Charlie stepped out of the glowing portal, and a triumphant smile painted his face. He felt the satisfactory surge of success as he completed yet another dungeon run, what was now his fifth this week. His heart was still pounding from the intense encounter, a testament to the thrill and unpredictability of his journey. Tomorrow would bring forth the progression of the dungeon to a higher level, promising even tougher adversaries and complex terrains to navigate. It was a prospect that both excited and terrified him. Looking back on his experiences, Charlie had come a long way from his initial encounter with the boss-level Unihare. Once a symbol of imminent danger, a fierce beast he could barely withstand, the Unihare had now become a familiar rival. The once daunting task of battling it had become an achievable feat, a testament to his refined tactics and burgeoning skills. Each confrontation with the creature pushed Charlie to adapt, evolve, and execute strategies with a precision that he hadn't known he was capable of. No longer was he the greenhorn fumbling with his weapon, his hands shaking with fear.
In fact, the sight of the Unihare now seemed to ignite a spark within him, a firm resolve to conquer the dungeon and its beasts. Each successful encounter chipped away at the wall of self-doubt he had built around himself, gradually replaced by a burgeoning confidence that seemed to radiate from him with every successful dungeon run.
As Charlie walked towards the campsite, he noticed the tendrils of smoke wafting from the open fire, the mouth-watering aroma of Ellie's cooking reaching his nostrils. His stomach gave a rumbling growl of appreciation. He chuckled to himself, thinking of the look on Ellie's face when he suggested packing his dad's chilli con carne for their camping trip. It was a good thing that his parents had been completely supportive of the adventure. As long as he was with Ryan, Ellie, and the others, they seemed to think that this was an excellent opportunity for him to step out of his comfort zone, to live a little. And truthfully, it had been. If someone had told him a few weeks ago that he'd willingly give up the comfort of his bed for a sleeping bag under the stars, he would've laughed. But here he was, stepping out of his shell, pushing his boundaries, and growing as an individual. His parents had been right, after all. It was about time he embraced the world beyond his bedroom, and in the process, he had found more than just courage. He had found a part of himself he hadn't known existed.
Charlie made his way towards the camp, the enticing scent of Ellie's culinary efforts wafting into his nostrils. As he drew closer, the all-too-familiar sounds of the campsite— the crackle of the campfire, the occasional clatter of pots and pans, and the hum of conversation— filled his ears. His sudden arrival took Ellie by surprise, causing her to spin around from where she had been stirring a simmering pot. "Hey, Charlie!" she greeted, her face lighting up with a genuine smile, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the cooking fire. "I just started making dinner, but it won't be ready for a while. Just a bit more time."
Charlie couldn't suppress the disappointed rumble that escaped his stomach. He chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, I thought dinner was almost ready. The smell had me fooled." A soft, melodic laugh escaped Ellie as she resumed her stirring. "Sorry to disappoint, but trust me, it'll be worth the wait." Settling down near the warmth of the crackling campfire, Charlie studied Ellie's back as she focused on her cooking. He couldn't help but admire her in the flickering light, the fire casting a warm glow on her face. Ellie turned her attention back to him, her brow furrowed in a question. "So, how was the dungeon run?"
A sense of pride swelled within him as he nodded in affirmation, his chest puffing out slightly. "It was a tough run, but I managed. It's getting a bit easier each time." His eyes scanned their surroundings, finally landing back on Ellie. "Where's Ryan?" Ellie glanced up at Charlie, her hands still busy with the cooking. "Oh, he went off to gather the rest of our supplies for the weekend. He shouldn't be gone too much longer." A sense of trepidation fluttered in his stomach, the thought of being alone with Ellie stirring a mix of anticipation and fear. His mind flashed back to the advice his mother had given him: there would never be a perfect time to express his feelings. But he couldn't bring himself to confess his feelings to Ellie, not here in a damp cave, despite the picturesque surroundings.
Letting out a resigned sigh, Charlie offered to help Ellie with the cooking. Ellie shook her head, casting him a grateful smile. "Thanks, Charlie. But it's just reheating. I've got it under control. Why don't you take care of your notifications while we wait for Ryan?" With a nod, Charlie got up from the campfire, unable to shake off the tingling sense of unease that lingered. "Alright, I'll check on my notifications then." As he retreated, he couldn't help but throw a lingering glance back at Ellie, his heart aching with the words left unspoken.
