Chapter 3: User Wins

(Hogwarts)

"Curious," Albus Dumbledore muttered as he looked at the tray of silver trinkets that monitored the life signs of Harry Potter. After Arabella's call, Dumbledore thought it prudent to look into the matter first hand. First was checking to see if his trinkets were malfunctioning.

Unlikely a thought as it was, Albus was relieved to discover they were all in working order. When that matter was checked off the list, the elderly wizard moved on to the next course of action.

Apparating on Privet Drive had been easy enough, trying not to stand out was a tad trickier. While better at blending in and more knowledgeable than the average wizard in regards to the muggle world, Albus had to admit that his knowledge on the current fashion trend was quite limited. The only saving grace in being nearly a hundred and fifty years old, which was the muggle equivalent of fifty to seventy years, was him being able to claim that he held a fondness and preferences for the older styles when asked about his out of the ordinary attire. Not that Dumbledore really adhered to social norms.

Fortunately for him the street appeared empty and Albus considered himself even more fortunate that the Dursleys weren't home. Correspondence from Arabella made him reluctant in facing Petunia again after being made aware that Lily's sister had likely not outgrown her childhood jealousy of magic. Jealousy that had potentially turned into dislike, and maybe, but hopefully not, hate.

However, Dumbledore's hands were tied. Moving Harry away from the Dursleys would pose more risks as the wards and blood protection made it a safe haven none with ill intent could penetrate.

Nothing physical had ever been reported, nor were there ever be a chance for the idea to cross their minds, something Dumbledore had seen to years ago when Arabella informed him about nearby neighbors of a rather abusive household.

Waving his wand, Dumbledore walked through the open door of the Dursley house and began his task. Without a word did the door close behind him and the headmaster began to wave an intricate weave of spells throughout the household for anything out of the ordinary. Or, out of the ordinary by wizard standards, that is.

Minutes passed and the lack of response had the elderly wizard breathe a sigh of relief. No malevolent forces lingered and none nearby were detected either. The man could confidently say that dark forces had nothing to do with Harry's unusual disappearance.

But his sense of ease had yet to be fully restored. Evil had no hold on this house, it would be extremely hard pressed, but Albus had seen the impossible more than he cared to admit in his lifetime. Not all of them good, too.

Yet knowing where Harry was remained to be answered.

"Just like his father and grandfather," he fondly remembered with a laugh, "Always creating some kind of excitement or another intentionally or not."

But he liked a challenge. The man believed it was likely one of the few better traits he managed to retain from his youth. Leaving the house, Dumbledore continued on with his search around the neighbourhood and would double back just in case before returning to Hogwarts. His instincts told him that while nothing foul was afoot, something odd was happening nonetheless.

With his mind at ease, Albus hummed a cheery tune and went on his merry way in search of the last Potter. His previous worry gone and his mind steadfast on the notion that Harry would be found well and in good health.

(Meanwhile in the Underground Dungeon)

Item Quality

Simply put, item quality is a relative indicator of how good an item is compared to another. The quality indicator is most often seen with a rank beside the name of the item. There are seven types of item qualities in the world.

Note: The higher the quality the greater the requirements needed to use it properly before being able to master it, not in all cases, however.

Poor Quality:

Items that are considered the worst of the worst and barely even worth using, seen as junk by many. Such items are made of shady materials, poor craftsmanship, has rusted over, or been worn down so badly that it can no longer be used properly. Items of this quality can be recycled for parts to make better items or still be used for tasks such as combat, but for the latter one should not expect much as they usually have a flaw that give them a short lifespan.

Common Quality:

These are common items of decent quality that many use every day. Most items that fit into this category are basic everyday tools and ingredients, and some other forms of mundane weaponry and armor.

Uncommon Quality:

These are the uncommon items, not everyone has them but they are known to exist nonetheless. Most items that fit into this category are basic magic spells, or more sophisticated weaponry and items that may or may not have minor enchantments.

Rare Quality:

Items of this quality are either somewhat difficult or expensive to come by. Most usually grant an ability or a great attribute booster for the user, or are made from materials that are difficult to acquire or buy, or require a certain level of skill to create.

Very Rare Quality:

These items are considered the rarest of the rare. Items of this quality are incredibly difficult to come by and create, though not considered one of a kind they are generally very limited in supply. Such items contain higher forms of enchantments that few can replicate or possess capabilities only the highly gifted can successfully infuse.

Epic Quality:

Items that are a second to none except when compared to legendary quality items. Items of this quality are so few and in between due to the methods of creating them being either a closely guarded secret or their ingredients are held under lock and key almost zealously, come from very dangerous or incredibly rare and elusive creatures, or the materials are situated in extremely dangerous locations few dare to tread.

Legendary Quality:

These items are considered legendary artifacts due to the sheer power and one-of-a-kind abilities they possess or are capable of granting individuals or things. Many a times have these artifacts played a role in shaping history in one way or another and can either appear as mundane objects to disguise themselves before their true form is revealed. Chances of coming across items of this quality are one million to one and only those with incredible levels of luck are said to be able to find these. Owing one is both the envy of many but also marks you as a target for death. Items such as The Waters of the Lady of the Lake, Merlin's Staff, Death's Mantle, Megingjörð, The Amenonuhoko of Izanagi, Ruyi Jingu Bang of Sun Wokung, Caladbolg, The Sword of Mars, or the Horn of Brân Galed fell under this category. Some but not all of these items possess a form of sentience and will that only allowed specific individuals to wield or summon them.

"Interesting," Harry noted, killing time until the flames died down enough to not burn him like dry straw doused in accelerant. The young adventurer wanted a better understanding of his powers and what better way then by browsing the [Manual]. It was Player 101, really.

"What else is there?" he wondered and continued to browse.

Skill/Item Modifier

Much like [Attributes], Skill/Item Modifiers play a critical role when it comes to helping an adventurer, this is especially so when it comes to the effectiveness and power of a skill or item used. However, not all skills or items, usually the lowest tier ones, have modifiers. In most cases, the higher the rank the likelier a modifier will be present. Some modifiers increase over time when said skill or item is upgraded or if another item upgrades it instead. And, in addition, some have more than one modifier. Modifiers are based on both a person's attributes and the ranking of the modifier. There are six skill modifier ranks in total: E to S.

S – Rank Modifier: Attribute * 3

A – Rank Modifier: Attribute * 2

B – Rank Modifier: Attribute * 1.5

C – Rank Modifier: Attribute * 1

D – Rank Modifier: Attribute * .50

E – Rank Modifier: Attribute * .25

Maximum/Mastered Level

Mastering a skill to its utmost level takes time and dedication. For skills at the basic level it isn't so bad but each upgrade takes greater time and dedication, but it's very beneficial for the user. Not only will it allow one to not only spend less time preparing a technique but it also allows you to create your own variants of the technique, too. Mastering certain techniques can even add a bonus stat, unlock a hidden function, drastically reduce the cost of MP or STA needed, increase the strength, or the duration of it. It should be noted that not all of them have this. Additionally, some techniques can be mastered but variations can't be created or will be more difficult to master due to higher power and requirements needed.

