As Raven cautiously reached out to touch the lifeless body of the beast, a sudden notice appeared on his panel, accompanied by a resonant sound, "Dinng!"
[Divine Soul Discovers]
[Do you wish to capture the Divine soul that has been discovered?]
Perplexed, Raven couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Nonetheless, driven by his adventurous spirit, he mustered the courage and selected
In that instant, a small, shimmering golden light materialized right before him, gradually taking the shape of the mighty [Bakunawa], hovering in mid-air. The sight left Raven awestruck.
Just as he was still processing this remarkable occurrence, another notification popped up on his panel.
[Want to merge the two?]
Without hesitating any further, Raven chose
The Ring effortlessly slipped off his finger, suspending itself in the air.
The soul of the Bakunawa, drawn by an invisible force, gracefully entered the ring. However, it soon became evident that the Ring had an insatiable appetite for energy. It greedily absorbed the surrounding energy, not even sparing a glance at the deceased Bakunawa body.
Making Raven's jaw dropped open in utter shock, his eyes widened at the rapid sequence of events. "No! Those were my divine materials!" He exclaimed in disbelief, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and regret. It seemed that this time, luck was not on his side.
Lilith couldn't help but burst into laughter at Raven's unexpected reaction. It was the first time she had witnessed him lose his composure, as he had always appeared composed and knowledgeable in her eyes. Trying to stifle her amusement, she pressed her left wings against her lips, attempting to regain her composure.
Amidst Lilith's laughter, she finally managed to ask, "What happened?" Her voice is still carrying a hint of amusement.
Raven, now slightly embarrassed but starting to regain his composure, sighed and replied, "Well, it seems I've just lost a valuable opportunity. That ring devoured the divine soul and all the energy around it, leaving me with nothing."
As if sensing Raven's emotions, the ring ceased its insatiable energy collection and revealed its new appearance. It gracefully flew back into Raven's palm, seemingly offering itself as a consolation prize.
Lilith couldn't resist a mischievous smile as she teasingly remarked, "Looks like the ring has taken quite a liking to you, Raven. It couldn't resist gobbling up everything in its path."
Raven managed a weak smile, his pride slightly bruised but his spirit undeterred. "Well, it seems I've acquired a voracious companion. Let's hope it brings us more fortune than trouble."
Then, As Raven wanted to examine the ring, his vision blurred and darkness encroached upon his senses, he could feel his consciousness slipping away. The [berserk healing] effect that had sustained him had finally worn off, leaving him vulnerable and unable to resist the overwhelming exhaustion.
"Huh?" Lilith exclaimed in surprise, quickly realizing the dire situation. In a swift motion, she transformed into her human form and reached out to catch Raven, her hand firmly gripping his shoulder. She could sense the weight of his unconscious body, a testament to his valiant efforts.
***********
Outside the dungeon, the guards were occupied with tending to the other students who had been teleported outside the dungeon. Most of them were now lying unconscious, requiring urgent treatment for their injuries. The guards swiftly transported the students to the designated treatment area, hoping to provide the necessary care.
Within this chaotic scene, seven students anxiously awaited Raven's appearance. Barnett, one of the young students, voiced their shared concern, "Can Mr. Ashford really defeat that monster?" His gaze fixated on the other students, seeking reassurance.
The remaining students exchanged worried expressions, their uncertainty mirroring Barnett's doubts. They too were unsure of what to expect and held a deep concern for their teacher, Raven.
The weight of their hopes and fears pressed upon them, creating a tense atmosphere.
"It's hard to say," Leo, the protagonist, finally spoke up. "But if anyone can pull off a victory, maybe it's Mr. Ashford. We've seen his confidence and skill in the academy . Let's have faith in him."
Nodding in agreement, the others found solace in Leo's words, holding onto a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. They understood the risks Raven faced, but they also knew the strength he possessed. Together, they awaited his return, praying that their mentor would emerge victorious.
After a while, the dungeon's heavy doors swung open, revealing the unexpected sight of a woman stepping out, carrying Raven's unconscious form on her shoulder. The guards stationed at the entrance were taken aback, their expressions filled with surprise and confusion. Without hesitation, they instinctively raised their weapons, their eyes fixed on the mysterious woman.
"Who are you?" one of the guards demanded, his voice laced with suspicion. "And why are you carrying out our lord?"
The woman, unfazed by the guards' defensive stance, gently lowered Raven to the ground, her eyes meeting their gaze with a calm determination. Her voice carried a hint of authority as she replied, "I am Lilith, a companion of Lord Raven Ashford. He requires immediate medical attention, and I am taking him to receive the care he needs."
The guards exchanged hesitant glances, unsure of how to respond to this unexpected turn of events. They recognized the name Ashford, as Lord Raven Ashford was a prominent figure within their realm. However, this woman's appearance and her familiarity with their lord left them perplexed.
One of the guards, attempting to maintain control of the situation, cautiously questioned, "How can we trust your words? What proof do you have of your association with Lord Ashford?"
Lilith, undeterred by their skepticism, calmly reached into a pouch at her side, retrieving a small emblem adorned with the Ashford family crest. She held it out for the guards to see, its intricate design gleaming under the sunlight.
"This emblem signifies my affiliation with the Ashford family," she explained. "It has been entrusted to me by Raven himself."
As the guards scrutinized the emblem, their suspicions began to waver. They recognized the authenticity of the crest and realized that this woman might indeed have a connection to their lord. Reluctantly, they lowered their weapons, albeit with a lingering air of caution.
"Very well," one of the guards reluctantly conceded. "We will allow you to proceed. But know that we will be watching closely."
With a nod of gratitude, Lilith carefully lifted Raven once again, cradling him in her arms. She passed through the guarded entrance, walking with purpose towards the designated treatment area, leaving the guards in a state of awe and curiosity. As they watched her disappearing from sight, whispers of intrigue and speculation echoed among the bewildered sentinels, their interest piqued by the enigmatic woman who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere to tend to their esteemed lord.
End of Chapter.