Survive the labyrinth with EX-grade traits

There was only one day left until the dungeon entrance opened.

Every few days, I visited the Order when Yeriel was resting.

Through intense sparring with Evelyn, I managed to increase my stamina level.

And…

[You have acquired the trait ‘One-Point Focus’.]

“Haa!”

[Chaos claps her hands in joy.]

Was it due to luck?

Finally, I was able to acquire the trait I had been waiting for during my one-on-one lessons with Roten.

‘…No, it’s not because of luck or any other uncertain factor.’

I trained every day until I collapsed from exhaustion.

Regardless of my infinite mana, sweat dripped from my chin, and my eyes spun from fatigue.

Moreover, because I had been focusing on my right arm so much, my fingers would go numb and my hand would involuntarily open when I swung the sword dozens of times a day.

Sometimes, my arm would cramp, and I would collapse, unable to move my body.

So, this trait… could be considered the fruit of my pure effort, without any external intervention.

________________________________________

[One-Point Focus] [A]

This technique could be called the signature move of the high-floor adventurer Roten.

Originally, it was a technique that allowed the user to stab with a certain amount of mana, delivering a fatal blow, and repeat the attack several times.

However, Roten modified it to suit the user.

A final strike that doesn’t look back.

Now, this will be the new essence of One-Point Focus that the user should strive for.

• The destructive power, penetration, and internal impact of the attack are adjusted based on the amount of mana concentrated in the weapon.
•
• If the attack hits, additional damage is applied, ignoring the enemy’s defense, proportional to the amount of mana used.
•
• The technique puts a massive strain on the weapon.
•
• If the technique is canceled or misses, a backlash proportional to the concentration time and amount of mana is applied to the user’s body and weapon.
•
________________________________________

One-hit kill.

The first word that came to mind after reading the description.

‘I can’t even think of using it unless it’s a critical situation.’

After using the technique, the sword’s blade shatters, and even Barrak will take some time to restore.

Moreover, a stab is an attack that leaves a large opening if it misses.

On top of that, the trait itself has a backlash.

“Your expression and the sound you just made are different, so I assume you’ve acquired it. Did you feel something instinctively engraved in your body?”

“Haha, yes! Finally, it’s done. I almost wasted all that effort and had to enter the dungeon.”

Roten patted my shoulder, seeing my bright smile.

“Hmm. I didn’t expect you to modify my bread and butter in just a few weeks… Your effort and talent are beyond my imagination. You kept collapsing from exhaustion, but you didn’t give up. I’m proud of you.”

“Haha, you’re overpraising me.”

We laughed and enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere.

“Hmm. You should go to bed early. You’re leaving tomorrow, right?”

Yes, I’ll go to bed early today.

I hesitated for a moment, seeing his unusually drooping shoulders, but eventually, I bowed and went upstairs.

As soon as I entered the room, I washed up and sat on the bed. It was the day before entering the dungeon, and various thoughts, both good and bad, came to mind.

“No, I’ve done everything I could. I’ve done my best in every way I could.”

That damn Layer Master.

Even though I personally finished him off, his might continued to haunt my mind throughout my training.

Even if a similar incident happens on the lower floors,

Next time, even without the help of mid-floor adventurers, we’ll have to get through it with our own strength.

[Chaos cheers you on, saying you can do it.]

‘Thank you, Chaos. This time, let’s not stop and keep going.’

Snap!

I shook my head vigorously and lay down, closing my eyes.

.

.

.

The next day, my body felt surprisingly refreshed.

“Haaam. I slept well. I feel great.”

It was morning, and the outside was bustling with adventurers moving around.

The voices of adventurers moving in groups and the sound of several carriages passing by blended together, making me feel excited.

“Alright! We have food, torches, and backup potions of various grades. The clock and compass are in good condition, and the gauntlet has been repaired and equipped.”

After a hearty breakfast, we checked our bags to make sure we didn’t forget anything.

“Hehe, I think we have everything. Let’s go!”

“Yeriel, you seem more excited than usual. Is something good happening?”

“No, it’s just… I think I’ve finally finished being pushed around by my sister. Now, it’s time to show results!”

She was full of enthusiasm. It was a good sight.

Let’s see how much she has improved.