Keep in mind that the higher the rank of the technique the harder and longer it is to master. However, certain variables come into play. Depending on a number of variables, the length of mastering techniques that have no rank can go either way.

Mastering Speed Index

E–Rank (Very Slow)

D–Rank (Slow)

C–Rank (Average)

B–Rank (Fast)

A–Rank (Very Fast)

S–Rank (Extremely Fast)

Titles

Titles are benefits given to individuals either through the deeds they have accomplished such as swordsmanship, due to their lineage such as being the descendant of a powerful or famous clan or house member, or for slaying a particular type of foe such as undead, insects, or humans. Titles, unlike perks, can be removed and replaced by the bearer at will (except in dungeons or in the middle of a fight). Initially a person is only capable of holding three titles but the amount increases by one every twenty-fifth level.

Attribute/Stat Points

Attribute Points, or AP for short, also known as Stat Points, are essential to any adventurer as it allows them to increase their Attributes (except for DEF). Attribute Points are generally earned whenever a person levels up, however, there are items and quests that grant Attribute Points as well. Once applied, Attribute Points cannot be readjusted with, so be cautious and think before applying them.

Ordinary Perks

To begin, Ordinary Perks are benefits the holder has that increase their overall capabilities. Most perks are something that the person is born with such as being naturally flexible, intelligent or talented in a particular field; a person's lineage is generally considered a perk. Ordinary Perks are capable to change over time, but can change for the better or for worse. Perks, despite their boons, can also be lost depending on circumstances such as brain damage or the loss of a limb.

Similar to Attribute Points, Ordinary Perk Points, or OPP for short, are used to gain ordinary perks – with certain exceptions – once a certain amount of OPP has been gained. However, unlike ordinary AP, only one OPP is gained every fifteenth level up – where the OPP list becomes available – and sometimes when completing certain high-level quests (the more difficult the quest is the greater chance of gaining OPP). In addition, OPP can also be used to enhance certain Ordinary Perks, too, the maximum level being five.

Special Perks and Special Perk Points

Special Perks are perks that are usually unique to the user due to their bloodline such Druidic, Draconic, Valkyrian, Shapeshifter, or powerful passive/active abilities like the Gamer, Awakener, Upgrader, Enhancer, Assessor, Navigator, or Necromancer. Special Perks allow users to use blood related skills or use common skills in ways no one else but them can. Much like Ordinary Perks, Special Perks can change overtime and be lost depending on circumstances.

Similar to Attribute Points, Special Perk Points, or SPP for short, are used to gain special perks – certain bloodline limits excluded – once a certain amount of SPP has been gained. However, unlike ordinary AP, only one SPP is gained every thirtieth level up – where the SPP list becomes available – and sometimes when completing certain high-level quests (the more difficult the quest, the greater chance of gaining SPP). In addition, SPP can also be used to enhance certain Special Perks, too, the maximum level being five.

|Special Note!|

Think carefully when choosing your perks, as once chosen and assigned the perks will remain and cannot be removed without consequences! Consequences will vary depending on factors such as the perk and its level, as well as the individual's level, too!

"That's handy," being only nine levels from reaching level fifteen, Harry made a mental note to keep an eye on whatever perk would benefit him the most. A common mistake made by newbie game players, Harry had been guilty of this as well, was choosing a perk that didn't really benefit their playing style down the line and being stuck with it or it costing them an arm and a leg to undo it.

Having enough for now, Harry dismissed the pop up and moved his gaze back down to the ledge. The fires down below remained but were more akin to a series of small scattered camp fires than a burning field.

"About bloody time," Harry lost count of the times his leg went numb on him. Climbing down the path he used to come up, which was much easier and quicker thanks to his newly acquired gloves, Harry looked around for whatever loot had been left by the defeated Kobolds.

Collecting the loot had been quick and easy, however, except for a few stone knives, Harry was disappointed that he wasn't so lucky in getting any decent equipment loot this time around. But the young boy had to admit that the [Underground Edible Mushroom] was welcomed. The item was the first health and stamina restoration loot he managed to acquire and would restore a decent amount of health when consumed – decent for a low-level adventurer that is.

Setting off from there, Harry began to go into a routine: find monsters, kill monsters, collect loot, avoid traps, disarm traps for EXP, look around for treasure and then rinse and repeat. But it didn't mean it was easy.

"Piss off!" Harry shouted and smacked the pest as hard as he could, the act had the Miner land on his back in a daze. Downed and vulnerable like a bird after striking a window head on, Harry rained downed kick after kick on the creature and stomped as hard as he could on its head to get it to dissipate into light. The act would seem cruel and worrisome but [Gamer's Mind] and his desire to live pushed those thoughts away.

"Gah!" Harry grunted, his arm shaking from the force that struck his shield and part of his exposed leg. All action on the downed creature ceased and Harry cursed more and ran for cover as quickly as he could as rocks flew at him with incredible speed. The stones flew passed the boy who just barely managed to dive and duck behind a series of stalagmites that offered ample protection and covered his form from view.

"Great. Just great," Harry cursed, spotting the magic flinging kobold from his cover.

Kobold Geomancers were by far the most annoying enemies Harry had so far encountered in this dungeon. Their magic wasn't all that powerful but it did allow them to create distance and distract him when engaged in close combat. Their spells also packed a decent punch against beginners. Their presence also lowered the chances of successfully intimidating his foes and even then, the effects of his [Intimidation] skill were weakened if it took hold.

So far Harry had only seen two spells used: [Stone Fling] and [Stonewall]. The former being an offensive that sent a volley of enchanted stone missiles at him and the latter being a defensive spell that ended up doing exactly what it sounded like.

Having defeated three Geomancers already, Harry was quick to learn that [Stone Fling] was like a bow and arrow: better for long distance. Truthfully the defensive spell was the more annoying of the two. Harry wasn't going to forget unexpectedly smacking his face into one almost at full speed any time soon, nor was his dislike for the spell going to disappear either.

This was not only because [Stonewall] prevented him from reaching and ending a target, but Harry's lack of long-ranged skills also meant he had to sacrifice a stone knife just to interrupt its conjuring. The sudden appearance of the [Weapon-Throwing Mastery] skill for repeatedly doing so didn't come as much of a surprise.

Luckily, Harry had picked up they couldn't conjure more than one at a time and it took time to raise up another. That they generally used the defensive spell on themselves instead of their allies was also welcomed knowledge.

But even then, Geomancers remained tricky to deal with and their defeat required a little more thought. Ambushing them would have been one of the better ways to do it, but it was easier said than done given they were accompanied by either two or three lower level Kobolds. It made it difficult for Harry to catch them off guard and defeating the spellcasting underground vermin quickly.

