One thing to consider when a man is enraged with the sense of desperation, is that his body reacts with the utmost relevance to survive. Adrenaline pumps in and all of a sudden, you have this sense of belief that you can do almost anything.

But in truth that itself was just the last thing a body can do as you face your impending doom. It all relies on you as you struggle to survive. And although you may have a sense that you got stronger, another way to look at it was that your body was just throwing everything it had to survive.

That was the case with what happened yesterday…

When I attacked the Adult Everdeer for the first time, it didn’t do so much damage using a Mana Spear, but at the next same attack, I did more damage than I thought I could have. Looking into it, I dug deeper into this issue by looking at some studies on the internet. Mostly furoms

“…Hmm, so they call this Mana Rush?” I say as I stared at a site that regards to certain studies and topics around hunters and magic users.

Mana Rush only happens to someone who is gifted with the sense of his own mana. When a person is able to perceive how he is with his mana to a point that he recognizes mana to be part of his body, he can greatly control the output and power of his mana to a degree. One critical example of having to be affected by Mana Rush is your emotion. By being emotional, your mana reacts and simply acts on the principle of your will. But being able to have a sense of Mana Rush only happens when a person is greatly in tune to his body’s control over mana. The greater understanding you have over the mana in your body, the greater the connection and the greater the sense, the more it is to easily utilize a sense of great increase in power.

“Hmm…this must be what is like to be a wizard then…but seeing as how its recognized to be something that only appears to people with a great sense towards his own mana, does this mean that this body is sensitive to mana?” I said to myself. And thinking back on the simple description on Soril, it must be so. Being put into a body that had this much potential over mana must have been a lucky thing for me…or maybe it was planned out by God.

Knowing what happens in the future from the book, I can think of a person that can be applied to this very phenomenon. A person that was sensitive to the understanding of her own body regarding mana.

If I was basing her character itself by the book’s description, she would be the Heroine…

The girl that Jason Emory meets in a dungeon.

Jessabelle Morrison.

With her great affinity towards magic, she chose the role of being a magic user as she fights through the dungeons to become stronger. Her skill solely points to a variety of magic mainly for attacking. Being that she is the daughter of a powerful wizard, its reasonable to point out that she has the benefit to learn quite a lot of magic skills.

Right now, I can assume that she and Jason could meet at a dungeon anytime soon. Seeing her power in wiping out an entire Goblin nest, Jason would be interested enough to want to join her in her journey to conquer the dungeon.

“…I got two weeks left before the entrance exam for the academy starts. By then, I should do everything I can to pass…”

I don’t have any intention of meeting the two characters, so with that said, I’ll just point all of my time on working myself out until then.

Now, with how manageable it is to use a sword and shield, I’ll probably move forward wit the rest of my time using these two main weapons. So with that said, since I carry a shield and a sword, I need to increase both my Endurance and strength. As for agility, looking at my past profile, it’s a bit low compared to my other stats.

So adding two stat points each at my strength and endurance and one point at my speed, I think this is for the best. It feels like I’m building a character that focuses on being a tank in tight vanguard.

[Profile:]

Candidate: NPC

Mission Status: In Progress

Level: [6]-[ >10,034 exp until to the next level…]

Strength: 10 (+2)—> 12

Endurance: 7 (+2)—> 9

Intelligence: 10 [+]

Agility: 6 (+1)—> 7

Mana: 60/60

Skills:

Mana Spear [?]

[Points]

Stat Points: 0

System Points: 0.5

After adding the points to my stats, I did not feel any different from before. Except for the fact that my muscles were suddenly becoming more stiff than usual and the same goes for my legs and arms. Everything felt tight, but after stretching them a bit, my body was then beginning to get accustomed to it.

“This must be what it feels like to increase my stats…I wonder what would happen if I increase my intelligence, would it stiffen my brain as well?” this simple question lead me to fear of what kind of pain I might go through if I simply level up just like that. So with that in mind, I had to prepare my own body for any changes if I continue to level up.

