You're Crazy

Kuakh! Kuu~!

[You've killed a Goblin]

[You've killed a Goblin]

[Level Up!]

[Quest Complete!]

Trigger and Daily complete.

Reward: Steak, Low-Grade Vital Potion (S)

Level 7->8

"Fah…fah…"

Zeid panted as he plucked out the arrows sticking out of his legs and shoulder. He clenched his fist and cursed the corpses of the goblins. He just regained his health and now it's down to 32%. The goblins weren't that hard of an opponent but a throng of them is obviously a nuisance.

Cowl knelt on one knee, removed his hood and balaclava as he raced for his breath. Zeid took a glimpse of the middle-aged man.

His right eye revealed a scar trailing from his hairline down to his cheek. His emerald hair fell down near his nape as his lips parted to catch his breath. Despite having a scar on his right eye, he had not lost his two visions. Standing around 5'10, he walked towards Zeid and offered a hand.

Zeid rejected the offer by sweeping Cowl's hand away. He stood, turned, and proceeded to the corpses of the goblins.

"Where are you going?" Cowl asked.

"None of your concern, Cowl." Zeid replied and a smile curved on Cowl's face. It was obvious that the kid won't treat him any nicer and a cold reply proved it. His smile faded as he began to meditate.

-Strange, some goblins offered no souls.

"The higher the tier of the monsters are, the harder their souls will remain. Especially sentient beings that are likely to pass to the next life."

"I guess slimes are common."

He had collected 10 souls out of 60 and saved them until he leveled up to 10. He began snapping the handles of the spears and the shaft of the arrows and collected the metals and wood separately.

"This blades would sell atleast 10 b-gems each. And for these sticks, I guess I'll just keep them to build a fire later." Zeid spoke as the place slowly dimmed. As they cleared out the first floor, the place slightly dimmed as the ceiling displayed an illustration of a night sky. The crystals sparkled like stars in the dark columns of the ceiling, telling Zeid that it had already been nighttime within.

"Don't stop now. We're moving forward. I don't like staying here in the wide open space. It's better to camp other than the open." Cowl said as took the lead. Zeid wanted to prepare a camp now but he knew that Cowl has more knowledge and experience in these type of things. He followed suit.

On their path, the surrounding changed. As if they were within the Freedom Forest, trees stood left and right. The cavern-like place itself served a territory to these goblins trapped in the dungeon. There were sightings of fauna, convincing Zeid that the goblins lived by hunting animals. The place was 200m wide and 60% of the area is occupied by the forest.

The crystals above functioned like a dungeon event, whereas if the people were to battle the monsters guarding the place, it would illuminate the surrounding like a day, and after the event, the crystals will show the real-time of the dungeon. It made it clear that when they arrived, it was already nighttime.

Zeid began to place the sticks he collected into a teepee. Cowl noticed and spoke.

"I'll be back."

[Kindle Shot]

The teepee lit up.

Zeid nodded and went to skewer the steaks he obtained and began to cook them.

After several minutes, the steaks were cooked and Cowl returned, carrying several logs. He sat before the fire, and began placing the logs on the floor.

"The fire you made is good for cooking but it won't keep us warm, kid." He spoke. "Take a good look on how I would do it."

He began placing the logs. First he placed two then on top of the two are another two logs perpendicular of the former. He began stacking and finally, a log cabin fire was made.

"You don't seem like the type to listen so I made you observe. See it, kid? This is how you make a real fire."

"I don't know why you're trying to teach me this. By the end of all of this, we're still going to kill one another. Don't waste your time, Cowl." Zeid began to eat the steak he cooked, leaving nothing to Cowl.

"While we're bind by this curse, I'd be glad to teach you anything. At the very least, you would bring something in the next life. You won't be able to defeat me, kid. I'm level 30."

"So you think you've already won? Pathetic." Zeid sneered as he laid behind his back and rested his head on his hands. His gaze locked on the starry ceiling.

"Don't rest now, you haven't eaten what I caught yet." Ignoring Zeid, he pulled out two rabbits strapped on his waste then began to skin them. With a flask, he washed the flesh then applied oil onto it. He struck a stick through the meat and began cooking on the teepee that Zeid made. Zeid ignored Cowl and continued to gaze above.

When the meat was cooked, Cowl beckoned Zeid to eat.

"I won't accept it, old man."

"I'm not old, I'm 37."

"Then you are old."

"Just sit upright and eat. It's not poisoned, so don't worry. If you die, I die. Munch on, kid." Cowl insisted.

Zeid rose and sat upright. He grabbed the delicious meat without hesitation and darted his eyes to Cowl.

"Why are you doing this? You gain nothing, Cowl the 37-years-old." Zeid skeptically asked.

"Look, kid, just fucking eat. Don't disgrace the delicious meat I prepared. While you're with me, I'll be helping you and I will be expecting the same. Save your attitude when we finally leave this putrid place."

