Time drifted by, and I awoke to the early morning hours feeling remarkably refreshed. I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed and began my daily routine. In a state of relaxation, I glanced at the timer and realized that eight hours had passed.
As I mechanically went about my morning rituals, I suddenly noticed that I was brushing my teeth with my previously injured arm, yet I felt no discomfort. After finishing the task, I cautiously uncovered the wound to inspect it. Relief washed over me as I saw that the wound had completely healed. It was a fortunate turn of events; the rat I encountered was not venomous. I pondered for a moment how this rapid healing had occurred.
Maybe my health points had regenerated during my rest, or perhaps allocating my stat points had played a role in mending my wounds. Leaving the bathroom, I went to the kitchen to brew coffee. The sweet aroma of Hazelnut coffee filled the room as I contemplated my recent mistakes.
First and foremost, I acknowledged that I needed to be more adequately prepared the previous day. Secondly, I realized that relaxing after defeating the first rat had left me vulnerable to surprise attacks. There could be more threats lurking, but navigating this unfamiliar situation proved challenging without guidance. I took a moment to adjust my mindset before continuing my preparations.
Rising from my seat and headed to the closet. After rummaging through its contents, I came across a leather jacket that my friend Lucas had gifted me on my eighteenth birthday. Lucas had believed it would give me a "badass biker chic" appearance. I couldn't help but wonder if he was safe wherever he was now. Our contact had dwindled after he went abroad to study in England. With a sigh filled with concern, I scoured my closet once more, but nothing else seemed helpful for my current situation.
I reach for the bag I had stashed beneath my bed, making my way to the kitchen to stock it with dried food and water. After donning my gear and getting dressed, I shift my focus to the skill of Blood Weaponization. Studying it briefly, I softly murmur, "Blood Weaponization." Instantly, a screen materializes, prompting me to choose a weapon of my preference.
Pausing to consider, I recall practicing with a pistol alongside my grandfather at a gun range when I was seventeen. "Pistol," I articulate, and in an instant, the screen vanishes, replaced by crimson-hued blood flowing from the pores of my hand, transforming into a maroon-red pistol within my grasp. A status box promptly materializes before me.
M1911-style Pistol (Common Grade)
Damage: 10-30 HP Per Round
Critical Damage: 20-40 HP Per Round
Capacity: 8 rounds
Range: 30 Meters
Rounds: 1 health point per 8 rounds
Satisfied with my chosen weapon, I shifted my focus to the Vital Storage skill, using it three times to accumulate six health points. This left me with a mere eleven health points remaining. With a sly grin, I contemplated, "I'll test leech infusion on my pistol to verify its effectiveness. If it works, it could prove invaluable for siphoning life from adversaries at a safe distance while replenishing my own health."
9 days 14 hours 15 minutes
After glancing at the timer I take a deep breath and cautiously approached the door. Peering through the peephole revealed no signs of movement. Placing my ear against the door confirmed the absence of any unusual sounds. It appeared safe to open the door and venture into the hallway.
As I closed the door, it let out a faint squeak, causing me to stop and listen for potential dangers. After a few minutes of silence, I felt it was safe to proceed. Without hesitation, I activated my Shadow Walk and moved towards the open doorway on my right. Upon entering the room, I noticed only bloody drag marks on the floor, which appeared to be left by the remains of rats. However, the rats' bodies were inexplicably gone.
I entered the room with caution, scrutinizing my surroundings closely. Discovering no immediate presence, I shifted my attention to the bloodstains, the sole remnants of the fallen creatures. These stains led me to the bathroom, where the door stood open, unveiling a substantial void where the room should have been.
Approaching the enigmatic hole, the boundaries of reality seemed to distort around its edges, creating the illusion of a profound abyss. My vision was soon taken over by a status screen.
User has found a dungeon
Name: The Rat King’s Nest
Max Dungeon Level: 3
Team Limit: 5
Outbreak: 2 days 20 hours 16 minutes
Do you wish to enter
Yes/No
I deactivated shadow walk and my mind wanders for a moment as I consider this. It is better if I go in now rather than look through the floor I am currently on.
It does not sound good, whatever outbreak means. It may be possible for me to stop the outbreak by clearing this dungeon; I am already as prepared as I will ever be. “Let’s get this over with,” I say and focus on yes.
As I had focused on the word yes, my vision suddenly turns dark. In a moment, I felt as if I were free falling before suddenly feeling the ground beneath me. In a state of dizziness, I tumbled to the ground. “Damn, couldn’t they make the transfer easier? “After taking a moment to get rid of the dizziness, I looked around, only to find that I was in a large stone room with one iron bar doorway. There is a message that appears suddenly in front of my eyes.
