Chapter 19: Into the Beginner Zone

Qin Sheng stood before the massive stone gate that led into the Beginner Zone. The towering archway shimmered with a faint blue glow, a symbol of the countless players who had already crossed through, chasing strength and survival. He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his recent battles. He was now Level 15, but the road ahead promised greater challenges—and opportunities.

The hunger system had forced him to take another break after his intense dungeon crawl, but now, fully replenished and focused, he was ready.

With a deep breath, Qin Sheng stepped forward. As he crossed the threshold, a system message appeared before him:

[System Announcement: Player Qin Sheng has entered the Beginner Zone!]

The landscape opened up into a vast expanse—rolling plains dotted with dense forests and jagged mountain ranges. Off in the distance, towering dungeons pierced the sky, each a gateway to greater power.

"Time to get serious," Qin Sheng muttered.

He summoned his minions. Gorath, the Cursed Sentinel, loomed tall beside him, its skeletal armor glinting under the sun. Vexis, the Shadowfang, crouched low, its lupine form exuding lethal intent. These minions had become extensions of himself, and they had proven invaluable.

"Let's hunt."

The trio moved swiftly through the forest, the ground crunching under their feet. It wasn't long before they encountered a group of goblins. Though weak, they offered the perfect warm-up.

"Vexis, flank them. Gorath, block their escape."

The goblins screeched as Vexis lunged from the shadows, tearing into their ranks. Gorath slammed his massive blade into the earth, creating a shockwave that sent goblins flying. Qin Sheng weaved through the chaos, cutting down enemies with precision.

[+500 XP]

[+300 XP]

[+450 XP]

Their combined efforts made short work of the goblin camp.

As Qin Sheng collected loot, another system message chimed:

[System Notification: You have discovered a Hidden Dungeon - The Serpent's Lair (C-Rank).]

His heart raced. A C-Rank hidden dungeon at the very start of the Beginner Zone? It was a rare opportunity.

He approached the dungeon entrance, a gaping maw in the side of a cliff, lined with ancient runes. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.

The air grew cold and damp. The walls glistened with moisture as faint hissing echoed through the tunnels.

Monsters struck fast—venomous snakes and lizard-like creatures lunging from the shadows. Qin Sheng fought through them, his minions handling the bulk of the creatures while he preserved his energy for what he knew would come.

Deeper in the dungeon, he found it.

[Dungeon Boss: Serathis, the Venomous Hydra (C-Rank)]

The multi-headed serpent rose from a massive underground cavern, its hissing echoing through the chamber.

Qin Sheng smirked. "Perfect."

The battle was fierce. Serathis struck with lightning speed, its venomous breath threatening to corrode armor and flesh alike. But Qin Sheng had learned to fight strategically. He directed Vexis to strike from the shadows while Gorath absorbed the brunt of the attacks.

Diving between the heads, Qin Sheng slashed deep into Serathis's exposed neck. Each head screeched in agony as he methodically cut them down.

Finally, with one last strike, the massive serpent collapsed.

[System Announcement: Player Qin Sheng has defeated Serathis, the Venomous Hydra! First Clear Bonus Awarded!]

The rewards poured in:

[+3,500 XP]

[Rare Equipment: Venom-Touched Gauntlets]

[Item Acquired: Serathis Egg]

He lifted the glowing egg, feeling the energy pulsating within.

"Wakey Wakey," he whispered, focusing his energy.

The egg shimmered but didn't hatch. It would take time, but he knew this would become either a formidable pet or a swift mount.

Qin Sheng turned to Serathis's fallen form. "You're too strong to waste."

He raised his hand over the serpent's body. "Arise, my soldier!"

A surge of energy coursed through the cavern as the massive serpent's form shimmered and then reformed, standing obediently before him—his newest minion.

With Serathis now under his command, Qin Sheng left the dungeon, stronger than ever.

[System Announcement: Player Qin Sheng has conquered The Serpent's Lair! First Clear Bonus Granted!]

Stepping back into the sunlight, he smirked. The Beginner Zone was just the start—and now, with three powerful minions and a mysterious egg, he was ready to climb even higher.

"Let's see how fast we can level up now."