Kai woke up to the smell of medicine and the faint sting of freshly healed wounds. His whole body ached like he'd been crushed by a mountain — which, in a sense, he almost had been.
The battle in the lower dungeon played over in his mind like flashes of lightning — the blood, the goblins' shrieks, and that final moment where he'd slammed his sword into the beast king's skull. He should've died. But somehow… he didn't.
When he tried to move, a soft hand pressed against his chest.
"Easy there, hero," a calm, feminine voice said. "You move again like that and I'll have to start your treatment all over."
He turned his head slightly. The nurse — or rather, the healer assigned to adventurers — stood beside him. Her long white coat shimmered faintly with magic sigils, and her honey-colored eyes met his with a mix of concern and quiet amusement.
"Oh, it's you again," Kai muttered. "Guess I'm getting used to waking up to your voice."
The woman chuckled lightly. "Then you should stop getting yourself half-killed every time you step into a dungeon."
Kai tried to grin but winced instead. "You sound like you've been saying that for years."
"I have," she replied, her tone softening. "Most adventurers don't listen. You might be the first who jokes about it while still bleeding."
As she leaned forward to adjust his bandages, her hair brushed against his arm, and Kai caught the faint scent of lavender. His mind wasn't fully focused — half from pain, half from the way her lips curved when she concentrated.
She noticed his stare and gave him a knowing smirk. "You heal fast, but your eyes wander even faster."
Kai laughed weakly. "Can't help it. It's part of my training."
Her smile grew. "Training for what?"
"Keeping morale high," he replied.
She shook her head with a quiet laugh. "You're impossible."
---
Hours later, Kai was able to sit up properly. His system interface flickered faintly before his eyes:
> System Notification:
Dungeon Cleared – Lower Tier (Partial)
Acquired: 5,000 Dungeon Credits
Bonus: +10 Strength, +8 Agility, +12 Endurance
Injuries sustained: 76% total body strain. Healing in progress.
New Task will unlock upon full recovery.
Kai exhaled. "Five thousand credits, huh? Not bad for almost dying."
The healer raised a brow. "Not bad? You should be celebrating you're even breathing."
He glanced at her again and smiled softly. "You're right. Maybe I'll take you out for a drink once I can walk."
The nurse froze for half a second before chuckling. "You're still under medication, Kai. I'll pretend you didn't say that."
---
When she left the room, Kai finally swung his legs off the bed. His muscles trembled from exhaustion, but he forced himself to move. He couldn't lie here — not when the system was testing him.
He made his way to the training hall connected to the infirmary. Dozens of adventurers were gathered there, practicing their sword swings or meditating in silence. His arrival drew a few curious stares — after all, rumor had spread that he'd cleared a dungeon on his first real attempt.
"Kai!" a familiar voice called out.
He turned and saw Gladis and Gladiator walking toward him, both dressed in lighter armor this time. Gladis looked relieved. "You're awake! We thought you might be in a coma or something."
Kai shrugged. "Almost was. But I got lucky."
Gladiator smirked. "You call that luck? You came out with treasures worth five thousand credits. That's what I call skill."
"Skill?" Kai chuckled. "More like pure madness."
Gladis nudged him lightly on the shoulder. "Well, madness suits you. You're already making waves."
Kai looked around at the bustling hall. "What's next? You two heading back to the dungeon soon?"
"Not yet," Gladis said. "We're planning to rest for a bit. Medium-tier dungeons are opening soon, and those make lower ones look like playgrounds."
Kai nodded slowly. "Then I guess I better get stronger before I follow you again."
Gladis folded her arms, giving him a teasing grin. "Or maybe you just want another chance to impress me?"
Kai smirked back. "Maybe. Depends on whether you'll stop fainting at the sight of blood."
Her eyes narrowed in mock annoyance. "You're lucky you're still injured. I'd have punched you by now."
Gladiator laughed so loud it turned heads. "You two bicker like an old married couple."
Kai and Gladis exchanged a look, then both spoke at once: "Shut up, Gladiator!"
---
That night, Kai stood alone in the training yard under the pale moonlight. His sword was strapped to his back, his wounds almost fully healed. Every swing he took cut through the air with precision — faster, sharper, cleaner.
He could feel it — his stats had improved. The strength in his muscles, the speed in his footwork, the balance in his core. Everything about him screamed evolution.
But what lingered in his mind wasn't just strength. It was the system's silence. It hadn't spoken since his last task.
"What are you planning?" he muttered to the air. "You gave me power, but what do you want in return?"
As if in response, the system interface flickered before his eyes.
> System Notice: Recovery complete.
New Task Loading...
Warning: Next mission will test your adaptability.
Objective will be revealed soon.
Kai sighed. "Figures."
He sheathed his sword and turned to leave — but paused when he saw the healer standing near the gate.
"You should be resting," she said softly.
"I could say the same to you," he replied, walking over.
She smiled faintly. "I was told to check on my patients. But I guess you're too stubborn to stay put."
Kai tilted his head. "Maybe I just wanted to see you again."
Her cheeks turned faintly pink, but she didn't look away. "You're bold for someone still recovering."
"Boldness is my only skill," he said.
She let out a soft laugh and stepped closer, just enough that he could see the reflection of the moon in her eyes. "Then don't waste it."
Before Kai could say anything, she pressed a small vial into his hand. "For pain. And maybe… for luck."
He looked down at it, then back at her. "Do I get another one if I survive the next dungeon?"
Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Survive first. Then we'll see."
As she turned to leave, Kai called after her. "Hey, what's your name? I can't keep calling you 'nurse' forever."
She looked back over her shoulder, her voice soft but clear. "Liora."
"Liora," Kai repeated, letting the name roll off his tongue. "I'll remember that."
The wind carried her faint laugh as she disappeared into the night.
Kai stared up at the moon, clutching the vial tightly in his hand.
"Alright, system," he said quietly. "Bring on the next test."
The faint sound of the system's hum echoed in his ears like a whisper.
The dungeon wasn't done with him yet.
And neither was destiny.