Congratulations, Alicia Grey! You are the first user to venture into this dungeon. Your earned evolution points will receive a 2x multiplier, drop rate will increase to 75% and you will also acquire a randomly assigned skill.
The user has acquired the entry skill "Analyze."
Entry Analyze: With this skill, you can discern the level, race, health points and mana your adversaries possess.
User, should you aim to conquer this dungeon, your objective is to vanquish the Rat King and retrieve his scepter. Exiting the dungeon prematurely is not an option, as completion is a prerequisite.
My eyes suddenly begin to itch, and I gently rub them. I glance around the unfamiliar room and realize I've been placed in a large, damp cell. The cell contains only a crude wooden bench covered with hay for resting and a solitary bucket tucked away in the corner.
In the blink of an eye, I hear approaching footsteps, and my instincts kick in. Swiftly, I move to a concealed spot, eager to avoid being spotted. Activating my Shadow Walk ability, I become invisible to the naked eye.
As the sound of keys unlocking the cell door reaches my ears, I watch a rat holding a torch in one paw enter the room. This peculiar rat stands upright on two hind legs, dressed in a tunic with a belt cinched around its waist. The dim torchlight fails to reach my hidden location, allowing me to remain unseen as the rat thoroughly inspects the cell.
Level 2 Jailer Rat: Health: 20/20 Mana: 20/20
With the rat's attention diverted from me, I steadily elevate my pistol, carefully aiming at its head. The weapon emanates a pulsating glow as leech infusion courses through it. I squeeze the trigger in one fluid motion, releasing three precise shots. Each shot reverberates through the cell, generating loud pops that echo into the hallway beyond. In seconds, all three shots hit their intended target, causing the rat's health points to plummet to zero. To my astonishment, the rat dissolves into a radiant blue light, leaving behind a small copper skeleton key on the floor.
The user has defeated Level 2 Jailer Rat.
Gained 20 evolution points.
As I picked it up, a blue screen materialized in my vision.
Rat Jailer's Key
Grade: Common
Uses: 1
Information: A key that opens any treasure chest or cell door in the dungeon 'The Rat King's Nest'
I grinned, "Treasure chests? I hope I stumble upon some with decent armor." My enthusiasm waned for a moment as a darker thought crossed my mind. "But I also hope there are no mimics," I added, my voice tinged with a shiver. The idea of a treasure chest morphing into a monstrous trap was enough to give me pause.
Closing my status screen, I extinguished the torch's light, plunging myself into darkness. I cautiously peeked my head out of the cell, surveying the hallway in both directions. The corridor beyond was enveloped in pitch-black darkness, the air carrying a damp and musty odor with a hint of mildew. My night vision allowed me to discern a few cells down the hallway, but beyond that, it was a void of blackness.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
Recalling the rat's earlier use of a torch, I speculated, "That rat came in here with a torch and didn't spot me in the shadows. It might mean the rats don't have good night vision and rely on torches to navigate." My eyes shifted to the torch the rat had carried. "I'll stay in the dark for now. If I spot any sources of light, I'll hide. Carrying anything bright would be a beacon for trouble," I thought to myself.
With that strategy in mind, I cautiously ventured out of the cell and began navigating the narrow, dark hallways ahead as I wasn’t sure if any rats will come to investigate the sound of the shots from my pistol.
As I ventured through the narrow, dimly lit hallways, the oppressive darkness on either side seemed to stretch endlessly, each cell I passed shrouded in foreboding gloom. Time seemed to blur as I walked deeper into the labyrinthine passages, my steps echoing softly on the damp stone floor.
Then, a sudden and unsettling vibration beneath my feet jolted me to full attention. It was as though the very tunnel trembled in response to some approaching presence. My heart raced, and I strained my senses to listen more closely; my ears perked for any sign of what might be drawing near.
My breath hitched as the source of the unsettling sensation came into view. To my shock and dismay, a colossal rat, towering three times my height, emerged from a darkened corner. In one massive paw, it held a torch that radiated a brilliant, eerie light, casting ominous shadows that danced along the prison walls. The rat was swathed in grim black executioner's attire, its head concealed beneath a sinister, hooded sack. Strapped to its back was a formidable executioner's axe, its ominous silhouette apparent in the torch's glow.
As I watched in stunned silence, I couldn't help but tremble at the sheer enormity of the creature before me. My gaze darted to the notifications in my vision.
Level 2 Executioner Rat: Health: 30/30 Mana: 20/20
Panic surged within me, and I instinctively activated my Shadow Walk in a desperate attempt to melt into the shadows and evade this monstrous rat. But just as I was about to turn a corner and put some distance between us, the torch in the Executioner Rat's paw flared brilliantly, instantly exposing my presence. "Fuck!" My heart pounded as I sprinted away, refusing to look back. The sound of thundering footsteps echoed in my ears, and it became evident that the rat was pursuing me relentlessly.
