I cautiously approached the entrance of the dungeon. There was no one around. Doesn't anyone explore the dungeon at this hour? I thought there would at least be someone keeping things under control here.
Someone to watch over the adventurers coming in and out, or to stay here in case of emergencies.
In silence, I slowly walked toward the dungeon entrance. But before going in, I glanced up once more—the tower is truly imposing and beautiful. With a smile on my face, I stepped inside.
I was met with "stairs" spiraling downward for several meters.
I descended slowly and reached the first floor of the dungeon.
The walls had a light blue color. I came across a very wide corridor. I looked around in all directions, impressed by the structure of the place. 'It's absurd that something like this really exists.'
Well, after experiencing Nano's powers, it's hard to be impressed by anything.
"Nano, analyze the dungeon's structure and create a map for me. I believe this place might be like a labyrinth, and I want to map everything very well."
[Request confirmed. This unit will begin real-time mapping of the Dungeon's first floor. Sensors will be used to record corridors, branches, rooms, and structural repetition patterns. The map will be continuously updated as the host moves.]
A light emerged from my eye, and a 3D map of the area was created. I began to walk, and the places I passed through started forming in real time. 'This is a very useful ability.'
After walking for a few minutes, a large map had already been created.
I smiled in satisfaction and closed the map since I wouldn't use it for now.
Then, Nano gave me a warning that monsters were approaching. From a fork in the path, three monsters appeared.
An analysis from Nano popped up.
[Three monsters identified — species: First Floor Goblins. Threat: low.
Estimated Excelia: Defeating the three targets will generate approximately 18 to 27 Excelia points.]
[Processing: The obtained Excelia will be absorbed and converted by the nanomachines, being stored in the host's body as refined energy distributed through the muscles, bones, and nervous system, with primary accumulation in a forming internal core.]
[Conclusion: Eliminating the targets will directly contribute to physical strengthening and magical core growth. Immediate combat is recommended.]
"So I don't need to cultivate? The strengthening will be immediate?"
[Partially correct. Excelia will be immediately converted into basic physical enhancement, however cultivation is still necessary to refine, stabilize, and maximize these gains. Without cultivation, the efficiency of evolution will decrease over time.]
"I see." I smiled and looked at the goblins.
I pulled the knife from my waist and prepared for combat.
The three goblins, having noticed my presence, growled and raised their rusted weapons. One had a sword, and the others had knives. They split up and tried to surround me. I smiled and waited for the first attack.
The goblin on my left, holding a sword, tried to strike me, but I easily dodged and kicked him. Then I spun my body and kicked the goblin on the right.
Both were sent flying toward the wall and were severely injured.
The goblin in front leapt forward and tried to stab my chest, but I raised my knife and blocked his attack, throwing him back. 'They're weak.' I thought, smiling.
Then I went to the injured goblin on the left and stomped on his head, crushing it.
His body turned into particles of light, and those particles came toward me. It was as if they were being absorbed by my skin. 'It's probably Nano doing this.'
After killing the other two remaining goblins, I checked my stats.
Strength: 675
Endurance: 512
Dexterity: 489
Agility: 528
Magic: 329
'They increased a bit even without cultivation. My evolution will be really fast in this place.'
But I have doubts about my level.
Will my stats increase infinitely, or will I level up and have them "reset"?
If Nano created a way to cultivate using Excelia, I suppose leveling up is like reaching a new cultivation stage.
"Is that how it works, Nano?"
[Correct. The structure has been adapted to simulate a leveling system.]
[Your stats will not grow infinitely in a linear manner. Upon reaching a certain limit of accumulated and refined Excelia, your body will enter a state of "Layer Ascension."]
[During this process, your attributes will not be lost, but rather compressed and refined, forming a denser and more efficient foundation.]
[After ascension, your apparent stats will decrease, however your physical and magical quality will be superior, allowing for much faster growth in the new layer.]
[In simple terms: leveling up is equivalent to advancing to a new cultivation stage.]
"I see, so it's simpler than I expected. How much Excelia have I accumulated in my 'core' so far?"
[65 Excelia points]
"How many Excelia points do I need to reach the next 'level,' Nano?"
[Based on your current stats and the efficiency of your adapted body, the estimated threshold for the first ascension is approximately 1,000 Excelia points.]
[Current Excelia: 65 points.]
[Progress: 6.5%]
'So I need to accumulate a thousand Excelia and then cultivate it all? Interesting. A thousand Excelia doesn't seem like much since I get around 20 points per goblin on average.'
And the amount I receive from each monster will probably increase as I descend floors and the monsters get stronger.
'I'm starting to get excited.'
It's like I'm playing a game, but with my life at risk. There's no way not to get thrilled by something like this.
I'll keep exploring the first floor and mapping everything while killing some monsters.
I don't feel tired at all. If I start to feel tired, Nano will help me with that.
'The problem is I didn't bring any water or food. Nano, is that okay? How long can I stay here without needing water and food?'
[Your body has been optimized. Energy and resource consumption has been significantly reduced.]
[Based on your current condition, you can remain active for approximately 36 to 48 hours without water and up to 5 days without food, without critical performance loss.]
[Note: The cultivation technique allows conversion of magical energy into basic metabolic support, reducing fatigue and hunger.]
[Warning: Prolonged absence of water will still cause gradual degradation. It is recommended to obtain water within 24 hours to maintain maximum efficiency.]
[Conclusion: You may continue exploring for now, but should prioritize finding water soon.]
'Urgh, I should have at least asked that old man for a bottle of water.'
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