Dante(Part 2)

Dante, observing this scene, couldn't help but smile wryly. Their behavior had been consistent since their entry into the dungeon. Despite it being an F-class dungeon, characterized as a beginner's realm and a repeatable type, the potential for danger still lurked.

From their very first encounter, Dante had discerned their amateur status. Having served as an 'errand boy' in various squads and having witnessed numerous close calls in dungeons, even though its only of F-class dungeons, he had developed a knack for making basic judgments about such situations.

Raising one's voice before engaging in combat only serves to broadcast your location to the enemy, and it can even attract additional monsters towards your group. Such recklessness becomes especially perilous during the night, when creatures that specialize in nocturnal hunting are more active.

George, already a large figure, expanded further as a crimson aura enveloped him—a clear sign that he was channeling mana to trigger his special skill. This augmentation bolstered his physical might. Meanwhile, Michael became shrouded in a shadowy haze, enhancing his speed.

Within a minute, they managed to dispatch nearly five slumbering goblins. However, their commotion roused the others, who charged at them in retaliation. Yet, before the awakened goblins could reach their intended targets, two arrows crackling with lightning speedily found their marks, taking down three of the attackers. Sarah lowered her bow, grinning in triumph and casting a victorious glance towards Lucius.

Sarah's skill enables her to shoot arrows with lightning imbued on them.

With the last of the goblins nearly defeated, George and Michael exchanged knowing grins, as they decided to leave it as that.

"Dante, collect the monster cores," Lucius commanded with an air of unbridled arrogance, content to watch them handle the task.

Dante moved forward before Lucius had even finished his words. As he approached the goblin corpses, George deliberately bumped into him, offering a sarcastic "oops." Dante seethed with indignation and powerlessness.

He gathered the monster cores dropped by the goblins. When he attempted to shift the last goblin's body, it abruptly sprang to life, its eyes wide open, and lunged at him.

"ARGH!" Dante grunted as the goblin's nails clawed at his hands. It pinned him down, and Dante struggled to free himself. As they wrestled, Dante could see his companions laughing at his expense, their eyes filled with scorn.

"Let's go!" Lucius ordered, and they followed him without a second thought, their glances shooting disdainfully in Dante's direction.

Dante's heart brimmed with a mixture of hatred and helplessness.

Dante grappled with the goblin, which had taken advantage of his unprepared state despite its injuries from their previous encounter. Dante couldn't help but consider it outright bullying. In desperation, he reached for a nearby sword and, with a resounding echo, thrust it into the goblin's neck.

After regaining his composure and stowing the last monster core in one of his bags, Dante hurriedly pursued his companions. His emotions churned within him, and he longed to abandon everything and escape into a deep sleep, as if all these experiences were nothing more than a dream.

***

As they continued their hunt for monsters on their way to the boss floor, the squad's confidence didn't lose. As this dungeon was of the repeatable type, they had already familiarized themselves with the layout beforehand. However, they never missed an opportunity to torment Dante.

Dante had no choice but to frequently use his skill to stay alert, not only for their relentless bullying but also for potential dangers. With his skill active, he observed the surroundings—trees swaying, branches colliding, and the echoing sounds of insects. Dante remained on high alert, while his squad mates appeared at ease. Lucius, usually arrogant; Sarah, her sensuous allure in every step; George, his imposing physique leaving no blind spots; and Michael, his gaze lingering on Sarah's figure—all walked as if they were in their own backyard, confident in their abilities.

"I can't wait to see that new sports car," Michael suddenly murmured, catching Lucius's attention as he recalled the launch of a new sports car. Lucius made a mental note to purchase it when they were out of the dungeon.

"I'm going to buy new makeup," Sarah thought to herself, feeling she wasn't beautiful enough.

George's thoughts centered on food as his stomach growled.

Their footsteps echoed in the dark night, and they made no effort to conceal their presence.

Dante contemplated, "Too much confidence can lead to arrogance," just as his skill's activation neared its end. In the shadows of the trees, a dark figure moved. Dante managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of it but failed to fully discern its appearance. His skill enhanced his concentration but not his eyesight. Nevertheless, Dante was almost certain he had spotted a monster—a fast one, perhaps even faster than Michael.

Goosebumps covered Dante's body. Based on all the information he'd read about dungeons, no F-class dungeon was known to harbor a monster of such speed. Unless it was a 'lost monster.'

"G-guys, I think we should hurry," Dante mustered the courage to speak up. He knew that the monster was dangerous and needed to warn his companions.

"Hmm?"

But all he received were glares.

"I saw a monster, faster than Michael," Dante asserted, glancing briefly at Michael, who visibly darkened.

Bang!

Dante was struck in the stomach and sent flying several meters, blood staining his clothes as he landed.

Cough!

Dante coughed up blood. Michael stared at him coldly. Michael's higher skill potential meant he was physically superior to Dante.

"Keep your mouth shut, trash!" Michael spat at Dante, offended by what he perceived as Dante's condescension.

"Do you know where we are? This is only an F-class dungeon. With his skill potential and in terms of speed, no monster is faster than Michael here," Lucius stated emotionlessly, his gaze icy as he looked at Dante, who could hardly hear him amidst his continued coughing.

Skill potential determined the strength of a skill. Dante's potential was rated as F, his skill growth nearly non-existent. In contrast, Michael had a C-rated potential, while George and Sarah were rated B. Lucius, the squad leader, boasted an A rating. Skill potential also affected the growth of the 'Holder,' the person possessing the skill, and there were devices to measure it.

"Stupid!" Sarah exclaimed, tugging at Lucius, signaling they should proceed. George laughed heartily.

Dante struggled to stand up and follow them.

As they made their way toward their destination, they dispatched any monsters they encountered, showing no concern for their surroundings. Goblins were common in this dungeon, so they encountered them frequently. They also encountered some slimes, all of which they killed without hesitation.