Ren gathered his saved funds and a mid-tier spatial ring before heading to his room.
Before that, he instructed Nathan to sell his old artifacts, as they no longer held any value to him. It was time to replace them with something truly powerful.
Once inside, he began preparing for his upcoming outdoor training. He planned to collect at least three hidden pieces per day, ensuring he returned before his birthday, which was only a few days away. He knew time was short, but every second counted. If he wanted to stand at the top, he couldn't afford to waste a moment.
After finalizing his plan, exhaustion crept in, but he ignored it. He had already informed Charles that he would be gone for three days, ensuring there wouldn't be any unnecessary interruptions. He then started packing—food, money, and weapons carefully selected for both training and hunting.
To push his physical limits, he grabbed four weighted bands, each set at 30 kg. The moment he fastened them to his wrists and ankles, he felt the extra strain, but he welcomed it. His body needed to adapt to greater pressure.
Ren also handed Nathan a list of rare and common ingredients needed for special elixirs. With the family's vast network, gathering them should be possible within four days. He would need those elixirs soon—his current potions wouldn't cut it in the long run.
Once all preparations were complete, he stepped out of the mansion and walked toward the parking area.
This world had various advanced transportation methods, ranging from Hyper Cycles, Galactic Glides, and Quantum Racers to Neuron Cruisers. Each offered its own advantage, whether speed, durability, or sheer efficiency.
Ren scanned the vehicles stationed in the mansion's private garage, debating his choice. The Quantum Racer would be the fastest option, but it was far too flashy. He didn't need unnecessary attention.
Instead, he walked toward his Void Strider, an advanced hybrid motorcycle designed for adaptability. From a distance, it looked like a sleek, matte-black bike with a futuristic frame. But upon closer inspection, the true depth of its engineering was evident.
The wheels were built to adjust to any terrain, the energy core allowed it to function in complete silence, and its retractable wings enabled limited flight. In case of water crossings, it could transform into a streamlined watercraft in seconds. This was not just a simple ride—it was a machine made for any environment.
Though Ren rarely used it, his system's Vehicle Mastery skill ensured that controlling it would be effortless. With a deep breath, he activated the bike and took off, speeding toward his destination—the F-Class Dungeon: Shadowfang Den.
The wind roared past him as he maneuvered through roads and hidden trails, reaching the dungeon entrance in record time. He parked his bike at the outskirts of a dense forest and scanned the area. According to his knowledge, the entrance to the dungeon was hidden inside a concealed cave.
Brushing aside thick overgrown foliage, he soon found what he was looking for. The narrow cave mouth was almost invisible to the untrained eye, its entrance blending seamlessly with the surrounding rocks and vines.
"So, this is it," Ren muttered, stepping forward.
The air inside was damp, heavy with the scent of decay. He wrinkled his nose. "Smells like something died in here," he grumbled, pulling a flashlight headband from his spatial ring.
Switching it on, he illuminated the narrow passage, revealing jagged rock formations and uneven terrain. Every step had to be taken with care. The slick stone beneath his feet made it easy to slip, and he had no intention of making a careless mistake.
After cautiously navigating through the darkness, he reached a larger chamber, dimly lit by flickering torches embedded into the walls. Shadows danced along the rough stone, creating an eerie atmosphere.
A low growl echoed through the cavern. Ren's grip tightened around his sword as a pack of wolves emerged from the darkness, their glowing yellow eyes locked onto him.
"Let's see what you've got," he muttered, lowering his stance.
The fight was brutal but efficient. For an hour, Ren cut down the wolves one by one, methodically clearing the area. Blood stained the cave floor, but he remained unscathed, his movements precise and controlled.
Finally, after clearing the wolves, he discovered a hidden passage leading deeper inside. His instincts told him he was close.
There, nestled within a stone pedestal, was an artifact. He stepped closer, his fingers grazing the cold metal as he lifted it.
[Obsidian Emblem – Advanced Mid-Tier Artifact]
Increases the wearer's physical strength and reaction speed by 30%.
Enhances skill comprehension and learning speed significantly.
Provides passive regeneration over time.
The harder the wearer trains and fights, the stronger its effects become.
Ren's eyes gleamed as he analyzed the artifact. This was exactly what he needed. It was not just a stagnant power boost—it was something that would grow with him. If he pushed himself to his limits, this emblem would reward him in return.
A smirk formed on his lips. "Perfect. My growth will skyrocket with this.".
"This artifact suits me perfectly with my skill "Hard worker" ,The harder I work, the stronger it becomes—just like me."
But before he could celebrate, a deep growl rumbled through the cave. He turned sharply, eyes narrowing. Emerging from the shadows was a crimson-furred wolf with piercing red eyes.
[Bloodfang Alpha – E-Rank]
Though only a rank above the regular wolves, Ren could tell this one was in a different league. Its presence alone was suffocating, and its muscles coiled with terrifying power.
Without hesitation, Ren lunged forward. The battle began in an instant.
The Bloodfang Alpha was unbelievably fast, dodging his strikes with unnatural agility. Its claws slashed through the air, missing Ren by mere inches. One wrong step, and he would be torn apart.
"You're a tricky one," he muttered, adjusting his grip on his sword.
The fight stretched on, each exchange more intense than the last. He managed to land a deep cut on its side, but the beast retaliated with a deafening howl.
"Awoo—!"
Ren's body tensed as more wolves rushed toward him.
"Tsk. Just great," he gritted his teeth. He needed to act fast.
Using the boulders as cover, he maneuvered strategically, cutting down the lesser wolves one by one. But the Bloodfang Alpha wasn't done. It suddenly entered Berserk Mode, its movements becoming erratic and unpredictable.
"Fantastic," Ren muttered. "I just need to survive for ten seconds."
The countdown began.
10… The Alpha's speed doubled, becoming nearly impossible to track.
9… Ren barely dodged as it lunged forward.
8… The enraged beast tore through its own pack in blind fury.
7… Ren took advantage, eliminating the last of the lesser wolves.
6…. The Alpha refocused on him, its killing intent intensifying.
5… It charged at blinding speed, its claws flashing.
4… Ren leapt onto a boulder, dodging at the last moment.
3… He countered with a precise slash, drawing more blood.
2… The Alpha staggered, its berserk state wearing off.
1… Its body collapsed.
THUD
Ren exhaled sharply, his body aching from the battle.
As he stepped out of the dungeon, fresh air filled his lungs. His system chimed with notifications.
[Congratulations! You have defeated a Hidden Monster for the first time.]
[Swordsmanship Mastery upgraded to Elementary Rank.]
[New Skills Acquired: Butcher & Gather]
A smirk crossed his face as he looked up at the sky.
"Hard work always pays off."
With renewed confidence, he set his sights on his next target. This was just the beginning.
Author's Thoughts
Hey everyone! 👋
I know updates are a bit slow (curse my studies! 😂), but I'm doing my best to keep the story going. I really appreciate all your support—it keeps me motivated! 💪
If you're enjoying the novel, leave a comment 💬, throw in some power stones 🔥, and let me know what you think!
See you in the next chapter! 🚀