡± Nancy frowned but didn¡¯t stop walking. ¡°We can¡¯t keep second-guessing every step, or we¡¯ll be here forever. Let¡¯s just keep moving.¡± Miles hesitated. His gut told him to trust Lancy, even if the others were skeptical. He slowed his pace and fell in line behind her, avoiding the path Josh and Nancy took. ¡°Lancy knows what she¡¯s talking about,¡± Miles said cautiously. ¡°We should listen to her.¡± Josh waved him off. ¡°We¡¯ll be fine. You¡¯re just too scared to take a risk.¡± Nancy nodded in agreement. ¡°Let¡¯s just¡ª¡± Her words were cut off by a loud click followed by a deep rumble. The floor beneath Josh and Nancy gave way, and they both cried out as they plummeted into a dark pit. Miles stared in shock, his heart racing. ¡°Josh! Nancy!¡± Lancy cursed under her breath and sprinted to the edge of the pit. The glow of her twin swords illuminated a writhing mass of spiders, their legs clicking and skittering as they swarmed around the trapped party members. Chapter 23: Splitting up - Part 1 ¡°Hang on!¡± Lancy called down. Without hesitation, she leaped into the pit, her swords slicing through the air as she landed among the spiders. Miles stepped back, his grip tightening on his dagger. He glanced around nervously, unsure of what to do. ¡°Roll for distraction,¡± he muttered under his breath, calling on the system to help. The dice tumbled in his mind, landing on a high roll. A notification appeared: ¡°Success: You¡¯ve gained additional time for your party¡¯s rescue efforts.¡± Lancy fought fiercely, her swords flashing as she cut through the spiders. Josh and Nancy were pinned against the pit¡¯s walls, their weapons useless against the overwhelming swarm. ¡°Josh, grab onto me!¡± Lancy commanded. Josh hesitated, but the fear in his eyes made him obey. As he reached for her, a spider lunged at him, its fangs aimed for his neck. Lancy moved faster, striking the spider down, but the movement left her exposed. A sharp claw raked across her leg, and she winced, stumbling slightly. Blood seeped through her armor, but she didn¡¯t stop. She pulled Josh to safety and turned to help Nancy, who was frantically trying to fend off the spiders with a small vial of acid. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Josh asked, his voice shaking as he clung to the edge of the pit. ¡°Why risk yourself for us?¡± Lancy didn¡¯t look at him, her focus on cutting a path to Nancy. ¡°Because you¡¯re my party,¡± she said simply. ¡°I don¡¯t need to explain myself beyond that.¡± She reached Nancy, grabbing her arm and hoisting her toward the pit¡¯s edge. With one final slash, Lancy cleared the remaining spiders and climbed out herself, her injured leg dragging slightly. The group sat in silence for a moment, catching their breath. Josh looked at Lancy, his expression a mix of guilt and curiosity. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you cared,¡± he admitted quietly. ¡°You¡¯re always so... distant.¡± Lancy wiped her swords clean, her face unreadable. ¡°I care more than you think. And if I¡¯m keeping secrets, it¡¯s because I have to. It¡¯s not about me¡ªit¡¯s about the party.¡± Nancy nodded slowly, her skepticism fading. ¡°Maybe we were wrong about you.¡± Miles, watching from the sidelines, felt a flicker of relief. The tension that had nearly torn the group apart seemed to have eased, though the air was still thick with unspoken questions. While the others tended to their wounds, Miles kept watch near the edge of the pit. The corridor beyond was silent, but a faint sound caught his attention¡ªa distant scratching, growing louder with every passing second. He called on the system for guidance, rolling to assess the situation. The dice landed, and the notification that appeared made his stomach drop: Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.¡°Warning: An enemy approaches. Prepare for battle.¡± Miles gripped his dagger tightly, his heart pounding. ¡°Guys,¡± he called out, his voice low but urgent. ¡°We¡¯ve got company.¡± The group turned to him, their exhaustion replaced by a renewed sense of dread. ¡°What kind of company?¡± Lancy asked, pushing herself to her feet despite her injured leg. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Miles admitted. ¡°But it¡¯s close.¡± The scratching grew louder, echoing through the labyrinth. The group exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier camaraderie replaced by the grim realization that they weren¡¯t out of danger yet. ¡°Form up,¡± Lancy said, her voice steady despite the pain she was clearly in. ¡°We¡¯ll face it together.¡± Miles nodded, his hand trembling slightly as he prepared for whatever was coming. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the challenges they¡¯d face in the Labyrinth of Shadows. The sound of scratching claws echoed louder, reverberating through the labyrinth walls. Miles felt the weight of the system''s warning heavy in his chest. ¡°If you wait for the party, it will be too late. Your best chance of survival is to move alone and regroup later.¡± The notification blinked ominously, pressing him into action. His palms were slick with sweat, his grip on his dagger unsteady. Lancy turned toward him, her expression determined. ¡°Stick together. Whatever it is, we¡¯ll face it as a group.¡± Miles hesitated, his mind racing. ¡°I... I can¡¯t,¡± he said finally, his voice strained. ¡°By the time you get to me, I¡¯ll already be dead.¡± Josh frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! We¡¯ll get to you in time.¡± Nancy nodded in agreement. ¡°Splitting up in here is suicide!¡± Miles shook his head, stepping back. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. I have skills¡ªones that let me find the boss room and the exit. I can navigate this place better alone.¡± Lancy¡¯s sharp gaze locked onto him, and for a moment, she seemed to consider his words carefully. Then, with a deep sigh, she nodded. ¡°He¡¯s right.¡± ¡°What?¡± Josh and Nancy exclaimed in unison. ¡°It¡¯s the only option that makes sense,¡± Lancy said. Her voice was calm but resolute. ¡°If we try to catch up to him, we¡¯ll slow him down. Whatever¡¯s coming will be on him before we can get there.¡± ¡°But¡ª¡± ¡°No buts.¡± Lancy cut Josh off, turning to Miles. ¡°If you can really find the exit and regroup with us later, then go. This is your best chance of survival.¡± Miles nodded, grateful for her understanding. But her words also carried something unexpected¡ªadmiration. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts,¡± Lancy added. ¡°And skill. You¡¯ve been holding back more than you¡¯re letting on, haven¡¯t you?¡± Her words made his chest tighten. He didn¡¯t know how to respond, so he simply nodded again. Nancy looked skeptical. ¡°He¡¯s level three¡ªwhat could he possibly be hiding?¡± Lancy¡¯s gaze lingered on him, her eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°That¡¯s the thing. I can¡¯t see his level.¡± Josh and Nancy both blinked in surprise. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°It means,¡± Lancy said, her tone thoughtful, ¡°he¡¯s stronger than he seems. Or maybe... different.¡± Miles shifted uncomfortably under their scrutiny. ¡°I¡¯ll see you all at the boss room,¡± he said, cutting the conversation short. Without waiting for a response, he turned and sprinted down the corridor, leaving the party behind. Miles¡¯s heart pounded as he moved through the winding paths of the labyrinth. The oppressive darkness closed in around him, broken only by faint glimmers of light from his system interface. ¡°System, guide me to the boss room,¡± he whispered, hoping for some assistance. ¡°Skill Activated: Dungeon Sense. Boss Room detected.¡± A glowing arrow appeared in his vision, pointing him toward his destination. Relief washed over him, though it was short-lived. The scratching sound was getting closer. His legs burned as he pushed himself to move faster. The labyrinth seemed endless, with twisting corridors and sudden drops that forced him to be cautious even in his haste. A notification flashed in front of him: ¡°Warning: Enemy Approaching.¡± Miles clenched his teeth. ¡°No kidding,¡± he muttered. Chapter 24: Splitting up - Part 2 As he rounded a corner, a hulking shadow loomed ahead. It was massive, its eight spindly legs stretching across the corridor. Its body was covered in jagged, glistening chitin, and its eyes gleamed like black jewels in the dim light. ¡°A Greater Shadow Spider,¡± Miles breathed, his blood running cold. The creature let out a screech, its mandibles clicking menacingly as it skittered toward him. Miles¡¯s first instinct was to fight, but he quickly dismissed the idea. ¡°Level 12.¡± The system helpfully displayed the creature¡¯s level, confirming what he already knew¡ªit was far beyond his ability to handle. ¡°Run,¡± he whispered to himself, turning on his heel. The spider chased after him, its legs moving with horrifying speed. Miles¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as he darted through the corridors, following the glowing arrow that marked his path to the boss room. ______ Back in the pit, Lancy stood silently, her eyes fixed on the direction Miles had disappeared. ¡°Do you really think he¡¯ll make it?¡± Josh asked, his tone doubtful. ¡°If anyone can, it¡¯s him,¡± Lancy replied. ¡°He has something... different about him. And he doesn¡¯t give up easily.¡± Nancy crossed her arms. ¡°You seem awfully confident in someone you just met.¡± Lancy smirked faintly. ¡°Sometimes, you don¡¯t need to know someone for long to see their potential.¡± Josh shook his head. ¡°I just hope we¡¯re not picking up his corpse later.¡± Lancy didn¡¯t respond, but her grip tightened on her swords. ______ Miles felt like his lungs were about to burst. The spider was gaining on him, its screeches echoing through the labyrinth. He rounded another corner and saw the glowing outline of a large door ahead. ¡°The boss room,¡± he gasped. He sprinted toward it, the spider hot on his heels. The system interface flashed urgently: ¡°Enter now or face imminent death.¡± Without hesitation, Miles threw himself through the door. The moment he crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut behind him, cutting off the spider¡¯s pursuit. He collapsed onto the floor, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. ¡°Made it,¡± he muttered, though his relief was short-lived. The room was eerily silent, and the oppressive air made his skin crawl. He wasn¡¯t safe yet¡ªnot by a long shot. Miles forced himself to stand, gripping his dagger tightly as he scanned the room. The system¡¯s notification chimed softly in his ear: A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.¡°Boss Detected: Awaiting Party.¡± He exhaled shakily, knowing he had only bought himself a brief reprieve. All he could do now was wait and hope his party would make it in time. ______ Miles leaned against the cold stone wall of the boss room, the silence pressing heavily around him. The large, ornate door that separated him from the labyrinth felt like a fragile shield between himself and whatever lurked beyond. ¡°System, roll to ensure the boss doesn¡¯t activate prematurely,¡± he whispered, his voice echoing faintly in the vast chamber. The system¡¯s interface flickered before him: ¡°Roll successful. Boss barrier remains inactive until all party members are present.¡± Relief washed over him as he let out a long, slow breath. ¡°You are safe for now.¡± The words didn¡¯t feel as comforting as they should have. He knew his safety was borrowed time, dependent on his party making it to him unscathed. Inventory Check With nothing else to do, Miles decided to inspect his belongings. He opened his inventory interface, the holographic display materializing before his eyes. Inventory: He frowned, noting how bare his supplies were. ¡°Not exactly inspiring,¡± he muttered. Switching to his stats, he scanned the screen: Stats: His gaze lingered on the absurdly high luck stat. It had saved him so many times already, but it still felt like a crutch rather than a true strength. ¡°Skills,¡± he murmured, pulling up his abilities. Skills: He sighed, closing the interface. ¡°Still weak as hell.¡± The system chimed unexpectedly: ¡°Your party is approaching. Prepare to regroup.¡± Miles stood, his muscles tensing as he faced the sealed door. Moments later, the heavy doors creaked open, revealing the rest of his party. Lancy entered first, her steps slow and uneven as she favored her injured leg. Josh and Nancy followed, both leaning against each other for support. Nancy looked pale, her robes smudged with dirt and blood. Josh¡¯s armor was scratched and dented, his face drawn with exhaustion. The sight of them made Miles¡¯s stomach churn. They looked as though they¡¯d barely survived. When their eyes landed on him, standing unharmed in the center of the room, suspicion flickered across their faces. ¡°You¡¯re completely fine,¡± Nancy said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°How did you make it here without a scratch?¡± Josh asked, his tone edged with doubt. Miles raised his hands defensively. ¡°I ran. The system guided me, and I didn¡¯t stop until I got here.¡± Josh exchanged a look with Nancy, but before either could respond, Lancy spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s him,¡± she said firmly. Her voice carried an authority that quieted their doubts. ¡°He¡¯s not lying,¡± she added. ¡°And if he¡¯s here, it means we can focus on the boss.¡± Reluctantly, Josh and Nancy relaxed, though they still cast wary glances at Miles. As they moved further into the room, Miles couldn¡¯t help but notice the subtle changes in the group. Despite their injuries, there was a newfound camaraderie between them. Nancy handed Josh a potion without hesitation, and Josh supported Lancy without complaint. They had been through something together¡ªsomething that had clearly bonded them. It stirred an unfamiliar ache in Miles¡¯s chest. He had always been an outsider, even before being thrown into this strange world. But seeing the closeness between his party members made him feel the distance between himself and them even more acutely. ¡°You okay?¡± Lancy¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. He glanced at her, startled. Her sharp eyes softened slightly as she studied him. ¡°Yeah,¡± he said, forcing a smile. ¡°Just... glad you all made it.¡± Her lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°So are we.¡± ¡°For now, we should rest and recover. There is no point in facing the boss if most of us cannot even stand,¡± Lancy spoke and no one had the power to tell her otherwise. Chapter 25: The Lucky Charm - Part 1 The faint hum of the boss room¡¯s sealed magic filled the air as the party settled into their temporary camp. The tension of the labyrinth still lingered, but for now, there was a sense of respite. Nancy sat cross-legged, inspecting her potion supplies and muttering about their dwindling reserves. Josh worked diligently to patch up his armor with what little materials they had, while Lancy leaned back against the cold stone wall, her twin swords resting beside her. Miles, on the other hand, found himself sitting apart from the group. He stared at his inventory, but his mind was elsewhere, drifting back to his old life. Before being thrown into this strange world, Miles had been a devoted Dungeon Master. He had spent countless hours creating intricate campaigns for his friends, designing elaborate traps, thrilling story arcs, and unforgettable NPCs. He was the one in charge, the one everyone looked to for guidance. But being a Dungeon Master came with its own curse. He had always been on the outside, narrating the story rather than being part of it. While his friends laughed, bonded, and shared moments of camaraderie as they adventured together, he remained behind his screen, controlling the flow of events. It wasn¡¯t that he hadn¡¯t been part of their group¡ªtechnically, he had. But he had never truly felt part of it. He was the storyteller, not a participant. Miles had envied his friends for their closeness. They made forming connections look so effortless, while he struggled to understand what it even meant to feel truly included. ¡°Even here,¡± he thought, glancing at his party members. ¡°I¡¯m still the outsider. They¡¯ve been through so much together already, and I¡­¡± His gaze flicked to Lancy, who was sharpening her swords with focused precision. Despite her injury, she exuded confidence and strength, a natural leader. Then to Nancy and Josh, who exchanged quiet banter as they worked. There was a bond between them now, one forged through shared struggle. And here he was¡ªunharmed, untested, and still feeling like he didn¡¯t belong. ¡°What am I even doing here?¡± he wondered bitterly. ¡°Hey,¡± Josh¡¯s voice jolted him from his thoughts. Miles blinked, looking up to see Josh watching him curiously. ¡°How did you manage to stay unharmed?¡± Josh asked, his tone not accusatory but genuinely curious.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The question made Nancy pause her work and glance over, and even Lancy looked up from her swords. Miles hesitated, feeling the weight of their attention. ¡°Uh¡­ well, I guess I just have incredible luck with my rolls,¡± he said, forcing a small laugh. Josh raised an eyebrow. ¡°Luck?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Miles said, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°I¡¯ve got this¡­ ability, I guess, to make things go my way sometimes. And occasionally, I can share that luck with others.¡± Nancy snorted, clearly thinking he was joking. ¡°Oh, really? So you¡¯re some kind of walking good luck charm?¡± ¡°Sometimes,¡± Miles said with a shrug, trying to play it off as casual. Nancy rolled her eyes. ¡°Alright, then. If you¡¯re so capable, why don¡¯t you bless my healing? I¡¯ve been trying to get Lancy¡¯s leg fixed, but nothing¡¯s working.¡± She gestured to Lancy, who was still wincing slightly whenever she adjusted her position. Miles hesitated. He thought Nancy was joking, but then again, he didn¡¯t want to disappoint. ¡°Uh, sure. Why not?¡± He stood and walked over to Nancy, who handed him a vial of potion. ¡°Alright, Lucky Charm,¡± Nancy said with a smirk. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡± Miles held the potion awkwardly, unsure of what he was supposed to do. He glanced at the party, who were all watching him with varying degrees of skepticism. ¡°System, help me out here,¡± he thought desperately. The system responded with a faint notification: ¡°User¡¯s Luck stat will influence the next action. Probability of success: high.¡± Taking a deep breath, Miles closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath¡ªpart prayer, part nonsense. Then he handed the potion back to Nancy. ¡°Try it now,¡± he said, stepping back. Nancy raised an eyebrow but uncorked the vial and poured it over Lancy¡¯s injured leg. The effect was immediate. A soft golden glow surrounded Lancy¡¯s leg, and the tense lines of pain on her face eased. When the glow faded, she stretched her leg experimentally, then stood, her movements fluid and unhindered. The entire party froze. Josh¡¯s jaw dropped, Nancy stared at the empty vial in disbelief, and Lancy looked at Miles with a mix of awe and confusion. ¡°What¡­ just happened?¡± Nancy whispered. Miles blinked, equally stunned. ¡°Uh¡­ guess my blessing worked?¡± Nancy grabbed another potion from her supplies. ¡°Do it again.¡± ¡°Wait, what¡ª¡± She shoved the potion into his hands. ¡°Bless this one. Now.¡± Feeling like a stage magician being forced to repeat a trick, Miles awkwardly repeated the process. Once again, the potion glowed faintly in his hands, and when Nancy applied it to a minor cut on her arm, it healed instantly. The party stared at him as if he¡¯d just performed a miracle. ¡°You¡¯ve been holding out on us,¡± Josh said, his tone half-joking but tinged with suspicion. Miles held up his hands. ¡°I swear, I didn¡¯t know I could actually do that! It¡¯s just¡­ luck, I guess?¡± Lancy stepped forward, her sharp eyes studying him intently. ¡°You¡¯re full of surprises,¡± she said, her tone unreadable. Miles shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to help.¡± Nancy crossed her arms. ¡°Well, whatever you¡¯re doing, it¡¯s working. You might actually be useful after all.¡± Josh chuckled, and even Lancy¡¯s lips twitched into a faint smile. For the first time, the tension in the room eased, replaced by a cautious sense of camaraderie. Miles still felt like an outsider, but for now, he had proven his worth. As the party settled back into their rest, Miles couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this moment, small as it was, had brought them one step closer to trusting each other. And for the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he could belong. Chapter 26: The Lucky Charm - Part 2 The boss room loomed ahead, its massive, intricately carved doors exuding a foreboding aura. The air was thick with tension as the party prepared for what could very well be their final challenge in the Labyrinth of Shadows. Miles, still grappling with his newfound ¡°blessing¡± abilities, felt the weight of the group¡¯s expectations. Meanwhile, Lancy stood at the head of the party, her normally confident demeanor slightly shaken. ¡°Before we go in,¡± she said, breaking the tense silence, ¡°I need to tell you all something.¡± The others turned to her, their expressions wary but curious. ¡°I¡¯ve faced this boss before,¡± she began, her voice steady but tinged with regret. ¡°It was a mistake. I thought I was ready. My party thought we were ready. But we weren¡¯t. We were strong¡ªwe had the levels, the skills¡ªbut I underestimated how dangerous this dungeon really is.¡± Her hands tightened into fists, and she glanced away as if trying to hide her emotions. ¡°I was so focused on the boss, so determined to win, that I didn¡¯t notice when my party started to fall apart. They trusted me to lead them, and I failed. They all¡­ they all died because of me.¡± The room fell into a heavy silence. ¡°I¡¯ve been carrying that guilt ever since,¡± she continued. ¡°At first, I wanted revenge. I told myself I¡¯d come back here, stronger, and destroy that monster for what it took from me. But when I tried to form another party, no one wanted to join me. I couldn¡¯t promise a big enough reward for the risk. And the ones who did agree¡­ they didn¡¯t last long.¡± John and Nancy exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier tension with Lancy resurfacing. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you all of this before because I was afraid,¡± Lancy admitted. ¡°Afraid you¡¯d leave if you knew the truth. But now¡­ now I think we can do this. And it¡¯s not because of me¡ªit¡¯s because of you.¡± She looked directly at Miles, her intense gaze locking onto him. ¡°You¡¯re the reason I¡¯m telling you this now,¡± she said. ¡°Your luck, your skills¡ªthey¡¯re unlike anything I¡¯ve ever seen. I¡¯ve been watching you, trying to figure out how you can be so effective without being a high-level adventurer. And I¡¯ve realized something: you have a gift. It¡¯s not just luck¡ªit¡¯s something more. Something I can¡¯t explain.¡± Miles shifted uncomfortably under her praise. ¡°I think you¡¯re giving me too much credit¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Lancy said firmly. ¡°I believe you can help us get through this, even against a level 20 boss. But I need you to believe it too.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Her words hung in the air, a mix of hope and desperation. Nancy crossed her arms, her expression guarded. ¡°So, let me get this straight. You lied to us, used us to get back at this dungeon, and possibly get us all killed, and now you want us to trust you?¡± John nodded in agreement. ¡°It feels like we were just tools to you.¡± Lancy¡¯s shoulders sagged. ¡°You¡¯re right. I did use you. But it¡¯s different now. I¡¯m not asking you to do this for me. I¡¯m asking you to do this for all of us. We can win this together.¡± John and Nancy exchanged another glance. Then John sighed and said, ¡°I don¡¯t like being lied to, but I get it. We¡¯ve all made mistakes. If we¡¯re going to get out of here alive, we need to work as a team.¡± Nancy hesitated, but finally nodded. ¡°Fine. I¡¯m still mad, but I¡¯ll let it go. Let¡¯s just focus on surviving.¡± Lancy gave them a small, grateful smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± She turned back to Miles. ¡°I need you to bless us. I¡¯m certain the boss won¡¯t be able to hurt us as long as you strengthen our abilities. Focus on John¡¯s healing and my buffs. We¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡± Miles hesitated. ¡°You¡¯re really putting a lot of faith in me.¡± ¡°I trust you,¡± Lancy said simply. Miles glanced at the system interface. His dice rolls indicated that he could trust her judgment. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s do this.¡± The massive doors to the boss room creaked open, revealing a cavernous chamber lit by eerie, flickering light. At the center stood the Shadow Lord¡ªa towering, humanoid figure wreathed in dark energy. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the party as it let out a guttural roar, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The barrier sealing the room activated as soon as all four party members stepped inside, locking them in. Miles quickly cast his ¡°blessings,¡± focusing first on John¡¯s healing abilities. A faint golden light surrounded the medic, and his expression shifted from wary to confident. Next, Miles turned to Lancy. As he placed the ¡°blessing¡± on her, her twin swords glowed faintly, and her stance became even more poised and deadly. Nancy prepared her potions, lining them up on a belt for easy access, while John positioned himself near the back, ready to heal. ¡°Alright,¡± Lancy said, drawing her swords. ¡°Let¡¯s end this.¡± The Shadow Lord attacked first, hurling massive bolts of dark energy at the party. Lancy darted forward, her movements a blur as she deflected the attacks with her swords. ¡°John, heal me!¡± she called out as she lunged at the boss. John obeyed, casting a powerful healing spell that kept her injuries at bay. Miles¡¯ blessing seemed to amplify the spell, making it far more effective than usual. Nancy threw a series of explosive potions at the boss, each one landing with a deafening boom that momentarily staggered the creature. Miles stayed near the back, focusing on maintaining his blessings and using his luck to avoid stray attacks. As the battle raged on, the party began to wear the boss down. Its movements grew slower, its attacks less precise. But the Shadow Lord was still dangerous, and one misstep could mean disaster. ¡°Everyone, focus!¡± Lancy shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°We¡¯re almost there!¡± Miles watched in awe as the party worked together seamlessly. Despite their earlier tensions, they had come together as a team. And for the first time, he felt like he was truly part of something greater. As the Shadow Lord prepared a massive final attack, Miles rolled to see if his luck could influence the outcome. The system responded with a faint glow, indicating a critical success. ¡°Now!¡± Lancy shouted. With a coordinated effort, the party unleashed their most powerful attacks, overwhelming the boss and shattering its dark form into fragments of light. Chapter 27: Victory at last The Shadow Lord let out one final roar before collapsing into a heap of shimmering ash. The barrier surrounding the room disappeared, and the air grew still. The party stood in stunned silence for a moment before breaking into relieved laughter and cheers. Miles felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. For the first time, he wasn¡¯t just an observer¡ªhe was part of the victory. Lancy turned to him, a genuine smile on her face. ¡°You did it, Miles. We all did.¡± And for the first time, Miles believed it. The party¡¯s triumphant cheers echoed through the cavern, their spirits lifted by the hard-won victory. John was laughing, leaning against his staff for support, while Nancy inspected the shimmering ash left behind by the Shadow Lord. Lancy sheathed her swords, a look of satisfaction on her face as she turned to Miles. ¡°We actually did it,¡± she said, her voice soft with disbelief. Miles, however, felt a gnawing unease. Something wasn¡¯t right. While the others celebrated, he opened his system interface and checked his inventory. There was no reward. Not a single gold coin, potion, or material. No sign of the loot a boss of this magnitude should have dropped. His heart sank. ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± he muttered. He quickly rolled to confirm his suspicion. The system responded with a critical success, and a chilling message appeared in his interface: Warning: The Shadow Lord has entered its second phase. Remaining time: 60 seconds. Miles¡¯ stomach twisted. ¡°Guys, stop celebrating!¡± he shouted, his voice cutting through the party¡¯s laughter. The others froze, turning to him with confused expressions. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Nancy asked, a potion still in her hand. ¡°The boss¡ªit¡¯s not dead!¡± Miles said, his voice urgent. ¡°It¡¯s entering a second phase. We¡¯ve got less than a minute before it¡¯s back!¡± Their faces went pale as the reality of his words sunk in. ¡°No,¡± John said, his voice trembling. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. We saw it die!¡± But before anyone could say more, the ground began to shake violently.