Even If It's a Detour

Light steps were heard as Axel re-entered the 49th floor from the dark passage connecting the lower floors. The sounds of gusting wind and rumbling from the floor below confirmed that the situation there was getting more and more chaotic. Axel glanced around warily, making sure that there were no monsters lurking around the entrance. The dim light coming from the reflection of the mineral light in the hallway illuminated Axel's face, revealing his cautious and wary expression.

The 49th floor has never been a comfortable place for Axel, especially with the threat coming from the lower floors which now looks even worse.

"In the end I returned to this floor," Axel muttered in a bitter tone, reflecting despair at the worsening situation. He didn't expect to come back here, but faced the fact that going up to a higher floor was the only better way compared to going down to the bottom floor.

Axel looked down, seeing the shadow of a horde of monsters gathered downstairs. There were rumbling and hissing sounds that signaled an approaching threat. The group of monster troops seemed to be moving out of the dungeon, making Axel even more convinced that he had to immediately find a way up to a higher floor. Carefully, Axel stepped forward, through the dark hallway towards the depths of the 49th floor.

"But, the unexpected thing was this 'item box' skill." Axel muttered as he took out an item from a skill called an 'item box'.

Axel stared intently at the "Item Box" he had just used. This skill gives him the ability to store and retrieve items from other dimensions, a very useful skill in this dangerous world.

With careful movements, Axel took out an item from the "Item Box". It was a small bottle containing a bright blue liquid. Axel recognized the bottle as Elixir, a healing potion that can heal wounds and restore a person's stamina quickly. This elixir is very valuable and hard to find in the dungeon and even if it is bought it is quite expensive, especially for Axel who only works as a courier, and Axel feels a little guilty because he got it from the bag of an adventurer who had been killed by a crowd of monsters before. However, he knows that to survive, he must utilize every available resource.

A feeling of relief crept into Axel's mind. Elixir can be his helper on the 49th floor which is full of danger. However, Axel also realized that one Elixir would not be enough to face all obstacles. He had to use it wisely and save it for critical moments. However, Elixir's presence gave Axel new enthusiasm. He gripped the bottle tightly, placing it back into the "Item Box" for later use.

With steady movements, Axel took out a one-handed sword from the "Item Box". The sword gleamed under the dim light of the 49th floor of the dungeon, revealing its sharp and shiny blade. This sword was one of the valuable items he got from one of the dead adventurers. The hilt of the sword was made of sturdy material with intricate carvings, providing a comfortable and steady grip in his hand.

Axel checked the blade carefully, making sure there was no damage or defects that could interfere with his fight. He swung the sword several times in the air, feeling its perfect weight and balance. This sword is not only a survival tool, but also a symbol of his hope to overcome the trials that confront him in this dangerous dungeon.

"This sword will definitely be of great help," Axel muttered to himself, trying to encourage himself. With one arm missing, he knew that the battle would be even more difficult, but this sword gave him a little more confidence. He resheathed the sword and hung it at his waist, ready to use whenever the situation required him to fight.

Axel then stepped forward carefully, down the dark hallways of the 49th floor. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his body, making every sense sharper. He knew that every sound, every shadow, could be a sign of danger. But with a sword at his waist and a dagger that always accompanied him throughout this dungeon, he felt a little more prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

Suddenly, Axel heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. He immediately hid behind a large rock, peeking out to see what was coming. From a distance, he could see a large dark green figure, an Orc larger than usual, perhaps a leader.

Axel looked at the huge Orc moving in the distance, scanning the surroundings with glowing red eyes. In the past, perhaps he would have felt intense fear, but now it was different. Now, at level 20, Axel feels stronger and more confident than before.

"But, for me who is level 20 now, maybe I can beat the Orc," muttered Axel, trying to convince himself.

Axel recalls his journey to reach this level. Fight after fight, he had learned a lot, improving his abilities significantly. Although losing his left arm was a huge loss, he has adapted and found a way to fight effectively with one hand.

He tightened his grip on the hilt of his dagger, feeling the strength coursing through his muscles. The dagger, with its sharp blade and perfect balance, gave an added sense of confidence. He knew that this battle would be difficult, but not impossible.

Axel assessed the situation quickly. The orc was bigger and stronger, but its movements were slow and heavy. Axel, with his agility, can utilize his speed and agility to overcome the brute force of the Orcs.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heartbeat. "Okay, time to act," he thought.

With quick, silent steps, Axel began to approach the Orc, using the shadows of the passage and large rocks as cover. He made sure his every step made no sound, trying to get close to the Orc without being detected.

As the distance between himself and the Orc grew closer, Axel hid behind a large rock, peeking out to see the Orc's movements. He waited for the right moment to attack.

The moment the Orc turned away, giving his back to Axel, he knew it was time. With quick and determined movements, Axel lunged out of hiding.

"HAAAAA!!" he shouted, diverting all his energy and courage into the attack. He swung the dagger he held in his right hand with full force, targeting the weak spot on the Orc's neck.

The dagger penetrated the Orc's thick skin, making it let out a pained roar. The orc tried to turn around to counterattack, but Axel was faster. He continued to thrust his dagger in continuous attacks, using all his strength and skill.

Slowly, the orc began to lose strength. His movements grew slower and finally, with one last precise blow to the throat, the Orc fell to his knees, letting out a final roar before his body collapsed to the ground.