Chapter 4: The Hidden Power Unleashed
The tension in the air had thickened. Crow and the Hell Hound stood at the edge of a dense thicket, where the forest grew even darker, the trees twisted in unnatural shapes as if the very land itself had been corrupted. Strange, distant noises echoed through the fog—scratching, hissing, and growling from unseen creatures. Crow's instincts were on high alert, but his confidence in his Hell Hound gave him a sense of calm.
The ground beneath his feet shifted as if something was stirring below. Crow glanced down, his fingers twitching towards his taming collar on instinct. He could feel it: the presence of something stronger. He could sense the presence of a creature watching them, something powerful.
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[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Warning! High-level Beast detected.
Level 10 Beast approaching.
Would you like to engage in battle?
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Crow's eyes widened as the alert flashed before him. Level 10—that was a significant jump from the Level 4 and Level 5 beasts they had encountered so far. He wasn't sure what kind of creature it was, but he was certain this would be a serious test for both him and the Hell Hound.
"Stay close, Hell Hound," Crow muttered under his breath.
The Hell Hound growled softly, its body radiating heat. Its fiery mane burned brighter, as if instinctively sensing the danger ahead. It stood tall and unwavering, its glowing eyes locked onto the darkened path ahead.
Suddenly, a piercing roar echoed through the trees. It was so loud that the ground shook, sending vibrations through the very air. The trees groaned, their branches swaying dangerously. Crow didn't have time to think—he immediately turned to face the source of the sound.
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From behind a large rock formation, a massive shape emerged. It was a Fiendish Wyvern, a creature of legend. Its wings stretched wide, causing a gust of wind to sweep through the trees, knocking leaves and debris into the air. Its body was covered in obsidian-like scales, and its eyes glowed with a menacing purple hue. The creature's tail lashed back and forth, flicking venom as it hissed.
Crow felt his heart skip a beat. This beast was a force to be reckoned with. Level 10 Fiendish Wyvern—this was no ordinary opponent. Its presence alone filled the air with a chilling sense of dread. But Crow wasn't afraid.
He could see the veins of dark energy pulsing through the Wyvern's body, its scales shifting like molten lava. The air itself seemed to warp around it as if reality itself was bending to its power.
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[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Fiendish Wyvern (Level 10) detected.
The creature has poison-infused claws and a tail that can inflict deadly venom.
Would you like to engage in battle?
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"I'm not running from this one," Crow said to himself, a determined smirk forming on his lips. "Hell Hound, we've got this."
He raised his hand, pointing toward the Wyvern. "Hellfire Blast!"
The Hell Hound's body surged with power as it unleashed a powerful blast of hellfire directly at the approaching Wyvern. The flames shot through the air like a blazing arrow, cutting through the dense fog. The heat radiated from the fire, causing the surrounding air to ripple and distort.
The Fiendish Wyvern spread its wings wide, and with an earth-shaking roar, it took to the air. The fire missed by mere inches, its intensity leaving scorch marks on the ground. The Wyvern launched itself into the sky, circling overhead with terrifying speed.
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[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Fiendish Wyvern is airborne.
Beast will attempt a dive bomb attack.
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Crow's mind raced as he analyzed the situation. The Wyvern's speed in the air would be hard to match, but he knew that the Hell Hound's mobility on the ground and its flame attacks could be their advantage.
"Hurry up, Hell Hound! Flame Dash—go!" Crow shouted.
With a burst of speed, the Hell Hound dashed forward, flames trailing in its wake as it moved with incredible precision. It aimed straight at the Wyvern, anticipating its next move. As the Wyvern dove from the sky with deadly speed, aiming its razor-sharp claws down at them, the Hell Hound leapt up just in time, its fiery claws striking the Wyvern mid-dive.
The impact was deafening as the Hell Hound's claws dug into the Wyvern's chest, raking through the scales. A spray of venom erupted from the Wyvern's tail, but the Hell Hound was too fast. With a growl of fury, it retaliated, unleashing a torrent of hellfire directly into the Wyvern's exposed chest.
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[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Fiendish Wyvern has been critically damaged.
Hell Hound's attack has dealt 1,200 damage.
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The Wyvern screamed in pain as the flames engulfed its body, its once-mighty wings struggling to keep it airborne. The poison in its tail turned the air a sickly green, but the Hell Hound was relentless. With a howl, it pressed its attack, driving its flaming claws into the Wyvern's ribs.
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[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Fiendish Wyvern's Health: 25%
Warning: Fiendish Wyvern's poison resistance has activated.
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Crow clenched his fists, feeling a strange surge of power flow through him. His bond with the Hell Hound was more than just a tamer and beast—he was beginning to feel the connection as if they were one. The Hell Hound's movements seemed more fluid, its attacks more precise. The beast was adapting to its opponent's poison-based attacks, and Crow could see it in the fiery determination in its eyes.
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[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Hell Hound has unlocked a new ability: Hell's Fury.
Hell's Fury: Increases attack power and speed for a short period, but drains MP.
Warning: Hell Hound's MP will be depleted by 50%.
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Without hesitation, Crow activated the Hell Hound's new ability. The Hell Hound's body crackled with energy, its flames flaring as its speed and strength increased. With a final, deafening roar, the Hell Hound lunged forward, its claws igniting as they tore through the Fiendish Wyvern's chest.
The Wyvern let out one last screech before collapsing into a heap of lifeless scales. The ground shook beneath its heavy body as it crashed to the earth, sending a shockwave through the trees.
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[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Fiendish Wyvern (Level 10) has been defeated.
You have gained 2,000 EXP.
Hell Hound has leveled up to Level 4.
Hell Hound has unlocked new abilities: Fire Slash, Flame Roar.
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Crow panted heavily, his body trembling from the adrenaline. He looked down at the Hell Hound, which stood proudly beside the defeated Wyvern, flames flickering from its claws.
"Nice work," Crow whispered, his voice filled with awe. The bond between them had only grown stronger. The Hell Hound was no longer just a tamed beast—it was a force of nature, a creature that could stand beside him and help him conquer whatever challenges came next.
Crow could feel the rising tide of power coursing through him. This was just the beginning. The dungeon had much more to reveal, and Crow was ready to face it all.
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To be continued...