After emerging from the depths of the Ogre Dungeon, Daimon and Lilith found themselves once again in the dimly lit corridors of the second floor.
The echoes of their battle still resonated within them, a testament to their strength and resilience.
Daimon's gaze wandered as he pondered their next course of action. "What to do next? The B-Rank Dungeon was a decent challenge, but it's not enough to truly test our limits. And the gate to the third floor is still a month away."
Lilith's ethereal presence remained steady as she considered Daimon's words. "Patience is key. We'll find our opportunities as we continue our journey. But I must admit, I'm curious. How did you become so powerful?"
Daimon's lips curled into a mysterious smile, his crimson eyes holding a glint of amusement. "Ah, that's a secret for now. I promise I'll tell you later."
Lilith's curiosity was piqued, her eyes narrowing playfully. "You better keep that promise, Daimon."
A chuckle escaped Daimon's lips. "I assure you, I will. But for now, there's something I want to test."
Lilith tilted her head, a mix of intrigue and curiosity in her gaze. "What do you have in mind?"
Daimon's attention turned to Lilith, his gaze intent. "Just stand still for a moment."
Lilith complied, her posture poised as she waited for Daimon's next move.
Daimon's focus shifted to a panel in front of him, and a feeling of concentration enveloped him.
He accessed a skill that he had acquired from their encounter with the first-floor boss, a skill that he had kept hidden until now. The name of the skill glowed in his mind.
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Crimson Eyes (S) (Active):
- Identifies targets.
- Enhances senses and perception significantly.
- Projects an intimidating aura against weaker opponents, potentially immobilizing them with fear.
- Amplifies blood manipulation powers, particularly effective against weaker foes.
---
Before, the skill had merely held the rank of a B-Rank skill, but unbeknownst to Daimon, it had undergone a transformation, evolving due to the unique properties of his bloodline, and had now ascended to the esteemed status of an S-Rank skill.
As he summoned the skill, an exhilarating surge of power surged through every fiber of Daimon's being, leaving him both invigorated and intrigued.
His gaze, now intensified by the newfound potency of the skill, turned toward Lilith, a mix of curiosity and a hint of mischievousness dancing within his crimson eyes.
It was as if the very fabric of reality had shifted around him. His senses, once attuned to the world in a certain way, now unfurled like a tapestry being stretched to its limits.
The world's nuances, its sights, sounds, and scents, all became vividly pronounced, painting a more intricate picture of his surroundings.
In the wake of this skill's awakening, a remarkable transformation overtook his perception.
On this ephemeral canvas materialized a detailed status screen, a manifestation of the skill's newfound capabilities.
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Name: Lilith Bloodthorn
Race: Vampire
Rank: A
Stats:
Strength: B
Agility: A
Constitution: B
Intelligence: A
Skills:
1. Blood Arts (A) (Active):
- Possess exceptional control over blood, enabling them to shape it into intricate weapons, barriers, and offensive techniques.
- Can manipulate the blood of other beings, using it to immobilize or control opponents.
2. Shadowmeld (A) (Active):
- Blend seamlessly into shadows, becoming nearly invisible and enhancing stealth capabilities.
- Can move swiftly through shadows, allowing for surprise attacks or quick escapes.
3. Hypnotic Charm (A) (Active):
- Exude an aura of allure and charm that affects weaker-willed individuals.
- Lock eyes with a target to induce a trance-like state or manipulate their actions briefly.
- Can influence weaker-willed opponents to comply with commands.
4. Bloodlust Sense (B) (Passive):
- Possess an acute sense for the scent of blood, detecting injured or nearby beings.
- Gain heightened instincts during combat, predicting opponents' movements.
5. Night Vision (B) (Passive):
- See clearly in low-light environments or complete darkness.
- Enhances perception and awareness during nighttime or in dimly lit areas.
6. Blood Regeneration (B) (Passive):
- Accelerate natural healing through blood consumption.
- Quickens recovery from injuries and fatigue.
---
Daimon's gaze met Lilith's as he deactivated the skill, the status screen fading away. "Impressive, Lilith. Your abilities are truly remarkable."
Lilith's expression remained composed, her eyes meeting Daimon's. "And what about your little experiment?"
Daimon's smile was enigmatic as he responded, "Let's just say, it confirmed a few things."
As they continued to stand in the dim corridor, their conversation was interrupted by a faint echo that reached their ears.
It was the distant sound of footsteps, growing closer with each passing moment.
Daimon's lips curled into a sly smile, his anticipation was evident. "Seems like we have company. Let's find out if these newcomers are friends or foes. Although I must admit, I'm hoping for the latter."
Lilith's demeanor remained composed, her crimson eyes glinting with intrigue. "Let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Patience, Daimon."
The footsteps grew louder, and soon enough, a group of individuals emerged from the shadows.
Clad in various attire and carrying an assortment of weapons, they walked toward Daimon and Lilith with cautious curiosity.
At the forefront of the group, a man with a determined countenance confronted Daimon, his sword raised slightly in preparation. His voice held a commanding tone as he spoke, "Who are you? State your names."
Daimon's amusement was evident as he regarded the man before him. "Before we exchange names, shouldn't you introduce yourselves first?"
The man's brows furrowed in response, his arrogance undeterred. "Don't you know who we are? We are the elites of Solara. Now state your names or begone."
Daimon's chuckle echoed through the corridor. "Ah, Solara elites, you say? I never thought all individuals from Solara would be quite so arrogant."
Lilith's laughter joined Daimon's. "Indeed, it seems arrogance is a common trait, whether here or in the presence of those trio."
The mention of the trio seemed to strike a nerve, and the man's eyes blazed with recognition and fury.
In a swift motion, he pointed his sword at Lilith, his voice tense with urgency. "You there, where did you encounter the trio? And where are they now?"
Lilith's response was both simple and direct. She moved her hand across her neck in a cutting motion, a gesture that left no room for interpretation. The implication was clear—the trio had met their end.