Currently I was in my house. Knowing how fat I was, I need to do as much as I can to lose the weight. It’s a big hindrance when I go out to hunt. Not only do I easily get out of breath and my reaction time is slow as it can be…but it can’t be helped, I need to kill two birds with one stone. The only way to maximize my work out and gain enough credits as well as a good amount of mana, I need to hunt in a dungeon.

Right now, I should probably go for hunting something that is more active compared to an Everdeer. Something like a goblin.

Looking into the internet, I found three active dungeons that are being commissioned to completed. One is found appearing at a cave somewhere out at a forest north of this town. This one is where the Goblins were found. It’s a priority and a lot of hunters are probably in here. I can’t really expect myself to hunt with a few others all stealing one’s target from another. Its quite a hassle.

The second one appeared at a train-station, halting the operations of the trains movement. It’s said to be a priority… description say something about small insects laying their eggs at the train tracks and pulling in some people to be used as food for the hatchling. Its recommended for F-rank hunters since the monsters aren’t so strong but what is needed to be taken note of is the numbers of insects crawling around. Their numbers are great.

Reading the description of this thing, it sounds like a horror movie to me, honestly.

The third one isn’t so much a priority seeing as how only a few people hunt here. As this one is found at a canal somewhere at a sewer station. Most hunters don’t come here since it reeks very badly, especially women hunters. Its monsters consist of giant rats about the same size as a grown Comodo Dragon. Big in all aspects…but since not a lot of people come here, it’s a good time to farm some experience. Its recommended that I bring a partner along…

Looking at all three, the third dungeon sounds pretty much my only hope in gaining levels.

So I prepared myself to go in alone.

I quickly made way to this dungeon. Bringing everything that I can. With my sword, my shield and a bag that I bought from the association’s store to store in my hunt, as well as a few things I might need like first a first aid kit and a mask to cover and help me get through the smell of the dungeon. Hunting rats down and selling their tail goes for a lot since its tail is an ingredient used to make a potent poison.

“…Poison?” now that I was thinking about it, its probably best that I should buy something that works against those rats.

As I made it to the dungeon, I walked to a merchant that was hanging by the entrance. These merchants almost sell anything for the hunters that go in; and with their specificity for putting a store right by the dungeon, I can probably buy something to use against the rats.

I walked up to a man that looked like he was in his 30’s, he had this scraggly look and dirty smell on him that reeks the same as the sewer. He was like a homeless man. And the way he was looking rather cautious of me, I was hesitant to buy anything.

“…What do you want?” asked the merchant in his dry and scraggly tone.

“…Do you have anything I can use to apply on my sword? Poison perhaps?” I asked.

“…Hmm, out hunting some rats? Is this your first time hunting in a rat dungeon?” he asked.

“…Yeah, first time.”

“Well, I can’t recommend much if you can’t promise me that you’re not afraid to get dirty.”

“I’m not really bothered with what’s inside this dungeon. It’s a sewer, I know its filled with shit and piss.”

“…Hmm, I see. Well, if your willing to go inside, I might recommend you a type of poison that goes well to kill those pest.”

“…What is it?”

“…Here, it’s a poison that I mixed myself. Made from the acids of an ogres stomach, the potent blood of a rotting ghoul and most of all, the saliva of the rats most deadly enemy, a Grizzly Cat.”

“How much?”

“A bottle is about 5000 qorils, using half of it on your sword would do well to fight a horde for more than thirty minutes. After that time, the poison would start to rust your sword.”

“…Ehh, so its that potent?”

“Hmm? Are you not mad that this poison would ruin your weapon?”

“Not really, as long as it gets the job done, I can always buy a new sword.”

“Hmm, if your willing, how about you buy this extra sword that I have with me…7000 qorils would do well.”

“…Where did you get that?”

