The day began to brighten, and life slowly started to stir. I woke up from my bed.
The past few days felt almost impossible to believe—unreal, yet real. If you ask me, what happened to me felt like getting struck by lightning and miraculously surviving… and then somehow becoming immune to lightning afterward. That's the best way to describe my current situation—unbelievably unlucky, and unbelievably lucky at the same time. Hahaha.
I went to the bathroom and began my usual morning routine—washing my face, brushing my teeth, taking a shower, and applying a few skincare products.
What? You're wondering why a guy like me cares about skincare?
Let me clear that up first—I'm not "that kind of guy," and I'm totally normal, okay? But come on, surely you don't think that a guy who takes care of his appearance is disgusting, right? You won't mistake me for a girl just because I wash my face, will you?
I mean, I'm not some handsome character. I'm not particularly ugly either, but I do have some pimples and acne scars that I want to get rid of (though they're not that bad). Disgusting? Exactly—that's why I'm taking care of myself.
"Speaking of which, I haven't checked the new skill I got from the starter quest. Let's take a look." I said to myself.
Lathan called up the system, and his interface screen appeared before him. He had reached level 3. Just two more levels until level 5.
"Hmm… Let's see the skill description," Lathan murmured.
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[•Vow of Yggdrasil•] (Lvl 1)
Description:
"As long as there is one root left in the world, I will not fall."
An ancient vow from the World Tree, deeply rooted in the soul, granting strength to endure no matter how fierce the storm. Protects its bearer with the power of nature and a spiritual bond with the life around them.
Skill Effects:
+30% Elemental Resistance
+10% Elemental Power (Enhances your elemental-type attacks)
> When receiving a fatal attack, survive with 1 HP and activate Nature's Shelter for 10 seconds.
Cooldown: 24 hours in your world's time
Nature's Shelter:
> Immune to all damage
+100% Elemental Prowess
+20% HP regeneration per second
Root Affinity [Stack: 0]
> Each action that protects living beings increases Root Affinity (max 100 stacks).
>Every 10 stacks: Grants 1% HP regeneration per minute and +1% Mana regeneration per minute, based on your total HP and MP.
>Upon reaching 100 stacks: Permanently increases all stats by 1%
Maxed stacks last for 24 hours before resetting back to 0.
[System Note: Skill effects may evolve without limit due to the influence of the "Overlimit" skill]
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Wow... this is overpowered, isn't it?
Basically, I have a once-a-day trump card that lets me escape death. And this is just Level 1! If it's already this broken, what's it gonna be like at higher levels?
"But what exactly is Root Affinity?" I wondered. "Does it increase every time I help someone or do a good deed? Hmm… For a passive skill, this is insanely useful."
1% healing per 10 stacks? That's amazing! If I max it out, I'll have about 10% HP regeneration per minute. I wouldn't even need to drink healing potions for ten whole minutes.
And 10% MP regeneration per minute too?
Plus a permanent 1% stat boost for reaching the maximum stack count? That's insane!
If I fully optimize this skill, I wouldn't need to carry any recovery items as long as I play it safe.
Well, the downside is that I have to do good deeds. It's going to make me look like some naive hero who tries to save everyone. But oh well… what choice do I have?
Also, how exactly does the system define a good deed? Helping someone out?
And are there different levels or grades to those deeds?
Hmm, no idea—I'll just have to experiment and find out.
I think that's enough analysis of my skills for now.
As for my stats… I believe each level up gives +1 to all stats, and 3 bonus points that I can assign to any stat I want.
I'll think about that later. For now, I need to head out and check in at the guild where I work in the cleaning department.
Guess I should call Boss Erwin.
I grabbed my phone from the table and called Boss Erwin. He answered shortly after.
"Yeah, Than? What's up?" said Boss Erwin.
"Boss, do you have any news about the portal I asked you about last time? Or maybe news about portals suddenly increasing in level?" I asked, a bit worried.
"The portal you mentioned? Sorry, but after checking again, there's nothing like that," Boss Erwin replied. "And while it's not impossible for a portal to suddenly level up, it's extremely rare. Why are you so worried about that?"
"A-ah, I see… Nothing, then. Alright, no problem. Talk to you later, Boss Erwin!"
"Hey, wai—" click
I hung up the phone before he could finish.
I guess the future has changed because of my regression.
Well, even if I say "the future," I only knew what was going to happen one day ahead—since I got sent back just one day before my death. Hahaha.
"Oh well, what can I do? My only lead has vanished without a trace. I need to focus on developing this power now," I said to myself in front of the mirror.
For today…
Since I took the day off, I figured I'd use it to level up in the beginner dungeon nearby. I've got power now, so of course I should use it. No way I'm letting it go to waste.
"Beginner dungeon, here I come."
Still standing in front of the mirror, hair a bit messy, my favorite worn-out hoodie clinging to my body like a loyal dog. One hand grabs the small bag I'd hung on the back of the door. Inside? A beginner's HP potion I bought for emergencies during my last cleaning job. Two meat-filled sandwiches, a bottle of water, and a modified short knife I always carry for self-defense.
As soon as I step out of the house, the morning air greets me. The sun's not too high yet, and the neighborhood streets are still quiet. All I can hear are the clinking wheels of a porridge vendor's cart and a couple of stray cats fighting over territory. The world feels calm, peaceful... and honestly, a bit boring.
