No sound.
No pain.
No light.
Then—
BOOM!
A thunderous impact tore through the dungeon.
The level 63 monster’s massive body was sent flying, its scales cracking as a fist slammed into its chest with overwhelming force. The shockwave ripped through the ground, hurling Melvin and Luna backward despite the distance between them.
“W–What…?!” Melvin gasped, struggling to regain his footing.
Luna looked up—her breath caught in her throat.
Standing between them and the monsters…
was Rey.
But something was wrong.
His body stood unnaturally still.
His aura twisted, heavy and oppressive.
And his eyes—
They glowed.
A cold, unnatural light shimmered within them, devoid of emotion.
[System Notice]
Emergency Condition Detected.
Mental Collapse Threshold Reached.
Autopilot Mode — Activated.
Rey said nothing.
Without hesitation, he grabbed the level 63 monster by its limb, lifted it as if it weighed nothing—
—and kicked it with brutal precision.
The monster was launched across the battlefield, crashing straight into the level 75 beast with a deafening roar.
Dust, debris, and shattered stone filled the air.
Two monsters.
One human.
And the system had taken full control.
Rey lunged forward at terrifying speed.
In an instant, he appeared right in front of the Level 63 monster.
One punch.
Just a single blow.
The monster’s body exploded, blood scattering violently across the dungeon floor as its corpse collapsed without even a chance to scream.
Without stopping, Rey twisted his body and immediately faced the Level 75 monster behind it.
He delivered a powerful kick.
But—
Clang!
A hard, invisible force stopped his leg mid-air.
A barrier.
The impact shattered the barrier, cracks spreading like broken glass, yet the monster was not harmed.
The monster opened its jaws wide.
A blast of Frost energy surged out like a freezing cannon.
Rey quickly recalled his dagger into his hand.
The blade glowed faintly.
The frost attack was absorbed directly into the dagger, its icy power being swallowed whole.
Rey prepared to release a counterattack using the absorbed Frost—
But suddenly—
Slash!
The monster’s claws struck him hard across the body.
Rey was sent flying and smashed into the ground violently.
Before he could recover, the monster raised its massive tail.
It slammed downward with killing intent.
BOOM!
The ground where Rey lay exploded under the impact, dust and debris filling the air.
But when the dust slowly settled—
Rey was gone.
The monster froze.
Its vision was already blind in one eye.
And now—
Rey had appeared behind it.
Unable to detect him in time, the monster turned too late.
Rey raised his dagger.
The Frost energy stored within erupted outward.
A concentrated Frost Magic blast struck the monster directly.
Its body stiffened instantly.
Rey didn’t hesitate.
He stepped in.
Gathered every ounce of strength he had—
And delivered a single punch.
BAMM!
The monster’s head shattered completely.
Only its lifeless body collapsed to the ground.
The battle was over.
The moment silence returned to the dungeon—
Rey’s legs gave out.
He collapsed.
“Rey!!”
Melvin and Luna rushed toward him in shock.
Luna immediately knelt beside Rey, her hands trembling as she activated her healing magic. She pulled out a potion she had been saving and poured it into his mouth.
Inside Rey’s fading consciousness—
Darkness enveloped him.
Then—
He found himself standing in a strange, empty space.
Before him stood a familiar presence.
A floating interface.
A voice echoed calmly.
“Host has regained consciousness.”
Rey frowned and raised his head.
“…Who are you?”
“I am Will,” the voice replied.
“The system that accompanies the host. The situation outside has stabilized. Both monsters have been successfully eliminated.”
Rey clenched his fists.
“…Thank you, System. You helped me. But… I’m still weak.”
“It is acceptable, Host,” Will responded.
“The system will intervene when the host faces danger beyond their current ability. However… the system cannot interfere constantly.”
Rey looked up.
“Why?”
“The system fears that the identity of both the host and the system will be exposed.”
Rey exhaled slowly.
“I understand… I still need to learn more. I must control this body… and the power I possess.”
“Host has reached Level 49,” Will continued.
