I opened my eyes and the first thing I did was to check my hand and pockets.

The chocolate bar wasn’t crossed over but both the lighter and the pepper spray was sent over. This was important. This means I can bring weapons small enough to fit in my pocket such as a knife or gun if I somehow get the chance to acquire one.

However the chances of getting a gun was rare and dangerous. Guns are illegal in Canada without a proper license and I’m only 15. My parents would never let me get one.

The bone necklace was still over my neck. But the goblin pouch and the knives weren’t. Unless the item is something is acknowledged by the system, it turns out I won’t be able to bring it with me to the next floors.

My thoughts moved back to the announcement after checking on my mini experiment.

This time it was 4 more explorers being summoned to the third floor but what got me worried was the second part of the message. Explorer elimination test  #1. I didn’t like the sound of that. Not only did it mean that some of us were definitely going to die, there was going to be more in the future.

‘Hm?’

I looked at my status plate and saw fireball next to my skills list. When did I get this? I hovered my finger on top of it and a blue panel popped up in front of me.

[Fireball. Basic offensive magic for fire magicians. Creates a fireball that is discharged to the aimed area.]

Now that I remember, I heard a system announcement after passing the second floor telling me I acquired some skill due to performance evaluation. This must be it.

I was really tempted to try it out. I mean, it was magic! But I knew doing so was incredibly stupid. First it drains my mana and it might cause monsters to gather where I am. Besides, staying low key would help me survive longer. If the fireball turns out to be too strong despite being a basic skill the other explorers might gang up on me. The fireball would be my trump card, against both explorers and monsters.

The third floor was similar to the second floor. The only difference was that the dungeon was brighter lit and had some plants growing on the walls. In addition, the width of the passages were bigger, being a little over 5 meters.

“System, how do I use the fireball skill?”

[Explorer must chant the name of the skill and direct the aim with their hand(s)]

“Is there any hidden pieces on the third floor?”

[Explorer must give 50 achievement points.]

Damn, I only have 40 achievement points. Looks like I’m going to have search for clues myself.

“What’s the explorer elimination test all about?”

[Explorer must give 20 achievement points.]

Hm. I was struggling in the inside. Getting stronger is important and knowing what this elimination test is about is important too. But achievement points don’t appear like leaves falling off a tree and I want to get more hidden pieces that would make me stronger.

“Forget it.”

In the end, I decided not to use the points. Knowing about it probably won’t change what I’m going to experience. I stopped my questioning as well. Last time, the system only let me ask 4 questions and I want to save one question for when I really need to know something.  

Before finding the other explorers I wanted to find a goblin. I needed a weapon and explorers were probably the most dangerous existences on the floor. This was even more important because I know that all the explorers who made it this far killed on the previous floor. In short, we were all murderers. We all experienced the stat boosts from killing one another and we all know that we are going to have to kill even more to survive.

While I was walking forward I arrived at an intersection. There were four other passages that led to the intersection beside mine. I assumed that this is where all the explorers will meet. It was unfortunate that I didn’t encounter any goblins on my way.

From one of the passages appeared a woman who looked to be in her late twenties. She had light brown hair and wore very tight clothing that emphasized her curves. She wore light make-up and was very beautiful.

“Ara? What’s a little kid doing here?”

Before I could say anything three other people arrived at the intersection. When I saw one of the three explorers my eyes widened in shocked.

‘Chris? Why the hell is Chris here?’

Chris also saw me and judging from the look in his eyes, he was also very shocked. But he acted like he didn’t know me and looked elsewhere.

“Two little kids, an old geezer, and ohhhh hello baby.”

The person who spoke was a man who looked to be in his early twenties and had dyed blonde hair. You could tell that it was dyed because he was asian. He had earrings and judging from his looks and comment, you could tell he was a fuckboy.

“Shut up kid. From my point of view, you're still a kid like those two little kids over there.”

The one who spoke was the third explorer who came from the intersections. He looked to be middle aged but had muscles bulging from his clothes. The man had short black hair and his voice was very deep.

“What you say old man? Listen, you go do your thing and I’ll have some fun with hunny over here.”

“Haha. If you’re that desperate then I’ll play with you but I hope you take into consideration the risks involved.”

The woman spoke in a playful tone but I could feel the chilling intent radiating from her. Yea, I can’t lose my guard. These people are all dangerous. Even if I don’t want to believe it, Chris is also a dangerous explorer who killed someone.

[All explorers have met. The explorer elimination test will officially begin]

[In under two hours, please destroy the goblin village located somewhere in the dungeon and pass the floor. If you are unable to complete the test, all explorers will be eliminated]

I wasn’t the only one who received the message, everyone did. We all looked at each other and seemed very confused. I naturally assumed that we were going to be forced to kill one another due to the name of the test but it turns out that we just need to kill the goblins in the dungeon. This shouldn’t be too hard if all five of us cooperate, even if the alliance is at the most surface level.

“I’m guessing that you all got that message. We don’t need to kill each other, so we should all cooperate. That way we can definitely pass the test.”

