Emerging from the dungeon's shadowy depths, Midas squinted as sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, casting intricate patterns on the ground. "Ah, daylight," he murmured, stretching his limbs. "I was beginning to think I'd never see you again."

A familiar chime resonated in his mind.

DING!

Congratulations! You've leveled up.

Current Level: 60

Midas couldn't suppress a grin. "Level 60? At this rate, I'll be challenging the king by week's end."

He took a moment to assess his progress. The dungeon had been a relentless gauntlet, but the rewards were undeniable. Alongside the significant level boost, a new skill had etched itself into his repertoire.

New Skill Unlocked: Celestial Armor

Summon a protective armor forged from the stars themselves. Provides enhanced defense and a 10% chance to reflect damage back to the attacker.

"Celestial Armor," Midas mused. "Wonder what Mori and others would think of this."

With a thought, he activated the skill. Ethereal light swirled around him, coalescing into a radiant armor that shimmered with the brilliance of a thousand constellations. He admired the spectacle, the ethereal runes on his arms and feet were breathtaking.

"Perhaps I should charge admission," he chuckled.

As he reveled in his newfound skill, a rustling from the nearby bushes caught his attention. A group of goblins emerged, their beady eyes narrowing as they spotted him. One, presumably the leader, brandished a rusty dagger and sneered.

"Look, lads! A lone wanderer ripe for the picking!"

Midas sighed, rolling his eyes. "Really? I just escaped a dungeon's clutches. Must I now contend with you lot?"

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The goblins charged, weapons raised. Midas stood his ground, a smirk playing on his lips. As the first goblin lunged, his Celestial Armor flared, reflecting the attacker's blow back upon itself. The goblin yelped, stumbling backward.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with sharp objects?" Midas quipped.

With swift movements, he dispatched the remaining goblins, the combination of his enhanced level and new skill making quick work of the would-be assailants. As the last goblin fell, Midas dusted off his hands.

"Well, that was hardly a challenge."

He glanced back at the dungeon entrance, then at the path ahead. The world was vast, filled with challenges and adventures waiting to be tackled. And with his recent gains, Midas felt more than ready to face them.

"Onward and upward," he declared, setting off with renewed vigor. "Let's see what else this realm has in store."

As Midas navigated through the familiar forest path, the sounds of nature enveloped him—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant murmur of a flowing stream. It wasn't long before he spotted a clearing ahead, where three familiar figures awaited.

Boreas, ever the vigilant leader, was the first to notice his approach. "Look who decided to grace us with his presence," he called out, a hint of relief in his voice.

Mori turned, her eyes lighting up. "Midas! We were beginning to think the dungeon had claimed you."

Neres, lounging against a tree with his bow resting beside him, smirked. "Took your time, didn't you? Did you stop for a nap?"

Midas chuckled, spreading his arms wide. "Miss me that much? I had to make a grand entrance."

As he joined his companions, Boreas's gaze sharpened. "You've changed."

Midas raised an eyebrow. "Is that your way of saying I look more dashing?"

Mori stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she assessed him. "No, he's right. Your aura... it's different. Stronger."

Neres nodded in agreement. "And that armor... it's like nothing I've ever seen."

Midas glanced down at his Celestial Armor, the ethereal glow still faintly visible. "Ah, this? Just a little something I acquired in the dungeon."

Boreas crossed his arms, a serious expression settling on his face. "Level 60, isn't it?"

Midas met his gaze, nodding slowly. "Yes."

Mori's eyes widened. "That's... remarkable. Most humans don't reach beyond level 50."

Neres whistled softly. "You're full of surprises, Midas."

Midas shrugged, trying to keep the mood light. "What can I say? I'm an overachiever."

Boreas's expression softened, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "We're glad to have you back. And stronger than ever, it seems."

Mori placed a hand on Midas's shoulder. "Just promise us one thing."

"What's that?" Midas asked, tilting his head.

"Don't venture into dungeons without us," she said, her tone half-teasing, half-serious.

Neres chuckled. "Yes, we wouldn't want you hogging all the glory."

Midas grinned. "Deal. Next time, we face the challenges together."

"But what about the chest? What happened when you touched it" Mori asked.

Midas then explained the various layers of the Arena, and how the challenges got more difficult with each layer.