After the meeting's conclusion, Thorian conducted a ceremonious funeral for all those who had lost their lives—either in combat or while fleeing the human invaders. After ensuring the deceased were honored with due respect, he permitted those who had reached the zenith of their respective classes to progress further.

In the interim, he returned to the Village Hall with Harald, intending to grant him citizenship. Unfortunately, this proved impossible, as did bestowing a class upon the direwolves. Still, Thorian claimed the reward for the Direwolves Quest, which resulted in the erection of a Wolf Totem adjacent to the Territory Altar. This totem allowed the direwolves to communicate with Wolvendale's citizens as if they too had been granted citizenship. Additionally, the Wolf Totem reinforced the Wooden Wall's material, enhancing its resilience against breaches.

The warrior, priest, and assassin kobolds successfully advanced their classes, leaving the orcs and magi trailing behind. Zogthar and his crew's late arrival meant they were yet to reach their classes' maximum level. The magi, meanwhile, were still striving to attain maximum proficiency in their secondary skills. Ventus had chosen the Fireball spell, Ifrit had taken Rock Bullet, whereas Saxum preferred Wind Gust. Concurrently, Aqua had already selected Wind Gust, influenced by Thorian's prior elucidation of its benefits.

Keen to maximize their time, Thorian assembled his usual party, replacing Nox with Forlune, and embarked on a journey to the Verdant Labyrinth. Mercifully, Harald and the direwolves could also participate in the dungeon—not as party members, but as companions. Since they had already successfully navigated the labyrinth once—despite being less experienced, less numerous, and lacking both preparation and strategy—Thorian and his team entered the dungeon brimming with confidence. During their foray into the first layer, all the magi exclusively practiced their new skills. Despite this self-imposed handicap, the dungeon was completed with ease, and Thorian managed to level up his race once.

The dungeon's bounty included an alchemical recipe, a blacksmith's blueprint, and the requisite materials to create both items. Naturally, they also each pocketed 200 Arcane Coins.

After conquering the first layer, Thorian and his team dared to challenge the second. For Forlune, this was uncharted territory, but he adjusted seamlessly to the new environment. Their expedition through the dungeon, right up to the golden grotto, was effortlessly accomplished. None of the members needed to resort to any skills outside of those they wished to train. Ventus and Thorian even managed to deploy their skill combination after a few attempts. This time around, it was Thorian who initiated Wind Gust, with Ventus following up with the Fireball. The wind magus needed a few attempts to perfect the timing, but he eventually achieved consistent success.

Having already ascended in their classes, Forlune and Vigil seized the spotlight. Forlune confronted each adversary with fierce determination, bolstered by the priest's increasingly potent blessings. Observing their efficient decimation of numerous monsters, Thorian became convinced that the duo could single-handedly conquer the dungeon. Forlune had even acquired a new skill capable of breaching armor, much like the formidable high orcs, positioning him as a foil to the giant guardian.

Upon vanquishing the enormous insect, the team collected their rewards. Among their spoils, the standout item was a Blue Gale axe, awarded to Forlune. This naturally elicited envy from Ventus, but with no magus item in the silver chest, he had no recourse.

As the group departed the dungeon, Ventus broached the topic of challenging the third layer. Thorian quickly quashed this notion. Although their party had benefited from dual leveling, he insisted that they all advance their classes and acquire their advanced skills before tackling higher difficulty layers.

Having accomplished their mission in the Verdant Labyrinth, Thorian and his team began their return journey to the village. Thorian had managed to level up thrice during their venture, once in the first difficulty level and twice in the second. Meanwhile, Vigil had succeeded in advancing his class five times, as the requisite experience was considerably less.

Naturally, Thorian had substantially improved the proficiency of his two remaining spells. Wind Gust had already achieved 100% proficiency, with Earth Bullet not far behind.

As the village drew nearer, Thorian's ears detected a shuffling noise to his right. A broad grin spread across his face as he turned to confront a hobgoblin, lunging at him from a small cliff.

Earth Bullet.

As the rocky projectile pierced the green humanoid's skull, the creature collapsed abruptly, hitting the ground with a thud. Simultaneously, Thorian's eyes widened in response to a notification materializing before him.

Requirement Fulfilled: New Skill Unlocked