Leon entered his room and closed the door behind him with deliberate care. The familiar space felt smaller now, cramped by possibilities that hadn't existed just hours earlier. He settled onto his narrow bed and opened his system interface.
A blue light flickered in his peripheral vision, but something was different this time. A new tab pulsed with a soft golden energy beside the familiar options. "Market" glowed with enticing promise, its icon shaped like crossed swords over a treasure chest.
Leon's heart raced. The system had mentioned market access as a reward, but seeing it active felt like stepping into a realm of absolute power. He reached out and tapped the glowing tab, anticipation coursing through him.
───────[SYSTEM MARKET]──────────
Welcome to the Dimensional Trading Hub Currency: Dungeon Tokens, Rare Materials Categories: Weapons, Armor, Scrolls, Upgrades, Artifacts All items are soul-bound upon purchase No refunds or exchanges
The interface transformed into a floating catalog of astonishing variety. Weapons blazed with inner fire, armor was crafted from materials that didn't exist in their dimension, and spell scrolls contained magic beyond conventional classification.
Leon scrolled through pages of equipment that made Hunter Association gear look like children's toys. Each item displayed detailed statistics—damage ratings, durability scores, special properties, and compatibility requirements.
This wasn't just shopping; it was access to power that could reshape his future. He focused his search parameters, muttering, "What do I need most?" as he reflected on his recent battles. Raw firepower had saved him against the ARES hunters, but his basic mana gun already showed its limitations.
He typed "mana gun" into the search function. Dozens of options appeared, ranging from basic models to legendary artifacts. Leon sorted the results by price, watching the numbers shift as the system reorganized the list.
At the bottom of the list, one entry caught his attention.
───────[VOIDREAPER MK-III]─────────
Type: Semi-Automatic Mana Gun Damage: 85-110 per shot Rate of Fire: 180 rounds per minute Reload Speed: 2.3 seconds Durability: 950/950 Special: Dark Mana Compatible, Piercing Rounds Price: 5 Dungeon Tokens
Leon stared at the specifications, his heart racing. His current weapon dealt a mere 40 damage per shot, with a rate of fire that barely exceeded 60 rounds per minute. This new option represented a complete upgrade in both firepower and functionality.
The price matched his token count exactly—five tokens earned from his solo dungeon clear.
He compared the Voidreaper's stats to the weapons available through Hunter Association suppliers. Nothing even came close. The Association's best mana guns topped out around 55 damage and suffered from reliability issues that plagued most government equipment.
This system market offered gear that defied conventional magic theory. Leon briefly wondered about the source of such power but quickly dismissed the thought. Power was power, regardless of its origin.
With a surge of determination, Leon tapped the purchase button.
───────[PURCHASE CONFIRMED]───────
Voidreaper MK-III has been added to inventory Dungeon Tokens: 5 → 0 Item will materialize upon claiming
A new icon appeared in Leon's inventory. He selected it and watched as the weapon materialized in his hands.
The Voidreaper felt perfect. Its weight was balanced, and the ergonomic grip was designed for extended combat. The smooth action promised reliability even in the most extreme conditions.
As Leon channeled Dark Mana into the weapon for the first time, energy surged through the carved channels in the barrel, igniting runes that pulsed with an otherworldly light. The gun warmed in his hands, power settling into its frame.
The sensation was intoxicating—raw force waiting to be unleashed at his command. He could feel the weapon's potential resonating with his enhanced abilities.
For twenty minutes, he familiarized himself with the Voidreaper's functions: safety mechanisms, reload procedures, and aiming systems that responded to his intentions and movements.
This weapon would transform his combat effectiveness.
Leon secured the gun in his upgraded holster and left his room. His mother's door stood open, warm light spilling into the hallway as she read by her bedside lamp.
"Leon?" She looked up as he entered. "You're home early."
"Productive day," he replied, pulling a leather pouch from his belt. "Things are about to get easier for us."
He counted out five hundred gold coins onto her bedside table. Her eyes widened as the pile grew, more money than she had seen in years.
"Leon, where did you—"
"Legitimate hunter work. I ranked up to E-Class today." He showed her his new badge. "Better assignments mean better pay."
Her expression cycled through shock, relief, and pride in rapid succession. She reached out to touch the coins, afraid they might vanish.
"Is this real?"
"Real as it gets. No more rationing medicine. No more choosing between rent and food." Leon sat on the edge of her bed. "I promised I'd take care of you. That starts now."
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pulled him into a fierce hug. Leon held her gently, feeling the weight of responsibility and the thrill of possibility in equal measure.
"My brave boy," she whispered. "Your father would be so proud."
He stayed with her until she fell asleep, then returned to his room to handle other matters. He pulled out his communication crystal and sent a message to Elise.