“Only one level remains before Level 50.”
Rey’s eyes widened.
“…Level 50?”
“When the host reaches Level 50,” Will explained,
“Multiple functions will unlock. One of them is the Simulation Function.”
“Simulation?”
“This function allows the host to enter a simulation space,” Will said.
“Inside, host may fight monsters previously encountered. Training can be conducted without concern for physical harm or the safety of others.”
Rey was stunned.
“…That’s incredible. I need to reach Level 50 as soon as possible. Is there any stored EXP in my inventory?”
“There is,” Will replied.
“However, the amount is insufficient. The system recommends opening the packages obtained from previous level-ups.”
Rey nodded.
“…Later. For now, I need to check on my party. I need to see Elysa.”
Rey’s eyes slowly opened.
The first thing he saw was Melvin’s face—tears streaming down as he laughed in relief.
“Rey! You’re awake!”
Luna stood beside him, wiping her tears, her expression full of gratitude.
“Thank goodness…”
Rey forced a weak smile.
“Don’t cry… I’m fine. Are you all okay?”
Melvin and Luna quickly nodded.
“We’re fine.”
Rey turned his head.
His gaze fell on Elysa.
Her condition was unstable.
The scars on her body were still visible.
Even in sleep, her expression was twisted in pain.
Rey’s chest tightened.
“…I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
“I failed to protect all of you.”
“No!” Melvin and Luna spoke at the same time.
“This isn’t your fault,” Luna said.
“I was too weak. I couldn’t help my teammates.”
Melvin clenched his fists.
“I’m the one who should be blamed. I was the closest to Elysa… and I didn’t act in time.”
Rey fell silent.
Sadness and frustration churned within him.
But when he saw his party sinking into despair—
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
He stood up.
“That’s enough,” Rey said firmly.
“You all did your best. Now we need to leave this dungeon immediately. Elysa needs treatment. If we delay any longer… her life could be in danger.”
Before leaving, Rey glanced back at the pile of monster corpses.
Among them were High-tier items and piles of Gold Coins.
He gathered them and handed them to Melvin.
“You hold onto these. Once we’re out, we’ll sell them.”
Melvin nodded in understanding.
They hurried toward the dungeon exit.
Note: Each floor had its own exit that would directly teleport adventurers out of the dungeon.
But as Rey reached the exit—
He noticed something on the ground.
An emblem.
He picked it up.
“…This is… the emblem of Clan Aegis?”
Rey frowned.
“Clan Aegis? Are they on Floor 8 too? Then why haven’t I seen anyone?”
Suddenly—
A deafening roar echoed through the dungeon.
A violent explosion followed.
Rey’s eyes widened.
Someone else was here.
Without hesitation, Rey turned to Melvin and Luna.
“Take Elysa and leave the dungeon now. Bring her to Clan Rose for treatment.”
They nodded immediately.
Without wasting another second, they exited the dungeon carrying Elysa.
Rey turned back.
And ran.
He sprinted through Floor 8, chasing the source of the sound.
Did Clan Aegis encounter a powerful monster?
When he reached the scene—
He froze.
A party was fighting a Level 87 Minotaur.
The monster’s body was massive.
Its presence alone crushed the air.
“Host,” Will’s voice sounded.
“This monster specializes in close-range combat. It has evolved. Its strength surpasses the Level 75 Frost Dragon encountered earlier.”
“Recommendation?”
“The system advises retreat,” Will said.
“With the host’s current strength and combat experience… defeat is highly likely.”
Rey clenched his teeth.
“What about Autopilot Mode?”
“Success probability: 50%,” Will replied.
“This monster shares similarities with the host—close-range combat. Its strength and durability pose a high risk of fatal injury.”
Rey clicked his tongue.
“Tch… but they’re from Clan Aegis.”
Then—
He saw the surroundings.
Bodies.
Human bodies.
Some split in half.
Some crushed.
Some reduced to nothing but torn clothing.
Rey’s breath caught.
“…This isn’t possible.”
