Chapter 5: The First Step

The morning sun crept through the thin curtains of Zero's apartment, casting a warm glow on the modest room. After the excitement of the previous night and the joy of surprising Kara with his awakening, Zero had made up his mind: it was time to officially register at the Hunter's Association.

He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his plain black jacket and ruffling his hair to look as unremarkable as possible. "F-Class physical enhancement," he muttered to himself, practicing the lie. "Nothing flashy, just a weak, late bloomer."

Truth be told, Zero knew his stats were far beyond what an F-class hunter could ever hope to achieve. While the average civilian barely scratched a Strength of 10, and the typical F-class hunter capped at around 17, Zero's stats were closer to those of a seasoned B-class combatant. But that was a secret he intended to keep.

The Hunter's Association building was bustling with activity when he arrived. The sleek, modern facility had a constant flow of hunters coming and going, with holographic displays showing the latest dungeon clears and monster bounties.

Zero joined the queue at the registration desk, keeping his posture relaxed and his expression neutral. When his turn came, the receptionist—a young man with sharp eyes and a bored expression—looked him up and down.

"Name?" the receptionist asked without looking up from his tablet.

"Zero," he replied calmly.

The receptionist glanced at him skeptically. "Age?"

"Twenty-six."

The man raised an eyebrow. "You're registering now? Pretty late to awaken, don't you think?"

Zero shrugged with a faint smile. "Better late than never."

The receptionist snorted. "And your class?"

"F-Class, physical enhancement," Zero said, keeping his voice steady.

The receptionist tapped the screen a few times before handing Zero a simple ID card with his name and rank. "Good luck out there. You'll need it."

As Zero stepped away, he caught snippets of hushed whispers behind him.

"Did you see that guy? Awakened at twenty-six and he's just an F-Class?"

"What's the point? He's probably just trying to survive off some porter jobs."

"Another weakling hoping to make it big."

Zero ignored the snide remarks, his expression remaining calm. He had expected this reaction. Late awakeners and F-Class hunters weren't exactly respected in this line of work, but it didn't matter to him. He wasn't here for fame or validation.

By mid-morning, Zero had officially signed up to start as a porter for a low-tier team. The group was set to clear an E-Class dungeon, and his role was simple: carry supplies, stay out of the way, and survive.

As he walked back toward the meeting point, Zero checked his stats through the mental interface of his system.

[Zero's Suppressed Stats]

Strength: 17

Agility: 16

Stamina: 17

Intelligence: 16

Dexterity: 17

His lips curled into a faint smirk. No one could ever guess that his true stats were leagues above these numbers. With Strength at 70 and Stamina at 72, Zero could likely clear the E-Class dungeon alone if he wanted to.

But this wasn't about showing off. Not yet.

For now, he would play the role of a weak, struggling F-Class hunter. After all, this was just the beginning.

"Time to see what the dungeon life is like," Zero muttered, gripping his basic pack of supplies. His real strength would remain hidden—for now.

Zero stepped out of the Hunter's Association building, his newly minted ID card securely tucked into his pocket. The crisp morning air greeted him, carrying with it the sounds of the bustling city—people hurrying about their day, the hum of distant traffic, the occasional shout of a vendor. He walked with purpose, though a faint smirk tugged at his lips, as he let the whispers and mockery from inside the association roll off him.

The remarks about his late awakening, his age, and his F-class status didn't faze him. His thoughts were clear. "I'll show them, in my own way."

He glanced at his hands, flexing his fingers. He didn't need to prove anything right now—he simply needed to learn. To watch. To prepare.

After a moment, Zero turned toward the bulletin board outside the building. Several postings for dungeon expeditions were pinned there, most of them looking for porters or low-level hunters for simpler, low-risk dungeons. The F-class team expeditions seemed like a good place to start—no combat, just logistics, and an opportunity to observe the dynamics of a dungeon run.

He scanned the notices and found one that seemed suitable, marking the meeting point on his mental map.

With a steadying breath, Zero walked away from the association, determination settling in. Today, he wouldn't rush. He'd keep a low profile. "I'll get a feel for things first," he muttered, the idea of working as a porter providing him with just the right amount of distance.

He was ready to take the first step, even if it meant starting from the bottom.