With my pistol clutched tightly in my trembling hand, I pointed it behind me and emptied the last five bullets, my fingers trembling on the trigger. I heard the rat stumble and falter in response to my shots. Adrenaline pumping, I quickly expended one health point to reload my pistol, replenishing it with a full magazine of 8 bullets. Turning to face my relentless pursuer, I saw that the Executioner Rat's health had dwindled to ten points. I unleashed three more rounds. Three of those bullets found their mark, causing the rat's health to zero. The colossal creature instantly dissolved into a blinding burst of radiant blue light, leaving nothing behind but a small box.
Panic coursed through me as the echoes of multiple footsteps reverberated from the surrounding hallways, converging upon my location. Frustration and fear warred within me, but I had no choice. I dashed toward the fallen box, snatching it up as a blue screen materialized in my vision:
Armor Chest (Locked)
Grade: Uncommon
Description: Unlock this chest to acquire a randomly assigned armor piece.
Dismissing the screen hastily, I tucked the chest into my pocket and focused on distancing myself from the approaching footsteps. With each hurried step, irritation gnawed at me as I realized that I couldn't shake off my pursuers no matter how far I ran. Frustration welled up within me.
Finally, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Activating my Shadow Walk, I swiftly approached a nearby corner and peeked around it. What I saw sent a shiver down my spine – five Rat Jailers were tailing me, crowding the narrow hallway as they advanced in my direction.
Raising my pistol, I aimed and squeezed the trigger. The proximity of the Rat Jailers ensured that every shot found its mark. The crackling sound gunfire echoed in the confined space as their health points plummeted. They all disappeared in a flash of radiant blue light, leaving behind two keys and a small box.
I remained still, my senses alert for further signs of pursuit, but I heard nothing more. A sigh of relief escaped as I cautiously approached the items on the floor. I reached down and picked up the box, prompting a screen to materialize before me.
Accessory Chest (Locked)
Grade: Uncommon
Description: Unlock this chest to acquire a randomly assigned accessory.
Seeing that the chest was locked, I decided to try one of the Rat Jailers' keys. As I inserted it into the lock, the key and the box dissolved into nothingness, leaving a small necklace in my hand. The silver necklace featured a striking blue crystal shard pendant roughly the size of my thumb.
Mana Crystal Necklace
Grade: Uncommon
Description: Regenerate one mana point every four minutes when out of combat.
My eyes lit up with excitement as I gazed at the newfound item. "If such a useful item came from an Uncommon Chest, what kind of treasures lie within Legendary or Mythic Chests?" I pondered, my curiosity piqued. My thoughts briefly turned to the Armor Chest I had just unlocked, and I couldn't resist using one of the keys.
With a sense of anticipation, I opened the chest, and a black cloak spilled forth.
Shadow Cloak
Grade: Uncommon
Description: This cloak allows you to conceal yourself within shadows, blending seamlessly into your shadowy surroundings. Those above level 2 can see through the cloak's effect. Using a skill that has a similar effect will double the cloak's effectiveness.
Gazing at the black high collar cloak, I couldn’t help but think how stylish it was. Shaking my head, I proceeded to don the newly acquired cloak and necklace, though their mismatched appearance didn't escape my notice. "I hope to find more armor soon, something that offers better protection," I mused aloud. Refocusing my attention, I utilized one health point to refill my pistol with a fresh eight-round magazine and decided to employ Leech Infusion next, replenishing my health points.
Ready for what lay ahead, I resumed my journey through the narrow hallways, the passage of time and the foes I had defeated becoming blurred. After defeating yet another Executioner Rat, I noticed a new item drop – a sizeable golden skeleton key, its size matching the palm of my hand. A red crystal adorned the cylindrical shaft, and I couldn't resist picking it up. As I touched the screen, a familiar screen materialized before me.
Rat King's Dungeon Key
Rarity: Rare
Description: Grants the user access to the second level of the dungeon. Please note that any unopened chests and unused Rat Jailer's keys will vanish upon using this key.
Surveying the items I had gathered, I mentally counted them. "I've got 6 Rat Jailer's Keys, 3 Armor Chests, and 1 Consumable Chest," I noted, making a plan. "Let me start by opening these chests, and then I can consider leveling up since I should have accumulated enough experience by now." With a resolute nod, I began the process of unlocking my treasures.
I first tackled the Armor Chests, and as I opened them, three distinct pieces of armor materialized before me. The first was a black military shirt reminiscent of the kind my father used to wear when he was in the military. The description revealed that it would increase my body stat by four points.
Next, I examined a pair of black leather gloves with a peculiar texture on their inner sides. These gloves allowed me to adhere to surfaces, though they could support a maximum weight of 200 pounds. It was a handy skill, but I needed to be cautious, considering my weight had last been recorded at just 100 pounds.
