***Alger The Doubledge***

Still not fully recovering from breaking through the obstacles while ascending the stairs, Alger sprinted through the corridors of the twenty-ninth floor. The lingering stench of monkeys and medicine made him uncomfortable, but it also made the kobold appreciate his weaker, compared to his brethren, olfaction.

Another series of bangs made him worry for his subordinates. He wasn't that close with either of them, but they were his responsibility—a part of his group and a part of his Race. Those facts alone were enough to make any stranger who dared to hurt them his bitter enemy. Also, the scout was really helpful, which was likely the main reason for his distress.

Don't you dare to die on me, you incompetent fools! Alger thought as he turned around the corner. There, he saw it.

Opposite of him stood a tall bald monkey-like creature in blood-stained white clothes that covered most of its lean body. Its visage was one of the ugliest the kobold had ever seen and reminded him of an overgrown newborn mammal. Which was extremely creepy from his point of view. Or maybe that was just his fear and anger playing tricks on him. He had heard that Noble Lycanians had similarly fur-less faces, but he had never seen one.

The fact that Alger couldn't hear the sound of struggle anymore while this thing was clearly still alive could mean only one thing. . . His two tribesmen had been murdered by this cursed being.

Alger didn't have any time to contemplate how something like this—a being that seemed to be a type of a Natural Sentient—was inside the Dungeon. Instead, he turned off his brain, allowing the rage from losing his two teammates to take over him.

It wasn't like their lives were important, moreover so considering that they were likely to revive one day, even if severely weakened. Instead, it was the influence of the mystical power he managed to grasp, the Anger Concept. Through the half-real, half-fake emotion, it fuelled him, Augmenting his physical abilities in exchange for losing most of his control.

If he had had more Balance, it would have been easier for him to ignore the side effect, but as a monster, he couldn't decide how to distribute his Attributes. So with an Ability that didn't suit him well, Alger charged at the vile alien.

His adversary raised a small metallic object at him, but the kobold didn't even contemplate changing his trajectory. He wouldn't think of the possibility that this tiny item was a weapon even if his mind was unclouded. Now, under the influence of Anger, he hadn't even a bit of hesitation.

Bang-bang-bang!

Like a furious beast, the harmless-looking object roared as it sent barely visible projectiles flying at him at breakneck speed. Acting on pure instinct, the kobold raised Beheader, using its blade as a shield, just a moment after being hit by the first projectile. Thanks to his prompt action, out of the ten shots, only three hit his body directly, while five were blocked by the sword's blade, and two missed due to how quickly he approached the startled enemy.

"Rarrrgh!" Alger bellowed as he swung Beheader at the monkey. The sword hit the doorway instead of the vile spawn, as it jumped away just in time to avoid the attack. The failure to finish of his foe intensified the anger of the kobold, making his muscles bulge even further.

The monkey bustled deeper into a room that stank of something repulsive. Alger pulled his blade out of the doorway and stormed in to murder the enemy.

The place where their battle would take place was a spacious chamber with many smaller rooms in rows. The bald primate opened up the door of one of the said rooms. Before it could hide itself inside, Alger had already swung his weapon with the intention of decapitating it in one hit.

The strike contained in itself both the power of a Concept and the kobold's robust body. It was by far the strongest attack the monster ever made in his life, which wasn't unexpected considering his lack of battle experience.

The monkey turned back to its attacker just barely in time to raise its feeble-looking blade in defense. Of course, it shouldn't have been enough to contain the power of the blow, and yet. . .

At the moment of the impact, both weapons split into two halves as if this was the most natural outcome. It would be incomprehensible for a large claymore and a kitchen machete to end up in a similar state if not for the circumstances.

Alger's Beheader was made of a very sturdy rock, just like most of the Tribe's weapons. After being used non-stop to break through doors and walls that had hindered the kobold's path, it was in a terrible state, and the three bullets it blocked made its condition even worse. In the first place, stone wasn't comparable to steel in terms of sturdiness. If not for Essence enhancing its durability, the bullets alone would be enough to damage it beyond repair.

The broken part of Beheader ended up hitting its owner in the left shoulder, while the monkey was lucky enough to avoid the split-off part of its weapon. Still, nothing could save the vile primate from the force behind Alger's blow, its shoulder was dislocated, and its body was sent flying into the strange chair that was inside the tiny room. The hit hurt the monkey’s back and made the bag on the throne-like chair fall on the floor.

"Arggh!" The emotional pain of losing his favorite sword and the physical pain from being pierced by a part of it in his shoulder made the kobold wail. His foe didn't waste the moment of respite.

In spite of hurting its back, the monkey managed to raise its upper body ever so slightly. It then opened the bag nearby and grabbed a metal stick-like object from it, pointing the thing at him.

Slightly recovering from the shock, Alger raised what remained of his sword, preparing a deadly swing. At that same moment, his opponent activated the stick.

A powerful force hit the kobold in his chest, accompanied by a loud bang. What had remained of his Essence Field was completely depleted, and he could feel searing pain at the place he was wounded. Still, he clenched his teeth and forced himself to attack the monkey one last time.