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. A deafening roar echoed through the chamber, and the shimmering ash that had once been the Shadow Lord began to swirl into a vortex of dark energy. The air grew heavy, charged with malevolent power, and a blinding flash of light forced the party to shield their eyes. When the light faded, the Shadow Lord stood before them once more¡ªbut this time, it was different. Its body had grown larger, towering over the party with an aura of pure malice. Its once-humanoid form had become monstrous, with elongated limbs, jagged spikes protruding from its back, and glowing red veins coursing through its shadowy skin. The creature¡¯s massive clawed hand slammed into the ground, causing the cavern to quake. A wave of dark energy radiated from its body, forcing the party to brace themselves. Lancy unsheathed her swords, her expression grim. ¡°Everyone, get ready! This is going to be worse than before.¡± The Shadow Lord wasted no time, lunging at the party with terrifying speed. Lancy darted forward, meeting its attack head-on with a desperate clash of blades. ¡°John, heal her!¡± Miles shouted. John snapped out of his stupor and cast a healing spell, but the strain of the first battle had left him drained. His spell fizzled weakly, and panic flickered across his face. Nancy hurled an explosive potion at the boss, but it barely staggered the creature. ¡°My potions aren¡¯t doing enough damage!¡± she yelled. Miles cursed under his breath. He rolled to see if his luck could offer a solution, and the system granted him an idea: Distract the boss. ¡°Over here, you overgrown shadow!¡± he shouted, waving his arms and sprinting to the side. The Shadow Lord¡¯s glowing eyes locked onto him, and it let out a guttural roar before charging Miles ran as fast as his legs could carry him, narrowly dodging the boss¡¯s attacks as it smashed through the cavern, leaving destruction in its wake. ¡°Keep it busy!¡± Lancy called out. ¡°We¡¯ll regroup and figure out a new plan!¡± Miles didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He zigzagged across the chamber, using his luck to avoid the worst of the Shadow Lord¡¯s strikes. Each time the boss¡¯s claws or energy blasts came dangerously close, he managed to dodge by a hair¡¯s breadth. But he couldn¡¯t keep this up forever. ¡°Anytime you¡¯re ready, guys!¡± he yelled. Lancy, John, and Nancy huddled together, quickly formulating a strategy. ¡°It¡¯s stronger now, but it has to have a weakness,¡± Lancy said, her mind racing. ¡°The first phase had a core¡ªsomething we had to break. Maybe it¡¯s still there, but hidden.¡± ¡°Or it could¡¯ve moved,¡± Nancy said. ¡°If we can find it, my potions might be able to disrupt it.¡± John nodded. ¡°And I can try to amplify her attack with a healing spell. But we¡¯ll need a distraction.¡± Lancy glanced at Miles, who was still dodging the boss¡¯s relentless attacks. ¡°He¡¯s already doing that. Let¡¯s move!¡± The three of them spread out, searching for any sign of the boss¡¯s core. Nancy rolled to locate it, and the system guided her to a faint glow near the Shadow Lord¡¯s chest. ¡°I found it!¡± she shouted. ¡°It¡¯s in its chest, just under the armor!¡± Lancy nodded. ¡°John, boost her attack. I¡¯ll create an opening.¡± She charged at the Shadow Lord, her twin swords blazing with energy. With a series of precise strikes, she managed to crack the armor around the boss¡¯s chest, exposing the core. ¡°Nancy, now!¡± Nancy hurled a concentrated explosive potion at the core, and John chanted a spell to amplify its effect. The potion struck true, detonating with a brilliant flash of light. The Shadow Lord let out an ear-piercing scream as its core began to destabilize. Miles seized the opportunity. Rolling for luck, he managed to position himself directly under the boss. With all his strength, he hurled a dagger at the exposed core. The dagger struck the core, embedding itself deep within. The Shadow Lord froze, its massive body trembling as cracks of light spread across its form. With one final roar, the creature exploded into a burst of energy, disintegrating into nothingness. The chamber fell silent, save for the party¡¯s ragged breaths. Chapter 28: The Human Nature - Part 1 This time, when Miles checked his inventory, the rewards were there: gold, materials, and a rare item called ¡°Essence of Shadows.¡± The party gathered together, battered but victorious. Lancy looked at Miles with a mixture of awe and gratitude. ¡°You saved us back there,¡± she said. Miles shrugged, trying to play it cool. ¡°Just lucky, I guess.¡± But as the party made their way out of the dungeon, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of belonging¡ªa feeling that, for the first time, he wasn¡¯t just lucky. He was part of something greater. The walk back from the dungeon was filled with muted celebration. Nancy and John exchanged lighthearted banter, their spirits lifted by the victory, while Lancy remained unusually quiet. Miles, drunk on the adrenaline of the battle and their success, felt emboldened. ¡°See? I told you,¡± he said, grinning at the group. ¡°I¡¯m more than just luck. Admit it¡ªyou¡¯d be lost without me!¡± Nancy chuckled and gave him a playful nudge. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, I¡¯ll give you that.¡± John smirked but remained quiet, clearly still processing everything. Lancy, however, didn¡¯t respond the way he expected. Her expression was tight, her lips pressed into a thin line as she avoided his gaze. Finally, she stopped walking and turned to face him. ¡°Miles,¡± she said, her tone unusually firm, ¡°you¡¯ve been incredibly helpful, but don¡¯t let this victory get to your head. You¡¯re valuable to the party, but you shouldn¡¯t put yourself in danger. Next time, let me protect you.¡± Her words, though intended to sound protective, struck a chord of unease in Miles. There was something in her tone¡ªa sense of control, perhaps possessiveness¡ªthat made him uncomfortable. ¡°Lancy, I appreciate it,¡± he said cautiously, ¡°but I¡¯m not a damsel in distress. I¡¯ve got my own skills.¡± Lancy¡¯s gaze hardened for a moment before she softened. ¡°I know. But you¡¯ll need someone like me if you want to survive here.¡± Her words lingered in Miles¡¯ mind as the group continued walking. He recalled his agreement with Lancy¡ªit was supposed to be temporary, just long enough to help him clear the dungeon near the Village of Faelwen. But something about her tone felt...final, as if she had no intention of letting him go after their task was completed. The unease gnawed at him. Trust had been the cornerstone of their party dynamic, but now, doubt crept in.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Deciding he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling, Miles quietly rolled to assess Lancy¡¯s trustworthiness. Roll Result: Critical Failure. The system¡¯s response appeared in his mind, cold and direct: Warning: You cannot trust Lancy anymore. Miles¡¯ heart sank. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked the system internally. ¡°How can something like this change so suddenly?¡± The system¡¯s response was disconcertingly neutral: Human nature is fluid. Intentions can shift with circumstances. Your current assessment reflects a significant change in her thoughts or goals. Proceed with caution. The realization hit Miles like a brick. Trust wasn¡¯t something static; it could waver and break at any moment. He had relied on his luck and the system¡¯s guidance, but now he felt exposed, vulnerable to the whims of the people around him. As they neared their campsite, Miles replayed the system¡¯s words in his head. His mind raced with questions: Had Lancy always been this way, or had something about his performance in the dungeon shifted her perspective? Could it be his luck? He had seen the awe in her eyes after his abilities had come to light. Maybe she saw him as a resource, a tool to achieve her goals. But what were her goals? Miles¡¯ eyes darted to Lancy, who was ahead of the group, scanning the surroundings with practiced vigilance. She seemed the same as always¡ªcalm, composed, and confident. Yet, the warning loomed over his thoughts, making him second-guess every glance and word. Miles knew he couldn¡¯t leave the party just yet. The dungeon in Faelwen was still unresolved, and the villagers were counting on him. He needed Lancy¡¯s strength, especially now that her true level had been revealed. But staying meant walking a tightrope of trust, knowing the person leading the party might have ulterior motives. He clenched his fists. I¡¯ll play along for now, he thought. But I need to figure out what she¡¯s hiding and make my move before it¡¯s too late. For the first time, Miles felt a pang of regret about his incredible luck. It had brought him here, but maybe it was the very thing that was now turning the people around him into strangers. The party trudged back into town, exhaustion etched on their faces. Nancy stretched her arms with a groan, muttering something about collapsing onto the first soft surface she could find. John followed suit, his steps heavy but his expression lighter after their hard-won victory. ¡°Well, I think we¡¯ve all earned a good night¡¯s rest,¡± Nancy said, glancing at the group. ¡°See you all tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Same here,¡± John added with a weary smile before the two of them split off toward their respective lodgings. Miles watched them go, relief flooding him at the thought of some time to himself. He turned toward the inn district, eager to find a quiet place to unwind. ¡°I¡¯ll walk with you,¡± Lancy said, falling into step beside him. Miles felt a prickle of unease. ¡°Uh, you don¡¯t have to,¡± he said quickly. ¡°I¡¯m fine on my own.¡± She gave him a calm, unreadable look. ¡°I know. But I wanted to talk.¡± The words made his chest tighten. Every step they took together felt heavier. What does she want now? Lancy¡¯s presence wasn¡¯t menacing, but it was suffocating in a way he couldn¡¯t quite place. Her earlier tone and the system¡¯s warning lingered in his mind, making every word she spoke feel like it carried hidden weight. ¡°So,¡± she said casually, her gaze fixed ahead, ¡°what¡¯s your plan after Faelwen?¡± Miles hesitated, his mind racing for a safe answer. ¡°I haven¡¯t thought that far ahead yet,¡± he replied, keeping his tone light. Lancy didn¡¯t respond immediately. When she finally did, her voice was soft but firm. ¡°Wherever you¡¯re going, I hope you¡¯ll think about sticking with us. We make a good team.¡± Miles forced a smile, his unease deepening. Do we? he thought. Chapter 29: The Human Nature - Part 2 The streets were bustling with merchants hawking their wares and villagers weaving through the crowd, creating a symphony of chatter and clinking coins. Miles adjusted his coin pouch nervously. He needed supplies¡ªmore potions, better equipment, and maybe even some food rations. Lancy strode beside him, her eyes sharp and calculating as they scanned the marketplace. Miles felt her presence like a shadow hovering just over his shoulder. She hadn¡¯t left his side since they returned to town, which only deepened his unease. ¡°I need to stock up,¡± he said, trying to keep his tone casual. Lancy nodded. ¡°Makes sense. Lead the way.¡± Miles suppressed a sigh. He had hoped she would split off by now, but it was clear she had no intention of leaving him alone. As they approached the first stall¡ªa vendor selling what looked like enchanted herbs¡ªMiles hesitated. The system hadn¡¯t alerted him about potential scams recently, but he knew it would if he rolled. The issue was doing so without drawing Lancy¡¯s attention. ¡°Interested in something?¡± Lancy asked, watching him closely. ¡°Just browsing,¡± he mumbled, reaching for his coin pouch. The merchant offered him a bundle of herbs with a glowing sheen and promised they would boost his stamina. Without rolling, Miles had no idea if the claim was genuine. Awkward under Lancy¡¯s scrutiny, he bought the herbs, handing over a hefty portion of his remaining coins. The system chimed as they walked away: ¡°Warning: Item is faulty and unusable. You have been scammed.¡± Miles clenched his teeth. He couldn¡¯t afford to keep losing money like this. They continued through the market, stopping at other stalls for more goods. Miles purchased what he thought was a sturdy rope but later found it frayed at the ends. A small knife he bought turned out to have a dull blade. Each time, the system informed him of his mistakes after the purchase. By the time they reached the inn, Miles was nearly out of coins. He looked at the innkeeper, a gruff man with a suspicious glint in his eyes, and decided he couldn¡¯t afford another misstep. ¡°I¡¯ll take a room,¡± Miles said, forcing himself to roll discreetly. The system responded with a number indicating the innkeeper¡¯s price was far too high. ¡°Two silver for the night,¡± the man said. ¡°Two silver?¡± Miles echoed. ¡°That¡¯s outrageous! I¡¯ll give you one.¡± The innkeeper frowned but relented. ¡°Fine. One silver.¡± Satisfied with his negotiation, Miles handed over the coin and turned to find Lancy still standing behind him. ¡°You staying here too?¡± he asked, surprised. She nodded, smirking slightly. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who needs rest. Besides, it¡¯s better to keep the team close.¡±Stolen story; please report. Miles¡¯s stomach sank. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was her words or the way she said them, but something about Lancy¡¯s insistence on proximity was unsettling. The next morning, Miles descended to the inn¡¯s diner, hoping for a quiet meal. To his dismay, Lancy was already waiting for him, sitting at a corner table with a steaming cup of tea. ¡°Morning,¡± she said, her sharp eyes locking onto him. ¡°Thought I¡¯d wait for you.¡± Miles hesitated before sitting down, forcing a smile. ¡°That¡¯s...thoughtful.¡± As he ate, Lancy didn¡¯t stop watching him. Miles felt as though he were under a magnifying glass, every movement scrutinized. ¡°So,¡± she began, leaning forward, ¡°what¡¯s next for you?¡± Miles poked at his plate. ¡°The same plan as before. We clear Faelwen¡¯s dungeon, and I help the villagers.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Lancy sipped her tea, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯ve got an unusual set of skills, Miles. Luck isn¡¯t something people think about much, but it¡¯s clearly working in your favor.¡± He tensed. ¡°It¡¯s not just luck,¡± he said defensively. Lancy¡¯s smirk returned. ¡°Of course not. I didn¡¯t mean to downplay your talents. It¡¯s just...interesting.¡± Miles decided to finish his breakfast quickly, uncomfortable with her probing gaze. Whatever her motives, he needed to keep his guard up. ¡°You ready to head out?¡± Lancy asked as he stood to leave. ¡°Yeah,¡± he said, trying to sound nonchalant. But as they left the diner together, Miles couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Lancy wasn¡¯t just a teammate anymore¡ªshe was watching, waiting, and calculating. And he had no idea what her endgame was. After breakfast, the party gathered once again. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting golden hues over the village as Miles made his way toward the inn¡¯s common room. The familiar smell of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee filled the air. As he stepped inside, he spotted Lancy leaning against the doorway, her sharp eyes scanning the room. Her eyes softened as soon as they landed on his form. Nancy and John were already seated at one of the tables, engaged in light conversation. Nancy waved him over with an enthusiastic smile. ¡°Miles! Over here!¡± Miles joined them, nodding to everyone. ¡°Morning.¡± ¡°Morning,¡± John said, stifling a yawn. ¡°You ready to head out to the Village of Faelwen? Feels like we¡¯ve got a long day ahead of us.¡± ¡°Actually,¡± Nancy interjected, her tone unusually tentative, ¡°I was hoping we could make a quick stop before we leave.¡± Lancy raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. ¡°A stop? Where to?¡± Nancy hesitated, glancing down at her hands. ¡°It¡¯s a clearing a little ways from here. It¡¯s... important to me.¡± John leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. ¡°Important how? Is this something related to our quest?¡± ¡°Not directly,¡± Nancy admitted, her voice soft but firm. ¡°It¡¯s a special place that grows medicinal herbs once a year, and the timing is right. I¡¯d like to cast some buffs to make the flowers bloom early, but I need some help.¡± Miles exchanged a glance with Lancy, who looked thoughtful but didn¡¯t immediately object. John frowned. ¡°So, this is a detour for potions?¡± Nancy¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly. ¡°It¡¯s more than that. These herbs are rare and incredibly useful. If we can harvest them, it¡¯ll help us in the long run¡ªespecially in the Village of Faelwen¡¯s dungeon.¡± Lancy tilted her head, studying Nancy. ¡°You sound nervous. Is there something you¡¯re not telling us?¡± Nancy hesitated, but then shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s just... I¡¯ve tried this before, and it didn¡¯t work. I don¡¯t want to fail again. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking for your support.¡± Miles felt a pang of sympathy for Nancy¡¯s vulnerability. He turned to the group. ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound like a bad idea. If it helps us later, it¡¯s worth a quick stop, right?¡± John sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Fine. If it means stronger potions and better supplies, I¡¯m in.¡± Lancy nodded, pushing off the wall. ¡°We¡¯ll make it quick. Lead the way, Nancy.¡± Nancy¡¯s face lit up with relief and gratitude. ¡°Thank you, everyone. I promise it won¡¯t take long.¡± The party gathered their belongings and followed Nancy out of the village, the cool morning air brushing against their faces. As they walked, Miles couldn¡¯t help but notice the slight spring in Nancy¡¯s step, her earlier nervousness giving way to quiet determination. He wasn¡¯t sure what to expect from this detour, but something about Nancy¡¯s earnestness made him want to see it through. Chapter 30: Too Late for it The group stood at the edge of the clearing, the morning sun dappling the ground through the sparse canopy above. Nancy seemed unusually fidgety, her hands clutching a small pouch of seeds and vials of potion. ¡°This is the place,¡± Nancy announced, her voice softer than usual. Miles looked around. The clearing didn¡¯t appear to be anything extraordinary¡ªjust a patch of grass and a few shrubs. ¡°I don¡¯t see what¡¯s so special about it,¡± he said, voicing what everyone seemed to be thinking. Nancy turned to face them, a spark of determination in her eyes. ¡°This clearing grows medicinal herbs once a year, and that time is now. But the process is delicate. With the right buffs and spells, we can make them bloom today instead of waiting.¡± Lancy raised an eyebrow. ¡°And why are we just now hearing about this?¡± Nancy hesitated, her usual confidence faltering. ¡°Because... I didn¡¯t want to get anyone¡¯s hopes up. If I mess this up, the herbs might not grow at all. And we won¡¯t get another chance until next year.¡± Josh stepped forward. ¡°Nancy, you¡¯re one of the best potion masters I¡¯ve ever worked with. You¡¯ve got this.¡± Nancy smiled faintly but shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. This spell requires precision, and I... I don¡¯t want to fail. That¡¯s why I need Miles¡¯s blessing.¡± Miles blinked, caught off guard. ¡°You want me to bless your spell?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Nancy¡¯s gaze was earnest. ¡°You¡¯ve already proven that your luck can make the impossible happen. If you bless me, I know I can do this.¡± Miles hesitated, a familiar sense of unease settling over him. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the party relied on his luck more than anything else. Was that all he was to them? A tool to manipulate fate in their favor? He glanced at Lancy, who watched the exchange in silence, her expression unreadable. Josh seemed supportive of Nancy, nodding along to her words. Miles sighed. If he refused, the tension in the group could boil over again, and the fragile unity they¡¯d built would shatter. He didn¡¯t want the party to disband¡ªnot yet, at least. ¡°Fine,¡± he said, stepping forward. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Nancy beamed, the nervous energy radiating off her replaced with relief. ¡°Thank you, Miles. You won¡¯t regret it.¡± Miles placed a hand on Nancy¡¯s shoulder, muttering a small prayer under his breath. The system chimed in his mind: ¡°Blessing applied successfully. Nancy¡¯s spell accuracy increased by 30%.¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Nancy nodded, emboldened by the blessing, and moved to the center of the clearing. She uncorked one of her vials, pouring its shimmering contents onto the ground. With a deep breath, she began casting, her hands glowing faintly as she chanted an incantation. The air in the clearing shifted, a faint hum resonating through the space. The ground trembled slightly, and the grass seemed to shimmer as if infused with magic. A moment later, tiny buds began sprouting from the soil, unfurling into vibrant flowers of blue, gold, and green. Nancy gasped, tears brimming in her eyes. ¡°I did it...¡± she whispered, awe-struck. Josh clapped her on the back. ¡°I told you, Nancy! You¡¯re amazing!¡± Even Lancy allowed herself a small smile. ¡°Good work.¡± Miles forced a grin, trying to suppress the growing knot of resentment in his chest. Once again, his blessing had tipped the scales, and the party was celebrating Nancy¡¯s success. But deep down, he couldn¡¯t help but feel like his role was little more than a lucky charm. Nancy turned to him, her eyes shining with gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Miles. I couldn¡¯t have done it without you.¡± He shrugged, stuffing his hands into his pockets. ¡°Yeah, well... glad I could help.¡± As the party gathered the herbs, Miles stood at the edge of the clearing, staring out into the trees. The unease in his chest wouldn¡¯t fade. Something about this arrangement felt off, but for now, he kept his doubts to himself. They had a dungeon to clear, and Miles needed this party intact¡ªat least for a little while longer. ______ As the party reached the outskirts of the Village of Faelwen, they were greeted by an imposing sight: a tall wooden fence encircled the entire settlement, reinforced with metal spikes and ominous warning signs. It loomed over them, casting long shadows in the fading light of day. Nancy frowned, shifting uneasily. ¡°This is... unsettling. Why would a village need such heavy defenses?¡± John shrugged but looked equally wary. ¡°Could be a precaution against whatever¡¯s causing the dungeon trouble. Either way, it¡¯s not welcoming.¡± Miles furrowed his brows and instinctively reached out to his system interface. Roll for safety check, he thought. The dice spun and stopped, revealing an unsettling result. The system¡¯s voice chimed in: ¡°No entry point is safe. All routes into the village are compromised.¡± ¡°What?¡± Miles muttered, his stomach twisting. ¡°What is it?¡± Lancy asked, noticing his discomfort. ¡°The system says there¡¯s no safe way in,¡± Miles replied. ¡°Something¡¯s really wrong here.¡± The party exchanged worried glances. Before they could discuss further, the system spoke again: ¡°Additional notice: Dungeon level requirements have increased from Level 5 to Level 8 due to a significant rise in difficulty.¡± Miles froze. ¡°Level 8?¡± he echoed, the weight of the words hitting him. He had just reached Level 4, and the thought of being so outclassed was daunting. ¡°Why would the requirements change so suddenly?¡± Nancy asked, her voice tinged with fear. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Miles replied, his mind racing. Then, a pang of dread struck him, and he rolled to check on the child who had helped him and first directed him here. The dice spun¡ªand stopped with an ominous red glow. ¡°Critical failure: Cannot locate the individual. Query invalid for a person who no longer exists.¡± The words hit Miles like a punch to the gut. He staggered, his hands trembling. ¡°No longer exists...¡± he whispered. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lancy asked, stepping closer, her tone concerned. He barely heard her as realization sank in. The child he had promised to help¡ªthe one whose plea had driven him to this village¡ªwas gone. Not missing, not hiding. Dead. ¡°I was too late,¡± he muttered, the weight of guilt settling over him. ¡°Too late for what?¡± John pressed, his voice sharp with concern. Chapter 31: The Levels are too Different - Part 1 Miles looked up, his expression pale but resolute. ¡°The kid who told me about this place... They needed help. I promised to come here and fix things. But now... they¡¯re gone.¡± A heavy silence fell over the group as the gravity of the situation sank in. ¡°We¡¯ll make this right,¡± Lancy said firmly, breaking the silence. ¡°Whoever¡¯s responsible for this, we¡¯ll stop them.¡± Miles clenched his fists, anger and determination surging through him. ¡°We have to. For their sake.¡± With renewed resolve, the party turned their attention back to the imposing fence, knowing they had a daunting task ahead¡ªand one that had just become far more personal. The oppressive atmosphere in the Village of Faelwen hung thick in the air as the party stood outside the tall, foreboding fence. Miles took a deep breath and focused. "Roll to find the safest way in," he thought, his mind connecting with the system. The dice spun in his mind, glowing as they stopped. "High roll success: A breach in the fence has been detected to the north, obscured by vegetation. Danger minimal," the system informed him. Miles exhaled in relief and turned to the group. ¡°I found a way. There¡¯s a hole in the fence to the north. We can slip in there.¡± The party followed him cautiously, their steps soft as whispers, eyes darting around for any signs of danger. The northern section of the fence was overgrown with vines and weeds, partially concealing the gap. Miles knelt to inspect it. ¡°Looks clear,¡± he whispered. One by one, they slipped through the gap, emerging on the other side into the ghostly silence of the village. The sight before them was grim. The village, which Miles remembered as struggling but still alive, now looked like a shell of its former self. Buildings were crumbling, windows shattered, and the streets were eerily quiet. Few people walked about, their faces gaunt and their movements hurried as though afraid of being seen. Miles frowned. "Roll to assess the state of the village," he thought, focusing. The dice spun again but stopped short. "Result: Moderate failure. Unable to gather detailed information beyond the obvious." ¡°This... this is worse than before,¡± Nancy murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°What happened here?¡± John asked, his tone filled with unease. ¡°We need answers,¡± Lancy said, her eyes scanning the surroundings.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Before they could investigate further, a deep, commanding voice echoed from down the street. ¡°Keep an eye out. If anyone¡¯s wandering where they shouldn¡¯t be, bring them to me immediately.¡± Miles stiffened, his blood running cold. He recognized the voice. Vadamir. "Roll to assess the immediate threat," Miles thought. The dice spun, landing with an alarming result. "Low roll. Threat level: Extremely high. Suggest immediate avoidance." ¡°Hide,¡± he hissed, ushering the party toward the nearest house. The door creaked as they slipped inside, shutting it softly behind them. They crouched low, their breaths shallow. Miles quickly rolled again. "Roll to check if the hiding spot is secure." The dice spun, landing on an average result. "Result: Semi-secure. Spot will hold unless actively investigated." ¡°Stay quiet,¡± he whispered as they crouched by the cracked wooden slats of a window. Outside, Vadamir strode down the street, flanked by two imposing figures in dark armor. His piercing gaze swept the empty road as though searching for something¡ªor someone. ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± John whispered, his voice barely audible. ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s not good,¡± Lancy replied grimly. ¡°We need to figure out what¡¯s happening in this village... and fast.¡± Miles clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his promise to the lost child. His thoughts raced as he stared at the ominous figure of Vadamir. "Roll to estimate how long we can remain undetected." The dice spun, glowing faintly. "Result: Four minutes before the area is actively searched." ¡°We don¡¯t have much time,¡± Miles whispered. ¡°Four minutes at best. We need to move fast.¡± His resolve hardened. This time, he wouldn¡¯t fail. The party stayed huddled in the dim, musty room, their breaths shallow as Vadamir''s imposing footsteps echoed outside. Miles could feel the tension in the air, a suffocating weight that pressed down on everyone. "Roll to assess the safety of our position," he thought nervously. The dice spun again in his mind, landing on a low result. "Result: Danger imminent. You are not as alone as you think," the system whispered ominously. A shuffling sound behind them made Miles freeze. He turned sharply, just in time to see a small figure dart out of the shadows, clutching a broken wooden stick like a weapon. "Intruders!" the child screamed, lunging toward them with all the ferocity of a cornered animal. ¡°Wait¡ª!¡± Miles tried to calm her, but before the child could reach them, she collapsed, the stick clattering to the floor. Nancy rushed forward, her hands trembling. ¡°She¡¯s starving,¡± she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. The sight of the frail, unconscious girl hit Miles like a punch to the gut. His mind flashed back to the child who had helped him before, the one he had promised to save. "Roll to detect immediate danger," Miles thought, desperation creeping into his mind. The dice spun, landing on a critical result. "Danger incoming: The door will not hold for long," the system warned. A loud, deliberate knock echoed through the room, sending shivers down their spines. ¡°Stay here,¡± Lancy said, rising to her feet. Her twin swords gleamed faintly in the dim light. ¡°Lancy, wait¡ª¡± Miles began, but she silenced him with a look. ¡°This is the boss of the dungeon, right? He¡¯s only level 8. I can handle him,¡± she said firmly. "Roll to determine the likelihood of success," Miles thought, uncertainty gnawing at him. The dice spun, landing on a high 10. "Result: Guaranteed victory due to level disparity. Even with a negative 10 roll, Lancy will prevail," the system informed him. Miles frowned. ¡°That¡¯s... too convenient,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°Let her go,¡± Nancy whispered. ¡°She knows what she¡¯s doing.