Congratulations, Precursor!
You have successfully achieved enough experience to reach Level 2.
Due to your [Rank C] potential, you have been awarded 2 free attribute points.
Remember, these attribute points are valuable resources, so choose wisely when allocating them. Your choices will shape your path through the dungeon and determine your effectiveness in overcoming future challenges.
Strive, Survive and Thrive
As Charlie's eyes skimmed over the notification flashing on his screen, a rush of familiar sensation swept over him. It was akin to the euphoric feeling he had first experienced when he'd levelled up for the first time—an undeniable physical pleasure that made him feel as if he was basking in warm sunlight. A delightful tingling started at the top of his head, sweeping down his body in waves, the sensation leaving him momentarily breathless. It was an intense yet gratifying representation of the progress he had made, a tangible indication of his character's growth and his own personal achievements. For a brief moment, a sliver of concern wedged itself into his mind. Could this feeling be addictive? Could he find himself hopelessly chasing after it, striving to level up solely for the rush that it brought? But almost as quickly as the thought had manifested, Charlie pushed it away. Now was not the time to worry about potential future problems. Right now, his focus was on survival, on improving his skill and making sure he lived to fight another day.
Turning his attention back to the notification, Charlie considered his options. With two attribute points at his disposal, he had a critical decision to make. Remembering the recent battles he'd fought, he made a calculated choice to increase his dexterity. The importance of agility and precision in his combats was not lost on him. Each battle with the Unihare had emphasized the need for quick, precise movements. Increasing his dexterity would enhance his overall combat effectiveness, enabling him to outmanoeuvre his opponents and land accurate hits.
With his second attribute point, Charlie decided to invest in strength. The choice felt empowering but also somewhat daunting. He understood the implications of this decision. More strength would mean he could land heavier blows, endure more punishment, and stand his ground in even the toughest battles. It was a significant step towards becoming a formidable opponent. As he allocated his attribute points, a quick inspection of his digital self brought on a sense of mild disappointment. Despite the increase in his stats, he could detect no immediate physical changes. His muscles didn't bulge, and he didn't suddenly feel like he could lift boulders.
Charlie made the decision to dismiss his armour and weapons, summoning the convenience of his inventory ring. The equipment dissolved seamlessly into a shimmering liquid metal, flowing into the ring like a stream finding its way home. In place of the weighty gear, he was left clad in what had become his "Battle Gear". Ellie watched from the corner of her eyes, her gaze widening in fascination at the display of magical prowess. Despite their time together, she admitted she still found the magic an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
Charlie reclined onto one of the camp chairs encircling the portable barbecue, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. His attire comprised a pair of rugged tan Under Armour tactical boots, specifically chosen for their durability and ankle support for his dungeon expeditions. Black cargo trousers hung on his waist, the loose fit ensuring agility during battles, while an array of pockets offer handy storage for trinkets and small items. To stave off chills during the night and heat during rigorous activity, Charlie sported a long-sleeved tan HeatGear compression top, designed for excellent moisture-wicking abilities. Finishing off the ensemble, a pair of UA liner gloves adorned his hands, their silicone grips ensuring his weapon wouldn't slip during tense combat situations.
Ellie had good-naturedly teased him the first time he donned the outfit, jesting that he looked like a walking Under Armour advertisement. Charlie had taken it in stride, laughing along with her. His unapologetic attire was a result of a sweet online deal he'd stumbled upon, which enabled him to get all his gear from a single store. More than just the aesthetic, he wanted his everyday clothes to remain undamaged during the often intense dungeon runs—a decision solidified after the misadventures of his first dungeon foray. As he sunk further into his chair, the comfort of his 'battle gear' took him by surprise. He chuckled at the thought of strolling down his local high street in it, causing a stir among the onlookers. But sitting there, with Ellie's soft humming serenading the air, he realized how remarkably comfortable he felt.
The melodic hum, the crackle of the campfire, the sizzling sounds from the BBQ, and the echoes of the cave lured him into a serene slumber. His recent dungeon exertions catching up to him, Charlie's eyelids grew heavy, his mind embracing the soothing tranquillity of the campsite. As his consciousness ebbed away, the strains of the day's activities gave way to deep, peaceful relaxation, his thoughts unravelling into a tapestry of dreams.