At the bus stop, I sit alone waiting for the ride to Zone-3, the most basic dungeon area that even beginners can enter—as long as they have a permit card, or more accurately, a Hunter's license to prove they've awakened.
You're wondering what a "zone" is? Hmm... Think of it as an "Area" where dungeons appear all over the world. There are various tiers of areas, and they're split into different categories too. Some zones allow civilians as long as they're awakened—or at least well-equipped if they're not. Some zones are reserved by national guilds, and others are managed directly by the government.
Luckily, the zone I'm heading to is the easiest one with the most accessible entry. Honestly, I could've asked friends like Faiz or Razy to tag along, but like I said before—if I can handle it myself, why ask for help? Come on, I know when to ask for help. I'm not some naive protagonist straight out of those Japanese comics I read.
After waiting around, the bus arrives ten minutes later. The door opens with a familiar hiss, and I hop on without overthinking. Some passengers are wearing light armor. Looks like they're headed the same way.
I gaze out the window at the cityscape. Tall buildings, holographic ads, tiny drones zipping around. The world... looks normal, but ever since the first portal appeared 20 years ago, everything's changed. And now, dungeons are just part of life. Some people become pro hunters. Others die stupidly inside. And me? I'm just a regular guy who—by accident—got some insane powers.
Ten minutes later, the bus stops. I get off in front of a large gate labeled ZONE-3 ENTRY POINT. Below it, a big sign reads:
"Beginner Area – Monster Level 1–5
Enter at your own risk."
Hah. Risk? I'm used to it.
I pass the checkpoint. The guard barely glances at my ID card before nodding me through. Past the gate, the atmosphere changes instantly. Concrete walls turn into natural stone, lighting grows dimmer, and the air gets colder.
Here it is... the dungeon.
My footsteps echo through the narrow corridor lit by tiny crystals embedded in the walls. I grip my small knife tightly. My heart's beating faster. Every shadow, every noise feels suspicious.
After five minutes of walking, I finally encounter something: a small goblin, about the size of a kindergarten kid, dark green skin, sharp teeth. It looks like it's... eating a rabbit corpse with spiral teeth?
"Ugh, why do goblins always have to be the default beginner monster? It's such a cliché—every story has the MC fighting goblins or slimes in the first few chapters," I mutter.
"But then again, I remember that one story where goblins were portrayed as horrifying, sadistic creatures. Cliché or not, I shouldn't underestimate them."
"Well, alright. First test."
The goblin hasn't noticed me yet. I crouch and sneak closer, step by step. Once I get close enough, I cover its mouth and stab its neck.
Just when I thought it was dead—it lashes out. Its tiny claws scratch my arm. It stings, but not too badly. Guess my stab wasn't deep enough.
I spin around and throw my knife straight at its head. BAM—headshot. The goblin staggers and drops. That's supposed to be hard for a beginner… but maybe it's thanks to my high Luck stat.
> [EXP +9]
I freeze for a second.
"Whoa… That was... kind of dangerous. Not too hard, but I still got scratched."
My body trembles slightly. Not out of fear, but from adrenaline. I just killed a living creature—even if it was just a goblin—and it feels... weird. A mix of relief, pride, and disgust.
You're asking why something so minor made me tremble? I know I've said this a lot, but "Come on." This is a real world blended with fantasy. I'm not some edgy guy who suddenly acts cool and mysterious after gaining powers. It's not that easy to change who you are.
I sit down for a bit, take out a small potion, and drink a sip.
"First blood. One small step for me, one giant leap for my EXP."
"If I really think about it... why do I keep talking to myself like someone's listening? I've been like this since I was a kid, but no idea why I still can't stop... Hahaha." I chuckle softly.
For the next hour, I slowly make my way through the dungeon. Every time I find a goblin or slime, I fight cautiously. Not reckless, but not timid either. I start to learn their movement patterns, when to dodge, when to strike. My hands and feet begin to move naturally. I'm no professional fighter, but my body's learning fast.
> [Level Up!]
You are now Level 4.
"Yes!"
I clench my fist. One more level to go. If I hit Level 5… just like the system mentioned, I'll unlock my personal AI (Artificial Intelligence)!
> Bonus Points Received: +3
I don't assign them yet. Want to wait and see. But already, I feel stronger. My movements are more stable. Breathing is easier.
While I'm thinking about that, I hear hurried footsteps around the corner. I get ready. But instead of a monster... it's a person.
A figure emerges from the dungeon's dim shadows, her steps fast but light—someone clearly used to navigating dangerous ground. A girl, probably around my age, stops a few meters in front of me. Her hair is short, brown, a bit messy from sweat and dust, but it catches the crystal glow in a warm glimmer. Her hazel eyes are round and alert, filled with concern, yet sharp and focused. Her skin is fair—not pale like someone who never goes outside, but not sunburnt either. Just right.
She's wearing a fitted light leather armor that hugs her body without being flashy. The way she stands—upright but not stiff, alert but not panicking—makes it hard to ignore her presence. Not the kind of beauty that leaves you speechless with perfection, but enough to make you look twice... and still drawn in the third time.
When her eyes meet mine, her brows furrow slightly. Her face isn't just pretty—it's expressive, full of life. Definitely not some soulless background character.
"You a hunter too?" she asks.
I nod slowly. "Yeah... Why?"
~~To be Continued ~~