Chapter 1:〈Save & Reset〉Acquired

 

In Katarov Village, there exists an S-Rank Dungeon — [Katarov Dungeon].

Because of that, many adventurers come to this village.

Normally, adventurers enter the dungeon through the main entrance at the front and proceed with their exploration.

However, the village holds another entrance to the dungeon — a teleportation circle.

Using that circle forcibly transports one to somewhere deep within [Katarov Dungeon].

And of those who have ever used this teleportation circle, not a single one has returned alive.

After all, this dungeon remains one of the uncharted, unconquered dungeons.

If someone who isn’t even an adventurer were to be thrown into its depths, there would be no chance of coming back.

They are sent there without even a single weapon in hand.

Thus, using this teleportation circle was, in essence, the same as receiving a death sentence.

“Oi, hurry up and get in!”

A guard shoved my back, urging me toward the teleportation circle.

“Damn it…”

The words slipped from my mouth — words of resentment.

I hated everything.

Of course I hated Darga, who killed Namia. But I also despised the villagers who never once listened to my testimony and simply branded me guilty.

I hated every single one of them — so much I could kill them all.

And yet, the fact that I couldn’t do anything about it filled me with unbearable frustration.

“Oi, move it!”

The guard kicked me in the back as he said that.

My body staggered forward, and before I knew it, I had stepped onto the teleportation circle.

In the next moment, a blinding light engulfed my entire body.

 

◆

When I opened my eyes and looked around, the reality of where I was finally sank in.

This must be deep inside the S-Rank Dungeon — [Katarov Dungeon].

No one who’s been sent here has ever come back alive.

And I, who had never once acted as an adventurer, had no chance of escaping alive either.

“Grrraaaahhh!!”

A guttural roar echoed.

Ah… so it shows up right away.

A massive bear-shaped monster — its body easily exceeding five meters in height, its skin as hard as steel.

I’d heard of it from adventurers who came to the village — one of those monsters you could never survive meeting.

Its rank: A.

Its name— Armored Bugbear.

“Grraaaaaahhh!!”

As soon as the Armored Bugbear noticed me, it charged forward in a blind rush.

“Shit!”

I instinctively leapt backward.

A second later, the spot where I had just been standing was struck by its enormous fist.

The ground caved in, dirt and dust scattering everywhere.
Even though I hadn’t been hit directly, the shockwave alone made my body stagger.

I’m going to die.

At that moment, I felt death — truly, tangibly — for the first time in my life.

“Help… me…”

I knew it was pointless, but I couldn’t help shouting it.

“Someone, help me!”

Before I realized it, I was already running, turning my back on the monster.

What could a mere farmer like me, who was just tilling fields yesterday, possibly do against a monster?

So no matter how pathetic it was, all I could think about was surviving.

“Grrraaaahhh!!”

“Huh?”

When I turned around, the Armored Bugbear — which should have been far away — had closed the distance in an instant.

That fast!?

And before I could react, the Bugbear raised its fist again.

Ah… I’m dead.

The understanding hit me.

Yes, I was about to die.
Whether it was escapism or that so-called life-flashing-before-your-eyes thing, my memories rushed through my mind.

Only unpleasant ones.

Because of my hair color, I’d been persecuted. And Namia — my beloved Namia — was murdered.

“Damn iiiiiit!!”

I was furious.

More than anything, I hated that I couldn’t even fight back against those villagers before being killed.

So this is where I die, like a dog.

『Hey, want me to save you?』

“Huh?”

There was a writhing shadow before me.

A shadow shaped like a human.

“Who the hell are you?”

『You don’t really have the luxury to care about that right now, do you?』

That was true.

Right now, I was seconds away from being killed by a monster.

“Please! Help me!!”

I had no idea what that shadow was.

Even so, I shouted — desperate, clutching at any straw I could.

『Fine. Then I’ll grant you a skill. Its name is 〈Save & Reset〉.』

You have acquired the skill 〈Save & Reset〉.

“Eh?”

A message window suddenly appeared before my eyes, making me freeze in shock.

“Hey!”

I tried to ask for an explanation, but the shadow had already vanished.
No matter where I looked, it was gone.

My body didn’t feel any different, but… did I really obtain a skill?

〈Save & Reset〉, was it? I had no idea what kind of ability that was supposed to be.

“Gah!”

The Bugbear’s massive fist came down, and my body was crushed without mercy.

In the next instant, I was dead.

 

◆

“Grraaaaahhh!!!”

Right before me stood the roaring Armored Bugbear.

“Huh? I… died, didn’t I?”

The Bugbear’s punch should’ve killed me.

So why am I still alive?

“Guh!”

The Bugbear swung its fist again. My body was smashed — I died.

 

◆

“Ah.”

Again.

I died, and yet… here I am, alive again.

“Guh!”

But even if I came back to life, there was nothing I could do.

The Bugbear swung again, and my body was pulverized.

I died.

“Ah.”

Again, I came back.

No— that’s not it.

I wasn’t “coming back to life.”
Time itself was rewinding every time I died.

The skill the shadow gave me — 〈Save & Reset〉 — it must have that kind of power.

“Guh!”

So, time rewinds when I die.

But even so, the fact that the Bugbear swings its fist and kills me… that part doesn’t change.

“…Ha.”

Again.

Just before dying, time rewound again.

“Guh.”

The Bugbear was right in front of me, about to bring its fist down once more.

And that’s when I realized something.

If this keeps going… won’t I just keep being killed by this monster forever?

“Hey, what should I—”

What should I do? I tried to ask the shadow who gave me the skill—
but before I could finish the sentence, the Bugbear killed me.

“…Haa.”

No.
I don’t want this.
Being killed over and over for eternity — that’s no different from living hell.

“Hey! What am I supposed to do!?”

This time, I managed to shout the whole sentence.

If that shadow gave me such a ridiculous skill, then surely it knew a way to break this situation.

“………………”

Only silence answered.

“Guh!”

And then I was killed again.

“Damn it!”

I turned my back on the Bugbear and ran straight behind me.

I had to avoid dying — no matter what.

Every time I was hit, indescribable pain and exhaustion tore through my body.

And the moment I thought I’d lost consciousness, time would rewind again — forcing me awake.

If this kept up, my mind would definitely break.

So I ran backward, clinging to even the smallest chance of survival.

“Graahh!!”

“…Ah.”

But even if I ran backward, the Bugbear’s arm was long enough to reach me easily.

My body slammed into the wall, bones crushed beyond recognition.

Of course, I died.

“…Haa.”

Agonizing pain filled my body, and in the next moment, time rewound again — to just before the Bugbear’s next attack.

“Damn it!”

If running back didn’t work, then this time, I’ll move right!

“Guh!”

Even when I dodged right, the Bugbear’s fist still crushed me all the same.

“…Ha.”

Right didn’t work.
Then this time, left—

“Guh!”

With a dull thud, my body slammed against the wall.

