Rey froze as he heard muffled cries echoing through the dungeon. His heart skipped a beat. Without fully allocating his remaining stat points, he turned to the System.
"System, wait a moment. I need to see the problem first," he commanded.
The scene shifted. In a dark chamber, two girls stood, fear etched into their faces. One was dressed in red mage robes, her black hair cascading over her shoulders—Melvin, Mage, Level 5. The other, clad in deep blue assassin attire, silver dagger in hand, was Elysa, Assassin, Level 6.
Before them, a massive Level 25 Wolf towered, teeth bared and eyes burning with predatory focus. Around them lay the lifeless bodies of their party: two male warriors—one a warrior, one an assassin—and a support, all devoured by the monstrous wolf.
The wolf's gaze locked onto Melvin and Elysa. With a feral growl, it lunged forward, intent on finishing them off.
Suddenly, a flash of light moved faster than the eye could follow, intercepting the attack. The wolf's strike shattered the boulder that Miranda and Glenda had been hiding behind.
When their eyes opened, they saw a man standing before them—Silver-haired, clad in assassin garb, exuding an aura of confidence.
"Are you two okay?" Rey asked calmly.
"I… I'm okay… thank you for saving us," Elysa stammered, relief flooding her voice.
Rey's confident grin widened. "It's nothing, girls. It was destined for us to meet. But first, wait here. I need to settle something."
Melvin and Elysa exchanged worried glances. "Okay… but be careful. That wolf… it's Level 25."
Rey's smug expression didn't falter. "Hrmmmm, doesn't matter. A monster like this? I can handle it in less than five seconds."
He turned away, thoughts racing. What? Level 25? There's no way I can defeat this in seconds… I need a plan… maybe even run first.
Ding Dong
"System has verified that the Host will receive a new title if the Host successfully saves these two girls and defeats the Level 25 Wolf," the System chimed.
"Are you crazy?? You want me to die? But… a new title?" Rey exclaimed.
"Yes. This is the title the Host will gain. It will change your status as a single, unremarkable person," the System replied.
"What do you mean unremarkable? I'm strong. And this title… does it have anything to do with them?" Rey asked.
"Correct, Host," the System confirmed.
"Do you mean… a harem?" Rey ventured.
"No, no, no. The Host cannot create a harem. The system would be displeased," the System replied firmly.
"What do you mean? But there are two girls… if the title relates to women, it must involve a harem," Rey reasoned.
"No… Host must defeat the wolf to earn the rewards and the title. After that, the system will explain the title's function," the System said.
"Huh… interesting. But the problem is this monster is Level 25, and I'm only Level 10," Rey said, frowning.
"You haven't allocated your remaining 40 stat points. You also haven't opened the accumulated reward package. The system recommends you do so," it advised.
"Fine, if you insist, open the reward package. But tell me—my 'Chosen One' title, isn't it special?" Rey asked.
"Of course, Host. Your Chosen One title multiplies all stats by 30. It is your most special title, as you are the Master of the System," the System explained.
Rey's eyes widened. "Multiply by 30??? Hahaha! That's why I can one-hit monsters! So if I multiply STR 90 × 30, I get 2700. Any monster below 2700 HP? Finished. Even better than my passive skill."
"Correct, Host. But your passive skill also has advantages and can be upgraded," the System added.
"Can it be upgraded? You mean… leveled up?" Rey asked, intrigued.
"Yes. The passive skill 'Overgrowth' is Level 1, Multiple ×2. You can upgrade it to Level 2 after reaching Level 50," the System said.
"Level 50?? That's far off… can't I bypass it?"
"ABSOLUTELY NOT. Host must reach Level 50 to upgrade the passive skill," the System replied sternly.
"Okay, okay, understood. Now open my reward package," Rey commanded.
Reward Package:
5000 bonus EXP after leveling to Level 1010 bonus stats after leveling to Level 1010 bonus stats after killing monsters above Level 10Mana Stone ×1 after leveling to Level 10Mid-tier potion ×2 after leveling to Level 105 bonus stats after killing a monster in one hit"Wow… that's a lot of rewards. Wait… 5 bonus stats after a one-hit kill? So if I kill a high-level monster in one hit, I get more stats?" Rey grinned.
"Correct, Host. But the bonus is random. It may also grant potions, EXP, or other rewards," the System clarified.
"Hahaha! Now this is a system that truly serves its master," Rey said, laughing.
Melvin and Elysa looked at him, puzzled. Is he okay? Why is he talking to himself?
Rey ignored them. "Hahaha! Now I have 10,000 EXP. System, use the EXP so I can level up."