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Charlie's peaceful slumber was abruptly shattered as he was roused by hushed and frantic whispers. Shaking off the vestiges of sleep, his senses were met with the tense exchange between Ellie and Ryan. Their voices were low, the urgency in their tone setting his nerves on edge. In his groggy state, he grappled to make sense of the situation. The distinct sound of scraping against the cave floor nudged his consciousness further into alertness, prompting his instincts to surface. Springing into action from his previously relaxed state, Charlie rose from his camp chair in a swift, disoriented blur. With a mere thought, he summoned his short sword, the liquid metal morphing into a hardened Damascus steel blade in his grip. His body moved on autopilot, spinning to confront the unknown threat, his mind racing to catch up with his sudden actions. The aggressive strike, executed with lethal precision, came to an abrupt halt, the edge of his blade poised just a whisper away from Carter's exposed neck. Recognition flickered in his eyes, washing over him like a bucket of cold water.
Carter recoiled in shock, his eyes widened with disbelief. His perception of Charlie had always been that of a friend limited in mobility due to cerebral palsy. The rapid reflexes he displayed were nothing short of astounding. The recognition was mutual. Carter's eyes flickered over Charlie's transformed physique, noting the newfound confidence, the slightly toned musculature, and the almost imperceptible tremor in the hand that held the sword. "Holy shit," Carter blurted, his voice a mix of awe and fear, "You almost fucking killed me!"
The echoes of Carter's outburst hung in the air, amplifying the silence within the cave. Guilt welled up within Charlie, a heavy tide threatening to overwhelm him as he stared down the length of his sword at a shaken Carter. His impulsive action had brought him dangerously close to causing grave harm to his friend. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he dismissed the sword back into his inventory ring, his hand now empty and raised in a placatory gesture. "I'm sorry, Carter," Charlie's voice came out softer, laced with regret, "I didn't know it was you." Carter nodded in response, the fear gradually ebbing away from his features. Charlie's brow furrowed, his concern audible as he asked, "But what the hell are you doing here?"
A flicker of realization washed over Charlie, as he pieced together the whispered exchange between Ellie and Ryan. It was about Carter. Swivelling around, his eyes met Ellie and Ryan's, their shocked expressions reflecting the severity of the situation. Drawing in a deep, grounding breath, Charlie's voice cut through the thick silence, the exasperation and bewilderment apparent. "Okay, can someone fill me in on what the hell is going on here?" The urgency in his voice carried through the cave, pressing the need to decipher the peculiar chain of events.
Ryan broke the uneasy silence, guilt etched onto his features. "Charlie, I ran into Carter while I was out getting our supplies," he began. His voice teetered on the edge of regret. "I tried to assure him you'd get back to him later, but he was pretty insistent." Carter chimed in, his voice a mix of concern and annoyance. "Charlie, I've been trying to reach you for days. You've been MIA all week. I was worried. And no one was picking up their phones!" Ryan took up the narrative again, explaining how he was oblivious to Carter's tail until he arrived back at the cave minutes ago.
Carter, emboldened after surviving the harrowing incident, began to narrate his side of the story. He explained how both he and Tyler had tried to reach out to the group, only to face a wall of silence. The unanswered calls left them anxious and confused. It was then that Charlie's realization hit him hard - his phone had been tucked away in his inventory ring all this time and had slipped his mind. His focus on training and dungeon expeditions had superseded everything else, rendering his phone unnoticed. Carter's voice, now filled with a newfound sense of urgency, broke Charlie's self-reproach. He drew a deep breath, his tone demanding, "Alright, I've got three questions I need answers to. First, since when did you become a ninja, Charlie? I've known you forever, and I've never seen you move like that. Second, where did that damn sword come from? One second your hand was empty, and the next there's a sword. And lastly, what the actual fuck is that?" His hand was trembling slightly as he pointed to the portal, his eyes wide in disbelief.
Charlie released a heavy breath, he could feel the enormity of the responsibility that had descended upon him. His eyes darted towards Ellie and Ryan, seeking their silent support before he redirected his gaze back to Carter. A flicker of determination ignited in his eyes as he prepared to unravel the mysteries that had begun to shape their lives. "Carter," Charlie began, his voice steady, "there's a lot we need to catch you up on. This all started about two weeks ago when I got this... this notification. It just appeared in my field of vision out of nowhere, like some sci-fi movie HUD. It talked about something called the Precursor Initiation Protocol." As he delved into his experience, Charlie recounted how he had inadvertently accepted the protocol during a surprising interaction with Ellie's brother. He detailed the transformative effects the protocol had on him, how he had suddenly been granted a stat sheet and found himself capable of tweaking his attributes, which led to the enhanced speed and strength that Carter had just witnessed.
