Kael sat in the damp shadows of the abyssal cavern, his body aching, but his will sharpened like steel. The silence was heavy, broken only by the faint bubbling of underground streams. He knew he couldn't delay any longer—the hidden floor was merciless, and hesitation here meant death.
He clenched his fists and whispered,
"Status."
The familiar panel shimmered to life before him.
[Kael – Level 5]Strength: 22 (+1)Agility: 19 (+1)Endurance: 22 (+1)Intelligence: 17 (+1)
Free Attribute Points: 10
He exhaled, steadying his thoughts. His body had grown sturdier, his steps lighter, his reflexes sharper just from the natural increase of leveling up. But the abyss wasn't kind enough for complacency. He began assigning the free points with precision.
Strength +2, Agility +3, Endurance +3, Intelligence +2
[Updated Stats]Strength: 24Agility: 22Endurance: 25Intelligence: 19
Summon Limit: 2
As the final allocation settled into his body, Kael's strength swelled in his veins, like coiled energy ready to be unleashed. But his eyes drifted toward the glowing cocoon nearby—the Fire Spirit that had shielded him was stirring.
The fiery cocoon cracked, light searing through the cavern like dawn cutting through a battlefield fog. Lava-like patterns split open, and from within emerged a form far grander than before.
Where once floated a simple flame, now hovered a humanoid figure composed of molten fire and living embers. Its body was sleek yet crackling with restrained power, two burning wings flickering faintly behind its back, and in its chest pulsed a core like a miniature sun.
Kael's system chimed.
[Your summon, Fire Spirit, has evolved to Uncommon rank!]New Name:PyraflameRank: Uncommon Elemental (Fire)Skills:
Flame Burst (Active): Condenses heat into a violent explosion of fire.
Ember Shield (Active): Forms a defensive barrier of swirling embers.
Devour (Passive): Allows absorption of abyssal fragments and corrupted energy to strengthen core. No side effects.
Evolution Path – Next Rank LockedCondition 1: Absorb 5 abyssal cores via Devour.Condition 2: ???Condition 3: ???
Kael's lips parted in awe. "You… evolved."
The newly reborn Pyraflame tilted its head, its molten eyes burning with intelligence and loyalty. A faint ripple of warmth spread into Kael's body, as if reassuring him that it hadn't forgotten why it endured pain to protect him.
"Pyraflame," Kael muttered, almost reverently. "So that's your new name."
But his relief was short-lived. His stomach tightened painfully. Hunger. The shredded remains of the abyssal creature he had slain earlier still lay nearby. Grimacing, Kael tore a piece and forced himself to chew, bile rising with every swallow.
Survive first. Hate yourself later.
He tore another piece and tossed it toward Pyraflame. The elemental extended a clawed ember-hand, touching the flesh. Black smoke hissed as the Devour skill activated, the corrupted energy siphoned into its core. Pyraflame's body blazed brighter for a moment before settling, stronger than before.
Kael wiped his mouth and stood. "If I want to keep moving… I'll need more than fire."
He extended his hand, focusing on his vacant summon slot. His mana swirled into a second summoning circle—this one pulsing blue like a rushing tide. From it rose a ripple of liquid form, translucent yet radiant, water weaving itself into a shape resembling a floating elemental wisp.
The system flickered again.
[New summon acquired!]Name:AquaraRank: Common Elemental (Water)Skills:
Water Bolt (Active): Fires a condensed stream of water with cutting force.
Mending Current (Active): Uses water's flow to close minor wounds.
Evolution Path – Next Rank LockedCondition 1: Defeat 10 abyssal monsters as final blow.Condition 2: ???Condition 3: ???
Kael clenched his fist. "Pyraflame… Aquara… fire and water. Together, we might stand a chance."
But just as hope sparked, a low growl reverberated through the cavern.
From the shadows ahead, glowing eyes opened—one pair, then another, and another, until four abyssal creatures emerged, each twisted, malformed, and hungry. Their jagged claws scraped the stone, and their skeletal frames twisted unnaturally as corrupted essence oozed from them.
Kael felt his pulse hammer in his ears. He had no time to celebrate, no time to prepare.
He had just summoned Aquara… and now death itself was stalking closer.
He gritted his teeth, raising his dagger, and spoke in a low growl.
"Then let's see… if two elements can keep me alive."
The abyss roared in answer.
The moment Aquara's watery form shimmered into being, the air in the abyss thickened with anticipation. Kael had no time to marvel further—shadows moved.
Four abyssal monsters slithered from the jagged stone corridors, their distorted forms radiating hunger. They resembled wolf-like husks, their bones wrapped in sinewy corruption, their maws dripping ichor that hissed as it hit the ground.
Kael gritted his teeth. "Pyraflame! Aquara! This is our first real test—don't fail me."
Pyraflame, its form now sharper and radiant after evolution, roared, flames spiraling around its body. Aquara's liquid frame swirled, droplets floating like blades waiting for a command.
The battle began.
The first creature lunged for Kael directly. Pyraflame surged forward, intercepting in a burst of fire, its claws igniting. A swipe reduced the beast's torso to molten ash. But instead of fading, Pyraflame's body pulsed.
[Skill Activated: Devour]Absorbing Abyssal Core Fragment…Mana Capacity +5
Kael's eyes widened. Flames rippled brighter along Pyraflame's body, burning hotter and longer. "So that's Devour… it actually feeds its strength with every kill."
The second monster tried circling toward Aquara, but Kael's sharp command cut through.
"Aquara, bind it—don't kill!"
Streams of water snapped outward, coiling like ropes and pinning the monster to the ground. Its thrashing shook the stone, but it was trapped. Pyraflame blasted past, incinerating the third monster in an explosion of flame, then quickly pounced on the fourth.
Kael's dagger caught a glancing strike from the pinned one, but he didn't falter. "Aquara, finish it—NOW!"
The water spirit's eyes glowed faintly. Her form condensed into a spinning lance of pressurized water. With a sharp cry, she drove herself through the monster's skull, extinguishing its corrupted flame in a shower of black mist.
The abyss grew silent once more, only the faint drip of water echoing from unseen caverns. Kael leaned on his dagger, chest heaving. Both summons returned to his side—Pyraflame's flames steadier, Aquara's watery aura pulsing faintly as though strengthened by the kill.
A sudden ripple crossed Kael's vision.
[Experience Gained: +320][Level Progress: 780/1000]
[Summon Progress: Pyraflame]
Level: 5 → 6
Devour Activated: Current Mana Capacity: +15 (3 Abyssal Cores absorbed)
[Summon Progress: Aquara]
Level: 1 → 2
Evolution Condition (Stage 1): Deliver Final Blow to 10 Abyssal Monsters.
Progress: 1/10
Kael smirked despite his exhaustion. "Good… very good. Both of you are growing."
Pyraflame let out a guttural hiss of flames, as though hungry for more. Aquara shimmered, her liquid tendrils curling protectively near Kael. For the first time since falling into this cursed place, he didn't feel alone.
But deep within the abyss, the shadows stirred again. More eyes blinked open in the dark, waiting.
And Kael knew—this was just the beginning.