Chapter 101: A Knock at the Door

[15th Everdusk 2103] — Evan’s Apartment, Dyna Crest Country, DC-23 City

The sun was already high in the sky when I finally woke up.

Still groggy, I headed to the kitchen, grabbed the leftovers I’d ordered yesterday, and tossed them in the pan to reheat. While the food sizzled, I freshened up, then came back, plating the reheated meal and sitting down to eat while scrolling through news updates on my phone.

I wasn’t browsing randomly.

No—what I was looking for was specific.

“A new dungeon should’ve appeared by now... If I can find one before going back to my second...”

After all, it had been nearly a year since mana dungeons started appearing.

If I could be the first to discover one, there might be rewards waiting.

“There has to be something good out there for me. Since I’ve come back in time, I should at least get a few things right this time.”

Closing the news app, I finished the last bite and cleaned up.

I was just about to check out the Hunter Association to see if there were any ongoing raids—

/THUD!/

A loud bang echoed through my apartment.

“Who the hell is knocking like that this early?”

I moved toward the door, but before I reached it—

/Thud/ /Thud/ /Thud/

The repeated knocking soured my mood fast.

Opening the door, I found myself face-to-face with a familiar grump.

“Why did you open the gate so late, Evan? Getting full of yourself now, huh?”

Standing there with his usual grumpy face was Horace, the owner of the apartment building.

Oh great. It’s rent day.

“Ah, Mr. Horace. Come in, sir. I was just about to—”

“Cut the crap. Where’s the rent? It’s already the sixth, and you’re still squatting here like some freeloading prince!”

I chuckled, brushing off his irritation with a polite tone. “Ah, apologies, sir. I’ve been tied up with school deadlines. But don’t worry—I’ll pay right now. Please, take a seat.”

“Tch. Make it quick. I’ve got other tenants to harass—uh, I mean check on.”

As he slumped into the chair, I handed him a glass of water and pulled up his contact to transfer the rent.

“So,” he said after a sip, “did you awaken a class? You young folks usually do by now, right?”

Ah. There it was.

If I told him I didn’t, he might’ve used it as an excuse to throw me out. But if I told him the truth…

Let’s poke the bear a little.

“Indeed I did, sir. A small D-rank Necromancer class. Already level 14, in fact. Should be able to ascend to Tier 1 within a few months... a year at most.”

His face froze. I could

see

the chill crawling up his spine.

He was one of the unlucky ones—never awakened a class. It changed him. Made him bitter.

“O-Oh, that’s... great. G-Good for you. Hahaha...”

And then he stood.

“Well then! I’ll be going now. Got more, uh,

important tenants

to check on. You stay safe, Evan! And let me know if you need anything, okay? Byeee~~!”

He ran out like a rat fleeing a hungry hawk.

Did he really think I’d kill him just because he was annoying?

“Take care, sir,” I called after him with a smirk. “I’ll personally help you next time!”

With Horace gone, I glanced back at my account balance.

(Remaining Balance:

4910 Points

)

“Down to just four thousand... not great. Guess I better head to CGA and find a raid to join.”

Before I left, I checked my gear.

Duskfang Vest (Enchanted)

Type:

Armor (Chest)

Grade:

Tier 0, Vernis+ (Rank 0)

Description:

A beginner’s chainmail chestplate evolved through expert craftsmanship and refined enchantments. Offers durability and protection far above basic gear—perfect for early-stage adventurers.

Attributes:

• Defense: +20

• Durability:

107/120

(!)

• Weight: Moderate High

Ember Fang (Enchanted)

Type:

Weapon (One-Handed Sword)

Grade:

Tier 0, Vernis+ (Rank 0)

Description:

What was once a mere iron sword has been reborn after merging with the fiery and shadow-infused essence of an Alpha Wolf (Lv. 10). The blade now flickers with dark embers, a fusion of destruction and stealth.

Attributes:

• Attack Power: +20

• Durability:

74/100

(!)

• Weight: Light

Special Effects:

•

Enhanced Fire Strike

– 25% chance to deal an additional 70% of attack power as shady fire-based magic damage.

•

Veiled Predator

– Attacks from stealth or surprise deal 50% increased damage.

“Not bad... they’ve held up well. A few more raids should be fine before I need upgrades.”

I was about to store them in my inventory when a sudden chime rang in my ears.

A system notification popped up in front of me.

[Talent has detected the durab—]

—To be continued—