[[Location: European City, Safe Zone]] [[Time Elapsed Since Arrival: 03:20]]
Mark walked with determined steps through the streets of the European City. He could still feel the effects of his last training session—his muscles were heavy, but his body was stronger than ever. He was ready to proceed to the 11th floor, but the trial there required him to team up with another player. He had decided to wait for Kilian.
The city streets buzzed with activity. Everywhere, players gathered, some congratulating Mark for being the first to clear the 10th floor, others trying to learn more about what awaited them ahead. Some whispered his name, wondering how long he would stay before advancing. Others observed from a distance, curious about his next move.
But Mark didn't let himself be distracted. He knew exactly what he needed to do before taking on the next trial: strengthen himself even further.
He made his way to the rocky outskirts beyond the Market, a secluded area within the Safe Zone where he could train without interruptions. Taking a deep breath, he sat in the lotus position and activated his cultivation method.
Immediately, his body tensed as his blood began to boil inside him. A searing pain shot through his entire being, each fiber of his body contracting under the process. His blood was purifying, increasing in both quantity and potency.
His tattoos pulsed with a golden glow, as if reacting to the surge of energy. His body trembled violently, but he endured. He knew this was necessary. He let the pain mold him, reshape him—stronger, more resilient.
"Your Titan Shatterer Bloodline is improving."
"Chain Breaker - Second Stage Achieved."
A wave of raw power surged through him, every cell in his body overflowing with newfound energy. He opened his eyes, panting, but victorious. He had broken through another limit.
Now, he just had to wait for Kilian.
As he was still recovering, a voice rang out behind him.
— "Mark Derohan. The first to clear the 10th floor. Interesting."
Mark straightened up and saw Lucian Blackthorne approaching, a calm smile on his lips. He carried an imposing presence, a cold confidence that contrasted with the other players. Behind him, a few onlookers murmured, visibly intimidated by his mere presence.
— "What do you want?" Mark asked warily.
Lucian stopped a few meters away, evaluating him.
— "I'm about to enter the 11th-floor trial. I know it requires a duo. I propose we do it together."
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"
— "Because we are the strongest in DMU Europe. That much is obvious."
Mark stifled a laugh. Lucian was confident—almost arrogant. But Mark knew he had no reason to accept.
— "I'm waiting for Kilian."
Lucian narrowed his eyes. "You would be better off choosing power over attachment."
— "I choose trust."
Lucian held his gaze for a moment before smirking slightly.
— "Interesting. We'll see where that takes you." Then he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd, leaving a few players stirred by the brief exchange.
Mark exhaled slowly. He didn't regret his choice. He would take on this trial with his true ally, Kilian. And in the meantime, he would continue to strengthen himself. This dungeon had yet to see his full potential.
[[Location: Ninth Floor Waiting Room]] [[Elapsed Time Since Arrival: 00:02]]
Kilian exhaled deeply, rolling his shoulders as he stood in the dimly lit waiting room. His body still ached from the battles of the previous floor, but he knew he didn't have the luxury of rest. He activated his interface and navigated to his status.
[[Player Status - Kilian Voss]]
Strength: 120
Agility: 75
Endurance: 98
Vitality: 110
Weapon: Colossal Sword - "Fang of the Abyss"
Skills:
Titan's Grip (Allows the use of two-handed weapons with one hand)
Relentless Fury (Each attack temporarily increases inflicted damage)
Iron Bastion (Significantly reduces damage taken for a short duration)
Combat Instincts (Enhanced reflexes in battle situations)
His fingers hovered over the communication tab before selecting Mark's name. The call was instantly accepted.
— "Mark, still alive, huh?"
— "Barely. I've arrived in the European City. What about you?"
Kilian let out a dry chuckle. "About to enter the 10th floor. Heard you cleared it. Any advice?"
— "Yeah. The fights aren't just about brute strength; they test your adaptability. You'll face humanoid warriors—each with different weapons and fighting styles. And the last one… he's on another level."
Kilian tightened his grip on Fang of the Abyss. "Sounds like a perfect challenge for me. See you on the other side."
— "I'll be waiting. Don't die."
— "Heh. No promises."
The call ended, and Kilian turned toward the glowing portal ahead. With one last deep breath, he stepped through.
[[Location: Tenth Floor - Arena of Champions]]
Kilian materialized onto a massive stone platform, surrounded by towering, silent figures—slender humanoids clad in finely crafted armor, each wielding a different weapon. A deep, resonant voice filled the air.
"Trial initiated: Prove your worth."
