For the next 5 days, Kuro skipped classes to train as he had no needs for subjects such as math. He only attends the chakra theory and physical training class. Inochi-sensei confronted him, but he silenced him by using mathematics and sciences that far surpassed the academy's level.
Taking the opportunity, Kuro also dropped out of the other courses on the condition that he pass the exams held three months later. If he fails any, he would have to attend all the classes whether he likes it or not.
He started the three climbing exercises to further improve his chakra control. Tree climbing required more concentration and chakra control than water walking. Many times, he fell and hit his head.
Kuro also spends time relaxing and lazing around. He feels 'weird' if he doesn't relax.
Kuro also increased his mastery of Shadow Possession to 45%. He could feel that his control of his shadow has gotten better, but he can also feel that his progress is slowing down.
'Status' Kuro brought up his status to see his progress.
…
Name: Kuro Nara
Level: 2
Class: None
Title: Pervert
HP: 100
Chakra: 250
Tiredness: 0
[Stat]
Strength: 10
Stamina: 11
Agility: 9
Intelligence: 82
Perception: 10
(Available points to distribute: 40)
[Skills]
Passive skills:
- (Unknown) Lv. Max
- Tenacity Lv. 3
- Chakra Control Lv. 3
- Meditation Technique Lv. 2
Active skills:
- Dash Lv. 3
- Shadow Possession (45%)
…
There were some improvements in his strength, stamina, and agility. Some of his skills have leveled up from constant usage. The most significant improvement was his chakra. Since practicing his chakra control, his chakra has improved by more than 50%. He still doesn't know how much 250 in Chakra means since he doesn't have anyone to compare with.
Kuro doesn't bother talking with the kids in his class as he sees them as too childish. The only other person he could potentially talk to was Kurenai, but after the fiasco, she hasn't talked with him, and there is a rumor that she would be dropping out as her father would be teaching her at home.
Kuro closed the status screen with a satisfied look on his face.
"I think this is enough training. Let's try tackling a dungeon. I haven't received any more dungeon keys from the random rewards. All I received were food items and water. They would be useful in situations where food and water are difficult to find, but they do not increase my strength."
Kuro made his way back to his house before settling down and bringing out the dungeon key.
'How do I use it?' Kuro thought before a screen appeared in front of him.
Tti-ring!
[Would you like to use the dungeon key? Note that you cannot leave the dungeon until you have defeated the boss or found a return crystal.]
'Yes'
[Dungeon key used]
There was a bright flash from the key before the surroundings completely changed.
[Welcome to the dungeon, 'The Den'.]
Looking around, Kuro saw that he seemed to be underground in some sort of cave.
Kuro quickly assessed his surroundings. The walls of the cave were jagged and dark, with faintly glowing mushrooms scattered across the floor.
The air smelled damp and stagnant, and the echo of dripping water filled the silence. His senses were heightened, alert for any threats that might be lurking in the shadows.
He inspected the dungeon's layout. The narrow passage in front of him led deeper into the cave.
Kuro checked his inventory and brought out the katana.
…
[Item: Hephaestus Katana]
Attack +50
A katana casually crafted by Hephaestus to imitate weapons he saw some foreign warriors use. The sword can be infused with chakra to strengthen or repair itself. Once infused, depending on the amount, the sword became indestructible and sharp enough to cut the chains that sealed the Titans.
…
Kuro finally looks at the katana that has been collecting dust in his inventory and gulps.
"Dam, this thing is strong af." Kuro couldn't help but be excited. Having such a weapon that can repair itself would save him a lot of Ryo. Shinobi gears are not cheap.
Taking a deep breath, Kuro moved forward with the katana. The faint glow from the mushrooms illuminated the path.
The winding passage was narrow, and Kuro had to move carefully to avoid tripping over loose rocks.
The deeper he went, the more he could sense the presence of something nearby. Suddenly, there was a rustle in the shadows.
Kuro's instincts kicked in as he jumped back, narrowly avoiding a large rock thrown at him from the darkness. His training is paying off.
Emerging from the darkness was a creature with glowing yellow eyes. It was a large, shadowy figure with the body of a lizard but with rocky, armored skin. The creature hissed, baring sharp, jagged teeth as it slowly crept toward Kuro, its claws clicking against the stone ground.
Kuro raised the katana, taking a battle stance. He waited a little more, but no more creatures showed up. Seeing the chance, he made a hand sign.
'Shadow Possession Jutsu!'
Due to the nature of the dark environment, the shadow speed was incredibly fast and locked the creature in place.
Kuro raised his hand that was holding the katana and infused it with chakra. A faint blue aura surrounded the katana. The creature imitates his actions.
Kuro directed chakra to his feet, ready to pounce on the creature. He then made a T-pose, and the creature imitated the pose. Once the creature was fully open to attacks, he canceled the Shadow Possession Jutsu and rushed in to attack. The creature, locked into performing the T-pose, had no time to reach before the katana cut it in half.
[You have slain 1 Armoured Lizard]
[You have gained EXP]
[You have leveled up]
[You have leveled up]
Kuro looks at the disappearing lizard and at the katana. He was mesmerized by the katana's sharpness.
"As expected from a weapon forged by a god, even casually. It is strong.' Kuro murmured, appreciating the weapon even more.
'Let's move forward.'
Kuro pressed forward as he glanced around the cavern, looking for any other threats.
He met more Armored Lizards along the way and leveled up 2 more times. It seems that more EXP is needed to level up after each level up.
The Armored Lizards seem to be solitary creatures, as Kuro has never met them in a group of 2 or more.
The path beyond the cavern led further into the depths of the dungeon. The air grew colder, and the shadows seemed deeper. The passage of the cave seems to get bigger the deeper he goes. At one point, he can no longer see the walls of the cave passage.
Kuro continued his steady march deeper into the dungeon. He finally saw a new creature after a few minutes. The creature was a small, humanoid creature with pale green skin, pointed ears, a large, flat nose, sharp teeth, and beady eyes. It wears a ragged cloth that barely covers its private.
"Goblin?' Kuro thought. 'If my isekai memories serve right, these creatures are weak but usually live in a giant group. If there is one, there are probably more around. Just like roaches. The dungeon being called 'The Den' probably means 'Goblin Den'."
Kuro prepares for a more difficult fight as Shadow Possession Jutsu is useless at his current mastery against a group of enemies.