Chapter 27

【Jae POV】

It's been a week since I returned to where the portal used to be.

I've waited this whole time for it to reappear.

But nothing's changed.

Over the past week, I've tried many things to see if I can locate it or anything of that sort―just in case it moved locations or I've got the wrong area.

Nothing's changed.

I soon began to freak out, and imagined awful things.

Like, 'did Aphy abandon me?'

After all, she was the boss―the ruler of the Pride Dungeon, so theoretically, Aphy would have the power to interfere with ways to enter and exit the dungeon, no?

She was able to control which parts of my Status I can and can't see, after all, and even had the ability to lock my level and my ability to get certain skills.

Was the whole concept of a 'leak' just an illusion all this time?

Was this all a scheme to just get me out?

No, no, of course not.

Stop thinking such stupid things.

Aphy would never do such a terrible thing.

...But, thinking about it now, it's indeed strange.

She said that normally, the only way to leave the dungeon is to kill the boss, which in this case would be her.

However, that can't possibly be true.

Since, if the boss died, then how would you get out of the dungeon?

It's not like you'd simply get teleported outside the dungeon after the boss died, like a trigger.

It makes no sense to me.

Especially with that thing the system said to me when I exited the portal:

《You have left the『Pride Dungeon』》

《Dungeon Clear Status:【0.15%】》

―That.

There must be a proper exit to the dungeon, right?

A way to leave the dungeon, and as far as I know, the leak was the only way to leave.

So the leak that I went through must be the proper exit, then.

And the leak that Aphy told me about was a lie?

No, wait, it wasn't a lie.

Perhaps, the real leak was the way I entered the dungeon?

I don't even know how I entered it, after all.

I only know now that the Goblin Lord threw me down the hole, and I ended up in the dungeon.

So that hole contained the leak?

Argh, I don't know.

But I don't think the dungeon would just up and disappear once the boss died either, because then all the monsters would be released into the world too.

Plus, all of that just seems too crude for something that belongs in this world.

Surely, there'd be a proper way of entering and exiting the dungeon, right?

That's what I'm thinking, so...

It's rather confusing.

...Well, I've confirmed there's nothing I can do about it right now, so there's no point in getting pointlessly frustrated over it.

I need to be calm and think logically.

Now, I'm kinda just back to sqaure one I guess.

『Survive in this fantasy world』

It was the main objective I had before entering the Pride Dungeon, and I guess it's my main goal now too.

Although, I don't really need to worry about survivng, so what should I do?

This is the next and my current issue.

Should I go back to Bahgwud and pick up Rena?

No, I don't want her to grow up homeless, and without friends.

Don't become a vagabond like your father.

......So, what do I do then?

I've been living pretty peacefully for these past few years anyway, and my life before coming to this world was peaceful too.

Oh.

That reminds me actually.

Before coming to this world, I had fantasies.

Yeah, I forgot about that...

Just like almost every other person who has read fantasy novels and watched anime, I had imagined what I'd do if an isekai kind of thing happened to me.

And my answer was simple.

―I thought it'd be cool to be an adventurer.

Because of everything that's happened since coming to this world, I've had no chance to think about it, but now that I can actually do it...

Adventurers are the people who belonged to a Guild, and completed quests for money; like collecting herbs, escorting, and killing monsters. They're usually ranked from F-S, and there are some super famous adventurer parties that are known for things like killing dragons or whatever.

That is usually the type of Adventurers Guild I think of.

Though there won't be anyone who can kill a dragon in this world, I assume it's a similar thing.

They probably go around doing things like exterminating powerful monsters and stuff, right.

It all seemed so fun to imagine at the time.

The top rank adventurers should become privy to any good information as well.

So I'd be able to locate Rena's mother much faster than I normally would.

Maybe they'd even be willing to let go of my charges if I become well-known.

After all, if I'm a famous adventurer, then surely people will be much less likely to try and capture me.

I know they exist, too, because of what those guards said.

Gadeun must've thought I was an adventurer too.

So, until I find her mother?

Oh, I could also just go to the Demon country with her and live there.

I have that bounty on my head, and if becoming a top adventurer doesn't settle that, then just going there could solve the problem.

Yeah, that seems good.

―I'll become an adventurer to gather information and raise my fame, and then travel to the demon country with Rena in tow.

Sounds like a plan.

So for now, I guess I'll just leave this forest.

As I made my way through the forest, I decided to test out「Envy」's new feature.

The「Power Imitation」System.

Initially, I thought it was the ability to copy the strengths of others; perhaps the power to copy other people's skills.

And basically, that's right.

Though the effect is semi-random, the effect is pretty much that I'm able to steal someone's skill for a short while.

