part1 · 036-ep36

Episode 36: The First Treasure Chest

Down on the third floor, Ren stopped in front of the stairs.

"...So this is the third floor."

Ren tightened his grip on the spear and started walking slowly. A new floor. He had no idea what monsters were here.

All the more reason to move carefully.

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He went on for a while. There were encounters with monsters, too.

Ren didn't force a fight; he moved on while sizing things up. He had the experience of everything so far.

With opponents that looked strong, he kept his distance. With opponents he could fight, he watched their movements first, then fought.

That was how he explored the third floor, little by little.

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After walking a while, Ren stopped.

"...Hm?"

Something sat up ahead. Not a rock. Not a monster, either.

Ren drew closer, staying alert.

"...A box?"

What was there was a single box. Sitting all alone on the stone floor.

Spear still at the ready, Ren checked around him. No monsters. And nothing that looked like a trap, as far as he could tell.

Ren stared hard at the box.

"...A treasure chest?"

It was the kind of box he'd seen in anime and games long ago. He'd never imagined he'd actually see one inside a dungeon.

"...They really exist..."

A little amazed, Ren made a full circuit around the box. Nothing happened. Nothing strange about the lid, either.

"...Let's try opening it."

Ren reached out carefully. Put his hand on the lid.

And—

lifted it, slowly.

—Click.

"...!"

Inside the box was a single orb. About the size to fit in his palm. Giving off a faint light.

"...What is this?"

Ren peered into the box. Not a weapon. Not food, either. Something he'd never seen before.

Ren thought for a while.

"...Is it safe to touch?"

Staying wary, he stretched out a fingertip.

And—

touched the orb.

That instant.

《Skill orb confirmed.》

"...!"

That voice echoed in his head. Ren stopped his hand in surprise.

"...Skill orb?"

Words he'd never heard before.

He gazed at the orb. Then, right after, the voice rang out again.

《To use it, hold the intention to do so.》

Ren thought a moment. He had no idea what would happen.

Even so—

"...Let's use it."

The moment the thought formed, light overflowed from the orb. And that light poured into Ren's body.

《Skill 《Appraisal》 acquired.》

"...!"

Ren stared at his own hands, stunned. What had happened, he couldn't yet understand.

Only one thing was clear.

Right now, he—

had obtained a new power.