Ashan fell into deep thought, the cavern's dim light casting long shadows as he weighed his options. The mission alert hovered in his mind like a tempting lure.
'My friend? Ahh.. It's Nevil. From the previous owner's memories, I saw him countless times. He is a loyal companion, always by his side in training and adventures. If he's still alive, I must save him. That sub-mission feels personal, a chance to honor the body's past.'
'But should I accept the main mission? My heart tells me to go for it because the Mangekyou Sharingan is too priceless to ignore. It's from Itachi, a legendary eye technique that could grant immense power, controlling minds or unleashing devastating illusions. Since there are no penalties for failure, why not give it a try? The rewards for kills could rack up points, and clearing the dungeon might be the key to unlocking more abilities. Plus, with my new powers, I feel invincible. The vampire queen sounds tough, but I'm ready.'
....
Thud.. thud..
Only Ashan's footsteps echoed through the winding dungeon corridors, the sound bouncing off the cold stone walls. The air was thick with the stench of blood and decay, remnants of past battles.
'Where is he? I can't find any trace of him. He scanned the ground, his enhanced senses picking up faint vibrations.'
Suddenly, he noticed fresh blood splattered on the floor, glistening under the faint glow of embedded mana stones. He quickly knelt and touched it, his fingers coming away sticky.
'It's still warm. I still have hope.' His pulse quickened as he followed the trail, each drop a breadcrumb leading him forward.
Finally, he spotted a body slumped against the wall.
'There he is. It's him.'
Ashan rushed over and checked Nevil's condition. The young man was pale, his breathing shallow, wounds crisscrossing his arms and torso from what looked like beast claws. Blood pooled beneath him, his clothes torn and soaked.
'Not good. He's become so weak from blood loss. He needs treatment ASAP, or he'll die. '
Ashan placed both hands on Nevil's chest and activated his Nature Blessing healing skill. A soft green glow emanated from his palms, seeping into Nevil's body. Little by little, the surface wounds began to close, but the deeper issues, internal bleeding and anemia remained untouched.
'It seems like my healing skill can't regenerate blood. Well, this is a low-ranking skill anyway. No time to waste.'
Ashan opened the system store, quickly purchasing the healing potions. He grabbed one, popping the seal, and poured the green liquid into Nevil's mouth.
Nevil coughed weakly but swallowed. A vibrant green light enveloped his body, his pale face flushing with color as wounds vanished, strength returning to his limbs.
—------------------------------------------------
..Sub-mission completed..
Rewards - Fire Ball technique
—-------------------------------------------------
Nevil slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the light. He saw Ashan hovering over him with a relieved smile, and his heart nearly stopped. He grabbed Ashan's arm, pinching hard to check if he was hallucinating.
Tears welled up in Nevil's eyes as he pulled Ashan into a tight hug.
"H-How in the world? I thought you were dead. The hellhound... it attacked, and you fell... I ran, thinking you were gone."
Before coming, Ashan had already crafted a story to avoid suspicion. If he revealed the full truth about transmigration and the system, it might complicate things. Even though second awakenings were rare, they happened in near-death situations, people gaining new powers after brushes with mortality. It was believable enough. It is the best option.
"Oh.. that's what happened. You re-awakened and got a self-healing ability. That's amazing. You're seriously lucky. Anyway, let's escape from this hell."
"Come with me. I remember the exit route." Nevil stood shakily, wiping his tears, eager to leave the nightmare behind.
Ashan grabbed Nevil's shoulder firmly.
"I can't, Nevil. I can't go." His voice was steady, but his eyes held resolve.
"What do you mean you can't go?" Nevil frowned, confusion turning to worry.
"I have to clear this place. Alone." The words hung heavy in the air.
"Hey, have you finally lost your mind after getting hit on your head? How the hell are you going to clear this place? And alone? Stop saying nonsense." Nevil's voice rose, panic creeping in.
"I'm serious, Nevil. I have no choice." Ashan's tone left no room for argument.
"Don't be a fool. I know we need money to enter the awakeners' academy, that's why we came here. But what can you gain if you die here? The academy isn't everything. We still have other ways." Nevil pleaded, his fists clenched.
"I'm not going to change my decision. I will clear this place, but you need to go out." Ashan turned away, but Nevil grabbed his arm.
Nevil started to shake in anger. "You are a fucking idiot."
Sigh.. He exhaled deeply, then fixed Ashan with a serious expression. "Then I will come too."
