The morning sun shone over the Academy's auxiliary grounds.
A sign fluttered near the entrance of the newly discovered dungeon:
"Caution: Dungeon Entry"
Difficulty and Rank vary. Team coordination recommended.
Lucien whistled.
"Finally, a proper dungeon system! Let's see what we're up against."
SYSTEM — DUNGEON RANKING RULES
Dungeon Rank — Difficulty & Reward:
• F-Rank: Beginner dungeon. Low threat, low EXP, ideal for new students.
• E-Rank: Minor challenge. Slightly stronger monsters, moderate EXP.
• D-Rank: Standard challenge. Multiple rooms, traps, moderate risk.
• C-Rank: Advanced. High-level monsters, environmental hazards.
• B-Rank: Expert. Dangerous foes, multiple bosses. Teamwork essential.
• A-Rank: Elite. Extremely dangerous, high rewards. Rare artifacts possible.
• S-Rank: Legendary. Unique monsters, near-impossible traps, immense EXP.
• SS-Rank: Cataclysmic. Dungeon is sentient. Only strongest teams survive.
• SSS-Rank: Mythic. Dungeon of gods. Reality itself is dangerous. Rewards unmatched.
Note:
EXP gained depends on team efficiency, bond synergy, and dungeon rank. Solo clearing penalties apply. Higher rank dungeons may trigger hidden events and treasures.
Lucien's eyes sparkled.
"SSS? Oh… now we're talking."
Brom grinned.
"Sounds like a forge!"
Kael groaned.
"Do we really need SSS-level nonsense this early?"
Lucien tapped the sign.
"Rules are rules. If the dungeon wants to be a god, we'll play."
TEAM — F-RANK DUNGEON RAID
The team entered a small cave system just outside the academy grounds. The entrance shimmered faintly with low-level mana.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Dungeon Rank: F
Monsters: Weak Goblin Pack
Special Rule: Bond bonus active
EXP Reward: Low (Approx. 300 per member)
Lucien grinned.
"Perfect for warm-up."
Elarion muttered, "…Warm-up? You call this a warm-up?"
Brom shrugged.
"Goblin packs are fun!"
Kael just shook his head.
"…I'll follow."
ENCOUNTER
Three small goblins popped from behind crystal pillars. They hissed and swung weak claws.
Lucien laughed.
"Classic low-level dungeon. Let's sync up!"
He tapped Kael's arm, pulled Brom into a wide swing, and coordinated Elarion's arrow barrage.
Bond Triggered: Lucien + Kael
Temporary Multiplication: Talent ×1.1, Physique ×1.1, Affinity ×1.1, Bloodline ×1.1
Combat Bonus: +10% coordinated damage
The goblins were easily dispatched, but the bonding synergy activated a subtle boost. Lucien grinned.
"See? Even F-Rank teaches teamwork!"
TREASURE & EXPERIENCE
After clearing the room, a small chest glowed faintly.
Inside:
Minor Mana Crystal (Restores energy)
Bronze Dagger +1 (Physical bonus)
Scroll: "Introduction to Dungeon Mapping"
SYSTEM NOTICE:
EXP Awarded: 320
Bond Multiplication Bonus Applied
Lucien Level Progress: +350
Kael Level Progress: +320
Brom Level Progress: +320
Elarion Level Progress: +320
Lucien tossed the dagger to Brom.
"First loot of the day. Everyone happy?"
Brom grinned.
"Best F-Rank ever."
Kael simply sighed.
"…At least it wasn't dangerous."
Elarion rolled his eyes.
"Don't push your luck."
OBSERVATION — OTHER STUDENTS
From the academy walls, other students peeked in awe.
"Is that human coordinating Kael and Brom?"
"With bonds already?"
"And he's grinning like a lunatic?"
Lucien waved.
"Don't worry. I teach free lessons!"
SYSTEM — DUNGEON EXP RULES CONFIRMED
All Dungeons now follow rank-based rules:
• EXP scales with difficulty
• Bond synergy multiplies stats temporarily
• Soloing high-rank dungeons yields penalties
• Hidden treasures more likely in higher ranks
• Teamwork highly encouraged
Note:
Bond Mastery unlocks new fighting styles during dungeon raids
Lucien rubbed his hands together.
"Alright. F-Rank done. Time to train for E."
GODDESS OF SIGHT — POV
She watched silently.
"He learns… quickly."
"F-Rank dungeons are trivial."
"But the bonds forming here… that is dangerous."
Her eyes softened slightly.
"This human… may change everything."