The oppressive silence that hung in the air was shattered by a familiar chime that reverberated in Yomi's mind.
System Notification:
Congratulations! You have awakened to the Blade Novice tier. Your admirable hunt has earned you the blessings of the Aeons.
The words echoed as if carried on a divine wind. Yomi blinked, disoriented, as he tried to comprehend the sudden influx of information. Before he could process the message, another chime resonated, sharper and louder this time.
System Notification:
You have slain Malrath, the Abyssal Ravager, and earned 1,000 EXP.
Yomi winced as his head throbbed with the announcement. The sheer weight of his exhaustion bore down on him, but the system had no intention of letting him rest.
System Notification:
Congratulations! You have successfully hunted and defeated the dungeon boss: Tidalos, the Leviathan Sovereign. This chaos monster, still in its childhood, posed a significant threat. Your achievement has been noted.
The words hit him like a tide of realization. His chest tightened. A child? Yomi mused grimly, his exhaustion momentarily replaced by the chilling thought of what an adult version of the Leviathan Sovereign might be like.
The system wasn't done yet.
System Notification:
Reward: 5,000 EXP.
Ultimate Skill Unlocked: Abyssal Maelstrom.
The announcement stirred something deep within Yomi—a mixture of pride and apprehension. His groan broke the silence as he muttered, "These voices… they're more talkative than usual."
But before he could sink deeper into his musings, the system interrupted him once more with its commanding tone, compelling him to focus.
His body felt heavy, his muscles screaming in protest as he tried to shift. Yet, there was an odd comfort beneath him. His head… it rested against something soft. Slowly, Yomi forced his eyes open, his vision blurring before settling on a curious sight.
He blinked, attempting to process the image. Soft pink hair cascaded around him, tickling his face. His head was cradled on Lirien's lap. Her flushed expression betrayed her usual stoic demeanor, her sun eyes filled with concern.
"You're awake," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
For a moment, Yomi said nothing. The warmth of her thighs beneath his head and the subtle rise and fall of her breath grounded him in the moment.
"I..." he began, only to wince as the strain on his body became apparent.
Lirien's gaze hardened, her hands hovering above him hesitantly before she whispered, "Don't move. You'll only hurt yourself more."
Despite the tenderness in her tone, Yomi couldn't help but smirk faintly. "Didn't realize you were so worried about me," he teased, his voice hoarse but laced with amusement.
Lirien's blush deepened, and she looked away sharply, muttering, "Don't push your luck, slave."
A small chuckle escaped Yomi's lips, but it was short-lived as the weight of the system's notifications settled over him once more. The blade novice, the abyssal hunt, the ultimate skill—it all felt surreal.
A piercing voice interrupted the quiet, a cry of anguish that drew Yomi's attention as his foggy mind struggled to focus. His gaze landed on Aeloria, kneeling before him, her hands glowing faintly green as she cast a healing spell over and over, her voice trembling.
"I'm so sorry!" Aeloria cried, tears streaking her face. "I didn't mean to hurt you! Please, forgive me!"
The green light of her magic shimmered, and with each iteration of her Minor Heal, Yomi felt his aches ease and his wounds mend further. The earlier strain on his muscles and the dull throbbing in his chest began to subside, leaving behind a soothing warmth.
Yomi raised a weary hand, gesturing for her to stop. "Enough. I understand... it was a misunderstanding."
Aeloria hesitated but finally ceased her casting, her hands trembling as she placed them in her lap. She looked down, her expression a mixture of guilt and relief recalling Lirien's explanation.
Meanwhile, Lirien folded her arms and eyed Yomi suspiciously. "What kind of technique was that, Dra'kesh? Or was it some sort of forbidden art?"
Her sharp tone prompted Aeloria to chime in, her earlier guilt momentarily overshadowed by curiosity. She raised her hands, studying them with fascination. "I feel... different. Stronger. Something changed after..." Her voice trailed off as her cheeks turned a deep crimson.
Yomi shifted uncomfortably, avoiding their probing gazes. His eyes darted to the beast girl, still unconscious and curled up a short distance away, her breathing soft and steady. "How long was I out?" he asked, steering the conversation away from their line of questioning.
Lirien furrowed her brows, considering. "Not sure, but I'd say six, maybe seven hours."
At her words, realization dawned on both women simultaneously. Aeloria and Lirien turned to Yomi, urgency flashing in their eyes.
"We need to move!" Lirien said, her voice firm. "The rift—if it closes while we're still here—"
"It'll seal us inside," Aeloria finished, her voice tight with worry.
Yomi wasted no time. With a groan, he pushed himself upright, steadying himself before walking over to the sleeping beast girl. She stirred slightly as he scooped her up in his arms, her small frame weightless against him.
"Lead the way," Yomi said, his tone commanding but calm.
Lirien nodded, already stepping forward, her hand on her weapon. Aeloria followed close behind, casting wary glances at the glowing fissures in the walls as the rift's energies began to pulse ominously.
Yomi trailed after them, his senses on high alert. The oppressive weight of the dungeon seemed to press harder with every passing second.