Bell Cranel always dreamed of becoming a hero, but reality proved far crueler than his fantasies. Left humiliated and on the brink of death after a fateful encounter with a Minotaur and the adventurer Ais, something deep within him awakens-a power u...
For days, Bell had been grinding in the dungeon, pushing himself to his limits. He had long since left behind the weak monsters of the upper floors, but now, even on the lower levels, his progress was beginning to slow.
However, something had changed. The monsters he faced were growing stronger—subtly at first, just enough for him to notice. Their movements were sharper, their attacks more coordinated. It wasn't enough to be a real threat, but it made the fights more engaging.
At his side, Lili fought alongside him, no longer burdened by the oversized backpack she once relied on. Now wielding her own weapon, she struck with newfound confidence, her movements fluid and precise.
Suddenly, a familiar notification flashed before Bell's eyes.
!Notice [Skill: Speed] has leveled up.
!Notice You have learned [Skill: Vital Strike Lv.1].
!Notice You have learned [Skill: Advanced Dagger Techniques Lv.1].
Bell barely had time to process the messages before another screen materialized.
Bell's form blurred for a moment, his body blending into the dungeon's dim atmosphere. The monsters hesitated, their predatory eyes darting around in confusion. Taking advantage of their uncertainty, Bell downed a mana potion, the cool liquid restoring his reserves.
Then, without missing a beat, he extended his hand.
"Fire Bolt!"
A searing lance of flame erupted forward, engulfing a pack of monsters in a blazing inferno. Their screeches echoed through the cavern before their bodies crumbled to ash.
Lili darted between them, her strikes quick and precise as she felled stragglers with practiced efficiency.
Bell's fingers twitched. He felt something new. A skill waiting to be used.
He surged forward.
[Skill: Vital Strike] activated.
His blade pierced through the monster's hide like paper. The creature let out a strangled gurgle before collapsing, lifeless. The precision was uncanny—he had never been able to strike so lethally before.
Then, another notification.
!Notice [Level Up!]
Bell exhaled sharply, feeling a surge of strength course through him. But then, something unexpected happened.
!Notice The [Player] has reached the required level.
Bell frowned. "Required level?"
A new prompt appeared before him.
!Quest Info You have received a [Job Change Quest].
!Quest Info Accept this quest? [Accept] [Decline]
His breath hitched. "A... job change quest?"
Lili turned toward him, curious, but Bell remained focused on the screen.
After finishing up the last of the monsters, the two finally made their way out of the dungeon. The day had been a resounding success—not just for Bell, but for Lili as well.
She had changed.
Through their time together, her skills had sharpened, her fighting style had become more refined. She was no longer just a supporter. She was a warrior. Her own adventurer.
And as for Bell—he was about to take his next step forward.
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Next: A Noble Challenger Part 2
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Authors Note: The next chapter MIGHT go past 2000 words if I see fit.
Note, 2/28/25. I was going to set the next part to auto update in 24 hours. After consideration, it's 12 hours. It's separated into 2 parts. I can confirm the next part is over 2000 words.
Anyway, what rank do you guys think Baruka would be?
