Dragon Eye (2)
In the pitch-black depths of the cave, magic orbs embedded sporadically in the ceiling scattered faint light. A labyrinthine dungeon formed by twisting tunnels—a maze-type dungeon, commonly called an ant hill—loomed before Kim Jehyun's eyes.
But then.
"You can even detect traps?"
Kim Jehyun opened his mouth in surprise.
Dragon Eye.
The dragon's gaze that pierced through all creation.
He'd naturally experienced its power firsthand and knew just how incredible it was. But he hadn't expected it to shine even in a maze dungeon like this.
Dragon Eye has successfully detected a trap.
Dragon Eye proficiency has increased by 0.1%.
Kim Jehyun nodded at Alkasha's explanation.
"Jackpot."
He'd slightly underestimated the E-grade dungeon, but seeing the trap's sophistication, he realized he'd have struggled without Dragon Eye.
Continuing forward, he detected and bypassed traps effortlessly, raising Dragon Eye's proficiency in the process. It was killing two birds with one stone.
After advancing a bit further, a hazy figure appeared ahead.
"Kyaaak."
The figure was a monster. Spotting Kim Jehyun, it let out a guttural screech.
"Wait... isn't that a goblin?"
Though 1.5 times larger than the goblins he knew, its appearance and cry were spot-on matches.
"Huh?"
Then, a hologram window popped up before his eyes.
"...!"
Kim Jehyun alternated glances between the hologram and the screeching goblin in the distance.
"Does this mean... I can see that goblin's stats?"
—That's right. For now, only level and grade, but... as Dragon Eye's proficiency rises, you'll see more.
Alkasha paused mid-explanation, then continued.
—It's been ages since this body saw such a shocked look on thy face. Haha.
Alkasha chuckled at Kim Jehyun's wide eyes, and rightly so—he was genuinely stunned.
'If I can pierce through enemies' stats from now on...'
Kim Jehyun swallowed dryly.
The value of knowing an opponent's info was immeasurable. When he'd possessed Arkanios's body, he'd glimpsed foes' essences, feeling their worth bone-deep. Now, even partially, he could wield that power. Not just monsters—maybe superhumans' stats too.
"Perfect."
The corner of his mouth twitched upward.
* * *
Pajit. Pajijit.
Electricity crackled from the goblin sprawled on the ground.
"Kya, kyaaak."
The charred primitive goblin uttered a final death cry.
Charging fiercely, it met Kim Jehyun's Lightning Bolt head-on and dropped dead.
His stage-1 spell proficiency had maxed out from inheriting the dragon legacy, experiencing Arkanios's power. No E-grade monster could withstand his 1st Circle magic.
"Still, these guys are definitely stronger than regular goblins."
Primitive goblins weren't just bigger—their strength, speed, and toughness outclassed normals. Their fighting style was unique too. Unlike small goblins wielding crude tools, these had robust muscles.
—'Tis because they are primitive strains.
"Primitive strains... First time seeing one. What's that mean?"
—Most modern monsters have devolved greatly from their primordial forms. Primitive strains are close to those ancient origins.
"Hoo..."
Kim Jehyun eyed the fallen goblin with curiosity. So this was what they looked like back then?
'Ugly as ever.'
Its hideous face hadn't changed over eons.
"Still easier than I thought."
Traps didn't faze him, and E-grade primitive goblins fell easily.
Soon, he hit a fork in the dungeon path.
"Forks like this ramp up maze dungeon difficulty, but..."
He trailed off.
Dragon Eye detects a trap.
Trap is on the left path.
Dragon Eye proficiency has increased by 0.1%.
"It even maps forks?"
Dragon Eye classified forks as traps, pinpointing safe paths. Mazes were a cakewalk now.
"Dragon Eye... seriously OP."
He marveled again at its utility and stepped forward.
—Why head left, then? 'Tis the trap path.
Kim Jehyun grinned at Alkasha's question.
"Got my reasons."
Wrong forks usually led to traps, but sometimes random boxes appeared.
"Random boxes can drop rare items."
Constant trap exposure was risky, but not for him with Dragon Eye.