“I had my connections with certain blacksmiths around. Don’t worry, this is finely made by one of the people who I trust.”

As I grabbed the sword, I took a look at it and tried to compare it to the Aranean sword.

Compared to the Aranean sword, this sword was basic and it was purely an iron sword with  wooden handle. I had doubts on whether or not I should buy it, but seeing as how I might rely on the poison, I might need and extra sword if things gets messy after.

“…I’ll take it.” I said as I handed my hunter’s card to him. I had my hunter’s card link to my bank account so that it would be easy as it would seem that I will be carrying this around with me now.

“Ah, sorry, but I don’t do well with using a hunter’s card for payment. I take cash only.”

“Eh?” after hearing his payment process, I sort of loss a bit of trust on him…but still, a merchant is still a merchant. They can always respond with the trust if you have enough money to pay them for.

“But don’t worry, there’s an ATM machine just north of here, its by a grocery store.”

“O-okay…”

After I went and got about 12,000 qoril’s, I bought the sword and poison.

“Pleasure doing business with you.” said the merchant.

“…Can I get your name?” I asked. Since I might just return back to this dungeon to hunt some more, getting to know the merchant might help me in this dungeon.

“…Setji Tata, friends call me Tata.”

“Well Setji, since I might be coming back here for a few days, I might just need your help with some items…” I said.

“…come with the qoril, and I will serve you well.” he said as he bowed his head in respect.

“Ah, hahaha.” I laughed. To think that he was a man of jokes made me chuckle.

Well, with everything prepared, I made my way in. Merchant Setji waved his hands as I walked inside…

The entrance was small…and on its floor, a slow running sludge of water was active.

“…”

Only about two people could walk here side by side…if I carried anything that was long like a spear, it wouldn’t really help that much. Thanks fully, I can swing my sword just enough that it could do enough force to maybe make some damage. But if I jumped, I can instantly hit my head at the ceiling. This kind of environment was really something that troubles a group of hunters but going alone might be enough.

So without hesitation, I walked inside wearing the mask that I prepared.

It was quiet, as all I could hear was the sound of water dripping down to the running water.

“…” I had to concentrate, anything weird like a squeking sound or a rumble foot noise would be suspicious enough for me to look at.

As I traversed deeper and deeper for five minutes straight, I finally came in contact with the first sight of a giant rat.

“…Egh!” I was traumatized by its ugly sight. Its shit riddled body, how it stinks to high heaven and its red eyes, looking at me as if I was an easy target.

Without hesitation, I brought out the sword that I got from Setji, and using it, I put up my shield up front and the sword behind it, just hidden enough that it couldn’t see the sword. I had to surprise it as I waited fot it to make its way to me.

“…” the rat wasn’t hesitant at all…before it could even look for anything else, it made its move and rushed up to me, I did the same and just before I was close enough, I brought out the sword and skewered the damn thing straight at its head.

“KhiikK!!!” it wriggled around as the sword held on to its skull….and soon enough, it died in its place.

[+100 EXP]

It was a quiet take down…any loud noise would probably attract the rest of the horde. as I knelled to take a close look at its body, I saw its tail and proceeded to cut it off. Measuring its size, it was about a meter’s length. Just long enough like the sword.

“…” I hesitated for a bit since I was going to put it in my bag, but seeing the dirty foul stench it had on it, I felt like it was such a waste to use the bag to put in some dirty rat tail.

“…*Sigh*~~What is up with this world.” But I had to accept the fact that this dirty tail was worth something.

I continued on as I slowly placed the tail on my bag.

There, by some end, I was at a cross road. One tunnel leading left and one leading right…

“Hmm.” trusting my gut, I had to say left.

I made this judgement based of the one hint being that the right path was sounding a bit like it was filled with a horde of rats deep in well or something. Either that or it was a waterfall made of shit and piss. I couldn’t really tell the difference.