"Skree!"

"Oh, come on!" shield raised to block the pickaxe it used a weapon from piercing his body, Harry grunted from the recoil he felt. Small as it was compared to Harry, though not by much, the Miner's strength was greater than Harry's own. Currently, the only physical advantage Harry had was greater speed. Personally, Harry would have preferred keeping a hold of the AP and used them when a decent amount managed to be collected.

"Stupid heat of the moment," he groused, blocked, ducked, and then counter-kicked the creature in the chest into the rows of stone rising columns. Knife in hand, Harry slashed and hacked as quickly as he could.

"Damn it all!" Harry shouted in frustration, knife breaking and becoming useless. Grabbing another, Harry blinked as he saw the ceiling and offed the moment his back struck the hard floor.

Lightly dazed, Harry was then assaulted by the strikes of the angry Miner. Incapable of properly blocking the blows from his current position, especially when it then started attacking his legs, Harry lashed out with a kick that only served to create some distance.

"Better than nothing," at least now Harry could get up.

BANG!

"Waa!"

Only to curl up into a ball and hide behind his shield as best he could when a miniature explosion caused the nearby stalagmites to scatter and act like shrapnel. Harry grunted felt his body ache as many bits of stone struck his protective barrier.

|WARNING! WARNING! SHIELD IS NOW BELOW 25% DURABILITY!|

"Perfect!" while he managed to save himself from losing a great chunk of health points, that blast now put his best means of defense in the red zone. The only upside from it all was that it took care of his assailant in the process.

"Where'd that come from anyway?" Harry wondered, staying low and hopefully out of sight from whatever caused the small explosion.

|Discutio/Shatter|

Discutio, more commonly known in the English language as Shatter, is a minor spell that unleashes a strong concussive force. The spell possesses many uses such as imitating a very small explosion if striking the ground or solid surface or causing objects to spread like shrapnel, or when struck on another it can send them flying dozens of feet away, and even cause negative status effects if unprepared. A weapon enchanted with this spell in addition causes piercing damage, or enhances it further in the case of piercing weapons, which ignores and even takes away a good portion of defence and can even cause a knock-back effect, too.

While the spell is one of the more powerful of the arcane arts that a beginner can learn, it is quite taxing due to the amount of energy and focus required and therefore usually only used by those with a little more experience, or as a last resort. However, learning it makes it easier to cast more powerful spells of a similar nature.

"Fantastic," that was all Harry needed, a spell caster flinging magical explosions his way. It didn't take a genius to know that direct hit was not going to end well, and even if he managed to block the spell that was it for his shield.

Chancing a glimpse to see where it was, Harry was surprised to see the Kobold heavily panting and leaning on its pickaxe. Harry thought the bipedal underground dweller looked like Dudley after completing a dash exercise at school, and a quick use of [Observe] revealed why this was.

"Exhaustion [Minor]?"

|Exhaustion|

Though the gift of having large amounts of magic or stamina grants many boons, one shouldn't take it lightly or abuse it left, right, and center, as one can become exhausted or weakened for exerting themselves too much.

Exhaustion, whether it be Magical or Mundane, like every other condition, comes in three phases: Minor, Moderate, and Severe. Each phase occurs when the user's energy pool reaches zero and an additional one-third of that pool is used in excess. As a result, the individual's [Fatigue Level] will exponentially increase. Minor Exhaustion can be taken care of with simple rest and a meal or even a minor potion, while Moderate and Severe on the other hand will not be as easy to rectify due to how life-hampering and life-threatening they can be. Though rare, individuals who push themselves well-beyond the Severe level can suffer from [Total Exhaustion], a condition with death being the highest probability even with the aid of magic, potions, doctors or healers.

For those who survive, many will suffer from extreme conditions such as [Crippled], and for those that can use magic [Damaged Core], a condition where their ability to use magic will forever be hampered.

"Bad luck for you," Harry took the opportunity that presented itself and charged at the weakened Kobold. The creature was too pooped and caught off guard to properly defend itself from the onslaught that Harry dished out. The weakened creature tried swing its pickaxe but barely managed to lift its arms before Harry swiped its right leg from under it.

"Critical Strike!" Harry called out and slashed at the downed creature's head over and over until it finally disappeared. Adrenaline pumping, Harry quickly looked around for what else was to come and was glad to see no new enemies present.

"Oof," Harry said, "This is harder than gym class."

Taking out the [Edible Underground Mushroom], the glasses wearing boy began to eat and recover his lost health as he thought about his next move.

"Dungeons have bosses," Harry knew that was a given, "will I be ready to fight one?"

Aside from his DEX, Harry's attributes were low and his skill set was pretty basic. Yet already had he faced a creature with a spell likely capable of taking more than half his health points on a direct hit.

Harry doubted he'd be lucky for whatever he'd encounter to become affected by the [Exhaustion] debuff. Bosses in general were tougher, smarter, and had stamina to spare compared to ordinary enemies. He'd have to get one flinging spells at him like no tomorrow to even get a chance.

"Wonder how far I am?... Worth a shot," while only a bit disappointed that no map appeared as he'd hoped, it was no skin off his nose. Checking his inventory, Harry frowned when he realized he was getting low on equipment.

"Only three knives left, and that's not including the equipped one," if push came to shove, Harry would use the baseball bat he nicked from his cousin's room. However, above all else, Harry needed a decent weapon. A good three or five enemies and he'd level up again, but a decent weapon or even a spell or skill would go a long way in simplifying things.

Getting up, Harry did what he always did after clearing an area of enemies and began to collect the dropped loot. Aside from gaining a couple of stone knives and the odd pound and fifty pence, Harry saw no decent drops to aid in his predicament.

"Lady Luck left me it seems," he sighed and would have begun the process of leaving the area had Goldtooth's Goldtooth not given him the ability to see well in the dark. Hanging almost thirty feet above him was a dangling crate, a Kobold trap. It didn't take Harry long to find the path on the wall to reach said crate and lower it down to floor.

|For successfully disarming a [Basic Kobold Overhead Trap], you've gained 110 EXP!

"Good. Now I only need to end a couple of Miners," a Cave Fisher would have been nice, but Harry didn't want or felt wholly prepared to handle that kind of enemy and while he had seen a few holes they likely inhabited, the boy was fortunate he had not encountered any again.

"Now then. What 'ave we here?" Harry said in a terrible Cockney accent. "Two small jars of [Poisonous Spiders]. Two small jars of [Fear Inducing Centipedes]. And a jar of [Sticky Slime]. Could be worse," while not the greatest find, Harry believed they'd work well when in a pinch. The spiders could poison enemies, the centipedes could induce the fear related debuff, and the sticky slime not only impaired a creature's movement to almost a crawl but was flammable, too.

"Going to need a new torch then," memory reminding the boy of the last one being sacrificed a while back. Grabbing the nearest torch, Harry looked was about to walk away until he saw something that brightened his day.

