The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 63: Closing In

[00 Months: 02 Days: 09 Hours]

"Status Window."

[STATUS WINDOW]

- Name: Mikey Rael

- Race: Human

- Level: 35

- Life Force: 25/25 (+25)= 50

- Energy Level: 40/40 (+5×5), (+10), (+25)= 100

- Combat Ability: 31/31 (+10×5), (+30), (+10) (+25)= 146

- Stat Points: 5

- Currency: 1,100

- Role: <The Dreamer>

- Authority: <Dream/Nightmare>

- Titles: <Visionary>, <The One Who Saw The End>, <Chosen One>, <Survivor>, <Ranker>, <Prey>, <Spendthrift>, <Rock Master>, <Elementalist>

- Skills (Exclusive): <Dream>, <Nightmare>, <Visualize>

- Skills (Non-Exclusive): <Turbo>, <Immersion>, <Fallen Foe>, <Teleportation>, <Haven>, <All Seeing Eyes>, <Full Resistance (High)>, <Elevate>, <Gravity Press>, <Carnage>, <Elemental Attribute (Basic)>, <Regeneration>, <Viscosity>, <<Language Comprehension>, <Personal Space+ (Custom)>

- Items Equipped: <Upgraded Enchanted Speedo>, <Upgraded Energy Recovery Necklace>, <Concealment Cloak>, <Tower Pass (F1)>, <Navigating Compass>, <Special Watch>, <Elite Adventurer's Wear (Black)>, <Upgraded Enchanted Glove>, <Ring Of Life>

- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

[Additional Information]

You can see the future and past by living it. It is a coveted power worthy of desire, but a scary one to possess.

"Looks like it all adds up." I smiled relaxing my body after enjoying a heartfelt meal of my <Basic Meal Set> and <Bottle Water>, which I bought from <Shop>.

I recently decided to keep five portions of each in my special storage space, in case of emergencies, or it I ran out of money.

To achieve this, I upgraded the Effect of my <Personal Space (Custom)> Skill. I remembered when I first got the Skill by sacrificing 1,000 Currency to the System in order to forge it for me.

There were Items similar to what I wanted in <Shop>, but I wanted the effects to be more akin to a Skill, instead of an Item.

For one, a Skill was innate, and it couldn't be stolen... at least, not conventionally. It also didn't have some form of durability limit.

I simply had to input my specifications to the System, and it gave me exactly what I wanted. I had to spend 1,500 Currency extra to buy the Skill, and an extra 1,000 Currency just now to improve its effects in order to accommodate for more luggage, while also ensuring no time passed in the storage space.

That way, I could keep perishables inside without me ever worrying about it spoiling. Best of all, I felt nothing weighing on me even with the <Personal Space+ (Custom)> Skill holding a bunch of my items currently.

'Even my Super Energy Rocks are currently inside it...'

Most of the items I got from the Treasure Chests were also inside, and if I wanted them, I could easily call them forth. The <Personal Space+ (Custom)> also had a special list of Items that I kept inside, so I never forgot I possessed anything.

It really was convenient.

"Now, then..." I muttered, my brows furrowing in seriousness.

I had finally completed all I wanted to achieve in this place, The Wild Lands of the Lyma Region. It was finally time to leave.

'There are quite a few options to choose from, but...'

After considering for a while, a particular thought kept nudging at me. It came from my memory of someone I wasn't particularly fond of.

It was what Jeff mentioned to me and the rest of the members of the Party we formed before he proceeded to kill us.

"I've found a settlement, a small Inn not far from here. It's a place where she can live, grow up away from all of this..." I repeated his words, stroking my chin.

If I were to go by what he said, there was a settlement somewhere closeby.

Since Jeff mentioned an Inn, and how he wanted a peaceful life for his daughter, that meant the settlement wasn't a dangerous place, and it most likely welcomed humans like me.

"Isn't this a good opportunity?"

Since I arrived in this world, I hadn't once interacted with a Native. According to the words of that Seraph, it seemed imperative that we had some sort of interaction with them, and from the way it sounded, the relationship could influence one's progress in this new world.

'If that's the case, I should start as early as possible... so I'm not left behind.'

Perhaps this settlement could even have information about more Dungeons around. Places where I could get stronger, and even improve on the power I already had.

'I could probably get that information if I bought it from <Shop>, but if the Natives can tell me for free, I see no point in wasting money.'