The first opponent lunged forward, twin curved blades flashing in a deadly arc. Kilian pivoted to the side, narrowly avoiding the first strike that whistled past his face. His opponent followed up immediately, their rapid, precise movements forming a whirlwind of steel. Kilian parried multiple strikes with his colossal sword, feeling each impact reverberate through his arms. The enemy's speed forced him to retreat, analyzing openings. When the adversary overextended, Kilian surged forward, striking with raw power. The force sent his opponent staggering backward. Seizing the opportunity, he feinted right before bringing his blade down with all his might. The final blow split the warrior's helmet in two.
One down. Nine to go.
The second opponent, a spearman, was more methodical. He kept Kilian at bay, each thrust aimed at his weak points. The spear's strikes came like lightning, forcing Kilian to dodge and refine his movements. Every attempt to close the distance was met with a swift counter. Employing a strategy, Kilian slammed his sword into the ground, kicking up dust and momentarily obscuring his enemy's vision. Exploiting the moment, he rushed forward, parrying one last desperate thrust before driving his sword downward in a vertical arc. The enemy collapsed, impaled through and through.
The battles intensified. A heavily armored warrior, wielding a massive shield, forced Kilian to adapt. He dodged powerful strikes, striking at the weaker points of the armor. The duel stretched on for minutes, Kilian exhausting his foe by forcing them to defend repeatedly. When an opening appeared, he executed a swift maneuver, striking hard at the warrior's joint. The enemy fell to one knee, and Kilian wasted no time, driving his blade into their throat.
Next came an archer, arrows slicing through the air with lethal speed. Kilian shielded himself as best he could with the breadth of his sword, but each arrow that whizzed past reminded him that a single mistake could be fatal. The archer moved while firing, maintaining distance, but Kilian quickly discerned a pattern. He accelerated, closing in rapidly. A crucial mistake— the archer stumbled slightly over an uneven stone. That was all Kilian needed. In one fluid motion, he lunged and felled his opponent with a devastating swing.
The seventh battle was the most grueling yet. His adversary wielded a spear with terrifying precision, keeping Kilian constantly at a disadvantage. Every strike Kilian attempted was met with a swift, calculated counter. He knew a direct engagement was suicide. Feigning weakness, he pretended to stumble. His enemy moved in for the kill—exactly what Kilian had hoped for. At the last second, he rolled aside and delivered a crushing blow to the spearman's legs. As his opponent staggered, Kilian capitalized, delivering a final, decisive strike.
By the ninth battle, his body screamed for respite. His armor was dented, his arms heavy, but he refused to fall. Then, the final door opened.
The Blade Master entered.
Kilian barely had time to react before the first attack brushed his throat, nearly severing his windpipe. This was different—this wasn't just another fighter. This was a true master of the blade.
Precision. Speed. Lethality.
Their battle felt endless, their blades clashing in a deadly symphony. Kilian poured every ounce of technique into his defense, countering strike after strike. But one mistake was all it took.
A flash of steel—and his leg was severed just above the knee.
Agony like he had never known wracked his body, but he refused to collapse. His breath came in ragged gasps as he braced against his sword. His thoughts blurred, his vision dimmed by pain and blood loss, yet instinct propelled him forward one last time.
With a final roar, he gathered every last ounce of strength, launching a desperate attack. His colossal sword pierced through the Blade Master's chest.
A crushing silence followed.
"Trial completed."
Kilian collapsed to his knees, his sight darkening from the excruciating pain. The next instant, a golden light enveloped him, transporting him to safety.
[[Location: European City - Safe Zone]] [[Elapsed Time Since Arrival: 00:01]]
His body reformed within the teleportation circle, and Kilian inhaled sharply, sweat beading on his forehead. He was alive—completely healed. He looked down at his leg, expecting to see only emptiness… but it was there, intact.
He clenched his fist, realization dawning: each time a player cleared a floor, they were fully restored. All wounds, no matter how severe, vanished as if they had never happened. The pain lingered in his mind, but his body was whole.
A familiar voice called out.
— "Kilian!"
He lifted his head and saw Mark approaching, concern evident in his eyes. Kilian forced a grin, patting his fully restored leg.
— "Well… I made it. More or less."
Mark let out a sigh, shaking his head. "You're a damn lunatic."
— "Yeah, yeah. Now, let's talk training."
As he took in his surroundings, the enormity of the European City settled in. Hundreds of players were arriving every minute, each seeking a fresh start in this safe zone. But for Kilian, the real battle was only beginning.