Chapter 14: Continuing the Exploration

On his way back, Arin decided to examine the flora and of this dungeon. He noticed several interesting materials such as flowers, wood, and ore. However, he realized he didn't have the necessary tools or knowledge to collect them. Herbalists and the non-awakened often engaged in collecting flowers, and many non-awakened earned extra income by mining ore and gathering rare wood, even though it was dangerous. They knew that in these dungeons, they could encounter deadly monsters, but the profits from mining and gathering were lucrative enough to take the risk. They often gathered in dungeons with access for many people, known as shared dungeons, where large parties and guilds employed many people to collect all kinds of resources. They tried to protect them, but it was never completely safe.

On his way back, his wolves found only one burrow, from which he gained another 60 experience points. Arin didn't stop and continued to the dungeon exit. His current experience was 540/1000.

During the journey, he thought about how to best use the collected materials. He realized that he could ask his mother to sell the teeth and claws on her way to work. According to what he remembered from school, such materials could be sold for a good price, estimated at eight silver coins per piece. He had 34 pieces, which would bring them about 27 gold coins and two silver coins. This would significantly improve their financial situation and allow them to better prepare for the move and other expenses. Arin decided that he would return to the dungeon again in the morning.

As Arin approached the exit, he recalled his two wolves and decided to check his bestiary. Upon inspection, he saw that the number of wolves had returned to its original count - 17 wolves, 4 bears, 3 lizards, and 45 horses. As he passed through the portal, he found himself again in front of the dungeon entrance, where three night guards observed him. One of them, whom he recognized from the previous day, nodded at him. Arin just raised his hand in greeting and headed home. The night was quiet and cold, and Arin realized that the path home through the slums was relatively safe because it followed one of the main roads. He didn't go through any narrow alleys, and although he saw some dark figures approaching him, no one dared to do anything. Arin continued quickly home, grateful for the safe passage through the city.

When he got home, it was already well past four in the morning. He decided to lay out all the collected materials - 34 claws and teeth - and write a note for his mother. He took them out of the astral space, carefully arranged them on the table, and wrote a short note with instructions. Then he washed up a bit and collapsed into bed, exhausted from the day's adventures, trying not to wake his mother and sisters who were sleeping.

In the morning, Arin woke up and found that it was already past noon. He went downstairs and saw a richly set table with half a grilled chicken, fresh salad, bread, and some dessert. In the basket, there was the other half of the chicken, some juice, and bread. His mother left a note saying that she had taken the teeth and claws to sell and that his sisters were helping her at work.

Arin thought that he should tell his mother to stop working because they would be moving soon and they already had enough money. His sisters could also start helping with packing and preparing for the move. He was glad that his family immediately started to take advantage of their newfound wealth. He realized that they had never had such a lavish meal before, or at least he couldn't remember it. He hadn't had meat for several months, so it was a great satisfaction for him to see this meal on the table.

With gusto, he started eating, filled with new energy. After the meal, he packed the basket, put it into his ring, and headed back to the dungeon. On his way out of the house, he thought about what plan he should follow today. He decided that he would first try out the lizard and then the bear to see how effective they were compared to the wolves. He considered that each of these summoned creatures would have its own advantages and disadvantages. He wanted to find out if they would obey him and how they would behave overall. He also thought about going to the area where the level two monsters were, and all were aggressive. According to what he had studied, there were already monsters like giant ants, giant spiders, wolves, wild dogs he had encountered before, and others.

At the dungeon entrance, he saw a group of students from the wealthy class, whom he only knew by sight. They were talking among themselves and watching him as he approached the dungeon. He saw them whispering and watching him with unclear interest. One of the guards he recognized from the previous day nodded at him and it was clear that he was marking a tally next to Arin's name. This caused a stir among the students because Arin was registered as a regular dungeon visitor and did not have to register anew and pay the 20 gold entry fee each time, which was unusual.

As soon as he entered the dungeon, he decided to summon another creature. He looked into his bestiary and chose a lizard. The lizard he summoned was as large as a pony. It had long, slender legs, a well-shaped body, and a supernaturally large head with many sharp, protruding teeth and large nostrils. However, its front claws were the most striking feature. They were vestigial, covered in feathers, and ended in sharp talons that looked like they could tear an enemy's body to pieces. Its gaze was cold and penetrating, with dark eyes full of bloodthirsty fury. It was a terrifying creature whose very presence inspired fear. Looking at its fangs, ready to sink into any prey,

Arin tried several basic commands that had worked for the wolves in the past. Surprisingly, the lizard responded in the same way. It obeyed when Arin told it to hunt but also to retreat and bring him to stronger creatures. When he gave the commands, the lizard looked at him with an intense gaze as if it were looking directly into his soul. It was both unsettling and reassuring because Arin felt they were somehow connected and that he could communicate with the lizard just as he did with the wolves.

As soon as it received the commands, the lizard dashed into the forest with incredible speed and agility, far surpassing that of the wolves. Arin watched as the lizard disappeared into the underbrush and sighed. It was time to continue exploring this dangerous but fascinating world. He followed the raptor, heading towards the area where the level 2+ aggressive monsters were located. Arin checked his bestiary and saw that he now had one less raptor, which meant only two remained. He also checked his mana and saw that he would have to wait a few minutes before he could summon a bear. He wasn't in a hurry, so he walked slowly behind the raptor, which was disappearing into the underbrush, planning to summon the bear once his mana had recovered.

Arin thought about how strong the bear would be since the wolves and the raptor were very strong and agile. He couldn't imagine how large and powerful the bear would be, which should be the strongest of these creatures. He also thought about how he could use the horse but couldn't come up with a reason why he would summon a horse that, apart from riding, wasn't very useful to him at the moment.

Arin quickly checked all his equipment, from armor to weapons to items in his astral ring. With a wave of his hand, he materialized some juice and took a sip. "I'm such an idiot; I should check my equipment before entering the dungeon next time," he said aloud to himself. He grinned and ran after the raptor.