Zero made his way to the nearest F-class dungeon, the destination marked by a worn, stone archway that stood tall against the cityscape. A steady stream of hunters, porters, and adventurers moved in and out of the entrance, their faces a mix of anticipation and exhaustion. The smell of sweat and earth lingered in the air, mingling with the faint scent of magic that seemed to hang in the vicinity of the dungeon.

As he approached, Zero noticed a small group of people already lined up by a booth where an association member oversaw the registrations. A middle-aged man, wearing the standard association uniform of a faded blue vest, glanced up from the clipboard in his hand when Zero stepped forward.

"Name?" the man asked curtly.

"Zero," he replied simply, offering a slight nod.

The man scribbled something down, not bothering to look up. "What's your class?"

"F-class," Zero answered without hesitation, keeping his tone neutral. He didn't need to elaborate further; the man already had his doubts based on the initial glance at his age and demeanor.

"F-class... Right," the man muttered, seemingly not surprised. "Register as a porter then. You're here for the easy work, yeah?" He handed Zero a small metal tag with a number on it. "Don't expect much. F-class is a joke, but whatever. Go on through."

Zero took the tag with a nod, pocketing it without comment. His posture was relaxed, giving no hint of the true power he hid within. With a simple glance at the dungeon entrance, he joined the small group of other porters who were gathering around, awaiting their turn.

As the minutes passed, Zero's mind raced. He wasn't concerned with what others thought of his F-class rank—he knew he was far more capable than they could imagine. What mattered was getting a firsthand look at how dungeon expeditions were run and understanding the flow of things. After all, the more he knew, the better prepared he'd be for the inevitable challenges ahead.

Soon enough, the group was called forward, and Zero entered the dungeon's entrance with the others, blending in quietly as they prepared for the task at hand.

As Zero stepped through the dungeon's threshold, a rush of fresh, invigorating air filled his lungs. The mana in this place was dense, pure, and unlike anything he'd experienced outside. It wasn't the typical dense and chaotic mana that often accompanied high-level dungeons. No, this was something different—something more primal and untainted. The air shimmered with an otherworldly quality, and for a moment, Zero felt a strange surge of energy, as though the dungeon itself was alive, breathing with him.

He took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the surroundings. The dungeon's walls were formed of smooth, polished stone that seemed to pulse with faint blue and green veins of light. The ground beneath him was soft and rich with moss, a stark contrast to the barren and harsh terrain of the outside world. It felt almost serene here, as if nature had somehow managed to take root and thrive despite the dangers lurking within.

Just as Zero began to take in more of his surroundings, the sound of footsteps echoed in the air, drawing his attention. One of the men leading the group ahead, a tall and broad-shouldered individual with a worn leather cloak, turned around and noticed him. His eyes briefly swept over Zero, a sharp gaze scrutinizing his appearance.

"Hey, you there!" the man called out, his voice gruff and commanding. "What are you doing? You look like a newbie. Don't wander off on your own." He narrowed his eyes suspiciously, as though questioning Zero's presence in the group.

Zero straightened up and walked forward to close the gap. He didn't flinch under the man's gaze. He'd faced far worse than this kind of scrutiny, especially from those who underestimated him.

"Just following the group," Zero replied smoothly, his voice calm but firm. "I'm here as a porter, just like the rest."

The man gave him a once-over, a skeptical frown on his face, but said nothing further. Instead, he simply grunted and turned his attention back to the rest of the group. Zero took it as a sign to keep moving, and without another word, he fell in step behind them, the dungeon's eerie calm surrounding him.

As they moved deeper into the labyrinthine corridors, the quiet hum of magic in the air resonated against his skin. He felt it—a faint buzz, as if the dungeon itself was aware of his presence. It made his pulse quicken with a mix of excitement and curiosity. What would he find deeper inside? What new experiences awaited him in this unfamiliar, magical place?

As Zero followed the group deeper into the dungeon, blending into the background like any other porter, a sudden notification flashed in front of his eyes.

New Mission: Eliminate the Dungeon Boss. Time Limit: 2 Hours. Failure Penalty: None. Reward: Increased Stats and Skill Unlock.