Ashan shook his head inwardly. "No, I will do this alone. I can't risk your life. You almost died."
"Oi, if you want to go, I'll come too. We came here together. I can't drop you out like nothing happened. I'll follow you even if you curse me." Nevil's eyes burned with determination.
Ashan stared at him, then activated his Third Eye ability. A panel appeared above Nevil's head, revealing his stats.
—-----------------------------------------------
Name - Nevil Arashahn
Age - 24
[Power rank - D]
[Specialty - Combat Fighter]
[Strength - 25]
[Stamina - 20]
[Endurance - 17]
[Agility - 21]
[Other powers and skills]
<> Power punch - C
Increase the punching effects by three folds
<> Double Slash - D
Give a shared balance to wield two swords a time and launch two attacks at a time
<> threat detection - D
Ability to sense upcoming enemy's difficult level and attacks beforehand
—---------------------------------------------
'Hmm.. He does have some skills that might help me. Since I'm pretty much stronger now, I'm capable of protecting him too. So he won't be a problem. In danger, we have to fight together. If that's the case..'
After thinking it over, Ashan nodded.
"Alright, then let's do this together. I gained a good skill that will help us fight."
"Huh? What is that?" Nevil tilted his head, curious.
Ashan gave a playful smile. In an instant, their positions switched at blinding speed. Nevil's mental state shook from the sudden swap, his world spinning.
"Wow.. what the fuck? How did you do that? Is that teleportation? That's not a skill even A-rankers possess. You're amazing."
Nevil steadied himself, eyes wide with awe.
"Not only that, Nevil. I can do this too." Ashan made a few hand seals and took a deep breath.
[Fire Style - Fire Ball technique]
Ashan's breath converted into a massive fireball, hurtling toward a stone wall. The impact destroyed it, flames licking the edges and starting a small blaze.
Nevil's jaw dropped, his eyes fully opened in shock. "We really might be able to clear this dungeon."
…
Both friends ventured into a giant circular hall, torches flickering everywhere, illuminating every detail.
"So it really is a dark dungeon. Ashan, even if you became powerful, this doesn't feel right." Nevil muttered, gripping his sword tightly.
Instead of responding, Ashan scanned the area, then he received a system alert.
—-----------------------------------------------
Dungeon Part - 3rd
Green Goblins (Armored) - 100
Evolved Goblins (Armored) - 5
—----------------------------------------------------
'This is going to be tough. Since a combat fighter is on my side, things will get smoother. It was a good thing I bought Boogie Woogie already.' Ashan strategized mentally.
Grrrrarrr..
Sensing their arrival, a horde of monsters emerged from the shadows. As the system indicated, they were armored green goblins, all under four feet tall, clad in crude metal plates. Behind them loomed five abnormal evolved goblins, each at least six feet, with brown skin and menacing grins.
Facing the swarm, Nevil assumed a fighting stance, drawing his sword, nerves on edge. Not only Nevil, Ashan felt nervous too. Even though he'd killed a beast, this was overwhelming.
'Uhh.. Come on, I can do this. I was a brave firefighter. This much is nothing. After having cheat codes like powers, I can't be nervous.' He steadied himself.
Using his Ultimate Battlesense, Ashan analyzed the goblin army. He smiled after spotting a weakness.
'Ahh.. there it is. Goblins on the right side are weaker compared to others. I can take them down with physical combat. I'll burn the rest.'
Ashan glanced at Nevil. 'Nevil, I'm going to attack first. If things get hard, I'll call you. Stand by.'
Nevil nodded worriedly, still waters of tension beneath his calm exterior.
Suddenly, Ashan launched forward at high speed. Before the goblins could charge, he leaped into the air, forming hand seals.
[Fire Style - Fire Ball technique]
A colossal fireball engulfed nearly half the army.
Kreeek…kaa….
Goblins caught in the blaze screamed, scattering in panic. But Ashan wasn't done. He landed a powerful punch on a goblin's head, crushing it like a melon. Furious goblins swarmed, attacking with weapons.
They were no match for Ashan, who could swap places and wield immense strength. He switched positions with goblins, launching surprise attacks. Confused, the creatures couldn't adapt to his erratic pattern.
In under fifteen minutes, every green goblin lay dead by Ashan's hand, leaving only the evolved goblins, radiating murderous intent.
Ashan faced them, grinning. "Oh, don't be sad. Now it's your turn to get beaten."
He cracked his knuckles, ready for the next attack.