Skill「Envy」has activated You have temporarily stolen the skill「Power Burst [Lv.7]」from target「Steelhorn Boar」

'Steal'.

Time Remaining - 0h : 59m : 59s

It's not merely 'copying' the target's skill.

That gives it the possibility to be extremely useful, even if the stolen skill itself is trash

Although it is only one skill, it's semi-random, the skill I steal isn't at 100% performance, and it's only temporary, it is still, definitely, an effective thing.

By semi-random, I mean that I can't just pinpoint an exact skill to steal, but I can choose which 'category' of skill to steal from.

Like [Perception Skill], [Passive Skill], [Combat Skill], etc.

Since there apparently haven't been any monsters with Unique Skills, I haven't been able to check if that works, but I don't see why it wouldn't.

I can also only steal from one target at a time.

These types of things will probably improve when it levels up though.

Also, since I've been eating a lot of new monsters like these boars, of course I've gained a lot of new skills and levelled other skills up.

Though I'm hesitating to open my Status after all this time.

I don't want to open it, despite it is being very tempting to do so.

It's mostly due to Aphy.

For the past 4 years, she's blocked me from looking at my skills to prevent me from becoming conceited and egotistical.

I am aware of that and have respected the rule all this time because I hold Aphy in high regard.

I also don't want to become like that if it's at all possible.

It's the reason for why「Pride」is only Level 0 even now.

Well, it's also just a habit now to not look at my Status.

I had that one slip up when I met humans for the first time in like 3.5 or something years, which is why I gained the skill in the first place, but that was my fault.

If it levels up again, I'll have yet another annoying voice in my head.

But I'll also get a new power.

I don't know what it will do, since the others won't tell me, but it'll most likely be good.

Since 'Pride' was known as the deadliest sin on Earth, as well as what the other guys were saying.

Either way, I'm not going to open my Status.

I don't want to let Aphy's efforts go to waste.

Well, anyway.

After experimenting with the skill hijacking, I've found that if you steal a skill you already have, then the higher-levelled one takes priority.

Basically, it means that if I steal the Level 5 version of a skill I already own, and my version is only Level 3, then I use the Level 5 version for the rest of the duration.

Conversely, it means that if I steal a skill that is lower level than my version, then I stick with my version.

In this case however, it still means the skill is technically "stolen", and so the target won't be able to use it.

Ever since I tested the「Power Imitation」System out, I thought I was missing something.

After desperately trying to figure out just what it was....

"Ah. I forgot about that too."

There was a time where I certainly attempted such a thing, wasn't there...

Indeed.

―I wanted to use「Envy」on myself.

《Skill level too low to perform this function》

All that time ago, when I was in the goblin cave, I had tried it, but「Envy」was too level.

Obviously, the「Soul Discernment」System is completely different to the Status.

Not to mention the section about one's condition...

The status values themselves have different meanings and there is nothing like [Skills] that exist.

At least, I assume not.

Unless, will I unlock something when it levels up more?

[No, the「Soul Discernment」system won't update or change at all, even after levelling up from now on. Because, after it reaches Level 5, it focuses on the「Power Imitation」system instead. It's the same as all of our skills in that manner. Well, other than Greed, but only because that guy's a cheating bastard was he able to get where he got anyway. For your sake, as well as ours, I advise you do not acquire Greed at all costs.]

.....I see.

That's nice to know.

Although.

Why not?

What's wrong with Greed then?

I thought you guys were saying he was strong.

[That cheating bitch... Greed only has the power of one System, but that System can be extraordinarily powerful if used correctly. Especially in your case. However, it having the potential to be powerful is not all there is to it. As you know, the skills effect you both physically and mentally, with the severity of the effect scaling with the level of the skill. That's also why I'd recommend to not just go and pick up「Lust」carelessly, unless you plan to--]

I'll think about it.

I already know that the skills have a detrimental affect on my mind, but my Trait deals with it.

So how do I get Greed?

[No, you little shit. Did you not listen to me? Don't even think about getting that fucker in here.]

Then tell me why not.

From what you said, his ability is good, right?

So what demerit is there other than simply increasing the number of annoying voices?

[You really...! Okay, look. Just listen to me. We can't tell you anything, alright? That includes his location, what he does, and everything else, as well as what difficulties he could bring. Believe me, when I say that I'd love to tell you all the reasons to not get him. But, I can't, so just be a good boy and listen to my advice.]

...Yeah, no thanks.

We may have been talking for years, but I know exactly how you lot are.

You all just want what's best for yourselves.

Every time I've had trouble in the past, you guys've done nothing.

Can I at least get the other's opinions on this?

[...They are sleeping.]

And?

Not my problem.

Wake 'em up then.

