Heavenly Unbound [A LitRPG System Survival]

The group gathered around the swirling blue portal, its energy pulsing faintly in the dim light of the forest. The air was heavy with tension, the unknown dangers of the dungeon looming over everyone like a shadow.

Sam stood at the forefront, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he addressed the group. His voice was calm but firm, carrying an air of authority that demanded attention.

"This is an opportunity," he began, gesturing toward the portal. "The system calls it a dungeon—a place filled with monsters, traps, and rewards. It's not going to be easy, but if we work together, this could give us the edge we need to survive the tutorial."

Michael, standing near the front, frowned. "You're seriously thinking of going in there? We don't even know what's inside. What if it's a death trap?"

Sam met his brother's gaze evenly. "Every step we've taken in this forest has been a risk, Michael. But think about it. This dungeon is Tier 1—it's the next level of challenge. If we don't start pushing ourselves, we'll never be ready for what's coming. You've seen the monsters out here—they're getting stronger. What happens when they catch up to us?"

The murmurs of the group quieted as Sam's words sank in.

"But we're not all at the same level as you," Ann pointed out, her brow furrowed. "You're Level 13. Most of us are still Level 9 or below. How can we handle something designed for Tier 1?"

Sam nodded, acknowledging her concern. "That's why this is optional. I'm not asking everyone to go in—just a small group of volunteers. Eight people willing to take the risk. The rest of you can stay and wait here after all we still have a month to continue toward the town."

"What's in it for us?" someone from the back asked.

Sam gestured toward the portal again as if the answer was obvious. "Experience, loot, and an edge. The system rewards those who take the initiative. If we clear this dungeon, we're not just surviving—we're getting stronger. And let's not forget the Title and an Uncommon Item for each of us"

A hush fell over the group. The stakes were clear.

Michael exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "You're sure about this?"

Sam's expression softened slightly as he turned to his brother. "I wouldn't suggest it if I wasn't. But it's your call. If you're not comfortable, you don't have to go."

Michael hesitated but eventually nodded. "I'm in."

Sam looked at the rest of the group, his gaze steady. "I need eight more volunteers. I'll lead the way and handle the brunt of the danger. All I ask is that you follow my lead and give it your all. Who's with me?"

There was a moment of silence before Eddie, the scout team leader, stepped forward. "I'll go. Somebody's got to watch your back."

Ann hesitated but then nodded. "If You and Michael are going, I'm in too"

One by one, others began to step forward—each one nervous but determined. Sam counted them off, a mix of relief and pride swelling in his chest as the final volunteer joined.

"That's ten of us," Sam said, his voice firm. "Let's make this count."

Before stepping into the dungeon, Sam approached his father, Nate, who had been watching the group from a short distance away. His father's face was a mix of worry and pride, the lines on his forehead deepening as Sam stopped in front of him.

"Dad," Sam began, his voice steady but laced with determination, "I know you don't like this. And honestly, I don't blame you. This dungeon isn't just dangerous—it's unknown. But it's also necessary."

Nate's jaw tightened. "You're always taking a big risk, Sam. But this time not just for yourself, but for everyone going in there with you."

Sam nodded, meeting his father's eyes. "I know. That's why I'm leading the way. If there's danger, I'll face it first. But you've seen what's out there, Dad. This forest is only going to get worse, and we can't afford to play it safe forever. The dungeon is a chance to prepare—to get stronger before it's too late."

Nate's expression softened, but the concern didn't leave his eyes. "You've always taken responsibility, Sam. Even when you didn't have to. Just... don't carry all of it on your shoulders, okay? You're not alone in this."

"I know," Sam said with a small smile. "That's why I need you here, Dad. You're the best at keeping the rest of the group safe and organized. If something happens to us in the dungeon, they're going to need you to get them to the town."

His father gave him a long look before finally nodding. "Just... be careful in there, Sam. Promise me you'll come back in one piece."

"I promise," Sam said firmly. "And when we're done, we'll be stronger than ever."

With that, Sam gave his father a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before turning back to the group. His father watched him go, pride and worry battling for dominance in his heart.

He turned back toward the portal, gripping his sword tightly. The faint hum of its energy seemed to grow louder as he stepped closer.

"Everyone ready?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

The group nodded, some more confidently than others.

"Then let's go," Sam said, taking a deep breath as he stepped into the glowing vortex.

Sam felt a sudden sensation, like being yanked through water, as the world around him warped and twisted. For a brief moment, his vision blurred, and his body felt weightless. Then, just as quickly, the sensation stopped, and he found himself standing in a new place.