He estimated at least 15 to 20 people had died.
Only five remained.
Their levels ranged between 55–58, one at 65, and one at 78.
Rey’s eyes widened.
The leader of Clan Aegis is here.
Five elites.
Five Class S adventurers.
Accompanied by thirteen Class A and B members.
Only the five elites survived.
Suddenly—
The Minotaur swung its massive axe.
It struck Drax, the Clan Aegis leader.
Drax blocked with his shield—
CRASH!
The impact sent him flying.
Behind him—
A support class quickly cast buffs of speed and strength onto the assassin.
The assassin tried to intercept the monster—
But was too slow.
The Minotaur changed targets.
It rushed toward the support.
A mage panicked and raised an ice wall—
It shattered instantly.
The axe descended.
Just before it could strike—
BAMM!
A kick slammed into the Minotaur’s head.
Another strike smashed into its abdomen.
The monster was sent flying into the dungeon wall.
Everyone froze.
A lone figure stood before them.
Rey.
Drax, his arm clearly fractured, tried to speak.
“Thank—”
“Save it,” Rey interrupted calmly.
“Deal with the problem in front of us first.”
Drax nodded.
No introductions were needed.
Six people now faced a brutal monster.
One mistake—
Meant death.
Rey spoke quickly.
“Support. Can you provide buffs and heals?”
“Yes,” the support replied.
“But healing can only be used once.”
“Assassin,” Rey continued.
“Can you use camouflage? You’ll strike for a critical hit while we hold it.”
“…I can.” The Assasin replied.
“Mage. Can you deal heavy magic damage?”
“I need ten seconds.”
“Ten seconds…” Rey nodded.
“You, the Warrior. You and I will hold it.”
Drax looked at Rey.
“I’m the clan leader, you know,” he said with a bitter smile.
“Yet someone else is giving orders… I regret that. But this is an emergency.”
He raised his shield.
“I hope your plan works.”
“Don’t worry,” Rey said calmly, his stance relaxed but focused.
“I’ve used this plan many times before. It succeeds ninety percent of the time.”
As he spoke, memories of his own party flashed through his mind—countless battles, countless formations, each perfectly executed through trust and timing.
“Support,” Rey commanded, his voice sharp.
“Buff the assassin. Heal your leader.”
The support nodded without hesitation.
Light surged.
Buff symbols flared briefly around the assassin’s body, his presence fading as camouflage activated. At the same time, a warm glow enveloped Drax, stabilizing his shattered condition just enough to keep him standing.
Rey lowered his center of gravity.
His posture shifted.
A combat stance—balanced, efficient, lethal.
“Ready,” Rey said quietly.
“In three…”
The Minotaur snorted, flames seeping from its nostrils.
“Two…”
Its hooves scraped the stone floor.
“One…”
“Move.”
BOOM!
Rey exploded forward.
The ground cracked beneath his feet as he closed the distance in an instant, his fist already swinging.
The Minotaur roared and swung its massive axe downward.
CLANG!
Fist met axe.
Shockwaves rippled through the dungeon.
The impact forced both of them back half a step.
Drax’s eyes widened.
“…Bare hands?”
Then he noticed it.
A dagger glinting between Rey’s fingers.
Wait—what?
Drax’s thoughts raced.
Is he a warrior… or an assassin?
Rey didn’t stop.
“Warrior,” he barked.
“Cut its leg.”
Drax reacted instantly.
With a roar of pain and determination, he swung his greatsword in a wide arc.
Slash!
Steel bit deep into the Minotaur’s leg.
The monster screamed.
Its massive body staggered before dropping to one knee.
That was the signal.
From the shadows—
The assassin appeared.
A blade flashed across the Minotaur’s neck.
Status Effects Activated:
- Stun
- Bleeding
A critical hit.
Black-red particles erupted as the Minotaur howled in rage.
“Back!” Rey shouted.
Rey, Drax, and the assassin all retreated simultaneously.
The mage’s chant reached its climax.
Above them, the air distorted.
A massive sphere of fire formed.