________________________________________

[Yeriel]

[Strength: E] [Agility: E+] [Endurance: E+]
[Stamina: E+] [Mana: D-] [Luck: D+]

[Possessed Traits] (Collapse)

Foundation of Sacred Law
Natural Luck
Devotion
Overcoming Weakness
Touch of Light
Silver Cross Holy Combat Technique

________________________________________

[Silver Cross Holy Combat Technique] [P]

Evelyn, the captain of the Silver Cross Order, gathered as many priests and clerics from the Silver Cross Order and the Church of Light as she could and modified the Holy Combat Technique to suit the user.

During this process, the user throws away their timid and weak nature and trains their mind and body with poison.

Now, she will aim to become a full-fledged priest and more.

• All physical abilities increase by one level.
•
• All actions are boosted when wielding a staff or polearm.
•
• Can directly surround the weapon with converted divine power for attacks.
•
• Simplified sacred law incantations are possible.
•
• Sacred law movement incantations become possible. However, high concentration is required when casting while moving.
•
________________________________________

Wow, the trait was incredible.

Yeriel was like a completely different person compared to a month ago.

This trait, combined with her increased abilities due to training, resulted in most of her physical abilities, which were mostly E-, increasing by one or two levels.

“Yeriel, you’ve worked really hard.”

“Huh? Ah, you saw the trait! Huh. What do you think? Can you keep up with me now?”

Lumia glared at me from the side.

________________________________________

[Lumia]

[Strength: E+] [Agility: E] [Endurance: E]
[Stamina: E+] [Mana: D] [Luck: E-]

[Possessed Traits] (Collapse)

Punishment of Darkness
Dark Magic Proficiency
Mask of Deficiency
Miao Sensitivity
Burning Fighting Spirit

________________________________________

Oh!

Not only did she evolve the trait ‘Foundation of Dark Magic’, but she also increased her mana level, which is extremely difficult to raise from D-rank without special equipment, items, or traits.

Just like how my stamina increased after a lot of effort, Lumia’s mana, the most important attribute for a magician, increased by one level.

She must have practiced magic for several weeks in the inn… It was obvious.

“Lumia, you’ve worked really hard too. Good job! If we return safely this time, let’s go out and explore various places, regardless of what others say.”

Lumia flinched at the suggestion of going out.

“Anyway, the curse doesn’t affect you when you’re with me. Is there somewhere you’ve always wanted to go?”

“Yeah. I’ll go anywhere with you. Just stay by my side.”

“Hmm! We don’t have time for this! Let’s go, or we’ll have to wait in line for hours. Let’s go!”

Yeriel raised her voice, urging us to hurry.

“Tsk.”

Lumia clicked her tongue and muttered something, but I couldn’t hear what she said, so I ignored it.

“Then, we’ll be on our way, Roten. This time, it will take longer than last time.”

“Of course. I know that. I just hope you come back safe and sound. Be careful, everyone.”

We each responded to his concern and left the inn.

‘This is only the second time, but it’s really no joke.’

We got off the carriage early due to the crowd and saw various adventurers, just like last time.

“This time, I’ll definitely pass through the Gate of Proof and get rid of the ‘1st Floor’ tag!”

“Phew. It’s tedious. Do we have to keep going around the same floor and section until we run out of supplies?”

“Let’s go! This time, let’s all work hard and get good items and traits!”

As we waited in line, I thought to myself.

Some guards might be taking bribes, or they might have their own back doors.

I don’t know if there’s some kind of secret agreement under the table, but…

Anyway, among these numerous adventurers, there are human hunters, members of evil-aligned clans, or members of criminal organizations from the 8th district, right?

‘Please, don’t let me get involved with any of them this time. I just want to break my personal record like other adventurers and come out with a lot of loot.’

Whoosh.

Whoosh—!

The surface of the black portal began to ripple and spew out brilliant light.

Soon, a commotion started from the front.

“Please maintain order!”

The line was moving faster and faster.

It wasn’t long before it was our turn, and we showed our plates.

“Party leader Ahren and two others. Confirmed. May fortune be with you on your journey!”

The guard was more friendly than the one from last time, and I thanked him with a bow.

“Then, let’s go.”

I entered the portal without hesitation.

Whoosh—

.

.

.

“Huff.”

‘The nausea is definitely less than last time.’

Although I hadn’t used the portal many times, I was starting to get used to it.

The first floor of the Great Dungeon.

I had returned to the place where I fought desperately.

I braced myself, facing the darkness and the characteristic cool air.

I sharpened my senses, ready for action.

As it was my second time, my judgment was faster than before.