Pausing for a moment, Charlie extended his hand, displaying the intricate design of the inventory ring adorning his finger. He explained the ring's function as a convenient storage space, and how it allowed him to store and summon weapons, armour, and a plethora of other items. As he detailed the phenomenon of his materializing sword, he described how the liquid metal sprung from the ring, coalescing into the formidable Damascus steel blade.
Charlie's voice took on an even more grave tone as he warned Carter about the imminent danger they faced. He explained the existence of a terrifying deadline: they had a mere two and a half months to destroy the dungeon that was now making its ominous presence felt within their quiet town. If they failed, Charlie warned, a wave of lethal dungeon creatures would flood their world, causing untold destruction and chaos. Charlie shared his fears about other unsuspecting Precursors around the world, who might already be grappling with dangerous situations. He stressed the dire need to prepare for the battle that loomed in their future, understanding the importance of the precious time they had. The dungeon they were pitched against was a formidable adversary, housing an array of deadly creatures and unknown perils. The necessity of equipping themselves for this monumental challenge was crystal clear to him.
Finally, Charlie revealed the sobering fact that only a handful of Precursors worldwide had managed to conquer even the first level of their respective dungeons. It was a chilling reality that highlighted the monumental task they had been unwittingly thrust into. As he completed his narrative, he noticed Carter's eyes, widened in disbelief. His friend seemed to grapple for words, struggling to reconcile this shocking revelation with the reality he was familiar with. The plethora of emotions that flashed across Carter's face, doubt, confusion and a dash of fear made Charlie aware of the burden of knowledge that had been thrust upon his friend. He knew that the depth of the situation would be difficult for Carter to comprehend, a stark departure from the routine lives they had been living until now. The extraordinary circumstances that had now enveloped their lives would undoubtedly require some time to fully process.
However, as the shock wore off, something shifted in Carter's eyes. The doubt began to ebb away, replaced by a glimmer of understanding. Carter was beginning to piece together the puzzle, the visible evidence coupled with Charlie's candid disclosure made it impossible to deny the truth. Carter seemed to come to grips with the overwhelming information, his disbelief gradually giving way to acceptance. It was as if he was mentally wrestling with this bizarre new reality, trying to reconcile it with the world he had always known. His face no longer reflected pure shock but a quiet acknowledgement of the extraordinary situation they were ensnared in. Amidst the acceptance, there was a twinge of disappointment on Carter's face, a silent question about why he and Tyler had been left out of this crucial information. Before he could voice his feelings, Charlie let out a chuckle. His voice, filled with friendly tease, broke the tense atmosphere, "You think you're pissed off now, imagine if I'd told you about this out of the blue two weeks ago. Would you have believed me, or just thought I'd lost my mind?"
Before Carter could retort, Ryan chimed in, supporting Charlie's assertion, "I can tell you for sure that when Charlie first told me, I seriously thought he'd lost the plot. It took a while for everything to sink in, you know." Despite the gravity of the situation, their banter brought a familiar comfort, lightening the mood. A sense of resolve was beginning to take shape in Carter's demeanour. He looked at Charlie, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and worry, "So what's the plan? What are we going to do about this?"
Ellie, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her calm demeanour adding a sense of stability. "For the time being," she started, "we need to prepare and back up Charlie as much as we can. We're dealing with a countdown here, but only Charlie can enter the dungeon. Believe me, Ryan's already tried."
The cave, which had just minutes ago been a stage for a dramatic revelation, transitioned into a more familiar setting. Ellie announced that the food was ready, providing a much-needed break from the intense discussion. The group gathered around their makeshift dining table, the enticing aroma of the freshly cooked meal offering a sense of normalcy in an otherwise extraordinary situation. As they settled down to eat, the conversation slowly shifted to strategic planning. The cave's muted lighting created an intimate atmosphere, a setting where they could discuss their next steps, and their roles in the daunting challenge that lay ahead. For the moment, they had set aside their fear and confusion, their focus solely on how they could prepare and support each other in the days to come.