Making my way left, I continued walking until finally I came across three rats chowing down on a dead rat of its own kind…

“Ugh…” it was a disgusting scene.

but after opening up my eyes and getting myself hyped to attack, I rushed in with my sword u front this time. A quick straight approach was best for the moment.

Thrusting my sword first, I stabbed the nearest rat, and quickly the two others saw.

Without hesitation, the rats hissed and jumped at me.

*Thud*

*Thud*

With two rats on my shield, they tried everything they can to attack me, but beofre they could establish their reach, I used this chance to  push them against the wall by my side. The rats squealed like some trapped pigs and quickly tried to escape by pushing their heads out to reach for my hand, but seeing their open heads, I didn’t hesitate to chopt them right off.

With one swing, two rats fell down without any motion of wriggling. It was a quick death.

“…”

[+200 EXP]

I gained more experience. As I cut all the tails and placed them on my bag, I looked ahead.

“…Lets continue on…” I say as I then walked forward.

It was a bit taxing…how killing a monster was so taxing for your back.

But I had to be strong.

My adventure inside this rat nest continued more for about an hour. Sometimes I would meet a single rat, sometimes they come in pairs, in triplets, sometimes I would run back as a group of five rats chase me down, but taking care of them by using mana spears, I didn’t have to worry so much.

I continued on…

Until finally I came upon a big room that had this weird machine built in the sewers.

“…This must be the place that they use to handle the drainage for this thing.

Looking around, I saw a couple of nest like beds under a tank…this reminded me of a bird’s nest…but as I took a closer look, I saw the wriggling movements of a dozen rats inside.

“!!” the nest bursted like a firework, and out came the sight of a dozen rats entangled into one giant rat group…

“Ah…it’s a rat king! Fuck.”

It reeked more than anything else that I have ever smelled…it was more worse than a corpse itself.

One thing worse about this group was that it acted like a hive mind.

They were all moving in unison. Their speed may be slow, but their numbers was so much more menacing to deal with that I had to quickly get out of that room

“…Fuck, if only I had a skill that could take an entire group in one shot…”

I ran and ran…and ran…until finally, I made it out.

“haa…haa…haaa” seeing as how tired I was, I had to catch my breath.

Outside, I saw the merchant looking at me with his eyes and brow, furrowed in its curiosity.

“…Did you see a rat king?” he asked.

“Y-yeah.”

“Hmm, its good that you ran out before things got worse. If you had been there after they sprayed you with their musk, you might have never gotten out alive.”

“…musk?”

“A rat king’s musk. Its something like a pheromone sprayed unto you like a skunk would. Doing that to you, it would attract a river of rats all over the sewers. Theirs no escaping something like that for an F-rank like you.” he said as he smirked from ear to ear.

“…then how do I deal with the rat king then?” I asked.

“…Do what any hunter would do. Blow their group up with a fucking bomb if you have one. Hahaha” he said, laughing at the sight of my tried body.

“…A bomb huh.”

Thinking deep on it, I don’t have the luxury to buy a bomb with only one use, if there’s anything that I can invest in, it has to be a skill.

“…Ah.” and than I remembered.

Along with the mana spear that Soril can use, it was describe that his talent was enough to even learn a skill called a mana cannon at the first year. Learning one is a mystery…but If I dig enough information in this skill, I might just find a way to learn this.

Its not something I can easily conjure like a mana spear because of how advance it was said to be. For now I don’t want to waste my mana on trivial things like making this skill based on my impressions, I should really dig into this type of skill and learn properly.

So for now, this day ends my time hunting in this dungeon.

As I sold every tail I got, I earned about 12,000 qoril.

“…Hmm, this is good enough.” I say as I turned and walked back home. With how dirty I was right now, I don’t think I have any chance of riding a taxi…walking would be best…and, it might also help as an exercise routine.

With that said, I’ll be coming back to this dungeon after learning a new skill.

So Rat king, just you wait.