Zeid munched and the flavors began to melt on his mouth. The oil became the spice needed for the flavors and mingled with his taste buds. Despite being cooked on simply over the fire, the meat tasted great!

After finishing the meat, Zeid spoke.

"You said you will teach me anything, then teach me the art of the dagger." Zeid spoke without facing Cowl.

Cowl laughed and slammed his right hand to his right leg. He wiped the tear off his eye and spoke elatedly.

"I'd gladly, kid. Then let's see who wins when we finally fight. I don't like fighting pussies so I'm going to train you like hell while we're trapped here. I don't know how long we are going to be in this state, but as long as the dungeon won't disappear from the outside, we can be at ease." He spoke.

"What will happen if the dungeon disappeared?"

"Then we will be trapped here forever bound to this curse. It would seem only 30 minutes had passed outside." Cowl spoke as he flipped his hand from the air.

"What are you doing?"

"What? This? Oh, I'm accessing my status magic. I thought you knew as you are an adventurer."

-Altair.

"Yes, master. As you are already accustomed to our system, you didn't need status magic anymore. It is similar to our system but they can't access it without mana. Also, I want to notify you further, you can choose to hide or reveal your status in your wrist."

"I see. I think I'd hide it instead. I don't want anyone seeing my stats. I'd still need to find my Anti-Aura ring though." He reminded himself. He lost the ring when he fought Cowl outside the dungeon before.

---

"Agh!" Zeid groaned as he fell on one knee. His face was dirtied and beat.

"Stand! Again! Don't let me grab the stone from your hand!"

Cowl roared as he rushed towards Zeid with his fists ready. He began to attack and Zeid began to defend.

Cowl threw a punch and was blocked by Zeid. He threw a punch to Zeid's abdomen; Zeid threw the rock from his right hand to the air and grabbed Cowl's hand to prevent the punch from connecting. Cowl caught the rock, and smacked Zeid's head.

"Again! I said don't let me catch the rock! You should know how to juggle while maintaining a fight, kid!"

Zeid grabbed the rock and nodded.

"This fucking guy keeps beating me up! Disgrace! I don't like being weak!" he ranted within his thoughts.

"Again!"

"Again, you stupid kid!"

"Fucking do it again!"

The beating continued for days. But those beatings slowly polished his movements. Every early in the morning, they trained. If Zeid failed three or more out of ten sessions, he would lose one meal. After the training, they would hunt for food while tracking the forest. They mapped out half of it while they remained wary. The dungeon boss lingered within the forest and yet to be found on their search. During the night, they would camp and Cowl would scold him if he overslept.

Two weeks had passed.

"Ahhh!"

Cowl threw a hook and Zeid blocked with his right arm. Zeid threw a punch, was blocked, and received a hit in his abdomen. He groaned yet didn't falter. They exchanged punches and kicks but all were blocked.

"You're getting better in such a small span of time, kid. Time to take it up to a notch." Cowl smiled mischievously and grabbed his dagger.

"You're fucking crazy!" Zeid roared as he felt a murder intent emanating from Cowl. He wasn't joking anymore and seemed to decide to push Zeid further his limits.

Cowl appeared before him in a dash and swept his blade. Zeid had his eyes wide open and a cold sweat appeared on his forehead. He bent his body backwards in 90 degrees. Placed his hands over his head and flipped backwards while sending a kick. Cowl blocked the kick and slash downwards. Zeid quickly regained his position in a crouch, and blocked the blade with his rock.

"You're crazy, Cowl." Zeid smiled while his heart beat with exhilaration. He was enjoying it!

Cowl retorted with a grin and spoke: "Watch out, kid!"

He swung in an arc. Zeid did the same from the last but Cowl had anticipated it. He quickly lowered his body and swept Zeid's leg. Zeid almost fell, but was able to prop himself with his hands and made a clutch cartwheel.

"Hahaha!" Laughs left their lips and both of them dashed to one another. Sparks flew as the blade met with the rock on Zeid's hand.

Zeid grabbed Cowl's right hand where the blade is, and threw a headbutt. Cowl groaned yet his grin remained painted on his face. Cowl flicked the blade to his left hand and slashed Zeid. Zeid pounced backwards.

"Session's over. You passed." Cowl smiled as blood trickled down his forehead.

Zeid stood and smiled. Suddenly, a panel appeared before him.

[Repair]

Your clothes had been greatly damage, repair?

Cost 20% Mana

[End]

Zeid trailed his gaze down to his shirt and there was a wide slash. His garment was stained in his blood.

[Confirm.] Zeid took his potions which he had been saving in for a much dangerous situation and began to drink it. His wounds slowly healed. 2 mana potions, 1 vital potion, and 3 HP potions were consumed. They were all low-grade after all, that is why his wound healed slower.

"That old man…"

He glared behind Cowl's back as Cowl beckoned Zeid with a raised arm.

"Come, it's time to hunt."