Four hours had passed since Ulah found himself inexplicably transported to this enigmatic realm. As the world formed around him, a lightning bolt struck the ground with a ferocious intensity that made Ulah squint his eyes from the brilliant flash. Something emerged from this blinding sight. Although it was distant, it locked onto Ulah's presence and charged toward him with unwavering determination.
The silhouette of the approaching beast became discernible. Ulah shifted his stance, holding his sword in a defensive posture, but unease gnawed at him. "How long is it going to take for this creature to reach me?" he wondered.
The beast's massive form gradually took shape. Ulah's doubt intensified as it grew taller, reaching nearly 15 meters. Every step the creature took reverberated through the ground with relentless force. Its body exuded menace, every inch of it a weapon.
Ulah's eyes scanned the beast as it drew near. He swallowed hard, realizing the impending danger.
Without hesitation, Ulah leapt forward, charging at the beast. Their collision was imminent. The beast's massive fists poised to strike, while Ulah aimed to cleave deep into the creature's flesh with his sword.
A deafening crack filled the air as metal met flesh. Darkness enveloped them, accompanied by a repulsive metallic odor. Ulah's body reacted with a violent shudder, threatening to expel the contents of his stomach. But somehow, he remained unscathed, and he couldn't fathom how.
As the beast lifted its appendage, light began to seep into Ulah's view. The blood-soaked surroundings revealed themselves, and Ulah was drenched in the creature's gore. Confusion seized him, but his sword had transformed into a radiant, metallic red.
"I've only seen this in novels or TV shows," Ulah murmured, unsure if the change was the sword or him.
"Blood transfusion!" an anonymous voice exclaimed, startling Ulah. He struggled to locate the source of the voice. "A power-up from the sword. As each stage advances, the challenges will grow. This alone won't guarantee your survival; it's a tool to exploit. If you figure out a way, go ahead. For now, continue your current stage," the voice added.
The Mage Sentinel addressed Zoh in hushed tones, using arcane tricks to shield their conversation from Ulah's ears. "Is that acceptable?"
Zoh replied, his voice laced with disdain. "I'll allow it."
The beast's countenance turned even more hostile, its growl less of pain and more of a hunger for battle. It regained its dominant posture.
Ulah's thoughts raced. "So, this sword can absorb the blood of the creatures I slay and upgrade—"
Before he could finish his thought, the beast attacked without warning. Its cannon-like fist struck Ulah, leaving a massive crater in the ground. Dust and dirt filled the air, obscuring the details. Ulah was sent flying, his lower body paralyzed. He could no longer wield the sword or finish off the beast. Defeat loomed.
Accepting his fate, Ulah lay motionless on the ground. The beast had other intentions. It plucked Ulah from the earth and raised him, preparing to devour him. A flash streaked across the field, electrocuting the beast as it held Ulah aloft. Both beast and boy plummeted to the ground.
In an instant, the beast vanished, as though it had never existed, and Ulah crashed onto the unforgiving ground, his body broken.
"Madness," Zoh said, disinterested. "I have no further interest in this boy. He possesses not a trace of magic."
"Patience," the Mage Sentinel replied. "Given the right circumstances, he might yet prove himself to you."
"It's not about redemption; it's about long-term sustainability. He could become one of us, perhaps even stronger. But he shows no signs of magic, arcane or astral," Zoh lamented.
"Just wait," the Mage Sentinel advised.
The world shifted, returning to its original state—the Dungeon.
Ulah's agonized cry filled the air as he lay paralyzed, unable to move a muscle. A figure in a black robe with green accents approached. Ulah wasn't sure where the figure had come from, but he hoped for answers.
The figure placed a hand on Ulah, and a green glow emanated from it. Strange light formed above Ulah, growing and enveloping his entire body. Ulah watched in disbelief as his injuries miraculously healed, returning him to full mobility. He couldn't believe it.
He flexed his fingers, jumped, and ran, confirming that he was indeed whole. He looked at the mage medic with curiosity, trying to peer through the darkness of the hood.
The mage paused before rising, turned, and left without a word. Ulah couldn't discern whether the figure was a man or woman. His curiosity led him to the gate where the mage had vanished.
Ulah sprinted toward the gate, eager to follow. However, two massive stone guards, imposing and formidable, blocked his path. With their enormous fists, they forcibly pushed him back into the Dungeon, slamming the gate shut.
"Ah! Gosh! Aghhhhh," Ulah groaned, winded and clutching his aching stomach.
"Any further attempts will incur heavy consequences," the Mage Sentinel warned, anonymous to Ulah. "You have another chance. Prepare for stage 1."