Day 13.


    After enduring countless trials together, our journey as a team was nearing its end. Soon, we would reach a fork in the road—one that would lead us toward our respective destinations.


    A part of me felt reluctant to part ways. Over these past few days, Muradin and Darwyn—whom I considered as mere NPCs—had become more than just temporary allies; they were comrades, people I could trust. But as much as I wanted this companionship to last, I had my own path to walk—my own battles to face.


    Since the encounter with Mad-Eye Mordok, we hadn''t faced another battle of that magnitude. There were dangerous moments, of course—fights that pushed us to our limits, where a single mistake could have cost us our lives—but we always pulled through. Not a single one of us had suffered grave injuries.


    Unfortunately, luck hadn''t been on our side when it came to loot. No Soul Fragments, no rare drops—just the usual Mana Stones and common monster parts.


    But in the end, that hardly mattered.


    Muradin Bromir. Darwyn Vonn Gwydion.


    My first companions in this world.


    I was grateful I had chosen to help them that day.


    With a brief yet heartfelt farewell, we finally parted ways, walking in opposite directions.


    “Don’t forget your promise, dwarf!” I called out over my shoulder. “Once we make it back to the city, you owe me a drinking night till I pass out!”


    Muradin let out a booming laugh. “Aye, and I’ll make sure you regret those words, lad!”


    “And you, Darwyn,” I smirked. “Stop whining about women already. Let me find one for you later.”


    The elf scoffed, shaking his head. “I’d rather take my chances in the dungeon.”


    I chuckled at their responses, watching them disappear down the road.


    And just like that, I was alone once more.


    ***


    Continuing the journey by myself, I returned to a safer route, occasionally hunting any lone monsters that crossed my path. As nightfall approached, I searched for a secure resting spot and enjoyed the provisions I had prepared—a late dinner under the vast, starry sky.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    My thoughts wandered. I still vividly remembered the moment I first entered this world—the overwhelming fear, the crushing sense of helplessness. That fear only deepened after my first near-death encounter with a monster. But with each battle I survived, with every danger I overcame, something inside me changed. I no longer feared this world; I had begun to revel in it.


    The thrill, the adrenaline, the challenge—it all reminded me of playing Dreadspire. Except this was far more intense, far more real. For the first time in my life, I felt truly alive. More alive than I ever did in my previous world. The thought of returning? It barely crossed my mind. What mattered now was my goal: reaching the final floor, picking up what I left earlier.


    Thanks to Muradin dan Darwyn, I had managed to cut down my travel time significantly. That meant I had some extra time to visit certain places before heading to the labyrinth—it’s time for treasure hunting.


    I began reconstructing my plan in detail, going over every possible route, every necessary preparation, before finally allowing myself to rest.


    ***


    Smash!


    [Magic Resistance +1]


    Smash!


    [Stamina +1]


    Scattered throughout this rocky terrain were strange, oddly-shaped stones—stones that, when shattered, granted permanent stat increases. It was an incredible find, one I had been taking full advantage of since morning. So far, I have broken six of them.


    "Alright, this is the last one," I thought to myself.


    Smash!


    [Movement Speed +1]


    I had stumbled upon this secret entirely by accident while exploring this desolate, stone-filled region when playing Dreadspire. But the moment I saw these peculiar rocks, my gamer instincts flared up. There was no way something this conspicuous didn’t have a hidden mechanic behind it. And I had been right.


    Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to return here anytime soon. I’d have to wait for the next few Tower cycles before this place became accessible again. A shame—but at least I had reaped the benefits while I could.


    [Eryndor Leafshade]


    [Soul Level: 1


    Vitality: 3 → 4


    HP Regen: 1 → 2


    Magic Resistance: 3 → 4


    Stamina: 2 → 3


    Strength: 11


    Agility: 5


    Flexibility: 5 → 6


    Movement Speed: 3 → 5


    Wisdom: 31


    Willpower: 134]


    [Spells: Rejuvenation, Windstride, Wind Cutter]


    ***


    Shrikk!


    Suddenly a sharp, hissing sound sliced through the silence behind me. I knew that sound all too well.