He nearly stumbled at the abruptness of it, catching himself before anyone noticed. Kill the dungeon boss? he thought, his chest tightening. He glanced around at the group. The hunters ahead were chatting, and the other porters were busy carrying supplies. Nobody had a clue what was happening in his head.

I can't break away from the group; I'm just a porter right now, he reminded himself, suppressing a sigh. His job was simple: carry equipment, stay out of the hunters' way, and make sure he didn't do anything to stand out. Killing the dungeon boss? That wasn't just risky—it was impossible to explain.

His gaze flicked to the group leader, a tall man with an authoritative air. "Keep close, porters! Don't wander off, and stay alert!" the man barked, his voice echoing in the damp dungeon corridors.

Zero nodded along like the others, but his mind was spinning. He didn't have the luxury to decline the mission—it was a system task, and ignoring it might mean missing out on a vital opportunity. Yet charging ahead to kill the boss would undoubtedly blow his cover.

He clenched his fists, the reality of his predicament settling in. How do I pull this off without anyone noticing?

For now, he stayed with the group, keeping his head down and watching for an opening. The mission was a challenge, but Zero wasn't one to back down. I'll figure out a way, he thought, his determination hardening. I always do.

Zero raised his hand hesitantly, drawing the attention of the group leader. The tall man stopped in his tracks and turned, his sharp gaze landing on Zero. "What do you want?" he asked, his tone impatient.

Zero shifted uncomfortably, holding his stomach as he bent slightly forward. "Uh... I need to use the bathroom," he said, his voice tinged with embarrassment.

The leader raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "We're in a dungeon. There are no bathrooms here. Hold it."

Zero grimaced, clutching his stomach tighter. "I... I don't think I can. It's an emergency," he said, his voice wavering as he added a slight groan for effect.

A few of the hunters in the group snickered, while another porter shook his head in amusement.

The leader sighed in frustration, rubbing his temples. "Fine," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "Just don't wander too far, and make it quick. If you're not back in five minutes, we're leaving without you."

"Understood! Thank you!" Zero replied hurriedly, turning and rushing off in the opposite direction, keeping his act intact until he was out of sight.

As soon as he was alone, the fake grimace on his face vanished, replaced by a focused, determined look. He glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby, and then opened his system interface.

Mission: Kill the Dungeon Boss.

Zero clenched his fists, taking a deep breath. "Now's my chance," he muttered under his breath. Time to figure out how to pull this off.

Zero took a deep breath, steadying his nerves as he carefully moved through the dungeon corridors. He knew the group wouldn't wait long before noticing his absence, but the system's mission weighed heavily on his mind. Kill the dungeon boss... as a porter? Seriously? He mentally cursed but couldn't ignore the potential rewards that came with completing system missions.

Quietly, he navigated the dimly lit paths, keeping his movements light and controlled. The mana in the air felt denser the further he went, almost as if guiding him toward the source of the dungeon's power.

"Boss room should be deeper in," Zero murmured, his eyes scanning for signs of the main chamber.

The sounds of the party behind him grew faint, their chatter and footsteps fading as he ventured farther. Zero's heart raced—not from fear, but from the sheer absurdity of what he was about to attempt. He wasn't even supposed to be here alone, let alone aiming to fight a dungeon boss.

Rounding a corner, he finally spotted a massive set of stone doors etched with glowing runes. The air here was heavier, charged with an overwhelming aura. "This must be it," he whispered, his fists clenching.

He hesitated for a moment, glancing over his shoulder. No one had followed him—yet. Taking another deep breath, he placed his hands on the cold stone doors and pushed them open, the runes flaring to life as the chamber beyond revealed itself.

A towering figure stood at the center, its eyes glowing crimson and its body radiating a menacing energy. The dungeon boss, a hulking beast covered in jagged armor, let out a low growl as it turned its attention to Zero.

"Alright," Zero muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips despite the tension. "Let's see if all this training was worth it."

The massive hobgoblin roared, shaking the walls of the chamber as it brandished its crude but deadly spiked club. Its red eyes locked onto Zero, seeing him as an intruder in its territory. Zero, standing in its shadow, rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath.

"Guess there's no turning back now," he muttered, his muscles tensing.

