The energy in the portal zone was palpable. Hundreds of students, buzzing with a mix of excitement and trepidation, gathered before a shimmering array of teleportation portals. Their instructors and teachers stood by, a silent presence of authority and guidance. Out of the five hundred new students, only two hundred had chosen to enter the portals, the rest opting for safer, teacher-led training.
"These are beginner-level portals," an instructor announced, his voice projecting clearly. "There is nothing to worry about, but remain cautious. Even common-class monsters can harm and even kill beginners if they are not careful." He gestured towards the swirling vortexes. "Each of you should form groups and enter the designated beginner dungeons. Common-class monsters reside within, so while the risk is low, vigilance is key."
However, an exception was made for those who wished to go solo. "There are eight solo dungeons available for those who wish to brave them alone," the instructor added.
A decisive aura emanated from Tang Nia as she stepped forward. "Frost Land Dungeon," she declared, and with a cool stride, she vanished into the shimmering portal.
Next, Xiao Luo stepped up, a glint in his eye. "Lightning Wrath Dungeon." He too disappeared into the swirling energy.
Li Zai, his expression grim, approached the portals. "Tomb of Darkness Dungeon," he stated, his voice low, before stepping through.
Bai Jin, with his characteristic confident smile, chose his path. "Tamer's Legend Dungeon," he announced, before entering.
Finally, it was Lu Kai's turn. He considered his F-Class Platinum affinity, his relatively low observed combat strength compared to his roommates, and the need to understand his unique abilities. "Goblin Den Dungeon," he chose, a decision that felt instinctual. He stepped into the portal, the world dissolving around him.
He found himself in a dimly lit, rocky cavern. The air was thick with the stench of decay. His mission parameters flashed before his eyes: **Dungeon Task: Kill 5 Goblins (0/5). Dungeon Class: W.**
Lu Kai paused. He had never heard of a "W" class dungeon. It sounded far from beginner level.
The Authy System's voice, usually so matter-of-fact, carried a note of urgency. **"Host, this is not a common-level dungeon. This is a World Level Dungeon."**
Lu Kai's divine mind reeled. A World Level Dungeon? How could he possibly return if he was in a place of such magnitude?
**"Your objective,"** the system continued, **"is to clear the whole World Quest, then return to where you belong."**
The quest was clear, but the implications were staggering. Before he could fully process the system's message, the sounds of guttural growls echoed through the cavern. Five goblins, crude and menacing, emerged from the shadows, their eyes fixed on him.
Lu Kai reacted instinctively. Drawing upon the raw power that even the system couldn't fully suppress, he unleashed a technique he hadn't fully controlled before – a powerful, devastating strike that felt like it could shake mountains. The "Mountain Shaking Fist Technique" (as the system likely registered it) slammed into the goblins, obliterating them in a blur of motion.
Immediately, notifications flooded his vision: **Dungeon Mission Successful. Goblins killed: 5/5. Quest Complete.**
But then, a new, alarming message flashed across his vision: **WARNING: There are no goblins in this world. These goblins were created by the dungeon. Dungeon Collapse Error.**
The very cavern around him began to twist and distort, the rocky walls shimmering like a faulty hologram. The ground beneath him dissolved, and Lu Kai felt himself being pulled, not back to the academy, but somewhere entirely unknown.
**To be continued...**