As the primate saw that the monster wasn't done with yet, it used the stick yet again. This time the kobold wasn't protected by his EF, so he received way more damage than the last time. In a moment, his right leg was completely blown to pieces. His blood and meat covered the floor with gore.

"Auuughhh!" Alger howled pitifully from incomparable pain and despair.

He was about to die. To fail miserably at his mission. To fall outside of the Zone assigned to him, which meant that even if he resurrected, a lot of his memories would be gone alongside the strength he had gained. Perhaps, dying for good would be a better choice for him—a choice he didn't have as a Minion.

Filled with bitterness, Alger The Doubledge helplessly fell down on the floor in a pool of his own blood.

***Lex Lurker***

I was in an awkward half-lying half-sitting position with my back against the toilet cistern. I had barely survived the encounter with the monstrous kobold who waved around his claymore as if it was a toy. Thankfully, his weapon had been in a bad enough state to come to a draw against my machete, both breaking in the process.

I had used my trump card, emptying the Winchester to stop the monster from slaying me. Still, I intentionally aimed my second shot at his legs, which was why his Health-Bar still had about twenty percent left, even if this depleted slightly with each second.

I need to move if I want to get in the last hit.

The kobold was a goner for sure, but I didn't want to waste the precious EXP he held. Enduring the pain in my back and ignoring my dislocated right shoulder, I managed to stand up.

Staggering with each step, I approached the half-dead monster, dirtying my slippers in his gore. I bent down to take the broken claymore from where the kobold had dropped it. With my relatively healthy left hand, I gripped its hilt. Even after losing half of its blade, the weapon was still heavy—I barely managed to lift it.

"Sorry," I whispered as I pierced the monster's neck.

I mentally blocked the notifications that were about to appear. I didn't have time to read them—there was a chance that the commotion had been heard by other kobolds. If any of them were as dangerous as this one, it would be over for me.

"You did well," Ciesta praised me as I grabbed the ammunition bag and hung it over my healthy shoulder. She stayed in her invisible form, however, proving that I wasn't completely safe yet.

I don't feel well. . . I like the thrill of battle, but the killing itself is disgusting. I thought as I passed by the corpse without looking at it. The stench of death overpowered the scent of disinfection, but just like with my first victim—it wouldn't last for long.

"You don't need to feel sorry for those savages." The invisible cat tried to comfort me.

Because they aren't human? From what I can tell, they have some level of sentience. Maybe not inferior to our own.

"First of all, you didn't really kill them forever." Her words surprised me. "As a part of the Dungeon, they are going to revive sooner or later. Considering that you've killed them far from their Control Zone, it should be the former, but you need to prepare yourself to slay those who are hostile to you—even if they are other humans or sentients and even if it means destroying them for good."

I didn't know how to reply to her, so we continued our little trip in silence. I decided to return to the security floor and lock myself in one of the rooms with heavy steel doors. The remaining four kobolds didn't seem to have any heavy-heaters like their claymore-wielding leader, so it should be able to keep me safe for a while.

The road to my destination was surprisingly uneventful—this meant that the kobolds on the other floors either hadn't heard the commotion or had decided to stay on guard at their present location. Of course, I also was worried that they had left someone to guard the stair or the top floor, but this wasn't the case either.

Without meeting with or even hearing anyone, I found my way to the surveillance room and locked the sturdy steel door from the inside. I didn't worry about the kobolds having a key, either, as one of the locks couldn't be opened from the outside.

I found a comfortable armchair in the corner of the room and relaxed in it with my eyes closed.

"Haaaaah. . ." I deeply exhaled, trying to clear my mind. Being in two life or death battles in less than a day didn't do well for my mental health.

It would be so nice if I had a cute fluffy kitty to cuddle with right now. . .

"No," I could hear a voice nearby. "Just, no."

I didn't mean you. . . You aren't a cat. Did you forget that already?

I couldn't help but reminisce over my childhood.

When my father was still alive, he gave me a kitten. I spent some happy years with Mr. Fluffy, but one day he just disappeared, running away from home to never return. Even after many years, I still can't understand why he did it, but "cats will be cats".

"That's a very touching story, but I want to remind you that you've used a precious Skill Slot to get Communication," Ciesta said after turning visible again, showing her cute form. "Obviously, it isn't going to improve if you use your thoughts to talk to me. How about you try to speak normally, at least while we are alone?"

"T-That's easier said than d-done," I tried to say it without stuttering but failed miserably.

"It's alright. I don't really care how articulate your speech is, as long as you increase your chances of completing the Moderator Quest by improving your Attributes."

"Okay, then," I said quietly, almost whispering. Either thanks to that or to the support of the Skill, I managed to not stammer.

Don't get me wrong. I relapsed into thought-talk. My vocalization is normally perfect. It's just that I'm not used to talking with strangers. And for me, pretty much anyone other than Mom is one.