“Meteor Flame!”
The spell descended like a falling sun.
BOOOOM!
The explosion engulfed the Minotaur completely.
Flames roared.
Stone melted.
The dungeon trembled.
For a moment—
Silence.
But then—
The fire dispersed.
The Minotaur was still standing.
Its HP bar dropped—but not enough.
Its eyes burned with madness.
Skill Activated: Berserk
Flames wrapped around its entire body.
Its muscles expanded grotesquely.
The Minotaur roared and charged.
It moved faster.
Much faster.
It raised its axe and swung with killing intent.
Drax stepped forward.
“I’ve got it!”
CRASH!
He blocked the attack with his shield.
The impact shattered the ground beneath him.
Bones cracked.
Blood seeped beneath his armor.
His legs buckled.
“Arghhh!!” Drax screamed.
“Get out of here—now!”
Rey froze.
For a split second—
The past resurfaced.
The screams.
The helplessness.
The moment he failed.
His fists trembled.
“No,” Rey whispered.
Anger surged.
Rey stepped forward.
His aura changed.
“Justice Punch.”
His fist slammed into the Minotaur’s shoulder.
BOOM!
The monster’s left shoulder exploded outward, its arm twisting unnaturally.
But the Minotaur retaliated—
It lowered its head and rammed Rey with its horns.
Rey flew back, slamming into the ground.
Pain exploded through his body.
But he stood.
He grabbed one of the Minotaur’s horns.
And kicked.
Once.
Twice.
Again.
Relentless strikes to the face and eyes.
The Minotaur staggered, roaring blindly.
Its vision faltered.
“Now!” Rey shouted.
Drax, trembling but unyielding, raised his greatsword.
With a roar fueled by sheer will, he drove the blade straight into the Minotaur’s chest.
The assassin followed—
Precise strikes.
Neck.
Eyes.
Wrists.
Knees.
Critical damage stacked relentlessly.
Behind them, the mage and support combined their mana.
Flames twisted together.
A massive Flame Spear formed.
They launched it.
The spear pierced the Minotaur’s chest, striking beside Drax’s blade.
The monster staggered.
Still alive.
Still burning.
Still resisting.
Rey inhaled deeply.
Everything slowed.
Every battle.
Every mistake.
Every lesson.
He gathered it all—
Into one final strike.
His voice was low.
Sharp.
Cold.
“Execute Punch.”
BOOOOOOM!
Rey’s fist pierced straight through the Minotaur’s chest.
A massive shockwave erupted behind it, carving a tunnel deep into the dungeon wall.
The monster froze.
Then collapsed.
Dead.
Rey fell to his knees.
Then onto his back.
Breathing heavily.
Staring upward.
I will become stronger, he vowed silently.
I will never repeat that mistake again.
Silence filled the dungeon.
After a long moment—
Rey stood.
He looked toward Drax and the others.
Drax was exhausted.
Guilt burned in his eyes.
Rey smiled faintly.
“Hey,” Rey said.
“You guys okay?”
Drax nodded slowly.
“Yes… we’re fine.”
He stepped forward, clad in red armor, holding a massive shield and greatsword. His white hair framed a weathered face—someone who had survived countless battles.
“My name is Drax,” he said.
“Leader of Clan Aegis.”
Status Window
Name : Drax
Level : 78
Race : Human (Origin)
Role : Warrior
Title : Leader of Clan Aegis
Stats:
HP - 8850 (x85% Armor + 70% Accessory)
STR - 579 (x68% Accessory + 78% Weapon)
AGI - 473 (x55% Armor + 40% Weapon)
SPD - 490 (x95% Boots)
INT - 402 (x65% Accessory)
END - 575 (x80% Armor)
MP - 405 (x60% Accessory)
“I’m Ace,” Rey replied.
Drax blinked.
“…Ace? You’re the player who went viral a few weeks ago?”
Rey chuckled lightly.
“Oh… so my name’s already everywhere?”
Drax laughed.
“Hahaha. By the way… thank you for saving us.”
