---
I looked ahead, sensing the presence of the embodiment of Goddess Zeka.
Suddenly, she appeared before me, radiant and ethereal. I stared in confusion, but then she spoke.
"Rune Hunter Jake, it's my honor to meet you."
"N-no… the honor is mine, Goddess Zeka. Where are we?"
"We are in your consciousness. This is the only place where I can speak to you freely."
"Why did you summon me, Goddess Zeka?"
"I have a favor to ask of you, Rune Hunter Jake."
I looked at her, still confused.
"What kind of favor, Goddess?"
"I need you to clear this dungeon."
I froze. "Clear this dungeon? But… I'm just an A-rank Rune Hunter. This place is far beyond my capabilities. Many legendary Rune Hunters have failed—how can I succeed?"
"You're right. But you are different. You have the potential to clear this dungeon."
"Potential?" I repeated, stunned. "I come from an average family. How could I possibly have more potential than legendary hunters?"
"You don't come from an average family. Your bloodline has been loyal to me for generations. Your mana core contains True Mana—enough to rival even the demi-gods."
My eyes widened in disbelief.
"Compared to demi-gods…? Then why have I always been so weak?"
"You never awakened your true mana because you never prayed. Without your devotion, I couldn't support your awakening."
"So now… you're offering to unlock my full potential to help me clear this dungeon?"
"Yes. But what of the little girl? She's with me. I can't abandon her. She wants to escape this place."
"If you die," Zeka said gently, "I will teleport her out of the dungeon. She will live."
"Deal." I reached out and shook her hand with confidence.
"You're quite brave," she said. "To make a deal with your life so easily."
"I've always dreamed of being the first Rune Hunter to clear a dungeon no one else could even dream of conquering. But before we part… one last question."
"Ask, Jake."
"Why do *you* want the dungeon cleared?"
"This dungeon was created by the Three Gods. If it's cleared, their darkness will weaken, and I'll be able to seal them far away from humanity. The world could finally be free of their corruption."
She smiled gently. "Good luck, adventurer."
---
I opened my eyes.
The little girl was crying beside me.
"Don't die, please, mister…" she sobbed.
As I looked at her, she suddenly hugged me tightly.
"Thank God you're alive… I—I thought you died…"
Her words touched something deep inside me. Warmth spread through my chest. I didn't know what to say—so I just hugged her back, smiling.
A few hours later, we looted the boss room and found a treasure chest.
Inside were:
- *Epic Robe of Blessing*
- *Dagger of Stealth*
- *Eye of the Gods*
I slowly picked up the items and handed the robe and dagger to the little girl. Then I began absorbing the *Eye of the Gods*.
Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed through my skull. My eyes felt like they were being crushed, torn apart, and reforged. I screamed.
The little girl ran to me, terrified. "Mister! Are you okay?!"
I gritted my teeth, blood streaming from my eyes. "Y-yeah… I'm fine…"
Then—everything changed.
I could see stats.
Not just of items, but of people. I turned to the little girl and focused.
**Sisilian**
**Age:** 13
**Abilities:**
- *Epic Rank – Black Hole:* Summons a black hole that slows and weakens enemies.
- *Legendary Rank – Magician of All Spells:* Learns spells at unmatched speed; capable of mastering any magic.
**Job:** ???
I blinked. Her job rank… it wasn't classified. It was simply marked as "???"—something far beyond conventional understanding.
I stopped thinking about it. There was no point dwelling on what I couldn't comprehend.
Instead, I looked forward—toward the next door.
Taking Sisilian's hand gently, we stepped together toward the darkness that waited .
-