There it was. A large gecko, a little over a meter long from head to tail, mounted itself on the wall ahead. It was dark brown with black spots running across its body. It was obvious that it was meant to hide on the dungeon wall. In fact, Agis wouldn't have noticed it, if it didn't lick its eyes. He could only guess that it was cleaning them.

Agis had already activated his stealth skill while walking around. He was afraid that something would take him by surprise, or he would accidentally get too close to something he shouldn't get close to. He remembered his dad's warning about the dungeon, about the monsters. They weren't to be underestimated. "No matter how small, they can all kill you easily." He knew by looking at the gecko that he wouldn't be able to take it on. Not yet anyways, not with just a rock. He took position behind a portion of the wall that jutted out. The gecko was about 25 meters or so away. It was currently facing the other direction, waiting for the right moment to jump on its prey. Not much farther down the tunnel, a small wolf looking creature made it's way towards Agis, most likely the prey for the gecko.

--I recognise that one from school! A lizard hound, but why is it alone? Must have been separated from its pack or something.

From a distance, one might mistake a hound cub for a wolf cub. If one advanced close enough though, they would notice the reptilian tail and elongated snout. All in all, much more powerful than the average wolf, but still a monster only worthy of the first strata of the dungeon.

--Alright. Plan. Wait for the perfect moment so the wolf and gecko don't come after me. Hit the gecko with the rock and measure the difference in strength between now and before, or...at least just have fun doing it. Then, run like hell and don't die...Ya, solid plan.

Agis smiled to himself, realizing how dangerous of a game he was playing just to test out his new strength. It was dumb and unneccisary, and he recognized that. But after finally getting the system back into his life, and getting a stat boost to add, who wouldn't want to chuck a rock at a monster easily capable of killing you?

[Stealth has increased to level 2]

--Awesome! Totally worth the danger.

The hound cub made its way closer and closer. All the while Agis kept his eyes on the gecko, waiting for the right moment. Just as it seemed it would attack the hound cub, he popped up from his hiding place and sent the rock flying.

The gecko was caught off guard. Just before it was about to pounce on the prey below, it saw an object come flying towards it. It tried to dodge, but was too late.

Smack!

The rock hit full force into the gecko's eye. With a screech it fell down onto the unsuspecting hound cub, which in turn began to attack the wounded and surprised gecko.

--Success! I even managed to get the two to fight! God that was awesome!

While celebrating his success, Agis turned and fled.

...….

Not long after, Agis had made it back to the dungeon entrance he fell down into.

--I'm beginning to think this was a stupid idea…first off, I got hyped on adrenalin and wanted to fight, well poke, a monster with a rock. Though I have to admit it was a lot of fun. But most importantly, and above all else...I'm really hungry.

Agis gripped his stomach as it rumbled. Thinking of those potatoes he had lost a little over a day ago, Agis looked up at the hole he initially fell through. He determined that with his new strength, he should be able to get back up and out of it without too much effort.

--Alright, go back up, use my new stealth skill to get food and a weapon, and come back to hunt. Dad would be proud if he knew I was willing to go hunt monsters, and even had the strength to do it! I really miss him sometimes. Mom too...

He let out another sigh. Moving his thoughts to the ever awaiting food, Agis made his way back up the hole. It was a tough climb, but with his strength more than doubled from before. On top of that, being able to chuck a rock 25 meters like its nothing gave a lot of confidence. He jumped up as high as he could, grabbed a ledge of rock the was near the hole, and began to make his way up.

The sun greeted Agis upon his arrival back to the surface. It was midday, and rays of light were shining through the tree leaves. The noise of the forest slowly entered his ears, and he finally stretched, knowing he was free of the tunnels.

--I need to sneak into town. I don't want them chasing me again. It's too much of a hassle. At the same time, they probably got guards to come to the village. I'm sure they are still out looking for me. Not that I'll let them find me though.

Agis took off back to the village. While running through the forest, he began to work on his sprint level. He would slow down a bit and then take off. He was hoping it was enough to level it up a bit. Sure enough, a few hours later as he was reaching the corn fields, he got a message rewarding his efforts.

[Sprint has increased to level 2]

--Heck ya!

He stopped running and sat down for a short break. While resting on a log and catching his breath, he noticed how dirty his clothes were and how much he would stand out.

--Tear here...another here…

He took off his shirt and saw that the whole back of it was covered in dirt and blood. Most likely from his fall.

--I know its a farming village, but this is too much. It would bring too much attention. Even if stealth was at a 5 this would be too much.

While trying to think of what to do next, he noticed a man farming at the edge of the corn field not to far away. The corn was still growing, so the limited vision of him made the perfect scenario. Not wanting to miss his chance, Agis got up and moved in that direction, activating his stealth skill as he walked.

...….

Tanner was minding his own business while he tended the fields. He was getting old and his back hurt, but he still worked. He always worked, any day he could at any opportunity. Seventeen years ago his wife died giving birth, leaving him as the only support to his newborn daughter. It was hard losing his wife, and the extra jobs he had to pull now didn’t help, but struggling through everything was worth it today.

Wrapping up for the day, Tanner stood out and stretched. He took a glance at the forest, it was peaceful. The day had been quiet, and only a simple rabbit came by to greet him. He knelt down and begin to pack up his tools, and for just a split second, something entered the corner of his eye. The world went black.