The guild hall was quieter than usual that morning. Most adventurers had gone out early for dungeon raids, leaving behind only the faint smell of steel and smoke. Kai stood before the mission board, staring at the glowing parchment that read:
> Dungeon Quest: Medium-Rank – Crimson Caverns
Type: Solo (Optional)
Reward: 3000 Gold + Treasure Chest Drop (Random Tier)
Risk: Moderate to High
He read the details twice, then smirked. "Perfect."
After everything he'd been through, he wanted to test his new abilities — especially his freshly unlocked healing skill. Gladis had warned him not to go alone, but Kai wasn't the kind of man who liked being told what to do. He'd survived worse. Or so he thought.
By noon, he was standing at the edge of the Crimson Caverns — a massive stone crack in the side of a cliff, glowing faintly red from deep within. The air was hot and damp, the smell of sulfur heavy enough to choke anyone not used to dungeon air.
Kai rolled his shoulders and checked his gear: twin daggers, a short sword strapped to his back, a pouch of potions, and a single healing charm Lira had given him "just in case."
"Alright, system," he muttered. "Let's see what I'm really made of."
The moment he stepped in, the system pinged softly.
(Ding!)
> Entered Dungeon: Crimson Caverns
Monster Type: Fire Goblins, Flame Wolves, Mini Salamanders
Dungeon Rank: Medium
Objective: Clear the Dungeon Boss
Reward: 3000 Gold + Item Drop
Kai grinned. "Sounds fun."
The first few minutes went smoothly. A group of small goblins rushed him, their bodies glowing with ember-like veins. Kai dodged, his new agility stat kicking in. His movements were faster, sharper. He slashed through two goblins before the others could even react.
But as he ventured deeper, the heat began to rise. His clothes clung to his skin, and every breath felt heavier. The tunnels twisted like veins of magma, and soon, he found himself face-to-face with something much worse — a Flame Wolf Pack.
Three of them. Each the size of a horse, eyes burning like molten lava.
Kai took a deep breath and drew his short sword. "Alright boys, come get me."
The first wolf lunged. Kai ducked, rolled to the side, and sliced across its underbelly. The creature yelped, but its fiery blood splattered across Kai's arm, searing his skin instantly.
"Damn it—!" He grit his teeth, swinging his dagger into the second wolf's throat. The creature fell, but not before clawing his chest. A deep, bleeding cut spread across his ribs.
He stumbled backward, panting. His vision blurred for a moment.
(Ding!)
> Health: 54%
Suggestion: Activate Healing Touch
Kai pressed his hand against his wound and focused. A warm, golden glow spread beneath his fingers — faint at first, then stronger. He could feel the magic flowing through his veins, mending the torn flesh slowly. It wasn't perfect, but it worked. The bleeding stopped.
He looked at his glowing hand and smirked weakly. "Not bad for a beginner."
But the third wolf wasn't done. It leapt at him, jaws open wide. Kai barely blocked the attack, the impact sending him crashing into a rock wall. His sword clattered to the ground. Before he could grab it, the wolf lunged again — but this time, Kai's instincts took over.
He clenched his fist, channeled mana into his palm, and slammed it forward.
"Mana Burst!"
The air exploded around his hand, blasting the wolf backward with a shockwave. It hit the wall hard, howled, and finally went still.
Kai fell to one knee, gasping for breath. His body was trembling, sweat pouring down his face. "That… that was close."
(Ding!)
> Enemies Defeated: 3
XP Gained: +600
Health: 31%
He looked down at his trembling hands. "If that's just the first wave, I'm in trouble."
Still, he pushed forward. The deeper he went, the louder the growls became. The dungeon seemed alive — breathing, watching, waiting. After what felt like hours, he reached a massive open chamber. Lava flowed through cracks in the stone like glowing rivers. In the center stood the Dungeon Boss — a towering humanoid creature with molten armor and a skull for a face.
> Flame Sentinel – Rank B Boss
Kai stared, heart pounding. "Oh, come on. That's not fair."
The creature roared, shaking the cavern. Fireballs formed in its hands and hurled toward him. Kai dodged the first two, but the third caught him in the shoulder, knocking him flat. His arm felt like it was burning alive.
He rolled away just in time to avoid a second blast, his mind screaming for focus. Think, Kai. You can't take it head-on.
He darted behind a rock pillar, panting. His sword was chipped, his health low. He pressed a hand to his chest again, activating Healing Touch. Golden light glowed, but slower this time — weaker. His mana was running out.
"Not enough juice… damn."
The sentinel began to stomp closer, each step echoing like thunder. Kai gritted his teeth and stood up. He looked at his blade, then at the monster.
"Alright, let's end this."
He ran forward, dodging another burst of flame, sliding under a stream of molten fire. As he closed the distance, he threw one dagger straight into the creature's eye. It roared in rage, swinging its massive arm. Kai ducked, rolled, and leapt onto its back, plunging his short sword deep into its molten spine.
The heat nearly burned his hand off, but he didn't stop. He kept stabbing, gritting his teeth until the system's voice finally echoed in his head.
(Ding!)
> Boss Defeated!
Reward: 3000 Gold + Item Drop: Infernal Heart Core
XP: +2200
Health: 12%
Kai fell to the ground, gasping, the sword still smoking in his grip. His body was covered in cuts and burns. Every breath hurt. But he was alive.
He laughed softly, lying flat on the stone. "That… was insane."
After a few minutes, he sat up, dragging himself toward the glowing crystal that marked the dungeon's core. He placed his hand on it, and the cavern began to fade into white light.
A moment later, he was standing outside again — covered in dirt and sweat, but victorious. The sunset painted the sky orange, and the cool wind brushed against his face.
(Ding!)
> Dungeon Cleared: Crimson Caverns
Achievement Unlocked: Solo Conqueror
Bonus Reward: 1000 XP + System Favor Increased
Kai looked at the glowing notification, then at his trembling hand. A small smile crept across his face. "Guess I'm stronger than I thought."
He took a deep breath, his body sore but his spirit burning with satisfaction. "Next time," he muttered, "I'll make sure to bring company."
As he walked down the cliffside, the system chimed one last time.
> Hidden Quest Unlocked:
"The Fire Within" – Seek out the Healer to stabilize your unstable mana core.
Kai froze. "Lira again, huh?" He laughed softly. "Figures. The system just can't leave me alone."
He looked up at the stars starting to peek through the clouds and whispered, "Alright then. Let's see what comes next."
And with that, he disappeared down the trail — battered, scarred, but more determined than ever.