Level 3 Target Achieved, Angel's Shelter!

Chen Ming hadn't expected his luck to be this good.

To think he could actually drop a Dungeon Rune Stone.

Although, like attribute runes, they are obtained by killing beasts, the drop rate for a Dungeon Rune Stone is ridiculously low.

If you kill enough beasts, you'll eventually get a few attribute runes.

But for a Dungeon Rune Stone, some class-changers might not even see one in a whole year of hunting.

Comparing the two, it's easy to see just how slim the odds are.

[Comprehensive Dungeon Rune Stone]

[After use, the dungeon location will be marked on the class-changer's personal map!]

To think it's a Comprehensive type, not a Challenge dungeon.

Chen Ming could barely suppress the smirk tugging at his lips.

Dungeons are typically divided into small-scale and large-scale.

Large-scale dungeons are permanent and do not disappear after being cleared.

They are the primary way for class-changers to level up after reaching level 5.

Small-scale dungeons, also known as wild dungeons, are one-time instances.

Despite the "small" in their name, their rewards are often far more generous than those of large-scale dungeons.

Unlike large-scale dungeons, wild dungeons aren't just limited to the Challenge type; they can also be Treasure Hunt, Comprehensive, or Mystery dungeons...

In other words, small-scale dungeons are a class-changer's personal stroke of fortune.

If one manages to find a Dungeon Rune Stone in the wild, especially a Treasure Hunt type, successfully clearing it yields massive benefits.

Looking at the Dungeon Rune Stone in his hand, Chen Ming couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.

While it wasn't the simplest, most rewarding Treasure Hunt dungeon, a Comprehensive dungeon was still a solid find.

[Comprehensive Dungeon Rune Stone used successfully!]

Chen Ming opened his personal panel to check the dungeon's location on the map.

"That's a bit far."

Looking at the marked spot on the map, it was quite a distance from his current position.

It was already deep within the Level One Beast Forest.

Any other low-level class-changer wouldn't dare to venture there so recklessly.

"Once I hit level 5, I'll head to this dungeon first to see what it's all about."

Chen Ming shook his head; for now, he needed to finish today's goal.

[-1!]

[-32!]

[Killed Red-Tailed Fox (lv.3), EXP +26!]

[Obtained: Red-Tailed Fox - Beast Core (lv.3)]

"Just one more to go."

Chen Ming checked the time; with an hour left until dark, he had plenty of time.

He continued his search for level 3 beasts.

However, he encountered a slight complication along the way.

[Black-Armored Rhino]

[Level: lv.5]

[Ability: Rock Armor]

[Description: Its thick, solid black armor can withstand most physical impacts; it favors brute-force charging.]

A level 5 beast, and a Black-Armored Rhino at that.

Chen Ming was only level 2; the stat gap across three levels was already significant.

The real issue was that, just by looking at it, the beast clearly had high defense.

His attacks might not be very effective.

"Might as well try."

[-8!]

[-1!]

Chen Ming tested an attack, but the damage was pathetic.

Without a moment's hesitation, he turned around and ran.

Even if he could eventually grind the Black-Armored Rhino to death, he would likely be left in a near-critical state himself.

Not worth it.

[-1!]

[-30!]

[Killed Blue-Striped Weasel (lv.3), EXP +25!]

[Obtained: Blue-Striped Weasel-Beast Core (lv.3)]

[Congratulations! You have leveled up to level 3! (350 EXP required for next level)]

"Objective achieved."

Chen Ming rubbed his palms, which had gone somewhat numb.

"Two levels in one day since changing classes; a top-three spot for the first day is definitely secure."

He looked at his class panel.

[Name]: Chen Ming
[Class]: Shield Guard
[Level]: 3
[Strength]: 35
[Constitution]: 1121/1800 (20%)
[Recovery]: 169 (13%)
[Agility]: 30
[Mental Power]: 357 (19%)
[Skills]:
[C-Rank-Hardened (lv.3)]
[SSS-Rank Defense (Max Level)]

"Time to head back."

The setting sun began to dip below the horizon in the suburbs outside the city.

Chen Ming spotted the silhouette of the city perimeter from afar.

He could see many people finishing their day of leveling and returning from the safe zone.

Some were happy, others were dejected.

Most had started the day full of confidence, only to find that after a full day, they hadn't even reached level 2.

Having walked only a few steps, Chen Ming unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance.

It was none other than the only current member of his Morning Light Squad, Qin Zhixue.

She had clearly just finished a day of combat, dressed in a long robe shimmering with a faint light, reinforced with metal plating, and holding a long sword.

Perhaps due to awakening as a Holy Radiance Angel, even though Qin Zhixue was covered in gear, one could still sense a unique aura about her.

Chen Ming had assumed that an SS-Rank Class-Changer like Qin Zhixue would choose to solo-grind.

But it seemed that wasn't the case.

Behind her followed a young girl with curved eyebrows and bright, large eyes.

"Chen Ming?"

Qin Zhixue had also spotted Chen Ming and looked over.

The young girl looked over as well.

Chen Ming nodded and smiled in response, preparing to greet them.

However, he noticed that both of them were looking at him with a hint of strangeness in their eyes.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that..."

Chen Ming felt puzzled, noticing them scrutinizing his body.

He looked down to check, only then realizing his current appearance...

It was somewhat unsightly.

With holes and torn pant legs, his entire outfit could only be described as shredded.

He had gotten too carried away fighting beasts in the forest and had completely forgotten about it.

His combat style was pure physical brawling, and on top of that, he wasn't wearing any Constitution-boosting gear.

His clothes were naturally unable to withstand the wear and tear of a full day of combat.

As the wind blew, his tattered trousers fluttered, making him look like a beggar...

It seemed that equipment boosting physique was indispensable; he had to buy some today!

Chen Ming made up his mind.

"Pfft, you look so disheveled..."

Qin Zhixue seemed amused by Chen Ming's appearance, covering her mouth with the back of her hand as her lips curled upward.

She could sense that Chen Ming was in good condition and hadn't suffered any serious injuries, which was why she teased him slightly.

Chen Ming gave an awkward laugh.

The next second, he felt a radiance suddenly descend upon him.

A faint rosy glow clung to his body like a Feather Garment.

Light swirled above his head, and a pair of translucent wings even faintly appeared on his back.

He was stunned for a moment before realizing this was the class talent of Qin Zhixue's Holy Radiance Angel—[Angel's Shelter]!

[All stats and abilities for the entire team +20%!]

The Feather Garment covered his shredded outfit, and his entire demeanor even became somewhat ethereal and refined.

Looking at his 'brand new' appearance, Chen Ming couldn't help but sigh.

It had to be said, an SS-rank class was just different.

Not to mention the stat bonuses.

The magnificent visual effects alone were beyond what any ordinary class could compare to.

Others fought with holy light shining down or grand rains of swords.

Unlike him, who just swung a blade and went at it, completely wild.