Exhaustion weighed heavily on the group as they pushed deeper into the second dungeon. Their breaths came in shallow gasps, and the once steady rhythm of their footsteps had become uneven and labored. Each of them was spent—Mira's fire spells flickered weakly, Garrett's swings of his broad axe were sluggish, and Lyra's healing magic sputtered as her mana reserves dwindled to alarming levels. Even Cha-Jong, the unshakable leader, showed cracks in his composure, his usual calm demeanor fraying at the edges.
Yet, they moved on.
The dungeon walls pulsed faintly with an eerie blue light, casting long, flickering shadows that danced like specters. Huge magic stones, twice the size of ordinary ones, were embedded in the walls, glowing with an unnatural intensity. They seemed almost like treasures offered to the poor light, their brilliance both mesmerizing and foreboding.
Cha-Jong raised a hand, signaling the group to halt. His sharp eyes scanned the stones, and a rare glint of greed flickered in his gaze.
"These magic stones… they're worth a fortune," he said, his voice low but tinged with excitement."We can't leave them behind."
Garrett leaned on his axe, nodding in agreement."He's right. These could make us rich enough to take years off. Worth the risk."
Mira reached out and ran her fingers over the surface of one of the stones, her eyes widening.
"These aren't just any magic stones. Most of them are high-rank level. Do you have any idea how rare these are? One of these could fund an entire expedition."
Akira, seated against the rough dungeon wall, remained silent. His face was unreadable, his sharp eyes observing the others as they eagerly began quarrying the stones."Greedy," He muttered under his breath."Blinded by gold, oblivious to the death lurking around every corner. We don't even know if we'll make it out alive. That Minotaur nearly wiped us out—what do they think the boss-level monster will be like?"
Cha-Jong noticed Akira's distant expression and approached him, clapping a hand on his shoulder."Hey, E.B.," he said "Thanks. If it wasn't for your quick thinking and those reckless charges back there, we'd be Minotaur food by now."
Garrett grinned, joining them."He's right, kid. You saved our asses back there. Even if you're reckless as hell, you've got guts. I respect that."
Mira smirked from across the room, her tone teasing but with a hint of genuine admiration."Don't get too cocky about it, though. We still need you in one piece for the next fight."
Lyra smiled warmly, her voice soft and sincere."Well done, E.B. But don't over-strain yourself, okay? We still need you at your best."
Akira shrugged impassively, though the faintest tremor of a smirk played on his lips."Don't worry about me. Let's just keep moving—if you're done being greedy, that is."
The air grew heavier as they pressed forward, the dim glow of the dungeon walls intensifying. Strange, unnatural patterns of light danced across the floor and walls, casting an otherworldly ambiance. Suddenly, a wave of immense magical energy washed over them, cold and oppressive, like a tidal wave of dread. Their feet stopped dead in their tracks, and their spines tingled under the weight of the aura.
Cha-Jong's grip tightened on his sword, his face pale."What… what is that?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Garrett swallowed hard, his usual bravado crumbling."I… I don't think I've ever felt anything this strong before."
Even Mira, usually confident, looked uncertain. She gripped her staff tightly, her eyes darting around the room."Whatever it is, we're not ready for it…"
Akira instinctively summoned his inventory, his hand gripping the hilt of his Pantho Blade. Even he felt the crushing weight of the aura, but he forced himself to stand tall, his defiant gaze cutting through the oppressive atmosphere.
From the darkness, a figure emerged.
She was tall, her presence dominating the space around her. Her crimson eyes glowed like hot coals in the dark, and her long, cascading black hair framed a face of eldritch beauty, twisted by a cruel smirk. Two pointed fangs glinted as she spoke, her voice dripping with venom."Ah… prey," she purred. "It's been so long since I've had any to play with."
Lyra stumbled back, alarm written all over her face.
"A dungeon monster… talking?! What is she?" Her voice trembled, her mind racing. In all their expeditions, they had never encountered a monster that could speak. Monsters were supposed to be mindless, driven by instinct—not this… this thing that stood before them, exuding intelligence and malice.
Mira narrowed her eyes, her grip on her staff tightening."That aura… she's no common monster. And she looks almost human." Her voice was low, but the unease in it was unmistakable. The realization that this creature was something entirely beyond their understanding sent a chill down her spine.
