Chapter 68: Gifts Before the Gate
[14th Everdusk, 2103] — CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country
Several large boxes lay open before the combat and support class students. The auxiliary class had already been escorted away.
Murmurs spread among the students, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism—until Miriam walked forward. With a composed air, he flipped open the lids.
Inside were rows of beginner equipment: chain mail armor, basic weapons for all classes, and specialized support tools like staves, wands, shields, and light daggers.
"Students," Miriam announced, "in celebration of our school's restructured curriculum and enhanced classes this year, we've decided to present you with these beginner gifts."
A ripple of surprise passed through the group. Some students smiled, clearly delighted. Others remained indifferent—likely children of hunters who already had better gear at home.
Still, many were visibly relieved. Buying basic combat tools was no small expense, and this gift lifted a burden from their families.
At Miriam's signal, the teachers moved to distribute the items.
Tess, Helen, Marlo, and Cedric stepped forward, while Vaedin went to assist the auxiliary class elsewhere.
Then, something unexpected happened.
All attention shifted as Lyre's assistant arrived, holding a single item—a ring that instantly caught everyone's eye.
A spatial ring.
To most commoners, such an item was a status symbol reserved for the upper crust of society. Though the system provided inventories for awakened individuals, spatial rings remained a necessity for the unaffiliated and a luxury for the elite. Only those who had awakened could access the system's inventory.
For someone like me, from a family without wealth or status, it was a welcome surprise.
"First, take what's offered. Then earn more. Level up. Upgrade. Repeat."That was my plan.
Helen approached me with a small selection of items. I picked a set of chainmail armor and a simple sword.
He paused, eyebrows raised. "Evan, why aren't you picking a staff instead of a sword?"
A reasonable question. I was a necromancer, after all.
"Sir, my skills require a sword. I don't think I can carry both a staff and a sword efficiently, so I chose what suits me best right now."
Helen looked momentarily confused, then nodded and moved on.
I equipped the chain mail and stored the sword in my system inventory. I still had space—thirty slots in total, only partially filled. Before storing it, I checked the system's appraisal.
__
{Basic Chain Mail Chestplate
Type: Armor (Chest)
Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0)
Description: A beginner's chain mail chestplate crafted from low-grade iron, designed for minimal defense. It provides adequate protection against weak physical attacks, suitable for those just starting their journey.
Attributes:
Defense: +5
Durability: 50/50
Weight: Moderate
Special Notes: No additional effects or enhancements.}
{Basic Iron Sword
Type: Weapon (One-Handed Sword)
Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0)
Description: A standard iron sword with no frills, perfect for new adventurers. While its power is limited, it serves as a reliable weapon for basic combat.
Attributes:
Attack Power: +7
Durability: 40/40
Weight: Light
Special Notes: Easily replaceable and non-upgradable.}
__
It wasn't anything impressive. But it was better than fighting barehanded.
Lyre, on the other hand, stood like royalty—clad in mage robes, holding a three-meter staff crowned with a crystal orb and inscribed runes. It likely belonged to the <Caldo > or even <Erith > rank. Not surprising, considering her father's status as a GuildMaster.
She glanced toward Lucas and me with a mocking smirk, as if silently saying, "This is what you missed by rejecting me."
I ignored her.
Lucas stood nearby, equipped with armor and sword as well—most likely planning to channel his elemental skills through physical combat in the early stages.
I knew I had to advance quickly. The last thing I needed was Lucas outpacing me.
Yet, even as I steeled my resolve, that eerie chill returned. A sense of being watched, like something unseen lurking just out of reach.
I scanned the area. Nothing.
The feeling had been gone when I was alone earlier… Why now?
Lucas and Lyre seemed calm as they moved toward the dungeon. I followed with cautious steps, alert.
After the item distribution, Miriam gathered everyone at the training field beside the school—the dungeon zone.
For many, it was their first time seeing a dungeon this close.
Excitement filled the air. So did fear.
