chapter 62-The First Investment & The Hunt Begins

Alden sat in his dorm room, his laptop screen glowing softly in the dimly lit space. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the keyboard as he finalized his investment plans.

This was one of the greatest advantages of having knowledge from the game. While most people focused on martial prowess and magic, he could ensure his financial stability before anyone else.

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The Smart Investor

In the game's story, several companies would experience explosive growth due to new mana technologies, dungeon materials, and magic-based industries. Right now, they were still small or undervalued.

1. Aurora Pharmaceuticals – Currently a small medical company, but within five years, they would develop an elixir that increased mana absorption efficiency. Their stock price would increase over 500 times.

2. Zenith Arms – A mid-tier weapon manufacturer that would soon discover a forging method using abyssal iron from deep dungeons. Within a few years, they would become the biggest weapon supplier for noble families and the military.

3. Quantum ManaTech – A startup company working on mana-powered technology. They would later develop artificial mana circuits that could be implanted into the body, revolutionizing the world. Right now, their stock was laughably cheap.

4. Horizon Logistics – A small-time transportation company that would monopolize mana-powered airships within the next decade.

Alden went through his list, reviewing his investment allocation.

He had a few million credits from his noble family inheritance. While it wasn't a fortune compared to the great noble houses, it was more than enough to make significant investments.

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Finalizing the Investment

After considering the risks and potential gains, Alden allocated his money:

Aurora Pharmaceuticals – 35% of his funds

Zenith Arms – 25%

Quantum ManaTech – 20%

Horizon Logistics – 20%

"That should do it," he muttered, clicking the final confirmation button.

His money was now tied into these companies. The returns wouldn't be instant, but within a few years, he would be unimaginably rich.

Now, with his financial future secured, it was time for his next objective—mana cores.

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To the Dungeon

Alden grabbed his black coat, pulled on his gloves, and adjusted his sunglasses before stepping out of his dorm.

He hailed a taxi, giving the driver his destination—a D- Rank Dungeon on the outskirts of the city.

The ride was quiet. Alden stared out the window, watching as towering buildings faded into dense forests. The further they drove, the fewer people were around.

Soon, they arrived at a small outpost outside the dungeon entrance.

A few mercenaries and adventurers were gathered, some checking their equipment, others drinking from metal flasks. The dungeon entrance itself was a massive black rift floating in the air, pulsating with unstable energy.

Alden paid the driver and stepped out, breathing in the crisp, mana-filled air.

"Alright," he muttered. "Time to get started."

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Dungeon Entry & Strategy

The dungeon he chose was classified as D- Rank, meaning it was low-risk but still dangerous for unprepared individuals.

The monsters inside were mostly goblins, lesser wolves, and some mutated boars.

For Alden, this was perfect. He could:

1. Harvest mana cores from monsters.

2. Sell their corpses for extra profit.

3. Improve his combat experience and weapon mastery.

After confirming his solo registration at the outpost, he walked toward the dungeon rift.

Placing his hand on the swirling portal, he felt a slight pull before—

SHWOOOSH!

The next moment, he was inside.

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Inside the Dungeon – The Hunt Begins

The environment was a dense, dark forest, similar to where he and the main cast had been trapped before. Unlike before, however, there was no grand threat—just monsters lurking in the shadows.

Alden slowly unsheathed Kurenai, his katana, the blade gleaming under the faint dungeon light.

Shiranui, his nine-tailed fox, appeared beside him in a burst of orange flames.

"We're here to hunt," Alden said softly.

Shiranui flicked his tails, golden eyes gleaming. "Then let's begin."

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First Encounter – Goblins

A rustling noise came from the bushes.

Alden's sharingan spun briefly before he deactivated it. No need to waste mana.

Three goblins emerged, each holding crude weapons—a rusted dagger, a wooden club, and a jagged bone spear.

The moment they saw Alden, they screeched and charged.

Fools.

Alden exhaled and moved.

Step. Slash.

In an instant, his katana cut through the first goblin's throat. Blood sprayed as its body fell.

The second goblin swung its club—too slow.

Alden sidestepped, bringing his dagger up with telekinesis, and—

Shhk!

The dagger stabbed into the goblin's eye, killing it instantly.

The last goblin froze in terror.

Alden pointed a finger—his telekinesis grabbed the fallen club and smashed it into the goblin's skull.

Three dead. Easy.

He walked over, pulled out their mana cores, and stored them.

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Wolves & Boars –

As Alden ventured deeper, the air became thicker with mana pressure.

A pack of wolves stalked from the shadows—at least six of them.

They were faster than goblins, more coordinated, but—not a threat.

Alden planted his foot forward, his katana glowing with aura.

When the first wolf lunged—

Kamui.

Its fangs passed straight through Alden.

The moment it landed, Alden slashed across its spine, cutting deep into the flesh.

Shiranui launched flames at another, burning it alive.

Alden's dagger flew through the air, guided by telekinesis, slicing the throat of a third wolf.

Within thirty seconds, the pack was dead.

Alden retrieved their mana cores and carved out some valuable materials from their bodies.

Then came the mutated boars—large, brute-like creatures with thick hides. They charged at Alden, but he dodged with precise footwork and cut through their weak points.

One by one, they fell.

By the time Alden finished hunting for the day, he had collected:

10 F-rank mana cores

5 D- rank mana cores

Several monster materials for selling

Not a bad haul for a solo hunter.

He wasn't done, though. This was just the beginning.

Alden sat on a rock at the dungeon's exit, holding a D- rank mana core in his palm. He could already feel the mana flowing within.

His first step to securing his power had begun.

Tomorrow, he would come back.

And after that?

He would keep growing.