Lucas didn't explode with anger right away. He calmly accepted the situation.
Sure, being tricked into becoming class monitor wasn't on his to-do list—but he wasn't some clueless freshman.
They thought they were smart for pulling this kind of stunt? Please.
Lucas had already been part of the working world, experienced company politics, seen real betrayals and fake smiles. These kids were amateurs in comparison.
Let them play.
There would be time to return the favor. And when he did—it would be fun.
Plus, being class monitor wasn't entirely bad. Yes, there were chores and distractions. But with the role came some authority and, if used right, advantages.
"Maybe," Lucas thought with a faint smirk, "this was a blessing in disguise."
After the class meeting was dismissed, Lucas exited with Zach Darnell, Noah Chen, and Mason trailing behind him.
"Boss Lucas, what's your next move?" Zach asked, clearly sensing something brewing.
Lucas smiled faintly. "No rush."
He wasn't going to strike back immediately. He had more important priorities. "I'm going to level up. You guys?"
The trio looked at each other and nodded.
"Us too," Zach said.
Since they'd made up their minds to fight for the freshman competition championship, leveling up was the first priority. Each of them had to improve themselves and start pushing their limits.
Unlike Lucas, who often trained alone, the others usually formed teams to level up. Being part of Kyoto University meant knowing people, and it wasn't hard to regroup and find new allies if needed.
"Alright then. Let's each do our best," Lucas said, fully understanding.
His level was much higher than theirs anyway. If he partied up with them, the system would cut 80% of his EXP gains due to the level gap. That wasn't acceptable.
They all extended their hands and stacked them.
"Let's go win this thing!"
They shouted together, then split up with determination written on their faces.
---
"Hey, Zach," Noah said after a few steps, scratching the back of his head, "is your team still looking for a member?"
Zach raised an eyebrow. "You leaving your old group?"
Noah nodded with a sheepish look. "Had some drama. One guy started getting arrogant and caused trouble. I'd rather quit and start fresh."
"Hah! That's wild—you won't believe this," Zach said. "My team's Soldier just dropped out too. His parents got sick, so he's transferring to a local uni."
The two stared at each other for a second. Then Zach clapped Noah on the back.
"What do you say? Join me?"
Noah grinned. "Absolutely!"
"Brothers in arms now," Zach declared. "No need to thank me."
They waved goodbye to Mason, who remained behind.
---
Mason didn't join them.
The reason was simple—his level was higher than theirs, and teaming up right now would slow them all down due to the EXP reduction system.
In a race like this, even a single level mattered.
Once they all hit Level 20, and the gap evened out, they could consider working together again.
But Mason wasn't discouraged.
He had always worked alone. It was how he got this far. He didn't need a party.
Because Mason's class was unique.
He was a Contract Summoner.
That meant he could summon creatures and elemental spirits to fight for him. He didn't have to swing a sword or throw fireballs himself. His job was to command and empower his summons.
Right now, he could only summon three types of monsters—but that was enough.
Mason alone was like a small army.
Of course, he wasn't overpowered yet. He was still developing. But he could grind and level up on his own just fine.
That's why Mason never once felt inferior to Lucas. He respected his roommate's strength—but he had confidence in his own path too.
---
Meanwhile, Lucas had already left the school grounds and arrived at the City Lord's Mansion to purchase access tickets and necessary supplies.
He wasn't wasting time.
After buying tickets for a Level 20 dungeon and filling his backpack with torches, potions, and antidotes, Lucas marched through the East City Gate of Kyoto.
His destination: Spider Mountain.
This ominous peak stood around forty miles east of Kyoto's main city. A strange and eerie place, it housed one of the most notorious beginner-to-intermediate dungeons:
"Spider Cave."
Legend had it that the entire mountain was almost hollow on the inside, filled with endless winding tunnels created by ancient spider monsters.
Of course, that was just folklore.
In reality, the "Spider Cave" was the name of the dungeon accessible at the mountain base. The natural caves were merely the entrance zone, not part of the real instance.
As Lucas climbed up the rocky trail, he began to see hordes of players gathered near the dungeon gate.
Some were manning booths selling gear, food, and potions. Others stood with signs overhead, shouting:
"Looking for Tank! Level 19+ Only!"
"Need DPS! Must be Epic Weapon Holder!"
"Forming Nightmare Difficulty Squad!"
It was chaotic but lively.
Most of these people were career changers in their twenties, either trying to grind, make money, or finish daily missions.
Lucas ignored all of them.
He wasn't here to join a team. He was going in solo.
As he stepped toward the Star Gate, the glowing portal leading into the dungeon, the rotating spiral suddenly flared bright red as he entered.
A burst of light exploded out of the portal.
"Whoa! Nightmare difficulty!"
Gasps echoed behind him. Several players turned to look.
"Did you see that?"
"That guy's doing Nightmare solo? At Level 20?"
"What a maniac…"
Lucas didn't care.
He was here to dominate.
---
Inside the dungeon, everything went black.
"Damn, it's dark," Lucas muttered.
He couldn't see more than a few feet ahead.
Thankfully, he had come prepared. He pulled out a special torch from his backpack and activated it.
Boom—light flooded the area.
These weren't ordinary torches. The flame was a system-bound item that automatically floated near the player, freeing both hands for combat.
"Good investment," he nodded to himself.
Then a system notification popped up:
> You have entered the Level 20 Dungeon "Spider Cave." Difficulty: Nightmare. Defeat the boss to clear the instance. Proceed with caution!
Lucas skimmed it and dismissed the message.
Suddenly—
Rustle.
He paused, hearing something shuffle in the dark corridor ahead.
A skittering sound. Then another. Then dozens.
Lucas narrowed his eyes.
"Oh no…"
He raised his torch higher.
Dozens of spiders the size of washbasins were crawling toward him—fast, frenzied, like a tidal wave of hairy legs and clicking fangs.
"Are you kidding me?!"
He froze for a second.
Then snorted.
"Good thing I'm not afraid of spiders. If this were a cockroach cave, I'd quit on the spot."
He pulled out his dagger.
Time for battle.
---
End of Chapter 56
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