---
Principal Dalhmer let out a weary sigh as he noticed the agitation in Gabriel's eyes. Slowly, he reached for the item on his desk, extending it toward Gabriel in a gesture meant to diffuse the tension that had been building between them during their conversation.
"This item is not from the Empire's treasury," Principal Dalhmer began, his voice laced with the weight of past memories. "I obtained it during the war, ten years ago. At that time, I was already one of the strongest people in Reid City. Despite my power, I kept this item, knowing full well I would never be able to use it."
"When you requested this item yesterday, I couldn't help but wonder if my acquiring it was fated, or merely a coincidence," he paused, letting the significance of his words sink in before continuing, "Regardless of the reason, I am certain that with this item, you will achieve what I could not. That's why I said what I did earlier."
He leaned forward, his tone intensifying, "Remember, Gabriel, set items may not be as sought after as growth-type equipment, but they are still priority gear due to the additional bonuses they grant when you obtain two or more pieces of the same set."
Suddenly, his grandfatherly demeanor shifted. He stood from his seat and walked toward the window, casting his gaze outward as if contemplating a distant memory. Then, turning back to Gabriel, he revealed the source of his concern. "Your inquiry about a piece from a set item raised suspicions. Miss Claire was about to send some sensitive documents to the Empire, but I intervened just in time. To avoid further complications, I asked Miss Claire to message you and request your presence here at the school."
Gabriel's face drained of color as the implications of the principal's words sank in. He had spent the previous night meticulously crafting a message to Miss Claire, carefully omitting any details that could be used against him. Despite his efforts, it seemed he had not entirely avoided the situation. Fortunately, Principal Dalhmer had intervened just in time, preventing Miss Claire from sending the document about the item he needed. Relief washed over Gabriel as he realized how narrowly he had avoided disaster.
Principal Dalhmer turned to Gabriel with a serious expression. "Do you realize the gravity of your actions? Some individuals might keep their composure upon discovering you possess two identical pieces of equipment. But what do you think they'll do when they learn you've completed an entire set?"
The weight of his words was clear—Gabriel's actions could have dire consequences.
Lost in thought, Gabriel suddenly realized something. He turned to the principal in surprise and asked, "But how did you know about my set items?"
Principal Dalhmer smiled knowingly, pointing two fingers at his eyes. "I have special eyes," he said cryptically, before checking his wrist for the time. "Oh! Is it that time already?"
He then offered some final words of wisdom. "Most adventurers fail because of excessive greed. Always weigh the potential consequences before revealing any information that might endanger your life. Second chances are rare, so cherish your life." After a brief pause, he added, "Now, off you go. I have a meeting at 11 o'clock."
---
As Gabriel left the principal's office, he let out a deep sigh. He felt utterly exhausted, both physically and emotionally. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, each one vying for his attention, leaving him overwhelmed.
In an attempt to regain some sense of calm, Gabriel decided to head to his usual hangout spot—a quiet place where he could be alone with his thoughts and meditate in peace.
A few minutes later, he arrived at the secluded location and took a seat. Closing his eyes, he focused on his breathing and began to meditate. The soothing sounds of nature surrounded him: birds chirping in the distance, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. As he let go of his worries and anxieties, he felt his mind begin to clear, and a sense of inner peace washed over him.
Gabriel meditated for nearly two hours, his breath steady and deep. The once-chaotic look in his eyes was gradually replaced by a calm, reflective glimmer. He felt a sense of tranquility settle within him, the tumult of emotions finally giving way to clarity.
After concluding his meditation, Gabriel reached into his magic bag and retrieved the [Survivor's Trousers]. He equipped them and immediately examined his boosted status.
---
[Name: Gabriel Heart]
[Class: Cleric]
[Level: 11, Bronze Early Stage]
[Health Point: 7,030/7,030(+6,327)]
[Mana: 8,120/8,120]
[Experience: 17,321/350,000]
[Magic Attack: 1730 (↑692)]
[Defense: 1,108(+60)]
[Attributes: STR: 25, AGI: 21, DEX: 41, INT: 93 (+157), VIT: 73 (+167)]
[Skills:
Light Hurricane Level 10
Healing Totem Level 10
Goddess Blessing Level 5]
[Tome Skill:
Tail Wind
Blessings of the Ocean]
[Talent [☯]: Yin-Yang Soul Harmony (D)]
[Harmony Essence: 62,600]
[Equipment: Gold Staff, Gold Robe, Gold Boots, Gold Mitten, Gold Mitra, Gold Trouser, Crimson Shield]
[Equipment Effects:
+140% Healing
+90% Max HP
+300 HP
+200 Mana
+50% Mana Regeneration
+40% Matk
+15% Movement Speed
+40% Cooldown Reduction
+60 Defense
+25% Damage Reduction
+600 Magic Attack]
---
As Gabriel examined his boosted status, a wave of disappointment washed over him. "Even with these enhanced stats," he muttered to himself, "I could barely defend against the Fallen Knight's [Jump Slash]. This dungeon truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most dangerous and difficult Mysterious Realms. If I want to breeze through this realm and farm effectively, class advancement is necessary—since all my stats will multiply by five after advancing." Despite his frustration, he continued to weigh his options.
"Should I keep exploring this Mysterious Realm," he wondered aloud, "or would it be better to try my luck in a different dungeon?" After carefully considering the pros and cons, he decided to stick with the Fallen Undead Mysterious Realm. Scratching his head, he reaffirmed his decision.
Glancing at the time displayed on his watch, he realized it was still early enough to explore the dungeon. With newfound determination, Gabriel decided to venture once more into the infamous Fallen Undead Mysterious Realm, intent on leveling up permanently to level 12. He stood up from his meditative spot, took a deep breath, and made his way out of the serene surroundings of Green Leaf Academy.
His steps were purposeful, his focus unbreakable as he headed directly towards the entrance of the treacherous Fallen Undead Realm.
---
As he walked, Gabriel's thoughts drifted back to his earlier conversation with the principal. He couldn't shake the feeling of amazement at how Principal Dalhmer had managed to discern so much about his equipment. How had the principal known that the final item would complete his set? The thought nagged at him as he walked, and he couldn't help but feel that something was amiss.
Gabriel let out another deep sigh, impressed by the principal's knowledge and wisdom. "He surely knows everything," Gabriel thought to himself. Yet, despite his admiration, lingering doubts remained.
However, amid those doubts, he felt a profound sense of gratitude that Principal Dalhmer had been willing to keep his secret safe. This realization brought him a sense of relief, and he made a mental note to find a way to express his gratitude in the future.
"Perhaps I could find something special as a gift," he mused, determined to show his appreciation.
With a sense of finality, Gabriel pushed the lingering issue to the back of his mind. He took a deep breath, resolved to focus on the task ahead, determined to give it his undivided attention and best effort.