When Lucien got the F-rank skill Rodent’s Greed multiple times, he was indeed confused.
After all, although he seemed to have gained something, it was also nothing.
When he opened his status panel, beside the same F-rank useless skill, he saw nothing else.
’But, it suddenly changed when I got it five times.’
Four times, with the little guy and the one just now from that E-rank Glimmergnaw.
’So, it’s accumulating skills? Does that mean collecting the same skills can help it evolve?’
If that were true, then the useless skill he once thought was meaningless might not be so useless anymore.
’And maybe... I need to do something before running away.’
Lucien thought, his eyes sparkling as he stared into the glowing eyes of the Glimmergnaw surrounding him from every direction.
Although they resembled rats, their intelligent gazes, large figures, and beautifully lined fur made them appear almost otherworldly.
Only, those sharp, shining claws on the higher-rank Glimmergnaw looked damn dangerous.
’Come on, Lucien. Just having the system won’t make you strong. You might not find something like Glimmergnaw again.’
Lucien knew he was weak, and trying to act smart with these monsters could leave him seriously injured.
But he also knew this dungeon wouldn’t let him die. If someone faced fatal danger, it would automatically eject them in time to save their life.
People might think his decision was ridiculous. After all, he had a Debt Collector system, for fuck’s sake.
Why should he take a risk?
Shouldn’t he just wait, slowly collect debt, and become stronger?
However, only Lucien knew how hard and random it was.
If it were really so overpowered, he wouldn’t be here without a single attacking skill and filled with garbage that had limited use.
Honestly, he felt as if he continued to delay any further, he wouldn’t survive this trip.
He hadn’t forgotten the Assassin Glen, who was watching his life.
Would Glen act cautiously like before if he met him here?
’Maybe... I need to be a little reckless.’
Monsters had keen senses, and the moment Lucien’s resolve shifted, they seemed to notice.
As if reacting to his change in intent, they let out a collective low growl... slowly approaching in a circle... their eyes flashing red, as if ready to kill this intruder.
Just when Lucien was ready to gamble, he suddenly felt someone tugging at his lower pants.
When he looked below, he saw the same little guy who was raging just now because someone stole its golden coin.
But now, it seemed to be shivering in fear as its little hand clutched his pants, eyes darting to him and then to the crowd of Glimmergnaw looking at it with hatred.
"Heh... it seems they hate you for taking me to your home."
Lucien also saw the killing intent fixed on the little guy, making it shiver from head to toe.
Poor guy, due to him extracting juice, he didn’t even have the strength to run away. It could just grab his pants and look at him with those innocent eyes, asking for help.
"Heh... even in this world, a traitor has no place... huh?"
Lucien remarked with a smile and assured the little guy,
"Okay, okay. I’ll help you leave. Can you let go of my... now?"
However, the little guy didn’t seem to hear or didn’t have the courage to let go; it even increased its grip, causing him difficulty in walking.
Fortunately, Glimmergnaw seemed to be hesitant, otherwise.
"Sigh... okay, just wait at the side."
Lucien sighed and pushed the guy behind him.
The moment he did so, though, it seemed the rodents surrounding him took it as a provocation. They suddenly squeaked loudly and charged at him altogether.
Lucien only saw a flash of shadow before something sharp swiped at his arm.
He didn’t even get to crush the amulet before a big gash split open, skin tearing like paper, muscle parting with a sickening sound as warm blood spurted out in a thick arc, splattering onto the ground.
The pain hit like fire, raw and searing, and the blood kept pouring out.
The shadow that attacked just now was none other than another E-rank Glimmergnaw that was closer to him, its claws dripping with fresh blood, eyes glowing with feral hunger.
"Damn! It seems high agility is no use if my mind can’t react."
Lucien cursed and crushed the amulet, quickly leaving his place with extreme speed, spearing away from their close encirclement.
Fortunately, the little guy was still clinging to his pants as if his life depended on it, and was dragged along with him.
However, the tunnel was only wide enough for him to walk and wasn’t that large. Hence, although he had made some distance, he was still easily caught up by the shadow, which swiped another sharp claw, this time aiming at his neck.
This time, though, Lucien finally managed to see those red eyes clearly, eyes filled with pure killing intent.
Unlike the little guy, this Glimmergnaw’s breath reeked of blood, and its snarl twisted in its hatred.
Fortunately for him, this time the blue shimmering shield in front easily saved him from danger. Those fierce claws didn’t even manage to leave a dent on his shield.
’Damn! It would have been better if I had mana.’
Seeing such an incredible shield effect, Lucien thought bitterly.
Since he couldn’t use mana, his parents had to find something that didn’t require it to operate.
That’s why despite being wealthy, he seemed under geared. He still had a few more of these amulet though.
"Okay, let’s try if it works. Otherwise, it is better to leave."
Once Lucien felt that he was safe for the time being, he breathed a sigh of relief and then finally used his mana ring.
First, he took out a potion from the ring and drank it in a single gulp.
’Hope this rejuvenation potion will stop the bleeding.’
He thought while bandaging his hand that was still oozing blood, the skin torn and flesh exposed beneath the soaked fabric.
While he was doing that, his shield was continuously attacked by the Glimmergnaws.
Roars and squeals echoed from the other side as the monsters slammed into the barrier again and again, their claws scraping and teeth gnashing with relentless fury.
"Can you stop for a second?"
After bandaging the wound, Lucien finally looked ahead and complained.
Then, without waiting for a second, just as he had decided earlier, he suddenly took out a gold coin in his hand.
The moment the shiny coin appeared, as he expected, the relentless attacks came to an abrupt pause.
Then, Lucien suddenly saw the intense, dramatic shift as the fierce hatred in the monsters’ eyes slowly turned into extreme greed.
It was so comical that Lucien felt a little weird and a little scared.
"Hope I’m not setting myself up."