I was once again back at the Dungeon Society. This place never got old—same bustling crowd, people getting in and out of dungeons. Some emerged victorious, while others returned dead-eyed and dispirited. That's just life in Xylaris. Some days it's good, some days it's downright shite.
After waiting in line, I secured my pass for a Level 2 dungeon. This one had 35 floors—a bit on the weaker side, but it would do nicely for what I had in mind. My goal wasn't just loot or experience this time. No, this was a test for Umbra.
Reaching the platform, I pulled Umbra from the Bond Space. The little critter was behaving for now, floating beside me with his usual curious but defiant aura. The Bond Space is a lifesaver, I must admit. Having a metaphysical storage for my bond is not only practical, but it also keeps him out of trouble.
I stepped into the shimmering portal and emerged in the dungeon. Around me, the air was heavy with the scent of decay. Large pointed stones jutted out from the earth like fangs, and twisted, ancient trees loomed ominously. Ahead lay a colossal crimson castle, its archaic structure seemingly untouched by time.
This dungeon was notorious for its undead inhabitants—either vampires or the dreaded undead knights. Both presented unique challenges, but I would rather face vampires. Endless hordes of mindless undead aren't exactly my idea of a good time.
As we ventured through the forest toward the castle, the malevolent atmosphere pressed against me. Shadows twisted unnaturally, and faint howls echoed through the trees.
"Blood Wolves," I muttered under my breath.
Blood Wolves are notorious for their regeneration abilities and their deadly skill to manipulate blood into weapons. The howls grew louder, and it didn't take long before I felt predatory gazes locking onto us.
Umbra, floating beside me, sniffed the air. His snout twitched, but I knew better than to be fooled by his cuteness. Beneath that adorable exterior was the fury of a dragon. Apex beings like him despise inferior creatures surrounding them—it's akin to humans loathing being covered in filth.
The Blood Wolves dropped their stealth, surrounding us in a circle. I counted fifteen of them, led by a massive alpha wolf. Its crimson eyes glowed with malice, and its scarred body was a testament to its ferocity.
Umbra took center stage, floating higher to assert his dominance. The wolves growled, their bloodlust filling the air. Suddenly, they attacked, unleashing a barrage of blood needles.
Umbra responded by conjuring a barrier of dark mana. The needles never even reached him; instead, they were absorbed into the void-like shield. The wolves faltered, confused by their failed attack, but Umbra wasted no time retaliating.
With a flick of his tail, multiple Dark Lances shot forth. Two wolves fell instantly, their bodies disintegrating into ash. Three others howled in pain as the lances pierced their bodies. Half of the pack was neutralized in a single move.
The alpha wolf snarled, howling to rally its remaining pack. It lunged at Umbra, blood claws forming around its massive paws. Umbra fired more lances, but the alpha countered with blood projectiles of its own.
The clash between dark and crimson energy lit up the forest, creating shockwaves that uprooted nearby trees. Umbra's frustration was palpable. He roared, unleashing his Dragon Breath.
Dark flames engulfed two wolves, turning them to ash in seconds. The alpha wolf, now visibly afraid, launched a desperate attack, slashing at Umbra with all its might.
The blows landed on Umbra's onyx scales but did no damage. The little dragon looked almost bored. With a single concentrated Dragon Breath, the alpha was reduced to cinders. The remaining wolves tried to flee, but Umbra's lances found their marks, eliminating them one by one.
The forest was left in ruins. Tree stumps were all that remained of the once-dense foliage, and the ground was scarred with deep craters from the battle.
Umbra returned to his perch atop my head, puffing out his chest proudly as if to say, "See what I did?"
I chuckled, patting his head. "Good job, little guy. But let's save some energy for the castle."
We continued toward the Crimson Castle. Its towering spires loomed closer with every step, casting long shadows over the devastated forest. As we walked, my thoughts drifted to some forbidden knowledge I had recently uncovered.
The world of Xylaris is massive, far larger than I initially thought. Thanks to the forbidden codex in our family's possession, I learned that this planet is a super exoplanet. At first, I believed it might be slightly larger than Jupiter, but I was dead wrong.
This world was once larger than the supergiant star Stephenson 2-18—a star that could contain ten billion suns. Just the thought of it was mind-boggling.
However, the ancient Doom War billions of years ago scaled it down significantly. That war destroyed five ancient super-races, leaving the planet in its current, smaller form.
My musings were interrupted as we reached the castle gates. The entrance was massive, with intricate carvings of ancient battles and runes glowing faintly. I pushed the heavy doors open and stepped inside, ready for what lay ahead.
"Kekeke, a human dares to enter our domain!"
The mocking voice echoed through the dimly lit hall. Two vampires stepped forward, their crimson eyes gleaming with malice.
"Look at him, strutting in here like he owns the place," one sneered.
The other grinned, baring his fangs. "Don't scare him too much. We'll play with him for a bit before draining him dry."
Damn Bloodsucking asses. Vampires part of the various sub races under the Undead banner. They possess the power to heal from most wounds, super strength, speed and foresight. These creatures also possess higher level of blood manipulation, and blood arts.
The stronger Ones even have vampiric transformation, basically taking A Super Saiyan Like transformation.
Judging by their Auras these two are at the Mid of Rank 2. Shouldn't be too hard.
"Let's go you bloodsucking cunts" I mocked them while grinning and getting ready for the fight ahead, Umbra also gave a growl as if agreeing with me.
The two vampires now provoked also got ready for the imminent battle.
To be continued...