“…Ah.”

Time rewound again.

Behind, right, left — none of them worked.
What’s left?

“Guh!”

While I was thinking, I was killed again.

“Don’t screw with me!!”

I screamed and leapt upward.

It wasn’t some calculated move — just desperation.
If back, right, and left didn’t work, then the only way was up.

“Guh!”

“Ah…”

Even in the air, the Bugbear’s fist caught me cleanly.

“…Haa.”

When time rewound again, I let out a sigh and sank to the ground.

I had no idea what else to do.

“Guh!”

Of course, the Bugbear didn’t hesitate — it beat me to death again.

After that, it killed me about ten more times — over and over, again and again, and again and again and again and again and again—
Each time, the pain and exhaustion tore through me, and each time, time rewound, forcing me awake.

It was worse than pain itself — unbearable torment.

“Just… kill me already…”

At last, I screamed.

If I died, I’d finally get eternal rest.

What could possibly be more blissful than that?

“Can’t I… erase this skill…?”

If I erased 〈Save & Reset〉, I’d be free from this endless hell.

With that thought, I opened my status window.

〈Kiska〉
Skill 1: Save & Reset
Skill 2: None
Skill 3: None
Skill 4: None
Skill 5: None

Aside from 〈Save & Reset〉, every slot was blank.

Maybe if I fiddled with it somehow, I could delete the skill.

Just as I touched the status screen with my finger—

Memories flashed through my mind.

Namia.

The men who violated her.

Darga, who killed her.

The villagers who punished me for a crime I didn’t commit.

I hated them all.

If I could, I’d kill them with my own hands.

If I somehow survived this dungeon, maybe that could actually happen.

Was my hatred really something that could fade so easily?

No — absolutely not!

“Damn iiiiiit!!”

With a scream, I made my choice — to charge forward.

Because of my reckless move, my foot caught, and I tripped.

By sheer accident, I ended up diving straight into the Bugbear’s reach.

Whoosh! The sound of wind being cleaved.

For the first time, I managed to dodge the Bugbear’s punch.

“Guh!”

But right after dodging the first blow came the second.

It struck me dead on, killing me instantly.

Even so — I felt… satisfied.

 

 

◆

If I charge forward, I can dodge the Bugbear’s first strike.

That was knowledge I’d gained after dying and coming back to life more than a dozen times.

Even so, just dodging the first strike only means the second and third are waiting right after.

If I keep repeating my attempts, maybe I can dodge those too.

But beyond that…?

In the end, the only way for me to survive this situation is either to defeat the Bugbear or to escape from it.

A whoosh cuts through the air.

I’ve probably died about thirty times by now. Thanks to that, dodging the first strike has become easy.

Then, forcing my body to twist around, I turn my back on the Armored Bugbear and sprint.

For someone like me, who has no adventuring experience, defeating it is impossible.

So I choose to run.

A stab—the sound of something gouging into my back.

The Bugbear showed no mercy to me as I turned to flee.

In the end, I died again.

 

◆

I’ve lost count of how many times it’s been.

Probably over a hundred by now.

“GRAAH!!”

First, the Bugbear swings its left arm horizontally.

I can dodge that by slipping into its chest.

Next, it brings its right arm down from above in a crushing blow.

If I roll to the left, I can dodge that too.

When I do, the Bugbear stiffens for an instant—

Maybe it’s surprised I avoided its attacks.

Taking that brief opening, I hug the wall and dash around to its back.

“GRAH!”

The Bugbear lets out a grunt of surprise and starts to turn its body toward me.

In that brief moment, I sprint away, putting as much distance between us as I can.

This movement—this sequence—is the optimal pattern I found after over a hundred trials.

But beyond this point lies unknown territory.

“GRAAAAAHHHH!!”

Because five seconds later, the Armored Bugbear will kick off the ground and catch up to me in an instant.

Though, I’ve experienced that countless times already.

A sharp sidestep to the right.

I successfully dodge the attack.

At the same time, the Bugbear loses its balance.

This is it.

This instant—maybe I can land a hit.

Thinking that, I throw a punch straight at its face.

“GAUHH!!”

The Bugbear lets out a groan and collapses on the spot.

Success.

That said, my punch is weak.

Even if I hit an A-rank monster, it’s far from fatal.

But it’ll take time before it gets back up.

Using that chance, I sprint away with everything I’ve got.

 

◆

The inside of the dungeon is a maze of twisted corridors.

There are monsters and traps scattered throughout, but I’ve heard that, rarely, treasure chests can be found.

“Come on, there’s got to be something!”

I’m searching for one of those treasure chests.

Right now, I don’t have a single weapon.

In this condition, surviving in the dungeon is impossible.

So I keep running through the passages, desperately searching for a chest. If I find one, maybe it’ll have a weapon inside.

“GRAAH!!”

When I turn around, the Bugbear is already right behind me.

From the moment I hit it in the face and knocked it down, it takes roughly twenty-five seconds for it to catch up again.

Within those twenty-five seconds, I have to find something to turn this situation around.

But once again, I find nothing.

A crunch—the sound of my insides being crushed.

And my life ends once more.

 

◆

Roughly my one hundred fiftieth attempt.

“Die!!”

Dodging its attack, I drive my fist into the Bugbear’s face. If I can knock it down, I’ll buy twenty-five seconds.

A thwack!—a sensation different from before.

By chance, my fist must’ve hit its eye.

“GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!”

The Bugbear roars in agony.

Well, anyone would if they were punched straight in the eye.

I see—if I target its eyes, I can buy even more time.

I’ll make sure to aim there from now on.

Then, once again, I run through the dungeon at full speed, searching for a chest before it catches up.

It’s already been twenty-five seconds, but this time, the Bugbear still hasn’t appeared.

Thanks to that eye attack, it’s taking longer to recover.

If I remember right, this passage—I haven’t gone this way before.

Within the limit of twenty-five seconds, I could never reach it until now.

“Ah.”

There was a trap beneath my feet. A pitfall.

Following the laws of nature, I drop straight down.

At the bottom, countless spears await.

A stab—my body is skewered through.

A failure again.

But despite that, my heart was pounding with excitement.

Because just before I died, I saw it—beyond the pitfall, a hidden passage.

 

◆

I learned that there’s a hidden passage beyond the pitfall.

But even after countless deaths and returns, reaching it wasn’t easy.

First, I have to dodge all of the Bugbear’s attacks.

Thanks to repetition, my movements have become more refined. So, the more I repeat it, the higher my success rate—but even then, I still fail one out of three times.

After dodging everything, I have to punch it in the eye.

Just punching its face only buys twenty-five seconds.

Hitting its eye, however, gives me thirty-five seconds.

If I run at full speed for those thirty-five seconds, I can finally reach the pitfall.

Even then, there’s still the problem after falling.

If I just fall straight down, I’ll get skewered.