The woman tilted her head, mock amusement dancing in her gaze."Such afraid little beasts," she taunted, her voice dripping with condescension. "Choose will you run away, or will you amuse me?"
Cha-Jong stepped forward, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes."We're not here to amuse you. Move out of the way, or we'll fight." His words were bold, but even he couldn't hide the flicker of doubt in his expression. A talking monster? This defied everything they knew about dungeons and the creatures within them.
The woman let out a cold, melodious laugh that echoed through the dungeon, sending shivers down their spines."Fight me? How… amusing. You'll make for wonderful entertainment before I dine on your despair."
With a whisper of "Blood Domination," an overwhelming pressure crashed down on the group, forcing them to their knees one by one. Garrett struggled, veins bulging on his temples as he clenched his teeth. Cha-Jong's calm facade shattered, his face twisted in despair. Mira and Lyra could barely stand, their faces pale and drenched in cold sweat.
Cha-Jong's thoughts raced in panic." What is this? I can't move! What is this mana pressure? What the hell did she do?" His mind screamed in frustration. "Shit... It's over. I knew we should've never come here."
Mira's mind filled with regret. "I can't lift a finger , I don't want to die here… not like this. I was supposed to become a legendary fire mage, not end up as some monster's meal."
Lyra's lips quivered, her voice barely a whisper."This can't… be how it ends. Im a healer I should heal and protect them… but I can't even move."
Garrett's bravado crumbled completely."I always thought I'd go down swinging… but I can't even lift my axe."
But amidst the crushing force, Akira stood.
His legs buckled, his arms trembled under the invisible weight, yet he refused to fall. His gaze locked onto the vampire, a fierce spark of defiance burning in his eyes."She's strong—no, beyond strong. I wouldn't stand a chance… but I've leveled up since then." A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
The women's crimson eyes narrowed, her head tilting slightly as her smirk widened. "Interesting. You're the only one still standing."
Akira's voice was cold and sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade."Of course Im because there hasn't been a single time I've kneeled to bitches likes of you."
Irritation flickered across the vampire's face, her smirk faltering for a moment before returning, thinner and more dangerous. "Such sharp words from one so young. Let's see how long that tongue of yours lasts."
In an instant, she was gone—no sound, no warning, just a blur of motion too fast for the eye to follow. Akira's instincts screamed, and he raised his sword just in time to block her killing blow. The clash of their weapons sent sparks flying, the force of the impact throwing Akira backward. His boots skidded across the stone floor, his arms numb, but he refused to let go of his weapon.
The women chuckled, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "Not bad, human. Not bad at all."
The oppressive silence was shattered by gasps from the party. Their eyes widened in shock and disbelief, a flicker of hope breaking through their despair.
Cha-Jong muttered, "H-He blocked it? That's impossible. How is he even moving right now?"
Garrett's mouth hung open. "I can't lift a finger, and he's out here… blocking that."
Mira's tone shifted from despair to stunned awe. "No way… That pressure should've crushed him too. How is he still standing?"
Lyra's eyes brimmed with tears, her voice shaking. "I thought… we were all done for… but he's… holding his ground? I knew he wasn't normal. His Star ID license said he was only C-Rank, but what he's shown far surpasses that. Was he hiding his power all along? Why?"
Akira's eyes remained razor-sharp, fixed on his opponent. His body trembled under the strain, but his defiant expression never wavered.
The beautiful monster smirked, her crimson eyes narrowing as she observed him.
"Impressive. I'll admit, I didn't think you'd last a second."
Akira took a step forward, he glowing faintly with white lightning.
"Come. Or are you all talk?"
The monster laughed, a cold, chilling sound that echoed through the dungeon.
"It's been so long since I've had such pleasure."
In a flash, she lunged again, her claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. Akira dodged and countered, his movements desperate but precise. The clash of their blows illuminated the room, sparks flying as Akira deflected her attacks with sheer willpower.
Garrett shouted, his fear replaced by adrenaline. "HELL YEAH, KID! Show her who's boss!"
The vampire stumbled back, shaking her hand as if the force of her own attack had reverberated through her. She eyed Akira like a predator sizing up its prey, her grin returning sharper than ever.
"You're full of surprises, human. Let's see how long you can keep this up."
Akira rolled his shoulders his body clearly shows signs of strain. "As long as it takes."
The vampire's laughter echoed through the dungeon, a haunting sound that sent shivers down their spines.
"Then let the game begin."