LEVEL EVERYTHING UP in my Eldritch Tribe

Lyerin and Corora stood at the entrance of the transporter hub, a sprawling structure teeming with people of all kinds.

The air buzzed with magical energy, and transporters moved briskly, guiding adventurers to their destinations. Lyerin tightened his grip on the coin, feeling its weight and significance. He approached the nearest transporter, he was a stern-looking man with a sharp gaze.

"State your destination," the transporter said, barely glancing up from his records.

Lyerin held up the coin, letting it catch the light. "Obscure Two."

The transporter raised an eyebrow, finally looking up. His eyes flicked over Lyerin, assessing him. "Obscure Two, huh? That's a second-cycle dungeon. You're a peak first-cycle Mana user, and she," he nodded toward Corora, "is not even a Mana user. Are you sure?"

Lyerin felt the skepticism but didn't waver. "Yes, I'm sure."

The transporter's eyes lingered on the coin, and his expression softened with recognition. The coin bore the unmistakable insignia of the Borgias Family, a powerful mark that commanded respect. Its black and silver design signified Lyerin's access to high-level resources and dungeons, a privilege not granted lightly.

"Very well," the transporter said, nodding. "Step into the magical circle."

Lyerin and Corora moved towards the circle, the air around them thick with anticipation. The circle was intricately designed, runes glowing with a faint, pulsating light. Lyerin took a deep breath, feeling the familiar yet exhilarating rush of magical energy.

As they stepped onto the circle, the world around them seemed to blur. The sensation was intense, a mix of vertigo and exhilaration. Colors swirled, and their surroundings melted away, replaced by a void of shimmering lights.

Lyerin's heart rumbled in his chest.

In his past life, he had never experienced this—entering a dungeon was a privilege reserved for those with a Mana core, something he had lacked.

When the swirling stopped, they found themselves in a vast, cavernous space. The dungeon's interior was dimly lit by bioluminescent fungi that cast an eerie glow.

Stalactites hung from the ceiling, and the air was cool and damp. The walls were covered in strange, glowing runes, adding to the otherworldly feel of the place.

Lyerin scanned the surroundings, his senses on high alert. "Stay quiet, Corora," he whispered. "We need to assess the area before we make any moves."

Corora nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and curiosity. She clung to Lyerin, trusting him completely.

Lyerin moved cautiously, every step calculated. He led Corora deeper into the dungeon, their footsteps echoing softly.

After a few minutes, he found a suitable spot to set up a trap. He knelt down, pulling out a series of components from his pack—wires, spikes, and a small vial of potent poison—the one he bought using the coins before they enter the dungeon.

"Watch closely," he instructed Corora, his voice barely above a whisper. "This trap needs to be precise."

He started setting up the trap, his hands moving deftly. He secured the wires between two stalagmites, positioning the spikes in a hidden but strategic manner. The vial of poison was carefully applied to the spikes, ensuring that any creature caught would be instantly incapacitated.

Corora watched in fascination, her fear momentarily forgotten. "What is this trap for, Lyerin?"

"It's for the creatures here," Lyerin explained, his focus on the task. "These dungeons are filled with hostile entities. This trap will catch them off guard, giving us an advantage."

Once the trap was set, Lyerin stood up and moved a few steps back, pulling Corora with him. "Now, we wait."

Minutes felt like hours as they waited in tense silence. Suddenly, a rustling sound echoed through the cavern.

Lyerin's eyes narrowed, and he motioned for Corora to stay still.

Emerging from the shadows was a grotesque creature—a humanoid hedgehog with red, glowing eyes and quills bristling menacingly.

The creature snarled, its gaze locking onto Lyerin. With a guttural roar, it charged at them, its claws extended and ready to strike. Lyerin stood his ground, holding Corora tightly.

Just as the creature was about to reach them, it stepped onto the hidden wire.

The trap activated instantly.

The wires snapped tight, the spikes shot up from the ground, and the creature was impaled.

The poison worked quickly, and the creature's eyes rolled back as it collapsed, lifeless, onto the ground.

Corora let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "What just happened?"

Lyerin nodded towards the trap. "The WilderHog fell into the trap. The wires triggered the spikes, and the poison did the rest."

Corora's eyes widened in admiration. "That was incredible, Lyerin. You're amazing."

