Chapter 106: You are coming along

Luke lay in his room, one arm tucked beneath his head as he stared at the ceiling.

But in truth, his gaze wasn’t on the ceiling. It was fixed on the instructions provided by the system regarding the dungeon.

[Information regarding dungeon:

Dungeons are pocket dimensions created solely for the host to gain experience and Gamma. Those the host encounters inside are merely fragments of their original selves, the final echoes of souls that were captured and contained.

Because the dungeon exists in a different dimension, time flows unevenly between the two realms. Spending an hour inside the dungeon would only consume ten minutes in the real world.]

[Stages: There are a total of ten levels, each consisting of three to five stages. Completing each stage grants a minor reward, while clearing a level yields a major reward.]

[Rules:

1. The host cannot use the <Shop> feature unless inside a resting zone.

2. To access a resting zone, aside from the initial one provided, the host must pay 100G.

3. Materials found inside the dungeon cannot be brought into the real world unless they are treasure items.

4. Death inside the dungeon incurs a penalty of 200G. If the host lacks sufficient balance, the amount will be deducted later once enough is earned.

5. Additional rules may be added depending on circumstances.]

Luke hummed softly as he went through the information, ensuring he understood everything clearly.

There were less than three hours left before he could access the feature.

He was excited, yes, but one thing disappointed him, the restriction on the Shop feature.

Being able to buy meals and potions without wasting those precious 200 points would have been ideal. Still, this was good enough. He could prepare everything he needed beforehand, and once he earned enough to afford a resting zone, he could consider further purchases.

For now, his priority was simple, rest properly and let his body recover. The less fatigued he was, the lower the chances of drying out and wasting those precious points.

Click

Just then, the door opened, revealing Monica struggling to balance several dishes in her hands.

Luke got up immediately and took a few from her. “You could’ve called me.”

“Your father said you would prefer having your meal alone tonight,” she replied, setting the dishes down on the chair.

There was roasted rabbit leg, thick tomato soup, and bread.

The aroma of herbs and the slight char on the meat filled the room, drawing his full attention.

Luke sat on the bed and picked up the plate of meat.

Monica let out a soft sigh as she sat beside him. Watching him eat so heartily always brought her quiet joy.

“Luke… about Caleb…” she began, her shoulders slumping.

Luke expected her to try convincing him. After all, she was a mother.

But instead, she said, “I understand your stance, and I’m sorry I even thought of asking you to help him.”

Luke hummed in surprise. “While I appreciate that, what made you change your mind?”

Monica kept her gaze lowered, eyes fixed on the ground. “Caleb has insulted you, and it’s no secret he holds an unfair grudge against you. Asking you to help him would have been unfair.”

She glanced at him briefly, her cheeks turning red as she added in a softer voice, “And I can’t tolerate anyone who insults my mate.”

Luke paused.

The way she said it, her fidgeting fingers, the faint blush on her cheeks, it was unfairly adorable.

“You can’t say things like that unless you’re asking to be showered with love,” he said, already debating whether he should hug her with his greasy hands.

Monica giggled softly. “Well, finish your food first. I might have rushed a few things, my mind was a mess.”

Luke shook his head. “You hit every nail perfectly. This is fantastic.” He lifted the bowl and took a sip of the soup.

Monica had been happier these days while cooking. She had always known a variety of dishes, but the lack of proper ingredients and good meat had forced her to settle for whatever was barely edible.

Now, Luke brought her more than enough to work with, allowing her to cook meals she genuinely enjoyed preparing.

Knock

As he continued eating, a knock sounded on the door.

Monica rose from the bed and walked over, opening it to find, “Laila? What are you doing here?” What she didn’t say was why she wasn’t with her mate at a time like this.

Laila didn’t answer. Instead, her gaze shifted past Monica, landing on Luke, who continued eating as if she didn’t exist.

Her fists clenched. She swallowed the pride that usually laced her voice before speaking, “Can we talk once you’re done?”

Luke hummed. “I’m kind of tired today… can it wait?”

Laila’s jaw tightened, anger rising to the surface, but recently, she had learned a few ways to keep her temper in check.

Taking a deep breath, she said, “Just listen to what I have to say and I won’t bother you again. Please.”

Luke hummed and glanced at his mother.

This time, Monica seemed slightly persuasive.

He gave a faint smile. “Alright. Wait for me then.”

Laila nodded and walked away.

Monica sighed, worry clear on her face, but she didn’t stop her. She simply closed the door.

Walking back to the bed, she chose to change the topic, voicing something she had been curious about for a while.

“Tell me something, Luke. Are you actually planning to visit the head tribe?”

Luke nodded with a grin. “Yes, and you’re coming along too.”

Monica blinked in surprise. “Me too?”

Luke shrugged. “It’s not some chaotic jungle. It’s probably the safest place in the region, and you can find plenty of things to buy there.”

Monica groaned, half reluctant. “But bringing me would increase the cost, wouldn’t it?” She knew that if she went, she would end up indulging and make him spend more than he would on his own.

Luke smiled faintly and leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Then… can you live without your mate for several days?”

Monica paused, her heart skipping a beat before settling.

“…I’m coming along too.”

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