Ranked up to E today. Ready for that raid we discussed? Found a good D-rank dungeon if you're interested.
Her response came within minutes.
About time you caught up. Yes, I'm ready. Tomorrow morning? Don't expect me to carry you through the hard parts.
Leon grinned at Elise's competitive tone. Her confidence was infectious, making even the most dangerous ventures feel manageable.
"Tomorrow it is. Let's meet at Crimson Gate Dungeon at dawn. Try to keep up."
"We'll see who keeps up with whom, necromancer."
Leon closed the crystal and settled in for the night, but sleep eluded him as he browsed hunter forums on his salvaged laptop.
The missing ARES squad dominated the discussion threads. Speculation ranged from dungeon accidents to rival guild conflicts, but most posts focused on the unusual circumstances: four experienced hunters had vanished without a trace.
One thread caught his attention: "Official Statement from Tobias Virell."
Leon clicked the link and watched a video recording from earlier that evening. Tobias stood behind a podium in the ARES Guild's main hall, his expression as hard as stone.
"My brother Marsen and his team entered Serpent's Den for routine reconnaissance. They have not returned." Tobias's voice was cold and authoritative. "Someone is responsible for their disappearance. I will find that person."
The camera zoomed in as Tobias leaned forward, his intensity palpable.
"Whoever killed my family will pay. Their loved ones will pay. Their associates will pay. The ARES Guild does not forgive. We do not forget." His eyes seemed to pierce through the screen. "Justice will be absolute."
Leon closed the laptop, his jaw set with quiet determination. Tobias's threats meant little to him. The man could rage and posture all he wanted—it wouldn't bring his brother back.
However, the increased scrutiny would complicate future operations. Leon knew he had to be more careful about covering his tracks.
Morning arrived with gray skies and the promise of rain. Leon methodically geared up, checking each piece of equipment twice: a new coat with reinforced shoulders, upgraded combat boots, and the Voidreaper secure in its holster.
He opened his system interface one last time, reviewing his current capabilities.
───────[LEON GRAVES]──────────
Level: 11 Health: 220/220 Mana: 380/380 Available Stat Points: 75 Equipment: Voidreaper MK-III, Shadow Carapace Fragment Active Zombies: 3/3
The stat points are still awaiting allocation, but Leon preferred to distribute them after assessing the challenges posed by the D-rank dungeon.
He stepped out of his building as the city awoke around him. Street vendors arranged their goods, while early workers hurried toward jobs in the manufacturing district. It was a typical morning, with ordinary people living their everyday lives.
Leon noticed a shift in the atmosphere as he moved through the crowd toward Crimson Gate. There were more Hunter Association patrols, additional security checkpoints, and wanted posters plastered on bulletin boards. The influence of the ARES Guild was palpable throughout the city.
At a newsstand, Leon overheard merchants discussing bounty rumors and the heightened scrutiny on lower-ranked hunters. A sense of unease hung in the air, as everyone seemed anxious about getting caught in the crossfire of guild politics.
Crimson Gate Dungeon lay at the city's northeastern edge, a natural cave system transformed into a training ground for mid-tier hunters. D-rank difficulty meant real danger, but it also promised substantial rewards for successful teams.
Elise waited by the entrance, her equipment showcasing recent upgrades. A new staff topped with a crystal focus and reinforced robes that likely cost more than Leon's family earned in months.
"Are you Ready for this?" she asked, eyeing his new gear with professional interest.
"Ready as I'll ever be," he replied, excited and apprehensive.
They approached a group of hunters gathered near the registration booth. Party formation was standard for D-rank dungeons; the increased difficulty made solo attempts impractical for most.
A veteran warrior in plate armor scrutinized them. "We need a mage and support. You two interested?"
Leon and Elise exchanged glances. Working with strangers carried risks, but D-rank dungeons required teamwork.
"What's the split?" Elise asked.
"Equal shares for everyone who contributes. No dead weight allowed."
Leon assessed the other party members: a rogue with throwing knives and an archer wielding a compound bow that hummed with enhancement magic. These were experienced hunters who wouldn't panic under pressure.
"We're in," Leon decided, feeling a surge of determination.
Leon overheard snippets of conversation from other hunter groups as they completed registration and approached the dungeon entrance. The ARES incident had everyone on edge.
"—heard they're offering ten thousand gold for information—"
"—checking every F and E-rank hunter in the district—"
"—Tobias Virell doesn't make empty threats—"
Wanted posters covered the bulletin board beside the entrance, offering substantial rewards for information about the missing squad. Leon kept his expression neutral as he read the descriptions, a knot of concern tightening in his stomach.
The party leader gathered them at the dungeon gate, his weathered face reflecting the strain of recent events.
"All right. Once we're inside, stay sharp. D-rank isn't a joke—especially with all the heat from ARES lately."