Chapter 7: " 'Dungeon Ruler' pt-1"

In the dimly lit room, Alex waited with bated breath for the system's response. As seconds stretched into minutes, a sense of impatience began to gnaw at him. Just when his patience waned, a soft, almost ethereal voice echoed in his mind.

[Host,] it began, its voice resonating within Alex's thoughts, [I sense your insatiable thirst for knowledge. Do not hesitate to inquire, for your questions fall within your granted authorities.]

Relief washed over Alex like a soothing wave as he realized that the system was willing to share some of its secrets. With newfound determination fueling his purpose, he delved into a question that had lingered in his thoughts since the moment of his awakening.

"System," Alex inquired, his curiosity unabated, "could you please shed light on the nature of the luminous blue panel that materializes before me in the morning?"

The system's response was as illuminating as the panel itself. [Host, the radiant blue panel is referred to as the 'status window.' Within its luminous interface, you can not only peruse your status points but also access a myriad of other crucial information about yourself. Initiating the status window can be accomplished by uttering 'status window,' 'window,' or 'status,' while terminating it requires a simple 'cancel.']

As this revelation settled in, Alex couldn't help but draw a parallel. 'This feels remarkably akin to the RPG games I used to play in the past,' he mused silently, a sense of wonder accompanying his realization.

Alex called inwardly, "Status window."

In response to his summons, a radiant blue panel materialized before Alex, serving as a transparent window to a realm of vital information. This ethereal interface meticulously detailed various aspects, shedding light on his attributes, progress, and a plethora of critical data.

**<Status Window>**

[ Name: Alex Thorn

Age: 21

Class: Dungeon Ruler (???)

Level: 0 (EXP: 0/100)

HP (Hit-Point): 20

MP (Mana-Point): 10

STR (Strength): 5

AGL (Agility): 4

INT (Intelligence): 3

Skills: None

Shop: Locked

AP (Attribute point): 0

SP (Skill point): 0

DP (Dungeon point): 0 ]

Alex proceeded to meticulously peruse the details presented before him. The overwhelming sense of reality, far removed from any notion of mere hallucination, left him in awe. Yet, as his gaze settled upon his class designation, a perplexing question mark emblem adjacent to it, his brows knitted together in a furrowed display of consternation.

"Why is there a question mark next to my class? Can you please explain?"

[Host currently lacks the necessary authorities.]

"Authorities? Authorities? Damn it! Can you tell me what authorities mean and how I can gain these authorities?"

[...]

The system remained silent for a while before responding.

[The system advises the host to increase his level and power in order to acquire this knowledge. With time, the host will naturally come to understand.]

"Damn You, Fu$# your Authorities." Frustrated, Alex muttered curses under his breath.

[This served as the first warning for the Host not to use inappropriate language against the system. Any future violations would result in severe consequences.]

As cold beads of sweat cascaded down his spine, Alex couldn't help but ponder the strange duality of the system.

On one hand, it possessed the power to grant him a second chance at life and bestow him with remarkable knowledge from the future. On the other hand, it wielded the authority to inflict punishment.

It's a common aspect of human nature to harbor fear of entities or phenomena that possess both greater strength and an air of mystery.

He came to a resolute decision in that moment: he would never utter profanities or curses towards the system again. The thought of incurring its wrath was a risk he couldn't afford to take, considering the vast potential and mysteries that lay ahead.

Alex swore this oath with unwavering determination, determined to navigate this new world without triggering the system's retribution.

So, Alex changed the topic. "System, could you provide an explanation of the information displayed in the status window?"

[Host, the class 'Dungeon Ruler' implies that you have access to dungeons, and in the future, you will gain further understanding.]

Alex inquired further, "What is a Dungeon Ruler?" The system's response left him astounded.

[The concept of a Dungeon Ruler is unique, not falling neatly into a predefined class, yet it's also much more complex than that. Your human brain may find it challenging to grasp fully at this moment,] the system replied.

Alex's face flushed crimson with a mix of confusion and frustration. He might not have been the sharpest tool in the shed in his previous life, but he wasn't one to accept the system jesting at his expense. "What a mischievous system," he muttered under his breath.

"Could you simplify it for my feeble understanding?" Alex requested.

The system obliged, [A Dungeon Ruler is an immensely powerful entity that governs a dungeon. It typically reigns as the dominant and most formidable presence within the dungeon. It's important to note that 'Dungeon Ruler' isn't just a mere title like 'mage' or 'swordsman'; it signifies that you are the one who holds sway over the dungeon's rules and possesses a wide array of associated abilities that means you can learn any skills that are from the dungeon it self.]

Alex's jaw practically hit the floor upon hearing the system's response.

"What! Isn't that ridiculously overpowered?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

[Host! It is indeed quite overpowered.]

Alex found himself torn between laughter and tears at the system's nonchalant reply.

"Wait, so you mean to tell me I can possess all the skills from different classes without actually holding those classes? I can use the skills of fire, and water, and even become a swordsman all at once?" Alex sought confirmation.

"[Yes.]"

"Ha-ha-ha!" Alex broke into a grin that made him look somewhat unhinged, paying little heed to the system's responses. He was on cloud nine, his joy immeasurable.

"For nine years, nine whole years, I didn't have a single class, I resorted to working as an informant for the low-ranking guild known as 'Valiant Vanguard,' and now you're telling me I can wield skills from various classes?" Tears flowed freely from Alex's eyes, his emotions running wild.

He couldn't contain his elation. "I can finally save my family this time," he thought inwardly.

Seeking further clarification, Alex turned to the system and asked, "System, could you please provide me with more details about being a 'Dungeon Ruler' and how I can acquire all these skills?"