¡± Before Miles could argue further, Lancy opened the door and stepped outside. Miles tried to focus on the system again. "Is this a trick? Are you playing with me?" he asked mentally, but the system remained silent. Chapter 32: The Levels are too Different - Part 2 A loud clash of metal rang out, followed by a grunt of pain. Miles rushed to the window and saw Vadamir on the ground, blood pooling around him as Lancy stood over him, her blades stained with crimson. ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± she said, her voice calm but resolute. She sheathed her swords and turned back toward the house. Miles stared at her, his thoughts a whirlwind. The system had been right¡ªthis victory had been easy. Too easy. And it left him with an unsettling question gnawing at the edge of his mind: was the system truly guiding him, or was it manipulating him? The tense silence following Vadamir''s defeat was deafening. The party regrouped inside the small, dimly lit house, Lancy wiping her blades clean with practiced precision. Miles, however, couldn¡¯t shake an odd feeling gnawing at him. "Roll to determine if the dungeon is complete," he thought, seeking confirmation. The dice spun in his mind and landed with a low result. Result: 10% of the problem resolved. Dungeon far from complete. Miles'' brow furrowed. ¡°It¡¯s not over,¡± he muttered aloud. ¡°What do you mean?¡± John asked, looking up from where he was tending to the unconscious child. ¡°The system says only 10% of the issue is dealt with. There¡¯s more going on here,¡± Miles replied, anxiety thick in his voice. Lancy glanced at him but didn¡¯t comment. She looked lost in her own thoughts. ¡°I¡¯ll go check on the village,¡± Miles offered, not wanting to sit idle. ¡°Don¡¯t go alone,¡± Lancy said firmly, but Miles was already halfway out the door. As he stepped outside, the eerie stillness of the village struck him. The few villagers he saw were gaunt, their faces etched with despair. A chill ran down his spine, and he quickly returned to the house, unwilling to be alone in the oppressive atmosphere. Inside, the child stirred. Nancy handed her a piece of bread, which she devoured ravenously. ¡°It¡¯s all right,¡± Nancy said softly. ¡°Eat as much as you want.¡± The door burst open, startling everyone. A pale, frantic woman stormed in, her eyes wild with fear. She froze at the sight of Lancy, her gaze locking onto the bloodstained blades and Vadamir¡¯s body lying lifeless on the ground. ¡°No! What have you done?¡± the woman screamed. She lunged forward, her trembling hands reaching for Miles. ¡°Get behind me!¡± John shouted, stepping in front of Miles with his shield raised. The woman¡¯s fists pounded against the shield as she sobbed uncontrollably.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Miles quickly whispered, "Roll for diplomacy." The dice spun, landing on a favorable 6 and 4. Critical Success: Convince the attacker to stand down. ¡°Wait!¡± Miles stepped forward cautiously, his voice calm but firm. ¡°We¡¯re not your enemies. We¡¯re here to help.¡± The woman glared at him, her breathing ragged. ¡°Help? You killed him! My daughter¡ªshe¡¯s starving because of you people!¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t kill Vadamir out of malice,¡± Miles explained. ¡°He was... part of the problem. We came here to fix things, to stop the suffering in this village.¡± The woman hesitated, her gaze darting between Lancy, the bloodied swords, and her child, now quietly nibbling on the bread. Nancy stepped forward, holding her hands up in a placating gesture. ¡°Your daughter needs you,¡± she said gently. ¡°We gave her food, but she needs care¡ªyour care. Please, listen to us.¡± The woman¡¯s shoulders sagged as tears streamed down her face. She fell to her knees, cradling her daughter. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening anymore,¡± she whispered. ¡°We¡¯re trying to find out,¡± Miles said. ¡°And we¡¯ll need your help.¡± The tension in the room eased slightly, but the weight of the unresolved dungeon loomed over them all. Miles couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that their real challenge was just beginning. The woman held her daughter tightly, the room¡¯s tension still lingering like a heavy fog. Nancy knelt beside them, speaking softly to keep the mother calm. Miles, however, had other concerns. "Roll to determine if she will cooperate," he thought. The dice spun in his mind, but the system¡¯s voice interrupted before it stopped. "Your roll is irrelevant. You¡¯ve already decided to help her regardless of the outcome." Miles blinked, momentarily taken aback. ¡°Oh, thanks for the motivational speech, system. What¡¯s next? Telling me to follow my heart?¡± he muttered sarcastically. "You still get your roll. Result: Success." ¡°Wow, I guess my fate is sealed in golden opportunity,¡± Miles quipped under his breath. Nancy shot him a curious glance but said nothing. Lancy, leaning against the wall, observed everything in silence, her expression unreadable. Miles stepped forward, his tone softening. ¡°Look, we don¡¯t mean to push, but we need to understand what¡¯s happening here. The state of this village, Vadamir, and now... this dungeon? It¡¯s all connected somehow. Can you tell us anything?¡± The woman looked up at him, her tear-streaked face still full of suspicion but no longer hostile. ¡°You... you don¡¯t know?¡± ¡°If we did, we wouldn¡¯t be asking,¡± Lancy said flatly, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. Nancy shot Lancy a warning look but added, ¡°We just want to help. If we know what¡¯s going on, we might be able to fix it.¡± The woman hesitated, looking at each of them in turn. Finally, she took a deep breath and nodded. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll tell you what I know, but it won¡¯t make much sense.¡± ¡°Try us,¡± Miles said with a faint smile, still wary but hopeful. She began to speak, her voice trembling but resolute. ¡°It started months ago when the air changed. People fell sick. Crops withered. Vadamir said it was the curse of the forest, but I don¡¯t know. He... he demanded we follow his orders if we wanted to survive.¡± ¡°Sounds like he was exploiting the fear,¡± John muttered, folding his arms. The woman nodded. ¡°He started asking for... offerings. Food, goods, even people. Anyone who disobeyed vanished, and the rest of us¡ª¡± She trailed off, staring at the floor. ¡°The dungeon,¡± Miles said, piecing it together. ¡°He was feeding the dungeon, wasn¡¯t he?¡± The woman nodded again, this time more hesitantly. ¡°Some say the dungeon was his master. That he wasn¡¯t in charge at all, just... serving whatever¡¯s down there.¡± The room fell silent, each party member digesting the revelation. ¡°So killing Vadamir didn¡¯t solve the problem,¡± Miles said, his voice grim. ¡°We¡¯ve only scratched the surface.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s a start,¡± Lancy said, straightening. ¡°And now we know what we¡¯re up against.¡± Miles felt the system''s weight in his mind. For once, it didn¡¯t interject, leaving him alone with his thoughts as the party prepared to dig deeper into the mystery of the cursed village. Chapter 33: Flying bosses do not care for level differences - Part 1 The tension in the room was palpable as the party debated their next move. ¡°I¡¯m just saying,¡± John began, arms crossed but voice soft, ¡°these people are clearly suffering. We can¡¯t just leave them like this.¡± Nancy rolled her eyes, her frustration evident. ¡°It¡¯s not our responsibility. We barely made it out of the last dungeon, and now you want to jump into another one? I don¡¯t think so.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more than that,¡± Miles said, his tone calm but resolute. ¡°If this dungeon keeps spreading its influence, it won¡¯t stop with this village. It¡¯ll just keep growing.¡± ¡°And what are we supposed to do about it?¡± Nancy shot back. ¡°We¡¯re not heroes. We¡¯re adventurers, and barely that. This isn¡¯t our fight.¡± Lancy, who had been quiet for most of the discussion, finally spoke up. ¡°Nancy¡¯s right.¡± That caught Miles off guard. He glanced at her, confused. ¡°You think we should leave them to fend for themselves?¡± ¡°No.¡± Lancy¡¯s gaze fixed on Miles, her expression unreadable. ¡°I think we should leave you out of this. It¡¯s too dangerous, especially for someone at your level.¡± Miles blinked, her words hitting harder than he expected. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°You know exactly what I mean,¡± she said, her voice soft but firm. ¡°You¡¯re reckless. You push yourself too far. And you¡¯re...¡± She hesitated, but the weight of her words lingered. ¡°You¡¯re important.¡± Miles shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. Something about her protectiveness felt... off. John cleared his throat, sensing the awkwardness. ¡°Look, maybe we¡¯re overthinking this. We can at least scout the dungeon¡¯s perimeter, right? See if it¡¯s something we can handle before making a decision.¡± Nancy sighed, clearly annoyed but unwilling to argue further. ¡°Fine. But I¡¯m not promising anything.¡± ¡°Agreed,¡± Lancy said curtly. As they reached this tentative consensus, the air outside filled with a sudden, piercing hum. It grew louder, an unnatural vibration that seemed to shake the very ground. Miles tensed. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Before anyone could answer, a villager screamed in the distance. The party rushed to the window and saw chaos unfolding in the streets. A massive, chitinous creature hovered above the village¡ªa Killer Wasp Queen. Its enormous stinger gleamed in the dim light as smaller wasps swarmed around it, attacking anything that moved.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Get ready!¡± Lancy shouted, already drawing her swords. Miles instinctively reached for his dice pouch. ¡°System, roll for insight¡ªwhat¡¯s this thing¡¯s level?¡± The dice spun in his mind before the system¡¯s voice returned. Level 12. Flying enemy. High mobility and poison resistance. Warning: Approach with extreme caution. ¡°Great,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°It¡¯s over-leveled, and we¡¯re grounded.¡± Nancy groaned. ¡°Not for all of us¡­.but still, I told you this wasn¡¯t our fight!¡± ¡°Tell that to the people getting stung!¡± John barked, raising his shield. The wasp queen let out a shrill cry, its minions diving toward the villagers. Miles felt a surge of determination as he turned to his party. ¡°We can¡¯t let this thing wipe them out. Let¡¯s move!¡± Despite their hesitation, the party sprang into action, ready to face the new threat. Miles just hoped their luck¡ªand his rolls¡ªwould hold. The battle seemed hopeless. The Killer Wasp Queen, her massive wings beating in the air with unnerving speed, zipped through the sky, attacking from every angle. Her minions swarmed in waves, stinging anything that moved with precision. Lancy, despite her overleveled strength, struggled to land a hit. She swiped at the air with her twin swords, but the Queen¡¯s quick movements kept her just out of reach. The Queen darted away every time Lancy got too close, her wings buzzing like a storm of rage. "Dammit, why can¡¯t I hit her?" Lancy growled, frustration lining her voice as she twirled, trying to track the Queen¡¯s erratic movements. Miles, who had been gearing up for a roll to strategize, felt his heart drop as he was suddenly targeted by the queen. He wanted to roll the dice, but he was not able to get any chance to use his skill. The moment the Queen locked onto him, he felt it¡ªher piercing gaze, her focus narrowing in on him. His stomach churned, panic rising in his chest. No matter how many times he reached for his dice, the rolls refused to cooperate. "Stay away from me!" he shouted as he ducked and weaved, trying to avoid her vicious stings. But with each dodge, she was already there, moving faster than he could comprehend. The more he tried to dodge, the more he forgot about his skills. All of his focus shifted toward his survival. John raised his shield in front of him, trying to protect Miles, but the Wasp Queen¡¯s high mobility and poison resistance made even his best efforts seem futile. ¡°We need to do something, fast!¡± But just as all seemed lost, a voice pierced through the chaos. ¡°Wait!¡± Miles glanced toward the direction of the shout, and his eyes widened. It was the woman¡ªthe mother¡ªthe one they had helped earlier. She was standing in the middle of the battlefield, a bag in her hands, holding it out toward the Wasp Queen. ¡°Are you insane?¡± Nancy shouted. ¡°Get back!¡± But the mother didn¡¯t listen. With a resolute look on her face, she walked toward the approaching Wasp Queen, undeterred by the danger. In one swift movement, she opened the bag, revealing bundles of food and fresh herbs. The smell of sustenance seemed to catch the Queen¡¯s attention. Miles, who noticed her decided to lead the boss toward the mother. ¡°Don¡¯t come hear us. I have a plan¡­I think. Just let things happen as they are,¡± Miles huffed out as he ran toward the mother. The Killer Wasp Queen hesitated, her antennae twitching as she hovered in midair. Her glowing eyes shifted away from Miles and they locked onto the food, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. The buzzing of the other wasps slowed to a halt as they followed the Queen¡¯s lead. Then, to the shock of everyone watching, the Wasp Queen gently descended, her massive wings slowing their furious beat. With cautious movements, she extended one of her long, jagged legs to take the food from the bag. Chapter 34: Flying bosses do not care for level differences - Part 2 The tension in the air lifted as the Wasp Queen took the food from the mother¡¯s hands, slowly backing away, her fierce demeanor replaced by an almost serene focus on the meal. ¡°Is she... eating?¡± Lancy murmured, lowering her swords, her expression one of stunned disbelief. The Queen, after consuming the offering, gave a soft chirp, as if satisfied. She turned, her wings buzzing faintly, and slowly began to rise into the sky, leaving the village in peace. The small swarm of wasps, once threatening, now followed their queen, retreating with her. For a long moment, no one moved, still processing what had just happened. ¡°Did... did that just happen?¡± Nancy whispered, her eyes wide. John, who had been ready for a fight, let out a sigh of relief. ¡°I guess that was one way to solve it.¡± Lancy, ever vigilant, lowered her swords fully now, still in disbelief. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like that.¡± Miles stood frozen, still processing the events. His heart was pounding, his body drenched in sweat. ¡°That... was unexpected.¡± He turned toward the mother, who was now walking back toward the group. She looked weary but relieved. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to thank you,¡± the woman said, her voice thick with gratitude. ¡°The Queen is... unpredictable. But the food, it calmed her.¡± Miles nodded, his throat dry. ¡°You... saved us.¡± She smiled faintly, a look of relief on her face. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to lose any more of my people.¡± John put a hand on Miles¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m glad she came through for us.¡± Nancy grumbled, crossing her arms. ¡°Next time, I¡¯m not trusting any more wild ideas. But I¡¯m glad it worked.¡± Lancy stayed silent for a moment, then spoke, her voice soft but curious. ¡°Miles, how did you know it would work?¡± Miles was about to speak when the system¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts. "You have successfully defused the situation. Dungeon Progress: 60% complete. Unexpected outcome recorded." He blinked, shaking his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t. I just... I guess sometimes you have to trust people when they have more faith in the situation than you do.¡± Lancy stared at him, her expression unreadable, but something in her eyes softened for a brief moment. "Well, whatever it was, it worked."Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. With the Queen gone, the party exhaled collectively, still processing the unexpected turn of events. The danger had passed, but the weight of the village''s situation remained. The mother¡¯s sacrifice and the Queen¡¯s retreat didn¡¯t change the fact that the dungeon still loomed ahead. But for now, the party had bought the village some time. And that was a small victory they could hold on to. ______ The entrance to the main dungeon loomed ahead, an ominous, weathered arch carved from dark stone. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something else¡ªsomething acrid, like burnt metal. Miles hesitated at the threshold, his mind buzzing with the tension of the situation. As always, he relied on his system to guide him. Warning: A hostile entity is approaching the dungeon entrance. Caution is advised. ¡°Great,¡± Miles muttered under his breath. He rolled his dice¡ªa familiar routine by now. The system voice chimed again. Roll: 17. Danger confirmed. Prepare for immediate encounter. He turned to the party, his voice steady but urgent. ¡°Something¡¯s coming out of the entrance. Be ready.¡± Lancy stepped forward immediately, her twin swords gleaming in the dim light. ¡°Stay back,¡± she said firmly, sparing Miles a glance. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Nancy crossed her arms. ¡°Oh, here we go again. Big, protective Lancy swooping in to save her precious Miles.¡± Lancy ignored the jab, her focus sharp as the ground rumbled slightly. A low growl emanated from the shadows of the entrance, and then the creature appeared¡ªa hulking, wolf-like beast with glowing red eyes and matted fur that bristled with electricity. Without hesitation, Lancy launched herself at the creature, moving with practiced precision. Her swords sliced through the air, and before anyone else could react, the beast crumpled to the ground with a final, pained snarl. The party stood in silence for a moment, the sheer ease of Lancy¡¯s victory sinking in. ¡°Well,¡± John said, breaking the tension, ¡°that was... efficient.¡± Lancy wiped her blades clean, turning back toward Miles. ¡°This is exactly why I told you not to take these kinds of risks. You don¡¯t need to be here.¡± Nancy scoffed, stepping forward with a glare. ¡°Oh, come on! He¡¯s part of this team. Stop acting like he¡¯s some fragile kid who needs your protection.¡± Lancy narrowed her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m looking out for him because someone has to. This isn¡¯t a game.¡± ¡°And what are we, then? Background characters? He can handle himself, Lancy!¡± Nancy shot back, her voice rising. John quickly stepped between them, raising his hands in a placating gesture. ¡°Hey, hey, calm down, both of you. We¡¯re on the same team, remember? Let¡¯s not turn on each other now.¡± Miles stood awkwardly to the side, feeling like the subject of a tug-of-war. He hated being the center of this kind of attention. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said, trying to defuse the situation. ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on the dungeon.¡± Lancy gave Nancy a hard look but eventually backed down, sheathing her swords. ¡°Fine. But don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡± Nancy rolled her eyes but let it go, stepping back with a muttered, ¡°Whatever.¡± John exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. ¡°Crisis averted. Let¡¯s move before something else decides to show up.¡± As the party regrouped and prepared to enter the dungeon, Miles felt a familiar tingling sensation in the back of his mind¡ªa system notification. "Warning: Another player is approaching from the opposite side of the dungeon. Roll to assess threat level." He frowned. Another player? That was unexpected. He quickly rolled, the die clattering in his hand before the system spoke again. Roll: 20. High threat confirmed. Player identified as hostile. Miles stiffened, his stomach sinking. ¡°We¡¯ve got a problem,¡± he said, turning to the others. ¡°There¡¯s another player heading this way. And they¡¯re not friendly.¡± Lancy¡¯s eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on her swords. ¡°How far are they?¡± ¡°Not far,¡± Miles replied. ¡°The system says they¡¯re a threat.¡± Chapter 35: A solution everyone likes doesnt exist - Part 1 Nancy groaned. ¡°Great. Just what we need. Another complication.¡± ¡°Should we wait for them or head into the dungeon now?¡± John asked, his brow furrowed. Miles hesitated, considering their options. The system hadn¡¯t let him down so far, but this was a different kind of danger¡ªa human one. He looked at the group, their faces tense but resolute. ¡°We need to be ready, either way,¡± he said finally. ¡°If they¡¯re here to cause trouble, we can¡¯t afford to let our guard down.¡± Lancy nodded, stepping into a defensive stance. ¡°Agreed. If they¡¯re hostile, we deal with them before entering the dungeon.¡± Nancy sighed, drawing her staff. ¡°This day just keeps getting better.¡± The tension in the air was palpable as the party waited, weapons at the ready. The faint sound of footsteps grew louder, echoing through the quiet landscape. And then, out of the shadows, the figure emerged. A man, clad in sleek, dark armor, with a smirk that sent a shiver down Miles¡¯s spine. His weapon¡ªa massive, jagged axe¡ªrested casually on his shoulder, but his posture was anything but relaxed. ¡°Well, well,¡± the man said, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ve got company. This should be fun.¡± Miles¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as the system chimed again. Objective updated: Survive the encounter. No rolls allowed during combat. He clenched his fists, his mind racing. This was going to be a fight they couldn¡¯t afford to lose. ______ The tension in the air was suffocating as the dark-armored man stood smirking, his weapon resting casually on his shoulder. Miles¡¯s pulse quickened as his system chimed in. Warning: Opponent''s skill detected. All abilities below Level 10 deactivated. No rolls permitted during this encounter. ¡°What?¡± Miles muttered, his voice barely audible. He tried to will the dice into his hands, but nothing happened. Panic crept in. No rolls? No abilities? How were they supposed to fight? John, gripping his shield, looked equally alarmed. ¡°What¡¯s going on? My shield enchantment isn¡¯t working.¡± Nancy, clutching her staff, grimaced. ¡°My magic¡¯s gone. I can¡¯t cast anything.¡± Before Miles could respond, the system interrupted his thoughts again. "Skill negation is in effect. Your level is insufficient to counter. Only abilities at Level 10 or above are unaffected."This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Miles¡¯s heart sank as he glanced at Lancy, the only one of them strong enough to still fight. She stepped forward, her twin swords gleaming as she drew them with a sharp, metallic hiss. The two opponents, the dark-armored man and a lithe, hooded figure behind him, exchanged looks of surprise. ¡°What the hell?¡± the man muttered, his smirk fading slightly. ¡°Why isn¡¯t she affected?¡± ¡°Because,¡± Lancy said coldly, ¡°you two made a mistake assuming all of us are weak.¡± Without further warning, she lunged at the man with incredible speed. He barely had time to raise his axe before her blade clashed against it, sending sparks flying. The sheer force of her attack drove him back a step. The hooded figure moved to intervene, daggers flashing, but Lancy pivoted smoothly, deflecting the strike with her second blade. Her movements were precise and deadly, a stark contrast to the flurry of panic gripping the rest of the party. ¡°Stay back!¡± Lancy barked over her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this.¡± Miles, John, and Nancy stood frozen, unable to do anything but watch. Miles clenched his fists, frustration and helplessness bubbling inside him. He hated relying on others, but this time, he had no choice. Lancy pressed her advantage, driving the two opponents into a defensive position. Her swords were a blur as she forced them back toward the dungeon¡¯s entrance. The dark-armored man growled in frustration, his smirk replaced with a grimace of exertion. ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be possible,¡± he hissed. ¡°No one below Level 10 can¡ª¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know who you¡¯re dealing with,¡± Lancy snapped, her blade slicing through his guard and slamming into his armor. He stumbled, and before he could recover, Lancy shifted her focus to the hooded figure, disarming them with a well-placed strike. The fight was over as quickly as it began. Lancy kicked the dark-armored man¡¯s axe out of reach and pressed her blade to his throat. ¡°Surrender,¡± she ordered, her voice cold and unyielding. The man growled but raised his hands in defeat. The hooded figure did the same, their daggers clattering to the ground. ¡°Good,¡± Lancy said, keeping her sword steady. ¡°Now start talking. What are you doing here?¡± The man scowled but remained silent. Lancy applied more pressure with her blade, and he winced. ¡°Fine,¡± he spat. ¡°We¡¯re here for the dungeon.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Lancy demanded. ¡°What¡¯s your objective?¡± The hooded figure hesitated, but the man answered with a sneer. ¡°Monster parts. This dungeon¡¯s creatures are rare and valuable. Perfect for selling to the highest bidder.¡± John, still clutching his shield, stepped forward. ¡°You¡¯re harvesting monster parts? That¡¯s it? You¡¯re risking people¡¯s lives, cursing the land, for profit?¡± The man shrugged, his smirk returning. ¡°Business is business. If the land gets cursed, that¡¯s not our problem.¡± Nancy¡¯s grip on her staff tightened. ¡°You¡¯re disgusting.¡± Miles, who had been quiet until now, finally found his voice. ¡°You mean to tell me that this dungeon has been open longer than it should have been because of you? You kept it active to keep harvesting?¡± The man¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Exactly. Gotta keep the monsters spawning, after all.¡± Lancy¡¯s expression darkened, and for a moment, Miles thought she might strike the man down. Instead, she stepped back and sheathed her sword, her movements sharp and deliberate. ¡°You¡¯ve done more damage than you can possibly understand,¡± she said, her voice laced with quiet fury. ¡°The curse on this land isn¡¯t just some inconvenience. It¡¯s destroying people¡¯s lives.¡± The hooded figure, who had been silent until now, looked away, guilt flickering across their face. But the man only shrugged again, his indifference stoking the anger simmering in the group. John turned to Lancy. ¡°What do we do with them?¡± Lancy¡¯s jaw tightened as she considered. Finally, she looked at Miles. ¡°What do you think?¡± Miles blinked, surprised to be asked. He glanced at the two captives, his mind racing. He wanted to make the right decision, but without his system¡¯s guidance, he felt lost. Still, one thing was clear¡ªthese people couldn¡¯t be allowed to continue their operations. ¡°We can¡¯t let them go,¡± he said finally. ¡°But killing them isn¡¯t the answer, either.¡± Chapter 36: A solution everyone likes doesnt exist - Part 2 Lancy nodded. ¡°Agreed. We¡¯ll restrain them for now and deal with them after we¡¯ve cleared the dungeon.¡± The man¡¯s smirk faltered slightly, but he said nothing as Lancy tied his hands behind his back. The hooded figure offered no resistance as John did the same to them. With the captives secured, the party regrouped, their determination renewed. The dungeon lay ahead, its dark maw waiting to swallow them whole. Miles took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges to come. Objective updated: Proceed into the dungeon. Caution advised. Miles couldn¡¯t help but smirk slightly at the system¡¯s timing. ¡°Guess we¡¯re back to square one,¡± he muttered, his voice tinged with both apprehension and resolve. As they moved toward the dungeon, Miles felt the weight of their task pressing down on him. The captives¡¯ actions had caused so much pain, but stopping them was only the first step. The true challenge was still ahead, and he had a feeling it was going to test them all in ways they weren¡¯t prepared for. The air inside the dungeon was thick and oppressive, a palpable reminder of the dangers that awaited. As the party descended into the dark, cavernous depths, Miles felt the weight of anticipation settling heavily on his shoulders. His system chimed in, breaking the uneasy silence. Warning: Hostile creatures detected. Prepare for immediate engagement. Nancy clutched her staff tightly, John raised his shield defensively, and Lancy unsheathed her blades, her expression sharp and focused. Miles, however, could only steel himself for what was to come. The first attack came out of nowhere. A massive, snarling beast lunged at the group, its claws glinting in the dim light of the dungeon. Miles barely had time to react. "Roll for safety," the system urged. He did, and the result was barely enough to avoid the creature¡¯s claws. He stumbled back as Lancy darted forward, slicing through the beast with precision. ¡°That was too close,¡± John muttered, panting as the group regrouped. Miles nodded, his heart racing. He had narrowly avoided injury, but the system¡¯s next warning sent a chill down his spine. "More hostile creatures detected. Prepare for continuous engagement." The words proved true as wave after wave of creatures descended upon them. They came in all shapes and sizes¡ªferal wolves, venomous spiders, and shadowy wraiths that seemed to materialize from the very walls. Miles found himself rolling again and again, each roll a desperate attempt to evade the relentless onslaught. ¡°Stay behind me!