“No problem,” Rey replied.
“My instincts told me to help. But that Minotaur… it was insanely strong.”
Drax nodded.
“Yes. But it’s not the strongest on Floor 8.”
Rey frowned.
“There are monsters stronger than this? I once defeated a Level 89 Frost Dragon—but it wasn’t evolved.”
Drax’s expression hardened.
“Any monster above Level 70 usually evolves. If that Frost Dragon wasn’t evolved… then it was likely a juvenile.”
Rey’s eyes widened.
Then how strong is the parent…?
Seeing Rey’s concern, Drax spoke again.
“Don’t worry. Monsters above Level 100 can’t enter this floor. Dungeon rules prevent it.”
Before Rey could respond—
Light erupted from the Minotaur’s corpse.
Items dropped.
Armor.
Accessories.
And 850 Gold Coins.
They stared in disbelief.
“…Rare-tier armor,” the mage whispered.
Rey stepped closer.
A translucent interface appeared before his eyes.
___________________________________________________________________________
Warforged Armor
Tier: Rare
Source: Lv 87 Monster Drop
Stats:
? END (Endurance): +80%
? AGI (Agility): +75%
? DEF (Defense): +150 (Base)
Passive Ability — Armor Breaker
? Each time damage is received, DEF increases by 15% for 5 seconds
? Max Stack: 3 → Maximum DEF Bonus +45%
? Internal Cooldown: 1.5 seconds
Special Ability — Armor Slayer
? Trigger: After Armor Breaker activates
? Effect: +35% Critical Hit Chance for the next physical attack
? Note: Applies to one attack only after proc
___________________________________________________________________________
Silence spread among them.
Even Drax—who had faced countless battles—felt his breath catch.
“This armor alone could redefine a frontline warrior,” the support added quietly.
Drax turned toward Rey.
Without hesitation, he said, “Ace. Take it.”
Rey looked at him.
“…What?”
“You contributed the most in defeating the Minotaur,” Drax said firmly.
“You deserve this armor.”
Rey shook his head.
“No.”
The word came out calm—but absolute.
Drax frowned. “Ace—”
“Clan Aegis suffered too many losses,” Rey continued.
“This loot belongs to your clan. All of it.”
Drax stared at Rey.
Sadness flickered in his eyes.
“…Thank you.”
Without another word, Drax collected the armor, accessories, and 850 gold coins.
Then he turned toward his remaining party members.
“Move forward,” he ordered softly.
Before leaving, they all paused.
They looked around.
At the bloodstained floor.
At the empty spaces where their comrades once stood.
They were Class S adventurers.
Leaders.
Symbols of strength.
They could not show weakness in front of their clan.
One by one, they gathered the belongings of the fallen.
Weapons.
Accessories.
Personal items.
They would bring them home.
To be buried properly.
With honor.
Silently, they walked toward the dungeon exit.
When they emerged from the dungeon—
The air outside felt heavy.
In front of the Beginner City gate, dozens of people were waiting.
Other parties.
Other clans.
They had been waiting for Clan Aegis.
The moment Drax and his group appeared—
Cheers erupted.
Applause echoed.
“Leader Drax is back!”
“Clan Aegis survived!”
But then—
The cheers faltered.
People noticed the shattered armor.
The injuries.
And most importantly—
Only six people had returned.
The crowd fell silent.
They understood.
Drax stepped forward.
“Everyone,” he said, his voice steady but heavy.
“Please return. There will be a funeral ceremony tomorrow for the fallen members of Clan Aegis.”
He bowed deeply.
“I ask all of you to attend.”
The crowd responded with quiet encouragement.
“Stay strong, Leader.”
“Clan Aegis will endure.”
Then—
A voice whispered from the crowd.
“Hey… isn’t that Ace?”
Another voice followed.
“Yeah—Ace! The adventurer who formed a party just weeks ago, Isn’t he in Class D?.”
Drax’s eyes widened.
“…Class D?” he muttered in disbelief.