I have to adjust where I land so I don’t get impaled—but hitting the right spot on purpose is tough.

On my two hundredth attempt—

“Finally… success.”

I manage to fall into the pit without getting skewered.

“GRAH!!”

“Whoa—!”

Looking up from the bottom, I see the Armored Bugbear reaching an arm down to grab me.

But its arm is just barely too short to reach.

For now, it seems I can finally consider the battle over.

“Looks like there really is a hidden passage past this pit.”

Muttering that, I proceed down the corridor.

Before long, it opens up into a large chamber.

At its centre sits a treasure chest.

“There it is!”

Crying out in joy, I rush over and open the chest.

“What’s this? A jewel?”

Inside lies a transparent crystal-like object.

〈Crystal of Wisdom〉 acquired.

Effect will automatically activate.

“Whoa!”

A sudden message appears before my eyes, startling me.

As I stand frozen in surprise, the message changes.

 

Please select one skill to acquire from the list below.

S-Rank
〈Item Box〉〈Healing Power Boost〉〈Mana Recovery Boost〉〈Chant Shortening〉〈Acceleration〉〈Stealth〉

A-Rank
〈Healing Magic〉〈Barrier Magic〉〈Fire Magic〉〈Water Magic〉〈Wind Magic〉〈Earth Magic〉〈Alchemy〉〈Summoning Magic〉〈Memory Boost〉

B-Rank
〈Swordsmanship〉〈Archery〉〈Axe Arts〉〈Spear Arts〉〈Shield Arts〉〈Martial Arts〉〈Status Concealment〉

C-Rank
〈Physical Enhancement〉〈Presence Detection〉〈Mana Generation〉〈Fire Resistance〉〈Water Resistance〉〈Wind Resistance〉〈Earth Resistance〉〈Poison Resistance〉〈Paralysis Resistance〉〈Curse Resistance〉

D-Rank
〈Appraisal〉〈Taunt〉〈Strength Boost〉〈Endurance Boost〉〈Agility Boost〉〈Stamina Boost〉〈Vision Boost〉〈Hearing Boost〉

A flood of skill names leaves me speechless.

Normally, skills are something you’re born with.

And most people are born without any at all.

Of course, I’m one of them.

That’s why I’ve lived my life farming instead of adventuring.

And now I’m being told I can freely choose from all these skills—something that’s practically impossible to obtain otherwise.

That means this 〈Crystal of Wisdom〉 must be absurdly powerful.

Well, considering it’s a treasure hidden deep in an S-rank dungeon, it makes sense for it to be that valuable.

Now, the problem is—which skill should I choose?

First, I can eliminate all the magic-related ones like 〈Healing Magic〉 or 〈Fire Magic〉.

To use magic, I’d first need to acquire 〈Mana Generation〉 to even have mana in the first place.

I could pick 〈Mana Generation〉 too, but that alone won’t help me right now.

Also, things like 〈Swordsmanship〉 or 〈Archery〉 require weapons. I don’t have any at the moment, so those are meaningless.

That narrows it down quite a bit.

“Well, picking an S-rank skill would be the obvious move.”

Muttering that, I look over the S-rank list.

First, 〈Item Box〉—definitely out. Convenient, sure, but what I need now is a skill that boosts my combat ability.

〈Healing Power Boost〉 might be useful, but in my case, getting hit even once means instant death. Not really worth it.

〈Mana Recovery Boost〉 is pointless since I don’t have mana. Same with 〈Chant Shortening〉—no magic, no use.

So that leaves 〈Acceleration〉 or 〈Stealth〉.

〈Acceleration〉 would probably increase my movement speed. Not bad if I plan to keep running from monsters.

〈Stealth〉, on the other hand, would let me move unseen. Also not bad.

Right now, what I need most is a way to survive and escape this dungeon.

Both skills would raise my odds of survival.

Tough choice…

“Alright, I’ll go with 〈Stealth〉.”

Resolving myself, I tap 〈Stealth〉.

〈Stealth〉 skill acquired.

A new message window appears.

I chose 〈Stealth〉 because, compared to 〈Acceleration〉, it’d let me move without wasting stamina.

With 〈Acceleration〉, I might be able to outrun monsters, but it’d definitely drain my energy.

And I doubt I could keep doing that for every monster I’ll encounter from here on.

Just as I’m thinking that—

Graahhhhh…

A rumbling sound echoes.

When I turn around, the entrance I used to enter this chamber has closed.

“I’m trapped.”

The moment I mutter that—

Multiple magic circles appear around me.

““GRAAAHHHHH!!!””

Along with the circles, Bugbears materialize.

Ten of them.

“…What?”

The next instant, one of them swings its fist at me—

—and I’m dead again.

 

◆

“Hah!”

I open my eyes.

“GRAAAHH!!”

Right in front of me stands a Bugbear.

A familiar sight.

Looks like I’ve been sent back to the very beginning.

After all that effort to reach the treasure chest, it’s all been erased.

No, wait—was I even supposed to open that chest in the first place?

The moment I did, I was forced into a fight against ten Bugbears.

I probably can’t leave that room without defeating them all.

“Ah.”

While lost in thought, a massive fist fills my vision.

The next moment, I’m dead again.

 

◆

“Hah.”

I open my eyes.

“GRAAAAHHH!!”

A single Bugbear—stands before me.

A familiar sight.

Looks like I’ve been sent back to the very beginning.

After all the effort it took to finally reach the treasure chest, even that was erased as if it never happened.

No—was I even supposed to get that treasure chest in the first place?

The moment I opened it and gained a skill, I was forced into battle against ten Bugbears.

Most likely, unless I defeat all of them, I won’t be able to escape that room.

“Ah.”

While I was lost in thought, a Bugbear’s fist filled my vision.

The next moment, I was dead.

 

◆

“Still, aside from that treasure chest, there’s no other way to break out of this situation.”

If I get the chest, I can obtain one skill.

Since I have no skills other than <Save & Reset>, even one more would be a huge improvement.

But really—could gaining just one skill possibly make it doable to defeat ten Bugbears?

I’m struggling just to handle the one right in front of me.

I don’t remember the full list of skills available in that chest, but was there anything in there that could let me take down ten Bugbears?

Well, thinking about it won’t help.

I’ll get back to that treasure chest room again—and figure things out from there.

“Grah!”

“Crap—”

My face was smashed into the wall, and I died.

 

◆

“Alright.”

Now that I’ve settled on a plan, time to act.

First, slip in close to dodge the initial strike.

Then roll left in a sidestep—that should let me evade the next attack too.

Crunch. My body made a horrible squishing sound.

After repeating these moves countless times, I’d gotten smoother—apparently too smooth.

Seems I moved before the Bugbear even entered its attack stance.

Because of that, it was able to read my movement and swing its arm after watching me.

Move too early, and it’s over.

The timing is ridiculously strict.

 

◆

“Damn it.”

Each time I die, the intense pain rips through my entire body.