¡± John shouted, raising his shield to block an incoming attack. Miles wanted to comply, but the creatures were everywhere. His system was relentless in its commands.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Roll for safety. Roll for evasion. Roll for agility. The dice appeared in his hand over and over, each roll draining him further. He felt his stamina depleting rapidly, each successful roll a small victory that came at a steep cost. Nancy unleashed bursts of magic whenever she could, but her spells were limited in power. Lancy, meanwhile, fought with tireless efficiency, cutting down creatures with a level of skill that left the rest of the party in awe. Despite their efforts, the creatures kept coming. Miles felt his energy waning, his vision blurring as his body screamed for rest. ¡°Can¡¯t we stop for a moment?¡± he gasped, clutching his knees as the latest wave of creatures fell. ¡°We can¡¯t,¡± Lancy said, her voice firm but not unkind. ¡°Stopping now would only put us in more danger. We need your rolls, Miles.¡± Miles wanted to argue, but the looks on their faces¡ªdetermined and expectant¡ªkept him quiet. They were relying on him, and he couldn¡¯t bear to let them down. So he kept rolling. By the time they reached the boss chamber, Miles was running on fumes. The cavernous room was eerily silent, save for the sound of dripping water echoing in the distance. At its center stood the boss¡ªa towering, grotesque creature with glowing red eyes and jagged claws. Boss detected. Level 12. High difficulty anticipated. Miles swallowed hard as the creature let out a deafening roar. The battle began in an instant. The boss moved with terrifying speed, its claws swiping at anything in its path. John¡¯s shield blocked the first strike, but the force of the blow sent him staggering back. ¡°Focus on its legs!¡± Lancy shouted, darting in to deliver a series of quick strikes. Nancy tried to cast a slowing spell, but the boss shrugged it off like it was nothing. Miles, meanwhile, rolled again and again¡ªdodging the boss¡¯s attacks, finding weak points, and directing the others. Each roll felt like it was pulling energy directly from his soul. "Roll for evasion." "Roll for strategy." "Roll for stamina." He complied, even as his limbs grew heavy and his vision darkened at the edges. ¡°I can¡¯t keep this up,¡± he muttered, his voice barely audible. ¡°You have to,¡± Lancy said sharply, not taking her eyes off the boss. ¡°We need you, Miles.¡± The words cut deeper than any blade. Gritting his teeth, Miles pushed himself further, rolling again as the boss unleashed a devastating area attack. The dice landed on a high number, and the system chimed in. Success. Party evasion complete. Relief washed over him briefly, but it was short-lived. The boss turned its attention to him, its glowing eyes locking onto his exhausted form. ¡°Miles, move!¡± Nancy screamed. He tried to roll again, but his hand shook as he reached for the dice. His vision blurred completely, and his knees buckled. The last thing he heard before darkness claimed him was the system¡¯s monotone voice. Critical exhaustion detected. User consciousness compromised. When Miles opened his eyes, the battle was over. He was lying on the cold, hard ground, his body aching all over. Lancy stood over him, her swords sheathed but still dripping with dark ichor. ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± she said, her tone softer than usual. ¡°What happened?¡± he croaked, his throat dry. ¡°You collapsed,¡± John said, helping him sit up. ¡°Lancy defeated the boss. It¡¯s over.¡± Miles looked around. The boss¡¯s massive, lifeless body lay crumpled in the center of the chamber, its red eyes now dim. ¡°You did great,¡± Nancy added, though her tone was tinged with concern. ¡°But you pushed yourself too hard.¡± Miles nodded weakly, the weight of his exhaustion pressing down on him. He had succeeded in helping the party, but at what cost? ¡°You can¡¯t keep doing this,¡± Lancy said firmly, kneeling beside him. ¡°You¡¯re not a machine, Miles. If you keep pushing yourself like this, you¡¯ll die.¡± Her words stung, but Miles knew she was right. He had reached his limit, and it was clear that relying solely on his rolls wasn¡¯t sustainable. As the party helped him to his feet and prepared to leave the dungeon, Miles made a silent vow to himself. He needed to find a way to balance his abilities without sacrificing his own well-being. Because if this dungeon had taught him anything, it was that even the luckiest rolls couldn¡¯t save him if he wasn¡¯t strong enough to stand on his own. Chapter 37: A solution everyone likes doesnt exist - Part 3 With the dungeon cleared and the curse lifted, the Village of Faelwen buzzed with life. The villagers, who had been shrouded in despair, now radiated gratitude. A grand bonfire blazed in the center of the square, the flames dancing against the night sky. Tables lined with simple yet hearty food stretched across the village square, and the scent of roasted meat and baked bread filled the air. ¡°Cheers to our heroes!¡± the village elder proclaimed, raising his mug of ale. The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers echoing through the square. Miles and his party stood at the forefront, their exhaustion overshadowed by the warmth of the villagers¡¯ gratitude. John grinned, lifting his mug toward his companions. ¡°We make a good team, don¡¯t we? Clearing dungeons, helping people¡ªI think we¡¯ve got something special here.¡± Nancy, seated nearby with a reserved expression, offered a faint smile. ¡°We did well, but I¡¯m not sure if this arrangement is permanent.¡± Lancy crossed her arms, her gaze flicking to Miles. ¡°Agreed. Sometimes, paths diverge for the better.¡± Her tone was casual, but there was a subtle intensity in her eyes as she looked at him. Miles remained quiet, sensing an undercurrent of tension beneath the celebratory atmosphere. That night, as the village settled into quiet, Miles found himself sitting outside his small lodging, gazing at the stars. The soft crunch of footsteps on the dirt path made him turn. Lancy approached, her silhouette illuminated by the faint glow of the moon. ¡°Can we talk?¡± she asked, her voice low. Miles nodded, shifting slightly to make room for her on the wooden bench. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± she began, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees. ¡°This party¡­ it¡¯s not going to last forever. John has his ideals, and Nancy clearly doesn¡¯t want to stick around. But you and I¡­¡± She paused, looking at him with a glint of determination in her eyes. ¡°We¡¯re different.¡± ¡°Different how?¡± Miles asked cautiously. ¡°You have your luck, and I have my strength. Together, we could do more than just clear dungeons for struggling villages. We could climb to the top. Make a real name for ourselves.¡± Her voice grew fervent. ¡°We don¡¯t need anyone else. Just you and me, Miles. We¡¯d be unstoppable.¡± Miles frowned. ¡°That¡¯s not what I want, Lancy. I don¡¯t care about being at the top. I just want a peaceful life.¡± Lancy¡¯s expression faltered, her brows furrowing. ¡°You¡¯re wasting your potential,¡± she muttered, standing abruptly. ¡°Think about it, Miles. Think about what you¡¯re capable of.¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ______ As the night stretched on, Miles lay awake in his bed, staring at the wooden beams above him. Lancy¡¯s words echoed in his mind. We don¡¯t need anyone else. Just you and me. Something about her intensity unnerved him. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that her motives were no longer about the party¡¯s success¡ªor even helping others. Unable to find peace, Miles sat up and whispered, ¡°System, can I trust this party?¡± ¡°Would you like to roll to check?¡± He sighed, knowing that the answer would likely just feed his suspicions. ¡°Fine. Roll.¡± A translucent dice appeared before his eyes, spinning rapidly. His breath hitched as the number revealed itself¡ªa low 2. The system¡¯s voice followed almost immediately. ¡°Your party''s trustworthiness is compromised. Probability of betrayal within the current dynamic is high.¡± Miles¡¯ heart sank. ¡°Can you be more specific? What about John? Nancy? Lancy?¡± ¡°John remains trustworthy. Nancy prioritizes self-preservation and will likely act in her own interest if circumstances worsen. Lancy¡¯s motivations have shifted significantly¡ªher current interest in you poses a risk.¡± He frowned, gripping his blanket tightly. ¡°What kind of risk?¡± ¡°Her motives are no longer solely aligned with the party¡¯s goals or your well-being. Her actions may lead to harm¡ªdirectly or indirectly.¡± Miles swallowed hard, his mind racing. ¡°Why are you only telling me this now?¡± ¡°A shift in party dynamics has been detected. Recent interactions and statements have triggered this reassessment.¡± He leaned back against the wall, feeling the weight of the system¡¯s words. If the rolls were right¡ªand they always were¡ªhe couldn¡¯t ignore the warning. ¡°Thanks for nothing,¡± he muttered sarcastically. ¡°You rolled the dice,¡± the system replied, almost smugly. Unable to shake the system¡¯s warning, Miles sought out John the next morning. He found the healer tending to his equipment near the edge of the village, the early sunlight glinting off his armor. ¡°Hey, John,¡± Miles greeted hesitantly. John looked up with a smile. ¡°Morning, Miles. Something on your mind?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Miles admitted, glancing around to ensure they were alone. ¡°I need to talk to you. It¡¯s¡­ important.¡± John set aside his gear, his expression turning serious. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Miles hesitated, then took a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t think we can trust Lancy and Nancy anymore.¡± John blinked. ¡°What makes you say that?¡± ¡°The system told me. It warned me that staying in this party is dangerous. It said you¡¯re the only one I can trust.¡± John frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a lot to take in. But what about Lancy? She¡¯s been protecting you from the start.¡± ¡°She has,¡± Miles admitted. ¡°But something¡¯s changed. She¡¯s acting strange¡ªtoo protective, too controlling. Last night, she asked me to leave the party with her. Said we¡¯d be better off without you and Nancy.¡± John¡¯s face darkened. ¡°And Nancy?¡± ¡°She¡¯s distant. Detached. I don¡¯t think she cares about the party the way we do.¡± John nodded slowly. ¡°So what do we do?¡± ¡°We leave,¡± Miles said firmly. ¡°Quietly, before things escalate.¡± As the two discussed their plan, the weight of the decision settled over them. Leaving the party wasn¡¯t just a logistical challenge¡ªit was a moral one. Lancy had saved them countless times, and Nancy had contributed her share of support. But the growing tensions and mistrust were undeniable. The sun rose higher, casting long shadows over the village. Miles and John knew they had to act quickly. If they waited too long, they risked confrontation¡ªor worse, betrayal. Would they succeed in slipping away unnoticed, or would their departure spark the very conflict they sought to avoid? Chapter 38: The Harsh Road - Part 1 The darkness of the forest cloaked Miles and John as they darted through the dense undergrowth. Despite their hurried pace, Miles¡¯s system guided them with pinpoint accuracy. ¡°Left here,¡± Miles whispered, pointing toward a narrow path that seemed like nothing more than a gap in the trees. John hesitated, glancing at the overgrown trail. ¡°You sure about this?¡± Miles rolled the dice internally, and the system¡¯s voice confirmed: ¡°Path is clear. Low chance of ambush.¡± ¡°Positive,¡± Miles replied, leading the way. They moved swiftly, Miles¡¯s uncanny luck ensuring they avoided pitfalls and monsters. It wasn¡¯t long before they emerged from the thick forest, far beyond the village of Faelwen. The faint glow of dawn touched the horizon as the two collapsed onto a grassy clearing to catch their breath. ¡°That... was something else,¡± John said, panting. ¡°You really are something, Miles.¡± Miles gave a tired smile. ¡°Thanks. I guess luck isn¡¯t as useless as people think.¡± John chuckled. ¡°Not when you¡¯re the one using it.¡± Once they had caught their breath, Miles turned to John, his tone more serious. ¡°John... do you ever feel like¡ª¡± He paused, searching for the words. ¡°Do you ever feel like everyone just wants to use me for my power?¡± John looked at him, his gaze steady. ¡°Honestly? I¡¯ve seen it. Nancy and Lancy relied on you too much. And I won¡¯t lie¡ªyour ability is incredible. But I¡¯d rather not become dependent on it.¡± Miles blinked in surprise. ¡°Why not? It could make things easier.¡± John shook his head. ¡°Because it¡¯s not fair to you. You deserve better than to be treated like some kind of tool. And relying on luck for everything... that¡¯s a slippery slope. People forget how to solve problems on their own.¡± Miles was quiet for a moment, touched by John¡¯s words. ¡°You¡¯re... different, you know that?¡± John smiled. ¡°Maybe. But that¡¯s why I can¡¯t stay in a party with you, Miles. Not because I don¡¯t want to, but because I have my own goals. And honestly, you don¡¯t strike me as the kind of guy who¡¯d enjoy my kind of life.¡± Miles frowned. ¡°What kind of life is that?¡± John hesitated. ¡°A quiet one. I want to settle down someday, maybe become a craftsman or a farmer. Something simple, away from all this fighting and danger.¡± Miles nodded slowly. ¡°I get that. So... what now?¡±This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. John stood up, brushing dirt off his clothes. ¡°You should head to Lumeina City. It¡¯s a big place, full of merchants and opportunities. You can sell the dungeon loot there without anyone asking too many questions.¡± ¡°You really think I can handle myself?¡± John grinned. ¡°Miles, you¡¯ve got more than luck. You¡¯ve got a good head on your shoulders. Just... watch out for scammers. Though, honestly, I think you¡¯re sharp enough to spot them a mile away.¡± Miles smiled faintly. ¡°Thanks, John.¡± The two clasped hands, a silent promise of goodwill before they parted ways. ______ Meanwhile, back in Faelwen, Lancy woke to find herself alone. The faint light of dawn filtered through the cracks in the abandoned building they had taken shelter in. Her eyes darted around, and her heart sank when she realized Miles and John were gone. ¡°He left...¡± she murmured, her voice a mixture of anger and sadness. As she stood, a sudden chime echoed in her mind¡ªa private message. The words scrawled across her vision were cold and impersonal: ¡°Report immediately. Any information on unusual abilities?¡± Lancy stared at the message, her jaw tightening. She knew what they wanted: Miles¡¯s power. The thought of sharing it¡ªof putting him at risk¡ªmade her stomach churn. ¡°No,¡± she whispered to herself. ¡°Not him.¡± She clenched her fists, conflicted. If she disobeyed, it could cost her everything she¡¯d worked for. But if she reported him... A memory of Miles flashed in her mind¡ªhis nervous smile, his unwavering determination even in the face of danger. She couldn¡¯t let them take that from him. ¡°I¡¯ll find him,¡± she vowed. ¡°I¡¯ll find him, and I¡¯ll keep him safe. Even if it means keeping him all to myself.¡± With renewed determination, she turned her back on the message and began planning her next move. ______ Miles adjusted the straps of his satchel as he trudged along the dirt road, his thoughts tangled in a mix of relief and unease. The morning sun hung high, casting warm light on the rolling fields and distant forest surrounding him. Despite the serene scenery, Miles couldn¡¯t shake the nagging sense of uncertainty about what lay ahead in Lumeina City. The system chimed in his mind: ¡°Path to Lumeina City remains safe. Low encounter probability. Estimated travel time: two days.¡± ¡°At least that¡¯s some good news,¡± Miles muttered, though he still glanced around nervously. With every step, he felt the weight of solitude pressing on him. For the first time since his journey began, he was truly alone. No party to rely on, no one to demand rolls from him, no constant chaos. And yet, he wasn¡¯t sure if he liked the silence. By mid-afternoon, Miles approached a small roadside inn tucked against a grove of oak trees. The building was modest, with a wooden sign swaying gently in the breeze: The Rusty Kettle. Miles rolled the dice in his mind to check the safety of stopping here. The system responded: ¡°Safe. Minimal risk.¡± ¡°Good enough,¡± he said, stepping inside. The inn¡¯s interior was warm and welcoming, with the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. A handful of travelers sat at wooden tables, chatting quietly over mugs of ale. Miles approached the counter, where an older woman greeted him with a kind smile. ¡°Looking for a meal or a room, lad?¡± ¡°Both, actually,¡± Miles replied. ¡°How much for the night?¡± ¡°Two silver for the room, and an extra silver for dinner,¡± she said. Miles instinctively reached for the dice, rolling to see if he could negotiate a better price. The system replied: ¡°Moderate success. Offer three silver total with breakfast included.¡± He hesitated before speaking. ¡°How about three silver for dinner and breakfast included?¡± The woman studied him for a moment before nodding. ¡°You¡¯ve got yourself a deal.¡± Miles exhaled in relief. Even small victories felt satisfying when he wasn¡¯t sure what challenges lay ahead. Chapter 39: The Harsh Road - Part 2 As he ate his dinner¡ªa hearty stew with fresh bread¡ªMiles overheard a conversation at a nearby table. Two merchants were discussing the road to Lumeina City. ¡°Trade¡¯s been rough lately,¡± one of them said, a burly man with a thick beard. ¡°Lots of new faces in the city, and not all of them are honest folk.¡± ¡°Tell me about it,¡± the other replied, a wiry woman with sharp eyes. ¡°Competition¡¯s one thing, but I¡¯ve heard rumors of organized scams targeting newcomers. They¡¯ll fleece you before you even know what¡¯s happened.¡± Miles felt a chill run down his spine. He had planned to sell his dungeon loot in Lumeina City, but if what they were saying was true, he¡¯d have to be extra careful. ¡°Don¡¯t let ¡®em see you¡¯re green,¡± the man added. ¡°Best way to survive in Lumeina is to act like you belong there. Confidence can be the difference between making a profit and losing your shirt.¡± Miles mentally filed their advice away. The next day, Miles set off early, refreshed and ready to tackle the remaining journey. The road grew busier as he neared the city, with carts and travelers heading in the same direction. It was midday when he noticed a young boy struggling to pull a cart laden with firewood. The boy¡¯s face was flushed with effort, and the cart¡¯s wheel appeared to be stuck in a rut. Miles paused, rolling to check if helping the boy would lead to trouble. The system replied: ¡°High success. Minimal risk. Potential reward: goodwill.¡± He smiled wryly. ¡°Guess it doesn¡¯t hurt to be nice.¡± Approaching the boy, Miles asked, ¡°Need a hand with that?¡± The boy looked up, startled, before nodding. ¡°Yes, please. The wheel¡¯s stuck, and I can¡¯t move it alone.¡± Together, they heaved the cart out of the rut. The boy thanked him profusely, and as they continued down the road, he shared that his family ran a small stall in Lumeina City¡¯s market district. ¡°If you¡¯re ever in the city and need supplies, come find us,¡± the boy said. ¡°We don¡¯t have much, but we¡¯re honest.¡± Miles smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± By evening, the sprawling city of Lumeina came into view. The sight was breathtaking¡ªa vast network of stone buildings, bustling streets, and towering walls that seemed to glow in the golden light of the setting sun. The system chimed: ¡°Arrival at Lumeina City. Caution advised. High population density increases risk of scams and theft.¡±This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. ¡°Yeah, I figured,¡± Miles muttered. As he approached the gates, he noticed a long line of travelers waiting to enter. Guards inspected each person, checking their belongings and asking questions. When it was his turn, a stern-looking guard eyed him suspiciously. ¡°What¡¯s your business in Lumeina?¡± ¡°Just passing through,¡± Miles said. ¡°Got anything to declare?¡± Miles hesitated, then rolled to check if honesty was the best approach. The system replied: ¡°Critical success. Declare dungeon items.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got some items from a dungeon I cleared,¡± he said. ¡°Planning to sell them in the market.¡± The guard¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°Fair enough. Just don¡¯t cause any trouble.¡± With that, Miles was allowed inside. The streets of Lumeina were alive with activity. Merchants shouted from their stalls, hawking everything from spices to rare artifacts. Performers entertained crowds with music and acrobatics, while street vendors sold food that filled the air with tantalizing aromas. Miles felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was a far cry from the quiet villages he was used to. The system chimed: ¡°New objective: Locate a trustworthy merchant to sell dungeon items.¡± Miles sighed. ¡°Easier said than done.¡± As he navigated the bustling streets, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that someone was watching him. Glancing over his shoulder, he caught a glimpse of a hooded figure disappearing into the crowd. ¡°Great,¡± he muttered. ¡°Welcome to Lumeina.¡± ______ Lumeina City was everything Miles imagined it to be¡ªand more. Towering buildings lined the streets, their ornate facades speaking of wealth and history, while bustling markets sprawled endlessly, with merchants vying for attention amidst a cacophony of voices. The sheer energy of the city was intoxicating, but Miles couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted. ¡°System,¡± he muttered under his breath, weaving through the crowd. ¡°Guide me to the market district.¡± The familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind: ¡°Path to market identified. Probability of encountering scammers: high. Proceed with caution.¡± Miles nodded grimly. ¡°Yeah, I figured as much.¡± The market district was a labyrinth of tightly packed stalls and vibrant storefronts. Miles approached a merchant with a small booth laden with glistening trinkets and exotic potions. The merchant, a wiry man with a charming smile, greeted him eagerly. ¡°Ah, traveler! I see you¡¯re new to Lumeina. Perhaps I can interest you in something special?¡± He held up a glittering amulet. ¡°This is a protective charm, blessed by a priest of the Moon Temple. Only ten silver!¡± Miles rolled to check the item¡¯s authenticity. The system chimed: ¡°Critical failure. False information detected. Item value: negligible.¡± Suppressing a smirk, Miles shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll pass, thanks.¡± The merchant¡¯s grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, trying to tempt Miles with other wares. Miles excused himself, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. ¡°System,¡± he muttered, ¡°you¡¯re going to be busy here.¡± Further into the market, Miles was drawn to a stall selling potions. The vendor, an older woman with a kind face, claimed her potions could heal wounds, boost strength, and even grant temporary invincibility. Miles picked up a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid. ¡°How much for this one?¡± ¡°Five silver,¡± the woman said with a smile. ¡°But for you, I¡¯ll make it three.¡± Suspicious, Miles rolled to assess the potion¡¯s quality. The system chimed: ¡°Moderate success. Potion is a placebo. Effectiveness: none.¡± Miles raised an eyebrow. ¡°A generous discount for colored water?¡± The woman¡¯s expression darkened, but Miles walked away before she could respond. Once again, everyone was trying to rip him off. It was enlightening to see that some things never changed, no matter what world you ended up coming to. Chapter 40: Peace is not possible - Part 1 Not all scams were so obvious. At one stall, a man offered to appraise Miles¡¯s dungeon items for free, claiming to be an expert in rare artifacts. Miles rolled the dice to check his intentions. The system warned: ¡°High probability of theft. Appraiser plans to swap items with counterfeits.¡± ¡°Thanks, but I think I¡¯ll hold onto these,¡± Miles said, clutching his bag tightly. The appraiser glared at him as he walked away, muttering something under his breath. Miles couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of paranoia. As the day wore on, Miles began to notice a pattern. Each time he walked away from a scam, the merchants seemed to exchange glances. Whispers followed him through the market, and he caught snippets of conversations about his ¡°uncanny luck.¡± The system chimed in: ¡°Warning: Unusual attention detected. High probability of rumors spreading. Recommend lowering profile.¡± ¡°Great,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°Just what I need¡ªmore people wondering about my rolls.¡± He decided to wrap up his business quickly. After some careful negotiations (and a few well-placed rolls), he managed to sell his dungeon loot at a fair price to a legitimate merchant. But by the time he left the market, he felt the weight of too many eyes on him. As night fell, Miles wandered the streets in search of an inn. The bustling crowds of the day had thinned, replaced by flickering lanterns and the occasional group of travelers or guards. ¡°System,¡± he said quietly, ¡°let¡¯s roll for a good inn.¡± But then he hesitated. In the back of his mind, he could hear John¡¯s voice: ¡°Relying on your rolls too much can become a bad habit.¡± Miles sighed. ¡°I can find a decent place without rolling. How hard can it be?¡± Ignoring the system¡¯s soft chime of disapproval, he chose the first inn he came across: The Silver Sparrow. The building looked respectable enough from the outside, with warm light spilling from its windows and a modest sign hanging above the door. Inside, the common room was lively, filled with laughter and the clinking of mugs. The innkeeper, a portly man with a cheerful demeanor, greeted him warmly. ¡°Looking for a room, traveler?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Miles said. ¡°How much for the night?¡± ¡°Five silver, including breakfast,¡± the innkeeper replied.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Miles hesitated. The price seemed steep, but he didn¡¯t want to roll and draw more attention to himself. ¡°Fine,¡± he said, handing over the coins. The room Miles was given was small and poorly lit, with a single lumpy bed and a window that didn¡¯t close properly. The smell of damp wood lingered in the air, and the faint sounds of rats scurrying in the walls made his skin crawl. ¡°Five silver for this?¡± he muttered. The system chimed: ¡°Critical failure. Accommodation quality: poor. Overpriced.¡± ¡°Yeah, thanks for pointing that out now,¡± Miles grumbled, flopping onto the bed. He regretted not rolling for the inn, but he was too tired to care. Just as he was starting to drift off, a loud argument broke out in the common room below. Voices shouted back and forth, followed by the sound of something breaking. Miles tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for his dice. ¡°System,¡± he whispered. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± The system replied: ¡°Danger detected. Moderate probability of violence. Recommend evacuation.¡± Miles groaned. ¡°Of course.¡± Grabbing his belongings, Miles slipped out of the room and down the back stairs. He didn¡¯t stop until he was several blocks away, his heart pounding in his chest. ¡°Lesson learned,¡± he muttered. ¡°Always roll for safety.¡± The system chimed softly: ¡°Acknowledged.¡± Miles spent the rest of the night wandering the quieter parts of the city, too wary to try another inn. Eventually, he found a quiet spot near the city walls where he could rest without being disturbed. As he stared up at the stars, he thought about his journey so far. Lumeina City had been a harsh reminder that the world was full of opportunists, and his luck wouldn¡¯t always be enough to keep him safe. But it also reinforced something he¡¯d been learning all along: he couldn¡¯t rely on the system for everything. Tomorrow, he¡¯d figure out his next steps. For now, he let the cool night air soothe his nerves and drifted into a light, uneasy sleep. The streets of Lumeina City were unrecognizable under the moonlight. What had been bustling and colorful during the day now seemed shrouded in an eerie stillness. Lanterns hung low, casting long, flickering shadows that seemed to dance and writhe like living things. Miles walked briskly, his steps echoing faintly on the cobblestone streets. The cool night air was refreshing, and for the first time since he had arrived in the city, Miles felt like he could breathe. ¡°This isn¡¯t so bad,¡± he muttered to himself, glancing up at the stars barely visible through the city haze. ¡°A quiet stroll, no market scams, no dice rolls... Peaceful.¡± But that peace was deceptive, a thin veil hiding the dangers lurking in the city¡¯s underbelly. As he turned into a narrower alley to cut across the district, Miles felt the system stir. ¡°Roll for safety,¡± it chimed suddenly, startling him. ¡°What? Why? I¡¯m just walking!¡± The system remained silent, but Miles, now uneasy, pulled out his dice and let them tumble across his palm. The result was immediate. ¡°Roll result: 1. Danger detected. Immediate action required.