A wave of relief washed over John, his mental state significantly improving once he finally understood the nature of his unique magical ability. The weight of confusion and frustration that had been pressing down on him for so long seemed to lift, replaced by a burgeoning sense of anticipation. Eagerly anticipating his first stat upgrade, he looked forward to sleep with a newfound enthusiasm, his mind buzzing with the possibilities it might bring. His earlier conversation with Max had revealed a crucial limitation: he was unable to pursue or learn any other forms of magic, a restriction put in place, as Max explained, to maintain a delicate balance within his abilities. Despite this limitation, a nagging feeling persisted whenever John wielded his trusty fly-rod. It felt almost like cheating, like he was somehow circumventing the natural order of things, even though he knew, deep down, that it was merely a tool, an extension of his will, designed to aid him in his survival within this dangerous world. Recognizing the undeniable importance of physical strength and resilience, especially in a place like this, John decided to embark on a regimen of body cultivation, a decision he made after discussing the matter with the two girls and gathering their insights.

  Shortly after solidifying his plans, John heard a distinct knock at his door. His guess proved accurate; it was Anya and Alana, each bearing a black number 3 prominently displayed on the back of their left hands. John glanced down at his own left hand, the silver number 10 gleaming against his skin, a stark contrast to their markings. He then looked up at them, his expression open and honest.

  “I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how this world…or perhaps this system…operates,” he began, his voice calm and steady. “Therefore,” he continued, his tone becoming firmer, “I want to be absolutely clear: I will not favor one of you over the other. You are both my friends, and you are both equally welcome to stay here with me, to share this space. We can train together, support each other, and grow stronger together.” He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Also,” he added, “I encountered Seraphina on the 10th floor earlier today. She indicated that she plans to meet with me again tonight. I’m telling you this not to boast or create any tension, but simply to be transparent and upfront with you both. I suspect she intends to invite me to join her party, her group of adventurers. Therefore,” he concluded, his voice becoming more purposeful, “I propose that our immediate goal should be to reach the 30th floor of the dungeon first, before she has a chance to make any formal offers. That way, we can establish our own group, our own team. To that end,” he explained, outlining his plan in more detail, “from the 10th floor to the 20th floor, I believe it would be most beneficial for you two to collaborate, to work together and hone your teamwork. I, on the other hand, intend to tackle the first 20 floors solo, focusing on my own individual growth and development. What do you both think of this proposal? Does this plan sound agreeable to you?”

  Alana piped up, “So, it’s been about a day, hasn’t it? And guess what we’re being called now?” She grinned, a playful glint in her eyes. “We’re now being called your birds.” She shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “I don’t mind it, and I’m pretty sure Anya doesn’t either.”

  Anya nodded in agreement. “Not at all,” she confirmed, her voice warm and sincere. “You’ve treated us no differently than you would any other friends, John. So, I’m perfectly fine with this…slightly odd name.” She chuckled softly. “However,” she added, her tone becoming a bit more practical, “I will make one small request: if we’re going to be staying here long-term, I think it would be good if we each had our own rooms. Just for a little bit of personal space, you understand.” She quickly added, a slight blush rising to her cheeks, “And to be absolutely clear, this definitely does not mean we’re starting some kind of harem situation. Our primary focus right now should be on getting stronger, on improving our abilities.”

  John nodded understandingly, a reassuring smile on his face. “Of course,” he said. “That’s perfectly reasonable. Now that we’ve settled that little matter, would you two like to choose your rooms and get yourselves settled in? Make yourselves at home.” He gestured around the shared space, indicating that they were free to explore and choose their own spaces. “Once you’re all unpacked and comfortable, I’ll be heading out to cultivate my own strength. I’ll be training in the courtyard, and you’re more than welcome to join me whenever you feel like it. Also,” he added as an afterthought, “there’s really no need to knock on my door anymore. Feel free to just come in whenever you want. You live here now, after all.”

  John stood in the courtyard, going through his stretching routine, when he suddenly felt an unusual warmth blossoming within him, almost like a gentle tingle, but deeper, more internal. It was a sensation originating within his blood, spreading like wildfire through his entire body, coursing through his veins with every beat of his heart. With each breath he took, this warm, tingling sensation intensified, washing over him in gentle waves. He vaguely recalled a book on cultivation he had once read, its pages filled with esoteric knowledge. One particular passage stuck in his mind: “The blood is the body’s highway, the river of life.” The first step, the book had explained, was to saturate this vital fluid with spirit energy, to infuse it with power, and then allow it to extend outwards, nourishing the muscles, skin, bones, and internal organs.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  As the energy continued to spread with each rhythmic breath, John became completely immersed in the sensation, losing himself in the flow of power within his own body. Unbeknownst to him, however, events were unfolding outside his secluded courtyard. The city, still reeling from the impact of his music, had dispatched a contingent of guards to his residence, not to apprehend him, but rather to manage the growing crowds of people who yearned to meet the man who had brought such beauty into their lives. John could hear the murmur of voices beyond the courtyard walls, a constant reminder of the attention he was attracting. He could make out snippets of conversation, whispers of "the dungeon conqueror," "the music mage," and "the one who speaks to the dungeon."