The middle aged man spoke to all of us. I didn’t disagree with him and I wanted to stay as low key as possible so I just nodded my head to state my opinion.

Chris and the woman agreed too but it seems that the fuckboy has a problem.

“Wow there. Who let you be the leader of all of us. You’re really old so you should let the next generation do the leading and talking. You got that?”

“I don’t care who the leader is. All I’m saying is that we should cooperate and finish this floor.”

“I agree. Let’s first destroy the goblin village before we get into any fights alright?”

The woman looked at the fuckboy with coquettish eyes, managing to persuade him.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“Fine. Since babe over here says so, I’ll let you go old man.”

“Now that we are all in agreement, let’s introduce ourselves, I'll go first. My name is Kelly was you all can see, I’m just a pretty looking girl in this scary dungeon. I’m going to have to rely on all of you to help me pass this floor.”

Kelly finished her introduction with a wink. She tried to portray herself as a weak little girl but we could all blatantly see through it. Chris even rolled his eyes in exasperation. She didn’t even try to hide that she was lying.

“The names Rick. That’s all.”

“Haha, old man you’re so stiff. My name is Jason. I’m probably the strongest here so you all better listen to me. Hehe, and Jenny girl, let’s have some fun after this alright?”

“As long as you can get me out of here safely.”

“Then you better keep your promises babe.”

“My name is Ed. Still in highschool.”

I made my introduction short and simple. I didn’t want to be the last one to introduce themselves because the last one always gives a bigger impression than others.

“Chris. Also in highschool.”

“OK. Now that we all introduced ourselves let’s go kill them goblins. Chris and Ed was it? You guys go walk at the front.”

“Why?”

“You have a problem?”

Jason raised his eyebrows after hearing Chris question him. It was good for me that Chris chose to speak up. Walking at the front was the riskiest due to being defenseless from the back.

“I don’t even trust you people and you expect me to go at the front and risk getting stabbed in the back?”

“What you say? Why would I kill you if there’s clearly no reason to?

“Then why don’t you or the girl go at the front?”

“Hah it’s clearly obvious that you two are the weakest. There’s no merit in killing you so there’s no harm in you going at the front. Me, on the other hand, am the strongest one here which means there’s a lot bigger risk of some of you trying to kill me.”

“What about the girl then?”

“That’s because I’m protecting her and you can’t do anything about it. Listen kid, here only the strong have the right to speak OK? You little kids should just obey what I say.”

“How about you fight me and we’ll see who the real weakling is.

“Alright alright. Let’s just walk together then. You guys can go on and fight after we finish the mission but if we can’t even finish the mission then there’s no point in deciding who’s stronger than who.”

“I agree with the girl. Stop trying to make problems kid.”

“Tsk. You got lucky. And don’t call me kid old man.”

With the problem solved we started searching for goblins. No one said much except for Jason who kept flirting with Kelly. I wanted to talk to Chris but the situation didn’t allow for that.

“Goblin.”

Chris suddenly spoke and caused Jason to finally shut up.  True to his word, there were 5 goblins that appeared in front of our group. 2 male goblins and one female goblin. I could tell that they were the experienced kind because they didn’t charge at us right away and examined us from a distance. But what caught my attention was one of the male goblins. Unlike the rest, he carried a cold bloodthirsty gaze. He didn’t make any unnecessary movements and emitted an aura of intimidation.

“Finally, three goblins. Anyone want to fight them?”

“I’ll go.”

“I’ll also go.”

Rick and Chris both volunteered to fight. Even though I needed a weapon I didn’t think it was worth showing off my abilities to the others.

“Alright. I’ll go too, just to stretch my body. Ed, stay behind and protect Kelly.”

After saying what he wanted to say, Jason, Chris, and Rick started fighting the goblins. Jason and Chris got the normal ones but RIck ended up fighting the irregular one.

“Are you really scared or are you trying to find an opportunity?”

“What?”

I was surprised at Kelly’s sudden question. Did I end up standing out by trying to stay too low key?

“You’re too quiet and agree to whatever Jason says. Normally I would think that you’re scared of him but your eyes don’t show any fear.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but aren’t you trying to use him to pass this floor?”

“Well no duh. Isn’t it obvious?”

“...”

I didn’t know what to say to that, this girl was too shameless. I ended up ignoring her and looking at the fight.

Jason and Chris were finishing their fights. Jason was dodging all the attacks from the goblin and countering with his punches. Chris was doing the same but you could tell that Jason was a lot more experienced. Rick on the other hand seemed to be struggling. He already got cut a couple times and only got around two hits in. Disregarding the fact that the goblin was stronger than the other ones, his small figure allowed him to have the advantage against Rick.

“Old man you still fighting?”

Jason finished his fight by grabbing the arm of the goblin and breaking it. He then took the knife and cut the monster’s throat. Chris also finished moments after Jason by kicking the goblin to the ground then kicking the head until it fell unconscious. He took the knife and stabbed the neck of the goblin.

I could tell that Jason was experienced. His punches were precise and always hit. His movements were smooth and he disabled the goblin and cut him like it seemed natural. Compared to him, Chris seemed a lot less refined but I could tell that he was more experienced at fighting than me.

