Chapter 2: The Roar of Evolution
The earth shook violently beneath their feet as the sound of thunder echoed through the air. Cracks formed in the stone floor as a deafening growl could be heard. The mist swirling around the room thickened, and the towering form of the Void Crystal Boss stepped out of the shadows. Its dark crystalline energy form shimmered with an unearthly glow, and its reddish-orange eyes burned with infernal malevolent intelligence.
Lu Sheng could not catch his breath since a wave of pressure swept over the group. He had almost lost all ability to stand, his chest beneath the massive weight of aura pressing down like a mountain.
"This… this doesn't feel right." Ryuusei stammered, sweat plastering his silver hair to his forehead. He drew his sword with shaking hands. "This isn't how it was described. It's supposed to be a Tier 2 boss.
Shinji, usually quick to quip something, was deathly pale. His sword was bared, but his grip spasmed as he gazed at the monstrosity before them. "You're sure? Because… because this thing doesn't feel like Tier 2.
The boss let out another roar, and the room shook again. The oppressive aura it exuded grew heavier, almost suffocating. Even the air seemed to vibrate with its power. Ryouji, usually calm and collected, took a step back, his eyes wide with terror.
Ryuusei swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper. "Guys… I think it's a Dungeon Evolution."
Lu Sheng blinked. "Dungeon… what?" he managed to croak, his voice trembling.
His voice trembled as he explained. "It's a phenomenon. rare but not unheard of. Sometimes, a dungeon's tier can evolve incredibly, just far surpassing its initial rank. This is the first phase. And if it keeps up, it can trigger a Dungeon Outbreak-where the dungeon's energy spills over into the outside world and creates a disaster.
Before anyone could react, the Void Crystal Boss lunged forward with terrifying speed. A massive claw of shadow swiped through the air, tearing through the ground where they had stood moments before.
"Move!" Shinji screamed, and the group scattered in all directions.
The attack didn't land, but the force of it sent debris flying in all directions. Lu Sheng hit the ground hard, his body jolted by the impact. He scrambled to his feet, his hands shaking uncontrollably as he tried to steady himself. The others were already regrouping; their movements were frantic.
"What the hell is this thing?!" Ryouji shouted, his dual swords flashing as he tried to block another attack. It was like that another blow came, sending him all the way into the other room, with his weapons shaking so hard in his hands.
"We can't fight this!" Shinji yelled, panic creeping into his voice. "This thing is way above our level! It's stronger than Tier 6—maybe even Tier 7!"
The boss roared again, its voice shaking the very walls of the dungeon. Every movement it made was a blur, its speed and strength something they had never faced before. Dodging into the thin openings given them by its relentless onslaught, they just barely managed to keep up with the monster's actual attacks.
Time seemed to stretch as the battle continued. Minutes took on a life of its own, turning into hours. Sweat dripped down Lu Sheng's face, his ragged gasps a testament to how desperate he was for air. His weapon felt useless in his hands, as the difference in power between him and the boss was an insurmountable chasm. All he could do was run, dodge, and hope that he wouldn't be the first to fall.
Shinji, crouched behind a broken pillar, suddenly glanced at the others. His expression shifted, a shadow of an idea forming in his mind. A dark, calculating look crossed his face.
"We… we're not going to survive this," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the chaos.
"What are you talking about?" Ryuusei hissed, keeping his eyes on the boss as it lunged at Ryouji. "Stop talking nonsense and focus on staying alive!"
But Shinji's lips curled into a faint smile—an idea had taken root. A terrible, selfish idea.
He whispered to himself, his voice cold. "There's only one way out of this."
End of Chapter 2