Congratulations, Precursor!
You have successfully vanquished the Unihare, and completed level 1 of the dungeon.
Your courageous victory has earned you the following rewards:
150XP
10 Gold
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Congratulations
As one of the first 5 Precursors to complete their level 1 dungeon, you have been awarded:
Rewards: 3 x [Rank A] All Heal Potions
Note: [Rank A] All Heal Potions are rare and potent resources typically found in higher level dungeons.
Staring at the glowing screen, the message in front of him was so improbable that Charlie had to read it over again. And again. Ten times he scanned the words, his mind a whirlwind of disbelief and shock. It just didn't add up. How was it possible that he, a sixteen-year-old kid with cerebral palsy and what he assumed were pitifully average gaming stats, had become one of the first five players to conquer the notorious level 1 dungeon? The idea was mind-boggling. After all, he'd taken an entire week of painstaking strategising and relentless grinding to beat the dungeon, he had thought for sure that countless others would have already reached this milestone.
He drew a long, shaky breath, the charged silence of the room echoing around them. "Guys, there's something else I need to share," he said, his voice shaky with the twin shadows of shock and exhilaration that were creeping over him. "I think I understand why I was given those rank A potions. According to this notification, they were a reward for being among the top five players to clear this level 1 dungeon." Ryan, who was leaning against a makeshift table strewn with maps of the game world, looked up, his eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, let me get this straight. You didn't just finish the dungeon, but you were one of the first? Dude, that's incredible!"
Ellie, seated cross-legged, bit her lip, her brows furrowed in confusion. "But I don't get it. Why aren't there more people who've completed it? Are they all just lagging behind, or have they not even ventured into the dungeon?" Charlie shrugged, his voice thick with uncertainty. "Honestly, it's hard to tell. Some might just be taking their time, training their avatars, or they haven't stumbled upon the dungeon yet. But, there's also the chilling possibility that others have tried and failed... maybe some have even died in the attempt." Ryan ran his fingers through his hair, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "But it doesn't make sense, Charlie. If you, with your cerebral palsy, could crack the dungeon's puzzle, shouldn't there be more gamers doing the same?"
Charlie locked eyes with Ryan, his look serious. "We need to remember, Ryan, that the only reason I survived that first encounter with the Unibunny was because of the armour, shield, and the rudimentary weapon training you gave me. Without those... well, I hate to think how things could have turned out." A heavy silence descended on them, the implications of their conversation looming large. The thought of countless gamers possibly perishing in the dungeons was a chilling one. It was a worry that clung to Charlie, his heart pounding at the horrifying possibilities.
But before he could voice his fears, Ellie interjected, her voice cutting through the oppressive silence like a beacon. "Look, guys, I get it. We're all worried. But stewing over whether or not people are dying in the dungeons isn't going to help us. Right now, our focus should be on getting Charlie ready for the next level and helping him grow stronger. We need to make sure he's equipped to face whatever is lurking in there." Her words seemed to reverberate through the room, bouncing off the bare stone walls of their hideout. She was right. They could only control their journey, their readiness. Worrying about the unknown wouldn't do them any good. It was time to focus on what they could influence, and right now, that was ensuring Charlie was ready for the next step in his journey.
Ryan stood still, his attention fully on Ellie as she expressed her concerns regarding Charlie's current training routine. The growing realization was stark and undeniable - the foundational training they'd been doing wasn't going to cut it, not with the looming challenges that the next dungeon stage was sure to present. The ticking clock before the dungeon's ascent to level 2 only added to the immense pressure. The question haunting them was simple yet daunting: How could they expedite Charlie's progression in such a constrained time frame? Finally, Ryan broke the silence, his brows knit in a visible expression of worry. "Ellie's got a point, Charlie. The training you've been doing has been a good start, but it won't cut it for what's coming next. You need to level up."
Charlie, his youthful face etched with a maturity beyond his sixteen years, nodded at Ryan. There was a spark of understanding in his eyes, as if a complex puzzle was starting to make sense. His gaze then swung back to the menacing portal of the dungeon, its enigmatic aura silently beckoning him to take the leap. A rush of determination washed over him, fueling his resolve. "You're right, Ryan," Charlie acknowledged, his voice firm with resolve yet laced with an undertone of apprehension. "I need to return to the dungeon before it levels up."
