Mike appeared inside the dungeon, standing on thick snow.

The cold hit him instantly, but it didn't slow him down.

He looked down at his boots. They were made for snow terrain and didn't sink into the ice. His movement speed stayed the same. The cloak around his shoulders blocked most of the cold from reaching his body.

Both items were Uncommon rank, but after being affected by Midas Touch, they had upgraded to Rare rank. That made a big difference.

"Now lets see" Mike said.

He checked his surroundings.

The land was flat, covered in snow and ice. Tall ice-covered rocks were scattered around, making good hiding spots. The sky was gray, and snow kept falling slowly.

Mike started walking forward at a steady pace.

He didn't rush. Charging blindly in a Rank 2 dungeon was a good way to die.

After walking for a while, he felt it.

The mana density increased.

"This should be the outer zone," he said.

Low-level ice beasts moved in small groups nearby. Mike avoided them. Fighting them would only waste time and stamina.

He continued deeper.

After another hour, the temperature dropped again, and the ground became harder. The air felt heavy.

"This is the elite area… or the inner area," Mike muttered.

He stopped moving and began sensing the highest concentration of mana around him.

"There," Mike said, looking in that direction.

He equipped his Knight set, keeping only the snow-walking boots and the cold-shielding cloak. Removing them would lower his movement speed and visibility in the snow.

The boots kept his speed steady on the frozen ground, and the cloak protected him from the cold while providing some resistance to ice-element attacks.

Mike moved carefully toward the source of the mana.

Each step was slow and controlled. He didn't rush.

The snow ahead was disturbed. Deep claw marks were carved into the ice-covered ground.

"This isn't a small one," Mike said.

The mana pressure grew stronger.

A large shadow moved between the ice-covered rocks. The sound of heavy breathing echoed through the cold air.

Mike stopped and looked in that direction. There it was—a massive white bear. Crystalline blue frozen claws covered its paws and feet, and its mouth was stained red as it gnawed on what looked like a saber-toothed tiger.

Mike used Appraisal and saw that it was a Level 176 beast.

"It's barely peak Rank 1," Mike muttered as he stepped forward. "But I can test my power against it."

Mike stepped out from behind the rocks and entered the open area.

The Frost Cleaver Bear lifted its head. Its red eyes locked onto him. It dropped the dead beast and let out a deep roar that shook the snow on the ground.

Mike didn't wait.

He activated the Valor surge as a red sheen covered his body, the power of his next attack will be 300% more powerful, it was used to be 100% but after Midas Touch upgrade its now 300% and cooldown is also just 30 seconds.

Mike moved forward using Solid Step, the skill increasing his density and buffing him too, his footing firm even on the icy ground. The bear charged, swinging one massive claw.

Mike used Phase Step and vanished for a moment, reappearing to the side.

He slashed with Cut, aiming at the bear's front leg. The blade struck, but thick fur and ice-covered hide reduced the damage.

"Tough," Mike said.

The bear slammed its paw into the ground. Ice spikes burst upward.

Mike jumped back, blocking some of the impact, but the force still pushed him several steps away.

He steadied himself and switched tactics.

Black flames spread along his sword.

"Black Flame Sword Art."

He rushed in again, striking at the bear's shoulder. The black flames burned through the ice layer, leaving a deep wound.

The Frost Cleaver Bear roared in pain and swung both claws wildly.

Mike blocked one attack and rolled away from the other. His health dropper, but Fast Recovery kicked in, slowly restoring it.

"This is manageable," Mike said.

He tightened his grip on his sword.

Mike took a steady breath and focused.

The Frost Cleaver Bear didn't give him time to rest. It charged again, its heavy body shaking the ground with every step.

Mike met it head-on.

He used Solid Step again and braced himself. The bear's claw slammed into his guard. The impact hurt, but his armor and Iron Skin absorbed most of it. He slid back a few meters but stayed on his feet.

"Still too strong," Mike said calmly.

He stepped to the side and struck again with Cut, this time aiming at the same wounded shoulder. The blade bit deeper than before. Blood sprayed onto the snow.

The bear roared and swung its head, trying to bite him.

Mike used Phase Step at the last second and appeared behind the bear.

He didn't hesitate.

Black flames flared along his sword again.

He slashed downward with full force, carving into the bear's back. The black flames burned into the flesh and refused to go out.

The Frost Cleaver Bear stumbled forward. Its movements slowed, and its breathing became rough.

"Good," Mike said. "You're weakening."

The bear turned around, ice forming around its claws again. It raised both paws and brought them down together.

Mike rolled to the side, but the shockwave still hit him. His health dropped further, but Fast Recovery activated immediately, slowing the damage.

Mike stood up, breathing heavily.

The bear didn't give him any chance to recover and rushed at him. Suddenly, midway through its charge, one of its paws landed on a broken patch of ice. Its body slipped to the side, tearing open its wounds even more.

"ROARRRRRRR!"

The bear howled in pain as it struggled to stand back up, but Mike didn't waste the opportunity.

"Now's my chance!!"

He activated Valor Surge again. The red glow returned, stronger than before.

Mike charged straight in.

He poured everything into a single strike and swung his sword at the bear's neck, black flames exploding on impact.

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