“Fuck! Help me kill this thing!”

Rick yelled in anger. But before anyone could do anything the goblin suddenly threw his knife and stabbed Rick in the stomach. He then tried to kill Rick but Jason blocked the monster and forced it back. The goblin knowing that it wouldn’t stand a chance without his knife, started retreating.

“Old man you ok?”

“Fuck. I have a knife in my stomach and you’re asking me if I’m ok?”

“Man, no need to be so angry at me. I saved your damn life.”

“He got stabbed in the stomach. There’s no point in keeping him alive.”

At Chris’s harsh words the surroundings became silent. It was true, I was thinking of the same thing. Rick would only be a burden and killing him for stat points would be a lot more useful.

“What did you say you bastard? You want to kill me?”

“Your life has no value. You’re injured and bringing you along will only be a burden. Killing you would be much more helpful at this point.”

“For a little kid you’re pretty cold aren’t ya.”

“Fuck. If you think of killing me then come! I’ll teach all of you a lesson!”

Rick backed away from our group while swinging his arms. Truth to be told, Rick was already dead in my mind. The only question was who would kill him, Jason or Chris? Kelly stayed still and paid no attention to Rick. I couldn’t try to kill him either otherwise it would completely break the small alliance we have and make it every explorer for themselves.

“Alright, I agree with you. But I’m going to be the one to kill him.”

“You’re not necessarily stronger than me, I will be the one to kill him.”

“You bastards, who’s killing who?”

“Shut up old man and stay still. You’re gonna die anyways so just let us kill you so we can live longer.”

“You? Kill me? Hahaha!”

“Did you finally lose it? Why are you laughing so hard?”

“I really didn’t want to do this. Hehe..but since you all want to kill me, then I won’t hold back!”

I was suspicious at what Rick was trying to do. However the moment I saw him put his hands together I felt goosebumps go up my back. I quickly jumped to the ground away from the direction of his hands.

“LIGHTING BALL!”

ZIIGIIGGGIGIGGG

I saw a bright flash of blue appear in front of my eyes accompanied with screams of pain. Jason had half of his body burnt while Chris completely lost one of his arms. Yet it didn’t end there, with blood dripping from his lips and stomach Rick casted the spell again.

“HAHAHA! LIGHTNING BALL!”

I could see Chris try to dodge while Jason couldn’t move.

Bright light appeared again and when it dissipated Jason’s body was completely burnt black on top of a pool of blood. He was dead.

“Hahakek. You fuckers, thought you could..cough.. kill me...Haha.”

Chris managed to survive but I could see that he injured his leg. He was leaning on the dungeon wall trying to endure the pain and block more blood from coming out of his arm.

“Haha. One more...cough..ugh..hehe..”

Rick put his hands together once more and aimed at Chris.

“Light...lighting ball!”

“....”

“What? Lightning ball! Cough...cough”

He was out of mana! This was my chance! I made a mad dash towards Rick while he was coughing up blood. When I got near him he aimed his hands at me but I didn’t care. I knocked his hands away and punched him in the face. Due to being already exhausted he fell in one hit. I pulled the knife out of his stomach then stabbed him right in his heart.

Rick’s eyes opened wide. He tried to say something but his throat was clogged with blood. I looked straight at Rick and saw his fear and unwillingness to die.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve got no choice.”

I said these last words to him as I felt his body stop moving. His eyes became unfocused and his head tilted to the side.

[Due to murdering another explorer, explorer Ed will gain one-tenth of their total stats allocated randomly]

[Due to murdering another explorer during the explorer elimination test, explorer Ed will gain one-fifth of their total stats as stat points.]

[Due to murdering another explorer during the explorer elimination test, explorer Ed will gain increased skill proficiencies or skills depending on the murdered explorer]

[Basic Knife mastery increased to 7]

[Pain resistance increased to 7]

[Magic resistance increased to 3]

[Explorer Ed has gained ‘Basic Fighting Experience’]

[Agility and Dexterity has both been raised by 1 due to ‘Basic Fighting Experience’]

[Explorer Ed has gained ‘Basic Magic Mastery: 1’]

[Intelligence has been raised by 1 due to ‘Basic Magic Mastery’]

[Magic power has been raised by 4 due to ‘Basic Magic Mastery’]

[Name: Ed]

[Age: 15]

[Species: Human]

[Occupation: None]

[Subclass: None]

[Titles: Psychopath]

[Traits: Barbaric, Bloodthirsty]

[Strength:15 (1)]

[Intelligence:12]

[Agility:11 (1)]

[Endurance: 10]

[Physique:10]

[Vitality:10]

[Dexterity:12]

[Perception:10]

[Concentration:9]

[Magic Power:25]

[Charm:4]

[Luck:11]

[Skills (P): Basic knife mastery: 7, Pain resistance: 7, Magic resistance: 3, Clarity: 4, Basic magic mastery: 1]

[Skills (A): Fireball]

[Stat points: 28]

[Skill points: 0]

[Achievement points: 40]

[Items: Bone necklace]

[Affinity: Fire ( C )]