Chapter:2 Dungeon
Azaroth was an F-rank awakener with a seemingly useless ability called "Legacy Search." From the moment he awakened, he was the subject of ridicule and scorn. Unlike other awakeners who exhibited extraordinary strength or unique powers, Azaroth remained as physically capable as any normal human, making him an easy target for mockery.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to prove himself and lift the burden of humiliation, Azaroth sought every opportunity to join dungeon parties. He needed to earn money for his father and hoped against hope to find a relic that could change his fate. "Legacy Search" had never proven useful in combat or locating monsters, and to everyone else, it seemed like a joke. Party after party rejected him, viewing him as dead weight.
Despite the rejections, Azaroth's determination never waned. He applied for parties relentlessly, each refusal only fueling his resolve. Finally, after countless attempts, he received an acceptance as a collector for a D-rank dungeon. This role was far from glamorous, but it was a foot in the door, and Azaroth clung to the hope that this dungeon exploration might hold the key to his transformation.
On the day of the exploration, Azaroth arrived at the designated site. Adventurers and players of various ranks gathered, preparing for the descent into the dungeon. Among them was Kyle, one of the city's top players and Azaroth's former schoolmate. Kyle had awakened an A-rank ability called "Blaze Control," which allowed him to manipulate fire at will, shooting fireballs and incinerating anything in his path. In their school days, Kyle and Azaroth had been friends, but as Kyle's powers grew and his status rose, he began to distance himself. Kyle, like so many others, looked down on Azaroth, treating him with disdain and indifference.
As the group entered the dungeon, the atmosphere grew tense and foreboding. The dungeon was dark and filled with insect-like monsters, including gigantic caterpillars and flying creatures with grotesque features. The team moved cautiously, slaying the monsters they encountered and collecting low-rank cores. However, no relics were found, and the deeper they ventured, the more perilous the dungeon became.
Despite the danger, Azaroth remained vigilant, his eyes scanning every crevice and shadow. He knew this might be his only chance to prove his worth. The journey through the dungeon felt endless, the darkness oppressive and the air thick with tension. The monsters grew more aggressive, and the team's progress slowed.
Finally, they reached the boss room. The air was thick with anticipation and fear. As they opened the door, expecting a final confrontation, a blinding light enveloped them. When the light faded, they found themselves in a completely different location—a dungeon even more formidable than the one they had just traversed. Panic set in among the group as they realized they were now in an unknown and dangerous place.
Kyle, ever the warrior, stood his ground and prepared to fight. The monsters here were unlike any they had faced before—massive creatures with big eyeballs and horns, exuding an aura of terrifying power. The battle was swift and brutal. Despite Kyle's powerful fire abilities, the monsters were too strong. In a matter of moments, the team was decimated, leaving Azaroth as the only survivor.
Surrounded by these monstrous beings, Azaroth felt a cold wave of despair wash over him. He was on the brink of death, his mind racing with thoughts of failure and regret. But then, something miraculous happened. For the first time in his life, his ability "Legacy Search" activated. A sense of direction pulled at him, indicating a hidden room beside the wall.
With no time to question or hesitate, Azaroth made a desperate dash towards the indicated spot. The monsters roared and lunged at him, but he managed to evade them just long enough to reach the wall. He pressed against it, and to his astonishment, a hidden door slid open, revealing a large, concealed room.
The room was unlike anything he had ever seen, filled with ancient artifacts and glowing with an otherworldly light. As Azaroth stepped inside, the door closed behind him, shutting out the monstrous threats. He stood there, catching his breath and taking in his surroundings. This hidden sanctuary, revealed by his supposedly useless ability, held the secrets and relics of a forgotten era.
In that moment, Azaroth understood that his journey was just beginning. The power and potential hidden within this room could change everything. With renewed determination, he vowed to unlock these secrets, harness the power within, and rise above the limitations that had held him back for so long. The legacy of his ability had finally revealed itself, and with it, the hope for a new future.