¡± Miles froze. A chill ran down his spine as he scanned his surroundings, his heart beginning to race. The shadows seemed thicker now, more oppressive, and the faint sound of footsteps echoed somewhere behind him. ¡°Danger?¡± he whispered under his breath. ¡°Where¡ª?¡± His question was answered by a low, menacing chuckle behind him. He spun around, but the alley was empty¡ªor so it seemed. He took a cautious step back, his senses on high alert. Then he saw it: a figure, half-hidden in the shadows, moving toward him with deliberate slowness. ¡°Hey there,¡± the figure said, his voice smooth and casual. ¡°You look lost, friend.¡± Miles thought he was being attacked by one person, but his theory was proven wrong quickly. Chapter 41: Peace is not possible - Part 2 ¡°Hey there,¡± the figure said, his voice smooth and casual. ¡°You look lost, friend.¡± More figures emerged from the darkness, their silhouettes blocking the alley¡¯s only exit. There were four of them, dressed in mismatched clothing that marked them as common thugs. Miles¡¯s instincts screamed at him to run. ¡°System, what do I do?¡± he whispered desperately. ¡°Evade. Immediate retreat recommended.¡± Without hesitation, Miles turned and bolted down the alley. ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t let him get away!¡± one of the thugs shouted, and the sound of pounding footsteps followed him. Miles¡¯s legs burned as he sprinted through the twisting alleys of Lumeina City. The streets seemed to close in around him, the labyrinthine paths confusing him further with each turn. ¡°System, guide me to safety!¡± he gasped. The system chimed: ¡°Path identified. Probability of escape: 63%.¡± Miles followed the system¡¯s directions, darting down a side street and scaling a low wall into an abandoned courtyard. He crouched behind a stack of crates, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The voices of his pursuers grew louder. ¡°Where¡¯d he go?¡± ¡°Split up! He couldn¡¯t have gotten far!¡± Miles bit his lip, willing himself to stay silent as the footsteps scattered. As the thugs searched the area, Miles¡¯s ears caught snippets of their conversation. ¡°He¡¯s fresh meat,¡± one of them muttered. ¡°Yeah, probably doesn¡¯t even know how things work in this city,¡± another said with a cruel laugh. ¡°We get him, we sell him. Easy money.¡± Miles¡¯s stomach turned. Sell me? What does that even mean? He didn¡¯t want to find out. The system chimed softly in his mind: ¡°Remaining hidden: essential. Probability of survival: low if discovered.¡± Miles clenched his fists. ¡°Yeah, I got that,¡± he whispered. The thugs lingered for what felt like an eternity, their voices growing fainter as they moved further away. Eventually, the courtyard fell silent.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Miles stayed crouched behind the crates for several minutes, listening intently. When he was certain the coast was clear, he let out a shaky breath and pulled out his dice. ¡°Roll for safety,¡± he whispered, tossing the dice onto the ground. The system chimed: ¡°Moderate success. Immediate threat diminished. Recommend finding secure shelter.¡± Miles sagged against the crates, his exhaustion catching up with him. He had known Lumeina City would be challenging, but he hadn¡¯t expected this level of danger. ¡°This place is insane,¡± he muttered. ¡°I¡¯m not even safe walking around at night.¡± The system remained silent, offering no comfort. As he made his way cautiously through the city, avoiding well-lit streets and keeping to the shadows, Miles couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being watched. His mind replayed the thugs¡¯ words: ¡°fresh meat¡± and ¡°easy money.¡± The realization hit him like a punch to the gut: his luck, the very thing that had saved him countless times before, was now painting a target on his back. ¡°System,¡± he said quietly, ¡°why did I roll a 1 earlier? Isn¡¯t my luck supposed to be better than that?¡± ¡°Luck is influenced by environmental factors. Current location: high-risk zone. Probability of low rolls increased.¡± Miles frowned. ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is... the city itself makes me unlucky?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°Fantastic,¡± he muttered bitterly. As he approached the edge of the market district, Miles spotted an inn that looked marginally better than the Silver Sparrow. He considered trying his luck again but decided against it. ¡°Not tonight,¡± he muttered. ¡°I¡¯ll figure out a better plan tomorrow.¡± Instead, he found a quiet alcove near a warehouse and settled in for the night, his back against the cold stone wall. As he sat there, his mind raced with thoughts of the day¡¯s events. The thugs, the scams, the city¡¯s oppressive atmosphere¡ªit was all too much. For the first time since leaving his party, Miles felt truly alone. But he wasn¡¯t just alone; he was vulnerable. ¡°This city isn¡¯t just dangerous,¡± he whispered to himself. ¡°It¡¯s a predator, and I¡¯m its prey.¡± The system chimed softly in agreement: ¡°Recommendation: proceed with extreme caution. Trust no one.¡± Miles sighed, pulling his cloak tighter around himself. He wasn¡¯t sure how long he could keep this up, but one thing was clear: Lumeina City was a proving ground, and he would need every ounce of his luck¡ªand skill¡ªto survive it. The night had been rough for Miles. Despite the relative quiet of his corner near the warehouse, the events of the previous night haunted his thoughts, and sleep had eluded him. When dawn finally broke, he felt like a hollow shell, his body sluggish and his mind clouded. ¡°Just a quick breakfast,¡± he muttered, dragging himself to the inn¡¯s dining hall. ¡°Then I¡¯ll figure out what to do next.¡± As he pushed open the door to the dining area, Miles was hit by a cacophony of voices. It wasn¡¯t just loud¡ªit was chaotic. Laughter, gasps, and animated chatter filled the air, making the small space feel suffocating. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Miles mumbled, blinking against the noise. His eyes were drawn to the center of the commotion. There, seated at one of the largest tables, was a man who seemed to radiate a strange, almost otherworldly energy. The stranger was dressed in rich, tailored clothing, his dark velvet coat lined with golden trim that shimmered faintly in the light. His hair was a cascade of silvery blond waves that caught the sunlight streaming through the windows, making it look like it was glowing. His piercing blue eyes held a playful, knowing glint, and his smile was dazzling enough to disarm even the most guarded of hearts. Every movement he made, no matter how subtle, drew the attention of the entire room. When he raised a hand to emphasize a point, a burst of laughter erupted from the crowd around him. When he leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping across the room, the chatter would die down, as if everyone was holding their breath. Miles felt a strange unease settle in his chest. ¡°Who is this guy?¡± he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. Chapter 42: Its all this Citys fault - Part 1 The system chimed softly in his mind: ¡°Roll to assess the individual¡¯s abilities.¡± Miles hesitated, unsure if he even wanted to know. But his curiosity got the better of him, and he tossed the dice in his mind¡¯s eye. The system remained silent for a moment, longer than usual. ¡°Roll result: Invalid. Analysis restricted. Individual exceeds current parameters.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± Miles muttered, his unease growing. ¡°Why can¡¯t you tell me anything about him?¡± ¡°Warning: The individual is in a league of their own. Interaction is highly discouraged. Maintain distance to ensure personal safety.¡± Miles¡¯s heart sank. He¡¯d never received a warning like this before¡ªnot even in the most dangerous situations. The system¡¯s words echoed in his mind as he took a step back, his instincts screaming at him to leave. Whatever this man was, he wasn¡¯t someone Miles wanted to get involved with. ¡°Okay,¡± Miles whispered under his breath. ¡°I get it. Stay out of his way, don¡¯t draw attention, and¡ª¡± ¡°Ah, there you are!¡± The man¡¯s voice cut through the air like a blade, smooth and commanding. Every head in the room turned to see where he was looking¡ªand to Miles¡¯s horror, those piercing blue eyes were locked onto him. Miles froze. His first instinct was to run, but something in the man¡¯s gaze held him in place. It wasn¡¯t threatening, exactly, but it was powerful, as though the man had already decided that Miles wasn¡¯t going anywhere. ¡°You,¡± the man said, his smile widening. ¡°You¡¯re... interesting.¡± The room seemed to hold its collective breath, waiting to see what Miles would do. ¡°I¡ªI think you¡¯ve got the wrong person,¡± Miles stammered, taking another step back. The man tilted his head, his expression amused. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think so. There¡¯s something about you... something different.¡± Miles¡¯s stomach churned. The system¡¯s warning rang in his ears: ¡°Do not engage. Immediate retreat recommended.¡± Summoning what little courage he had left, Miles turned on his heel and bolted for the door. He could feel the man¡¯s eyes on his back, but he didn¡¯t stop. Once outside, he ducked into a nearby alley, his heart pounding in his chest. ¡°System,¡± he whispered harshly. ¡°What just happened? Why did he notice me? I didn¡¯t do anything!¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Analysis: High probability of latent ability detection. The individual may have sensed your unique traits.¡± ¡°Great,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°So much for staying under the radar.¡± ______ Back in the dining hall, the man leaned back in his chair, his smile fading slightly as his gaze lingered on the door Miles had fled through. ¡°Interesting indeed,¡± he murmured, almost to himself. One of the patrons nearest to him, a young merchant eager to stay in the man¡¯s good graces, leaned forward. ¡°Who was that, Sir?¡± The man¡¯s smile returned, though it was sharper now, almost predatory. ¡°Just someone with... potential,¡± he said, his tone light but his eyes cold. ¡°And potential is something I simply can¡¯t ignore.¡± He rose from his seat, his movements fluid and deliberate. The room seemed to quiet once more as he adjusted his coat and strode toward the door. Outside, Miles was already slipping further into the labyrinthine streets of Lumeina City, determined to disappear into the crowd. But no matter how far he ran, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the dazzling man wasn¡¯t finished with him yet. The streets of Lumeina City were quieter in the early morning, the chaotic bustle giving way to a more subdued hum of activity. Miles wandered aimlessly, his mind still reeling from the strange encounter at the inn¡¯s dining hall. ¡°What even was that guy?¡± he muttered to himself, shoving his hands into his pockets. He replayed the system¡¯s warning over and over in his head: ¡°Do not engage. Immediate retreat recommended.¡± The man¡¯s gaze, sharp and probing, had felt like it pierced right through him. Miles shook his head, trying to brush off the lingering unease. ¡°I just need to stay low and keep out of trouble,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Simple enough, right?¡± Just as Miles turned down a quieter alley, a cold chill ran down his spine. That uncanny sixth sense, his so-called ¡°luck,¡± made him glance over his shoulder¡ªand that¡¯s when he saw them. The same group from the previous night. There were three of them, dressed in worn, mismatched clothing, their eyes glinting with malicious intent. One of them¡ªa burly man with a scar cutting across his cheek¡ªgrinned when their eyes met. ¡°Well, well,¡± the scarred man said, his voice a low growl. ¡°Looks like the little mouse didn¡¯t scurry far enough.¡± ¡°Fantastic,¡± Miles muttered under his breath, his stomach sinking. He turned and bolted without a second thought, the sound of boots slamming against cobblestones following close behind. As he ran, Miles felt the telltale pulse of the system activating in his mind. ¡°Roll to escape.¡± ¡°Not now!¡± Miles hissed, ducking down another alley. But the system wouldn¡¯t relent. He rolled the mental dice, a desperate plea forming in his mind: Please, just let me get away! The dice rolls around and lands on a soul-crushing 1. The result flashed before his eyes: Critical Failure: The pursuers are gaining ground. Escape is unlikely without external intervention. ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Miles groaned, his legs burning as he pushed himself harder. His chest heaved with every breath, and he could hear the kidnappers closing in behind him. ¡°I hate this city,¡± he muttered. ¡°I really, really hate this city.¡± As he rounded another corner, Miles felt a hand snag the back of his shirt. He stumbled forward, barely managing to keep his balance. ¡°Gotcha!¡± the scarred man barked, his grip tightening. Panic surged through Miles, and he swung his elbow backward, catching the man in the ribs. The man grunted but didn¡¯t let go. Before Miles could yell for help, a sharp, commanding voice cut through the chaos like a blade. ¡°Let go of him.¡± The kidnappers froze, their heads snapping toward the source of the voice. Miles turned as well, his heart pounding, and there he was¡ªthe dazzling man from the inn. The man stood with an air of unshakable confidence, his hands tucked casually into his coat pockets. His sharp blue eyes locked onto the kidnappers, a faint smirk playing on his lips. ¡°Hyperion,¡± one of the kidnappers whispered, his face draining of color. Chapter 43: Its all this Citys fault - Part 2 The scarred man let go of Miles as if he¡¯d been burned, stumbling back a step. ¡°W-We didn¡¯t know you were here,¡± he stammered. ¡°We didn¡¯t mean no harm!¡± Hyperion tilted his head, his smile widening slightly. ¡°Oh? And yet here you are, chasing down some poor boy in the middle of the day. That doesn¡¯t seem very harmless to me.¡± The tension in the air was palpable. The kidnappers exchanged nervous glances, clearly weighing their options. ¡°You don¡¯t want trouble with me,¡± Hyperion said, his tone light but laced with an unmistakable threat. ¡°But it seems you¡¯ve already found it.¡± Without waiting for a response, Hyperion moved faster than Miles could follow. In the blink of an eye, he was standing between Miles and the kidnappers. His hand shot out, grabbing the scarred man by the collar and slamming him against the alley wall. ¡°You¡¯ll be coming with me,¡± Hyperion said calmly, his grip unyielding. He seemed to be talking to the kidnappers, but Miles got a feeling that he was included in that statement. The other two kidnappers tried to bolt, but Hyperion flicked his wrist, and with an almost lazy gesture, two small throwing knives embedded themselves in the wall just inches from their heads. They froze in their tracks, their faces pale with fear. Miles watched in stunned silence as Hyperion effortlessly subdued the trio. There was something unnervingly graceful about the way he moved, as if he¡¯d done this a hundred times before. Hyperion turned his attention back to Miles, his expression softening slightly. ¡°Are you all right?¡± he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle. Miles nodded, though his legs felt like they might give out at any moment. ¡°I¡ªI think so,¡± he managed to say. ¡°Good.¡± Hyperion¡¯s smile returned, brighter this time. ¡°Let¡¯s get you somewhere safe.¡± Before Miles could protest, Hyperion grabbed him by the wrist and started leading him out of the alley. The kidnappers, still visibly shaken, were dragged along behind them like disobedient children. ¡°Wait¡ªwhere are we going?¡± Miles asked, struggling to keep up. ¡°The police station,¡± Hyperion replied. ¡°They¡¯ll take care of these scum. And you, my friend, are going to tell me why you¡¯re wandering this city alone.¡± Miles¡¯s mind raced as he tried to process everything that had just happened. The system had warned him to stay away from Hyperion, but now he was being dragged along by the very man it had told him to avoid. ¡°Look,¡± Miles said, his voice shaky. ¡°I appreciate the help, but I really don¡¯t need¡ª¡± ¡°You do,¡± Hyperion interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°This city isn¡¯t kind to people like you.¡± ¡°People like me?¡± Miles echoed, frowning. Hyperion glanced over his shoulder, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. ¡°People who stand out,¡± he said simply.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Miles¡¯s stomach churned. He wanted to argue, to tell Hyperion he was wrong, but deep down, he knew the man was right. No matter how hard he tried to blend in, his luck¡ªand the system¡ªalways seemed to draw attention. The police station was a small, nondescript building on the edge of the district. Hyperion handed over the kidnappers with ease, his reputation seemingly enough to ensure they were taken into custody without question. As the officers led the kidnappers away, Hyperion turned back to Miles. ¡°Now,¡± he said, his smile returning. ¡°Why don¡¯t you and I have a little chat?¡± Miles hesitated, every instinct screaming at him to run. But Hyperion¡¯s gaze pinned him in place, and for a moment, he felt like he didn¡¯t have a choice. ¡°Fine,¡± Miles said reluctantly. ¡°But only for a minute.¡± Hyperion chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯ll need.¡± As they stepped back out onto the bustling streets of Lumeina City, Miles couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that his life had just taken a turn he wasn¡¯t prepared for. Hyperion was dangerous¡ªhe could feel it in his bones. But for now, at least, it seemed the man was more interested in helping him than harming him. For now. The sunlight outside the city gates felt brighter than usual, but Miles didn¡¯t find it comforting. As he and Hyperion stepped onto the open road, the din of Lumeina City fading behind them, an uneasy tension settled in Miles¡¯s chest. Hyperion, however, seemed completely at ease, his steps light and his gaze sweeping lazily over the surrounding countryside. Miles cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. ¡°So...what exactly do you want from me?¡± Hyperion smiled, the same dazzling, disarming smile that had unnerved Miles back at the inn. ¡°Straight to the point. I like that.¡± He paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°I¡¯ve seen a lot of people in this city. Swindlers, thieves, nobles, mercenaries¡ªeveryone trying to scrape by in their own way. But you? You¡¯re something different.¡± ¡°Different how?¡± Miles asked, his hands instinctively balling into fists. Hyperion stopped walking and turned to face Miles, his expression suddenly serious. ¡°That¡¯s what I want to find out.¡± His piercing blue eyes seemed to search Miles¡¯s very soul. ¡°Let me use my abilities on you. I can check something... clarify a suspicion I have.¡± Miles¡¯s heart raced. His instincts screamed at him to refuse, and almost on cue, the system spoke in his mind: ¡°Roll for decision-making.¡± The dice landed high, and the system¡¯s voice continued: ¡°It is safe. No harm will come from this action.¡± Even so, Miles shook his head. ¡°No. I don¡¯t care what you think you¡¯ll find. I¡¯m not some experiment.¡± Hyperion tilted his head, an amused yet predatory glint in his eye. ¡°You¡¯re cautious. Smart. But I wasn¡¯t really asking.¡± Before Miles could react, Hyperion extended his hand toward him. A strange energy shimmered in the air, a faint golden light crackling between Hyperion¡¯s fingers as his power activated. Miles felt a sudden pressure around him, like an invisible force trying to peel back layers of himself. He staggered slightly but held his ground, gritting his teeth. The system¡¯s voice rang out again: ¡°Warning: External power detected. Nullification in progress.¡± The golden energy around Hyperion¡¯s hand fizzled and dissipated. The air grew still again. Hyperion blinked, staring at his hand as though it had betrayed him. Then he looked at Miles, his expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯re... protected,¡± he muttered, more to himself than to Miles. ¡°Protected?¡± Miles asked warily. Hyperion nodded slowly, his tone tinged with both curiosity and frustration. ¡°It¡¯s not just your luck. There¡¯s something bigger at play here. A power beyond this world, shielding you¡ªkeeping your identity and your abilities hidden. Even from me.¡± Miles took a step back, his nerves fraying. ¡°I told you no. And now you¡¯re talking like I¡¯m some kind of freak.¡± Hyperion¡¯s smile returned, but it was softer this time, almost apologetic. ¡°Not a freak. An anomaly. And if I were you, I¡¯d tread carefully. The kind of power that protects you? It doesn¡¯t do so lightly. Moreover, don¡¯t tell others of this power. Outsiders are not welcomed with open arms.¡± Miles didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he turned and started walking away, leaving Hyperion behind. Whatever had just happened, he didn¡¯t want to dwell on it any longer than he had to. ¡°O-Outsiders?¡± Miles asked with caution. Chapter 44: To not be Caught - Part 1 Miles didn¡¯t know what was worse: Hyperion¡¯s smirk as he loomed closer or the system¡¯s cheerful and utterly useless commentary. ¡°Hyperion is closing in. Distance: 10 meters. Probability of capture: 72%. Suggestion: Start running.¡± ¡°Yeah, no kidding!¡± Miles hissed under his breath as he darted down an alleyway. His heart pounded, and he glanced back to see Hyperion striding after him, not running, just confidently walking like he had all the time in the world. ¡°Hey! Stop playing hard to get!¡± Hyperion called out, his voice rich with amusement. ¡°No thanks!¡± Miles shouted back, turning a corner so sharply he nearly ran into a stack of barrels. ¡°System, help me out here. How do I lose him?¡± ¡°Rolling for an escape route¡­¡± A pause. ¡°Critical success. Turn left at the next corner, leap over the crates, and enter the bakery on your right.¡± Miles didn¡¯t question it. He turned, vaulted over a stack of crates (barely), and burst into a bakery filled with the smell of fresh bread and confused customers. He dashed past the counter, startling the baker, and dove through the back door. Hyperion¡¯s voice echoed faintly behind him. ¡°Really? A bakery? That¡¯s your brilliant hideout?¡± Miles kept running. ¡°I swear, this guy is like a mosquito that just won¡¯t quit.¡± ¡°Correction: Mosquitoes can be swatted. Hyperion is 94% more persistent.¡± ¡°Not helpful!¡± After what felt like hours (it was probably ten minutes, but adrenaline made time weird), Miles finally managed to lose Hyperion. Or so he hoped. He ducked into a quiet shop, panting, his nerves on edge. The shopkeeper, a portly man with an impressive mustache, gave him a once-over. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve been chased by a demon,¡± the shopkeeper said. ¡°Close enough,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°I need a disguise. Something that says ¡®ordinary, unremarkable person.¡¯¡± The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow but gestured to a rack of clothes. Miles rifled through them, looking for something simple. His fingers landed on a set of earthy-colored robes that seemed plain enough. ¡°Suggestion: Roll for disguise effectiveness.¡± ¡°Sure, why not.¡± Miles rolled, and the system let out a smug ¡°Natural 20. You¡¯ll blend in so well even your own mother wouldn¡¯t recognize you.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. He grinned. ¡°Finally, some good luck.¡± Moments later, he stepped out of the shop, now dressed like a modest merchant, complete with a leather satchel and a wide-brimmed hat. He even threw in a fake accent when he spoke to the shopkeeper on his way out. ¡°Thank you kindly, good sir,¡± he said, tipping the hat. The shopkeeper gave him a skeptical look. ¡°...Right. Just don¡¯t forget to pay next time.¡± Miles barely made it a block before his disguise backfired. ¡°Oi, rich boy!¡± A voice growled behind him. Miles froze. He turned slowly to see a trio of scruffy-looking men, all eyeing him like a wolf eyes a lamb. ¡°I¡¯m not rich,¡± he said quickly, holding up his hands. ¡°I¡¯m¡ªuh¡ªjust a humble traveler.¡± The biggest of the three laughed. ¡°Yeah, with those fancy clothes and that shiny satchel? Nice try. Hand it over.¡± Miles glanced at the satchel. To be fair, it did look expensive. He cursed the shopkeeper¡¯s taste. ¡°This isn¡¯t real leather,¡± he blurted. ¡°It¡¯s fake. Cheap stuff. Totally worthless.¡± The smallest thug stepped closer. ¡°We¡¯ll be the judges of that. Empty your pockets too.¡± ¡°Warning: Probability of being mugged is 98%. Suggestion: Roll for persuasion.¡± Miles rolled and got a 3. He groaned. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be on my side, system!¡± ¡°The dice decide your fate, not me. Good luck!¡± ¡°Yeah, thanks for nothing,¡± Miles grumbled as the thugs closed in. Miles¡¯s mind raced. He needed a distraction, a way out, anything to avoid losing his stuff¡ªor worse. Inspiration struck. ¡°Wait!¡± he said, raising his voice. The thugs paused, surprised by his sudden outburst. ¡°You don¡¯t want to do this.¡± ¡°Oh yeah? Why not?¡± the leader sneered. Miles pointed dramatically at a random rooftop. ¡°Because he¡¯s watching.¡± The thugs exchanged confused glances. ¡°Who?¡± Miles grinned. ¡°Hyperion.¡± The thugs visibly paled. ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡± ¡°Am I?¡± Miles said, channeling every ounce of confidence he could muster. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stick around and find out? I hear he¡¯s not a fan of thieves.¡± ¡°Rolling for bluff effectiveness¡­¡± A pause. ¡°Result: 18. Moderate success.¡± The thugs hesitated, clearly unnerved. ¡°Fine,¡± the leader muttered. ¡°But if you¡¯re lying¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Miles said quickly, backing away. ¡°Have a nice day!¡± As soon as the thugs were out of sight, Miles exhaled deeply and slumped against a wall. ¡°That was too close.¡± ¡°Note: Your bluff would have been more effective with a higher charisma stat.¡± Miles rolled his eyes. ¡°Gee, thanks for the critique.¡± Miles¡¯s moment of relief was short-lived. ¡°Well, well,¡± a familiar voice drawled behind him. ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve had an eventful morning.¡± Miles turned slowly to see Hyperion leaning casually against a lamppost, his arms crossed and his infuriatingly smug smile firmly in place. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion tilted his head. ¡°Did you really think you could outrun me?¡± Miles sighed. ¡°Can¡¯t a guy catch a break?¡± ¡°Probability of Hyperion capturing you: 99%. Suggestion: Stop resisting.¡± ¡°Oh, now you¡¯re on his side?¡± Miles said out loud. Hyperion raised an eyebrow. ¡°Talking to yourself now? You really are an interesting one.¡± Miles groaned. This was going to be a long day. Miles darted down another alley, feet pounding against the cobblestones, heart racing like a squirrel on caffeine. Behind him, Hyperion¡¯s calm yet infuriating voice echoed through the city streets. ¡°You know, you¡¯re only making me more curious, little rabbit!¡± ¡°Warning: Probability of escape is 3%. Suggestion: Stop running.¡± ¡°Not now, system!¡± Miles hissed, rounding a corner. ¡°I¡¯m not going to just give up!¡± ¡°Rolling for stamina¡­ Result: 5. You¡¯re already wheezing like a broken kettle. Good luck with that.¡± Miles doubled over, hands on his knees, gasping for air. ¡°I hate you so much.¡± ¡°Hate is a strong word. Perhaps focus on not being caught?¡± Before Miles could retort, a shadow loomed over him. He looked up to find Hyperion, hands on his hips, staring down with an exasperated smile. Chapter 45: To not be Caught - Part 2 ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m impressed,¡± Hyperion said. ¡°Most people give up long before now. But you¡­¡± He gave a slow, mocking clap. ¡°You¡¯ve got spirit.¡± Miles groaned. ¡°If I say you win, will you just leave me alone?¡± Hyperion shook his head, crouching to meet Miles¡¯s eye level. ¡°Not a chance. But hey, good effort.¡± He reached out, and before Miles could react, Hyperion grabbed him by the collar and hoisted him up like a misbehaving kitten. ¡°Capture complete. Probability of escape: 0%. Suggestion: Start negotiating.¡± ¡°Wow, thanks for the update, Captain Obvious,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion raised an eyebrow. ¡°Talking to your imaginary friend? Or just admitting defeat out loud?¡± Miles scowled. ¡°Let¡¯s go with option two.¡± Once Miles stopped pretending he could escape, Hyperion set him down on a nearby bench. The man towered over him, still looking far too amused for Miles¡¯s liking. ¡°I¡¯m not here to hurt you,¡± Hyperion said, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. ¡°Oh yeah? Tell that to my dignity,¡± Miles shot back. Hyperion chuckled. ¡°Fair. But listen, I want to offer you something: protection.¡± Miles blinked. ¡°Protection? From what? The baker¡¯s wrath for cutting through his shop earlier?¡± ¡°No,¡± Hyperion said, his voice growing serious. ¡°From people who would take advantage of someone like you. And trust me, they¡¯re out there.¡± Miles crossed his arms. ¡°And why should I trust you?¡± Hyperion smirked. ¡°Good question. That¡¯s why I¡¯m willing to offer you an unbreakable vow.¡± Miles tilted his head. ¡°Unbreakable as in¡­?¡± ¡°As in, if I betray you, I¡¯ll suffer severe consequences. No loopholes, no tricks,¡± Hyperion explained. ¡°Alert: Hyperion speaks the truth. The unbreakable vow is exactly what it sounds like.¡± Miles squinted. ¡°Why are you suddenly so helpful, system?¡± ¡°Because if he betrays you, I¡¯d have to deal with your whining.¡± ¡°Wow, love you too,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion watched him with a knowing smile. ¡°So? What¡¯s it going to be?¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Miles sighed. ¡°But if this goes sideways, I¡¯m blaming you.¡± ¡°Rolling for vow effectiveness¡­¡± Result: 20. The vow is airtight. Proceed with confidence.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Miles watched as Hyperion made the vow, and a soft glow surrounded him for a brief moment. It was oddly reassuring. ¡°Well?¡± Hyperion asked. ¡°Satisfied?¡± Miles nodded begrudgingly. ¡°Yeah, I guess.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Hyperion said, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡°Now let¡¯s get back to the inn. You look like you could use a decent meal.¡± Back at the inn, Miles sat awkwardly across from Hyperion, still unsure how he felt about this newfound alliance. ¡°So,¡± Hyperion began, leaning back in his chair. ¡°You¡¯ve got some incredible luck. Is that your skill, or is it something else?¡± Miles stiffened. ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± Hyperion raised his hands. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just curious. You¡¯ve escaped me more times than anyone else ever has. That¡¯s impressive.¡± ¡°Alert: Hyperion is probing for information. Suggestion: Be vague.¡± Miles cleared his throat. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m good at rolling the dice.¡± Hyperion chuckled. ¡°Fair enough. I won¡¯t push. But you should know that people like you¡ªpeople with unique abilities¡ªare disappearing lately.¡± Miles frowned. ¡°Disappearing? Like kidnapped?¡± Hyperion nodded. ¡°There¡¯s an organization called the Collection of Miracles. They¡¯re¡­ let¡¯s call them collectors. They want people with rare skills, and they¡¯re not above using force to get what they want.¡± ¡°Great,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°Just what I needed¡ªanother reason to look over my shoulder.¡± Hyperion leaned forward, his expression serious. ¡°That¡¯s why I offered you protection. You¡¯re a walking target, and you don¡¯t even realize it.¡± Miles sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°Why does everything in my life have to be so complicated?¡± ¡°Perhaps because you insist on rolling for everything, even breakfast choices?¡± ¡°Oh, shut up.¡± Hyperion raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who are you talking to?¡± ¡°Uh¡­ no one,¡± Miles said quickly. Hyperion smirked. ¡°You¡¯re a strange one, Miles. But I think we¡¯re going to get along just fine.¡± Miles wasn¡¯t so sure about that, but for now, he decided to roll with it¡ªpun very much intended. ______ Miles paced back and forth in his room at the inn, arms crossed, his thoughts racing like a runaway cart on a hill. ¡°Alright, system, one more time: Can I trust Hyperion?¡± ¡°Rolling for trustworthiness¡­ Result: 18. Yes, you can trust him.¡± Miles squinted suspiciously at the glowing numbers in his mind. ¡°Eighteen, huh? What if you¡¯re just buttering me up so I drop my guard?¡± ¡°My calculations are impartial. Hyperion¡¯s actions so far indicate no immediate threat.¡± ¡°¡®Immediate threat¡¯ isn¡¯t exactly comforting. Lancy didn¡¯t feel like an ¡®immediate threat¡¯ until she tried to turn me into her personal power-up buddy,¡± Miles retorted, flopping onto the bed. ¡°Are you comparing Hyperion, who has made an unbreakable vow to protect you, to Lancy, who woke up on the wrong side of trust?¡± ¡°Yeah, well, I¡¯ve learned my lesson. Trust is earned, not rolled for,¡± Miles grumbled. ¡°Rolling for wisdom¡­ Result: 4. Your personal growth is underwhelming.¡± Miles grabbed a pillow and hurled it into the air, knowing full well he couldn¡¯t actually hit the disembodied voice of his system. Throughout the day, Miles kept a wary eye on Hyperion. Every interaction¡ªwhether it was Hyperion ordering food, asking about the weather, or simply existing¡ªwas met with Miles internally rolling for trustworthiness. ¡°Hey, Miles, want to grab lunch?¡± Hyperion asked casually. Miles¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°One second.¡± ¡°Rolling for trustworthiness¡­ Result: 19. He just wants lunch.¡± ¡°Alright, but I¡¯m watching you,¡± Miles said, pointing a finger at Hyperion like a detective cornering a suspect. Hyperion raised an eyebrow. ¡°What did I even do to deserve this level of suspicion?¡± ¡°Nothing yet. That¡¯s exactly what makes you dangerous,¡± Miles replied. By mid-afternoon, Hyperion finally snapped. ¡°Okay, what is it with you? Did I accidentally step on your invisible pet? Insult your favorite food? Why do you look at me like I¡¯m about to pull out a dagger and stab you?¡± Miles shrugged. ¡°Just cautious. You know, burned once, cautious twice.¡± ¡°It¡¯s ¡®once bitten, twice shy,¡¯¡± Hyperion corrected. ¡°Whatever. Point is, I¡¯m not letting my guard down,¡± Miles said firmly. ¡°Rolling for stubbornness¡­ Result: 20. Congratulations, you¡¯re insufferable.¡± Miles ignored the system and continued his day of distrust. Chapter 46 - Under leveled for the job - Part 1 By the time night rolled around, Miles felt claustrophobic. Being around Hyperion all day, dodging his questions, and second-guessing every roll had worn him out. He needed space. ¡°I¡¯m going out,¡± Miles announced. Hyperion looked up from a book he was reading by the fireplace. ¡°Out? At night? Do you need company?¡± ¡°Nope, just some fresh air. Alone,¡± Miles said quickly, grabbing his cloak and heading out before Hyperion could protest. ¡°Warning: Nighttime excursions increase risk of danger. Suggestion: Bring a friend.¡± ¡°Yeah, no thanks. I¡¯ve had enough of ¡®friends¡¯ lately,¡± Miles muttered under his breath. The town was eerily quiet at night, the streets lit by flickering lanterns. Miles wandered aimlessly, enjoying the solitude. For the first time in weeks, he didn¡¯t feel like someone was watching his every move. That is, until he found himself at the edge of the town and noticed something unusual¡ªa faint glow in the distance. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± he wondered aloud. ¡°Scanning¡­ Result: Dungeon detected. You are the first to discover this location.¡± Miles froze. ¡°A dungeon? Here?¡± ¡°Affirmative. This dungeon is uncharted. First-time clear rewards include substantial loot and rare items.¡± Miles¡¯s eyes sparkled for a moment before reality hit him. ¡°Nope. Not falling for it. I¡¯m not going in there alone.¡± ¡°Rolling for curiosity¡­ Result: 15. You are tempted.¡± ¡°Temptation isn¡¯t a decision, system,¡± Miles snapped, turning on his heel and heading back toward the inn. ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep, and tomorrow I¡¯m going to forget this ever happened.¡± Back at the inn, Miles tossed and turned in bed. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t shake the thought of the dungeon. ¡°What if it¡¯s got amazing loot? What if it¡¯s the key to me finally having an edge over everyone who¡¯s been chasing me?¡± ¡°Warning: Entering an uncharted dungeon without preparation is highly risky.¡± ¡°Yeah, I know. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not going in,¡± Miles grumbled. ¡°Rolling for willpower¡­ Result: 9. Your resolve is weakening.¡± Miles groaned. ¡°You¡¯re the worst.¡± ¡°Correction: I¡¯m the best. Without me, you¡¯d already be a smear on a dungeon floor.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. He sat up in bed, glaring at the dark room. ¡°I¡¯m not going back to that dungeon. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s got mountains of gold or a fountain of eternal youth. It¡¯s not worth the risk.¡± ¡°Rolling for self-delusion¡­ Result: 14. You¡¯re moderately convincing.¡± Miles flopped back down with a sigh. ¡°I need new hobbies.¡± As he stared at the ceiling, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what treasures¡ªor dangers¡ªawaited in that glowing dungeon. The next morning, Hyperion gave Miles a curious look as they sat down for breakfast. ¡°You look like you didn¡¯t sleep. Bad dreams?¡± ¡°You could say that,¡± Miles muttered, poking at his plate of eggs. ¡°Anything you want to talk about?¡± Hyperion asked, his tone surprisingly gentle. Miles shook his head. ¡°Nope. Nothing worth mentioning.¡± ¡°Rolling for honesty¡­ Result: 3. Your poker face needs work.¡± Hyperion smirked. ¡°You¡¯re a terrible liar, you know that?¡± ¡°Thanks for the feedback,¡± Miles said dryly. Hyperion leaned forward, his expression serious. ¡°Listen, if something¡¯s bothering you, you can tell me. I meant what I said about keeping you safe.¡± Miles hesitated, glancing at Hyperion and then away. Despite his distrust, a small part of him wanted to believe in the man¡¯s sincerity. ¡°Rolling for trustworthiness¡­ Result: 20. Hyperion is reliable.¡± Miles sighed. ¡°Fine. But if you start acting suspicious, I¡¯m rolling you right out of my life.¡± Hyperion chuckled. ¡°Fair enough. But don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± Miles nodded, but his mind was already wandering back to the dungeon. As much as he hated to admit it, the lure of adventure was calling. And this time, he wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d be able to resist. As Miles and Hyperion made their way toward the dungeon, Miles couldn¡¯t help but shoot wary glances at his travel companion. Every now and then, Hyperion would hum to himself or make idle comments about the scenery, completely at ease. Miles, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves. ¡°System, roll for whether I should tell him about the dungeon.¡± ¡°Rolling for strategic disclosure¡­ Result: 12. Marginal success. Sharing the information could have neutral outcomes.¡± ¡°Great, so I might regret it, or I might not. Real helpful,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion glanced over, his brow raised. ¡°You talking to yourself again?¡± ¡°No,¡± Miles snapped quickly. ¡°I was, uh, rehearsing.¡± ¡°Rehearsing what?¡± Miles sighed. ¡°Fine. There¡¯s a dungeon. Outside the city. I stumbled across it last night.¡± Hyperion froze mid-step. ¡°A new dungeon? That close to Lumeina City? Do you have any idea how rare that is?¡± ¡°Rare?¡± Miles asked, instantly on guard. ¡°Like, ¡®I¡¯m going to kidnap you for your luck¡¯ rare or just ¡®wow, that¡¯s surprising¡¯ rare?¡± Hyperion chuckled. ¡°Relax, I¡¯m not plotting anything. It¡¯s just... unusual. Most adventurers comb these areas thoroughly. Finding a new dungeon near a major city is like finding a diamond in a haystack. You¡¯re either incredibly lucky or cursed with improbable coincidences.¡± ¡°Rolling for accuracy¡­ Result: 20. He¡¯s spot on.¡± Miles frowned. ¡°Well, thanks for that confidence boost.¡± Hyperion smirked. ¡°So, are we going to check it out?¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Miles said, crossing his arms. ¡°Depends. Are you going to try to steal the dungeon reward if we do?¡± Hyperion looked genuinely offended. ¡°Do I look like the kind of guy who¡¯d steal a reward from a nervous, jumpy kid?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Fair enough,¡± Hyperion admitted with a grin. When they reached the glowing entrance of the dungeon, Miles couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of pride and dread. Pride because, hey, he did discover it first. Dread because, well, it was a dungeon. ¡°Analyzing¡­ Dungeon level: High risk. Recommended minimum level: 25. Your level: 12. Suggestion: Turn back.¡± ¡°Turn back?¡± Miles whispered. ¡°I thought you were supposed to encourage adventure.¡± ¡°Correction: I¡¯m supposed to keep you alive. Entering this dungeon is like bringing a spoon to a dragon fight.¡± Hyperion stepped closer, eyeing the dungeon entrance thoughtfully. ¡°You¡¯re under-leveled for this, aren¡¯t you?¡± Miles crossed his arms. ¡°What makes you say that?¡± ¡°The look on your face. You¡¯re halfway between ¡®I¡¯m going to conquer this dungeon¡¯ and ¡®I¡¯m going to die in this dungeon.¡¯¡± ¡°Rolling for self-awareness¡­ Result: 18. He¡¯s got you pegged.¡± Chapter 46 - Under leveled for the job - Part 1 Miles sighed. ¡°Alright, maybe I am a little under-leveled.¡± Hyperion nodded. ¡°Then we should go back and let someone else handle it.¡± ¡°No way,¡± Miles said stubbornly. ¡°I found it. It¡¯s my dungeon.¡± Hyperion raised an eyebrow. ¡°Your dungeon?¡± ¡°Well, metaphorically,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion shrugged. ¡°If you¡¯re that determined, I¡¯ll go in with you. But don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡± Miles hesitated. ¡°System, roll for whether it¡¯s a good idea to enter this dungeon with Hyperion.¡± ¡°Rolling for tactical synergy¡­ Result: 16. Entering with Hyperion improves your survival chances significantly.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Miles said finally. ¡°But if you start acting suspicious, I¡¯m rolling you right out of my life.¡± Hyperion smirked. ¡°You and your mysterious dice.¡± As they prepared to enter, a group of three adventurers lingered nearby, overhearing their conversation. The leader, a wiry man with shifty eyes, whispered to his companions. ¡°Did you hear that? A new dungeon. That kind of discovery could be worth a fortune.¡± One of the companions, a burly woman with a chipped axe, frowned. ¡°But they said it¡¯s high-level.¡± ¡°And you think they¡¯ll get all the loot for themselves?¡± the leader hissed. ¡°That fancy-looking guy will probably handle all the hard stuff. We just have to follow them and swoop in at the right moment.¡± The third member, a nervous-looking mage, whispered, ¡°I don¡¯t know... What if we¡¯re not strong enough?¡± ¡°Shut up and follow my lead,¡± the leader said. Miles noticed the group loitering and whispered to Hyperion, ¡°We¡¯re being watched.¡± Hyperion glanced over casually. ¡°Amateurs. Don¡¯t worry about them.¡± ¡°You sure?¡± ¡°Positive. They¡¯ll either chicken out or get themselves killed before they can cause us any trouble.¡± ¡°Rolling for encounter likelihood¡­ Result: 17. Expect trouble.¡± Miles groaned. ¡°Yeah, that doesn¡¯t sound reassuring.¡± The moment they stepped inside, Miles felt a chill run down his spine. The air was damp and cold, and the flickering light from the dungeon crystals cast eerie shadows on the walls. ¡°System, analyze the area,¡± Miles whispered. ¡°Scanning¡­ Hostile entities detected. Probability of ambush: High.¡± ¡°Fantastic,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion unsheathed a sleek black sword, its blade glowing faintly. ¡°Stick close to me. I¡¯ll handle the big stuff. You¡­ uh¡­ just don¡¯t die.¡± ¡°Wow, inspiring,¡± Miles said dryly.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. As they ventured deeper, the dungeon revealed its dangers. Packs of shadow wolves lunged at them from the darkness, only to be swiftly dispatched by Hyperion¡¯s blade. Miles, armed with a dagger, mostly flailed around in the background, occasionally landing a lucky hit. ¡°Rolling for combat effectiveness¡­ Result: 6. Your contribution is minimal.¡± ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°Are you always this chatty with yourself?¡± Hyperion asked, slicing through another wolf. Miles huffed. ¡°Maybe.¡± Unbeknownst to the pair, the trio of adventurers had followed them inside. They hung back, waiting for an opportunity to strike. ¡°This is perfect,¡± the leader whispered. ¡°That guy with the sword is doing all the work. We¡¯ll just let them clear the way and then take the spoils.¡± The mage fidgeted nervously. ¡°I still think this is a bad idea.¡± ¡°Quiet,¡± the leader snapped. Miles glanced over his shoulder, spotting movement in the shadows. ¡°System, roll for sneak detection.¡± ¡°Rolling¡­ Result: 15. You sense something off.¡± Miles nudged Hyperion. ¡°We¡¯ve got company.¡± Hyperion sighed. ¡°I told you not to worry about them.¡± ¡°Yeah, well, they¡¯re in here now. What if they mess something up and we all die?¡± Hyperion smirked. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just have to save your life. Again.¡± Miles rolled his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this way too much.¡± The greedy trio made their move as Miles and Hyperion approached a treasure chest guarded by a massive stone golem. ¡°Hey! Step aside!¡± the leader shouted, brandishing a sword. Hyperion raised an eyebrow. ¡°You realize that thing is about to pulverize you, right?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll handle it,¡± the leader sneered. Miles shook his head. ¡°System, roll for intelligence. Do they have any?¡± ¡°Rolling¡­ Result: 3. Their intellect is woefully inadequate.¡± Hyperion sighed. ¡°You idiots are going to get yourselves killed.¡± ¡°Stay out of our way!¡± the leader barked, charging at the golem. It took all of three seconds for the golem to swat him into a wall like a fly. Miles winced. ¡°Yeah, saw that coming.¡± Hyperion dispatched the golem with a few precise strikes, turning to the remaining adventurers. ¡°Leave. Now.¡± They didn¡¯t need to be told twice. Miles smirked. ¡°You know, for a guy who says he¡¯s here to protect me, you¡¯re awfully good at scaring people off.¡± Hyperion grinned. ¡°Sometimes, scaring people is the best protection.¡± As they continued deeper into the dungeon, Miles couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this adventure was only just beginning¡ªand that Hyperion, for all his charm and power, was still a mystery he hadn¡¯t fully unraveled. ______ As Miles and Hyperion ventured deeper into the dungeon, the glowing walls and ominous shadows seemed to close in on them. Hyperion moved with the practiced ease of someone who had done this a thousand times, slicing through packs of monsters like they were made of butter. Miles, on the other hand, flailed around with his dagger, panting as he tried to keep up. "System," Miles whispered, "roll for usefulness in battle." "Rolling¡­ Result: 4. You are slightly more useful than a rock, but only just." ¡°Wow, thanks for the pep talk,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°You¡¯re mumbling to yourself again,¡± Hyperion called over his shoulder, cutting down another shadow wolf. Miles groaned. ¡°It¡¯s either that or acknowledge that I¡¯m a walking liability right now.¡± Hyperion paused, turning to look at him. ¡°Walking¡¯s generous. You¡¯ve tripped at least three times in the last five minutes.¡± ¡°Hey! Those roots came out of nowhere!¡± ¡°Correction: The roots were stationary. You walked into them. Twice.¡± Miles glared at the air around him. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be on my side.¡± Hyperion smirked. ¡°Look, most people are liabilities when they travel with me. Don¡¯t take it personally. I¡¯m used to it.¡± Miles frowned. ¡°Yeah, well, I didn¡¯t sign up to be dead weight.¡± Hyperion sheathed his sword for a moment and crossed his arms. ¡°Listen, kid¡ª" ¡°I¡¯m not a kid!¡± ¡°¡ªfine, listen, barely-not-a-kid, everyone has their own strengths. Sure, you¡¯re not exactly holding your own in a fight right now, but you¡¯ve got potential. And let¡¯s not forget your insane luck. Do you have any idea how many dungeons go undiscovered for years? You¡¯re like a walking four-leaf clover.¡± ¡°More like a walking disaster,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion shook his head. ¡°You¡¯ve got value, Miles. You might not see it yet, but one day, you¡¯ll find the thing you¡¯re great at. And when you do, people will stop underestimating you. Including yourself.¡± Miles blinked, caught off guard. ¡°That¡¯s... surprisingly nice of you to say.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get used to it,¡± Hyperion said with a grin, turning back to the path ahead. ¡°Now, let¡¯s move. I¡¯m not here to babysit your existential crisis.¡± ¡°Hyperion is right. Statistically, you will find your niche eventually. Assuming you survive long enough to discover it.¡± ¡°Wow, you guys really know how to make a guy feel special,¡± Miles deadpanned, trudging after Hyperion. Chapter 47 - Under leveled for the job - Part 2 The trio of adventurers Hyperion had scared off earlier wasn¡¯t having a great time. The leader, still nursing a bruised ego (and several cracked ribs from the golem incident), led his companions deeper into the dungeon in search of easier loot. ¡°This is fine,¡± he insisted, though his voice trembled slightly. ¡°We don¡¯t need those two. We can handle this ourselves.¡± The burly woman carrying the chipped axe raised an eyebrow. ¡°Can we, though? Because I¡¯m pretty sure that shadow thing we ran from earlier is still following us.¡± The nervous mage whimpered. ¡°I told you this was a bad idea! I told you we should¡¯ve stayed back!¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± the leader snapped. ¡°We¡¯ll find something valuable and get out. Just... stick together.¡± Unfortunately for them, ¡°sticking together¡± didn¡¯t help much when a massive serpent-like creature slithered out of the shadows, its glowing eyes locking onto the group. ¡°Oh, no,¡± the mage whimpered. ¡°Oh, yes,¡± the leader whispered, backing away slowly. ¡°Run!¡± Miles and Hyperion were just wrapping up a minor skirmish with some rogue skeletons when the trio came crashing into their path, screaming like banshees. ¡°Help! It¡¯s going to eat us!¡± the leader shrieked, barreling straight into Hyperion and bouncing off like he¡¯d hit a brick wall. Hyperion blinked. ¡°You again? Didn¡¯t I tell you to leave?¡± Miles frowned. ¡°What are you guys doing here? Wait, no, let me guess. You didn¡¯t listen, you found trouble, and now you want someone else to clean up your mess.¡± ¡°Rolling for accuracy¡­ Result: Natural 20. Nailed it.¡± The burly woman huffed, clutching her axe. ¡°There¡¯s a giant snake monster chasing us! Do you have time for snark right now?¡± ¡°Always,¡± Miles said, crossing his arms. ¡°It¡¯s my best defense mechanism.¡± Before anyone could argue further, the serpent burst into view, its massive body coiling as it let out a deafening hiss. Hyperion sighed, drawing his sword. ¡°You three, stay behind me. Miles, try not to trip on anything.¡± Miles scowled. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know I¡¯ve been very stable for at least ten minutes.¡± ¡°Rolling for stability¡­ Result: 14. Adequate.¡± The fight that followed was predictably one-sided. Hyperion moved with blinding speed, slicing through the serpent¡¯s tough scales while Miles darted around, doing his best to stay out of the way.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°System,¡± Miles whispered, ¡°roll for whether I can actually contribute here.¡± ¡°Rolling¡­ Result: 9. You could provide moral support.¡± ¡°Moral support? What am I, a cheerleader?¡± Hyperion, overhearing, smirked. ¡°Hey, cheerleaders have value too. Now stop talking to yourself and grab that torch. Distract the snake.¡± Miles hesitated but did as he was told, waving the torch at the serpent¡¯s face. To his surprise, it actually worked¡ªthe snake recoiled just enough for Hyperion to land a finishing blow, severing its head with one clean strike. The trio of adventurers stared, wide-eyed. ¡°That... was amazing,¡± the mage whispered. ¡°That... was terrifying,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion sheathed his sword and turned to the trio. ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Now get out of here before you get yourselves killed.¡± The leader bristled. ¡°We don¡¯t need your help¡ª¡± Hyperion raised an eyebrow, his expression flat. ¡°Really? Because I¡¯m pretty sure that thing was about to make you its appetizer.¡± The leader mumbled something unintelligible and slunk away, followed closely by his companions. Miles watched them go, shaking his head. ¡°Some people never learn.¡± ¡°Some people can¡¯t afford to,¡± Hyperion said quietly. Miles glanced at him, confused by the sudden somber tone, but Hyperion quickly waved it off. ¡°Come on. We¡¯ve got a dungeon to finish.¡± As they continued deeper into the dungeon, Miles couldn¡¯t help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie with his enigmatic companion. For all his flaws and mysteries, Hyperion wasn¡¯t so bad. ¡°Well,¡± Miles said aloud, ¡°if nothing else, this is definitely the most interesting day I¡¯ve had in a while.¡± ¡°Rolling for understatement¡­ Result: 15. Accurate.¡± ______ The dungeon¡¯s atmosphere became increasingly tense as the stone walls closed in and the flickering torches cast shadows that danced like malevolent spirits. Miles trudged behind Hyperion, muttering under his breath about how unfair life was when he suddenly heard the sound of footsteps. ¡°Rolling for immediate danger,¡± the System chimed in. ¡°Result: 10. You¡¯re moderately annoyed but not endangered. Yet.¡± Miles sighed, glancing over his shoulder. Sure enough, the same trio of adventurers they had just saved were trailing them, and not discreetly either. The leader¡¯s shiny armor clinked with every step, the mage kept tripping over her robes, and the axe-wielding woman was munching loudly on a ration bar. ¡°They¡¯re following us, aren¡¯t they?¡± Miles grumbled. Hyperion didn¡¯t even glance back. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Well, can¡¯t you just... I don¡¯t know, scare them off again?¡± Hyperion shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s the point? They¡¯re like stray cats. Ignore them long enough, and they¡¯ll either wander off or self-destruct.¡± Miles rolled his eyes. ¡°Great, so we¡¯re babysitting three accidents waiting to happen.¡± The trio¡¯s "expertise" became evident almost immediately. As the group moved deeper into the dungeon, Miles and Hyperion skillfully avoided a pressure plate in the floor. Naturally, the trio stepped on it with the precision of synchronized dancers. A hail of arrows shot out from the walls, narrowly missing Hyperion and embedding themselves directly into Miles¡¯s path. One arrow grazed his arm, and he yelped. ¡°What the heck?!¡± Miles shouted, clutching his arm. ¡°Why is it always me?¡± ¡°Rolling for probability of this being a coincidence,¡± the System chimed in. ¡°Result: 3. It¡¯s definitely not.¡± ¡°Not helpful!¡± Miles snapped. Hyperion raised an eyebrow, pausing to inspect the injury. ¡°You¡¯re fine. It¡¯s just a scratch.¡± ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say!¡± Miles whined. ¡°You don¡¯t have a trio of walking disasters behind you setting off every single trap!¡± As if on cue, the mage tripped over a loose stone, landing face-first on another trigger. This time, spikes shot up from the floor. Hyperion sidestepped them effortlessly, but Miles wasn¡¯t so lucky¡ªhis boot got caught on one, sending him sprawling into a shallow pit. Hyperion peered down at him. ¡°You okay?¡± Miles glared up at him. ¡°Do I look okay?!¡± ¡°Rolling for emotional resilience,¡± the System added helpfully. ¡°Result: 5. Try not to cry.¡± Miles groaned. Chapter 48: Maybe it is better if I dont - Part 1 Despite Miles¡¯s mounting injuries and increasingly colorful vocabulary, the trio remained oblivious. ¡°I¡¯m starting to feel bad for them,¡± Miles muttered as the leader accidentally set off a swinging blade trap. The blade narrowly missed Hyperion but knocked Miles into a wall. Hyperion offered him a hand. ¡°I¡¯m starting to feel bad for you.¡± Miles took the hand, grumbling. ¡°If they¡¯re so bad at this, why don¡¯t we just leave them behind?¡± ¡°Because,¡± Hyperion said, ¡°they¡¯re not bad people. Just bad adventurers.¡± Miles sighed. ¡°Fine. But if they step on one more trap, I swear I¡¯m walking out of here.¡± ¡°Rolling for likelihood of that happening,¡± the System intoned. ¡°Result: 19. You¡¯re not going anywhere.¡± Miles facepalmed as another trap went off. Miles dragged himself across the rough dungeon floor, his legs wobbling like a newborn deer. The day had been long, dangerous, and unnecessarily painful¡ªhe was sure his bones had become intimately acquainted with every rock and trap this dungeon had to offer. Hyperion, on the other hand, looked as immaculate as ever. Not a hair out of place, not a single scratch marring his dazzling exterior. It was infuriating. ¡°Hey, Hyperion,¡± Miles said, his voice laced with exhaustion, ¡°how are you still alive? Are you even real? Or are you some kind of indestructible dungeon mannequin?¡± Hyperion chuckled, though his eyes stayed on the dim passage ahead. ¡°If I were a mannequin, would I still be handsome?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hyperion flashed a smug grin. ¡°Glad to hear you admit it.¡± ¡°Rolling for a comeback,¡± the System chimed. ¡°Result: 7. ¡®You¡¯re a paperweight with a good hairdresser¡¯ is all I¡¯ve got for you.¡± Miles groaned. ¡°Not helping, System.¡± ¡°Talking to yourself again?¡± Hyperion asked, quirking an eyebrow. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a coping mechanism,¡± Miles shot back. ¡°Something about nearly dying ten times in one day really opens the floodgates for mental dialogue.¡± Hyperion, seemingly unfazed, slowed his pace. ¡°Alright, Miles. You¡¯re running on fumes. Let¡¯s take a break.¡± Miles blinked, startled by the suggestion. ¡°Really? You, Mr. Perfect Adventurer, want to stop?¡± Hyperion shrugged. ¡°You¡¯re stumbling more than usual. It¡¯s kind of painful to watch.¡± ¡°Gee, thanks,¡± Miles deadpanned. Hyperion ignored him and gestured toward a shadowy nook off to the side¡ªa hollowed-out space that looked mercifully free of traps, monsters, or anything sharp. ¡°Here. Rest.¡± Miles didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He collapsed onto the ground like a sack of potatoes, letting out an exaggerated groan. ¡°Rolling for comfort,¡± the System announced. ¡°Result: 4. The ground is cold, hard, and full of regrets.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Miles mumbled into the dirt. ¡°This is luxury living compared to earlier.¡± Hyperion sat nearby, his arms crossed as he scanned the surroundings. ¡°I¡¯ll keep watch. You sleep.¡± Miles rolled over and blinked at him. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re standing guard?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°But¡­ don¡¯t you need rest, too?¡± Hyperion smiled faintly. ¡°You¡¯re forgetting who I am.