Chapter 08: Deeper Into The Dungeon

"It's... It's finally over!" Kendrick gasped, struggling to catch his breath. He decided to take a moment to rest under a nearby tree. Without the aid of mana, none of this would have been possible, and he was grateful for the little strength he had left as he gingerly sat down beneath the tree's comforting shade.

As Kendrick contemplated the ordeal he had just survived, he couldn't help but reflect on the years he had spent battling the same monsters. However, the last orc he had faced had been unlike any adversary he'd encountered before. It had been so daunting that he had ventured into the dungeon without a weapon, believing that dispatching one or two orcs would be a routine task.

"Come to think of it... I've never been to this dungeon before, not even in my previous life. Is it a newly discovered dungeon or something?" Kendrick pondered aloud, his thoughts drifting to the countless adventures and experiences he had shared with heroes and their parties, primarily centered around dungeons and the like.

Surveying his surroundings, Kendrick's curiosity got the best of him. He had hoped to uncover some hidden secrets within this new, enigmatic dungeon, but like many others he had explored, nothing appeared out of the ordinary. The lack of unusual findings troubled him the most.

But for now, practical concerns took precedence. "I should head back soon; it's probably almost morning by now. I need to leave before the knight wakes up."

The consequences of arousing suspicion were dire. As a ten-year-old, Kendrick's access to the dungeon was a privilege granted only to those from the main household or those with exceptional abilities. If the knight overseeing his activities grew too suspicious of his constant disappearances, Kendrick might face disownment and expulsion from the household—a harsh reality for a child in a world that wasn't kind to youngsters left to fend for themselves.

With these thoughts in mind, Kendrick rested under the tree for a couple of hours, regaining his strength. Once he felt renewed, he knew it was time to depart. However, his timing couldn't have been worse.

The once-sunny sky had transformed into a blanket of darkness in a matter of minutes, taking him by surprise. "Oh, shoot! I didn't make it in time!" Kendrick lamented.

Unlike the outside world, time within the dungeon was a complex and unforgiving concept. Day swiftly transitioned to night without warning. And the worst part? The creatures within the dungeon lost their sanity when night fell, becoming mindless predators, attacking anything they perceived as prey.

"AWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" The haunting howl of ancient wolves filled the air, drowning the surroundings in an eerie, otherworldly symphony. Under the full moon's radiant glow, the night came alive with the primal voices of these creatures, invoking a deep sense of wonder and reverence for the untamed wilderness.

The wolves' howls signaled the beginning of a frenzied hunt. Other monsters emerged from their hiding spots, their predatory instincts awakened by the moonlight. Kendrick had anticipated this chaos and wasted no time. He infused his legs with mana, propelling himself forward like a charging bull, all while keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings.

As he delved deeper into the forest, the scent of danger grew stronger, and countless eyes locked onto him. The dungeon's nocturnal transformation unleashed a primal frenzy, turning creatures into ravenous hunters.

But Kendrick was no novice. He had already seen it coming. He pushed his tiny legs beyond their limits, sprinting faster than ever. He managed to elude the pursuing horde, at least temporarily. However, there was a deadly catch.

His frail body couldn't withstand the excessive infusion of mana. It was only a matter of time before it crumbled under the strain. If that happened, the monsters would surely catch up to him.

Time became his fiercest adversary. Kendrick had to find a safe haven to ensure his survival. He couldn't afford to die here, not in this perilous place.

With the relentless pursuit behind him, Kendrick spotted a massive, ominous tower in the distance. It stood tall, three stories high, its dark entrance beckoning him like an eerie lighthouse in the night.

Though entering the tower was a risky move, Kendrick had no other option. The unique structure of the tower offered better odds for escape. He infused more mana into his legs, providing a final burst of speed, and rushed towards the tower, coming to a stop just inside its entrance. It was time to put his plan into action.