Loading…
Congratulations, Host. You have leveled up from Level 10 to Level 11.
"WHAT??… why just one level?" Rey groaned.
"Each level requires a specific amount of EXP. For example, Level 10 requires 10,000 EXP to reach Level 11. To reach Level 12, you will need 11,000 EXP," the System explained.
"Oh, I see. So each level requires 1,000 more EXP than the last. How many total stat points do I have now?" Rey asked.
"After calculation, Host has 110 stat points: 40 from before (Level 8–10), 20 from leveling to 11, 20 bonus after Level 10, 20 bonus after defeating monsters above Level 10, and 10 from a one-hit kill," the System replied.
"Hahaha! 110 stat points. Excellent… now I'll upgrade my stats."
Name: REY
Level: 11
Race: Human
Role: Free
Title: Chosen One
Stats:
STR - 90AGI - 80SPD - 90INT - 50END - 50MP - 10"Stats upgraded. Hehe… Wolf, I'll play with you first," Rey said, smirking.
"Congratulations, Host. After calculation, you can defeat monsters up to Level 25," the System said.
"Hahaha, Level 25? So I can one-hit this wolf! System, wait—don't you have a function to see monster or player levels nearby?" Rey asked.
"Yes, but it is locked. Do you wish to unlock it? Cost: 1 Mana Stone," the System explained.
"Mana Stone… expensive… but okay, unlock it," Rey agreed.
Ding Dong
Host has unlocked the function 'Invisible Sight.'
"Use the reward package later. I'll handle the monster first," Rey said, activating the skill.
Name: Monster Wolf
Level: 25
Stats:
HP - 2500STR - 41AGI - 36SPD - 38INT - 48END - 36MP - 26Note: HP status after calculation by END
"Eh… why does it have HP? Why don't my stats show HP?" Rey asked.
"Host stats updated after unlocking Invisible Sight," the System replied.
Name: REY
Level: 11
Race: Human
Role: Free
Title: Chosen One (All stats ×30)
Stats:
HP - 1163 X30STR - 90 ×30AGI - 80 ×30SPD - 90 ×30INT - 50 ×30END - 50 ×30MP - 10 ×30Note: HP status after calculation by END
"You forgot to include this, didn't you?" Rey laughed.
"Host is cheating. Retribution will be activated," the System warned.
"Hey… hey… Wait… arghh… it hurts!" Rey cried as the wolf charged.
He proudly prepared his weapon, secretly hoping Melvin and Elysa would notice.
Hehe… I'll show them my incredible power… maybe I'll even get a harem… hihihi… Rey thought.
"Host, resolve your issues first if you wish to dream," the System reminded.
"Okay, okay… the monster's almost here, calm down a bit," Rey muttered.
As the wolf reached him, Rey unleashed a devastating punch, shouting, 'Justice Punch!'
The wolf shattered into pieces.
"Hahahahaha, see that? One hit! Hahaha, I am the strongest!" Rey boasted.
The girls stared, stunned, as if he were mad.
"Hey Elysa… what's wrong with him? He seems… crazy because he talk alone. But he killed the monster in one punch," Melvin whispered.
"I don't know… but his power is incredible," Elysa replied.
From the fallen wolf, items dropped. Rey glanced over, unimpressed: mostly equipment and 72 Gold Coins.
"Just equipment… nothing interesting… and 72 coins. The System's bonus is much better," he muttered.
Ding Dong
Congratulations, Host. You have gained the title 'Bond of the Strong' and several reward packages.
"Ermmm… Bond of the Strong… what does this title do?" Rey asked.
"It is not active yet. Host must form bonds with the women recommended by the System. Once tied, the title activates," the System explained.
"Haa??? You recommend them? Why can't I choose? How do you decide?" Rey asked.
"The System selects. You must form bonds and marry them. If the Host acts indecently before marriage, all titles will be revoked, stats reset to 10, and the System will disappear," the System warned.
"Seriously? Why are the rules so harsh?" Rey asked, blinking.
"The System has given many benefits. The Host must follow its requirements to obtain them," it replied.
"Fine… fine… but I can have a harem?" Rey asked.
"No… No… No… You cannot harem without marriage. The System will provide candidates. You must marry them first," the System explained.
Oh… so it's a harem, but I have to marry many women… hahaha… the System isn't bad after all, Rey thought.
"The Host must remain fair after forming bonds with candidates. There will be rewards, and failure will result in punishment," the System added.
"What punishment?" Rey asked, concerned.