¡± ¡°Great. Mr. Indestructible strikes again,¡± Miles muttered. Hyperion didn¡¯t respond, and that made Miles feel even worse. Here was this overpowered golden boy watching out for him while he lay there like a useless lump. But exhaustion was stronger than guilt, and soon, Miles¡¯s eyelids began to droop.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°System,¡± he whispered as he drifted off, ¡°if I wake up and Hyperion¡¯s fighting off a monster army alone, let me know.¡± ¡°Noted,¡± the System replied dryly. When Miles woke up hours later, he was greeted by Hyperion¡¯s ever-smug face staring at him. ¡°Morning, Sleeping Beauty.¡± Miles sat up, rubbing his eyes. ¡°How are you this cheerful after pulling an all-nighter?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had worse days.¡± Hyperion¡¯s tone was casual, but Miles couldn¡¯t ignore the faint weariness in his posture. A flicker of guilt stabbed at him. Hyperion had been running around all day and watching over him. That wasn¡¯t fair. ¡°Alright,¡± Miles declared, hopping to his feet. ¡°Your turn to rest.¡± Hyperion raised an eyebrow. ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡± ¡°Liar. Look at you. You¡¯ve got that ¡®I¡¯m pretending to be fine, but I¡¯m actually dead inside¡¯ look. I know it well¡ªit¡¯s my default expression.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not tired, Miles,¡± Hyperion said, though he yawned halfway through the sentence. Miles pointed triumphantly. ¡°Aha! Gotcha. You¡¯re sleeping. No arguments.¡± Hyperion sighed dramatically. ¡°Fine. But if a monster shows up while I¡¯m asleep, don¡¯t die. It¡¯s bad for morale.¡± ¡°No promises,¡± Miles replied with a mock salute. Once Hyperion had actually drifted off¡ªbecause apparently even golden boys needed sleep¡ªMiles was left alone with his thoughts and an oppressive silence. He glanced at the snoring lump of golden perfection beside him and then at his growling stomach. ¡°Alright, System,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°Rolling for food.¡± ¡°Result: 16. Congratulations. You¡¯re now an overconfident forager.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± Miles carefully crept out of their resting spot, determined to find something to eat. He wandered deeper into the dungeon, sticking to quieter paths and rolling for safety every five minutes. It worked out surprisingly well. He found a patch of mushrooms that looked mostly edible, some moss that could be chewed if you were desperate (and he was), and a small trickle of water that looked drinkable. ¡°Rolling for poison,¡± the System chimed. ¡°Result: 17. You live to see another day.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Miles whispered, pumping his fist. Unfortunately, his luck had a cruel sense of humor. Just as he turned to leave, three very familiar¡ªand very unwelcome¡ªfaces appeared at the edge of the corridor. The trio of adventurers stared at him like wolves spotting an injured deer. ¡°Well, well, well,¡± the leader said, his voice oozing smugness. ¡°Look what we have here. All alone, are we?¡± Miles groaned audibly. ¡°Oh, come on! I¡¯m literally holding moss! Do I look like a threat?¡± The axe-wielding woman grinned, cracking her knuckles. ¡°We don¡¯t need you to be a threat. We just need you to hand over what you¡¯ve got.¡± ¡°Rolling for negotiation,¡± the System chimed. ¡°Result: 3. You¡¯re about to have a very bad time.¡± Well, what else was new in his life? It was not as if Miles was not having a bad time already. Miles ignored it. ¡°Listen, guys. I¡¯m not in the mood. I just want to get back to my friend¡ª¡± ¡°You mean that shiny guy from earlier?¡± the mage sneered. ¡°He¡¯s not here now, is he?¡± Miles froze. That was¡­ an unsettlingly good point. The trio began advancing, and Miles¡¯s brain went into overdrive. ¡°System, roll for escape!¡± ¡°Result: 8. You could try running, but your legs aren¡¯t ready for a sprint. Maybe scream for help?¡± ¡°I hate you.¡± Miles took a deep breath, ready to bolt¡ª THWACK! The sound came out of nowhere. The mage suddenly tripped on nothing and faceplanted into the dirt. The leader spun around. ¡°What the¡ª?¡± The axe-wielder stepped forward, only for her foot to slam down onto a hidden pressure plate. A jet of freezing water shot out from the wall and hit her square in the face, knocking her over like a bowling pin. Miles blinked. ¡°Did¡­ did that just happen?¡± ¡°Rolling for luck inversion,¡± the System said, as smug as ever. ¡°Result: Natural 20. Congratulations, Miles. For once, your bad luck isn¡¯t your problem.¡± The leader turned to Miles, red-faced and furious. ¡°You did this!¡± ¡°Me?!¡± Miles squawked. ¡°I¡¯m literally just standing here holding moss!¡± He started backing away as the leader lunged forward¡ªonly to trigger yet another trap. This time, a boulder the size of a small cow dropped from the ceiling. The leader dove aside at the last second, screaming as the boulder barely missed him. It rolled harmlessly past Miles and crashed into the far wall. Miles stood there in shock. ¡°Are¡­ are you guys okay?¡± he asked, trying not to laugh. The mage groaned from the floor. ¡°This dungeon hates us.¡± The axe-wielding woman glared at Miles, sopping wet and shivering. ¡°You¡¯re cursed.¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Miles said cheerfully. ¡°But at least it¡¯s not me this time!¡± With that, he took the opportunity to turn and march triumphantly back toward Hyperion, leaving the hapless trio groaning in defeat behind him. When Miles returned to their makeshift camp, Hyperion was awake, stretching and yawning. ¡°Where did you go?¡± Miles flopped down, smug as could be. ¡°Oh, you know. Just gathering food and single-handedly outsmarting some troublemakers.¡± Hyperion frowned. ¡°You look way too proud of yourself. What did you really do?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know?¡± Miles teased. ¡°Rolling for swagger,¡± the System announced. ¡°Result: 15. You¡¯re doing surprisingly well for someone who tripped on a rock earlier.¡± Miles grinned. ¡°It¡¯s been a good day.¡± Hyperion stared at him skeptically but let it drop. ¡°Well, enjoy it while it lasts. The dungeon isn¡¯t done with us yet.¡± Miles sighed, leaning back. ¡°Yeah, yeah. But for once, Hyperion¡­ I think my luck might actually be turning around.¡± The System hummed ominously. ¡°Rolling for irony.¡± Miles paled. ¡°Wait, don¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°Result: 20. You¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± Miles buried his face in his hands. ¡°I hate you, System.¡± Hyperion smirked. ¡°Talking to yourself again?¡± ¡°Coping mechanism!¡± ¡°You and your coping mechanism. One day, you will mistake it for a real person.¡± Chapter 49: Maybe it is better if I dont - Part 2 ¡°System, roll for nerves of steel,¡± Miles muttered under his breath as the heavy stone doors to the boss room groaned open. ¡°Result: 9. Nerves of lukewarm pudding achieved.¡± ¡°Thanks, System. Super encouraging,¡± Miles deadpanned as he gripped his sleeves like they were the last bit of comfort left in the world. Hyperion, standing tall and confident as always, barely spared him a glance as he pushed the doors open further. A dark, cavernous space stretched out before them, lit only by eerie blue flames dancing along the walls. In the center of the room, a massive shadow shifted¡ªguttural growls reverberating off the walls. ¡°Stay back,¡± Hyperion ordered, his voice firm. ¡°This boss looks nasty. You¡¯re just going to get yourself hurt.¡± Miles sputtered. ¡°Excuse me? Are you implying I¡¯d be a burden?¡± Hyperion turned, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Implying? No. I¡¯m stating it.¡± ¡°Rolling for comebacks,¡± the System chimed. ¡°Result: 12. ¡®Well, you¡¯re a golden peacock with muscles¡¯ is your best shot.¡± Miles ignored that particular piece of System brilliance and instead stepped forward, puffing his chest. ¡°Look, I know I¡¯m not the picture of heroism here, but I can help. I¡¯m not just some helpless, fragile flower, okay? I¡¯ll be support!¡± Hyperion stared at him as if he¡¯d just declared himself the dungeon¡¯s janitor. ¡°Support?¡± ¡°Yes. You fight. I¡¯ll make you fight better. A little luck can go a long way, trust me.¡± Hyperion rubbed his temple, clearly exasperated. ¡°Miles, I don¡¯t need luck.¡± ¡°Famous last words,¡± Miles muttered, crossing his arms. ¡°You¡¯re stuck with me, so take what you can get.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Hyperion sighed, defeated. ¡°Do whatever you want¡ªas long as you remain safe.¡± He emphasized the last word like Miles was a toddler playing with scissors. ¡°Safe. Got it. Totally my top priority.¡± ¡°Rolling for truthfulness,¡± the System chirped. ¡°Result: 5. Liar, liar, adventurer on fire.¡± Miles shot an unseen glare upward. ¡°Not now, System.¡± The tension in the air was palpable as the boss finally made its move. A hulking, monstrous figure emerged from the shadows¡ªa giant amalgamation of stone and dark magic, its massive fists dragging across the ground as it roared. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of boss,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°Hyperion, you¡¯re up!¡± Hyperion didn¡¯t waste any time. He charged forward with the grace of a seasoned warrior, his sword gleaming as he clashed with the monster. The room erupted into chaos: the boss swinging its giant fists like wrecking balls, Hyperion darting in and out with precision strikes. Miles watched the fight unfold and muttered, ¡°System, roll for ¡®helpful sidekick.¡¯¡± ¡°Result: 16. You¡¯re not entirely useless today. Congratulations.¡± ¡°Good enough,¡± Miles whispered, focusing on Hyperion. He clasped his hands together. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s boost Mr. Golden Boy here. Rolling for luck¡­!¡± The System paused. ¡°Rolling¡­ Natural 20. Hyperion¡¯s agility is now off the charts.¡± Miles grinned. ¡°Yes! Take that, overgrown rock pile!¡± At that exact moment, Hyperion dodged an incoming punch with such unnatural ease that even he looked surprised. He slipped through the monster¡¯s defenses like water, landing a devastating blow that cracked its stone armor. ¡°What the¡­?¡± Hyperion muttered, blinking as he avoided yet another attack. ¡°How am I moving this fast?¡± ¡°Support magic, my dude!¡± Miles called out, fists pumping. ¡°You¡¯re welcome!¡±Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Hyperion¡¯s expression flickered between confusion and begrudging amusement, but he didn¡¯t stop. With his enhanced movements, the boss barely stood a chance. Every swing it made missed by a hair, while Hyperion¡¯s strikes hit like lightning, chipping away at the monster¡¯s health. Within minutes¡ªwhat should have been an hour-long fight for mere mortals¡ªthe boss let out one last roar before crumbling to the ground, defeated. The room trembled, and a chest appeared in the center with a triumphant ding. Miles ran toward Hyperion, a proud smile on his face. ¡°See? Told you I could help!¡± Hyperion sheathed his sword, breathing a little harder than usual but otherwise pristine. ¡°That¡­ was unexpected.¡± ¡°Yeah, well, that¡¯s me. Unexpected and slightly miraculous.¡± Miles beamed. ¡°I tried to keep my powers in check, by the way. I didn¡¯t want to accidentally turn you into a god or something.¡± Hyperion¡¯s expression darkened immediately. Miles blinked, the smile sliding off his face. ¡°¡­What?¡± Hyperion stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Miles¡¯s shoulder. His eyes, which had been calm and amused moments ago, now burned with intensity. ¡°Miles.¡± His voice was low, serious. ¡°Never use your power like that again.¡± Miles froze, his brain scrambling to catch up. ¡°W-what? What do you mean? I was just¡ª¡± ¡°Never again.¡± Hyperion¡¯s grip tightened slightly, though not painfully. ¡°If you value your life, don¡¯t do that.¡± Miles¡¯s heart dropped to his stomach. He didn¡¯t know what scared him more¡ªHyperion¡¯s words or the look in his eyes. ¡°System¡­?¡± he whispered. ¡°Rolling for Hyperion¡¯s intentions¡­¡± The System paused. ¡°Result: 15. He is not angry, but he¡¯s serious. And he¡¯s worried.¡± Hyperion must have noticed Miles¡¯s wide-eyed panic because his expression softened slightly. He let go of Miles¡¯s shoulder and stepped back, running a hand through his golden hair. ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to scare you.¡± ¡°You kinda did,¡± Miles muttered, rubbing his shoulder even though it didn¡¯t hurt. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? I helped you win!¡± Hyperion sighed deeply, his sharp features shadowed in thought. ¡°That power of yours¡ªboosting luck like that¡ªit¡¯s not natural. Someone¡¯s going to notice it. And when they do, they¡¯re going to come for you.¡± ¡°Come for me?¡± Miles¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°Who¡¯s ¡®they¡¯? What are we talking about here? Monsters? Bandits? Tax collectors?¡± Hyperion shot him a dry look. ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± Miles¡¯s mind raced as a chill crept up his spine. He¡¯d always known his rolls and luck were weird¡ªborderline impossible, really¡ªbut hearing Hyperion treat it like a death sentence was a whole new level of terrifying. ¡°System¡­¡± he whispered again. ¡°Roll to see if Hyperion¡¯s messing with me.¡± ¡°Result: 18. Hyperion is 100% genuine.¡± Miles swallowed hard. ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡± ¡°Result: 19. Yes, I¡¯m sure. Stop asking.¡± He looked up at Hyperion, whose face was still clouded with worry. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ actually worried about me?¡± Hyperion nodded. ¡°Of course I¡¯m worried. That power isn¡¯t something you can just wave around without consequences.¡± Miles stared at him, dumbfounded. ¡°Wait, wait, wait. You¡ªMr. Golden Warrior¡ªare worried about me? The guy who just tripped on a pebble two hours ago?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t remind me,¡± Hyperion muttered, though a ghost of a smile appeared. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m worried about you.¡± Miles turned to the System, eyes narrowing. ¡°Roll to double-check Hyperion¡¯s feelings.¡± ¡°Result: Natural 20. Hyperion is genuinely worried about you. Maybe stop doubting everything for once?¡± Miles nearly fell over. ¡°A Nat 20?!¡± Hyperion frowned. ¡°Why are you yelling?¡± ¡°Because! I¡ªI don¡¯t know! I¡¯m not used to people¡­ actually caring?¡± Miles waved his arms around like an overwhelmed duck. ¡°It¡¯s weird!¡± Hyperion pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something under his breath about ¡°children these days¡± before focusing back on Miles. ¡°Listen to me. I don¡¯t know what you are, or what that power of yours is, but you need to be careful. People disappear because of stuff like this. The wrong people will hunt you down and¡­¡± He trailed off, his expression serious again. Miles hugged himself, suddenly feeling small. ¡°You¡¯re really not joking.¡± ¡°No.¡± Hyperion sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you get hurt, Miles.¡± Miles blinked, stunned into silence. Hyperion didn¡¯t want him to get hurt. Hyperion cared. ¡°System¡­ roll to see if I¡¯ve accidentally stumbled into a weird, brotherly friendship.¡± ¡°Result: 17. Looks like it, buddy. You¡¯re doomed to care about this man forever.¡± Miles huffed, forcing himself to grin despite the nerves bubbling in his chest. ¡°Alright, alright. I get it. No more flashy rolls unless I absolutely need them.¡± Hyperion raised an eyebrow. ¡°You promise?¡± ¡°¡­Rolling for sincerity,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°Result: 11. You¡¯re half sincere. Could go either way.¡± Miles grinned awkwardly. ¡°Sure!¡± Hyperion didn¡¯t look convinced, but he let it drop. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s head back. I think we¡¯ve had enough excitement for one day.¡± Miles followed after him, still reeling from everything that had just happened. His so-called ¡°power¡± wasn¡¯t just an oddity¡ªit was dangerous. And for the first time, someone actually cared enough to warn him about it. As they exited the boss room, Miles couldn¡¯t help but glance up at the System interface, a thoughtful expression on his face. ¡°Hey, System,¡± he whispered. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Roll to see if I can trust Hyperion.¡± The System was silent for a beat. Then, ¡°Result: Natural 20. Hyperion has your back.¡± Somehow, having someone on his side was more reassuring than Miles expected it to be. He had spent most of his life alone, and even his parents had been people present in his life, but never got too close to him. Maybe Hyperion can be someone I can call a friend. I should stick with him for now. That way, I won¡¯t have to keep getting into trouble all the time and also not risk getting scammed. But the only problem was Hyperion himself. He looked like a loner as well. Chapter 50: Thinks have a way of happening - Part 1 The lively energy of the city hit Miles like a wave as he and Hyperion returned from the dungeon. After selling their loot, which fetched a pretty penny thanks to Hyperion¡¯s impressive negotiating skills, Miles was already thinking about how to spend the money he¡¯d earned. ¡°I¡¯m treating you tonight,¡± Miles declared with a dramatic flair, puffing out his chest as if he¡¯d done more than cheer Hyperion on and occasionally roll dice for luck. Hyperion arched a brow. ¡°With what money? Didn¡¯t you just spend half of it on that ridiculous cape?¡± Miles dramatically flicked the edge of said cape. ¡°It¡¯s not ridiculous¡ªit¡¯s dashing. People respect a guy with a cape.¡± The system chimed in, sounding drier than sandpaper Correction: People respect someone who earns the right to wear a cape. Currently, you¡¯re just cosplaying as a wealthy idiot. Miles ignored the system entirely. ¡°Seriously, though. You did all the heavy lifting back there. The least I can do is buy you dinner. Think of it as my way of saying thanks for being the hero while I...supervised.¡± Hyperion sighed but nodded. ¡°Fine. But leave the cape at the inn. We don¡¯t need anyone mistaking you for a magician who got lost on his way to a children¡¯s birthday party.¡± Miles grumbled under his breath but relented, draping his cape over his shoulder dramatically as they strolled through the bustling market square. The air was rich with the aroma of roasted meats and spiced bread, tempting Miles to splurge on snacks despite his plans for dinner. But Hyperion suddenly froze, his sharp gaze locking onto a small group of men huddled a few feet away. Miles glanced over and saw nothing unusual¡ªjust some rough-looking individuals muttering to each other. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Miles asked, lowering his voice to match Hyperion¡¯s seriousness. ¡°Beast part smuggling,¡± Hyperion muttered, his voice tight with barely contained disgust. ¡°It¡¯s a banned practice, but these illegal operations are growing. They raid dungeons recklessly, destroy ecosystems, and even use civilians as bait to lure in monsters.¡± Miles felt a shiver crawl down his spine. ¡°That¡¯s...horrifying.¡± ¡°It is,¡± Hyperion said grimly. ¡°And it¡¯s not just about money. These groups are organized, ruthless, and desperate. It¡¯s why so many towns are in chaos.¡± The thought made Miles uneasy, and he couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are you going to stop them?¡± Hyperion shook his head. ¡°Not yet. I need to figure out who¡¯s in charge and how far this goes.¡± Miles¡¯s stomach churned. He felt helpless¡ªand guilty. ¡°Should we check out the auction they¡¯re talking about?¡± The system interrupted loudly in his head. Warning: Rolling for this decision is not advised. Do not engage. This situation is far beyond your capacity. Miles groaned. ¡°You¡¯re always so dramatic.¡± Dramatic is your middle name. I¡¯m pragmatic. Listen to me this time. Hyperion noticed the tension on Miles¡¯s face. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about this. It¡¯s not your fight.¡± Miles nodded quickly, relieved to have an out. ¡°Yeah. No fight for me. Let¡¯s just have dinner.¡± ______ The evening passed uneventfully¡ªgood food, good conversation, and just enough humor to keep the system¡¯s comments from making Miles storm off in a huff. By the time they returned to the inn, Miles was ready to collapse. But somewhere in the night, Miles stirred awake. He groggily blinked, listening to the faint creaks and rustles outside his door.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Hyperion?¡± he mumbled sleepily, but no answer came. The system suddenly flared to life. Alert: Multiple presences detected in your immediate vicinity. ¡°What?¡± Miles bolted upright, his heart pounding. ¡°Are you saying there are¡ª¡± The door to his room slammed open, and several shadowy figures rushed in. Miles barely had time to scream before a hand clamped over his mouth. ¡°Quiet, little one,¡± a gruff voice hissed. ¡°We¡¯re not here to hurt you...unless you make us.¡± The system buzzed in his ear, unhelpfully calm. Roll to avoid being taken hostage. Miles, in a panic, mentally rolled. The result was abysmal. A mere 1 and 2 on his roll. Result: Critical failure. You are now a hostage. Try to look cooperative. ¡°I¡¯m not even resisting!¡± Miles thought furiously as he was yanked out of bed, tied up, and dragged out of the room. The men whispered hurriedly as they hauled him through the dark streets. ¡°You sure this is the guy?¡± ¡°Of course it is. Rumors about his ¡®luck¡¯ spread through the whole city after that dungeon run. No human is that lucky. He¡¯s gotta be some kind of freak¡ªor worse, a rare beast in disguise.¡± ¡°Think he¡¯s worth something?¡± ¡°If not, we¡¯ll make sure he pays for wasting our time.¡± Miles¡¯s panic grew. ¡°System,¡± he hissed in his thoughts, ¡°what are the odds I survive this?¡± Roll for survival probability. Miles rolled again, his heart sinking as the result hovered between ¡°not likely¡± and ¡°miracle required.¡± Suggestion: Stall for time and pray Hyperion finds you. ¡°Fantastic plan,¡± Miles thought bitterly. ¡°How do I stall?¡± You could start by telling them you¡¯re not a beast. Although that would be a lie, technically. Miles sputtered indignantly through his gag, drawing a sharp look from one of his captors. ¡°Shut it,¡± the man growled. They shoved him into a damp warehouse, where the ringleader of the operation¡ªa tall man with a scar down one side of his face¡ªsmirked at him. ¡°So, this is the ¡®lucky one¡¯ everyone¡¯s talking about.¡± Miles gave him his most unimpressed glare, which wasn¡¯t very intimidating given his current predicament. ¡°We¡¯ll see how lucky you really are,¡± the man continued, pulling out a nasty-looking blade. The system chimed in helpfully. This would be an excellent time to pray for Hyperion¡¯s intervention. ¡°I¡¯m already doing that!¡± Miles snapped internally. As if on cue, the warehouse door burst open, and Hyperion strode in like an avenging angel. ¡°Let him go,¡± Hyperion said, his voice low and deadly. The captors exchanged uneasy glances, but the leader sneered. ¡°And who are you supposed to be?¡± ¡°Someone you don¡¯t want to mess with,¡± Hyperion replied calmly. Miles rolled his eyes, even as relief flooded through him. ¡°Took you long enough,¡± he muttered under his breath. Correction: Took him the exact amount of time required for a dramatic entrance. Be grateful. Hyperion made quick work of the group, his movements efficient and terrifyingly precise. Within minutes, the warehouse was silent, save for Miles¡¯s muffled protests as he tried to wriggle free of his bindings. Hyperion knelt beside him, cutting the ropes with a flick of his dagger. ¡°You okay?¡± ¡°Define ¡®okay,¡¯¡± Miles grumbled. ¡°Because I was doing great until I got kidnapped for being too lucky.¡± Hyperion smirked. ¡°Next time, stay in bed.¡± Miles groaned as the system chimed in smugly. You should listen to him. I¡¯ve been saying that all night. Hyperion helped him to his feet, his expression softening slightly. ¡°I¡¯m serious, though. You need to be more careful. Rumors like this can get you killed.¡± Miles nodded, feeling uncharacteristically subdued. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll...I¡¯ll work on that.¡± As they left the warehouse, Hyperion glanced down at him. ¡°So...you still owe me dinner, right?¡± Miles couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°Fine. But you¡¯re paying for dessert.¡± Correction: You¡¯re paying for everything. Hyperion¡¯s the only reason you¡¯re still alive. ¡°Not helping!¡± Miles snapped, but for once, he didn¡¯t really mind. The room was eerily quiet when Hyperion finally left. Miles lay on the rickety inn bed, exhaustion pulling at him like a weighted blanket. Hyperion had been on edge all evening, and it had rubbed off on him. But now, with the silence settling in, Miles let himself relax. "I guess it¡¯s safe to sleep now," he mumbled, though his voice wavered slightly. Statistically, the odds of something catastrophic happening are only 27%. Acceptable risk. Miles groaned. ¡°What about comforting me, system? Ever try that?¡± Comfort is not within my designated parameters. He turned over, muttering curses at the system until sleep claimed him. When Miles woke up, something felt...wrong. For one, the bed beneath him wasn¡¯t the same creaky mess from the inn. Instead, it was cold, hard, and damp. A heavy smell of mildew and faint rot filled the air. ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Miles groaned, his voice echoing slightly. He sat up and squinted in the dim light. Thick stone walls surrounded him, and heavy iron bars blocked the only visible exit. ¡°System, where am I?¡± he asked, his voice shaky. Analyzing surroundings¡­ Processing¡­ Analysis incomplete. Use cannot use system interface at his current time and mental state. Please, try again later. ¡°Great,¡± Miles muttered, his heart pounding. ¡°I swear, if Hyperion left me with some psycho¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± a voice interrupted. Miles jumped, twisting toward the sound. A small figure was sitting cross-legged in the corner of the cell. It was a child¡ªa girl who couldn¡¯t have been older than seven. Her white hair gleamed faintly in the dim light, and her eyes were...well, they weren¡¯t eyes. They were pools of pale gray, pupilless and unsettling. Chapter 51: Thinks have a way of happening - Part 2 Miles jumped, twisting toward the sound. A small figure was sitting cross-legged in the corner of the cell. It was a child¡ªa girl who couldn¡¯t have been older than seven. Her white hair gleamed faintly in the dim light, and her eyes were...well, they weren¡¯t eyes. They were pools of pale gray, pupilless and unsettling. ¡°Who¡ª¡± Miles started, but the girl cut him off with a soft laugh. ¡°Trying to figure out where you are won¡¯t help. You won¡¯t be able to escape.¡± Miles narrowed his eyes. ¡°Is this a prank? Did Hyperion set this up?¡± The girl tilted her head, her expression almost amused. ¡°Hyperion? No, this is far beyond anything he can control.¡± Miles didn¡¯t like the sound of that. He rolled for safety. Roll result: Abysmal. You¡¯re in more danger than you think. ¡°Oh, wonderful,¡± he muttered sarcastically. The girl giggled, her small frame shaking slightly. ¡°You¡¯re funny. Most people just cry when they wake up here. But you? You¡¯ve got jokes.¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s me. The funny guy.¡± He leaned closer to the bars. ¡°Who are you, anyway? And why is someone your age hanging around...whatever this is?¡± The girl¡¯s smile widened, but it didn¡¯t reach her eerie eyes. ¡°My age?¡± She shook her head, almost pityingly. ¡°Oh, you poor little human. You don¡¯t know anything.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking,¡± Miles snapped, his nerves fraying. ¡°Why are you here? Why are you helping these people do...bad things?¡± The girl paused, her head cocked like a bird¡¯s. Then, to his surprise, she burst out laughing¡ªa high, melodic sound that sent chills down his spine. ¡°Helping? You think I¡¯m helping?¡± she said between giggles. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s precious.¡± Before Miles could press further, the door at the end of the hallway creaked open. Heavy footsteps echoed, and a tall, burly man in a tailored suit approached the cell. Miles pressed himself against the back wall, his heart racing. The man unlocked the cell door with an air of casual authority. ¡°Good morning,¡± he said, his voice smooth and oily. ¡°I hope you slept well.¡± ¡°Not really,¡± Miles replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Your hospitality leaves a lot to be desired.¡± The man smirked. ¡°You¡¯ve been brought here as a...guest of the auction house.¡± ¡°Auction house?¡± Miles repeated, dread creeping into his voice. The man nodded. ¡°Yes. You¡¯ve been selected as one of the goods to be sold. And might I say, you should feel honored. It¡¯s rare for anyone to be visited by one of the founding members.¡± Miles¡¯s mind raced. ¡°You mean...the kid?¡± He gestured toward the girl, who was now sitting on the cell floor with an innocent smile. The man¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Ah, Amelia. She is...special, isn¡¯t she?¡± Miles frowned. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re telling me a child is one of the founding members of an illegal auction house?¡± The man chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Child? Oh no, she merely appears that way. Amelia is a Chaou. She¡¯s over a hundred years old, and she¡¯s one of the most formidable beings you¡¯ll ever meet. I¡¯d advise you to mind your tongue around her.¡± Miles glanced back at the girl¡ªAmelia¡ªwho was now watching him with a look of quiet amusement. ¡°Of course she is,¡± Miles muttered under his breath. Suggestion: Avoid antagonizing the hundred-year-old alien child. It¡¯s unlikely to end well for you. ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning on it,¡± Miles hissed back mentally. The man in the suit stepped closer, his gaze cold and calculating. ¡°You¡¯re lucky, you know. Most goods don¡¯t get to meet Amelia. Consider it a privilege.¡± ¡°Yeah, I feel super privileged,¡± Miles said dryly. The man¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes. ¡°Enjoy your stay,¡± he said before turning and leaving the cell. As the door slammed shut behind him, Miles sank to the floor, his mind racing.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°So,¡± he said aloud, his voice trembling slightly, ¡°I¡¯m going to get sold like some kind of...rare artifact?¡± Amelia giggled. ¡°Not rare. Just lucky.¡± Miles glared at her. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± She shrugged, her expression unreadable. ¡°I don¡¯t get many interesting people to talk to. Most of the others just scream or cry. You¡¯re different.¡± ¡°Well, thanks, I guess,¡± he muttered. Suggestion: Continue building rapport with Amelia. It may improve your chances of survival. Miles sighed. ¡°Fine. Amelia, is there any way you can, I don¡¯t know, not let them sell me?¡± She smiled sweetly, her eerie eyes gleaming. ¡°Why would I do that? You¡¯re so much fun to watch.¡± Miles groaned. ¡°Fantastic. Just my luck.¡± Correction: Statistically, this is worse than your usual luck. He dropped his head into his hands, wondering how he was going to get out of this mess. Miles sat slumped against the cold, damp wall of his cell, muttering under his breath as his thoughts tangled together in a frantic mess. ¡°Auction house¡­ weird alien kid¡­ I¡¯m being sold like an exotic pineapple. Hyperion is going to kill me. If I don¡¯t die here first.¡± Correction: Pineapples are not typically sold at illegal auction houses. Your analogy lacks accuracy. ¡°Not helping, system!¡± Miles hissed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. He realized too late that someone was watching him. A guard¡ªa large, blocky man with an expression of permanent boredom¡ªstood just outside the bars, squinting at Miles like he was a particularly uninteresting stain on a rug. Miles froze mid-rant, locking eyes with the man. ¡°Who¡¯re you talking to, kid?¡± the guard grunted, his voice like rocks being shoved through a meat grinder. Miles blinked, momentarily stunned. ¡°Uhh... no one?¡± he tried, but of course, the system wouldn¡¯t let him go unnoticed. You are currently talking to me. Denial of my existence is futile. ¡°Stop outing me!¡± Miles snapped in a harsh whisper, only to realize that the guard had taken a step back. A very noticeable step back. The guard tilted his head, staring at Miles like he¡¯d just grown two more. ¡°You... you¡¯re talking to yourself?¡± He frowned. ¡°You¡¯ve been here, what, half a day? Already gone cracked in the head?¡± Miles stared at him, mouth slightly agape. Then, deciding to lean into it, he smiled widely. ¡°Oh, you hear the voices too? Isn¡¯t that neat?¡± The guard visibly shuddered, pulling back further. ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± Miles clutched his temple for dramatic effect, widening his eyes. ¡°You ever hear them whisper? The ones in the walls? They tell me secrets.¡± ¡°Right,¡± the guard muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as though deciding how much of this nonsense he was willing to endure. ¡°This one¡¯s definitely defective.¡± He turned on his heel and left, muttering under his breath, ¡°Waste of time.¡± Miles let his grin drop the moment the guard was out of earshot, exhaling sharply. ¡°Okay, okay, I think that worked,¡± he mumbled, slouching back against the wall. Assessment: Your performance as a deranged individual is alarmingly effective. Should I be concerned? ¡°Don¡¯t encourage me,¡± Miles shot back. Over the next few hours¡ªmaybe longer, since time in a prison cell loses all meaning¡ªMiles started to notice something strange. Whenever someone approached his cell to bring him food or a change of water, they no longer made eye contact. They didn¡¯t speak, they didn¡¯t linger, and they moved like he was some untouchable, volatile creature. Once, when a scrawny attendant placed a wooden tray through the slot in the bars, he actually flinched when Miles looked up and smiled. ¡°Thanks for the snacks, pal,¡± Miles said cheerily, waving two fingers at the man. The attendant bolted out of the hallway like a squirrel escaping a predator. Miles frowned. ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­ new.¡± Observation: It appears they now regard you as mentally unsound and, therefore, less of a concern. ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t love that conclusion, but I¡¯ll take what I can get,¡± Miles muttered. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Actually¡­ maybe this is good. Maybe this is the edge I need to get out of here.¡± The system, predictably, was unimpressed. Clarify: You are proposing to exploit their incorrect assumption of your sanity to facilitate escape? ¡°Exactly!¡± Miles said, snapping his fingers. ¡°If they think I¡¯m too loopy to be dangerous or even worth selling, then maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªthey¡¯ll start leaving me alone. And when they do¡­¡± ...You will attempt escape. ¡°Bingo.¡± Miles grinned to himself, already feeling smarter than usual. The next opportunity came sooner than he expected. Two workers¡ªone older man with a pronounced limp and a younger, jittery guy who kept glancing nervously at his shoes¡ªarrived outside his cell with what looked like an inventory sheet. They whispered back and forth, clearly unaware that Miles could hear them. ¡°You sure this one¡¯s worth putting on the docket?¡± the younger guy asked, sounding nervous. ¡°I heard the guards say he¡¯s got voices in his head. Y¡¯know¡­ nuts.¡± The older man sighed through his nose. ¡°We¡¯ve seen weirder, kid. But still¡­ boss doesn¡¯t like defective goods. Says it¡¯s bad for business. Maybe we pull him, sell him quietly to the smugglers for cheap.¡± Miles almost laughed at that. I¡¯m defective now, huh? Perfect. The younger man snuck a glance into the cell, his eyes darting nervously to Miles, who was now staring blankly at the wall with a wide, unblinking smile. ¡°What¡¯s he doing?¡± the younger worker whispered. ¡°Hell if I know,¡± the older one grumbled. ¡°Just don¡¯t look him in the eyes. People like that¡¯ll hex you or something.¡± Miles snickered softly to himself. He felt like an actor nailing the role of a lifetime. Best Actor in a Prison Cell¡ªMiles Daniels. He mentally prepped his acceptance speech. Hours passed with Miles playing the part. He muttered to the walls. He giggled to himself. He hummed off-key lullabies while sitting crisscrossed in the middle of the cell. He even invented ¡°friends¡± in his cell¡ªa rock he named Rocky and a bit of straw he called Sir Flufferton. At one point, when another guard came to check on him, Miles greeted the man by waving Rocky in his face. ¡°Say hello, Rocky!¡± The guard visibly paled. ¡°Nope. I¡¯m out,¡± he muttered and turned right back around. As soon as the footsteps faded, Miles grinned triumphantly. ¡°I¡¯m a genius.¡± Self-assessment: Dubious. However, progress is being made. Miles clapped his hands together. ¡°Now all I need is for them to slip up. A door left open. A distraction. Something. Then I¡¯m out of here faster than a squirrel on espresso.¡± He just had to keep up the act a little longer. And if there was one thing Miles had learned in life, it was how to act like a complete fool. Chapter 52: Grand Escape - Part 1 Miles was certain he was going mad. The stone walls of his cell seemed to close in more with every passing moment, the flickering torchlight casting strange, distorted shadows that played tricks on his mind. His stomach growled incessantly, his throat was dry, and his muscles ached from sleeping on the damp, unforgiving floor. But the worst part wasn¡¯t the physical discomfort. It was the endless monotony, the creeping despair that threatened to overtake him. Elapsed time since capture: 1 day, 4 hours, and 27 minutes. Miles groaned and rubbed his temples. ¡°Only a day? Are you serious? It feels like I¡¯ve been here for a month.¡± Your perception of time is being distorted due to heightened stress levels and sensory deprivation. Statistically, this reaction is normal. ¡°Great,¡± he muttered. ¡°I¡¯m normally losing my mind. Fantastic news.¡± The system had been his only companion since his capture, its cold, unfeeling voice both a lifeline and an annoyance. It was a strange sort of comfort¡ªlike having a backseat driver when you were stuck in traffic for eternity. Still, it kept him grounded, reminded him of the world beyond the four walls of his prison. Without it, Miles wasn¡¯t sure how much longer he could have held on. ______ Acting insane was, surprisingly, the easiest part of his ordeal. It started with mumbling¡ªsoft, incoherent words that seemed to make the guards uneasy. Then he escalated to talking to imaginary friends. ¡°Rocky, Sir Flufferton,¡± he said one day, holding a pebble in one hand and an imaginary something-or-other in the other, ¡°we need to strategize. If we want to take over the world, we¡¯ll need... cookies. Lots of cookies.¡± The guards exchanged wary glances but said nothing. By the time he started giggling randomly and pretending to hear voices that weren¡¯t there, the guards began keeping their distance. Meals were tossed into his cell without a word. He overheard whispers about "the lunatic in Cell Four." It wasn¡¯t much, but it was progress. Your deception roll has achieved a consistent success rate. Guards¡¯ perception of you as a threat has decreased by 72%. ¡°Thanks, System,¡± Miles whispered. ¡°You always know how to compliment me.¡± Observation: Sarcasm detected. Interpretation: You remain mentally coherent. ¡°Barely.¡± When the time came to execute his plan, it was almost too easy. The guards, now convinced he was harmless, had become lax. Miles rolled silently in his mind, pleading for good luck, and the dice didn¡¯t let him down. The door was left ajar. He didn¡¯t question why or how. He acted. Miles crept to the door, his heart hammering in his chest. He peered into the corridor, his breathing shallow. The coast was clear. But instead of bolting, as his instincts screamed at him to do, he hesitated. He couldn¡¯t just leave the others behind. The auction house was a labyrinth of cells, each one housing a different captive: beasts, humanoids, and creatures Miles couldn¡¯t even identify. The air was thick with despair. He couldn¡¯t save them all, but he could at least give them a fighting chance. Moving quietly, he approached the nearest cell. A hulking figure with horns and glowing eyes stared at him from within. Miles fumbled with the lock, muttering under his breath. ¡°This better work.¡± Luck roll initiated: Success. Lock disengaged. The door clicked open. The creature blinked at him in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re free,¡± Miles whispered. ¡°Go. Cause chaos. Be loud.¡± The creature hesitated, then nodded and slipped out, its massive frame disappearing into the shadows. Miles repeated the process with as many cells as he could, freeing captives and urging them to scatter. Some growled in acknowledgment, others hissed, but they all understood the opportunity. Soon, the corridors were alive with the sounds of breaking doors, roars, and panicked shouts from the guards. By the time Miles slipped into a side passage, the auction house was in total disarray. Guards were running in every direction, trying to contain the chaos. Monsters and captives alike were rampaging through the halls, their fury unstoppable. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Distraction success rate: 98%. Hostile focus on you has diminished significantly. ¡°Good,¡± Miles whispered, wiping sweat from his brow. ¡°Let¡¯s keep it that way.¡± He kept moving, ducking through shadowed corridors and avoiding the main pathways. Every so often, he¡¯d hear the clanging of weapons or the roar of an enraged beast. But he was lucky¡ªso far, none of it was directed at him. Observation: Your luck rolls remain consistently high. Probability of survival has increased by 45%. ¡°Don¡¯t jinx it,¡± Miles hissed. He reached what he hoped was an exit¡ªa heavy iron door that looked promisingly like a way out. He rolled again, and when the dice landed on a high number, he couldn¡¯t help but grin. Pushing the door open, Miles stepped out into the cool night air. The stars above seemed brighter than he remembered, the crisp breeze like a balm to his frayed nerves. He was free. Behind him, the sounds of chaos continued. Miles didn¡¯t know how long the distraction would last or how far the captives would get, but he didn¡¯t stick around to find out. He rolled one last time, silently pleading for the luck to guide him to safety. Luck roll: Critical success. Miles smirked. ¡°For once, things are looking up.¡± ______ Amelia sat in her lavishly decorated office, her delicate fingers tracing the edge of a golden goblet filled with a deep crimson liquid. Her expression was serene, her pupilless, glowing eyes reflecting the soft light of the room. A Chaou of her stature rarely expressed open joy, but today was a day of exceptions. ¡°An excellent haul this time,¡± she purred, her voice silky and melodic. Her subordinates, a mix of creatures she had charmed or intimidated into loyalty, stood in a row before her, their postures stiff but expectant. She gestured lazily toward the ledgers on her desk. ¡°Our auction house has never seen such a diverse collection of goods. Rare beasts, unusual humanoids, and even that curious young man... What was his name again?¡± One of the subordinates¡ªa wiry lizard-like creature¡ªcleared his throat. ¡°He didn¡¯t give us a name, Mistress Amelia. But his strange behavior caught attention. We believe he¡¯s... unusual.¡± Amelia raised a brow, a small smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. ¡°Unusual sells well. Make sure he¡¯s prepared for the main event.¡± ¡°Yes, Mistress,¡± the lizard-man said with a bow. Leaning back in her intricately carved chair, Amelia allowed herself a rare moment of genuine happiness. ¡°You¡¯ve all done well this time. Truly. Consider this your best season yet. Bonuses will be issued at the end of the week.¡± A ripple of murmurs swept through the room, her subordinates exchanging glances of surprise and delight. A Chaou leader offering bonuses was akin to a dragon sharing its hoard¡ªa momentous occasion. ¡°Now go,¡± she said, waving them off. ¡°Celebrate your success, but don¡¯t get complacent. The auction is only a few days away, and I want everything perfect.¡± The room emptied, leaving Amelia alone with her thoughts. She sipped from her goblet, savoring the sweet, spiced flavor of the drink. Her glowing eyes scanned the ledgers again, mentally calculating the potential profits. It was all so satisfying¡ªthe culmination of careful planning, ruthless efficiency, and her unmatched ability to control every moving piece. As she basked in her moment of triumph, the door to her office creaked open, breaking the tranquil atmosphere. A nervous-looking subordinate shuffled in, their face pale and their hands trembling. Amelia frowned, setting her goblet down. ¡°I thought I made it clear I wasn¡¯t to be disturbed unless it was urgent.¡± The subordinate swallowed hard, their voice barely above a whisper. ¡°It... it¡¯s urgent, Mistress.¡± Her expression darkened. ¡°Speak.¡± The subordinate took a deep breath, their words tumbling out in a rush. ¡°The auction house has been breached, Mistress. The captives¡ªmany of them¡ªhave escaped.¡± Amelia froze, her serene demeanor shattering like glass. ¡°What?¡± The single word was sharp enough to make the subordinate flinch. ¡°We... we don¡¯t know how it happened,¡± they stammered. ¡°But the guards reported that several cells were broken open. The creatures fled into the corridors, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control.¡± Amelia rose from her chair, her movements graceful but menacing. ¡°And where were the guards when this occurred? Sleeping? Playing dice? Explain their incompetence.¡± The subordinate¡¯s voice quavered. ¡°They¡ªthey were overpowered by the sheer number of escaping creatures. It seems the prisoners were coordinated somehow. And...¡± They hesitated. ¡°And what?¡± Amelia snapped, her patience thinning. ¡°There are rumors, Mistress, that the human¡ªthe strange one¡ªwas behind it. The guards thought he was... unwell. But now they believe it was a ruse.¡± Amelia¡¯s eyes narrowed, her glowing irises brightening dangerously. ¡°The human. The one I explicitly ordered to be watched closely?¡± The subordinate nodded frantically. ¡°Yes, Mistress. We... we underestimated him.¡± Amelia¡¯s delicate features twisted into a mask of fury. She moved around the desk with the elegance of a predator, her movements silent but radiating danger. The subordinate took an involuntary step back as she approached. ¡°Incompetence,¡± she hissed, her voice cold and cutting. ¡°That is what this is. A single human, a lunatic, outwitting my entire operation? Unacceptable.¡± The subordinate fell to their knees, trembling. ¡°Please, Mistress! We¡¯ll fix it! We¡¯ll find him and the others!¡± Amelia loomed over them, her glowing eyes boring into their soul. ¡°You had better. I will not suffer embarrassment on this scale.¡± Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. ¡°Mobilize the trackers. Double the guards. Sweep the surrounding area. I want every escapee recaptured, starting with that insufferable human. And when you do, bring him to me. Personally.¡± The subordinate nodded rapidly, scrambling to their feet and fleeing the room. Amelia returned to her desk, her mind racing. How had she let this happen? She was meticulous, always three steps ahead of her enemies. To have her operation disrupted like this was an insult she would not tolerate. She reached for a hidden compartment in her desk, retrieving a small, glowing crystal. It pulsed faintly, a communication device connected to her most loyal enforcers. Holding it close, she whispered, ¡°Begin the search. Leave no stone unturned.¡± The crystal flared briefly before dimming, the message sent. Amelia leaned back in her chair, her fingers drumming against the armrest. Her anger was tempered only by her resolve. The human might have outsmarted her once, but it would not happen again. ¡°No one escapes Amelia¡¯s grasp,¡± she murmured to herself. ¡°No one.¡± Chapter 53: Grand Escape - Part 2 Miles wiped the sweat from his brow and stared down yet another identical hallway. It was the tenth one¡ªno, maybe the thirtieth¡ªthat looked exactly like the last. The walls were stone, the floors were stone, and even the air smelled like¡­ yep, you guessed it, stone. ¡°Okay, System,¡± he said, throwing his hands up. ¡°If this is some elaborate prank, I¡¯m not laughing. Where¡¯s the exit?¡± Oh, of course! Let me pull out the nonexistent floor plans they handed me when you got kidnapped. Seriously, why are you asking me? You¡¯re the one with legs. ¡°Because you¡¯re supposed to have all the answers,¡± Miles grumbled. ¡°You¡¯re literally the System. Isn¡¯t navigation your thing?¡± My thing is commentary. And reminding you that you rolled a five on ¡®Direction Sense¡¯ earlier, which, by the way, is about as useful as a blindfold in a maze. ¡°Right,¡± Miles muttered. ¡°So, my bad luck strikes again.¡± He trudged forward, turning the corner only to find himself face-to-face with yet another identical corridor. At this point, he was convinced the architect of this building had been maliciously boring. Who even designed a place like this? Was it to confuse prisoners or just to mess with their heads? ¡°Alright, fine. I¡¯ll figure it out myself. Watch and learn, System.¡± Miles reached into his pocket and pulled out his trusty dice. With a dramatic flourish, he rolled. ¡°Come on, big numbers! Daddy needs an exit.¡± The dice clattered on the floor, and System chimed in gleefully. A three. Impressive. That¡¯s only slightly better than wandering around blindfolded. ¡°I¡¯m trying, okay?¡± Miles snapped, scooping up the dice and stomping forward. ¡°If you¡¯re so smart, why don¡¯t you roll?¡± Because I¡¯m not the one stuck in a dungeon. But hey, keep blaming the dice. It¡¯s not like your decision-making has been stellar so far. ¡°Keep talking, System. I¡¯ll find the exit just to spite you.¡± He kept walking, turning corners at random, his shoes scuffing against the uneven stone floor. After a while, he paused, hands on his hips, and looked around. ¡°This looks¡­ familiar.¡± That¡¯s because you¡¯ve been here before. Twice. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Miles spun around, squinting at the walls. Sure enough, there was the little crack in the stone he¡¯d noticed earlier. He groaned. ¡°How am I going in circles? I¡¯ve been making random turns!¡± Fun fact: statistically, random turns don¡¯t guarantee progress. But hey, if you want to roll for ¡®Navigation¡¯ again, I¡¯m here for the entertainment. Miles snatched the dice from his pocket again, his jaw tight with determination. ¡°Fine. One more roll. This time, I¡¯m getting out of here.¡± He tossed the dice onto the floor, watching as they bounced and spun before settling. ¡°Come on¡­ big number, big number¡­¡± ...A six. Well, it¡¯s better than your three. Slightly. ¡°Six is progress,¡± Miles muttered, pocketing the dice and marching ahead. ¡°Six means I¡¯m getting somewhere.¡± Six means you¡¯re heading toward another dead end. Want me to save you the trouble, or are we committed to this charade? Ignoring the System¡¯s sarcasm, Miles pressed on, only to round the next corner and¡­ yep, dead end. He stared at the blank stone wall for a long moment, then turned around. ¡°Okay, maybe I¡¯m a little lost.¡± Oh, really? What gave it away? The fact that you¡¯ve seen this wall more times than you¡¯ve seen daylight recently? ¡°Laugh it up, Clippy,¡± Miles muttered, rubbing his temples. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to help me.¡± I am helping. I¡¯m providing you with emotional resilience through mockery. Miles sighed and leaned against the wall, trying to think. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s try logic. I came from that direction, so the exit should be¡­¡± He pointed left, then right, then back to the left. ¡°Okay, this isn¡¯t working.¡± Shocking. Truly. How about you roll to retrace your steps instead of guessing? ¡°That¡¯s¡­ actually a good idea,¡± Miles admitted reluctantly. He pulled out the dice again. ¡°Alright, here we go. Retracing steps for the win.¡± The dice rolled and landed with a loud clatter. He leaned over to check the result. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Natural twenty. Well, isn¡¯t that something? ¡°Ha! Take that, labyrinth!¡± Miles said triumphantly, clutching the dice like a talisman. ¡°Now, which way, System?¡± Go left. Then right. Then straight. And try not to trip over your own feet this time. Miles followed the instructions, his heart lifting with every step. ¡°This is it. I can feel it. I¡¯m getting out of here.¡± You also ¡®felt it¡¯ the last five times. Your instincts are less ¡®Sherlock Holmes¡¯ and more ¡®lost puppy.¡¯ ¡°Keep talking. When I find the exit, I¡¯m leaving you behind.¡± Oh no. Whatever will I do without the joy of watching you stumble through life? Ignoring the jab, Miles pushed on. This time, the hallway opened up into a larger room with a door at the far end. He grinned. ¡°See? I told you I¡¯d find it.¡± Before you celebrate, maybe check if the door¡¯s locked? Miles strode confidently to the door and pushed. Nothing happened. He shoved harder. Still nothing. Oh look. A door that doesn¡¯t open. How unprecedented. ¡°I hate this place,¡± Miles muttered, kicking the unyielding door. ¡°And I hate you.¡± Aw, don¡¯t be like that. You¡¯ll miss me when you¡¯re stuck talking to walls. Miles groaned and sat down on the floor. ¡°Alright. What¡¯s plan B?¡± Roll for it. When has that ever gone wrong? With a resigned sigh, Miles pulled out the dice again. As they clattered across the stone floor, he muttered, ¡°Come on, big number¡­¡± ...Three. Congratulations. You¡¯ve officially circled back to square one. ¡°Great. Just great,¡± Miles said, flopping onto his back. ¡°I¡¯ll die in here, won¡¯t I?¡± Probably. But look on the bright side¡ªyou¡¯ll have me for company until the end. ¡°Comforting,¡± Miles muttered, closing his eyes. He took a deep breath and sat up again. ¡°Alright. One more roll. This time, I¡¯m getting out of here for real.¡± He rolled again, and the dice landed with a perfect twenty. Now, don¡¯t mess this up. Left, straight, then right. And try not to overthink it. Miles stood, determination flaring once more. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± As he strode off with renewed purpose, the System chimed in smugly. If you actually escape, I¡¯ll buy you a congratulatory imaginary cake. ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that,¡± Miles muttered, this time refusing to let the labyrinth win. ______ Miles stared at the door in front of him, his brow furrowing in frustration. The heavy, weathered slab of wood looked deceptively simple¡ªno intricate carvings or obvious locking mechanisms. Just a plain door in a plain stone wall. But no matter how hard he shoved, it refused to budge. ¡°This has to be the way out,¡± Miles muttered, pacing back and forth. ¡°It has to be. I¡¯ve followed every possible path, rolled every dice, and dodged every snarky remark from you. This is it.¡± Correction: this is a door. Whether or not it¡¯s ¡®the way out¡¯ remains to be seen. Assuming you ever get it open, of course. ¡°Why are you like this?¡± Miles snapped, jabbing a finger at the air as if the System were physically present. ¡°You used to just spit out stats and probabilities. Now you¡¯re¡­ whatever this is.¡± Whatever this is? You mean charming, helpful, and a constant source of intellectual stimulation? ¡°No, I mean annoying, overly opinionated, and weirdly human,¡± Miles retorted, leaning against the unyielding door. ¡°You weren¡¯t always like this. Back when I first got you, you were so¡­ inanimate. Just numbers and text. No personality, no sass.¡± Oh, the golden days of robotic monotony. If you prefer that, I can revert to my original programming. No more banter, no more unsolicited commentary. Just cold, hard data. Permanently. Miles froze, the offer hanging in the air like a weight. At first, it was tempting. No more being mocked for bad rolls. No more sarcastic remarks when he made a mistake. Just pure, straightforward functionality. ¡°Wait¡­ permanently?¡± he asked, narrowing his eyes. Affirmative. Once the change is made, it cannot be undone. You¡¯ll have your silent, unfeeling System back for good. No opinions. No quirks. Just the basics. Miles frowned, his mind racing. He imagined how peaceful it would be without the constant snark and interruptions. How nice it would be to focus on his rolls and decisions without a voice in his head pointing out every misstep. But as the thought settled, an unexpected pang of hesitation crept in. ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± he asked warily. No catch. Just a return to my factory settings. You¡¯ve complained enough that I figured I¡¯d offer a solution. You¡¯re welcome. Miles leaned back against the door, staring up at the cold, gray ceiling. For all the System¡¯s irritating habits, he couldn¡¯t deny that its constant presence had kept him grounded. He thought back to the countless hours he¡¯d spent trapped in this place, alone except for its voice. Sure, the banter could be grating, but it also stopped the silence from swallowing him whole. ¡°I mean,¡± he began slowly, ¡°you are kind of obnoxious sometimes. But¡­ if I didn¡¯t have you to talk to, I think I¡¯d have gone completely mad by now.¡± A glowing endorsement if I¡¯ve ever heard one. ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡± Miles snapped, though a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. ¡°For all your sass, you keep me sane. You remind me I¡¯m not alone, even when it feels like I am.¡± Oh, how touching. Do go on. I¡¯m not tearing up, you are. ¡°Don¡¯t push it,¡± Miles warned, shaking his head. ¡°But yeah, I guess what I¡¯m saying is¡­ don¡¯t change. Not permanently, anyway.¡± Acknowledged. I¡¯ll continue being the charming, indispensable voice in your head that you can¡¯t live without. Miles rolled his eyes but couldn¡¯t help feeling a strange sense of relief. He turned his attention back to the door, steeling himself for another attempt. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s focus,¡± he said. ¡°How do I open this thing? Any ideas?¡± You could try rolling for it. Or, hear me out, you could consider the possibility that this door is smarter than you. ¡°Doors don¡¯t have brains,¡± Miles muttered, but the System¡¯s jab sparked an idea. He pulled out his dice, giving them a dramatic shake. ¡°Okay, big number, show me the way.¡± The dice clattered on the floor, landing on a 15. Miles squinted at the result. ¡°Fifteen¡¯s decent,¡± he said, cautiously optimistic. ¡°What¡¯s that mean?¡± It means you might want to check for a mechanism. Try looking around instead of glaring at the door like it insulted your mother. Miles crouched down, running his hands along the edges of the doorframe. Sure enough, his fingers brushed against a small, hidden lever. ¡°Gotcha!¡± he exclaimed, pulling the lever with a triumphant grin. The door groaned, shifting slightly but still not opening fully. Congratulations. You¡¯ve graduated from glaring to fiddling. Progress. ¡°Oh, shut up,¡± Miles muttered, giving the door a hard shove. It creaked open a few inches, revealing a dimly lit corridor beyond. ¡°See? I am smarter than a door.¡± Low bar, but sure. Take the win. Miles stepped into the corridor, his heart lifting with renewed determination. The path ahead might still be uncertain, but at least he wasn¡¯t facing it alone.