Divine Path System Chapter 4 - Virgin Dungeon

Varian arrived at the perimeter of Pearl City, home to the entrance of the low-level Dungeon known as "Virgin".

Dungeons were classified into Low, Middle, and High tiers based on the lethality of the magic beasts found within.

Formally referred to as Dungeon Dimensions, these locations were effectively distinct, separate worlds.

The first of these Dungeons emerged in 300 YAB. These initial low-level instances were utilized by humanity to launch into what became recognized as the "Golden Age," an era that persisted until 400 YAB.

Entry into every Dungeon was controlled through a single gate.

The gate to the Virgin Dungeon was constructed from crystal metal, etched with carvings of the magic beasts it contained. A shimmering, soft light obscured the aperture.

A squadron of planetary guards, utilizing sophisticated detection arrays, stood watch over the gate. While Dungeons might contain various exits, there was always one designated entrance, ensuring that all traffic flowing in and out remained under strict observation.

Adventure teams, ranging from four to five members up to groups of twenty, paid the entry fee to pass through the threshold and enter the interior.

Varian observed the crowd and noted that the majority were Awakeners. The few unawakened present had arrived, hoping to trigger their awakening through the intensity of combat. However, none among them seemed to be older than sixteen.

Naturally, 97 percent of the human population experiences awakening. Only 2.9 percent achieve it following combat inside a Dungeon. Although empirical data is lacking, the general consensus labels these individuals as having trash talents.

The unfortunate 0.1 percent never achieve awakening at all. While their skills often allow them to subsist, they occupy the absolute lowest social stratum.

Because the vast majority of humans awaken naturally, and deep-seated prejudices exist against the 2.9 percent, the government and the Adventurer's Guild largely ignore the practice of veteran adventurers charging the unawakened exorbitant fees for "protection" inside the Dungeon.

'I have always dreamed of entering a Dungeon to awaken. I imagined I would feel thrilled and eager. I suppose I was only correct about the latter.'

Varian dismounted his hover bike, which then moved off to park itself. After inhaling a sharp breath, he slid on his black gauntlets and scanned the throng.

"Mom, I am going to awaken today and get into the Academy! Just watch, I'll be even better than Dad." A young boy of around fourteen flashed a grin at his mother as he boasted.

Unlike Varian, who possess nothing but a pair of gauntlets, this boy was fully kitted out. He wore a helmet, complete body armor, a matching sword and shield, and even polished boots.

All of his items were classified as Low Star Treasures.

Star Treasures are gear crafted from exotic metals, forged through the precise weaving of aura and the integration of beast cores.

A Fire beast core creates a fire-attributed treasure, while a space-type treasure requires the core of a space-based beast. The capacity of the metal to conduct aura determines the equipment's overall defense and resilience.

Varian's pair of gauntlets were low-grade treasures containing the core of a physical-type beast, which provided them with enhanced defensive capabilities.

Varian watched as the boy marched into the gate under heavy guard, and he let out a sigh.

He did feel a pang of envy, though not for the expensive gear, but because he lacked anyone to see him off.

Or so he believed...

"Varian!" A familiar, grating voice broke his trance, and he looked up to see a couple signaling him. The young man and woman looked to be around eighteen.

Following them were five other adventurers. As they approached, the young man, Kyle, threw his arms open to embrace him, beaming.

Varian kept his arms crossed, refusing to soften his stern expression.

"Did Gareth tell you?"

The girl, Maya, nodded. "Of course."

Gareth was a long-time family friend to Maya, Kyle's girlfriend, so their presence wasn't entirely unexpected. However, the annoying reality was...

"Are you so stunned by the arrival of the great me that you can't even speak?" Kyle ignored the awkwardness of the failed hug and chuckled at Varian.

"I figured you wanted a send-off for your first Dungeon run. Maya wanted to do the honors, but honestly? We're best friends! We always go above and beyond. I’m joining you for your first delve!" Kyle thrust a fist into the air, presenting his plan with conviction. Despite his slender physique, he stood with surprising resolve.

Maya gazed at Kyle’s confident expression with affection, while the adventurers chuckled. Varian slapped his forehead. He would have vastly preferred to go alone; this situation was beyond awkward.

Kyle was a Level 1 Space Apprentice, and Maya was a Level 1 Mind Awakener.

It was safe for Level 1s to enter the Dungeon, provided they avoided the Inner Zone. The issue was that neither of them were combat-oriented.

'They'll just follow us in even if I convince the team to turn them away. Ugh, you two...' He felt a wave of helplessness, but a part of him was touched that he had friends like them.

Varian approached the adventure team leader, Arthur, whose profile he had studied the previous night.

"I hope you don't mind these two tagging along." Varian and Arthur shook hands.

"It's fine. Mr. Gareth cleared it with me earlier." Arthur offered a relaxed grin. He was a powerfully built man, standing nearly two meters tall, yet his presence was strangely non-threatening.

They formed a line, and after completing the security protocols with the guards, Varian passed through the Dungeon Gate.

The instant he stepped inside, Varian wobbled. His body felt a momentary wave of lethargy, though it subsided quickly.

Varian understood why. The concentration of aura within the Dungeon was significantly higher than on Earth, and his body was struggling to reconcile with the change. His discomfort was merely the physical price of that adaptation.

"You’re sharper than I expected. Mr. Gareth wasn't kidding when he said you were special," Arthur remarked, looking over his shoulder to offer a thumbs-up.

Unless someone is an awakener, a normal human usually requires several minutes to acclimate to the intensity of dungeon-grade aura. Varian, however, had stabilized in mere seconds. Using his own aura perception, Arthur could feel how Varian's internal system had seamlessly adjusted to the ambient energy.

Aura is the bedrock of all things. If Awakeners are travelers upon their respective Paths, then Aura is the fuel that keeps them moving. Consequently, every Awakener becomes acutely sensitive to fluctuations in ambient aura.

Varian gave a dismissive shrug at the praise and turned his attention to the mysterious world he had just entered.

A Dungeon!

His final opportunity to achieve Awakening!