Mentally, it’s completely draining.

But I can’t afford to stop. The moment I do, I’ll be killed again.

“Alright.”

This time, I managed to dodge every attack in the Bugbear’s chain and successfully created some distance.

Now I just have to avoid the reckless charges of the Bugbear and aim for its eyes.

I swung and punched its face—but instead of the eye, I hit its nose.

Aiming precisely for the eye is really difficult.

I sprinted full-speed toward the trap’s location, but before I could reach it, the Bugbear caught up and killed me.

At this rate, will I ever even make it to that treasure chest again?

 

 

◆

Roughly the two-hundred-twentieth attempt.

“Haah… finally made it this far.”

After falling into the pit trap, I’d barely dodged the spears waiting at the bottom.

From this point until I open the chest, no monsters will attack.

A short break.

I lay down on the ground and closed my eyes.

It felt like the first time in forever that I’d let my eyelids rest.

Maybe… staying in this space forever wouldn’t be so bad.

That thought drifted through my mind—and before I knew it, I’d fallen asleep.

“Ah.”

I woke up.

How long had I been out?

There’s nothing here to tell time, so I have no clue.

My stomach growled loudly.

Come to think of it, since entering this dungeon, I haven’t eaten or even had a sip of water.

If I stay in this space, I’ll eventually die of starvation.

Well, since I’ve already resolved to escape this dungeon for the sake of revenge, that option isn’t even on the table.

Break time’s over.

Time to move forward.

Please select one skill to acquire from the following list.

S-Rank
<Item Box> <Recovery Boost> <Mana Recovery Boost> <Chant Shortening> <Acceleration> <Stealth>

A-Rank
<Healing Magic> <Barrier Magic> <Fire Magic> <Water Magic> <Wind Magic> <Earth Magic> <Alchemy> <Summoning Magic> <Memory Boost>

B-Rank
<Swordsmanship> <Archery> <Axe Mastery> <Spear Mastery> <Shield Mastery> <Martial Arts> <Status Concealment>

C-Rank

<Body Enhancement> <Presence Detection> <Mana Generation> <Fire Resistance> <Water Resistance> <Wind Resistance> <Earth Resistance> <Poison Resistance> <Paralysis Resistance> <Curse Resistance>

D-Rank
<Appraisal> <Taunt> <Strength Boost> <Endurance Boost> <Agility Boost> <Stamina Boost> <Vision Boost> <Hearing Boost>

Once again, I opened the chest and brought up the skill selection screen.

Which one should I choose?

<Stealth> was a bust.

In this sealed space, even with <Stealth>, the Bugbears still find me.

Besides, since I have to defeat the Bugbears to get out of this room, a non-combat skill like <Stealth> is completely useless.

“Alright, this one.”

The skill I chose—was <Acceleration>.

“GRRAAAAHHHH!!”

The next instant, ten Bugbears appeared in the room.

Whether this choice would bring fortune or disaster—time to find out.

“Grah!”

One of the nearby Bugbears roared and charged at me.

“<Acceleration>!!”

As I shouted, the skill I’d just acquired activated.

Suddenly, it felt as though time itself had slowed.

Amazing— the Bugbear’s movements looked like they were in slow motion.

Wham! The Bugbear’s fist came crashing down.

I dodged it with ease.

Before, I couldn’t even follow their movements with my eyes—but with this skill, I could definitely avoid their attacks now.

From there, I continued dodging the relentless assault of all ten Bugbears.

I moved like a butterfly, evading every single strike.

Well… even if I could keep dodging, it didn’t really mean much.

After dashing all around the room, I confirmed it—there really was no exit anywhere.

This room was a completely sealed chamber.

Most likely, to get out, I’d have to defeat every single Bugbear.

If that’s the case, there’s no point just dodging.

Time to strike back.

“Grah!”

I sidestepped to the side, evading the Bugbear’s attack.

Then I countered with a punch aimed at its face—the Bugbear staggered backward for a moment.

It landed cleanly, but I heard a sickening crack.

“Ah.”

My right arm—the one I’d punched with—was broken.

Looks like my arm couldn’t withstand the impact from a <Acceleration>-boosted strike.

And there was one more big flaw.

The moment I attacked, I left myself completely open.

Of course, the Bugbears wouldn’t miss that chance.

“Guhah!”

A different Bugbear from the side slammed its fist into me.

Letting out a groan, I crashed hard into the wall—

—and died.

 

◆

“Damn it.”

Time rewound, and I came back to life—spitting the words out in frustration.

I was so close, and yet, once you die, it’s right back to square one.

Still, there’s hope.

Finding out that <Acceleration> lets me dodge the Bugbears’ attacks—that’s a major discovery.

Offense is an issue, but if I can keep dodging, then I’ll have countless chances to attack.

Alright, I’ve got my plan.

I’ll pick <Acceleration> again—and escape that room.

…Well, first I have to actually reach the room with the treasure chest.

“Grah.”

The first Bugbear appeared before me—

—and I was dead again.

◆

Approximate attempt count: two hundred and twenty-five.

“At last… I made it back here.”

Once again, I had reached the room with the treasure chest.

Just getting here was exhausting.

I’d already died five times on the way back. Well, I’m not exactly keeping count, so the number might be off.

“All right then…〈Acceleration〉.”

Without hesitation, I chose 〈Acceleration〉 from the list of skills displayed when the chest opened.

“GROOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!!”

The Armored Bugbear—appeared with a thunderous roar.

All right. Battle start.

 

◆

“Damn it! Why the hell can’t this work!?”

I shouted, my voice full of frustration.

Approximate attempt count: three hundred.

Of those, I’d chosen 〈Acceleration〉 sixteen times.

And now, on my sixteenth attempt, surrounded by Bugbears, I was screaming.

At first, I was optimistic—thinking that if I just kept choosing 〈Acceleration〉, I’d eventually escape this room.

But the more I tried, the more impossible it seemed.

“Haah… haah… haah… haah…”

Before I knew it, I was breathing heavily.

〈Acceleration〉’s weakness—that was its extreme drain on stamina.

The time I could properly use it was only about three minutes.

Within those three minutes, I had to defeat all ten Bugbears.

Yet, not once had I managed to kill even a single one.

There were several problems.

First, no matter how fast 〈Acceleration〉 made me, it didn’t increase my attack power.

I had assumed that even if my base power was low, my speed would add enough momentum to make my hits count—but every time I attacked like that, my arm ended up broken.

That meant I couldn’t attack repeatedly.

The next plan I tried was to target their weak points precisely.

Thanks to 〈Acceleration〉 not only boosting my movement speed but also my thought processing and dynamic vision, I was able to strike exactly where I aimed.

So I could, for instance, aim straight for the eyes.

The Bugbear whose eye I struck howled in agony, writhing on the spot.

But that was all.

It didn’t even go blind—just endured the pain and came charging again.

Attacking the eyes didn’t even come close to a fatal wound.

