Limitless Ascension:The System Chosen-Chapter 17: Growth in Blood and Battle

The sound of steel clashing against claws echoed through the dim stone corridors of the Dungeon's third floor. Ethan ducked under a kobold's wide swing, his sharpened dagger glinting in the flickering light of the magic stone lamps embedded in the walls. In one smooth motion, he swept his leg beneath the creature, sending it toppling before driving his blade into its chest.

Ding!

A brief pulse of light faded from the kobold's body as it crumbled into ash, leaving behind a glimmering blue crystal.

Ethan exhaled sharply, scooping the magic stone into his pouch. His body dripped with sweat, but he stood firm—faster, sharper, more focused than he'd been just days ago. The Dungeon had become his training ground and battlefield.

For the past week, he'd descended daily into its depths, pushing his body and instincts further. From clunky movements and cheap gear, he'd adapted—his reflexes honed, his strategies sharpened.

And every night, he returned to the small, run-down church that was now his home, where Hestia awaited with warm food, healing salves, and the gentle comfort only a goddess could offer.

Tonight, as the sun set over Orario, Ethan sat cross-legged with his shirt off while Hestia worked silently behind him.

"Hmmm..." she muttered, her finger tracing symbols onto his back with glowing ink.

"What's wrong?" he asked, sensing her hesitation.

"It's not wrong exactly..." she replied. "It's just... you could level up."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Already?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "Your stats in Strength, Agility, and Endurance have reached the B-range. You're more than qualified to become a Level 2 adventurer."

Hestia paused, waiting for the excitement she expected from him.

But Ethan said nothing. He just stared ahead, deep in thought.

"You... don't want to level up?" Hestia asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.

"...Not yet."

The goddess blinked. "Why?"

Ethan stood and pulled his shirt over his head. "This... it's not my limit."

He clenched his fists and looked toward the dungeon entrance in the distance, visible through the church window.

"I can feel it. I'm still getting stronger. If I level up now, I'll reset my stats—and I know I haven't reached the true peak of what I can do at Level 1."

Hestia looked at him quietly. Her expression slowly shifted from concern to admiration.

"I see..." she whispered.

"You said I'm your first familia member, right?" he asked with a soft smile. "Then let me show you what I'm truly capable of."

The next morning, Ethan returned to the dungeon with new resolve. His movements were more fluid, his senses sharper.

Each battle now served a greater purpose. He wasn't just hunting monsters—he was mastering himself. Fighting on instinct. Calculating every move. Improving stamina, timing, focus.

His new gear—basic, but better than his first set—was already showing signs of wear. But it didn't matter. What mattered was how his body adapted.

He learned to fight in darkness.

He learned to control his breathing during long fights.

He learned how to pull enemy aggro away from his position, strike with precision, and retreat without wasting energy.

Day after day, he dove. Floor 2, then 3, then 4.

He pushed close to his limits—but never over them.

And the system noticed.System Update

Skill Progression: +12%

Dungeon Adaptation Lv.1 → Lv.2

Reflex Enhancement Passive Unlocked.

Hidden Potential Detected... Evaluating...Warning: You are eligible to level up.

Postponing may lead to risk. Continue?"Yes," Ethan answered the system in his mind. "Continue."

He wanted more.

At night, he would return to the Guild with heavy bags filled with stones and drop items. The receptionists began to recognize him.

"You've been coming every day," one of them said with a smile. "You're climbing fast for someone without a party."

"I've got a goal," Ethan replied simply.

With each trip, the valis he earned helped restock his gear, buy basic potions, and—most importantly—support Hestia. She never said anything, but he noticed her smile every time he placed a few extra coins on the table at night.

One evening, Hestia looked at him as he sat polishing his blade.

"You really are something, you know."

Ethan looked up. "What do you mean?"

"I've seen adventurers burn out from pushing too hard, or get cocky when they're ready to level up. But you..." she leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, expression proud. "You're building yourself up like a real warrior."

He didn't say anything at first, then nodded.

"I want to be more than just another adventurer," he said. "I want to reach the top of this world—and I can't do that by rushing."

And so, another day ended.

Another floor conquered. freeweɓnovel.cøm

Another monster defeated.

And Ethan—still Level 1—stood stronger than many who'd already moved on.

His stats crept upward:Strength: B 769

Endurance: B 701

Dexterity: B 710

Agility: B 682

Magic: D 402

Abnormal Resistance: D

Skills: [Dungeon Adaptation Lv.2], [Reflex Enhancement Lv.1]

Magic: —

Title: [First Step]But in his heart, he knew:

He had not yet reached his limit.

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