Basic Kobold Excavation Pick – Common Quality

Weapon Type: Piercing

Item Modifier Rank: STR [D]

Durability: 36/40

Attack Power: 12-15 + [Modifier] + [Piercing Weapons Mastery] = 19.04-22.4

Description: A small, common kobold-made pickaxe used to mining and excavating mineral and ore veins pockets deep in the earth. While crude in its design it is no less effective and is a common weapon used by Kobold Miners. However, due to its small size, capable of being held by a human in one hand, the pickaxe is ill suited when trying to mine the rarer and tougher ore veins.

Bonus Stats: +5% Effectiveness and EXP Increase towards Mining Skill, [Armor Piercer: Lv 1]

Requirements: 10 STR

Armor-Piercer

Weapons can cut, smash, pierce through armor, hides as well as both organic and inorganic materials if the user has the right skills, perks, and strength required. Those who lack these necessities, however, will find themselves hard-pressed when facing foes with high defence and armored. While one can use magic, as it ignores one's physical defense, those who have none will find that while damage can still occur, the outcome can leave much to be desired if you have lower attributes and if using certain weapons.

Armor-Piercer is a trait that enables one to ignore and pierce through armor with greater ease and comes in five levels. Level one enabling one to ignore 10% of the target's defence, reduce the target's armor's durability by two per hit, and can easily puncture through light to heavy class armor of Poor, Common and Uncommon Quality, while the final level ignores 50% of the target's defence, reduce the target's armor's durability by ten per hit and can damage armor ranked as Legendary made from equally rare metals such as Deepmetal, Orichalcum, Draconite, Starmetals, Mythril and other materials highly resilient to various forms of damage.

|Congratulations!|

|New information regarding armor and defense had been made available!| |You've gained 110 EXP!|

|Congratulations!|

|Your level has gone up by one!|

Status Window

Name: Harry James Potter

Job: N/A

Level: 7 Next Level: 14/4500

HP: 225 + [25] ~ 250

STA: 275 + [25] ~ 300

MP: 500 + [50] ~ 550

STR: 7 + [1] ~ 8

VIT: 9 + [1] ~ 10

DEX: 25 + [1] ~ 26

END: 11 + [1] ~ 12

INT: 16 + [1] ~ 17

WIS: 16 + [1] ~ 17

CHA: 11 + [1] ~ 12

SPI: 20 + [2] ~ 22

LUK: ? + [1] ~ ?

Attribute Points: 0 + [2] ~ 2

|ERROR! ERROR!|

|NECESSARY EQUIPMENT WIELDING REQUIREMENTS NOT MET!|

|DAMAGE, SPEED, AND ABILITIES PENALTIES WILL OCCUR IF EQUIPPED!|

Harry frowned, as this now meant he needed to spend his newly acquired AP on STR, but Harry had no choice. The weapon was the sorely needed as it wouldn't break or lose its durability like dry brittle noodles. After applying them, Harry equipped his new weapon without delay and couldn't help himself for what came next, " Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho! It's off to work I go!" and whistled the rest as he left the area.

|Wisteria Walk; Little Whinging|

"Albus!" Arabella couldn't help but gawk as the esteemed headmaster of Hogwarts walked into her home, "What are you doing here?" she asked, closing the door behind.

"Good evening, Arabella," the man greeted, and after entering then spotted a small bowl with muggle candy in it, "You don't mind if I–"

"Oh, no, help yourself. May be a bit stale mind you," she added but it did little to deter the Hogwarts Headmaster from popping one into his mouth and savoring the taste, "Have you found him?"

"Regrettably, no."

"NO! Well, then, what are you bloody here and not searching for that poor boy!" Albus Bloody Dumbledore or not the woman had half a mind to knock some sense into the man with a bag full of cat-cans.

"Arabella, Harry is in no danger, I assure you," the man informed her.

Snorting, Arabella couldn't help the sarcastically reply that escaped her lips during moments like these, "Oh, really. Well, that's just wonderful isn't it. You don't know where he is but he's in no danger. Brilliant. A job well done."

"Quite so," the man's smile and the twinkle in the man's eye never left his visage. Arabella was even more tempted to knock some sense into him, "However, I am in need of your help."

"My help?" of all the things for him to ask the woman was not expecting that, "How can I help?"

"Why, with the assistance of your furry little friends, of course," Dumbledore gestured to the ridiculously large number of cats in the home.

"Your kneazles and half-kneazles are exactly what I need to find him," being magical and or of magical decent, Arabella's cats were smarter and possessed unique traits their short-lived counterparts lacked.

"They're felines, Albus, not flea-bitten mongrels!" it didn't have to be said that the woman wasn't a dog lover. This was especially so after one of her cats nearly got mauled by that filthy retch belonging to Vernon's walrus-like sister almost a year back. Had she any magic the little sod would have been forever cursed to live out its days as a living scratching post.

"True. But Hagrid and Fang are busy at the moment in the Forbidden Forest. Besides, your felines are familiar with Harry. They'd be familiar with his scent and are more attuned to his magical signature than any other creature at the moment," going to the Ministry would have been an option, but as it was now the act would have caused too many unwanted questions and resulted in too many risks to take place.

While the woman couldn't dispute the explanation, she remained skeptical, "Forgive me for my ignorance, but don't you know spells that can track down and locate a ten-year-old boy?"

"I do. None are working," Dumbledore had been using whatever tracking spell he knew of since leaving Privet Drive but none seemed to work.

"None are working?!" what did that mean, Arabella thought.

Dumbledore had wondered the same thing and knew then that something was amiss but at the same time his gut told him it wasn't of a malevolent nature. Whatever entity, being, or event that was causing this was something new, something not even he had encountered in all his many years. And aside from the handful few, Albus had seen countless wonders many could only dream of.

But for the sake of Lily and James' only child, and the only grandchild of his late friends Dorea and Charlus, Albus couldn't take such a risk on the off chance he was wrong. Luckily the Dursleys had yet to return when Dumbledore had gone back to Privet Drive, only to discover that Harry still wasn't there. And now the man was forced to rely upon old fashioned methods. Once the matter was resolved he had every intent on seeing an old friend and mentor that could possibly shed some light on the subject, and hopefully come up with a solution in case it happened again. Being a Potter and the son of James and grandson of Charlus, Albus would bet every last galleon that it would likely be the case.

"I'll see what can be done," the woman told him. "I hope this plan of yours works, Albus."

"I know it will," it was unknown to Arabella if Dumbledore truly believed his words or hoped them to be true. Either way, if something went wrong and the boy was injured in some shape or form, it wouldn't be good. A child harmed in a horrible way was a terrible thing, especially if that child was Harry James Potter.

If somehow the magical community got word of this, more so the United Kingdoms, mainly since they believed Dumbledore himself was taking care of the boy; training him to be a beacon of light against the darkest that may come, the media would have a field day unseen since the end of the First Wizarding War.

