The entrance to the cavern loomed like a gaping maw, emanating a foreboding energy that sent shivers through Rikouh's translucent body. Though fear clung to her like a shadow, the faint aura of the Sword of Eternity pulsed from deep within, calling her forward. She hesitated for just a moment, knowing the dangers ahead, before summoning her resolve. Using her Earth Split skill, she carved a narrow path through the jagged rocks, the echoes of her movements lost in the cavern's haunting stillness.
The cavern's interior was like another world. Crystals embedded in the walls cast faint, ethereal light, painting the space in hues of blue and gold. The air felt alive, humming with ancient power that weighed heavily on Rikouh. Each step deeper sent tremors through her body, the vibrations of the earth growing stronger and more ominous.
Her first challenge came quickly. A rumbling roar shook the cavern as a towering Abyssal Golem emerged from the shadows, its molten body radiating intense heat. Rikouh froze as its ember-like eyes locked onto her, and then it charged with terrifying force. She narrowly avoided its crushing fist, darting out of the way with her Wolf's Agility skill.
Rikouh struck back with Tremor Touch, but the golem's obsidian armor absorbed the attack like a pebble against a mountain. Realizing brute strength was useless, Rikouh scanned her surroundings and came up with a plan. She lured the golem into a narrow tunnel where its massive body could barely fit. Using Earth Split, she triggered a cave-in, sending rocks cascading down to trap the monster. It roared in frustration, but Rikouh didn't linger to celebrate—she knew the challenges ahead would only grow harder.
Deeper into the cavern, the shadows grew darker, pressing in on Rikouh like a suffocating fog. A faint hiss echoed through the space, followed by a sudden strike from the Void Serpent. Its spectral body moved with unnatural speed, weaving through the air like liquid darkness. Rikouh fought back, her Sap Resistance protecting her from the serpent's venom, but she couldn't match its agility or strength. Every attack seemed to push her closer to defeat.
Fear clawed at Rikouh's thoughts, tempting her to retreat. Memories of Azuryth's past strength felt like taunts—how had she fallen so far? But just as despair threatened to take hold, Rikouh remembered her vow. She wasn't fighting to reclaim her past; she was fighting to create something new.
Drawing on the blessing of Nyx, Rikouh unleashed her Prismatic Veil. A radiant shield of light surrounded her, reflecting the serpent's attacks and giving her a moment to breathe. The Void Serpent retreated into the shadows, and Rikouh, though shaken, pressed onward.
Finally, she reached a vast chamber bathed in golden light. The air felt calmer here, though no less powerful. At the center of the chamber stood Nyx, the legendary SSS-rank monster whose majestic form radiated an aura of awe and terror. Rikouh froze, her mind racing with the choice between fight or flight.
But Nyx didn't attack. The beast stepped forward slowly, its piercing gaze studying Rikouh with curiosity. When it spoke, its voice echoed like a melody through the chamber. "You are not the dragon you once were, but I see your spirit remains. Tell me, slime—why do you walk this perilous path?"
Rikouh hesitated, but then she found her voice. She told Nyx of her journey—her fall from greatness, her determination to grow stronger, and her desire to protect and rebuild instead of seeking vengeance. Nyx listened intently, its fierce expression softening as it nodded in understanding.
"Strength is not found in form, but in resolve," Nyx said, placing a paw over Rikouh. A surge of energy coursed through her, unlocking latent abilities and granting her the skill Celestial Resonance, which allowed her to sense and control magical auras.
As Rikouh absorbed Nyx's blessing, she felt her connection to the cavern deepen. But the vibration in the air returned, signaling the presence of another creature deeper within. This time, Rikouh didn't feel fear. With Nyx's blessing and her newfound strength, she felt ready.