Lastly, I picked up a pair of black leather military-style boots. These boots had a unique attribute – they could enhance my speed by two times for ten seconds with the use of two mana. However, I could only use this boost three times before an hour of cooldown was required.
Excitedly, I removed my cloak, leather jacket, sweater and combat boots. Donning the newly acquired shirt, boots, and gloves, I marveled at how snugly they fit and how light they felt on my body. Their perfect fit left me impressed.
Finally, I returned my leather jacket and cloak to their places. I glanced at my combat boots and sweater momentarily before deciding to leave them behind.
Opening the final chest, I discovered a small, round bottle about the size of my palm. It contained a luminous blue liquid that shimmered with otherworldly energy. Consulting the description, I learned it was a Mana Potion, designed to grant me the ability to generate one mana point every second for ten seconds. It stipulated that I had to consume the entire bottle to activate its effects, and it would replenish itself three times before vanishing. Carefully, I stowed the potion in my backpack, acknowledging its potential usefulness in the trials ahead.
Glancing at my status, I noted that I had accumulated 330 experience points. Deciding it was time to level up, I invested 200 experience points into my level, and in an instant, my level increased to 2. A sudden surge of energy coursed through my body, accompanied by a searing heat that made me wince in pain. But as swiftly as the heat had come, it transformed into a cool, refreshing sensation. My vision was soon filled with a series of screens.
Congratulations on leveling up and awakening your hidden bloodline known as the Blood Fae. As you have awakened a High Race bloodline you will receive five stat points in each attribute and gain four Blood Fae Race racial skills. Once you have accumulated 30 stat points in all attributes you can level up again.
Racial Skills:
Blood Affinity: This skill lowers the mana use of blood skills by half.
Toxin Resistance: User’s blood will be purified, rendering you immune to poisons and diseases of rare grade and below.
Mind Shield: Provides the user with a defense against mental intrusion and manipulation techniques from foes level three and below
Blood Empowerment: At the cost of five health points, user could enhance all their stats by a factor of two for fifteen minutes. However, this would be followed by a period of weakened stats lasting for an hour.
M1911-style Pistol (Uncommon Grade)
Damage: 20-40 HP Per Round
Critical Damage: 30-50 HP Per Round
Capacity: 16 rounds
Range: 60 meters
Rounds: 1 health point per 8 rounds
Silent Shot: This firearm emits soundless shots, allowing the wielder to strike swiftly and discreetly without alerting nearby adversaries.
Name: Alicea Grey Sex: Female
Level: 2
Race: Blood Fae
Evolution Points: 130
Health 30/30 Mana 30/30
Stats
Body: 15 +
Nimble: 15 +
Vitality: 15 +
Magic: 15 +
Perception: 15 +
"Hidden Bloodline? Why do I have such a thing? Wait, my hands!"
Looking down at my hands, I noticed they had transformed from rough and tanned to delicate, pale, and white as if they had never been used for any work. I touched my face, which now felt as soft as a baby's, unlike when it had scars from my teenage years. My hair reached my shoulders and was a pure white color. Looking down, I saw that my pants were now a bit long for me.
"No! I got shorter! Why? I was already 4" 10' why do I have to be shorter now. I had trouble reaching the top cabinets but lost several inches in height! I won't be able to even get the top shelf."
After mourning the loss of several inches of height, I had to remove my leather jacket as it was too long for my arms. Additionally, I had to rip the ends of my pants as they were too lengthy, and I was apprehensive of tripping during the battle.
I put my leather jacket inside my bag, feeling hesitant to leave it behind since it was a present from Lucas. Surprisingly, the equipment I had acquired from the dungeon had shrunk with me, fitting me perfectly. I then glanced at the notification I had received.
Magic has reached the threshold and the Entry Blood Weaponization skill has been upgraded to Novice Blood Weaponization. You can now create an additional weapon weighing under four pounds with 3 health points.
After considering my options, I decided to utilize Blood Weaponization. A crimson, double-barreled sawed-off shotgun materialized in my hands, replacing the pistol.
Double Barrel Shotgun (Uncommon)
Damage: 30-50 per round
Critical Damage: 40-60 per round
Capacity: 8 rounds
Range: 30 meters
Rounds: 2 health points per 4 rounds
Blast Wave Shells: Rounds fired from the shotgun release a loud concussive shockwave upon impact, affecting all nearby enemies and dealing extra area damage.
A huge grin spreads across my face as I see the ability of my new weapon. Hugging the gun like a new toy, I spoke to it, "Oh, I can't wait to use you! Just wait to see the damage you do!"
After a few moments of fawning over the weapon, I looked at the golden skeleton key.
Does the user wish to use Rat King's Dungeon Key? Y/N