[They'll be pissed off and won't agree anyway, you know. They all feel the same way as me, I'm sure. If you want to know that badly, just ask later. I guarantee their answers will be the same as mine.]

You bastard.

Hmph, whatever.

Let's just test it.

「Envy」.

Soul State - Undead (Unknown)

Name : Jae Kang Soul Level : 100 / 100 [MAX]

Title : Apostle of Sin

Age : 20 Years Health : 15,690

Magic Energy : 253,993 Power : 4,474

Magical Ability : 1,062

Defence : 3,109

Magical Defence : 1,021

Resistances : 3,935

Speed : 4,548 Condition : [Slightly Irritated], [Slightly Excited], [Slightly Disappointed]

...Huh.

It's.... lower than I thought it'd be, actually...

Although the [Health] and [Magic Energy] stats certainly stand out from the rest, it's quite disappointing.

I don't really know what I expected though, because it's definitely, many magnitudes higher than what my Status was like originally.

I just can't help but feel a little disappointed though.

Thinking back, what was the greatest Soul State I've seen?

Definitely a dragon, right?

If I was ever allowed to see Aphy's, then obviously it'd be her.

But I've seen a single dragon before, haven't I?

It was way more powerful than me though.

Like 6 and 7 digits―that kind of insane level.

So, something that'd be closer to my league would be....

The Goblin Lord would probably fit the bill.

I don't really remember its Soul State anymore, as it was so long ago, but I'm pretty sure I've got him beat in certain areas.

For sure, I've won in Health and Magic Energy, but I can't recall the other things.

Maybe we are equal, or either one of us is slightly stronger than the other; I don't know.

Nevertheless, this can all be forgotten about.

Nothing to be concerned over.

―I closed the Soul State window.

In the end, they are only numbers shown on a screen.

It's not like they represent how strong I really am.

In the first place, the weapon I use belongs outside the System itself, so of course it won't count that in its calculations.

Therefore, I am not bothered by it.

After all, it's not like everything is decided by these made-up numbers, is it.

There are some strange things about my Soul State, but there doesn't seem to be anything of note, really.

With my mana sensing capabilities, I have found that there is no human town anywhere near my location, despite me walking through the forest and blinking with「Sloth」for about three hours straight now.

It's a pain, but it's fine.

I don't plan on rushing things too much.

I need information, but I can take my time.

Somewhat.

However, it was then that something peculiar appeared on my radar.

A strange distortion of twisted, concentrated mana.

It feels....... similar to the Pride Dungeon's portal, in fact.

A thought appeared in my head.

About whether it was really the portal.

I fell into thought.

Thinking about what I would do if it really was an entrance to the Pride Dungeon.

What I would say to Aphy, or ask.

But then, I shook my head and reminded myself.

What I have to do hasn't changed, and it still won't change, even if it is an entrance to the Pride Dungeon.

So with that in mind....

Let's check it out.

"...There's no way..."

What floated slightly above the ground, right in front of my eyes, was indeed a portal.

At first glance, it looked similar to the portal of the Pride Dungeon, but I could tell that it was far from the same thing.

It was located within a damp cave, then further idden behind a secret wall.

What it was, was fairly obvious.

"The entrance to another sin dungeon.... Huh. Now what are the chances of that?"

I could easily tell which dungeon the portal led to from its appearance.

[Oooohh, it's finally my turn, is iiiit~?]

This was the entrance to the dungeon of「Sloth」.

[I can't wait for you to take a look at my home, Jaeee~]

A screeching, painful voice to listen to, but one that sounded abnormally vigorous, entered my head.

The colour of the portal was light blue and it ever so slowly swirled around in a clockwise fashion.

It was much smaller than the Pride portal.

In comparison to the violet-tinted, large, and pressuring portal that belonged to the Pride Dungeon, this one seemed much tamer and casual.

As befitting the sin it was based on, I guess.

As such, it seems each of the seven dungeons have their own theme.

Hence, the inside of the dungeon will most definitely be completely different to that of the Pride Dungeon.

Well, there shouldn't be anything I can't handle.

Of course, this is not only because I cannot die, but also because of the nature of my magic.

I try not to be conceited.

In any case, there is no need to be standing around here, is there?

Without hesitation, I enter the dungeon.

"...Hm."

You have entered the『Sloth Dungeon』 Current Dungeon Clear Status:【0%】

I examined the surroundings with both my senses and my magic as soon as I stepped through the portal.

"Now, this place is interesting, isn't it."

[Kehehe~! I'm suuuuper glad you like it, Jae!]

...What the hell is up with this guy?

He's acting completely different from normal.

And it's annoying―his high-pitched voice sounds shrill, like a fork scraping on a chalkboard.

