Unlike the previous two floors, the final third floor radiated an otherworldly aura, its walls encased in glowing, bright blue crystals. They shimmered faintly, illuminating a straight path that led to an ornate entryway. The air felt charged with energy, humming softly in the eerie silence.
[Chaos Gemstones]
"Definitely going to farm these when I'm done with the boss." I muttered, my voice bouncing off the crystalline walls as I continued walking.
So far, everything had been smooth—easier than expected, in fact. My level had been climbing steadily, and my mastery over my Charisms was evolving with each battle. Confidence surged within me as I pressed forward.
Suddenly, the ground beneath me rumbled violently.
The once-steady glow of the blue crystals flickered, dimming and brightening erratically. The tremors grew stronger, shaking loose shards of crystal that crashed onto the ground. A gust of chaotic energy blasted through the entryway ahead, sending slight chills down my spine.
Beyond the threshold lay a massive arena, bathed in the same unearthly glow from the Chaos Gemstones embedded in its walls and floor. The air felt oppressive, heavy with an overwhelming, chaotic energy that seemed to pulse in time with my racing heartbeat.
At the center of the arena, the ground cracked open, and a towering monstrosity began to rise. Its form was a grotesque blend of crystalline structure and sinewy flesh, exuding raw, destructive energy.
[Chaos Behemoth (Final Boss)]
Level: 75
HP: 150,000
Status: Enraged
The Chaos Behemoth's jagged, gemstone-covered back caught the arena's dim light, refracting it into a chaotic dance of blue and crimson hues. Its glowing red eyes locked onto me, filled with primal malice. It let out an ear-splitting roar that reverberated through the chamber, shaking even the resilient crystals lining the walls. Sparks of molten energy sizzled along the ground as its massive claws raked across the floor.
"Wait, level 75!?" I yelled, my voice cracking in disbelief. "I thought this was a D-rank—"
Before I could finish, the Behemoth moved. Faster than I could react, it closed the distance and slammed a massive claw into my gut.
-30,000 HP
The force of the blow sent me flying backward. My body collided with a cluster of Chaos Gemstones, shattering them upon impact.
-10,000 HP
Pain shot through me like a lightning strike as I crumpled to the ground, clutching my ribs. My vision blurred, but the flashing notification before me remained clear.
[ /!\ Warning /!\ Critical HP Detected]
HP: 12,000/52,000
Groaning, I forced myself to sit up as the Behemoth prepared its next attack. Its crystal-encrusted arms glowed ominously with chaotic energy, and it slammed the ground, sending shockwaves rippling toward me. I barely managed to roll out of the way, jagged debris raining down around me.
"N-No time…" I muttered, struggling to breathe. "Gotta use it." Summoning every ounce of resolve, I growled, "Activate Wrath of the Warlord."
[War (Bellum)]
[Wrath of the Warlord LV.1]
[Rank] S
Transform into an avatar of war, massively increasing all combat capabilities.
A surge of power coursed through my body as [Wrath of the Warlord] activated. Crimson flames erupted around me, coiling like a serpent and consuming me in a radiant aura of war. The energy reshaped itself, forming an ethereal, towering avatar that loomed over the arena. Its fiery visage was that of a warrior god, with horns like jagged blades and molten fists that crackled with destructive power.
[Status Effects Active]
+300% Strength
+200% Agility
+150% Defense
AoE Damage Aura: Continuous fire damage within 10 meters
The Behemoth hesitated, its predatory eyes narrowing as it reevaluated its prey. My war avatar stepped forward, mirroring my movements, each footfall scorching the ground.
"You wanted a fight!?" I snarled, my voice reverberating with newfound strength. "Let's see how you handle the wrath of war!"
The Behemoth roared, shaking off its hesitation, and charged. It swiped its massive claw toward me, aiming to crush me outright. I met its attack head-on, my flaming fists clashing against its crystalline claw. The impact unleashed a fiery explosion, sending shards of crystal flying as the Behemoth stumbled back.
[Critical Hit!]
-22,000 HP
Seizing the opening, I launched into a series of devastating strikes. Each blow landed with unrelenting force, flames erupting from my fists and engulfing the Behemoth's vulnerable core.
[Combo Chain]
-15,000 HP
-18,000 HP
-26,000 HP
The Behemoth reeled, its crystalline armor cracking and falling away in chunks. But it wasn't finished. The glow of its gemstones intensified, pulsating with chaotic energy.
[Chaos Behemoth is charging 'Crystal Nova']
[ /!\ Warning /!\ Massive AoE incoming. Take cover immediately.]
"Cover? Hell no-" I growled, the flames around me roaring louder. "Let's finish this!"
With a battle cry, I channeled every ounce of energy into my avatar, which grew brighter and more immense. The heat warped the air around me as the ground cracked beneath my feet.
[New Active Skill Unlocked!]
[Warrior's Cataclysm LV.1]
Unleash a devastating attack that channels the essence of war, annihilating everything in its path.
Leaping into the air, I merged with my war avatar, becoming a blazing comet of destruction. "This is your end!" I roared, bringing both fists down in a cataclysmic strike. The impact shattered the arena floor and engulfed the Behemoth in an inferno of flames and molten chaos.
The creature's death throes echoed across the arena as its body crumbled, leaving behind only smoldering remains.
[Floor 3 Cleared!]
Rend Core acquired!
(x10,500) Essence Fragments
(x5,225) Ascended Fragments
+200,000 EXP
Level Up!
[Wrath of the Warlord] has increased to level 10!
New weapon acquired [Blue Crystal Chaos Sword]
(x50) Chaos Shards
(x200) Chaos Gemstones
(x100) Aethersteel acquired
(x150) Nightshade Essence acquired
+50,000 Gold
Blessing from Chaos acquired
As the fiery avatar dissipated, I collapsed to one knee, my body smoking but unbroken. Sweat dripped from my brow as I let out a shaky laugh. "Damn…that was intense. First time using a Susanoo. Gotta say…that shit was badass." My laugh echoed through the now-silent chamber, filled with both relief and triumph.