They approached one of the smaller gates—meaning it was a beginner-level dungeon. The mana aura radiating from it confirmed that.
"Students—or should I say, raiders," Miriam declared with a smile. "Today marks your first real challenge. Let me introduce your guide."
An older man with a scarred cheek stepped forward. He looked around, gauging the crowd's attention.
"Listen well. I'll only say this once."
A hologram flickered to life beside him.
Dungeon Name: Verdant Hollow
Type: Forest Dungeon
Recommended Rank: F
Location: Deep within an ancient forest filled with overgrown vegetation, hidden dangers, and eerie sounds.
Dungeon Lore:
Once a sacred grove, Verdant Hollow was corrupted by dark forces. Now, it teems with dangerous creatures, led by a Hobgoblin warlord. Brave adventurers who conquer this dungeon will prove their mettle and claim the hidden treasures.
Dungeon Layout:
The dungeon has three stages, each increasing in difficulty with more dangerous creatures and natural hazards like poisonous plants, pitfalls, and dense foliage.
Stage 1: The Slime Grove (Lv. 1-4)
Description: A lush, vibrant area with glowing mushrooms and shallow pools of water. Slimes and monkeys roam freely, ambushing unwary adventurers.
Enemies:
Green Slimes (Lv. 1-2)
Slow-moving blobs that attack with acidic touches.
Forest Monkeys (Lv. 3-4)
Agile creatures attacking from trees and vines.
Stage 2: The Wildfang Den (Lv. 5-8)
Description: A dark, twisted section of the forest where the undergrowth is thick, and the air feels heavy. Wolves and serpents lurk in the shadows, waiting for prey.
Enemies:
Forest Wolves (Lv. 5-6)
Fast, coordinated pack hunters.
Venomfang Serpents (Lv. 7-8)
Stealthy snakes that blend into the environment.
Alpha Wolf (Lv.10, Mini Boss)
The leader of the wolf pack, quite crafty and sly beast be cautious or won't know when killed.
Stage 3: The Goblin Nest (Lv. 9-10)
Description: A large clearing with makeshift goblin huts and fire pits. Goblins patrol the area, and the Hobgoblin warlord commands them from a crude throne.
Enemies:
Goblins (Lv. 9-10)
Small but vicious, armed with crude weapons.
Hobgoblin Warlord (Lv. 12-13, Boss)
A massive, armored goblin wielding a heavy club.
Final Boss Objective:
Defeat the Hobgoblin Warlord and destroy the Goblin Totem to break the dungeon's curse and claim victory.
"Once you clear Stage One, two portals will appear," the guide explained. "Green to exit, blue to advance. Choose wisely. After entering Stage Three, there's no turning back."
He gave a short bow. "Good luck."
His tone was sharp, final.
In my past life, no one gave such a detailed rundown on the first try. It was almost… considerate.
"Are you ready!?" the guide shouted.
"YES!" the students yelled in unison, brimming with adrenaline.
Team by team, they began entering the gate. Solo raiders walked in alone.
Lucas gave me a nod before walking inside.
"What am I, your girlfriend?" I thought sarcastically. Still, the gesture made me smirk.
Just then, two students approached me.
One stepped forward, offering a handshake. "Hey, I'm Dain, a shield bearer. This is Mira, a healer. We're both <D > rank. Want to party up?"
I looked at his hand… then his hopeful face.
"Sorry, bro. I'm raiding solo," I replied, walking past them into the gate.
Behind me, Dain muttered, "What? He rejected us? With that ego?"
Mira just sighed. They soon found an <E > rank swordsman to join.
And just like that… the journey began.
Above the dungeon, a large screen lit up, displaying student names—each with three dots beside them. The first dot glowed green. The others remained grey, with a timer beginning to tick.
The system was watching. Tracking everything.
Who would clear it… and who wouldn't make it back?
To Be Continued…
Author's Note:The dungeon dive begins! Stay tuned for battles, boss fights, and the unexpected. Make sure to add the novel to your library and get notified of new chapters.