Lyerin felt a small swell of pride but kept his focus. "We need to stay vigilant. There are more creatures here, and we have to be prepared."

As he spoke, a notification materialized in front of him:

[ Ding!

[ You killed a WilderHog. ]

Lyerin glanced at the notification.

As Lyerin stood over the lifeless body of the WilderHog, a glowing system screen materialized before him.

Various level-up options were displayed, each with intricate details.

[ 1. Trapping Skills Upgrade:

[ - Increase efficiency and effectiveness of traps.

[ - New trap designs available.

[ - Enhanced poison application. ]

[ 2. Combat Proficiency:

[ - Improved hand-to-hand combat skills.

[ - Enhanced weapon handling.

[ - Increased agility and strength. ]

[ 3. Magical Aptitude:

[ - Access to beginner spells.

[ - Improved mana regeneration.

[ - Enhanced magical resistance. ]

[ 4. Stealth and Evasion:

[ - Increase ability to move unseen.

[ - Improved evasion tactics.

[ - Enhanced sensory perception. ]

[ 5. Overall Level-Up:

[ - Balanced upgrade across all attributes.

[ - Moderate improvement in all skills.

[ - Enhanced stamina, mana and health. ]

Lyerin pondered his options. Each choice had its merits, but given the current situation and his goal of rebuilding the tribe, he needed a balanced approach. He selected the Overall Level-Up, feeling the surge of power course through his body. Muscles tightened, his mind sharpened, and his senses heightened.

Corora watched in awe as Lyerin's form seemed to glow momentarily with new energy. "You look different, Lyerin," she said.

Their earlier banter made her comfortable with Lyerin, and now, she is now talking normally with him.

Lyerin smiled, feeling more confident than ever. "I feel different, too. Now, let's set up more traps and clear this dungeon."

They moved deeper into the dungeon, setting up several traps along the way. Lyerin showed Corora how to lay the wires and spikes, explaining each step with patience.

Soon, they had an elaborate network of traps ready.

"Now, we wait," Lyerin said, positioning themselves in a hidden alcove where they could observe the traps.

Minutes later, the first of the hedgehog-like creatures appeared.

The WilderHogs, with their bristling quills and glowing red eyes, were formidable but not particularly bright.

One of them, sniffing the air, stepped into the first trap.

The wire snapped, and the creature was flung into the air, only to land on a bed of spikes. It squealed, a comically high-pitched sound, before going silent.

Corora stifled a giggle. "Did you see its face? It was cute…"

Lyerin nodded, grinning. "It's almost too easy."

Another WilderHog approached, eyeing the fallen comrade suspiciously. It edged closer, and just as it seemed to sense something was amiss, it tripped another wire.

This time, a net ensnared it, hoisting it up and leaving it dangling, squealing indignantly.

Corora burst out laughing. "They look so ridiculous!"

The next WilderHog, perhaps emboldened by numbers, charged forward, only to slip on a strategically placed patch of slick oil. It skidded across the floor, barreling into another trap that sprayed it with a cloud of itching powder.

The creature rolled around, trying to scratch itself with its stubby limbs, looking utterly helpless.

Lyerin and Corora laughed until tears streamed down their faces. "I think we're making a mockery of the WilderHogs," Lyerin said, wiping his eyes.

One by one, the WilderHogs fell victim to the traps, each demise more hilarious than the last. Finally, the ground of the Obscure Two dungeon was littered with corpses.

Lyerin's level had reached the fifth stage of the second cycle with astonishing speed. He felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction as he collected the magical cores from the fallen creatures, as if their glowing essence a testament to his success.

Corora looked around at the carnage, impressed and amused. "You did it, Lyerin. You really did it."

Lyerin turned to her, his eyes alight with determination. "Now it's time for you to—"

Corora's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? But I don't even have a Mana core."

Lyerin shook his head. "It's not time for you to level up yet, Corora. We need to be careful. If you level up too quickly without a proper foundation, it could be dangerous."

Corora looked relieved but also a bit disappointed but she responded meekly. "I understand. I'll trust your judgment, Lyerin," and then she put her hand on his chest and hugged her tightly.

Lyerin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Your time will come, Corora. For now, let's focus on what we can do together."

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