Ash dismissed the screen with a wave. He couldn't help but grin at the boost in his stats. "Looks like I'm getting stronger," he whispered.
Just as he was about to relax, a knock sounded at the door. Riven pushed it open without waiting for a response, his face slightly flushed.
"Oi, they're holding a practice session out back for the newbies. Thought you might wanna test that fancy bone stick of yours," Riven said, nodding toward the weapon.
Ash smirked. "Fancy bone stick, huh? Sounds like you're jealous."
Riven snorted. "Of that creepy thing? Hardly. But I wouldn't mind seeing how you use it."
Ash followed Riven down the narrow hallway and out to the back of the inn, where a small training yard was set up. A few adventurers were sparring, their clumsy movements suggesting they were still new to combat.
A large man with a thick beard, probably the instructor, noticed them. "New faces! Care to join in?"
Riven shrugged. "I'll pass. Let the bonehead over here show off."
Ash rolled his eyes but stepped forward, gripping the Boneblade. The instructor tossed him a wooden practice sword, but Ash politely declined, holding up his weapon. "This will do."
The instructor raised an eyebrow. "Suit yourself. Pair up with Harlan over there."
A burly young man with a chipped blade stepped forward. He gave Ash a once-over and smirked. "You sure that bone knife's gonna cut it?"
Ash didn't respond, simply took his stance. The Boneblade felt light in his hands, and his body almost moved on its own as he shifted his weight, preparing to strike.
[Skill Unlocked: Basic Swordsmanship]
Proficiency: Novice (10%)
Effect: +2 Strength, +1 Agility when using one-handed swords
Harlan lunged first, aiming for Ash's shoulder. Instinct kicked in, and Ash sidestepped, twisting his blade in a downward arc. Harlan's sword clanged against the bone, and Ash pushed back with surprising force, sending his opponent stumbling.
> [Skill Activated: Basic Swordsmanship]
+2 Strength, +1 Agility while wielding a one-handed sword
Harlan gritted his teeth and came again, this time with a feint. Ash caught it, parried low, and with a fluid motion, slipped behind him, tapping the flat of his blade against Harlan's back.
The crowd murmured in surprise. The instructor nodded approvingly. "You've got some skill there."
Harlan, catching his breath, gave Ash a sheepish grin. "Didn't expect you to move like that."
Ash sheathed the Boneblade. "I guess I just have good instincts."
Riven smirked from the sidelines. "Yeah, instincts. That's what we're calling it now."
Ash couldn't help but laugh, feeling the energy of the Boneblade still buzzing through his fingertips. He didn't know what lay ahead, but with each day, he felt himself adapting more to this world—and growing stronger.
---
The guild hall buzzed with life as adventurers swapped stories and bounties. Riven leaned back in his chair, kicking his feet up on the table. Ash sat across from him, his new Boneblade resting at his side.
An older adventurer with a scar over his right eye approached. "You two lookin' for a challenge?" he grumbled, eyes shifting between the pair.
"Depends," Ash replied. "What's the catch?"
The man huffed. "Dungeon opened up in the eastern forest. Looks like a mid-level—probably C-rank. Few guildies already went in, but no one's come back yet. Could be treasure—or just a death trap."
Riven perked up. "Sounds perfect. Let's take it!"
Ash raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"
"C'mon, what's the worst that could happen? Plus, dungeons like this always have something valuable. You just got that bone stick—let's test it out."
Ash sighed, but the glint in Riven's eyes was enough to convince him. They gathered supplies and set out just as dawn broke.
---
The dungeon entrance loomed between gnarled trees, a dark, gaping maw lined with ancient stone. Strange symbols pulsed on the walls, and the air felt thick—like the forest itself was holding its breath.
"Feels creepy," Riven whispered.
A system notification flashed before Ash's eyes.
> [WARNING: Entering Dungeon - Shifting Shadows]
Recommended Level: 10-15
Status Effects: Spatial Distortion, Elemental Shift
Ash gripped his weapon tighter. "Stay sharp. This place might mess with our senses."
Inside, the dungeon was a labyrinth of shifting corridors. Sometimes the walls seemed closer, sometimes farther. The flickering torchlight danced like shadows trying to break free.
They pushed forward cautiously until they entered a wide chamber lined with cracked statues. At the center lay a pedestal with a worn-out chest.
Riven grinned. "Too easy."
Ash grabbed his shoulder. "Wait. Dungeons don't just leave loot lying around."
As if on cue, the statues began to move, eyes glowing with an eerie light. Stone cracked and reformed into four hulking guardians.
> [SYSTEM ALERT: Stone Guardians - Elemental Constructs (Earth)]
Rank: C
Weakness: Fluid Motion - Target Joints
Riven didn't hesitate. He darted forward, slicing at a guardian's knee joint. The sword clanged, but a chip fell away. Ash moved with him, targeting the same point. Together, they managed to cripple one guardian, but the others moved faster.
One swung a massive stone fist, barely missing Ash as he ducked and rolled to the side. As he got back up, the system chimed again.
> [NEW SKILL ACQUIRED: Element Leech]
Effect: Absorb 2.5% of an elemental property (solid, liquid, gas). Max 3 elements at once.
An idea sparked. Ash focused on one of the guardians and activated the skill. His hand tingled as a faint glow appeared around the stone.
> [Element Leech: Absorbing Solid Property - 2.5%]
[Physical Resistance +2% for 3 minutes]
Ash smirked. "Hey, Riven! Go for the joints again. I've got this!"
Feeling sturdier, he blocked a direct hit, barely budging from the force. The Boneblade pulsed as he struck back, shattering the weakened joint.
With one guardian down, the others seemed to hesitate. Riven capitalized on the confusion, slicing through another one's legs. Ash activated Element Leech again, focusing on the shifting shadows around the dungeon.
> [Element Leech: Absorbing Shadow Property - 2.5%]
[Stealth Duration +2% for 3 minutes]
Ash moved more fluidly now, almost blending with the dark. The final guardian swung blindly, but Ash slipped behind it and drove the Boneblade into its back, shattering the core.
With the room clear, Riven panted and wiped sweat from his brow. "Not bad, bonehead. That was some fancy footwork."
Ash grinned. "Got a few tricks up my sleeve."
The chest creaked open, revealing two items: a sleek, leather armor set with faint runes and a glimmering silver necklace.
> [SYSTEM ALERT: Acquired Shadewalker Armor - C-Rank]
Effect: +3 Agility, +2 Endurance
Special: Enhanced Stealth
> [SYSTEM ALERT: Acquired Silverleaf Necklace - C-Rank]
Effect: +2 Intelligence, Mana Recovery +1%
Ash tossed the necklace to Riven. "Looks more your style."
Riven beamed. "I'm not gonna say no to free loot."
As Ash donned the armor, he felt a surge of energy—lighter, quicker, more agile. He looked at Riven, who was still admiring the necklace.
"Next time, maybe we avoid the creepy statues," Ash joked.
Riven shrugged. "Where's the fun in that?"