Even now the sheer thought of it amazed and confounded Dumbledore as to how easily magicals could believe such convoluted stories and accept them as truth. Certainly, some articles were amusing and good for a chuckle, whilst others were just plain ludicrous. And many believed the news to be true!

Even after so long the power of the press and media was still going strong, and stories such as these sold by the armful. Andromeda had a field day when she found out about the stories regarding her third cousin. But despite her banishment from the family, the woman showed many just why crossing a mad Black woman from a Most Ancient and Most Noble House was never a wise course of action. It was true he was keeping an eye out for the boy, but not to that extent.

But the opinions of the magical public of the UK were an odd one: being as pliable as a wispy willow tree in a gale one moment and then easily becoming steadfast as a mighty and immovable oak the next. And it's been that way for centuries.

As a result, if anything happened to Harry that ended in ill health or harm, it would be squarely on the famous wizard's head. Even if they didn't care one bit for the young lad, many would try and take advantage of the situation for their own benefit. The more foolish ones Albus could confidently say he could handle, and he had for a quite some time, the smarter ones who definitely had plans and backups in place already, the ones that had families doing this competently for years, were the ones he knew to watch out for.

"Albus? Are you alright? You look distracted," Arabella said, now wearing a warm pink coat to protect her old bones from the chilly winds.

"Merely wondering where you managed to find these lovely little candies, Arabella. I dare say that I've been hard pressed in locating my old favorites," he told her, thinking best not to push his own worries onto the woman.

"A gift from my grand-daughter upon visiting the Americas. They came with the bowl she gave me. I wouldn't know where to begin," the squib told him.

"Pity," and it was true. Dumbledore had a sweet-tooth for the little delectable treats. Much of them that he enjoyed were either no longer produced or vendors were too few and very difficult to locate. The Hogwarts elves, and bless their little hearts, had tried to replicate the recipe. Though good, the candies hadn't matched up, but the man had lied and thanked them all the same given that even a well-cared for house-elf had a pension for self-inflicted discipline towards anything they viewed as personal failure.

"Do inform me if you happen to know," Dumbledore asked of her. In the wizard's opinion as a sweets' connoisseur, it was indeed very good candy.

"Noted," she replied and then proceeded to go to the backyard of her house.

Dumbledore followed after the small woman and his eyes were greeted by an even greater number of cats. The older senior couldn't help but wonder how many were still owned by the woman and how many were a neighbor's cat. The entire thing reminded the man of an event he viewed in memory Nicholas Flamel showed him long ago.

"What was it called again? Ah, yes. A lordsmoot of the 14th century it was. I dare say this could almost be called a catsmoot then," the man chuckled humorously.

Indeed, Albus watched as some cats greeted one another with hisses and their shifting graceful bodies. Some of the younger ones began rubbing themselves on him as he walked by and watched as their fur cling from static electricity. Eyes shifting away from the adorable felines, the wizard looked on in amazement as Arabella began speaking to two of the oldest looking felines he had ever seen, not counting McGonagall of course, and then watched as one hissed at the woman.

"Ah, yes. Friend or no, cats are prideful creatures," their magical counterparts likely even more so. Cats did only what they felt like or if properly coerced, even then the latter didn't always work.

"I have catnip if that helps?" the man declared and produced said perennial herb. It had been a gag gift he had confiscated from the Weasley twins, and likely saving them from over a week's worth of detention, who had hoped to give it to McGonagall. The man initially intended to gift it to her himself, having done so in the past despite her looks and sputtering whenever he did. That was a gift onto itself.

"Oh, dear," he heard Arabella utter worriedly. Albus became acutely aware of the countless eyes intensely staring at him. The situation he found himself in was a first for the aged headmaster, and the man wondered what exactly was going to happen next, "Albus, don't mov–"

"Meow!"

A second later he didn't have to wonder as countless cats pounced, rushed, and began piling onto him.

(Underground Dungeon)

"SKREEAAAGHHH!"

"Shut it, you stupid crab!" Harry declared, swinging the pick once onto one the creature's many legs, the act giving the creature a new orifice. Cave Fishers were dangerous for beginners, and Harry considered himself lucky to have not encountered any since the cave tremor.

Until recently that is.

Despite their large size, the underground creatures were very sneaky. However, that was to be expected from an ambush predator. The upside was that Harry hadn't been the creature's initial target. Oh, no. That honour had been bequeathed onto a poor unsuspecting Geomancer Harry had been engaged with.

It had been rather funny to watch really. The lizard-like creature had been dragged by the long and sticky filament and comically trying to claw its way to freedom. Reinforcement had been called and the arrival of fellow Kobolds trying to help it only succeeded in getting their hands stuck in the process, thus preventing escape. And then the cherry on top: all of them meeting a pretty bad end when the creature fell on them –literally – when the Geomancer desperately flung a [Shatter] spell that caused the ledge it stood on to become too unstable and frail to stand on.

The fall had not only harmed it, though not as badly as the pancaked Kobolds – earning Harry a rush of EXP - but had also left it in a compromising position Harry took advantage of. This was done because of the large amount of EXP he'd gain, and because the creature was blocking the only route that would enable him to move forward. Fortunately, the creature was slow moving, and the young Gamer had greater speed that allowed him to duck and dodge its large pincers and whenever it flung its greater bulk, or at least minimize the damage given how different the fighting style was compared to facing a Kobold's.

Either way, Harry swung the pickaxe over and over like a miner would on a cavern wall, only with much less finesse. Harry's STR wasn't as great as the blind monstrosity but the pickaxe's trait allowed him an easier time in dealing with it. However, a miss and the pickaxe becoming wedged two rocks left him vulnerable.

"SKREEAAAGHHH!"

"Gah!" Harry

The sticky filament shot out like a bullet, straight and true, but Harry able to raise his shield up in the nick of time. The creature's pull was strong and the resistance Harry felt was too great for him to counter. Physically weaker than the larger creature, Harry gambled by rushing to the creature and sacrificed his shield by throwing it at the Cave Fisher's head. The act sent the already dangerously weakened shield's durability down to zero, but dazed the creature in the process.

Sacrificial Blow

Whenever a weapon is on its last leg, the usual course of action is to stop using it altogether and get it repaired down the line as soon as possible. However, another option is using it till it breaks as the last blow will cause it to deal exceptional damage based on the items rank, modifiers and attack power. Furthermore, if used on certain body parts, it can even add additional critical strike damage.

It should be noted, however, that while this provides a great boon by taking away a great deal of health from a target, it is usually used as last resort. This is due to the fact that unlike other items with the [Broken] flaw that can potentially be repaired or re-forged by magical or mundane means, the sacrificed item will be forever lost if used as a Sacrificial Blow. In addition, items with flaws that cause them to instantaneously suffer from the [Broken] condition don't benefit from this.