‘First, let’s light a torch.’

I released the hands I had been holding and lit a torch.

Flick.

The light drove away the darkness, giving me a clear view.

“Is everyone okay?”

“Yes! No problem.”

“Me too. Additionally, I don’t sense any presence nearby.”

Good. There were no problems at the start.

I took out the map and started looking around.

“Hmm, according to the map, we seem to have fallen quite deep into the southern section. We’ll probably reach the portal earlier than last time.”

The starting point was not in the central area, which was a good thing.

If I read the map correctly, it would take only three or four days to walk south to reach the portal.

This time, I’ll be able to leave the first floor quickly.

“Everyone, do you still remember what happened on the first floor? Let’s be cautious, but don’t be too scared.”

I turned to Lumia and added, “Since we haven’t recruited an explorer yet, Lumia, you’ll have to work hard again.”

I asked her to let me know right away if she sensed any movement or presence.

“Then, let’s go.”

I took the lead, and the party began to move forward through the darkness.

Thud.

“I sense the presence of monsters ahead. The number is… six.”

I nodded at Lumia’s warning.

On the first floor, the only monster groups are Ratmen and Kobolds, which are low-level monsters.

“Let’s go. We need to move quickly to reach the second floor.”

As we walked forward, we saw Kobolds.

“I’ll go first!”

[Hardening]

[All physical attributes increase by one level.]

I felt a slight surge of power, and my blood boiled.

Now, I could continuously use Hardening without any problems.

‘Now that I’m in the dungeon, I should keep it active at all times, except when I’m sleeping.’

I summoned my greatsword, which I hadn’t used in combat yet.

Kudduk.

I gripped the sword handle with both hands and charged forward.

“Kyaa?”

“Kya!”

The Kobolds noticed me too late and screamed, but it was already too late.

I swung the sword, filled with mana, and cut through the bodies of the two leading Kobolds.

Whoosh!

“Kyaaack!”

“Kyaa!”

The overwhelming difference in strength split the bodies of the two leading Kobolds in half.

Chwaak!

The other Kobolds were startled by the sight of their dead companions.

“Huff!”

I swung the sword again, turning around and slashing horizontally.

Three more Kobolds died with a splash of blood.

“Kya, Kyaa.”

The last Kobold, shaking with fear, started to back away and run.

Hmm? A monster running away?

“The invisible hand that grasps the night.”

[Lugon’s Grip]

Thud.

A black hand appeared in the air, created by Lumia’s incantation, and grabbed the fleeing Kobold.

It squeezed and burst the Kobold, splattering blood and flesh.

The battle ended quickly, and I turned to Lumia and gave her a thumbs up.

Lumia nodded, her face expressionless but proud.

“Good job, both of you! Hmm. I didn’t even need to cast any buffs. I didn’t do anything, did I?”

“Well, it’s not like it’s difficult to fight these first-floor monsters.”

“Hmm. Yeah, my sister also said that it’s better for a priest to stay out of combat in the dungeon!”

Yeriel smiled brightly.

Yes, that’s right. Whether it’s buffs, heals, or shields, a priest is a valuable asset just by existing.

I think they should only act in crucial moments.

‘The same goes for mages. In other words, it’s about role distribution.’

Anyway, the results of our grueling training in the dungeon and the city seemed to show in this battle.

________________________________________

[Ahren]

[Strength: D] [Agility: C-] [Endurance: D]
[Stamina: D+] [Mana: EX] [Luck: D]

[Possessed Traits] (Collapse)

Chaos Eye
Soul of the Chaos Dragon
Weak Authority
One Language
Inconspicuous Concealment
Hardening – Draconic
Purple Lightning
Super Rookie
Evelyn-style – Explosive Sword Technique
Accumulated Malice
Whisper of Wind
Proof of Conquest – First Conqueror
Whisper of the Breeze
One-Point Focus

________________________________________

This was my current status window with Hardening applied.

I clenched my fist and made a vow.

‘I haven’t decided how many floors I’ll go to, but I’m definitely breaking through the third floor, which was my previous record.’

It wasn’t just doable. I was confident that I could reach the third floor without any variables.

“Let’s move on. We have a long way to go.”

I cut off the noses of the dead Kobolds and put them in my bag.

‘Now, nothing can stop me on the first floor, not even the Layer Master. I just need to be careful of humans. Humans!’

I took out my compass and map and headed south with a determined stride.