I also tried sneaking behind one and strangling it, but even if that succeeded, the others would kill me while I was doing it.

Still, I kept struggling, searching for a way.

I tried over and over again.

Looking back now, maybe I was just afraid to admit it.

Afraid to face the truth that even with an S-rank skill, I couldn’t make a dent in them.

If I couldn’t conquer this dungeon even after obtaining an S-rank skill… was there any hope of escaping at all?

Maybe that’s why—

Even though I wasn’t making any progress anymore, I kept choosing 〈Acceleration〉.

Convinced there had to be a breakthrough somewhere, I kept searching and thinking.

But at this point, I had to admit it.

Even with 〈Acceleration〉, I couldn’t defeat the Bugbears.

That was the conclusion I reached after three hundred tries.

Back to square one.

 

◆

“Damn it…”

Realizing 〈Acceleration〉 couldn’t kill the Bugbears, I’d fallen into despair.

At first, I was thrilled by how overwhelming 〈Acceleration〉’s effect was.

But once I understood that all my efforts using it had been pointless, it hit me hard.

Still, stopping wasn’t an option.

After all, the moment I died, time would rewind—to just before the first Bugbear attacked.

If I gave in to the shock and did nothing, I’d just die again immediately.

I knew that, and yet, I couldn’t bring myself to move.

“I hate them…”

So I forced myself to remember.

Namia.

Darga, who killed her.

And the villagers who framed me.

“I hate you… I hate you… I hate you all!”

Hatred—that was my greatest fuel.

Without it, my heart would’ve shattered long ago.

“I’ll escape this dungeon… and get my revenge with my own hands.”

Renewing my resolve, I started walking again.

Approximate attempt count: three hundred and five.

Once more, I reached the room with the treasure chest.

 

Select one skill from the list below.

S-Rank
〈Item Box〉〈Healing Boost〉〈Mana Recovery Boost〉〈Chant Shortening〉〈Acceleration〉〈Stealth〉

A-Rank
〈Healing Magic〉〈Barrier Magic〉〈Fire Magic〉〈Water Magic〉〈Wind Magic〉〈Earth Magic〉〈Alchemy〉〈Summoning Magic〉〈Memory Boost〉

B-Rank
〈Swordsmanship〉〈Archery〉〈Axe Mastery〉〈Spear Mastery〉〈Shield Mastery〉〈Martial Arts〉〈Status Concealment〉

C-Rank
〈Physical Enhancement〉〈Presence Detection〉〈Mana Generation〉〈Fire Resistance〉〈Water Resistance〉〈Wind Resistance〉〈Earth Resistance〉〈Poison Resistance〉〈Paralysis Resistance〉〈Curse Resistance〉

D-Rank
〈Appraisal〉〈Taunt〉〈Strength Boost〉〈Endurance Boost〉〈Agility Boost〉〈Stamina Boost〉〈Vision Boost〉〈Hearing Boost〉

Now then—if 〈Acceleration〉 is useless, and 〈Stealth〉 is too, what should I pick next?

Of the S-ranks, the only one that might be useful is 〈Healing Boost〉.

It probably heals wounds quickly—but since I usually die in one hit, that’s pointless.

So I’ll have to look lower.

The A-rank skills are mostly magic-related.

But without 〈Mana Generation〉, I can’t even store mana in my body, so those are out.

The only non-magic A-rank is 〈Memory Boost〉, but I can’t imagine that helping right now.

That leaves the B-ranks, but those all assume I’m using a weapon.

For example, 〈Swordsmanship〉 doesn’t work unless I’m actually holding a sword.

Since I don’t have any weapons, these are all useless.

However, among the B-ranks, there’s one skill that doesn’t require a weapon.

“Well, logically, that’s the one.”

That skill was—〈Martial Arts〉.

You have obtained the skill 〈Martial Arts〉.

The moment I chose it, a message appeared.

Just to be sure, I opened my status window to confirm.

〈Kiska〉
Skill 1: Save & Reset
Skill 2: Martial Arts Lv1
Skill 3: —
Skill 4: —
Skill 5: —

Good. It’s properly displayed.

Let’s check the description.

Skill: Martial Arts Lv1
Activates when unarmed or using short-reach weapons.
Grants talent in martial arts.
Partially enhances physical ability.

As expected.

I like that it boosts physical ability—should mean my attacks hit harder too.

“GROOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!!”

The Bugbears’ roars echoed again.

All right, let’s begin.

Result: dead within three seconds.

“Damn it all!”

I spat the words as I returned to life.

Well, I knew it.

Dodging their attacks was nearly impossible.

Even with 〈Martial Arts〉 Lv1, it didn’t change much.

The boost in speed and power was nothing compared to the raw might of an A-rank monster.

“I just have to keep trying.”

No one clears this kind of thing on the first go.

If I keep challenging them, memorizing their moves, analyzing the patterns—eventually, I’ll find a way.

“All right.”

I said it aloud, psyching myself up.

First step: dodge the initial attack of the first Bugbear.

 

◆

Approximate attempt count: three hundred and fifteen.

It was my fifth time fighting the ten Bugbears with 〈Martial Arts〉 equipped.

“This is impossible…”

I muttered.

After so many fights, I could read their attack patterns somewhat.

At least for the first fifteen seconds, I could dodge anything with confidence.

And I’d even found a few openings.

“Die!”

I shouted, throwing a full-power punch.

A heavy thud echoed.

The impact definitely felt stronger than when I’d used 〈Acceleration〉.

But the Bugbear stood there unfazed.

“Grrraah!”

It swung its arm at me—

And I was dead again.

“All right, let’s pick a different skill.”

I’d only fought five times with 〈Martial Arts〉, but after wasting so many deaths sticking with 〈Acceleration〉 before, I decided to change early.

If another skill didn’t work, I could always come back to 〈Martial Arts〉 later.

“First things first—starting with you.”

I looked toward the first Bugbear.

I’d seen this beast so many times now, it almost felt familiar.

First, I needed to escape from it.

“All right, I made it back again. Now… which skill should I pick next?”

 

Select one skill from the list below.

S-Rank
〈Item Box〉〈Healing Boost〉〈Mana Recovery Boost〉〈Chant Shortening〉〈Acceleration〉〈Stealth〉

A-Rank
〈Healing Magic〉〈Barrier Magic〉〈Fire Magic〉〈Water Magic〉〈Wind Magic〉〈Earth Magic〉〈Alchemy〉〈Summoning Magic〉〈Memory Boost〉

B-Rank
〈Swordsmanship〉〈Archery〉〈Axe Mastery〉〈Spear Mastery〉〈Shield Mastery〉〈Martial Arts〉〈Status Concealment〉

C-Rank
〈Physical Enhancement〉〈Presence Detection〉〈Mana Generation〉〈Fire Resistance〉〈Water Resistance〉〈Wind Resistance〉〈Earth Resistance〉〈Poison Resistance〉〈Paralysis Resistance〉〈Curse Resistance〉

D-Rank
〈Appraisal〉〈Taunt〉〈Strength Boost〉〈Endurance Boost〉〈Agility Boost〉〈Stamina Boost〉〈Vision Boost〉〈Hearing Boost〉

“Well, logically, C-rank 〈Physical Enhancement〉 next.”