Non-Critical Sacrificial Blow Damage

Legendary Item: (Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) x 7.5

Epic Item: (Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) x 6

Very Rare Item: (Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) x 4.5

Rare Item: (Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) x 3.5

Uncommon Item: (Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) x 3

Common Item: (Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) x 2.5

Poor Item: (Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) x 2

Critical Sacrificial Blow Damage

Legendary Item: [(Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) + (Attack Power x {250% + Weapon's Critical Modifier + Perks})] x 7.5

Epic Item: [(Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) + (Attack Power x {200% + Weapon's Critical Modifier + Perks})] x 6

Very Rare Item: [(Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) + (Attack Power x {150% + Weapon's Critical Modifier + Perks})] x 4.5

Rare Item: [(Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) + (Attack Power x {125% + Weapon's Critical Modifier + Perks})] x 3.5

Uncommon Item: [(Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) + (Attack Power x {100% + Weapon's Critical Modifier + Perks})] x 3

Common Item: [(Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) + (Attack Power x {75% + Weapon's Critical Modifier + Perks})] x 2.5

Poor Item: [(Attack Power + Modifiers + Perks) + (Attack Power x {50% + Weapon's Critical Modifier + Perks})] x 2

While nice to know, Harry made a mental note to change the pops up from appearing at such inconvenient times; especially since the damage brought on by the sacrificed shield didn't do much given its low level and attack power.

"Helm Splitter!" an aura enveloped the metal head as Harry brought down the mining tool upon the Cave Fisher's own. The act wasn't hard to perform given that the subterranean crustaceans had very large skulls.

The act caused the creature to stagger some more, allowing him to move to a safer spot to strike. One strike landed on its back, several more on its legs, and one even struck one of its pinchers by pure chance when it performed a sudden turn. Harry continued the process over and over, ducking and jumping away when needed, and then finishing off the creature with a final [Helm Splitter] to the skull.

"Ha...Ha..." Harry huffed and then fell onto his rear. Despite his increase in stamina, the amount was very minimal and Harry was still a child. Swinging and using a weapon and fighting such a large and heavy creature and not taking a break from a previous bout took its toll. Harry needed rest and food to recover his endurance.

Taking out an [Edible Mushroom], Harry munched on the last one and sighed in relief as a warm sensation washed over him. His gaze then drifted over to the large down he spotted down the no longer blocked passage. Harry didn't need to be Stephen Hawking to know what it symbolized.

"Observe," Harry announced.

|Dungeon Boss Entrance|

|You must defeat the following enemies to face the Dungeon Boss|

Mandatory Enemies

Kobold Labourers (19/15)

Kobolds Miners (13/10)

Kobold Geomancer (7/5)

Optional Enemies

Cave Fisher (6/2)

You have exceeded the requirements needed to face the Dungeon Boss!

Additional loot will be rewarded pending Dungeon Boss' defeat!

Enemy defeat count, minimum or exceeded amount, will reset back to zero upon entering!

Harry frowned at the last bit of information. If the enemy count went down to zero, did that mean that if he died, he'd have to start all over again? That was an experience he wasn't looking forward to. Harry had no idea if dying here was like dying in real life, or if it meant respawning somewhere with penalties.

"Ah, darn it," with the thought now stuck in his head, Harry pulled up the [Help Guide], and looked it over to see if there was anything regarding this. To his amazement there was.

|Zero HP|

One of the worst things that can happen to an individual is zero health, as most of the time this results in their death, unless saved by certain techniques and items. However, there are circumstances where death does not occur or can be averted. The following is list of those circumstances:

· Friendly duels/spars that reduce your HP to zero will only render one unconscious until they are healed.

· Zero HP in Creation Dungeons will only result in you re-spawning with penalties in a safe zone.

· Zero HP in Natural Dungeons only allow for one re-spawn with penalties each time you enter them.

However, penalties regarding total loss of HP – unless saved by an item or skill – will occur. Penalties include EXP earned in dungeon before death being completely lost (EXP that resulted in level up will not), twenty-five percent total money loss, twenty-five percent decrease in equipment's total durability, and temporary debuff [Resurrection Sickness]. Increasing IDC Skill level can reduce penalties and improve re-spawn ability.

Special Note: Unless saved in some form or another, Zero HP in an Event Dungeon and non-friendly bouts outside of Creation and Natural dungeons will result in death.

|Resurrection Sickness|

A temporary condition one suffers upon being re-spawned that decreases their attributes by seventy-five percent and all damage caused by them by seventy-five percent for ten minutes.

"You're kidding me," Harry couldn't help mutter. For one, this was incredibly similar to the debuff from World of Warcraft. It was uncanny to how similar it was. Two, and foremost, the Gamer was a seriously overpowered perk to have, not that Harry was complaining. If anything, the fact he would return to life if killed, coupled with Gamer's Mind, seriously put his mind at ease.

After waiting a decent ten minutes, and with his HP, STA, and MP pretty much full now, Harry couldn't think of any reason as to why he shouldn't enter as he made his way over.

Do you wish to enter?

(Yes/No)

"Yes!" was the declared answer.

The doors opening were like rocks gravelly rubbing against one another, their haunting echo bouncing off the walls like a ghostly cry for all to hear. It was a foreboding sound that would have sent many Harry's age running; despite his Gamer's Mind clearing that up for him, Harry would always remember this moment. One never forgot their first dungeon, nor its boss.

As the doors opened wide, Harry was greeted with the sight of a large cavern filled with torches, overhead traps, and bones. Decent sized holes riddled the walls of the caves and a small number of them were present on the floor; it left Harry on guard. Looking around even more, Harry realized that there wasn't really anywhere for him to hide, which would make this form of combat a little trickier.

With his shield gone, and while said shield might not have been the greatest, with him out in the open and no longer possessing it, Harry was much more vulnerable to attack and damage now. Much like when he first entered the dungeon, he'd be forced to rely on speed and wits.

Harry's musings were pushed to the wayside as he began his first step into the cavern. His attention so focused on the cavern caused him to fall with an audible oomph, landing face first onto the hard and unforgiving floor of rock.

"Ow," Harry groaned and a quick look on his end showed the culprit to his predicament to have been a crude piece of rope. Not exactly the way most adventurers would envision their first boss fight, nor was it the most dignified.

The groan was replaced by a shout of surprise when a crash thundered from behind him. A twisted looking makeshift gate of countless bones, sticks, and stones of various shapes and sizes now blocked the entrance to the cavern. More importantly Harry realized, it blocked his only means of escape.

"Bloody fantastic," Harry couldn't help himself.

"Skreeaa!"

Tensing up from the sudden noise, Harry pivoted and looked around in every which direction but saw nothing but wall, dimly lit torches, and dark seemingly endless holes. The screeching looping every so often, and it didn't take him long to understand what was going on.

