SSS-Class Overlord: My Harem Rules the Realms (18+)
Chapter 49: On the Quest of Leveling Up.

Chapter 49: On the Quest of Leveling Up.

Stone walls glistened with creeping vines as Ethan ventured deeper into the Hollow Sanctum. The glow from arcane veins etched into the floor cast dancing shadows across the corridor, creating shifting patterns that seemed to slither like living creatures. A faint metallic hum pulsed through the air, as though the dungeon itself were breathing.

Ethan lifted his arm, summoning the system interface. Pale blue data frames shimmered into existence, suspended in the darkness like hovering glass.

"System," he muttered, eyes flicking left and right, "you got any tips for me in here? Or am I just running in blind?"

Digital static rolled across his vision. The mechanical voice responded with brisk precision:

[System Response:]

[The Hollow Sanctum is a high-experience zone suitable for rapid level advancement.]

[Enemy types: Forest Beasts, Orc Variants, Ogres, Dire Wolves, Sylvan Golems, Thorned Dryads.]

[Mini-bosses and a primary dungeon boss exist.]

[Recommendation: Proceed deeper. Utilize the dungeon for level progression before next Main Scenario.]

Ethan’s lips curled into a wicked smirk. Shadows rippled faintly around his shoulders.

"Perfect. Time to hunt."

He unsheathed Warlord Fang, the blade whispering as it slid free. A faint hum resonated along the dark steel, as if the weapon were eager for blood.

He crept forward, footfalls silent against the mossy stone. Twisted branches clawed down from the ceiling, and tangled roots sprawled across the floor like tripwires waiting to snag the unwary. The scent of damp earth and green leaves filled his nose.

A guttural roar split the silence.

From the shadows lunged three massive shapes—Dire Wolves, fur bristling black, eyes glowing eerie green. They bounded at Ethan, claws screeching against stone.

Ethan lunged forward to meet them. His sword flashed once—

SHHNK!

A single elegant arc severed the first wolf’s throat in a mist of silver blood. He twisted his torso to evade the second wolf’s snapping jaws, pivoted on his heel, and drove Warlord Fang deep into its ribs. Shadows flared around the blade, devouring flesh and bone.

The third wolf tried to circle behind him. Ethan spun, shifting into Vandelion’s fluid footwork. He delivered a precise upward slash that split the creature’s muzzle. It collapsed, whimpering, before dissolving into shimmering motes of mana.

[EXP Gained. Level Up!]

A shiver of raw power coursed through Ethan’s veins. His mana pool swelled, and the world seemed to sharpen around him.

He grinned. "Three down. Who’s next?"

He advanced deeper into the labyrinthine halls. Each step echoed softly against the living stone. The corridor widened into a vaulted chamber where moss carpeted the floor like emerald velvet. The rustling of leaves gave way to a new sound—heavy footfalls like battering rams.

From between two pillars of twisted wood emerged a group of Orcs—green-skinned giants wielding crude axes and iron-tipped spears. Their eyes glowed crimson in the gloom.

The lead orc bared jagged tusks and roared, drool flying as it raised its axe.

"GRRAAAHH!"

Ethan cocked an eyebrow. "Yeah, yeah. ’Kill the human.’ Heard it before."

He darted forward. The orc swung its axe in a brutal arc. Ethan dipped under it, feeling the wind of the blow ruffle his hair. His sword lashed upward, carving a crimson gash across the orc’s chest.

Another orc lunged in with a spear. Ethan knocked it aside with a sharp parry, stepped inside the creature’s guard, and drove Warlord Fang through its throat. Blackish blood sprayed the vines behind them.

A third orc charged, brandishing a spiked mace. Ethan spun sideways, imitating Vandelion’s evasive stance. He slipped behind the brute and slashed across its back, severing the spine. The orc fell forward in a twitching heap.

Bodies crumpled around him, the moss darkening under pools of steaming blood.

[EXP Gained. Level Up!]

Power surged through Ethan like wildfire. His grin stretched wider.

A few corridors later, he entered a chamber where two Ogres lumbered about, each nearly twice his height. Gray-skinned, with bulging muscles, they hefted tree-trunk clubs. One Ogre swung its weapon overhead with a roar.

Ethan darted in under the descending club, his blade slicing across the creature’s thick thigh. The Ogre bellowed and staggered. The second Ogre rushed at him, but Ethan vaulted aside, shadows flickering around his feet. He slashed at the knees, toppling the beast. A precise thrust through its eye ended its thrashing for good.

[EXP Gained. Level Up!]

Ethan wiped sweat from his brow. Mana mist shimmered in the air, slowly dissolving around the fallen Ogres.

He checked his system:

[Ethan Graves]

[Level: 65]

[HP: 410/410]

[Mana: 520/520]

[Strength: B+]

[Agility: A-]

[Intellect: B+]

[Endurance: B+]

[Charisma: B]

[Luck: B]

[Dominion Points: 5]

[Potential Rating: SSS]

[Harem Slots: 0/10]

[Stat Points Available: 10]

He sheathed his blade with a flourish and rolled his shoulders, breath coming in steady puffs.

"System," he murmured, "this place is a goldmine."

[Affirmative.]

Progress toward the next Main Scenario is optimal. Recommend clearing the Mini-Boss for additional rewards.

Ethan smirked. "Then let’s not keep the big guy waiting."

He continued forward until he reached a corridor lined with massive statues—knights clad in bark-armored plate, thorny vines wrapping around their marble bodies. Ethereal green fire glowed in the hollow eye sockets.

A faint heartbeat echoed through the corridor.

At the far end loomed a towering door, crafted from intertwined roots. It pulsed faintly, as though something monstrous was waiting just beyond it.

Ethan cracked his neck and strode forward. Each step echoed like a drumbeat in the quiet chamber.

[Warning: Mini-Boss Chamber Detected.]

Proceed?

Ethan planted Warlord Fang on his shoulder and grinned.

"Time to hunt a big guy... and level up even more before the next main scenario starts."

He slammed both hands against the giant door. Ancient wood creaked, vines writhing as it slowly parted. A wave of humid, earthy air poured over him, thick with the scent of sap and loam.

From the shadows came a deep, low growl that made the walls shiver.

A hulking figure stepped into the light—a towering beast nearly ten feet tall, clad in bark-like plates that glistened as if polished with dew. Thorned antlers twisted outward from its skull, and its emerald eyes glared with bestial intelligence. Thick vines coiled around its massive limbs, rippling with hidden strength.

[Mini-Boss: Thorned Guardian of the Hollow Sanctum]

[Level: 75]

[HP: ???]

The Thorned Guardian hefted a giant wooden glaive, green runes glowing along its blade. The ground quaked as it stomped forward.

Ethan felt his pulse spike with a rush of anticipation. A feral grin spread across his face.

"Oho?" He tilted his head. "A tough boss... but easy enough for me. I know exactly how to deal with you."

Shadows flickered around him as he stepped into his fighting stance.

"Let’s dance."