The terrain was still a forest, but it was immediately clear this wasn't the same forest they had been in moments ago. The trees were taller and darker, their twisted trunks covered in moss that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. The air was thicker, heavier, and carried an eerie stillness that made Sam instinctively grip his sword tighter.

One by one, the others began to appear behind him, materializing from the portal. Each of them stumbled slightly as they adjusted to the strange new environment, their eyes darting around warily.

When the last of the nine volunteers had arrived, a faint chime echoed in Sam's ears. He turned his gaze upward as a translucent system window appeared before him, its text glowing faintly in the dim light.

Ding!

[DUNGEON QUEST]

Quest Name: Goblins Village - Floor 1

Time Remaining: -

Objective: Eliminate all goblins [ 0 / 100 ]

Rewards: 5 Health Potions, Random Common skill book.

Sam read the notice carefully, his expression unreadable. "This is it," he muttered, his voice low but firm. He turned to the group, who were already watching him for guidance.

"Stay sharp," he said, his tone steady. "This isn't like the forest outside. Stick together, watch for traps, and call out if you see anything unusual.

The group nodded, their initial nerves settling slightly at Sam's calm confidence.

"Let's move," he said, stepping forward and leading the way into the ominous depths of the dungeon.

As we moved through the eerie forest terrain of the dungeon, it didn't take long to encounter our first group of goblins. There were five of them, clustered around a makeshift campfire, their guttural laughter echoing as they toyed with a small, helpless animal.

But something about them was different. The oppressive aura they gave off was unmistakable—Tier 1.

Sam stopped in his tracks, his gaze sharpening as he observed them. "They're all Tier 1," he said, his voice low but decisive. "You guys aren't ready to take them head-on yet. Let me weaken them first. Once I give the signal, you can finish them off. That way, everyone gets the experience and reaches Tier 1 quickly."

Michael and Ann exchanged a glance before nodding in unison. "Got it," Michael said.

"And keep your eyes open," Sam added, his tone firm. "There could be more nearby."

Slowly, he advanced toward the goblins, his footsteps silent and deliberate.

The goblins were oblivious, their cruel game continuing as they poked and prodded the trembling creature in their grasp. Their shrill laughter grated on Sam's nerves, and he felt a familiar surge of disgust. So much for the idea of good goblins like in anime, he thought bitterly.

When he was close enough, Sam activated his skill.

[Battle Focus ]

His vision sharpened as the world around him seemed to slow, every detail heightened with clarity. The skill, upgraded by his enhanced mental power, was now at least three times more effective than before. In battle, it was an unparalleled tool.

With a single, fluid motion, Sam burst forward, a blur of speed and precision. The first goblin didn't even have time to scream as his sword sliced cleanly through its wrist, severing its hand.

The remaining goblins froze for a heartbeat, their laughter replaced by wide-eyed terror. Before they could react, Sam was already on the second goblin, disarming it in the most literal sense.

The remaining three scrambled to flee, their guttural cries of panic filling the air. But Sam was faster. Moving like a raging wind, he closed the distance in an instant. His blade flashed, and within seconds, all three goblins were incapacitated, their weapons and hands lying useless on the ground.

The entire skirmish lasted no more than five seconds. Sam straightened, his blade still gleaming with the faint green blood of the goblins.

He turned to Michael and the others, raising a hand in signal. "Now! Aim for their bodies," he called out.

Michael and Ann stepped forward, their grips on their weapons tightening. With careful strikes, they drove their weapons into the wounded goblins, finishing them off one by one.

As the last goblin fell, the air grew still once more. Michael wiped his blade on the grass, glancing at Sam with a mix of awe and determination. "That was... efficient," he said, breathing heavily.

Ding!

You have slain an enemy [Goblin: level 10]

...….

...….

Ding!

[Congratulations! You have reached level 14]

Here's a refined and expanded version with better flow and dialogue:

Sam couldn't help but smile, satisfaction flickering across his face as he glanced at the translucent system window hovering in his vision. The day outside the dungeon had been grueling—killing countless Tier 0 monsters for a single level. But here, in the dungeon, he'd gained an entire level from just a single encounter.

This place really is an opportunity, he thought, gripping his sword tightly as he turned back to the group.

Michael's voice broke through his thoughts, his tone brimming with excitement. "Sam! I just hit Level 10! What should I do next?"

Beside him, Ann and Eddie exchanged triumphant smiles. "Same here," Ann said, raising her spear slightly. "Finally made it to 10."

Eddie grinned, checking his own system window. "Looks like I'm joining the club too."

Sam's smile widened, though his expression remained calm and measured. "Good," he said, nodding at each of them. "Now that you've reached Level 10, it's time to tier up. Focus on that first before we move forward."