The next morning, Kai woke up to the golden light slipping through the thin curtains of his new apartment. His body still ached from the last dungeon raid — a mix of soreness and satisfaction. He stretched his arms and groaned, feeling the weight of his new strength pressing through his veins. The system upgrades from the dungeon had finally settled in, and his body felt… sharper.
(Ding!)
System Notice:
> Host Kai
Current Level: 5
Strength: 42%
Agility: 38%
Endurance: 36%
Charm: 22%
Task Incoming…
Kai blinked. "Another one already?" he muttered, rubbing his face. "Can't even get a full day of rest around here."
The holographic blue screen shimmered before him, and letters unfolded like glowing mist.
> New System Task:
Win the trust of a Dungeon Healer within 24 hours.
Reward: Minor Healing Skill + 1000 XP
Failure Penalty: Temporary strength reduction (–20%)
Kai stared at the message for a few seconds, then burst out laughing. "A healer? The system really wants me to charm my way through this world."
He dressed up, choosing a plain black shirt and leather trousers that hugged his build just enough to look effortless. As he tied his boots, his mind flashed back to Gladis and Gladiator. They had told him to report at the Guild before noon. Apparently, every new dungeon raider had to register their stats after a mission.
When Kai reached the guild hall, the usual buzz of adventurers filled the air. The smell of metal, leather, and sweat mixed with the faint sweetness of mana potions. Behind the reception counter, a young woman with soft white hair and emerald eyes sat calmly, flipping through a set of scrolls. Her presence was quiet but powerful — graceful in the way only healers could be.
Kai whistled under his breath. "Guess the system wasn't joking."
The girl looked up, meeting his eyes with a polite smile. "You must be Kai. The new raider from the lower dungeons."
"Word spreads fast," Kai replied with a half-grin.
"Your name's on the mission list." She rose from her seat, her long hair brushing against her shoulders. "Follow me to the healing chamber. I was told to check your injuries."
Kai followed her through a small hallway lined with glowing runes. The air felt clean and warm — too peaceful for a place that served blood-stained warriors. When they entered a smaller room, she gestured for him to sit.
"I'm Lira," she said softly. "Senior Healer, Class-B license. You've had a rough start, I heard."
"You could say that." Kai smiled faintly as he sat. "Ran into some goblins. One of them almost gave me a new face."
Lira chuckled, then pressed her hands together. A soft golden light formed between her palms. "This may sting a little."
The warmth of her magic spread through his arm and shoulder, easing the pain. Kai watched her closely — the way her eyes focused, the calm rhythm of her breathing. Her mana pulsed gently, and it almost felt like being wrapped in sunlight.
"Feels nice," he said, testing her reaction.
Lira raised an eyebrow, though a hint of amusement flickered across her lips. "Flattery doesn't make healing faster."
"Doesn't hurt to try," Kai replied smoothly.
For a moment, the room was quiet except for the hum of magic. Then Lira sighed. "You're not the first adventurer to flirt during treatment."
Kai leaned forward slightly. "But maybe I'll be the first one you remember."
That earned him a tiny laugh. "You're trouble," she said, shaking her head.
(Ding!)
> System Update:
Progress toward task: 23%
Condition: Earn her interest.
Kai almost smiled. So it's working.
Over the next half hour, Lira continued her healing, occasionally asking him about his raid and his abilities. He kept his answers light, slipping in small jokes that made her giggle despite herself. When she finished, she gave him a small jar of salve.
"Apply this before bed. It'll help your body adjust to mana recovery."
Kai took the jar, their fingers brushing slightly. "Thanks, Lira."
Her gaze lingered a moment longer than expected. "You're welcome. Try not to get hurt again."
"No promises," he said with a grin, standing. "I tend to attract danger."
When he stepped outside, the system pinged again.
(Ding!)
> Task Progress: 76%
Hint: A second meeting may be required.
He exhaled. "Guess one charm session isn't enough."
That evening, Kai decided to return to the Guild infirmary. He told himself it was for another round of healing — but truthfully, he just wanted to see her again. The sun was setting, painting the sky in crimson light as he entered the hall. Lira was still there, sorting through potions.
She looked up, surprised. "You're back already?"
"Missed your magic," Kai said casually, leaning against the wall.
Lira shook her head but smiled. "You're impossible."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Maybe. But admit it — you don't hate it."
She froze for a second, caught off guard by his confidence. Then, slowly, she smiled again. "You're bold, Kai."
"Just honest," he replied. "I like people who make me feel alive."
There was a brief silence between them — the kind that carried tension and curiosity both. The air was heavy, charged with something unspoken.
(Ding!)
> Task Completed!
Reward Granted: Minor Healing Skill + 1000 XP
Relationship Level with Lira: 1 (Curious Interest)
Kai grinned as the screen faded away. Not bad for a day's work.
Lira noticed his smirk. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing," he said, stepping back. "Just happy to be alive."
She crossed her arms. "You really are strange."
"Maybe that's what keeps me interesting." He gave a small bow. "Thanks again, Healer Lira. I'll try not to die before next week."
As he turned to leave, Lira called after him. "Kai?"
He looked back.
"Be careful in your next dungeon," she said quietly. "They say the deeper ones… change people."
Kai smiled faintly, eyes gleaming. "Good thing I like change."
Outside, the night had settled fully. The system interface flickered beside him, showing his updated stats and a new trait — Healing Touch. He flexed his hand, feeling the faint glow of magic under his skin.
"Leveling up through charm and danger," he muttered to himself. "This world really is built for me."
As he walked down the stone streets, the wind brushing through his hair, Kai couldn't help but grin. Tomorrow would bring another challenge, another dungeon, and another step closer to becoming the true King of Kinks.