"The Host will be retributed tenfold, with strength ten times normal," the System warned.
"Ha??? You want to kill me? Arghhh… fine… I'll follow. So, who are the candidates?" Rey asked.
"For now, only two candidates are available. They are: …"
Name: Melvin
Level: 5
Race: Human
Role: Mage
Title: Candidate (Chosen One)
Stats:
HP - 520 x (30% Accessory)STR - 10 × (5% weapon)AGI - 12 × (15% Accessory)SPD - 13 × (5% Boots)INT - 28 × (30% Accessory + 20% Weapon)END - 12 × (12% Armor)MP - 25 × (20% Accessory + 7% Weapon)Note: HP status is after calculation by END
Name: Elysa
Level: 6
Race: Human
Role: Assassin
Title: Candidate (Chosen One)
Stats:
HP - 615 x (18% Accessory)STR - 15 × (10% weapon + 8% Accessory)AGI - 30 × (15% Accessory)SPD - 20 × (8% Boots)INT - 18 × (10% Accessory)END - 15 × (20% Armor)MP - 12 × (5% Accessory)Note: HP status is after calculation by END
Rey squinted at the data. "Ermmm… Stats look okay… but their equipment looks weak unless Melvin Accessory. Why didn't I get any stat boosts after wearing this assassin outfit?"
"That is because your armor is special, Host," the System replied. "However, if you change to another armor, your stats will decrease."
"What do you mean 'decrease'? Why would it reduce my stats?" Rey asked.
"Your assassin outfit is bonding with its master. Every stat you currently have is attached to it. When the time comes, it will evolve," the System explained.
"Evolution? Awesome," Rey said, eyes glinting.
"System reminds the Host to remain fair," it added.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Rey muttered.
He walked over to the two girls. They noticed his approach and immediately asked about his condition. Rey stood tall, chest out, pride evident.
"Don't worry. I am your hero… Ahem, I mean, hero of justice," he declared.
Melvin hesitated. "What is your name, Sir?"
"My name is Rey. You must be Melvin, right?"
Melvin froze. "You… know me?"
Rey chuckled, a smug smile curling his lips. "Hahaha, that's not important. The important thing is you're safe. And you, Elysa?" He gestured confidently toward her.
Elysa's eyes widened. Not only did Rey recognize Melvin, but he also knew her, despite having just met.
"Don't be surprised. You're safe now. The monster is dead. Is it just the two of you?" Rey asked.
"The others… were devoured by the wolf," Elysa said quietly.
"Were they also players, like you?" Rey inquired.
Both girls gasped. "Lord Rey… how do you know?"
"I am being honest with you. I have a skill that allows me to see the stats of others. That's how I know about you two," Rey explained.
The girls nodded, understanding. They had heard of such skills before.
"What will you do next?" Rey asked.
Melvin and Elysa exchanged uncertain glances. "We don't know. We were just following our party. They knew the way in and out. We only wanted to level up by entering the dungeon—they are natives of this world," Elysa admitted.
Rey paused a moment. "It's fine. You can come with me if you want."
"Really? You allow us to follow you, Lord Rey?" they asked, hope lighting their eyes.
"Yes, I have no objections. I will spend a few days leveling up, so if you don't mind, you'll stay a bit longer," Rey replied confidently.
"Of course, Lord Rey. We are grateful because we had nowhere else to go. With your guidance, we are confident we can exit this dungeon safely. May I ask something?" Melvin asked politely.
"What would you like to ask?" Rey replied.
"Are you a player too, Lord Rey?"
"System, how should I answer?"
"Be honest, but instruct the candidates to keep this secret. Do not worry, Host. The system has carefully evaluated them before selecting them," the System advised.
"Very well," Rey said. "Yes, I am a player too. But you must hide this… do not tell anyone else, okay?"
Both girls nodded in understanding.
Rey handed them low-tier potions. After drinking, their energy and vigor returned. Rey give them to take the drop item from Monster Wolf Level 25. They resumed their journey, Rey effortlessly dispatching monsters, with Melvin and Elysa assisting in minor but effective ways.
Eventually, they reached a small clearing and decided to rest.
"Let's rest here. Melvin, can you make a fire?" Rey asked casually.
"Yes, of course," Melvin replied, raising his hands and conjuring flames that danced and flickered.
