Back in the present timeline, Dante found himself seated comfortably in his exclusive chamber aboard a hovering train. As he perused the holographic messages floating before him, a wry smile slowly curved his lips.
The notification that materialized before his eyes brought a sense of anticipation tinged with caution.
[Ding!!! The condition to activate the Immersive Editor skill has been successfully met by the host.]
[Ding!!! The Immersive Editor skill will be unlocked fully once the host acquires a Boundless Crystal from the Abyss Dimension.]
The initial euphoria that surged within Dante, fueled by vivid mental images of him slicing through the world with unparalleled speed and finesse, gradually waned.
He realized that nothing so remarkable could be obtained without a price. Surely, there would be prerequisites and challenges associated with such an overpowered skill.
While Dante had not initially harbored plans to venture into the Abyss Dimension—his primary focus being the acquisition of fundamental knowledge concerning the skills bestowed upon him by Atlas—he now found himself faced with an unavoidable choice.
The potential offered by the enigmatic Boundless Crystal, capable of unlocking the Immersive Editor skill, was simply too invaluable to pass up. The skill had the potential to redefine his abilities and enhance his capabilities.
In a tangential train of thought, Dante reflected upon the fact that the skills he had acquired thus far marked his initial foray into the realm of magic.
Aside from the five sword forms graciously imparted by Magnus and the impressive "Ignite" trick he had mastered in using fire magic, his repertoire was devoid of any discernible "skill tags."
Of course, Dante couldn't overlook the significance of the Web Weaver skill he had gained from his unforgettable encounter with the formidable spider in the Undying Dimension.
It served as a constant reminder of the extraordinary encounters he had faced on his journey.
With no other viable option, Dante resolved to abandon his prior plans and embark upon a journey into the Abyss Dimension.
He hoped that fortune would smile upon him and that he would somehow manage to obtain at least one Boundless Crystal to make the endeavor worthwhile.
The thought of his inverse luck taking hold on such a crucial day gave him pause, but he banished such negative thoughts and focused his mind.
Taking a deep breath, Dante concentrated and envisioned himself crossing the threshold into the Abyss Dimension.
As had become customary with each of his previous entries, he encountered something novel and unexpected as he entered the dimension.
During his first foray, he had encountered a dragon and killed it, albeit one that was severely wounded; in his second, he had faced off against a gargantuan mountain golem..... or rather engaged in a spirited game of tag where he was the one doing most of the running.
Later, he encountered a pack of "ghost" fire wolves, which he found he could only dispatch with flame-imbued attacks.
This time around, however, his encounter lacked the awe-inspiring grandeur of his previous experiences, yet it felt somehow different as if the dimension itself had changed.
Indeed, it had changed. The mighty Goddess Theia, having bonded with Dante's soul in her quest to escape the Undying Dimension, had exerted her divine influence and brought forth various alterations.
She had elevated his sea of consciousness, transforming it into a realm befitting her majestic presence.
Furthermore, she had awakened four additional elemental signatures within him—water, wind, nature, and earth—adding to his repertoire of powers.
This was done to infuse all of Dante's interactions with more excitement and enjoyment.
In her limitless power, Theia had also reshaped the very fabric of the Abyss Dimension.
What was once a mere training ground for her people had now become a treacherous labyrinth, purposefully designed to ensnare and challenge Dante at every turn.
This transformation also served her desire for amusement and entertainment.
Such incredible alterations should have been deemed impossible for any ordinary being, but with the remnants of her potent soul energy, Theia had effortlessly achieved the impossible.
Before Dante's eyes, the once familiar sight of a fiery landscape filled with molten lava, active volcanoes, and menacing golems had transformed into a sprawling expanse of vibrant flora bursting with life.
It presented a stark contrast to what one would typically expect from a dimension known as the Abyss Dimension.
However, what truly captivated Dante and caused him to pause in his tracks were the diverse and peculiar creatures that populated this beautiful landscape.
Each creature bore its elemental signature, manifesting as a unique blend of powers and characteristics.
Miles ahead, his keen Origin Eyes detected the presence of a lightning ox feeding on grass, while a surprising sight unfolded before him—an earthbound rabbit feasting on the remains of a nature-attuned wolf.
And the most mind-boggling aspect was that all these diverse creatures were wayyyyyyy stronger than Dante.
Their mere gaze had the power to obliterate him, yet it appeared they held disdain towards him, which explained why he miraculously managed to survive until now.
In summary, the Abyss Dimension had transformed into a vast expanse of land adorned with natural flora of different species.
The air was thick with an intoxicating aroma, as vibrant petals danced upon gentle breezes. It was a sight to behold.
However, this newfound beauty was not without its perils. Strewn across the transformed dimension was a multitude of formidable beasts, each endowed with unique strengths and abilities.
It had become a lawless realm, a battleground where survival hung in the balance, perpetually teetering on the edge.