  Meanwhile, deep within the dungeon’s depths, a transformation was also taking place. The dungeon began to resonate with a diverse symphony of melodies, a cacophony of sounds that reflected the varied experiences of those who dared to delve into its depths. As people entered, they felt an almost palpable sense of John’s presence, a feeling as if he were there with them, offering encouragement, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their own potential.

  Moments later, Will returned, accompanied by the two girls. He informed John about the sizable crowd that had gathered outside his residence, their numbers steadily growing. He also presented John with a small pouch of gold, sufficient for any necessary purchases or expenses, and a handful of spirit pills, to aid in his cultivation.

  John accepted both the gold and the pills with a polite nod of thanks but then made a specific request. “Next time,” he said, his voice calm but firm, “I would prefer a beast core instead of more pills.”

  Will’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of curiosity crossing his features. He clearly wanted to ask why John preferred the raw core over the refined pills, but he wisely refrained from pressing the issue. “Understood,” he replied simply, nodding in acknowledgment. “I’ll have someone deliver one to you later tonight.”

  John then added another instruction. “Also,” he said, his tone casual but with an underlying air of authority, “Seraphina mentioned she would be visiting for a talk. Please ensure she is granted entry when she arrives.”

  Will gave John a slightly bewildered look, a hint of confusion and perhaps even a touch of apprehension in his eyes. He couldn’t quite fathom who would even dare to attempt to stop Seraphina from entering anywhere she pleased. The very idea seemed absurd, almost laughable.

  John was deep in his training routine, his muscles burning and his breath coming in steady rhythm, when he suddenly felt a formidable presence wash over him, a subtle shift in the very air around him, like a sudden drop in temperature. He had a strong inkling of who it might be. A moment later, a distinct knock echoed at the heavy wooden door leading into the courtyard, the sound reverberating through the still air.

  John chuckled softly, a hint of wry amusement in his voice. “Seems like death is knocking at my door,” he murmured to himself. He walked over to the door and pulled it open, revealing the figure he had expected.

  A gentle voice greeted him, smooth as silk. “Hello, John.”

  His guess had been correct; it was Seraphina, her presence radiating an aura of quiet power. She stood framed in the doorway, her pale skin glowing faintly in the twilight, her silver eyes pools of shadows.

  “May I come in?” she asked, her gaze fixed on his.

  “Of course,” John replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I wouldn’t have invited you otherwise.”

  She stepped inside, her movements fluid and graceful, like a wraith gliding through the shadows. Her gaze swept over the courtyard before settling back on him, a familiar curiosity evident in her expression.

  John decided to cut to the chase. “Let me guess,” he said, his voice even and direct. “You want to team up to tackle the higher levels of the dungeon, right?”

  She nodded in confirmation, her expression unchanged. “But…how did you know?” she asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

  John shrugged slightly. “It’s not simply about needing someone strong,” he explained, his gaze meeting hers. “It’s about needing someone you can trust, someone you know you can rely on.”

  Seraphina paused for a moment, then interjected, “I understand. You have two friends—girls, I presume?”

  John nodded. “Yes,” he confirmed. “But we’re just friends. I’ve offered them a place to stay here, a place where we can all train together. They’ll be working together, pairing up, until we reach the 30th floor. At that point, the three of us will officially form a team, a cohesive unit. I’m willing to extend that invitation to you as well, Seraphina,” he continued, his voice becoming more serious. “But I have one condition: do not betray me, or my friends, for any reason whatsoever.”

  Seraphina’s expression remained steady, her eyes holding his gaze. “I won’t betray you,” she assured him, her voice firm and resolute. “I have no need to.”

  John nodded, satisfied with her response. “Now,” he said, his tone shifting slightly, “I have a question for you.”

  "Can you turn into a bat?" Seraphina's smile slightly changed. She looked at john with almost consternation, "no, why do you ask? I thought you liked birds?"

  John wasn't sure how to respond at first. Maybe not all myths are true, or is it because she is a half vampire? he pondered. John then looked at her, waved his hand and laughed "Never mind I just had two elves turn into birds, I was just checking it's been a weird day."