"Scare tactic. Lovely," the irony wasn't lost on Harry but once more was he thankful for Gamer's Mind; it prevented him from having a panic attack. But he remained weary nonetheless. Traps were likely everywhere and one false move could have him falling into a pit with no chance of getting back out.

"Skreeaa!" another screeched echoed seemingly from everywhere and prevented Harry from pinpointing its exact location. Spotting an alcove only a little way away, Harry carefully made his way towards it and no sooner had he moved did a loud crash occur from behind. Momentarily surprised and his heart racing from the unexpected and loud disturbance, Harry dove and roll and then brought his arms together to shield himself from the worst of what was to come.

Seconds passed, however, but what he was expecting never occurred. Harry glanced at what he believed to be the origin point of the sound and saw a destroyed box that began leaking a familiar looking liquid. Eyes widening beyond their ordinary scope, Harry's ears picked up a whooshing sound and saw a moving light reflecting off the cavern wall.

"Crap!" Harry bolted as quickly as he could and made to dive the moment the ball of fire shooting towards the destroyed crate made contact. Harry never got the chance as his sprinting came to a halt as he instead stumbled and tripped the moment the explosion rocked the cave.

Falling to one knee, Harry caught movement and was fortunate to spot the bane of his current misfortune, "Observe!"

Winged Kobold: Ripclaw the Haughty – Lv 10

HP: 1150

STA: 850

MP: 750

STR: 24

VIT: 26

DEX: 29

END: 28

INT: 22

WIS: 24

CHA: 19

SPI: 24

LUK: 17

DEF: 15

Specialization

None

Special Perks

Dungeon Boss [Lv 1]: All attributes and defense increased by 10, +20% Power, Speed and Effectiveness towards all skills, +500 HP, +150 STA and MP

Tiny Pseudo-Dragon: +5% towards STR during combat, +5% Effectiveness, Speed and Power towards [Fire-Related Skills] &[Magic Related Skills], +5% towards [Fire Resistance] and [Magic Resistance], Grants [Flying Skill]

Perks

Aura of the Leader [Lv 2]: Presence reduces effectiveness of enemy [Intimidation Skill] by 30%, Attributes of allies increase by 30%, DEF of allies increase by 30%

Crafty [Lv 3]: +60% Increased Power and Effectiveness towards [Trap Skill], +60% Increased Effectiveness towards [Stealth Skill], and +65% Increased Effectiveness towards [Crafting Skill]]

Very Nimble: +50% increase towards Movement Speed in and out of combat, and +50% increase towards [Evasion]

Darkvision: Allows recipient to see very well in darkened areas

Stone-Touched: Enables the use of Earth Magic Skill, +10% increase towards [Earth Resistance], +30% Effectiveness and Range increased towards [Detect Presence Skill] while underground

Titles

Miner [Lv 2]: Grants [Detect Metals & Minerals Skill] and [Mining Skill], +20% Effectiveness and EXP towards [Detect Metals & Minerals Skill] and [Mining Skill]

Flaws:

Light Sensitivity: -30% Power, Accuracy and Effectiveness towards Skills when [Light] based items or skills are used against it, 30% Chance of being affected by [Dazed] Status Effect

Description: Also known as Urds, Winged Kobolds are a rare species of Kobold whose dragon gene is much more dominant that it's other brethren, though that's not saying much. As a result of this, it is not only bigger and better at everything – again, that isn't saying much – but has developed wings, too. However, this boon comes at a personal cost. Winged Kobolds are the greatest envy of Kobold kind; as a result, they are ostracized by all Kobolds and are often seen travelling alone rather than in groups. But through domination and proving itself as a competent leader capable of keeping itself and others safe and happy, Urds that stand out can develop a following of loyal minions under its command.

EXP Earned: ?

Drops: ?, ?, ?

Rare Drops: ?

Guaranteed Boss Drop: ?, ?

"Damn," a Geomancer was trouble enough, one that could fly and fling spells and set off traps and had greater stats than him was another tale he'd rather not get into.

Perched on the edge of the alcove like a bird, Ripclaw clapped and pointed at him mockingly. The fact that the tiny creature was a good half a head taller than Harry was another sore spot.

"Bring it, git!" Harry shouted and got the V-sign from the creature in retaliation before it shot out towards him.

(Meanwhile)

"Odd," Albus muttered, stroking his beard pensively as he looked at the silver devices he had attuned to the Boy-Who-Lived. Albus's hope that the Kneazles would hopefully provide some form of insight on Harry's whereabouts ended up a dead end.

Whilst the little creatures had directed him to an abandoned mine, all of them suddenly ended up scattering much to his confusion. The mine itself was blocked off to the point that even a mouse would have trouble finding its way in and while he managed to detect Harry's presence in the area it was weak and had been gone for quite some time. After combing the area with pinpoint precision and every available spell he knew of, Dumbledore had thanked the squib and her feline companions and promptly returned to Hogwarts to see if he had missed anything.

Something was definitely afoot, an unknown variable as some would say that Dumbledore couldn't put his finger on. Amongst magical energies he had sensed in the area, Albus had briefly managed to detect another. More accurately it was an echo of unknown origin.

"And not of wizard origin," of that Albus was certain. It was only due to his century and a half years of experience that allowed him to detect it. But exactly what 'it' was and how it alluded him remained an enigma. Believing he required the aid of someone with greater experience than himself to shed light on the situation, Albus believed it was time for the former student to give his former mentor an overdue visit.

Just as he was about to grab a handful of floo powder, the man felt a familiar presence. "You can come in, Minerva."

The man's deputy headmistress entered, and muttered under her breath, "One of these days, I will know how you do that confounding trick, Albus."

Albus mere had a twinkle in his eye at the amusement, "Many have tried, my dear Minerva," he chuckled

"Headmaster... Might I ask why your beard reeks of an herb I made abundantly clear I do not partake off?" Minerva McGonagall inquired; her lips nearly pursed and her eyes accusing.

The Hogwarts' Headmaster merely laughed it off before he answered, "A rather unique experience, my dear Minerva," he answered and then felt saddened as he gazed upon his former student.

Despite his preferences, Albus wasn't blind to know Minerva had been quite fetching. Even a decade ago and well into her mid-sixties, which was young by today's wizard standards, McGonagall still had some admirers and turned more than a few heads. Back then she was much more approachable and less stern and more outgoing and forgivable.

Despite winning the war, if only just, Minerva and many others would never be the same afterwards. By the end of it, with the loss of countless loved ones, students, and family, Minerva's husband and only son being amongst them, had not only aged her prematurely but also made the skilled witch less tolerant and forgiving; she was hardened. Rare and brief were the moments where the old Minerva would shine through.

"Headmaster… Are you alright, Albus?" Minerva asked upon noticing the distant look in her old instructor and friend.

"Ah! Pardon me, Minerva. Lost in thought is all," here Minerva huffed.