Alas, the law of the fittest reigned supreme in this untamed domain.
The mighty beasts exhibited a callous disregard for their lesser counterparts, their dominance was evident in every calculated move.
It was a harsh reality that struck fear into the hearts of those who found themselves amidst this treacherous territory.
And boy was he screwed. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, accompanied by a wave of dread that washed over him, exposing the gravity of his predicament.
His heart pounded in his chest as he surveyed the area, hoping that none of the stronger beasts would turn their attention toward him.
In this transformed dimension, he realized with a sinking feeling, his physical form had acquired a heightened corporeality.
Every interaction, every sensation would be amplified, magnifying even the slightest touch of pain to excruciating proportions.
The prospect was daunting, a haunting specter that loomed ominously in the forefront of his thoughts.
As he contemplated his imminent demise, his thoughts turned to Theia - a sick and twisted being who would undoubtedly revel in his agony.
The mere idea of her taking pleasure in his suffering filled him with a deep sense of dread.
He knew that she would stop at nothing to inflict as much pain as possible, all in the name of her twisted idea of fun.
And all of this because he had failed to provide her with her beloved anime.
Yet, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, he couldn't bring himself to abandon his cause.
A promise made to himself and Magnus echoed in his mind, a solemn vow to become the epitome of swordsmanship, surpassing all boundaries, be they heavenly or earthly.
Even if deities themselves wielded swords as their primary weapon, they too would inevitably fall beneath the might of his blade.
Such was his conviction, mirrored by the ethereal glow emanating from the now firmly grasped Void Edge.
The intensity in his dual-colored eyes was unwavering, a reflection of his unyielding will.
Feet planted firmly in the earth, he propelled himself forward, as he embarked on his quest for a quarry that would test his limits without overwhelming him.
Empowered by his Origin Eyes, he possessed the ability to discern the varying levels of the creatures that roamed this transformed realm.
This extraordinary gift granted him a distinct advantage, easing his search and enabling him to hone in on suitable adversaries.
After an arduous thirty minutes of navigating the perilous landscape, deftly evading formidable level 60 creatures that crossed his path, he stumbled upon a congregation of stone golems.
Their levels ranged from 31 to 35, presenting a formidable but manageable challenge.
Slowing his pace, he seamlessly melded with the surrounding foliage, utilizing the concealing embrace of the bushes to obscure his presence as he stealthily closed the distance toward the group, situated in a circular formation.
Yet, before he could seize the element of surprise, the two-level 35 golems snapped their massive heads in his direction, catching a faint hint of his presence.
Time seemed to slow as a surge of adrenaline mixed with a touch of apprehension rushed through Dante's veins.
The remaining golems, their primitive intelligence struggling to comprehend the unfolding situation, slowly turned their heads, their stony gaze meeting the peculiar and audacious stare of the human invader who dared encroach upon their sacred territory.
In a whirlwind of motion, the two-level 35 golems erupted forward, their monumental stone forms propelled by an overwhelming force.
The ground quivered beneath the weight of their thunderous footfalls, each step leaving a resounding tremor in their wake.
Their movements were fueled by an indomitable strength, an unyielding resolve to annihilate the perceived threat that dared to intrude upon their realm.
Witnessing the swift advance of their brethren, the remaining golems, though initially hesitant, forged ahead.
Their rocky bodies, heavy and unyielding, seemed to groan under their weight as they took each deliberate stride.
The rhythm of their footsteps reverberated through the transformed expanse, creating an eerie symphony of echoing thuds that reverberated deep into the core of Dante's being.
A surge of adrenaline surged through Dante's veins, electrifying his senses with a heightened awareness. His muscles tensed, coiled like a spring ready to unleash its energy.
With a white-knuckled grip on his weapon, the Void Edge, he prepared himself for the imminent clash, his heart pounding in his chest like a war drum.
It was a collision of titans, a cataclysmic clash where flesh and bone met unyielding stone.
The two opposing forces hurtled toward each other with a ferocity that defied reason.
Dante evaded the first golem's assault with a masterful display of acrobatics, executing a deft backflip that barely avoided the colossal stone fist hurtling toward him.
Midair, Dante's heart skipped a beat as a spiked club materialized with alarming proximity to his head.
Time seemed to stand still as he teetered on the precipice between life and death. Fear tightened its icy grip around his heart, and a surge of panic surged through his veins.
In a desperate bid to evade the imminent strike, Dante's body twisted and contorted with uncanny agility.
He could feel the rush of wind as the deadly club whizzed past, barely missing its mark. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, his senses heightened to a fever pitch.
With a thud, Dante's feet finally met the ground, his landing punctuated by a cloud of dust.
His breath came in ragged gasps as he spun around, his eyes locking onto the source of the perilous attack.
Standing before him, a towering fiery figure loomed, wielding the spiked club with a malevolence that sent shivers down Dante's spine. It was a battle for survival, and the stakes had never been higher...