The place I appeared in looked exactly like what it was called―a dungeon.

"Why'd you make a literal dungeon as your home, you fucking idiot?"

[What do you meeean, Jae...?? This place's function is perfect for my needs.]

Ah, this guy's too weird.

Way too much difference compared to his usual, sleep-obsessed self.

Is it because we're in his domain?

I don't know, since I don't have Pride to compare him to...

...Well, I should clear this place fast.

In any case, this place looks exactly like one of those common dungeons found in RPG games.

―A maze or labyrinth-type layout built from old stone bricks and dim magic crystals as lighting, likely with various monsters and traps placed haphazardly everywhere.

If I'm lucky, there'll be things like treasure chests and loot as well.

[Hahahah, have fun!]

Well, let's go.

I've been exploring the Sloth Dungeon for about an hour(?) now.

Of course, I could go straight to the boss room since figuring the layout of the place is easy with magic detection―I can just go to the room with the highest concentration of mana.

But, I thought it'd ruin the fun.

Both mine and Sloth's fun that is, since, for the first time ever, he seems to be having a blast for some reason.

Even though he's annoying and his voice irritates me, it'd make me feel bad if I just went ahead and spoiled his enjoyment like that.

Anyway, there are, of course, many monsters in this dungeon.

Only things like Kobolds, Hobgoblins, Giant Bats, et cetera―things you'd commonly find in a game dungeon.

Thanks to them, I've had the opportunity to farm some new skills.

Sadly though, there isn't anything like a slime, which I was kind of looking forward to seeing in real life.

Nothing really to note though, other than the fact that some new skills have been gained and others have levelled up.

Because I've been eating them all.

There haven't been any skills that have really stuck out to me yet though.

By the way, it seems that all the sin skills except Sloth can't talk to me here, probably because it's his domain.

There was something like that in the Pride Dungeon too, though apparently Aphy used her authority to allow them to speak there.

They can still affect me; just not talk.

Other than that, I have struck gold.

Literally.

By that I mean there are treasure chests in this dungeon.

I have found two so far, and every time I find or open one, Sloth's excitement skyrockets.

It seems he enjoys watching me go through this place, like a TV game show or something.

I don't really know why, since all I'm doing is basically ransacking his home, massacring all its inhabitants and devouring them, but anyway.

The treasure chests in question have only had things like gold coins and mana crystals in them, so nothing useful to me.

I did take some gold coins that I can carry, since I do plan on entering cities and towns eventually.

Currency is obviously needed in society, and although I don't know how much one of these coins is worth, I can always find out later.

And, even if nothing useful has been found yet, it doesn't mean the potential isn't there.

I could always find something good in a chest later on, but it's not like I need to anyway, since I'm not in dire need for items.

I also have no way to carry lots of things.

It was at this point I kind of wished I upgraded「Sloth」instead, so that I could just take everything with me in an「Inventory」-like thing, but it's not like I'm certain that's what it does anyway, and in the first place it's too late for that, so there's nothing that can be done about it.

There's no point regretting anything at this point.

I continued through the dungeon.

The third treasure chest has been found, and it's contents are rather interesting.

―A pair of gloves.

On the surface, it appears to be a pair of regular leather gloves, but...

It's easy to tell that they're actually magically enhanced.

The gloves are imbued with magic.

Huh...

Enchanting.

Maybe I could try that with the equipment that I've made?

Well, I'll experiment things like that later, when I have the opportunity.

Since the type of magic imbued into the gloves is of the ice element, I can assume the effects it has are related to the cold.

Perhaps, increased「Cold Resistance」or「Ice Resistance」?

Maybe they even allow you to use certain types of ice magic.

I don't really know what's possible with enchantments yet, since I've never done it before, and Aphy's never taught me about it either, so who knows.

I can only tell that it isn't super powerful, because the magic imbued in the item is not that strong.

I put on the gloves.

"Hm... Yeah, it seems to provide a reasonable of resistance to the cold."

It doesn't say anything about a skill though, so is it unrelated to skills then? It must be purely magic-based. Interesting.

[...Do you...haa-yaaaaaahh...like it, Jae?]

Hearing Sloth's tired voice and yawn, I smirk slightly.

No wonder he hasn't spoken much recently; he's just woken up.

"Yeah. It's alright, I guess."

[Kuheheh... Naturally.]

I say this, even though there is truly no point to me wearing the gloves.

By coating myself in magic-imbued mana, I already give myself nigh-perfect protection against things like weather and mild offensive magics.

Nevertheless, I say it anyway, just so Sloth doesn't feel bad about himself.

If I'm honest, I don't know why I care at all about how these 'voices' feel...

They've just been with me for so long now, that it only feels natural to do so, I guess.