"If you’d just say all of that out loud, it would help you progress your Skill, even if only a little."

I knew what she meant, but it was still hard for me to change my habits instantly.

"A-anyway," I said, trying to keep my voice straight. "I need to check my g-gains after that fight. T-then, let's think how to proceed."

You've successfully ambushed a higher Level opponent while staying hidden!

Ambush reaches lvl 2.

Stalking reaches lvl 2.

You have contributed (48%) in slaying a [Shadowbark Kobold - Bronze, Level 6]. You receive a 50% Bonus EXP for killing a being above your Level. You receive 6 Lesser Essence Coins (LEC).

Quest notice: Shadowbark Kobolds slain: 1/10

You have contributed (56%) in slaying a [Shadowbark Kobold - Bronze, Level 6]. You receive a 50% Bonus EXP for killing a being above your Level. You receive 6 Lesser Essence Coins (LEC).

Quest notice: Shadowbark Kobolds slain: 2/10

Level up! You are now Level 2! You receive 4 Free Attribute Points (FAP).

You have contributed (24%) in slaying a [Shadowbark Kobold Warrior - Bronze, Level 10]. You receive an 80% Bonus EXP for killing a being above your Level. You receive 20 Lesser Essence Coins (LEC).

Quest notice: Shadowbark Kobolds slain: 3/10

Level up! You are now Level 3! You receive 4 Free Attribute Points (FAP).

"Aha-ha-ha!" I couldn't help but burst out laughing. "It worked, Ciesta! I can gain Levels! Aha-ha-ha!"

I couldn't imagine what I would feel if, after putting my life at risk and barely winning, I didn't get any reward. Those notifications proved that I chose the right path.

"I'm relieved to hear it." I could clearly hear the joy in her voice. "Perhaps, just perhaps, you can do it and complete the first stage."

Even the hidden meaning of her comment—that completing the first Quest was but a beginning—didn't affect my good mood. For the time being, even speaking became easy for me.

"I've gotten two Levels from the battle, but I'm not sure if that's good or not. I don't really understand how the System counts Experience after all. The last time it said that I'd slain the monster, but now that I just contributed. Is it because of the firearms I used? The contribution for the last guy was only twenty-four percent, but I still got a Level from the kill."

"I see." If hearing me talking so much in one go surprised her in any way, she didn't show it. "Let me explain it to you in simple terms. By default, each monster gives a fixed amount of Experience depending on its Level. I'd say that it's approximately one point for slaying a Level 1 being and nine for Level 9, but twenty for Level 10 and twenty-two for Level 11. Every ten Levels basic EXP is increased by a multiplier, so I’m guessing that the last monster you've slain was past the Level 10 threshold, right?"

"You really deserve your name, Encycloesta!" I was genuinely impressed with her deduction. "And it seems that the basic EXP a monster gives is the same as the amount of Essence Coins it drops?"

"Don't call me that." I could bet that Ciesta was blushing under her fur! Though maybe that was from anger. "And yes, you guessed right about LEC."

"So, what about the contribution and how it relates to the bonus for the difference in Levels?"

"Your contribution determines how much basic EXP you get, and then the Bonus is added above it. So if you, as a Level 3, help to kill a Level 8 with a fifty percent ratio, you'll get four EXP, but it then would be further increased by the five-Level difference to six points in total."

"Well, that's a downer." I shrugged, just slightly enough to not disturb my still dislocated shoulder. "I would get more EXP from killing it completely on my own while being at the same Level."

"Yes, but the higher your Level, the more Experience you need to increase it. Don't forget that it still would be twice as much as you'd get from a Level 3 monster."

"I have another question, Ciesta-sensei," I teased her a little. I wondered if she only knew English and had no clue about other languages from Earth.

"Go ahead, Lex-san." She played along. "And yes, I had already learned the eleven most widely used languages from your planet even before being sent here."

The more I learned about her, the less it made sense for someone so competent to be assigned as my babysitter. She was way overqualified for the job!

"Aren't they kind of weak?" I inquired. "I don't even know how to use magic or martial arts provided by the System, and don't even have Essence Field to protect me. If I did, I bet those guys wouldn't prove much of a challenge even if I faced them all at once."

She raised her sky-blue eyes at me while waving her fluffy tail from one side to another. "You are more perceptive than you look, Lex Lurker."

"Hey, I was one of the best students in my class back at school!" I said in my defense. "I may not be very communicative or smart, but it's hard to find someone as diligent if I say so myself. Willpower is my highest Sub-Attribute for a reason, Ms. Ciesta."

"I see," she replied curtly. "Before I answer your question, let me make one thing clear. I'm not a Miss, but a Mrs. My husband isn't the jealous type, so a little friendly teasing should be alright, but try to avoid being too familiar with a married woman, okay?"

"Say what?" I blurted out.

Out of everything that had happened today, this sudden revelation was one of the most incredible experiences for me.

You've productively talked to another person for a while!

Communication reaches lvl 2. Your FATE is increased by 2.

And even the sudden notification didn't shake me out of my daze.