"Bigger worry is if this even levels me up."
The dungeon felt too easy now.
"Oh, lucky."
At the dead end, a classic "mimic"—random box—sat waiting. Sometimes monsters popped out, but mostly magic tools or artifacts.
This time was no different.
A scarf-shaped artifact. Scoring one outright? Luck was on fire today.
But something was off.
"What the...?"
Staring intently at the Brun Forest Elf Clan's Faded Scarf, item info appeared without an appraisal scroll.
High-Grade
Equip Requirement: Spirit Affinity 5+
Fire Spirit Affinity +3
Wind Spirit Affinity +3
Spirit Power +2
A scarf worn by Brun Forest elves on patrols. Imbued with spirit blessings, though faded with age.
"...!"
First, seeing item info shocked him. Second, it was spirit-related gear.
"Dragon Eye shows artifact details too?"
—Of course. Thy level may be low, but thine inherited eye pierces all creation. Failing where a mere scroll succeeds? Absurd.
True enough. Kim Jehyun nodded, realizing Dragon Eye's versatility. No wonder it was the first legacy—its growth acceleration was immense.
He pressed on, seeking more boxes.
Not always random boxes, though. Forks multiplied to three or four, many just traps.
And.
"Kraaaah!"
The second box birthed an E-grade monster.
Random boxes could spawn monsters too.
His haul:
◈ Various gear and materials acquired.
Useful and useless alike. Sell the rest at auction for tidy profit.
Pure honey. He'd hunt mazes forever.
'Kentucky's Garden might be doable too.'
The S-grade labyrinth emerging years later. Nightmare that devoured top superhumans, failing conquest and causing a dungeon break catastrophe. Only transcendent masters stopped it post-break.
Someone lamented: poor prep. Success meant averting disaster and claiming legendary treasures.
'Gotta target that.'
Dragon Eye screamed easy clear.
Soon, the boss room neared. Final fork before it.
He headed straight for the trap path.
"Kyaaak."
"Kyaak, kyaaak!"
'Hm.'
Primitive goblins clustered thickly here.
Kwang!
Hwaruruk!
Grouped up, they looked menacing, but not to him. Mana bursts, bolts, firebolts—his aerial barrage annihilated them before retaliation.
"Kya, kyaaak."
"Kyaak, kyaaak."
Pocketing magic stones from the corpses, he reached the path's end.
Saaah.
A sinister aura brushed his skin.
"...!"
He froze. A few steps ahead, a random box—unlike prior ones. Not weathered treasure-chest style; blood-red glow, 1.5 times larger.
Dragon Eye detects unusual mana.
Mana Core resists fear. Resistance successful.
"What... is this?"
He'd nearly buckled under terror. Instinct screamed: opening it meant certain death. Something immense lurked inside.
—Looks ill-omened. Best leave it.
"Mm."
Pondering Alkasha's words, he stepped closer to the bloodied box.
—What art thou doing? Surely not opening it?
"Alkasha."
—Nay. Even for thee, 'tis impossible. Why does such power exist in an E-grade dungeon?
Alkasha grew edgy, fearing he'd open it.
"Who said open it now? I know I can't handle it yet."
—...Then what?
Kim Jehyun grinned.
"Crisis means opportunity, right? Risky now, but when I'm ready... claiming it is pure profit."
Random box rule: stronger monsters yield better rewards. Common knowledge among dungeon divers.
"Mana so stifling it freezes me? Proof something epic's inside."
A normal E-grade mage would've missed the ominous aura, opened blindly, and suffered.
"Save it for later."
He subspace-stored the blood box.
"Subspace is 9th Circle dimensional magic. Whatever's in there can't breach it, no matter how strong."
—Hah. Such foresight—thou'st grown much.
Alkasha admired him. Spot-on: the trapped entity couldn't escape solo, let alone interfere with subspace. Safe storage prevented mishaps.
—Splendid.
Alkasha was impressed. Post-Arkanios possession, Kim Jehyun's magic insight had skyrocketed.
"Now, let's hunt the boss."
Wondering what the primitive goblin boss might be, he advanced to the boss room.