Barrier System: The Ascension of the 101st Champion

Granger sat on one of the stones scattered around the dim, empty room.

He was 18 years old, with jet-black hair and eyes. Standing at 6 feet tall, he had an average lean build.

[Stats Information]

[STRENGTH: Each point increases physical strength, making you hit harder and improving stamina.]

[INTELLIGENCE: Each point boosts intellectual ability and magic damage, enhances memory, problem-solving, and observation. Adds 10 mana per point and improves mana regeneration.]

[CONSTITUTION: Each point increases resistance to status ailments, crowd control, and debuffs. Adds 10 HP per point and improves HP regeneration.]

[DEXTERITY: Each point improves body control, reaction time, weapon proficiency, and sleight of hand.]

[AGILITY: Each point increases movement, dodging, and attack speed.]

[CHARISMA: Each point enhances persuasion, seduction, intimidation, and deception skills.]

Granger rested his hand on his chin.

"Six stats to choose from, but I only have three points. This is a tough choice."

[Weak Barrier]

[The ability to create a circular barrier. The mana cost of this skill is equal to the user's level.]

"I see. Thanks for the suggestion. Intelligence will be important to use the Barrier more often."

Granger allocated his points.

"One for STRENGTH, to improve physical capability. One for CONSTITUTION, because survival is a priority. And one for INTELLIGENCE, to increase mana."

[Congratulations! You have allocated your first stat points. Now, choose your first Barrier Special Effect from the following options:]

[Minor Damage Reflection (Passive): Reflects 5% of the damage absorbed by the barrier back to the attacker.]

[Barrier Regeneration (Passive): Restores 2% of the barrier's total capacity every second.]

[Pulse Wave (Active): Releases a small shockwave that knocks back enemies within a 3-meter radius, dealing low physical damage. Mana cost: 1.]

[Soft Shock (Active): Releases a faint shockwave that staggers enemies within a 3-meter radius, dealing low magic damage. Mana cost: 1.]

"I see now. This is where the hard decisions start."

[Along with the improvement in the Barrier's durability and range, you can gain an additional Barrier Special Effect only when you reach every 10th level. Please choose wisely, Master.]

"Yeah, no pressure." Granger shrugged.

After several moments of thought, he made his choice.

[Congratulations! You have acquired your first Barrier Special Effect: Pulse Wave (Active).]

Granger began walking toward the massive stone double gate at the far side of the room.

"Now, it's time to start the journey."

As he approached, the gates slowly creaked open. Bright light spilled into the dim room, illuminating the path ahead.

Granger stepped out of the gate with a smile on his face.

What greeted him was a massive underground dome, bustling with activity.

The place was filled with people wearing battle gear, carrying weapons, and clad in armor. Some wore hoods that obscured their faces.

It looked like a scene straight out of an RPG game, brought to life—players and NPCs interacting with one another.

Stalls lined every corner, selling weapons, potions, and countless other items. The lively hum of the marketplace filled the air.

Granger walked down the long stone staircase, blending into the crowd.

Although everyone seemed busy with their own tasks, their eyes suddenly turned to him.

Their gazes were intense, as if they sensed that something significant was about to happen.

Granger felt uncomfortable under their stares but tried to ignore it, determined not to ruin the moment.

'What's wrong with these people? They're looking at me like I've got a death sign floating above my head,' he thought.

A muscular man approached him, smiling broadly. However, his eyes betrayed something else.

"Another player has arrived to challenge the might of the Endless Dungeon!"

The man placed a massive hand on Granger's shoulder.

"Welcome! My name is Armid. I am a native of Agrasia, and I will be your guide as you begin your journey here. Your humble start on the path to becoming a hero."

Granger returned the smile. "Nice to meet you. My name is Granger Reiner."

Armid waved his hand, gesturing for Granger to follow.

"Come on, Granger. Let me show you around the place where your glorious story will unfold."

Armid walked ahead, weaving through the crowd.

With Armid leading, Granger felt a flicker of excitement building. He followed, stepping through the throng of people.

As he walked, whispers reached his ears.

"Tsk. Another one of Edrina's sacrificial lambs. That goddess never learns, does she?"

"I'm starting to think she enjoys sending people to their doom."

"Poor champions. What a waste."

"Oi, the new guy can hear you, you know?"

"Doesn't matter. He won't last long anyway. Probably shorter than the last ones."

"No wonder Edrina is called the weakest goddess with the fewest devotees."

Granger stopped, scanning the area for the source of the voices, but whoever had spoken was already gone.

"What's the problem, player? Follow me. Let's head to the first floor. I'll show you the weakest monsters to help you improve your skills as a beginner," Armid said, his smile unchanged.

"Nothing," Granger replied, brushing it off.

The two continued down a long corridor, passing players who gave him the same intense look as before.

"Those players have triumphed in the dungeon trials. They've proven their prowess and are now enjoying the rewards of their hard work," Armid explained.

"I see."

"Hone your skills, and you might one day stand equal to them. Who knows? You could even surpass them!"

They finally reached the first floor of the dungeon.

It was a sprawling green field enclosed within a massive cave dome. Blue slimes hopped around everywhere.

"The dungeon stretches deep into the world's core. The deeper you go, the stronger the enemies become. That's how you'll grow stronger."

Armid pulled a sword from his back and handed it to Granger.

"Your journey starts now. Slay your first monster and begin your progress."

Granger accepted the sword, but hesitation filled his eyes.

"May I ask something?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"How long has this dungeon quest been going on?"

"About five months. Why?"

Granger's eyes narrowed. "Doesn't it seem strange that I was sent here as a champion five months after the competition started?"

Armid avoided his gaze. "Perhaps?"

Granger's expression grew serious. "Give me an honest answer. How many champions has Edrina sent into this competition?"

Armid hesitated but finally spoke. "You're the 101st... in five months. All of them died before reaching the 10th floor."

Granger's jaw dropped. He had already suspected it, but hearing the confirmation didn't make it any easier.

He stared into the distance, his thoughts racing.

"I'm screwed."