Barrier System: The Ascension of the 101st Champion

Granger approached the massive gate leading to the second floor.

While walking, he allocated his stat points: 1 to STRENGTH, 1 to CONSTITUTION, and 1 to INTELLIGENCE.

His footsteps made soft sounds on the grassy floor with every step.

Before he could reach the gate, a massive man wielding a giant warhammer blocked his path.

The man was muscular, his scarred torso exposed. He was bald and stared at Granger intensely.

"Another one of Edrina's champions."

"You got it right. I am, indeed, Edrina's champion."

The man dropped the head of his hammer onto the ground. The floor shook under its weight.

"What did that goddess offer you?"

Granger shrugged. "Sorry, I can't say. NDA reasons."

The man smiled briefly. "You're from Earth, huh? I used to be a professional bodybuilder there."

"I can tell."

"As a fellow Earthling, let me give you some advice that might save your life." The man straightened. "This dungeon isn't worth it. Agrasia is massive and beautiful. Go out there. Be a farmer or something. Just leave this place. Edrina's champions don't last a week in here."

Granger said nothing, his face showing unwavering resolve.

"Zalgo, here you are, scaring a newbie again." A calm voice echoed behind Granger.

Granger hadn't sensed the man approaching, as though he'd appeared out of nowhere. Before he realized it, the man's hand was already on his shoulder.

Granger turned to see a gentle-looking man with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a warm smile. He appeared to be in his early twenties.

Zalgo said nothing. He raised his hammer and walked away without looking back.

"Forgive him," the blonde man said. "He has a habit of being condescending to newbies. We're starting to think it's his hobby, aside from crushing monsters' skulls." He laughed.

"Yeah, it's fine."

The man removed his hand from Granger's shoulder and stood formally.

"My name is Steven Eclair. I'm a level 32 player and the leader of the Golden Dagger party. And you are?"

"I'm Granger Reiner. Uh, level 3. I don't have a party."

Steven snapped his fingers. "Perfect! Why not join us? We're pretty strong!"

"Huh?" Granger stepped back, startled by Steven's enthusiasm.

"I look away for one second, and you're already pestering other players," a woman's voice said.

Granger turned toward the voice and saw a woman in a white healer's robe and hat. She had long dark red hair and purple eyes, partly hidden behind her glasses.

"But, Cynthia! I found the perfect new member for our party!" Steven placed a hand on her shoulder.

Cynthia removed his hand. "You mean… him?"

She scrutinized Granger, who only shrugged and smiled.

"We're looking for someone who can handle both defensive and offensive combat, right? I saw him fight earlier. He used barrier-oriented skills while skillfully attacking using his sword," Steven said.

Cynthia looked at Granger. "Barrier skills, huh? What's your class?"

Granger opened his Status Board but found no class listed. There was no indicator showing his class.

Cynthia frowned. "For example, I'm a healer. Steven here is a rogue. Normally, people choose their class when they first arrive in this world."

"I don't have one."

Cynthia and Steven exchanged a glance, silently communicating.

"Interesting, huh?" Steven said.

"Oh no... Steven and Cynthia are picking on a newbie again. Run, newbie, those two will tear you apart." A soft, almost monotone voice reached them.

"Stop that, Eily. Last time you said that, the newbie actually ran away. We had to chase him like a bunch of fools to explain it was a joke." A deep voice echoed.

Granger turned to see who was speaking and found two more people approaching.

The first was a girl about his age. She had shoulder-length black hair and large, round black eyes that looked innocent and curious. She stared at Granger with pure interest shining in her gaze. She held a staff and wore a robe.

The second was a massive man in full armor, carrying a huge sword on his back. His face was hidden by his helmet.

Steven laughed. "Now that everyone's here, let's do introductions. Meet our new member, Granger Reiner. He can switch between defensive and offensive combat styles."

"I haven't decided to join yet."

Steven ignored him and gestured to the large man. "This big guy is our dependable tank, Desmond."

Desmond clapped his heavy hand on Granger's shoulder. "Welcome to the team, partner."

"I haven't decided to join yet."

Steven turned to the girl. "And this young lady, who seems lost in her own world right now, is our mage. Eily, the one and only star of the show." He waved toward her dramatically.

Eily stepped forward and offered her hand to Granger. "Welcome to our party, Granger," she said with a sweet, innocent voice and a charming smile.

Caught off guard by her gentle demeanor, Granger took her hand and shook it. "Thank you," he said, smiling back.

"Works every time," Steven said, giggling.

Cynthia elbowed Steven gently, but he just laughed harder.

Steven began walking toward the gate to the second floor. "Granger is level 3 right now. For him to join us on our target floor, we need to help him level up first. That won't be a problem, right?"

The group nodded in agreement and followed Steven.

Granger walked after them. "Wait. What level are you guys?"

Cynthia glanced at him with a knowing smile. "We're all level 32."

Steven looked back at Granger with a confident grin. "And soon, you will be too."

Granger stepped into the second floor, led by his new companions.

[You have entered the second floor. This is an anarchy section of the dungeon where the gods cannot see. Proceed with caution, Master. Good luck.]