Ellie's reaction was immediate and fierce. Her face twisted with a mix of fear and anger, the painful memories of Charlie's recent injuries still vivid in her mind. "Have you lost your mind?" she burst out, her voice shaking with pent-up emotions. "You're still healing from the last run! It's far too dangerous!" Ryan, struggling to hide his anxiety, reached out and placed a comforting hand on Charlie's shoulder. His face was etched with worry lines that betrayed his inner turmoil, an honest testament to the deep concern he held for his younger brother. "Charlie, we get it. You want to get stronger. But we can't overlook the risks involved. What if you get hurt? What if it's something you can't recover from?"
Inhaling deeply, Charlie steadied himself. He fully understood the gravity of his decision and the monumental stakes it carried. "I appreciate your concern," he responded, his voice calm yet unwavering. "But I can't let fear control me. My struggle in the dungeon was a result of my low level. If I remain stagnant, the same will hold true for the next stage. If, however, I manage to reach level 2 within the week, I'll be entering the next dungeon stage with a level playing field. That should make the challenges significantly more manageable." His words lingered in the air, infusing the tense silence with a mix of hope and resolve. Charlie understood the perils he faced, but he also recognized the incredible potential for growth and achievement. The spark in his eyes was unwavering as he made his decision, choosing to face the strenuous journey ahead and embrace the challenge, in a bid to find strength amidst adversity.
Tears glistened in Ellie's eyes as they spilled over, painting wet tracks down her cheeks. To Charlie, the sight was a stark and raw reflection of the turmoil within her - a mix of fear and acceptance. It was clear to him that Ellie had made the same connection he had: in this system, not unlike the games they used to play, the quickest route to power was through battle. Despite her visible distress, she nodded, conceding to the reality they were now part of. It wasn't the outcome she had wished for, but she recognized its practicality. As he watched Ellie dry her eyes and take a deep breath, he noted the resolve settling in her features. Their predicament might have mirrored a game, but the stakes were chillingly real. Yet, their gaming experience could provide some valuable insights for survival. Ellie voiced her determination with a steadiness that belied her earlier tears. "Alright," she agreed, resignation threading through her words. "If this is the path we're on, then we need to plan for what's coming. We need to know our needs, consider potential bases, even the possibility of seeking alliances. I'll work on gathering information and strategizing."
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
A surge of gratitude rose within Charlie at Ellie's words. She had always been their strategic linchpin during their Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Now, witnessing her step into the same role in their current, more perilous circumstance, memories of past victories flooded back. He leaned towards Ellie, whispering his heartfelt thanks. "Thank you," he told her, his words warm with sincerity. "Your support means everything to me. There's no better friend I could ask for." Ellie blushed at his words, her whispered reply just audible, "You dummy, of course, I'll always help."
A newfound gravity hung in the air, underscoring the importance of their unity. His gaze drifted between Ellie and Ryan, his mind whirling with questions. "What do we do now?" he asked, anticipating their next steps. Ryan's answer was immediate and pragmatic. "Charlie," he began, seriousness shading his tone, "you've got attribute points that need allocating. Don't forget that. And those notifications, too. You know how much it annoys me when characters in LitRPG books ignore them. They might contain crucial information." Charlie nodded, his mind echoing Ryan's sentiments. He couldn't afford to make the same mistake. Ryan continued, his voice steady and sure. "And don't even think about saving those points for some hypothetical future scenario," he advised. "That would be reckless. Allocate your attributes now. It's the smart move."
Charlie felt a surge of gratitude as he absorbed Ryan's guidance. It resonated with him, making him acutely aware of the need to optimise his attributes and seize every chance for growth. His mind clear, he quickly decided how to allocate his free attribute points. He invested one point into his constitution, hoping it would boost his endurance, and another into his dexterity to heighten his agility. As he finalised his choices, his mind strayed into uncharted territory. With his constitution now closer to that of an average human, he couldn't help but wonder how it would impact his daily life. Would he notice changes in his stamina, resilience, or even his overall health? Simultaneously, his newly enhanced dexterity sparked speculation about the potential benefits it might bring to his hand-eye coordination and intricate motor skills. Could it open doors he hadn't even considered? Could he see improvement in tasks that had once been challenging? He allowed his mind to wander, picturing a future where his movements might be more graceful and effortless.