So I picked that one.

Then checked its description.

Skill: Physical Enhancement Lv1
Enhances overall physical ability.

Exactly what I expected.

〈Martial Arts〉 also boosted physical ability, but the precise difference wasn’t clear.

“GROOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!!”

I was already surrounded by the Armored Bugbears.

All right—let’s see how effective this skill really is.

Five seconds later, I was beaten to death.

 

◆

Approximate attempt count: three hundred and forty.

I stood before the treasure chest and chose 〈Physical Enhancement〉.

“GROOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!!”

The familiar roar of the Armored Bugbears filled the room.

I’d heard it so many times, it was burned into my brain.

First, Bears A and B always charge in from the sides to sandwich me.

They always open with that move.

If I crouch at the perfect moment, I can dodge it.

Then roll forward and push off the ground.

Thanks to 〈Physical Enhancement〉, I could jump slightly higher than normal.

Bear C was right in front of me, so I planted my hands and flipped over its head—

Then used my falling momentum to deliver a flying kick to Bear D.

“Guh!”

It grunted, but that was all. Hardly any damage.

Landing, I pivoted on my left foot and swept my right leg around.

Bear D toppled.

I wanted to press the attack, but Bears C and E lunged at me.

I ran toward E, dropped low, and slid forward.

Just barely slipping between its legs as it leapt.

Good—twenty seconds survived.

I cheered silently inside.

After so many fights, I’d learned to read their movements and react accordingly.

Next, Bears A, B, and F attacked together, encircling me.

I kicked off the ground and jumped.

Perfect timing.

I landed on B’s outstretched arm.

Clenching my fist, I drove it into its face.

A heavy crack followed.

That must’ve hurt.

“Ah.”

But as I landed, Bear F grabbed me.

It hurled me into the wall.

Crunch. The sound of my skull breaking.

I was already dead.

 

◆

After several battles, I learned the difference between 〈Martial Arts〉 and 〈Physical Enhancement〉.

〈Martial Arts〉’s description was:

Skill: Martial Arts Lv1
Activates when unarmed or using short-reach weapons.
Grants talent in martial arts.
Partially enhances physical ability.

And 〈Physical Enhancement〉’s was:

Skill: Physical Enhancement Lv1
Enhances overall physical ability.

Both mentioned boosting physical ability, but side by side, you can see the nuance.

〈Martial Arts〉 strengthens part of your physical ability, whereas 〈Physical Enhancement〉 strengthens it as a whole.

So 〈Physical Enhancement〉 gives a balanced boost, while 〈Martial Arts〉 only boosts certain aspects.

Specifically, after fighting a few times, I figured it out:

〈Physical Enhancement〉 improves strength, endurance, agility, and stamina.
〈Martial Arts〉 only increases strength and agility.

In other words, 〈Martial Arts〉 doesn’t enhance endurance or stamina.

Thanks to that, when I fought using 〈Physical Enhancement〉, I often stayed conscious a few seconds after getting hit—whereas with 〈Martial Arts〉, I’d black out instantly.

Though either way, I still died in one hit.

Now then, what should I prioritize to defeat ten Armored Bugbears?

Endurance? No point.

Even if it increases, I’d still die in one blow.

Stamina and agility are trickier.

More stamina means I can fight longer. My weak attacks take time to kill, so I’ll need endurance for long battles.

Agility helps avoid attacks—so that’s definitely useful too.

But the most crucial stat for me right now is obvious—strength.

When I fought using 〈Acceleration〉, my biggest weakness was low attack power. No matter how many hits I landed, without enough strength, I couldn’t kill them.

So between 〈Martial Arts〉 and 〈Physical Enhancement〉, which raises strength more?

Whichever does, that’s the one I need.

But from how it felt after multiple fights, the difference in strength between the two was minimal.

So it probably doesn’t matter which I pick.

Then, as I reached that conclusion, another idea came to mind.

“…There’s also 〈Strength Boost〉, isn’t there?”

Standing before the treasure chest, I muttered while scrolling through the list.

〈Strength Boost〉 was D-rank.

Honestly, I hadn’t even considered it before because of its low rank—but if it increased strength far more than the others, then it was worth trying.

And so, I decided to choose 〈Strength Boost〉.

◆

“GROOOARR!!”

“Shut up.”

I muttered to myself in response to the war cries of the Armored Bugbears.

Honestly, I was sick of hearing that roar every time.

My first fight after choosing 〈Strength Boost〉.

Maybe around the 345th attempt?

To be honest, I’d only been counting roughly, so it surely didn’t match the actual number.

First, I crouched to evade the attack.

Then I kept dodging the fierce onslaught of the Armored Bugbears.

Because I hadn’t chosen any skill to boost my agility, my body felt heavier than before.

Does that mean I couldn’t fight at all? Not exactly.

I read their movements and matched mine to them.

Even if the evasions were barely enough, as long as I didn’t get hit, it was fine.

I slipped past a wide swing from one of the Armored Bugbears and drove my fist into its belly.

A big thud echoed.

“Huh, feels better than before.”

If you assume the strength boosted by and is a ten, then the strength from must be around twelve.

You might think one point two times is nothing, but it’s a big difference.

I’d decided which skill to pick.

With 〈Strength Boost〉, I would escape this room.

 

◆

Around the 360th attempt.

I chose without hesitation.

“GROOOOAARR!!”

The usual roar.

The scene I’d seen countless times.

I’d died many times in this room.

Still, I kept challenging it over and over for revenge.

I was surrounded by ten Armored Bugbears.

Having seen this so many times, I’d noticed each one’s face had slight differences. Now I could even tell them apart.

So I gave them simple names: A, B, C…

I purposely didn’t give them specific names.

You wouldn’t name your targets like pets, would you? That’d be weird.

At first, Armored Bugbear A and Armored Bugbear B charged to flank me from both sides.

I lured them in as close as possible, then stepped sideways at the last moment.

Bugbear A’s face came right at me.

I punched it with everything I had.

“GRAH!”

Bugbear A gave a groan and staggered backwards.

But there was no time to linger.

Half a second later, Bugbear B would slash from behind with its claws, so I stepped forward.

Using the momentum of that step, I followed up with another attack on Bugbear A.

0.2 seconds later, Bugbear C attacked from the side.

I could avoid that by crouching.

The moment I crouched, I twisted my body and jumped, landing a kick on Bugbear A.

Just then, Bugbear D attacked from directly behind, so with perfect timing I twisted my body backward and used the arm Bugbear D had extended to perform a handstand on it.