“I heard about a guy named Ace registering with only 10 MP,” Drax continued, stunned.
“But I never knew he was Class D… His strength surpasses even mine.”
Drax raised his hand.
“Everyone, disperse,” he ordered.
“I will bring my party—and our honored guest—back to the clan.”
The moment the words honored guest were spoken—
The crowd erupted into whispers.
“Did you hear that?”
“He’s an honored guest of Clan Aegis?”
“I heard he’s also a VIP at Clan Rose.”
“And wasn’t he personally invited by Clan Glory’s leader?”
“Yeah… Lord Tristan even gave him time to decide.”
Rey ignored the murmurs.
He followed Drax. After a moment.
Clan Aegis stood before him like a fortress.
A massive structure radiating authority.
Its emblem was carved proudly above the gates—
A black shield,
A silver crystal core,
Set against a crimson background.
Rey felt a quiet pressure in his chest.
So this is Clan Aegis…
“Welcome,” Drax said.
“To Clan Aegis, Ace. You are an honored guest here.”
Inside, dozens of clan members waited.
When they saw Drax—
Relief.
Then sorrow.
Then shock.
Only five survivors besides their leader.
Some cried.
Some clenched their fists in anger.
One voice broke the silence.
“Leader… is it only you?”
Drax stopped.
His shoulders trembled.
“…I’m sorry,” he said, tears falling freely.
“I couldn’t save them. I was weak.”
He bowed deeply.
Some collapsed in grief.
Some turned away, unable to speak.
Drax continued, his voice breaking.
“We encountered a Level 87 Minotaur.
It was a nightmare.
Its power nearly killed all five of us.”
Gasps filled the hall.
“The Minotaur is strategic,” someone whispered.
“Even Class S adventurers—”
“We survived,” Drax said, lifting his head,
“Because of him.”
All eyes turned to Rey.
“…Is that him?” someone asked nervously.
“Yes,” Drax said firmly.
“This is Ace. The one who saved us.
From this moment on—he is an honored guest of Clan Aegis.”
The room fell silent.
Then slowly—
Respect replaced doubt.
After some time, Drax approached Rey.
“Please stay the night,” he requested.
“And attend tomorrow’s funeral ceremony.”
Rey hesitated.
“I have something important to handle.”
“I only ask for one night,” Drax said quietly.
“And your presence tomorrow.”
After a long pause—
“…Alright.”
That night, Rey lay in the guest room prepared for him.
“System,” Rey called softly.
“How’s my progress?”
Ding—Dong
“Congratulations, Host. You have reached Level 51.”
Rey exhaled.
“After defeating the Level 87 monster, the host has received multiple rewards. Several new functions are now available.”
“Good,” Rey said.
“I want to upgrade my passive skill.”
“Upgrade cost to Level 2: 1000 Gold Coins.”
“Do it.”
“Loading…
Passive Skill ‘Overgrowth’ upgraded to Level 2.
New effect: All Levels, Stats, and Items gained are increased by x2.5.”
Rey smiled faintly.
“…That’s insane.”
“Would the host like to activate the Simulation Function?”
“Yes. Activate it.”
“Consuming 1 Mana Stone…
Simulation Function unlocked.”
Rey nodded.
“By the way,” he added,
“My armor will evolve now, right?”
“Yes,” the system replied.
“Armor evolution in progress. Estimated completion: 48 hours.”
“…I can wait.”
“Does the host wish to open accumulated gifts?”
“Later. I’m exhausted.”
Rey closed his eyes.
And slept.
Far away—
Inside Clan Rose.
Chaos erupted.
Elysa had been brought into the medical wing.
Her condition was critical.
Melvin and Luna had left to search for Grand-tier potions.
Hours passed.
They didn’t return.
An intelligence report arrived.
“…They’re missing.”
Eris felt fear crawl up her spine.
If Rey found out—
She immediately issued an order.
“Deploy the assassin squads.
Search the entire Beginner City.”
Her hands trembled.
What will happen to Melvin and Luna?
And when Rey finds out…
The storm was coming.