However, he soon realised these were thoughts for another day. The true effects of his decisions would only be revealed over time. For now, he needed to concentrate on the present. He shifted his focus back to the two notifications awaiting his attention. The first, he found, was a simple update on his "Clear the Dungeon" quest. Upon seeing the remaining time, he was surprised to realise he had spent the entire day inside the dungeon. It explained the gnawing hunger in his stomach and the soft moonlight streaming into the cavern. Above all, it made sense of the fatigue that was now settling in, a heavy blanket coaxing him towards sleep. The trials of the day had taken their toll, and the lure of his comfortable bed felt too inviting to resist.
Deciding to leave the dungeon for the day, he shifted his focus to the final notification. Opening it, he began to read. Almost immediately, he was hit with a wave of shock. The words on the screen held a revelation that turned his world upside down, leaving him speechless. It defied all his expectations, an announcement that was simply too momentous to believe. He sat there, a tempest of thoughts and emotions whirling inside him, too taken aback to utter a word.
Berserker Rage [Rank G]
A formidable skill that taps into a warrior's primal fury.
It enhances strength, speed, and endurance, allowing them to unleash devastating attacks. In this state, pain is ignored, and fear is replaced by unwavering aggression.
However, it comes with risks, such as neglecting defence and leaving the user drained afterwards. It is a potent ability that can turn the tide of battle in the hands of a skilled warrior.
At its current rank activation is automatic, triggered during moments of profound distress or pain.
The pieces began to click into place in Charlie's mind. He realized that his uncontrollable fury during the battle with the Unihare wasn't a sign of his own failing, but the activation of a dormant feat. This revelation brought with it a sense of relief, but it was tinged with an undercurrent of unease. He found comfort in the fact that his outburst wasn't solely a manifestation of his own anger, but the activation of a hidden skill. Yet, he couldn't shake off the unsettling question - had this power been triggered in response to his personal tendency to meet pain with anger?
He grappled with the idea that his fiery temper might have influenced the emergence of this formidable feat. Looking back, he acknowledged the times when his temper had flared up in the face of pain. The possibility of his anger igniting such destructive power, particularly against another human, was a chilling thought. It fuelled his determination to control this newfound strength, to ensure it was harnessed responsibly, only as a desperate measure. Alongside this, Charlie recognized the practical potential of the skill. In dire moments, it could be a game-changer, giving him a boost in strength, speed, and resilience. It could transform a hopeless situation, providing a critical advantage when it was most needed. Though he hoped never to be in a situation where its full force was required, he appreciated the utility of such a power.
Taking a deep breath, Charlie turned towards Ellie and Ryan, the shock still evident in his tone. "You guys won't believe what I just discovered," he started, his eyes mirroring his surprise. Gathering his thoughts, he revealed his secret. "I've gained a new feat... Berserker Rage." He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in before elaborating on its description. As he finished, he watched as Ellie's face lit up in a smile, and Ryan erupted into laughter. Charlie's confusion was evident. He couldn't understand what was so amusing about his revelation. But before he could voice his confusion, Ryan, finally managing to stifle his laughter, began to explain.
Ryan let out a low chuckle, shaking his head with a knowing look on his face. "Man, Charlie, this Berserker Rage feat... it's made for you. Remember all those times you stubbed your toe or bumped into things and then lost it on a chair or something? Seems like some cosmic algorithm took note and decided, 'This kid knows how to direct his anger.'" Ellie snorted, trying to stifle her laughter, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "You have to admit, Charlie, it's sort of a poetic twist. Your bouts with the coffee table weren't pointless after all - they've been training sessions for this very moment."
Charlie's initial shock slowly morphed into a smirk as he processed their jesting. "So, it turns out I've been practicing anger management without even knowing it," he mused, joining in their laughter. "Who would have guessed my clumsiness would yield such unexpected results?" They exchanged shared memories and anecdotes of Charlie's volatile reactions, filling the cave with laughter. The stress of their situation momentarily alleviated by this shared camaraderie.
As fatigue began to pull at Charlie, he yawned widely, prompting Ryan to interject, "Alright, we should head out. We wouldn't want a worn-out Charlie ending up as fodder for some monstrous rabbit." Charlie chuckled, rubbing at his tired eyes. "Yeah, you've got a point," he conceded, his tone carrying a note of light-hearted self-deprecation. "I'm not exactly at my best when I can barely stay awake." With unanimous agreement, they began packing up, ready to leave the cave and head home for some much-needed rest.