My Currency was better served by buying equipment or Items to help further my growth. I was particularly interested in getting new Skills too.

'And there's a particular one I'm looking forward to getting...'

That meant I had to save my Currency.

"If interacting with the Natives here works to my benefit in terms of surviving this world, and they can also provide me with information that I need... then I suppose that's the best place to go."

If I used the <Navigating Compass> I got, which served both as a holographic map of my immediate vicinity, and a detailed directive tool on how to get there, I was sure to find the settlement Jeff spoke of.

'It can't be far from here. I'm guessing it's still in the Lyma Region. And as long as it's here... I should be able to locate it.'

I activated the <Navigation Compass>, and instantly a large holographic map appeared in front of me, covering my line of sight.

The map pinpointed my location, and it showed the Dungeon I currently in and showed everything around me in great detail.

The closer my proximity was to an area, the greater the detail it would show me. Fortunately, since the settlement I searched for was in the Lyma Region, I only had to first locate the <Dungeon Of Stone>, which was close to the border of the Wild Lands, and then zoom out a little to search for any settlement closeby.

"Got you!" My grin broadened as I spotted exactly what I was looking for.

Just as I expected, a small town called <The Outpost> was located there, and it had to be exactly the place I was looking for.

"Looks like I already know where I'm heading." A smile coursed through my face as I rose to my feet.

"Let's hope it's worth it."

********

[MEANWHILE...]

A group of uniformly cloaked individuals stood very close to the gaping entrance of a cave-like structure.

This was The Dungeon of Stone, and while it appeared to be already conquered, it seemed they had other business with it.

The men had expressions that told a mix of anticipation and determination. The nine individuals, each adorned with the telltale attire of seasoned explorers, were led by a man who exuded an air of authority.

He seemed to be in his early thirties, having very rough facial features, with cleanly cut beards. He stood tall, his gaze unwavering as he folded his hands before him, a sign of deep contemplation.

As they awaited their leader's command, one final member of their group emerged from within the cavernous entrance.

Dust clung to his clothes, evidence of his foray into the depths of the Dungeon. The group turned their attention towards him, awaiting his report.

"This is the last recorded location of the Ranker, Lucy Fer" the subordinate began, his voice tinged with a somewhat troubled tone.

"The trail ends here."

The leader's brow furrowed slightly, his eyes narrowing. He considered the words carefully before responding.

"Did you find anything of note within the Dungeon? It's a challenging one for sure, but It seems rather beneath her usual endeavors."

The subordinate shifted uneasily before answering, "There wasn't anything particularly interesting, sir. However, there are four corpses within the Dungeon."

The leader sighed, an expression of disappointment crossing his features. "No surprise there. It's not like she's known for her mercy."

Silence followed the leader's gruff voice as he went into deep contemplation.

"Such a low-ranked Dungeon wouldn't hold much interest for someone of her caliber." He mused aloud. "There has to be something else."

Taking this as his queue to speak, he subordinate's tone shifted, catching the leader's attention.

"I did detect a survivor," he continued. "The trail of this survivor extends beyond the Dungeon, and crosses this area."

Surprise flashed across the leader's face, his eyes widening momentarily. He muttered under his breath, "A survivor? That's unlike Lucy Fer. She wouldn't leave anyone alive."

At this point, a devious grin crept upon his lips. "This is certainly interesting."

Turning his attention back to the subordinate, the leader commanded, "Follow the trail of the survivor. Inform me immediately of any developments."

His gaze then shifted to two other subordinates. "You two, accompany him. Support him in any way necessary."

The chosen subordinates nodded, acknowledging their orders, while the remaining members maintained stoic gazes as they awaited their orders.

"Now, the rest of you," the leader said, addressing the remaining members of the group, "let's head back to headquarters."

His eyes flashed a little in both caution and anticipation.

"I need to report this to Francis."

The adventurers dispersed, each tasked with their assigned duties. The leader stood there for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities.

There was nothing more to this Dungeon than met the eye, but somehow their number one target had come here, and she let a survivor leave.

These series of events seemed connected, but they were far beyond his ability to decipher. That was why he decided to simply report to the one who stood at the apex of their association.

"He should know what to make of all this."

* Unveil more tales at m_vl-em|p-yr

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[A/N]

Looks like Mikey is about to get some attention he isn't expecting. If you all comment, I can be willing to share the Francis character art, or should I just wait until he gets revealed?

Yeah... that should be better.

In any case, this should be fun!