Chapter 14: Into the Abyss
Ethan stood before the academy's mission board, eyes fixed on the newly announced B-Rank Dungeon Raid. The crowd of students murmured excitedly, forming parties and strategizing. Unlike them, he had no one to rely on.
He clenched his fists. I don't need a party. I've survived alone my entire life.
A Dangerous Gamble
Cain approached from behind, arms crossed. "You're planning to enter the raid alone, aren't you?"
Ethan smirked. "Isn't it obvious?"
Cain sighed. "B-Rank dungeons aren't playgrounds. You'd be at a massive disadvantage."
Ethan's gaze never wavered. "Then I'll just prove everyone wrong."
Cain studied him for a moment before shaking his head. "I hope your arrogance doesn't get you killed."
The conversation ended as the academy's President, Elara, stepped onto the platform. With an authoritative voice, she addressed the students. "This is an opportunity to test your limits. Form your teams wisely. The dungeon will be unpredictable."
From the corner of his eye, Ethan noticed Aldric watching him, a smirk playing on his lips. Something about it felt off.
The Dungeon Entrance
The dungeon's entrance loomed before them, a swirling vortex of dark energy. Students gathered in assigned groups, but Ethan walked toward the portal alone.
Mocking laughter erupted from behind him. "Look at the F-Rank idiot. Thinks he's strong enough to solo a B-Rank dungeon."
Ethan ignored them. He had nothing to prove to anyone but himself.
Passive Ability Reminder:
Never Give Up (Progress: ???)
Iron Stride (Progress: 76%)
Bloodforged Tenacity (Progress: 45%)
Enduring Will (Progress: 30%)
Unyielding Flesh (Progress: 36%)
He stepped forward, letting the vortex pull him in.
The Depths of Darkness
The moment Ethan landed inside, the air changed. The dungeon was a vast underground ruin, damp and eerie. The walls were lined with glowing blue stones, and the ground was uneven with cracks.
A guttural growl echoed through the corridor.
Monsters.
Ethan turned, facing three Shadow Beasts—feral creatures with elongated claws and soulless red eyes.
They pounced.
Ethan dodged the first, barely avoiding the swipe of its claws. He countered with a punch, but the beast's shadow-like body absorbed the impact.
He gritted his teeth. Normal attacks won't work? Fine.
The second beast lunged. Ethan kicked off the ground, his movements sharper than before.
Iron Stride Progress: 77% → 78%
He twisted mid-air, delivering a spinning kick. His foot connected, and the beast staggered backward.
The third attacked from behind. Ethan braced himself, but at the last moment, he rolled, avoiding a fatal strike.
Enduring Will Progress: 30% → 32%
He grinned. I'm getting stronger even in battle.
With newfound momentum, Ethan grabbed a fallen blade from the ruins. This time, when the beasts attacked, he was ready. He struck with precise, calculated movements. One by one, they fell.
His breathing was ragged, but his grin widened. I won.
A Sinister Plot
Elsewhere, Vice President Aldric watched the dungeon's live feed, a sinister smirk on his face.
"That fool actually went in alone," Aldric muttered. He turned to a hooded figure beside him. "Ensure he doesn't leave that place alive."
The figure nodded before vanishing into the shadows.
Aldric leaned back, his fingers tapping against the table. "Let's see how long you last, Ethan."