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The monsters didn't stand a chance.
It wasn't arrogance—it was simple fact.
Ethan moved with a grace that hadn't been there days ago. His steps were faster, sharper. His strikes held more weight, each blow precise and lethal. He wasn't just faster or stronger—he was cleaner, more efficient, like his body finally understood how to make the most of every motion.
The latest monster, a sword-clawed Kobold Berserker, howled as it lunged—but Ethan didn't flinch.
He stepped into its charge, his new blade humming through the air.
A single strike.
The monster's body split diagonally, turning to ash before it hit the ground.
Lili blinked, barely catching the movement. "You… that was one slash."
Ethan rolled his wrist, feeling the weight of the blade settle into his hand again. "Yeah. This sword handles perfectly."
It wasn't just the weapon. It was him. His body. His reflexes. His instincts.
The new skill he unlocked when he leveled up—[Weapon Mastery]—was already weaving itself into every movement. His grip felt more natural. Timing, weight, spacing—all of it seemed to click.
He didn't just wield the blade anymore. It belonged to him.
And the monsters were learning that quickly.
After a few more skirmishes—testing the limits of his newfound strength, coordination, and reflexes—Ethan let out a low breath and lowered his blade.
"That's enough for today."
Lili looked at him, surprised. "Done already?"
He gave a small nod. "We got what we came for. I've seen what I can do now at Level 2. It's better to pull out before we get careless."
Truthfully, he could've kept going. The stamina was there. The strength. The hunger. But something inside him whispered caution. He knew the deeper levels weren't just about numbers. He had to keep his edge sharp—his patience sharper.
They climbed their way back through the floors, silence wrapping around them again. The monsters that had once given them trouble—goblin archers, orc raiders, even the occasional killer ant—were mere obstacles now. Clean cuts. No wasted effort. The kind of path cleared by a seasoned warrior, not a reckless rookie.
As they reached the surface and the familiar light of Orario spilled across their faces, Ethan exhaled.
Lili shielded her eyes. "Feels like we've been underground forever."
"You get used to it," he said, stretching his shoulders.
They started walking toward the guild.
Ethan glanced down at her. "You did good today."
She looked up, smiling. "Thanks. I still miss the easy days where I just carried bags, though."
He chuckled. "No going back now."
Lili grinned, adjusting her crossbow. "Not a chance."
As they moved through the busy streets—past armor merchants, food stalls, and blacksmiths shouting over the clang of metal—Ethan caught himself glancing at the people. The adventurers. The normal citizens.
He felt different.
Not just stronger—but closer to something. A turning point.
He had touched the limit of Level 1. And now… now he was standing on new ground, ready to move forward.
But he wasn't rushing anymore. No more wild leaps. He would grow at his own pace—and protect what mattered along the way.
As they reached the gates of the guild building, Ethan turned to Lili.
"Let's cash in and rest up. Tomorrow, we start again."
She nodded, brushing hair out of her eyes. "Yeah. Let's keep going, Ethan-sama."
He didn't correct her this time.
He just smiled.
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