The fire crackled, warmth surrounding them as they relaxed. Rey took the opportunity to observe the stats of his companions:
Name: Melvin
Level: 8
Race: Human
Role: Mage
Title: Candidate (Chosen One)
Stats:
HP - 845 × (30% Accessory)STR - 10 × (5% weapon)AGI - 17 × (15% Accessory)SPD - 15 × (5% Boots)INT - 38 × (30% Accessory + 20% Weapon)END - 15 × (12% Armor)MP - 35 × (20% Accessory + 7% Weapon)Note: HP status is after calculation by END
Name: Elysa
Level: 9
Race: Human
Role: Assassin
Title: Candidate (Chosen One)
Stats:
HP - 955 × (18% Accessory)STR - 25 × (10% weapon + 8% Accessory)AGI - 38 × (15% Accessory)SPD - 27 × (8% Boots)INT - 20 × (10% Accessory)END - 18 × (20% Armor)MP - 12 × (5% Accessory)Note: HP status is after calculation by END
"They've leveled up three times. That's good. But Melvin's accessories… some of them are high-tier," Rey mused.
"Host has leveled up substantially. Once you reach Level 30, the system will allow you to exit the dungeon," the System informed.
"Really? How many levels have I gained? If that's the case, I can hit Level 30 quickly," Rey said, determination gleaming in his eyes.
Name: REY
Level: 21
Race: Human
Role: Free
Title: Chosen One (All stats ×30)
Stats:
HP - 2150 ×30STR - 90 ×30AGI - 80 ×30SPD - 90 ×30INT - 50 ×30END - 50 ×30MP - 10 ×30Note: HP status is after calculation by END
"Whoa! I've gained ten levels? Hahaha! Look at all these stats!" Rey laughed, flexing.
"After defeating the level 25 wolf, Host gained five levels and earned numerous rewards. Would you like to see them?" the System asked.
"Show me," Rey replied eagerly.
Reward Package:
5000 bonus EXP after leveling to 2010,000 bonus EXP after killing monsters Level 20+10 bonus stats after leveling to 1510 bonus stats after leveling to 2010 bonus stats after killing monsters above Level 20Mana Stone ×1 after leveling to 20Low-tier potion ×2 after leveling to 15Mid-tier potion ×2 after leveling to 20500 Gold Coin after leveling to 151000 Gold Coin after leveling to 2010,000 bonus EXP after killing a monster in one hitInventory:
EXP (Not used): 50,000Total Stats: 260 pointsMana Stone: 5Low-tier potion: 4Mid-tier potion: 8Gold Coin: 3,000"What will you do with the Stats and EXP now, Host?" the System asked.
"I'll allocate stats now. EXP I'll use later," Rey decided.
After inputting his points:
Name: REY
Level: 21
Race: Human
Role: Free
Title: Chosen One (All stats ×30)
Stats:
HP - 2150 ×30STR - 150 ×30AGI - 140 ×30SPD - 150 ×30INT - 90 ×30END - 90 ×30MP - 10 ×30Note: HP status is after calculation by END
"Done! I'm starving. System, do you have food?" Rey asked.
"The system has a stall for Hosts to buy supplies. Unlocking requires a Mana Stone," the System replied.
"Mana Stone? Luckily, I have skill… okay, activate the stall."
"Thank you, Host. Stall unlocked. All purchases must use coins. Spend wisely," the System reminded.
"Got it. Teach me wisely, huh… I know," Rey said confidently.
Will Stall:
FoodWeaponEquipmentSkillUpgradeRey grinned. "Lots of choices, but I'm hungry. The rest can wait."
Food:
Fried Chicken ×5 = 1 Gold CoinDessert ×5 = 1 Gold CoinWater ×5 bottles = 1 Gold CoinMonster Meat ×5 = 1 Gold Coin"WHAT???… selling monster meat? Too few options… and expensive," Rey complained.
"Host, don't complain. Items are costly because they're rare. Upgrade the stall for more variety," the System explained.
"How to upgrade?" Rey asked.
"Host must be Level 50 and use one Mana Stone," the System answered.
"Long way to Level 50… mana stones… hmmm… my resources…" Rey muttered.
He selected fried chicken, dessert, and water, sharing them with Melvin and Elysa. The girls stared in awe. Rey could conjure food as if by magic.
"Lord Rey, where did you get the fried chicken, dessert, and clean water?" Melvin asked in astonishment.
Rey put a finger to his lips. "Shhhh… don't tell anyone."
Elysa blushed slightly, admiration evident as they ate and conversed.
After finishing, they prepared to continue their journey. Rey explained he would level up further before leaving the dungeon. Melvin and Elysa nodded, understanding his plan.
The fire crackled as the night deepened, shadows dancing around them, leaving a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.
The journey had only just begun… and the bonds forged here would shape their destiny.