Without missing a beat, I landed on Bugbear D’s head, kicked it hard upward, and drove my heel down as I propelled myself forward—!

“GRAH!!”

I targeted Bugbear A.

Bugbear A, hit hard on the head, staggered and slammed into the wall.

Not yet.

I jumped again and smashed my fist into its face.

Monster elimination confirmed.

Skill points acquired.

“Yesssssss!!”

I’d heard the story that you gain skill points when you defeat monsters.

Yes—this was the first time I succeeded in slaying an Armored Bugbear. Of course my voice trembled with joy.

This time I’d set a single goal before the fight: to kill even one monster. That was why I persistently focused on a single Bugbear, and it had paid off.

Wait, what are skill points for?

I knew the name, but not what they were used for.

Panicking, I opened the status screen to check.

 

Skill points in possession: 12

Lv.1

Skill points required to level up: 10

“I see. I can level up.”

No time to hesitate.

I immediately allocated the required skill points to 〈Strength Boost〉.

Skill points used.

Conditions to level up achieved.

Skill has levelled up.

Strength Boost Lv.1 → Strength Boost Lv.2

In an instant, strength flooded my body.

It seemed〈Strength Boost〉 had safely evolved to level 2.

“Ha-hah, so if I defeat even one, I can level up.”

Realizing that, a grin slipped out.

Maybe it was because I’d killed a monster, but my heart soared.

Not a bad feeling.

“Okay, now it’s time for the counterattack. No matter how many times I die, I’ll kill every one of you…!”

I declared war on the Armored Bugbears who couldn’t understand a word I said.

 

◆

Around the 420th attempt.

“Crap… I’m going crazy…”

The first time I’d killed one I’d felt euphoric, but now I was horribly down.

Since that first kill, I’d died sixty times.

I could reach the treasure-chest room two out of three runs now, so that meant I’d fought around forty times.

“So why the hell can’t I get the second one!?”

If I could get the first one,〈Strength Boost〉would reach level 2.

Then I thought I could easily defeat the second.

Yet no matter how many times I tried, I couldn’t defeat the second.

There were ten of them in total.

I couldn’t afford to trip up here.

“Damn it!”

My irritation wouldn’t go away.

My concentration slipped.

My movements grew sloppy.

Mistakes piled up.

And that made me even more irritated—an ugly negative spiral.

“The problem is stamina…”

The first Armored Bugbear I had just killed was before my eyes.

Skill points used.

Conditions to level up achieved.

Skill has levelled up.

〈Strength Boost〉 Lv.1 → 〈Strength Boost〉 Lv.2

Quickly, I spent the skill points and raised the level.

“Hah… hah… hah… hah… hah…”

I was panting.

Killing even one drained a lot of stamina.

It didn’t recover immediately.

With such low stamina, even if rose to level 2, I didn’t feel capable of defeating the remaining nine.

“Pull yourself together, damn it…!”

I slapped my own cheek.

Think of revenge.

Think of Namia.

“I’ll escape this dungeon no matter what.”

I said that and moved forward.

I feinted, then stepped to the right.

That let me slip into Bugbear B’s flank.

Hit with everything—thud—low, resonant sound.

Level 2 made my blows hit harder as expected.

Bugbear B staggered backwards, but wasn’t down.

It charged again.

I stepped back to dodge, but Bugbears C and D attacked from behind.

I rolled low like I was sliding under and avoided the strikes.

Then, jumping high, I placed both hands on Bugbear C’s head, performed a backflip using that momentum, and landed with enough force to smash my fist into Bugbear B’s face.

Tricky moves confuse the Bugbears and slow them down.

I knew that.

I used the opening to land another punch on Bugbear B.

I believed Bugbear E would attack from the side next.

I avoided it with a step and feigned another punch at Bugbear B.

It was a fake.

As Bugbear B tried to escape my fist, I tripped its leg.

Just as planned, Bugbear B began to fall in front of me.

While it lost its balance, I kicked it with everything I had.

“GRAAHH!”

Bugbear B screamed.

This movement was the optimal solution I’d obtained after 420 attempts—

Monster elimination confirmed.

Skill points acquired.

Yes.

I’d managed to kill the second Armored Bugbear for the first time.

But I couldn’t bring myself to feel happy.

“Hah… hah… hah…”

My breathing was ragged.

Honestly, my stamina was at its limit.

Could I possibly beat eight more of these?

For now, maybe I could level up further, so I opened the status screen.

 

Skill points in possession: 8

<Strength Boost>  Lv.2

Skill points required to level up: 100

 

“This is nowhere near enough.”

I had hoped that killing the second would push me to level 3 and let me break through, but that hope had just been crushed.

“No way this is possible…”

My spirit completely broke.

Five seconds later, I died.

 

◆

Maybe the 500th attempt or so.

“I can’t do this any more…”

I said and cried.

I’d become emotionally unstable.

The first Bugbear stood before me.

Even though my mind was unstable, I still crouched and dodged the attacks.

“Why does this shit always happen to me? This is messed up!”

I scratched and tore at my hair as I complained.

Even while venting, I continued to dodge the Armored Bugbear’s strikes.

Having repeated this so many times, I felt I could dodge this one’s attacks even with my eyes closed.

“Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn damn damn damn—!!”

An involuntary string of curses slipped out.

“When I meet Darga, I’ll kill him. But I won’t just kill him. I’ll kill him in the cruelest way possible. I’ll try every kind of torture. Ah—Darga’s not the only one. I’ll kill the whole village. They all deserve it. How dare they exile me to the depths of this dungeon. Damn them!!”

I shouted until I had nothing left, but my mind didn’t stabilize.

My fingers trembled and my eyes shook so my view blurred.

“Ah—”

Before I knew it, I’d reached the treasure chest.

I must have been almost on autopilot; my body had moved me here without conscious thought.

“This is impossible.”

After several tries, I had finally managed to kill a third Armored Bugbear.

But the skill points gained still weren’t enough to get to level 3.

I’d been conserving stamina, streamlining my movements, but three kills were all I could manage.

“Well, I can’t stay here forever…”

I’d lost my will to keep going.

This time too, it was probably impossible…

“Ah.”

I let out a small sound.

“I made a mistake.”

<Taunt> skill acquired.

I must have pressed the wrong one while spacing out; instead of <Strength Boost>, I’d hit the one to its left—<Taunt>.

<Taunt> is a skill that draws a monster’s attention.

It’s the kind of skill a party’s tank uses to pull enemies and protect allies.

“…There’s no way I can use this.”

I’d decided to die quickly and try again.

Still, I’d at least try it once.

So I used on the Armored Bugbear A that would likely attack first.

“Idiot.”

Did that make work?

“GROARR!”

Bugbear A roared and charged more fiercely than usual.

It seemed the skill had activated.

“Alright.”

I crouched, and then realized—habit made me crouch reflexively. Since I was going to die anyway, I didn’t need to bother dodging.