The hobgoblin charged, its heavy footsteps echoing through the chamber as it raised its club high. Zero darted to the side with agility that far surpassed any F-class hunter. The club smashed into the ground where he had just been, cracking the stone floor.

So this is what a dungeon boss feels like, Zero thought as he circled the beast, analyzing its movements. Despite its brute strength, it was slow and lumbering—a perfect matchup for his speed and precision.

The hobgoblin swung again, this time in a wide arc, trying to catch him off guard. Zero ducked under the swing, closing the distance in an instant. His fist shot out, connecting with the creature's armored chest. The impact was powerful enough to send a ripple through the hobgoblin's massive frame, making it stumble backward.

"Not bad," Zero said, flexing his fingers. But that armor's going to be a problem.

The hobgoblin snarled, regaining its balance and slamming its club into the ground. A shockwave rippled out, forcing Zero to leap into the air to avoid being thrown off balance. He landed gracefully, narrowing his eyes at the beast.

"Alright, time to end this," he said, focusing his strength.

The hobgoblin charged again, roaring as it swung its club down with all its might. Zero waited until the last possible moment before sidestepping and delivering a precise, powerful strike to the side of its knee. The creature howled in pain, collapsing onto one leg.

Zero didn't hesitate. Using its bent knee as a springboard, he leaped onto its back and delivered a devastating punch to the base of its skull. The force of the blow cracked the armor and sent the hobgoblin crashing to the ground, motionless.

Zero stood over the lifeless body of the hobgoblin boss, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. Before he could fully process his victory, the system prompt appeared before his eyes.

[Mission Complete: Kill the Dungeon Boss]

[Reward: Gacha Spin Skill Unlocked – 1 Free Spin Available]

"Gacha spin?" Zero muttered, raising an eyebrow. The idea of getting random rewards intrigued him, though he couldn't help but feel skeptical.

Without hesitation, he focused on the system interface and activated the free spin. A colorful, glowing wheel appeared in front of him, spinning rapidly. Sections of the wheel were labeled with various items and skills—some common, others glowing with gold and even mythical designs.

The wheel slowed down, and Zero leaned closer, his heart pounding in anticipation. Finally, the wheel stopped on a seemingly dull section with the label "Ordinary Wooden Sword."

[Congratulations! You have received: A Seemingly Ordinary Wooden Sword.]

A treasure chest materialized in front of him, glowing faintly. Zero sighed and opened it, finding exactly what the system had promised—a plain wooden sword. It had no runes, no fancy design, and no aura of power. It was just... ordinary.

"Seriously? This is my reward?" he muttered, lifting the sword and inspecting it. It felt light, almost too light, and the wood looked unremarkable.

Just as he considered discarding it, another system prompt appeared.

[Item Acquired: Seemingly Ordinary Wooden Sword]

[Item Description: A sword that appears simple but hides incredible potential. Growth-type weapon. The more it is used, the stronger it becomes.]

Zero's eyes widened. "A growth-type weapon?" He swung the sword experimentally. Despite its plain appearance, it felt perfectly balanced in his hand, as if it were made specifically for him.

A small grin spread across his face. "I take it back. You might not be so useless after all."

Sliding the wooden sword into his belt, Zero turned to leave the boss room. He still had to sneak back into the group without raising suspicion. As he moved through the dungeon corridors, his mind buzzed with thoughts about the system and the possibilities of this new weapon.

"One free spin, and I get a weapon with unlimited potential," he mused. "Not bad for my first real dungeon."

The sound of the group's voices grew louder as he approached. Taking a deep breath, Zero adjusted his posture and prepared to act like he'd been there all along.

As Zero made his way back toward the group, another system prompt appeared in front of him.

[Gacha Spin Unlocked]

[Requirements for Additional Spins: 1,000 Mana Crystals or Completion of High-Difficulty Missions]

Zero stopped in his tracks, staring at the glowing text in disbelief. "What?" he muttered under his breath. "A thousand mana crystals? Or high-difficulty missions? Are you kidding me?"

He clenched his fists, a mix of frustration and amusement bubbling inside him. Mana crystals were rare and expensive, especially for someone pretending to be an F-class hunter. And as for high-difficulty missions? That could mean anything from fighting stronger monsters to taking on quests meant for A-class or S-class hunters.

