Dungeon

Sapphire hills dungeon entrance.

A continuous stream of people was moving towards the dungeon gate in a queue. And amidst them was Alan.

He chose the most inconspicuous gear that he could find. Everything was coloured grey or green with slight camouflage patterns. It felt like a military expedition from his previous life.

Most of the people were similar to Alan. Only the strong had the confidence to stroll around in an S ranked dungeon.

The gate was supposed to be an area in which anything going through gets transported into a dungeon. But now that science and technology have developed, the gate was modified into a ten-meter wide door capable of carrying tools and machinery continuously.

Alan and his team were in an armoured bus carrying twenty-one people. The only familiar face was Esther who was sitting right next to Alan. Initially, Alan was in a panic seeing her. But she didn't bother with him and treated him well. Finally, the bus went into the portal like every other vehicle.

—---------------

The moment he entered the portal. Notification from the system came.

[Increased atmospheric mana quantity detected. High-quality energy detected. Energy recovery rate raised to 1 unit per minute. Passive collection of energy activated. Excess energy will be converted to system points.]

"Don't tell me that you are joking. System!"

[What is a joke?]

The surprise the system gave Alan was huge. This will completely change his life. What did the increased energy absorption rate mean? You may ask.

It meant 1440 units of energy every day. It also means that he has unlimited energy as long as he uses energy at the rate of 1 unit every minute. This was freaking awesome for Alan. What he lacked was just that, A source of unlimited energy.

Alan almost felt like a parasite sucking the life out of the dungeon. It was awesome.

With this rate, he could increase his energy capacity by 144 every day until he becomes strongest.

'Hahaha.., What a life! Just existing makes me stronger. Should I rename the system to a just-exist-to-be-strongest system? It would be more appropriate.' A sly smile formed on his face.

"Slap…" A slight slap to his face woke Alan up from his dream. It was Esther and she was looking at Alan in disgust.

"Why?" This girl had no qualms when slapping a complete stranger.

'Was she bipolar? How could she slap the future powerhouse like me. I would spank you when I get stronger…'

"Make that face again and I would feed you to goblins." Before he could even complete his thought Esther threatened Alan.

"Roger that!" Alan swallowed back the words he was about to say. He was too afraid. Even though he was a future powerhouse. Now, he was still Alan.

All his teammates looked at him strangely. While Alan looked at them dejectedly. After all, Alan was treated as a friend by a B rank mutant. Everyone thought he had some status, but the slap clearly told them otherwise.

For Alan, the only useful thing was the slow increase of the system point in his status.

—------------

Exiting the vehicle, Alan looked around.

It was forest all around him, as far as the eyes could see.

In this forest was the dungeon gate.

Like usual, humans were cutting down the forest and securing a place as an outpost. The safety of the dungeon gate was very important. For that, people were preparing defensive structures all around them.

Some were constructing gigantic walls while other built watchtowers and spiked outer fences. The compound was huge and Alan was in the centre of it. Even then, he could hear screeches and roars of wild animals beyond the wall.

The forest was a dangerous place. But humans are not exactly weak. There may be more than one vanguard team clearing the surroundings.

Alan's goal in entering the dungeon was to absorb energy from the dead monster carcasses killed by high ranked hunters. But, now that system is absorbing mana in humongous quantity from the atmosphere. He felt more reassured.

'Status.'

[STATUS]

System- Level: 1

Human: Advanced(Evolving)

Strength:10

Dexterity:10

Mind: 10

Energy:[100/100]

System-Points: 27

Comment: Alive and healthy. But, a feeble life form.

Ability

• Energy assimilation: Can digest all forms of energy.

• Active Energy Sense: Sense the energy around the host.

• Heatwave: Controlled release of energy as heat.

'So many system points in so little time, nice!. Thank you system. I have enough energy, so convert all to strength.'

[Ding… Operation complete.]

[Strenght raised to 12.]

Alan felt a slight warmth flowing through his body increasing his strength. The team was dismissed and after allocating their own rooms.

Yes, apparently superhumans can make houses faster too. In the wilderness, Alan could see many small buildings towards the south that were made out of wood and stone. Besides them were animals, large reptiles carrying wooden logs and stones.

It was obvious how they made a residential area in no time. Alan went towards his allocated house.

—---------------------------------

"Why are you here?" Alan asked.

"I should be asking you that." Esther replied.

Both of them were staring at each other. One was carrying luggage while the other was carrying a huge sword as tall as a man.

"Are you my housemate? There are four rooms in this house. Emma and Frida will reach here soon. That means we are all living together." Alan was almost sure that Esther had bipolar personality disorder.

"Is that so?" Alan rubbed his left cheek before answering. He didn't know how much more slaps can he take from this bipolar nutcase.

"Now that you are here. Carry my luggage inside, they will be delivered here. I am your superior so be aware of that and don't bother rejecting orders."

"BOOOOM!" Before Esther could complete her words, a large explosion shook the earth.

It was from near the dungeon gate.

Everyone ran out of their houses to look, but only a plume of dust could be seen rising from the ground.

From the house opposite Alan. Isabella Vulcan and Mr Smith ran outside before quickly making their way towards the gate.

This stumped Alan and Esther alike. There was only one thought going through their mind.

'Are we trapped inside?'

If the gate exploded as they assumed. Then they were finished, no one could say for sure if there was another portal off this dungeon and especially towards the earth.

Being trapped inside an S ranked dungeon without any S ranked mutant was the worst thing that could happen. And now Alan was experiencing it first hand.