Chapter 42: A Chest With Magical Items

Words : 1033 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Alix continues deeper into the dungeon, observing the human enemies that populate it. Just like in the game, neither he nor his subordinates can challenge the dungeons within his own kingdom. It was a restriction meant to prevent players from farming their own resources. After navigating through winding tunnels, Alix finally reaches a larger cavern, dimly lit by flickering torches. At the center of the room sits a large, rugged-looking man on a throne made of scavenged wood and bones. Around him, several women—captives or willing followers, Alix isn't sure—serve him food and pour wine into his goblet. Alix narrows his eyes. "So this dungeon's theme is a bandit stronghold," he thinks to himself. The setup is familiar—a chaotic base where bandits gather, plundering the weak, and a leader who reigns over them like a self-proclaimed king. His gaze shifts to the bandit leader. The system immediately provides his details. [Bandit Leader– Level 330] "Level 300, huh?" Alix muses. "That should be more than enough for the monsters living in the forest to fight against." With that, he turns around and exits the dungeon. — Back in the dungeon entrance hall, Alix strides toward the exit, his mind already forming plans. Back at Sorin's quarter, she stands waiting, her expression calm but curious. "Come with me," Alix says simply. Sorin tilts her head but follows without hesitation. The two of them make their way back into the dungeon building. As soon as they step inside, Sorin's eyes immediately lock onto the shimmering portal in the center of the room. Her pupils narrow slightly in surprise. "Your Majesty," she says, her voice laced with awe. "What is that?" Alix crosses his arms and smirks. "A dungeon." Sorin frowns slightly, staring at the shimmering portal. "A dungeon?" she repeats, her voice laced with confusion. "What is a dungeon?" Alix's smirk widens. "You'll know after you go in." Sorin gives him a wary glance but ultimately nods. Without hesitation, she steps forward, her body passing through the rippling light. The world shifts. In an instant, Sorin finds herself standing in a dimly lit cave. The air is damp, carrying the faint scent of blood and burning wood. Flickering torchlight casts eerie shadows on the jagged rock walls. Her ears twitch at the sound of voices—low, rough murmurs echoing through the cavern. Her instincts take over. Without thinking, she melts into the shadows, activating her stealth. Her body becomes one with the darkness, her presence vanishing from sight. Carefully, she moves toward the source of the voices. She peeks from behind a stalagmite and stiffens at what she sees. A pair of rugged-looking men dressed in tattered armor, their weapons strapped to their sides. One has a crude sword resting on his lap, while the other sharpens a dagger against a whetstone. Sorin's eyes narrow. "Humans? Here?" she thinks, her mind racing. "And why am I in a cave?" A dozen questions swirl in her mind, but she pushes them aside. This is not the time to hesitate. She moves. Like a whisper of death, she glides forward. Before the men can react, her dagger slices through the first one's throat. A wet gurgle escapes his lips as he collapses, eyes wide in shock. The second man barely has time to turn his head before Sorin's blade plunges into his chest. He gasps, his body jerking as she twists the weapon, ensuring a swift kill. Silence falls over the cavern once more. Sorin exhales softly, pulling her blade free. She wipes the blood off on the dead man's tunic, her mind still buzzing with questions. "What is this place?" she murmurs under her breath. "And why are humans here?" In Sorin's mind, Alix would never push her to her death. Whatever this place was, there had to be a reason for her being here. That thought alone was enough to push her forward. She moves silently through the cavern, keeping to the shadows as she explores deeper. The more she sees, the clearer the picture becomes. More humans. Groups of them scattered throughout the cave—some drinking, some counting stolen goods, others sharpening weapons. Crude wooden furniture, makeshift tents, and storage crates fill the space. Sorin narrows her eyes. This looks like a bandit base. The realization makes her grip her dagger tighter. So, this was their hideout. If that was the case, then this was a perfect hunting ground. As she continues further, her eyes catch something unusual—a wooden chest tucked into the corner of a side chamber. Her curiosity piqued, she approaches cautiously. "A chest?" she murmurs, kneeling in front of it. "Let's see if there's anything useful inside." With practiced ease, she lifts the lid. Inside, instead of gold or weapons, she finds a single item resting on the dark wood—a ring. Sorin blinks. "...A ring?" She picks it up, turning it between her fingers. It's simple, unadorned, and slightly worn, yet something about it feels different. "That's it?" she mutters, tilting her head. "Just a ring?" It seems too underwhelming to be locked away in a chest. The moment the ring settles in place, a faint sensation washes over her. Her body feels lighter. More fluid. As if the very air around her is giving way to her movements with less resistance. She flexes her fingers, then shifts her stance experimentally. A subtle difference, but it's there. Her eyes widen slightly. "I... feel faster?" She glances down at the ring, now resting snugly on her finger. What she doesn't realize is that the ring grants +3 Agility. A small smirk tugs at her lips. "Interesting." Whatever this dungeon was, it was full of surprises. Sorin presses forward, her movements silent as a shadow gliding through the dimly lit tunnels. She keeps her senses sharp, scanning the area for more loot or useful weapons. But unlike before, no more chests appear. The winding corridors stretch endlessly, littered with crates and stolen goods, yet none of them seem interactable. A frown tugs at her lips. Strange. That chest from earlier had an item inside... but now, nothing?

Chapter 42: A Chest With Magical Items

Comments (0)