"Knowing you, Albus, it will only be the first of many," she quipped and Dumbledore chuckled once more. "At any rate, I need you to-"

"I'm afraid that will have to wait until later, Minerva. I have some pressing matters that require my attention," at this the second in charge of Hogwarts sputtered. "I won't be long," he said before he grabbed a handful of powder but didn't get far.

"There's naw bleedin way you're leaving me to handle your workload again, Albus!" the professor of transfigurations frowned before she deposited a healthy number of documents on the man's desk.

Years of practice had the woman speaking without her accent but the woman's native brogue came into play whenever she was flustered. Usually, when the headmaster procrastinated and the work he failed to complete fell to her. In the beginning, she had believed the man but years had passed since then. Quite a few times Minerva later learned he had rushed off for the most trivial of things merely avoid the paperwork. "Once you're done with this load, I have another that needs your attention. I expect it to be done by the time I get back."

"But-" the headmaster never had the chance to finish as his deputy left the room and closed the door. The man blinked and was left in a state of slight bewilderment that had him chuckling. Then again it wasn't the first time something like this occurred, especially during the holiday season when multiple assignments needed to be graded.

"Hopefully she'll forgive me later on," a squawk from Fawkes earned the phoenix a pointed look from his human partner.

"Cheeky chicken," Albus smiled when the offended phoenix cried at him.

Dumbledore grabbed a handful of powder and disappeared. Minerva would understand his reasons later. Harry was alive and but in what capacity remained unknown. The headmaster of Hogwarts couldn't chance it. The prophecy being one of them, but more importantly he owed it to James, Lily and the former's parents.

"Albus, I almost forgot…" Minerva nearly saw red as and bristled at the lack of the headmaster.

Fawkes trilled softly and calmed the woman down but the emotion was not forgotten entirely. The immortal familiar watched as the woman grabbed a fistful of flue powder and but upon realizing she didn't know where Albus had gone to released it from her hand and left in a huff, taking Albus' candies with her. Fawkes released his species' version of a laugh at the action. Albus had a sweet tooth like no tomorrow and that particular bowl of sweets had not been easy to find. He was going to enjoy the look on the man's face when he returned.

(Mine Dungeon)

Harry held onto the creature's tail like his life depended on it. And it did, actually. Fighting a creature that could fly, fling fireballs, and him with his limited skills made this a not so easy fight. More than once had Ripclaw landed a couple of decent blows, Harry had been fortunate none of his spells had struck him directly. Though more than once had he almost fallen down one of the holes when flung in air.

Coming back to life or not, the young Gamer didn't want to experience that all the same. Despite their same height, Harry was much weaker than the creature he faced. But right now, the advantage was his. Putting all the strength he had into his one arm, Harry brought down the pickaxe with the other on the creature's tail.

His actions got the result he wanted: Ripclaw screeched out in pain from the unexpected move. Survival being his number one priority, Harry forwent finesse and decorum and continued on with his actions and did his best to avoid the reach of the creature's spear and its continuous twists and turns to get to him.

"Bloody hell! Hold still damn you!" Harry cursed the Kobold's erratic movements. Suddenly having to duck or move or stop his swing hampered Harry's ability to deal some real damage to the annoying creature and more than once had the spear grazed the top of his head with its advantageous reach.

His next swing hitting true, Harry winced as Ripclaw screeched even louder than before and tumbled away; its tails still held in Harry's arm.

"Yuck!" disgusted by the sight of it, Harry dropped and kicked the no longer attached appendage away from him.

|You have severed Ripclaw's tail!|

|Massive Critical Damage has occurred!|

|Ripclaw currently suffering from [Minor Bleeding: Lv 3]!|

The pop up brought good news, but it was short lived. Moments later, Harry found himself on his back and found himself face to face with the dungeon boss on top and pressing its greater weight upon him. Harry struggled and squirmed as best he could to shake free from the angry lizard-like being, but only found success in freeing his arm. Ripclaw raked, snapped and punched whenever it could and while some missed their target, others managed to land.

Harry gasped and shouted in pain as the rain of blows struck him. Ripclaw's punches were significantly stronger than Dudley's or his any one else in his gang, and if this continued on then Harry being forced to start from scratch would shift from a mere possibility to a reality.

Thinking quickly, Harry summoned forth his inventory, grabbed one of the bottles of centipedes with his free hand, and then smashed it mercilessly against the side of the creature's skull.

|Status Effect [Fear] Failed!|

|Status Effect [Impaired: Vision] Successful!|

Harry cursed at the failed attempt but the action did manage to get the creature off him and allowed him to swiftly take advantage of the fortunate turn of events. "Helm Splitter!" the pickaxe struck the creature's head and its skull helmet split open as though it were a chopped log.

Staggered by the blow, the winged leader of the Kobolds dropped his spear. A well-placed kick from Harry had it disappearing down into the nearest hole. Soon afterwards, the young boy wasted little time and let his instincts take hold, thinking too much would do him no good and Harry adopted an aggressive fighting style. Stone knife in one hand and mining tool in the other, he swung, pierced, stabbed and kicked as hard and as quickly as his little body allowed.

Blows were exchanged from both sides but with the loss of his spear the Kobold was forced to rely on his shield along with evasive techniques and aerial maneuvers. Fortunately, for Harry that is, the [Armor-Piercer] trait on his pickaxe reduced the shield's durability by two each time a successful blow landed. Already were the tale tell signs showing: spiderweb cracks formed over the broad defensive piece of equipment and more continued forming as he rained blow after blow after blow until it finally couldn't take it anymore.

Harry ignored the destroyed shield and performed a vertical double slash with both weapons. Both of them landed home and pushed the creature back and Harry followed up with another swing but missed as Ripclaw flapped his wings and took to the air. And then launched a ball of fire that singed Harry's hair and the ensuing explosion that followed launched him some meters away.

Regardless of that and high on adrenaline, Harry retaliated by throwing his knife at the creature's exposed back with all his might, "Ha!"

"Skree!"

While the dungeon boss' back was missed, the poor-quality weapon did strike one of Ripclaw's wings and had him tumble down to the hard floor. Harry rushed the creature before it could get up and stood upon its large leathery wings and brought up his pickaxe for a powerful strike.

This proved unwise, as the next thing Harry knew his feet were airborne and his pickaxe was no longer in his hand. Once more was he on his back and Ripclaw was now upon him once again with a large fireball held in both hands held above his head. Harry was tired and weak and weaponless. His last stone knife having been used to bring Ripclaw back down to earth.

With only rocks in his inventory, Harry threw them as hard and fast as he could at the Kobold, but the damage was minimal and ignored by the urd. Whatever Harry's actions were next were cut short as the fireball was set loose. Grabbing whatever he could find, Harry felt something in his hand and out of desperation swung it at the large ball of fire. The explosion that rocked the cave was deafening but none of that mattered in the end.

|You have been Killed!|

Bet none of you saw that coming. And a cookie to those who can tell me what the title is in reference to.