Chapter 30 Dungeon

Thud...

Falling on my back, I groaned tiredly, feeling the mana swirling inside my chest. It had already become a routine for me, so I slowly circulated the energy around my body, allowing it to settle down.

I couldn't help but cast a glance at the table nearby and saw that most of the cores had already been depleted. The box that had been brimming with a white glow was now almost dark, with only a few white spheres shimmering dimly.

As I allowed the mana to envelop my body, I felt energy course through me. A golden layer soon appeared on my skin, tightly clinging to me, and slightly enchanting my body. I examined the density of the layer and was amazed by the progress I had made.

"Wow..." I couldn't help but utter in amazement.

Though the change was small, it was visible, and I knew that my Mana attribute had increased by a minor realm. Feeling satisfied with my progress, I quickly stood up from the floor and circulated the mana around my body, trying to gauge how much I had advanced.

With a newfound confidence, I willed the mana to shrink and only cover my arms. As the golden layer slowly shrunk and readjusted itself onto my hands, a smile crept onto my face. If I already had the control to manipulate the mana in single body parts, then I was more than ready for the dungeon raid ahead.

I glanced at the time and realized it was already morning, meaning I had ingested cores throughout the entire night. Despite this, I didn't feel sleepy. I only had today and Sunday before I was forced to attend classes, so I couldn't afford to waste any time sleeping.

'...'

For a moment, I thought about inviting Oscar to join me, but soon shook my head. I knew that having company would only distract me from getting the most out of the dungeon. I preferred to enter and train in the dungeon alone.

Putting on the Spatial Ring gifted by Oscar, I quickly stashed my katana inside its inventory and headed towards the kitchen. Since I was planning to stay in the dungeon for two days, I packed a few days' worth of canned food. I also made sure to grab a thick coat because the dungeon I was aiming to raid had an ice affinity.

As I made my way towards the campus exit, I noticed Drake conversing with Rose and Tess in the distance. Despite scratching his cheeks, he didn't seem nervous or embarrassed while talking to them.

"Good... Good..."

I muttered to myself, shifting my gaze away from the trio. It was great to see them slowly attracting each other. Everything was going smoothly, and I was positive that they would soon become friends.

It was crucial that they bonded and grew to trust each other because, in the end, they only had each other. This was the fate of the protagonists.

Well... I would also be in the picture, or rather behind the picture, helping them from the shadows, but it was still far in the future. Right now I didn't even have the strength to attempt to kill a Noble Demon.

Leaving the Academy grounds and entering the city, I couldn't help but notice the endless stream of people. The buildings were lit up with advertisements, and the streets were crowded with mostly young-looking inhabitants, thanks to their awakened abilities.

After purchasing some cheap health potions from a nearby pharmacy, I made my way to the train station and hopped on a train heading towards the outskirts of Aukul, the city where the Mage Academy was located.

As the train rattled along the tracks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. The dungeon I planned to raid was known for its treacherous terrain and powerful ice-affinity monsters. But I was determined to test my skills and prove myself as a worthy adventurer.

The train finally came to a stop at the station nearest to the dungeon entrance after what felt like hours.

I took a deep breath and stepped out onto the platform, gazing out at the snow-covered area before me.

It was a stark difference compared to the climate within the city, but it was understandable. The dungeon slowly spreads its affinity in the surrounding area if not contained.

I quickly noticed a pathway leading into the snowy plains and moved towards the dungeon. After a few minutes' walk, I could see the outlines of a building further away. I noticed a massive logo with a big letter T.

"Trygnomy…"

I murmured, approaching the massive building and pushing the glass door open. Warm air brushed against my face as I entered the facility, my eyes slowly looking around and taking in the view.

Instantly, I could see a couple of people walking around the massive hall. They momentarily glanced at me upon my entrance, but soon continued going their ways.

Since the dungeon was owned by Trygnomy, casual awakeners could buy a ticket to enter them, making them quite popular.

I chose this specific dungeon because it was in the outskirts and not many people came here. This was also a F-Rank dungeon, the highest one I could enter with my rank.

I walked up to the counter, where a lady with short hair and glasses was seated, typing on her computer. As I approached, she looked up and greeted me with a smile.

"Welcome to Trygnomy dungeon! How may I assist you?" she asked politely.

"I would like to purchase a ticket to enter the dungeon..."

I replied, handing her my card which was filled with Arcons, due to my successful investment.

"Sure thing, here you go,"

She said, handing me a small black card, which was used as an entrance pass.

"Make sure to read the rules and regulations before entering. And good luck on your adventure!"

Nodding in thanks, I picked up my pass, and made my way to the entrance of the dungeon. Handing the personnel guarding the door a black card, which he scanned on the door's scanner, I was allowed to pass.

As I stepped inside, I underwent a few more identity checks before arriving at a pulsing, purple sphere. It radiated an icy aura that permeated the air around it.

"..."

Without hesitation, I drew my katana and moved closer to the sphere.