Ash could already think of multiple variables. Like it would only work if every bullet killed one beast. But with the increasing level of beasts and their heightened intelligence to use skills, it was only theoretically possible.

Another variable was his other skills that consumed mana. Both skills he had were very useful but required a high amount of MP.

Vital Shot already consumed 50 MP for every attack, but after evolving, it consumed 80 MP per strike. Though he was sure using the skill guaranteed a kill, the cost was still steep.

Despite all that having one such reliable skill always felt comforting—something he could depend on.

King's Domain didn't seem to change much if he ignored the bonus effect. Maybe there was some hidden alteration in its usage that he couldn't distinguish just by the description.

Overall, he was delighted with the upgrades.

It was time to choose a talent.

He had already locked on to his target. Compared to that, the other two were very ordinary.

---

1. Mindless Bunny – Increases all your stat points by 50%, losing your sanity in exchange.

2. Quantum Edge – Grants 2 random stat points across different stats.

3. Mind's Eye – Your reactions heighten while fighting, making your body work at its maximum capacity.

---

He had already encountered a similar choice to Mind's Eye before, and at that time he hadn't considered it worthy enough. He still thought he was already proficient at pushing his body to its limits.

As for Mindless Bunny, the 50% increase in stats was very tempting, but sacrificing sanity wasn't something he was willing to risk—especially when there was a better, safer option.

[Quantum Edge has been Acquired]

It was similar to the skill Jessie once mentioned in Hunter's Pathway, but instead of one stat point, he was receiving two random stats.

[Class choice available]

Ash looked through all the choices, a smirk spreading across his face. With a broad smile, he finally drifted off to sleep, waiting for the day to come.

He was anticipating his reward from the Commander tomorrow.

---

The next day, Ash and Jessie stood in front of Liam. The atmosphere inside the building was grim. Many rankers had been lost in the dungeon break.

"Ash, Jessie," Liam looked up, pausing, "you were asking for work. Unfortunately, we've lost some important men in the fight and are short on manpower." His eyes were resolute.

"We are preparing to sell some of the dungeons to guilds since we can't keep up with our lowered numbers. But for now, we have to work overtime… Beast cores are the main currency in the world—everything runs on them, so we can't reduce the grind.

I've seen you clear a dangerous D-rank dungeon, and I think you're ready for the work. From what I can sense, you both have the strength of low D-rankers."

Ash was happy on the inside, though annoyed by the long motivational lecture. He had already been through enough to not care about words of encouragement.

"I'm assigning you two porters. Here's the list of dungeons that need to be cleared this week. If you feel it's too much, inform me right away. A delay can cost a dungeon break, so don't hesitate to report if you run out of time."

Ash and Jessie walked out with two bulky E-rankers carrying large packs strapped to their backs.

"Five dungeons. I think we'll clear them in a day," Ash said, his usual calmness showing.

Jessie raised a brow. "Are you that confident in yourself?"

"Not confident—practical. I think you're the one lacking confidence."

The two porters behind them exchanged glances but stayed quiet. These two rankers' haughty behavior was irritating, but their job wasn't to argue—it was to carry beast cores, crystals, and anything else Ash and Jessie harvested.

Jessie just chuckled, dismissing his words.

Meanwhile, Ash fought another battle within himself. He had been twenty-eight when he died in his previous life, but now, living in a sixteen-year-old body, he was gradually growing accustomed to a teenager's life again.

And yet, he noticed something—this world's teenagers were very different compared to those of his past life.

---

Their first stop was a dungeon near the city's perimeter, one of the "low-risk" E-rank dungeons.

The entrance shimmered faintly, a ripple in the air like cracked glass. The porters set their bags down, one muttering nervously.

"Still feels eerie every time…"

Ash adjusted his short blade, ready to dive in. He would treat this as a training ground, a chance to test his new skills and class.

Jessie let out a breath, stepping beside him.

Ash walked into the dungeon first, the rippling light swallowing him whole. Jessie followed, rolling her eyes.

The dungeon opened into what looked like an abandoned underground stone maze. The air was damp, heavy with the smell of rotting moss. Jagged rock ledges towered overhead, and narrow paths spiraled down toward a central pit.

Ash crouched, running his fingers along claw marks carved into the stone. "No wolves… please."

Jessie tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword. The porters, as always, waited outside.

From the shadows below came the sound of scraping. Then, low growls echoed through the cavern.

Out stepped the beasts—Ashen Hyenas.

Their bodies resembled hyenas, but larger—muscular frames adapted to the rocky terrain.

Their jagged, obsidian-colored fangs looked sharp enough to bite through bone, even weak iron.

Ash guessed their only strength was their hunting instinct—the ability to fight in coordinated packs.

A group of six emerged, snarling and snapping their jaws, their yellow eyes gleaming in the torchlight.

Jessie whispered, "E-rank. Should we finish them quickly?"

Ash cracked a grin, drawing his short blade. "Let me play."

The first hyena charged. Ash tightened his grip, his calm eyes following its zigzagging run. He waited—breath steady, timing perfect.

His blade was coated in a faint green mist, a transparent layer of venomous liquid. A single drop dripped down, sizzling against the stone like acid.

Ash struck head-on, his blade slicing through the beast's nails like butter. Its paw split in half. Without looking back, Ash slashed across a second beast.

It dodged, only receiving a shallow cut across its belly. But Ash didn't bother chasing it. He already knew its fate was sealed.

Both beasts panted heavily, their movements weakening. In moments, they collapsed, their breath stilled forever.

The remaining hyenas spread out, flanking from both sides. Jessie stayed back, watching carefully—studying his close-range fighting style.

Ash activated his new skill.

[King's Domain – 5 MP/second]

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