Blood spurted—whoosh.

I looked up to find Bugbear A’s claw plunged deep into Bugbear B’s throat.

“Ah—”

I widened my eyes.

It wasn’t that they’d started fighting one another.

Bugbear A had become so enraged it couldn’t keep track of its surroundings, and in the heat of its attack it’d struck a comrade.

Bugbear B had clearly taken a fatal blow.

It was dealt far more damage than when I had hit it.

“Idiot.”

I used <Taunt> on Bugbear A again.

Bugbear A charged recklessly—and I dodged at the last moment.

The claw stabbed into Bugbear B once more.

Bugbear B collapsed to the floor.

Already lifeless.

“…Ha, ha.”

A smile crept out naturally.

“Ahahahahahahaha.”

I found myself laughing from the depths of my stomach.

After all that hard work, I could defeat them this easily with <Taunt>.

Who couldn’t help but laugh?

“Ah—so all my previous effort was wasted?”

When the laughter subsided, self-questioning began.

If I’d known defeating them was this trivial with <Taunt>  , I would have used it from the start.

All my effort to pick <Strength Boost> and fight my way through might have been for nothing…

I felt furious.

Well, I’d kill all of them and vent my frustration.

“Come at me, you pathetic little brats.”

I used <Taunt>  on every single Armored Bugbear.

◆

Around the 510th attempt.

When I reached the room with the treasure chest, I chose <Taunt> without hesitation.

“GROOOOOAAARRR!!”

The Armored Bugbears’ war cries echoed through the room.

I’d heard that roar so many, many times.

“Idiot.”

First, I taunted the Armored Bugbear A and Armored Bugbear B that were nearby.

Both of them charged at me in a pincer formation.

I crouched and barely dodged it.

Then—thud—the two of them ended up slashing at each other.

“It seems you missed your attack, you trash.”

“GROOAAARR!!”

I used <Taunt> again on Armored Bugbear A and B.

Both of them charged at me like rams.

While watching that, I leapt forward.

There were Bugbears C and D there, so I put my hands on C’s head and flipped over them.

The attacks from A and B hit C and D dead-on.

“GROAR!”

Bugbears C and D, hit by the blows, spectacularly fell backwards.

Nice, that’s looking good.

“You pathetic scum, come at me.”

Next, I used <Taunt> on every single Armored Bugbear.

They all converged on me at once, charging headlong.

Because of that, the monsters were attacking from point-blank range, practically on top of one another.

As I avoided the onslaught, stray attacks repeatedly hit other monsters, causing friendly fire again and again.

“I’m over here.”

I reached out and used <Taunt>.

The Bugbears turned and swung their arms with full force.

As I crouched to dodge, those attacks struck other Armored Great-Bear Bugbears.

When they realized they’d hit an ally, they tried for a moment to regain their composure and stop attacking.

But I wouldn’t let them calm down. I used <Taunt> to draw out even more attacks.

I dodged at the last moment.

Those attacks then struck other Bugbears.

I skillfully used <Taunt> to trigger friendly fire over and over.

 

“Oi, you can’t even land a hit like that?”

I spammed <Taunt>.

As always, the Armored Bugbears took the bait without fail.

Dodging their attacks wasn’t difficult.

After all, I’d engraved their moves into my eyes thousands of times over.

I knew exactly what kind of attack was coming, and how to move my body to avoid it.

Before I knew it, only one Armored Bugbear remained.

The last one, having taken blow after blow, was bleeding all over.

On top of that, maybe from exhaustion, it didn’t even have the will to fight anymore, standing there motionless.

“Hey, don’t you dare rest. Trash.”

“GROOOAAARRR!!”

After I used <Taunt>, the Armored Bugbear lunged at me again.

I evaded its attacks with minimal movement and stepped forward.

Then the Bugbear fell forward in a grand collapse.

When I looked, it had already lost consciousness.

“Phew.”

I let out a long breath.

Relief came first, before joy.

Then, slowly, the joy began to overflow.

“Yesssssssssssss!!”

I pumped my fist with all my might, celebrating on the spot.

On roughly my 510th attempt, I had finally cleared the room with ten Armored Bugbears.

 

◆

All the Bugbears had fallen, yet there was no sign of an exit appearing in the enclosed room.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that some of the Bugbears were only unconscious, not dead.

It seemed I couldn’t leave this room unless I finished them off properly.

So, I picked up one of the Bugbear’s fangs that had fallen off during the battle.

Using that fang, I went around finishing off the still-living Bugbears one by one.

Monster extermination confirmed.

Skill points acquired.

I see. So, I only earn skill points if I deliver the finishing blow myself.

There were about three Bugbears still breathing, so I killed them in turn.

Then a deep rumble shook the ground, and when I looked around, an exit had appeared.

Finally, I could leave this room.

By the way, how many skill points do I have now?

Curious, I opened my status screen.

 

Owned Skill Points: 10

<Taunt Lv 1>

Skill Points needed for next level: 10

Apparently, I could raise <Taunt> to level 2.

But I wasn’t sure what the benefit of doing that would be.

Well, there’s no need to rush. I’ll hold off on leveling for now.

“Also… I’m starving.”

I rubbed my stomach as I muttered that.

Normally, adventurers bring food when entering dungeons.

But as a criminal thrown deep into one, there’s no way they’d have given me any.

“Considering I’ll have to move further ahead, I should eat something.”

I also needed to rehydrate.

Not that I didn’t have any options.

Right in front of me were the Bugbear corpses.

If I ate the meat, I’d fill my stomach. If I drank the blood, I’d quench my thirst.

I’d eaten monster meat before—it was often sold in markets—but since I couldn’t make fire right now, I’d have to eat it raw.

Still, eating it raw was going to be rough.

“Not eating isn’t an option, though.”

So, using a Bugbear fang, I somehow tried to carve the meat.

It was so tough that it took a long time.

Even so, I managed to cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Then I tore into it with my teeth.

“Disgusting.”

It tasted of blood.

And it reeked of beast.

If only I could’ve cooked it, it probably would’ve tasted at least a little better.

 

◆

After finishing my meal, I tied some of the carved meat to my waist—just in case I needed it later.

Then, I stepped out of the treasure room.

Outside, more dungeon corridors stretched ahead.

Several paths branched off like a maze, and I had no idea which one to take.

“I don’t even know where I am in this dungeon right now…”

All I knew was that I’d been exiled to the depths.

The Katarov Dungeon was an S-rank dungeon, famous for being unbeaten—no one had ever cleared it, and its lowest floor was still unknown.

“To escape the dungeon, it’s probably better to aim for the entrance rather than the exit.”

The deeper you go, the stronger the monsters become.

So, heading toward the entrance should increase my chances of survival.

“The problem is, I’ve got no clue which way leads back to the entrance.”

Well, I guess I’ll just have to move forward blindly.

Thinking that, I continued deeper into the dungeon.