The Molten Ravager snarled, its molten eyes burning with malevolent intent. It lunged again, its claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. Ethan barely managed to sidestep, feeling the heat radiating off the creature.
Shadowfang hummed in his grip, its weight surprisingly comfortable. Ethan tightened his hold and focused, his mind racing.
"Alright, Genesis," he muttered under his breath, "any weak points I should know about?"
["Molten Ravagers have thick hides, but their joints—elbows, knees—are more vulnerable. Go for mobility. Disable it, and the rest becomes easier."]
The creature lunged once more, swiping with a wide arc. Ethan ducked low, driving forward with Shadowfang. He slashed at the Ravager's knee, sparks flying as the blade connected. The monster let out a guttural roar, stumbling slightly but not falling.
It retaliated instantly, swinging a massive claw down toward Ethan's head. He rolled to the side, barely avoiding the blow.
["Nice dodge,"] Genesis said. ["You're starting to get the hang of this."]
Ethan didn't respond, too focused on staying alive. The Ravager roared again, its molten saliva hissing as it hit the ground. It charged, faster this time, forcing Ethan to backpedal.
"Time to switch it up," Ethan growled. He brought Shadowfang up and activated Gun Mode. The weapon shifted seamlessly, the blade retracting as the gun barrel extended.
He fired a mana-infused shot at the Ravager's chest. The blast hit, forcing the creature to stagger backward. The molten flesh sizzled where the energy had struck, but the monster wasn't done yet.
["Good hit,"] Genesis said. ["Now finish it before it recovers."]
Ethan switched back to Blade Mode, closing the gap. The Ravager swiped wildly, but its movements were slower now. Ethan ducked under another claw and drove Shadowfang into the creature's side, twisting the blade as he pulled it free.
The Ravager let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing to the ground, its molten eyes dimming as the life drained from its body.
Ethan stood over the corpse, breathing heavily. His arms ached, and his heart pounded in his chest, but he was alive.
["Congratulations,"] Genesis said, its tone as smug as ever. ["You've passed your first real test. Not bad for a former porter."]
Ethan ignored the jab and wiped the sweat from his brow. "Status," he said, eager to see the results.
Abyssal Core Interface: User Status
Name: Ethan Gray
Title: The Forgotten
Rank: F
Attributes:
Strength: 19 (+2)
Agility: 24 (+2)
Intelligence: 24 (+2)
Stamina: 22 (+2)
Perception: 22 (+2)
New Skill Unlocked: Abyssal Insight
Ethan's eyes flicked to the new skill. "Genesis, what's this Abyssal Insight?"
["Ah, one of my favorites,"] Genesis said. ["It's your appraisal ability, but with a twist. It allows you to analyze enemies, items, and even environments. You'll get detailed information about strengths, weaknesses, and potential rewards. Trust me, it's a game-changer."]
Skill Description: Abyssal Insight
Type: Passive/ActiveEffect: Analyze enemies and objects within range. Provides detailed information, including weaknesses, stats, and special abilities.
Range: 15 meters.
Cooldown: None for passive analysis; 30 seconds for deeper active scans.
Ethan let out a low whistle. "That's going to come in handy."
["You're welcome,"] Genesis said, its tone smug. ["Now, rest up while you can. The dungeon's not going to get easier."]
Ethan nodded, his grip on Shadowfang tightening. The path ahead was long and dangerous, but for the first time, he felt like he stood a chance.