Facing the incoming web, Kenley didn't hesitate—he swung his sword in a direct block.
In an instant, as if leaving behind an afterimage, the web spun by a Tier 3 spider was cleaved apart by a single strike from Tier 1 Kenley.
Fast, ruthless, precise!
That was Kenley's self-assessment—and precisely why he had chosen Warrior as his primary class.
With the sheer power of Extreme Counter, even slaying gods wasn't out of reach—as long as it was mastered.
The only problem? The skill ceiling was absurdly high.
The Black Mountain Spider froze, visibly stunned. It had never expected this fragile human to possess such overwhelming skill, effortlessly slicing through its web with a single stroke.
For the first time, a sliver of caution crept into its instincts.
As the descendant of a high-tier magical beast, it wasn't mindless—it had intelligence. And before a strong enemy, hesitation was natural.
Kenley, however, couldn't care less what the spider was thinking. If he didn't escape now, then when?
He glanced at his Charge skill—it had fully cooled down.
Without another thought, he vaulted onto the stairs—and launched into a full-speed Charge!
Finally, he burst out of the cellar!
Letting out a deep breath, he slammed the trapdoor shut, locked it tight, and yanked the Cloak of Light over himself.
BANG! BANG!
The cellar shook under the force of the spider's enraged blows.
A shrill, frustrated screech echoed from below—it had expected a battle, but instead, the cowardly human fled without a second thought!
The betrayal of its expectations sent the Black Mountain Spider into an ear-piercing tantrum, screeching in fury.
The commotion immediately startled the couple inside the house.
"What's going on?! Is the Black Mountain Spider starving, or is it throwing a tantrum again?"
From another room, a plump dwarven woman suddenly burst in.
She was even shorter than the old dwarf Smith—and her entire face was covered in a thick beard.
Kenley couldn't help but internally roast the situation—
Just what did Smith see in this woman?
Do all dwarves have the same taste in beauty…?
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
While it wasn't uncommon for dwarven women to have beards, Parisha's was… exceptionally lush.
Kenley crouched low, slipping away without a sound. He didn't care how Parisha would handle the spider—he was already making his way to the window.
With a swift movement, he climbed out.
"Master! You're back! Are you hurt?"
From the carriage, Tia leapt down in a flash, rushing over in just a few quick strides.
Kenley lifted the boots in his hand, flashing a grin—
"All good! Mission complete!"
Knowing that the Cloak of Light was now in his hands so early in the game, Kenley felt immensely satisfied.
Just as he expected—not even a Tier 3 Black Mountain Spider could detect him while he wore it.
His leveling plan was now completely secured.
------
"Well done, kid! I didn't expect you to complete it so smoothly," the old dwarf Smith chuckled.
Kenley flashed a sly grin."You're not going back on your word, are you?"
Smith let out a dry cough."Of course not! I, Smith, always keep my promises! The cloak is yours!"
"Great! That's what I like to hear. I'll head back to the guild and report the mission." Kenley was feeling like he'd hit the jackpot.
"Of course!" Smith nodded, then hesitated for a moment before giving him a knowing smile."So, what do you think? Interested in becoming my apprentice? I've got some rare treasures hidden away, you know."
Kenley shook his head. Though he was tempted to find out just what Smith had stashed away, he already had his own plans—he had no intention of wasting too much energy on blacksmithing.
"Sorry, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
"Well, if you ever change your mind, you're always welcome! My doors are always open for you!"
Kenley felt a twinge of emotion. Who would've thought the old man had such a sentimental side?
All this effort just to recruit an apprentice? He was really pulling out all the stops.
"I'll keep that in mind. I'll be off then." Kenley waved and left the forge with Tia and Sylph.
However, just as he turned the corner, he noticed someone storming into the forge.
It was Parisha!
"Smith! You shameless old fool! Did you mix up Kerr's boots with mine?!"
Oh, crap.
How did Parisha figure it out so fast?!
"My dear Parisha, what are you talking about? When have I ever been to your house?" Smith feigned innocence.
"Oh, really? Then how do you explain this silver goblet?!"
"What silver goblet?"
The moment Kenley heard that, he instinctively shrank his neck.
Oh no.
He didn't want Smith connecting the dots—that he was the one who lost that silver goblet.
He had thrown it as a distraction for the Black Mountain Spider, never expecting that Parisha would recognize it and trace it back to its original owner.
This was bad.
If Smith found out, he'd definitely try to take back the Cloak of Light.
Kenley needed to get out of here—fast.
Trying to take back a treasure I've already swallowed? Not a chance!
Meanwhile, poor old Smith's reputation was crumbling before his very eyes.
A crowd had already gathered outside the forge, eager to watch the spectacle unfold.
Turns out, Parisha—the bearded dwarf woman—had been more than just friendly with old Smith.
And the juiciest part?
She was actually Smith's brother's woman.
If Smith's brother found out, he'd probably come after him with a cleaver.
But Kenley, having insider knowledge, knew this wasn't even the biggest scandal.
Oh, no—Smith had been messing around with more than just Parisha.
He had also hooked up with his other two brothers' women—Kerr and Lytalia!
And as if on cue—Kerr arrived.
"Smith, you bastard! So you've been sneaking around with Parisha behind my back?! If she hadn't stormed into my house just now, I wouldn't have even known it was you who stole my silver goblet!"
"K-Kerr?! What are you doing here?! Oh, blessed Mother above, it's so good to see you!" Smith beamed—before suddenly pretending to be confused.
"Wait, what did you just say? I don't understand a word of it!"
"Drop the act, Smith! Don't you dare play dumb with me—"
That was Kenley's cue to leave.
Sure, watching the drama unfold was fun, but if he stuck around too long, he might get dragged into it.
"Master, do you know something about all this?"
Hearing the heated shouting match behind them, Tia looked up at Kenley with a knowing smile.
Kenley cleared his throat, feigning ignorance.
"Know something? Nope! Not a clue! Let's just hurry back to the guild and turn in the quest."
Tia wasn't fooled.
She smirked.
