Dungeon of Velour

Stooping down at the side of a random house, he picks snowdrops out of the snow and places them in a pouch given to him by Noctis. The people passing by look at him with confusion but ultimately continue on without a thought.

If only they knew this would help us fight off those beasts.

"Your timer is dropping," Cinder alerts him, but Legion already knows that whatever it is counting down is dangerously close. "What do you think it might be?"

Most likely something to make me stronger. If it is, then I fully accept whatever it might be—unless it's unreasonable, like fighting a monarch right away. In that case, I might just take my death.

He scratches behind his head with a faint smile on his face. But it should give me a generous reward, whatever it is. At my level, I need the reward and experiences.

—Avatar One—

[Human: Legion Kastell]

[level: 2]

[Avatar slots: 1]

[Mana: 0/40]

[HP: 50]

[Attack: 8]

[Agility: 6]

[Defense: 7]

[Intelligence: 23]

[Luck: 6]

[Ability: Duplication Magic]

[Mana Core: One/Fractured]

I've leveled up once and gained tons of points. My skill is still one, and it will be forever, but that doesn't mean I can't max out its potential.

"But how much potential does it have?" Cinder questions as Legion gets up from his stoop and begins to walk around, searching for more snowdrops.

Do you want an exact number or an estimate? If you were to remove the limitations, it would theoretically have infinite potential. You could duplicate anything that exists; it would be a broken power.

But I can't reach such heights. For now, I'm nowhere close—or rather, that word is beyond me with this broken core.

"I see." Cinder seems to ponder something. "Then all you have to do is cure that core."

Weird way to put it, but indeed.

Passing by another house, he spots a snowdrop right at the corner. Picking it up from the floor, he places it in his bag, but just as he does, the timer strikes zero, and the system pops up—this time not in blue, but in deep red.

[Time is up!]

Faster than I expected.

Taking the pouch filled with snowdrops, he places it next to the house and buries it with snow.

I wonder what the system has in store for me now.

[Event!]

[Do you accept this event?]

An event, huh? How can I say no? I accept.

[Event: Clearing the Dungeon of Velour]

A dungeon clearing!

[Would you like the history and rewards you'll get if you accept?]

Yes.

He wipes the shock away, focusing on the information he needs to know rather than the emotions he's feeling.

[Velour, the Sovereign of Bones. An ancient being who sacrificed his flesh and soul to achieve unparalleled power, leaving only skeletal remains imbued with arcane strength. He crafted this dungeon as a test—a gauntlet to challenge those who seek the path to greatness. The prize for those who survive his trials? A rare gift of his essence—a chance to transcend mortal limits with powers of his race—or a weapon forged from his own bones, etched with the essence of ages.]

So I'll be able to gain one of those two things. But will there be others besides me?

[Yes, a selected few.]

Do they have the system like me?

[Negative.]

Then I'm ready. Are you ready, Cinder?

"Ready!" he cheers, more pumped than Legion.

[Mask applying.]

Upon seeing the words, a mask forms over his eyes, stopping just by his nose. It's pure black; not even the light of the sun can illuminate it as he disappears, feeling the same sucking motion as before while everything around him blurs.

<Transporting… >

[Arrival at the Velour Dungeon.]

Opening his eyes, the first thing he sees is a brick wall with moss growing in the cracks. Turning around, he sees more people appearing inside, counting them as they arrive.

19

23

25

And lastly 26. There are 26 people inside this place, all vying for the same thing. The only way to get it is by clearing this dungeon, and there's no way all of us will receive a reward since there are only two of them.

[Choose a weapon.]

[Sword | Bow | Dagger]

Right now, my strongest suit is attack, so a sword would be the better pick.

Sword.

The sword forms in the air, and he catches it. It's nothing like the wooden one; it's made of steel and feels heavy, but it's too late to go back. Swinging it around, he tries to get accustomed to the movement and weight.

Without realizing it, Cinder materializes next to him. "I'm ready!" he shouts, and all eyes turn to them.

"Wait… they can hear me?" he mutters inside Legion's ears.

I suppose so. We should get going. From what I expect, only two can receive the rewards, so let's move.

He glances around and sees an opening, with torches lighting the way. Without hesitation or reluctance, he sprints off, Cinder trailing behind him.

I need this power! There's no way I'm letting this opportunity pass me by.

"Shit!" a boy grunts, seeing Legion heading toward the opening, and he dashes off as well. "There's no way I'm losing this!" He shouts, and all attention turns to them. Panic sets in as everyone breaks into a run.

I may be weak in this body, but I know how to kill all monsters!

Continuing down the long, winding hall, he turns a corner, keeping his speed and steadying his breathing. His eyes widen as he meets them—monsters.

Skeletons!

A smirk forms on his face. This shouldn't be too hard.