In a dungeon setting, there would always be three things to expect, first are treasures, second are monsters, and lastly, dungeon bosses.
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A low growl grumbled through the air, jolting Canna awake. Somehow, his instincts were screaming for danger while he was asleep; he turned to see a pair of glowing eyes staring at him from the shadows.
Emerging from the darkness was a monstrous creature, a medium-ranking alpha beast known as a Skarok. It stood on four powerful legs, its body covered in thick, armored scales. Its eyes glowed with an ominous red light, and its fangs were as long as daggers.
Canna quickly drew his twin daggers, the blades glinting in the dimly lit place. He knew this creature was dangerous; unlike the feeling he had when facing the trolls or goblins, this creature emitted an aura that everything around him was prey, only for him to be played with and killed after.
The Skarok lunged at him with a speed that contradicted its size. Canna wasn't even able to check the creature's status before hastily rolling to the side, narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws. He sprang to his feet and slashed at the beast's flank with his daggers, but his blades barely scratched its armored hide.
The Skarok roared in fury, swinging its massive tail towards Canna. He ducked just in time, feeling the rush of air as the tail whipped past his head. He knew he had to find a weak spot, something the armor didn't cover.
Canna exchanged blows with the Skarok, keeping his movements fluid and unpredictable. He remembered Mortem's teachings: patience and precision. The Skarok charged again, and this time, Canna waited until the last moment before diving beneath its belly. He thrust his daggers upward, aiming for the softer underbelly.
The blades pierced through, and the Skarok let out a loud howl of pain. It reared back, giving Canna the opportunity to strike again. He dodged its flailing limbs and delivered another powerful blow to its underbelly, widening the wound.
[Codex Sylvatica]
Rank: Legendary
Item Description: Bound in weathered leather and adorned with intricate carvings of woodland scenes, the codex contains detailed accounts of rare plants, elusive creatures, and ancient trees of Sepra.
This item is soul-bound, cannot be transferred to a different user, and can only be unequipped if the user dies.
Mortem sensed something weird for the first time. He was feeling a turmoil of emotions: happiness, shock, awe, surprise, and bewilderment—all feelings that he was only getting for the third time. The first time was meeting his master, and he was praising him second, yet this emotion wasn't him. He looked at his master with questioning eyes.
Canna's face was blank as a sheet, yet his head was filled with so many ideas that he feared it would burst. Having this codex with him would be a complete life-changer!
His knees collapsed, and slowly, his body started to fall; seeing this, Mortem hurriedly checked his main, and he shook him roughly while shouting words like "Hold on, master!"
Meanwhile, Tonitrum looked at this comical scene. He gave this codex because Canna was working hard, and he decided to reward him for that. He just didn't expect that the child would be so happy that he would pass out. Even while asleep, Canna had a stupid smile on his face.
Now, he would have to do the same thing he has been doing for hundreds of years: wait, wait, and see how this child would entertain him further after it wakes up.
That night, Canna dreamed about his parents. They shared stories of their lives before he was born—childhood adventures, dreams pursued, and challenges overcome. That night, Canna had the best sleep since he had arrived in this world.