"Absurd and ridiculous doesn't even begin to describe it," Zero mumbled, shaking his head. He knew the system was powerful, but this almost felt like a prank.

Still, his eyes drifted to the wooden sword at his side. Despite the laughable odds, the free spin had already rewarded him with something valuable. "Guess I can't complain too much," he muttered with a faint smirk. "If the rewards are this good, maybe it's worth the grind."

He shoved the thought aside for now and focused on blending back into the group. Adjusting his expression to one of feigned nervousness, he quickened his pace and rejoined the others.

"Hey! Where have you been?" one of the hunters asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Bathroom," Zero replied, rubbing the back of his neck and looking sheepish. "Sorry, nature called."

The hunter grunted in irritation but didn't press further. Zero exhaled in relief and fell in line, his thoughts returning to the gacha system.

"Ridiculous or not, I'll figure it out," he thought, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "If the system wants a grind, I'll give it one."

The dungeon raid came to an end swiftly. The leader, a seasoned and confident hunter, took charge effortlessly, guiding the team through each wave of goblins with commanding precision. They moved like a well-oiled machine, each strike calculated, each step in perfect coordination. Zero followed along quietly, his mind still focused on his own task.

He had already completed his mission to kill the dungeon boss, stealthily taking care of the hobgoblin chieftain in the back while the others were busy with the smaller goblins. The fight had been simple for him, though it still surprised him how easy it had been, especially for someone with an F-class ranking.

Now, as the group wrapped up the raid, Zero stayed on the outskirts, making sure not to draw attention to himself. The leader's team had easily dispatched the remaining goblins, and with the dungeon cleared, the leader gave a satisfied nod.

"Good work, everyone," the leader called out, his voice authoritative. "Let's gather the loot and head back."

Zero stayed silent, his thoughts focused on the unexpected turn of events. The gacha spin skill had granted him a seemingly ordinary wooden sword as a reward, but what caught his attention most was the strange prompt for completing the task. The absurd requirements for a free spin and the reward left him uneasy, but he knew it was something to deal with later.

As the group gathered the spoils, Zero just followed along, not speaking much, his mind drifting back to his secret mission. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much bigger. But for now, he was content to play along, to blend in, and maybe, just maybe, start to uncover what his true potential really was.

As the group gathered the spoils of the raid, Zero stayed quietly in the background. The leader handed out the loot with practiced ease, ensuring each member got their fair share of the rewards. When it was Zero's turn, the leader tossed him a small pouch with his cut.

Zero opened it, and inside he found a modest sum of coins, along with a few low-tier mana crystals. It wasn't much, but it was more than he had expected as a porter. The group didn't usually pay porters well, so he felt fortunate to have earned even this small amount.

Despite the seemingly meager reward, Zero felt a sense of satisfaction. It wasn't about the money. It was the experience. The raid, the mission, and even the mysterious gacha skill—it all felt like another step in the right direction. He could already tell that things were about to change for him, even if he couldn't fully grasp how just yet.

As he tucked the pouch into his bag, the leader gave him a quick glance.

"Nice work back there," the leader said, his tone surprisingly approving. "You may not be an official member, but you handled yourself better than most porters."

Zero gave a small nod in response, not sure if he should say anything else. For now, he would just keep his head down and continue to play the part. But inside, a small spark of determination lit up. He had taken the first step. Now, the real journey was about to begin.

The leader's voice broke through Zero's thoughts, and he glanced up, startled.

"Just make sure to relieve yourself first before you go dungeon raiding," the leader said with a smirk, clearly remembering how Zero had rushed off earlier.

Zero's cheeks flushed slightly in embarrassment, but he quickly masked it with a casual nod. "Got it. I'll keep that in mind next time."

The leader chuckled, giving Zero a playful pat on the back. "Good. No one wants to deal with a porter who's about to burst during a raid."

As Zero walked away from the group, the leader's words stuck with him, and he couldn't help but smile. Despite the awkwardness, today had been a step forward for him, and he was slowly growing accustomed to the chaotic world of dungeon raiding.

Now, all he needed was to find a way to use his system and skills to their full potential. But that was a problem for tomorrow. For today, he'd enjoy the quiet victory of completing his first dungeon run and collecting his cut.