Chapter 31. The end of the Draconians.
Gavin pulled his arm back out of the skull from the Draconian in front of him. His forearm trembled as he ended the crimson blade. His mana dissolved into a fine mist around him as he turned around and could see the three separate Draconian warriors' stampeding towards him. Their heavy feet like thunder as they crashed through the volcanic plains. Ash and dust spun around them as they roared their fury. The ground trembled; each step was a hammer beat through the stone.
Gavin rolled his shoulders as he watched them. His body ached and burned like never before. He was getting tired of all this fighting. Each battle was more intense. Each floor took more effort and energy out of him.
Truth be told, he missed Erza. I don't know how long it's actually been inside this dungeon, but it feels like weeks since I hit Tessa with that water spell.
He grew tired of this, and for a moment, just a single moment he considered letting them kill him here and now so he could return.
He slapped both his cheeks and shook his head as soon as that thought entered his mind. He was no coward. He wasn't the type to just give up. I will fight them until I cant fight no more. Koray wanted me to grow stronger in this damn dungeon, and Lunaria hijacked his original plan. I am not some damn pawn for the gods to entertain themselves with!
Fuck it, time to go big or go home. Gavin had enough of these magical resistant walking behemoths.
He activated the Overdrive skill. His entire body was electrified with energy as all his physical attributes doubled in value. He was done dragging this floor. He felt the rush of energy in his body and knew for the next thirty minutes, he was almost unbeatable.
He threw his head back, and let all his fury, pain and exhausted out in a single howl that cut through the howling wind and erupting volcanoes. The howl was filled with his mana as he activated one of his other skills. Hunter's Howl activated. The baleful cry filled the plains as the magically enhanced sound reached the Draconian soldiers.
They came to a slow halt as the skill washed over them. The fear and paralyzing effects took hold for just a moment. Their bodies shook with rage and indignation as they struggled against the effects.
One warrior's arms shook as he attempted to force his body to move. His fingers clenched every so slightly around his weapon, a mighty double-bladed axe. Shiny, gold, and clean. It was adorned with gems in the handle as the warrior flexed his arms and roared out in defiance to break the spell.
The other two were still temporarily immobilized by the Hunter's Howl. Gavin crouched low as he noticed one of the three was on the move again. He gave a fang toothed grin as he launched himself forward. His power and speed left a crater in the stone behind him. Black ash spilled out on either side as the black blur that was Gavin almost flew across the plains.
He raised his fist, covered with thick stone as he brought it down, straight into the Draconian's face with a heavy crunch. The warrior cried out in pain as he tried to swing his axe in front of him.
Gavin had already moved out of the way. The ground at his feet a cracked crater as he started to run again. He ran behind the slow beast and held his claws out to the side. He sliced through the tendons on the Draconian's legs. The warrior grunted as he came crashing down. He would have faceplanted if he hadn't braced himself with the hilt of his golden axe.
"How are you so fast?! Stand still and fight like a warrior!" The Draconian growled out as he tried to take another swing and missed Gavin again.
Gavin appeared in front of the Draconian, his canines inches from his throat. "All is fair in love and war." He said before he opened his mouth and bit down on the neck of the warrior. Dark green blood filled Gavin's mouth as he gripped his head and with a quick, sudden jerk, tore it clean from his shoulders. He dropped the head and body to the ground as he looked at the other two warriors.
Three of five Draconian's have been slain. Two remain. Five minutes until the floor boss is summoned.
The message popped up in Gavin's vision as he spat the green blood onto the ground.
Once again, you resort to going feral. Veronica's chiding tone went unanswered as Gavin growled and charged the last two Draconian warriors. He had five minutes to complete the first quest and gain two instant level ups. He was not about to miss his chance for growth and power.
He charged forward, his crimson mana a heavy thick mist around him as he formed blades on both his clawed hands. Spellcraft was a lot easier with the Overdrive skill activated and took nothing more than a simple thought. He needed to be faster, swifter, sharper. He had only moments to slay both warriors and claim the system reward.
The Hunter's Howl skill had worn off by now. Both warriors moved to stand back-to-back in a defensive posture as Gavin raced towards them. Each one had a mighty two-handed weapon in each of their muscled hands, ready to fight to the end against the black wolf.
Gavin lunged towards the first one, arms outstretched as he snarled. His eyes glowed bright and red as he tried to skewer the warrior. His bladed claws struck against the sword in his hand as he was able to move in time. Gavin snarled in frustration as he jumped back to avoid a counter strike.
He lunged in from the side, claws extended. He didn't have time to waste as he ignited fire along his hands. The flame turned a bright blue in the intensity as the heat began to burn and sing the fur on his arms. He slashed at the warrior who tried to block it again with his sword. Gavin's claws, coated with the blue flame, melted right through the warrior's sword.
He let out a surprised gasp as Gavin's claws sliced through his torso, shoulder to hip. The intensity of the flames instantly cauterized the wounds. But that didn't help him as his body fell in four neat ribbons to the ground. His partner bellowed in rage and glared at him.
"You think you are all powerful. But you could not best us in physical combat. Instead, you use trickery and deception. That will not save you when he shows up." His growled words filled Gavin's head as he stood in front of the warrior.
Gavin's ears barely reached the man's throat. "It doesn't matter how victory is gained. All that matters is survival." Gavin snarled out as he jumped up into the air and pushed his body with a burst of fire at his feet. He spun in a quick circle and delivered a devastating blow to the Draconian's head.
A soft gasp left the Draconian's lips as he crumpled to the ground, his neck twisted at an odd angle.
Four of five Draconian warriors have been slain.
Five of five Draconian warriors have been slain.
Congratulations. Quest completed. Kill five Draconian soldiers before the floor boss shows up. Reward obtained. Two instant level ups. Ten free stat points are available to use. One instant skill level up received.
Level nine achieved.
Level ten achieved.
Congratulations on reaching level ten. As the first milestone you have been granted access to the first evolutionary path. If you select to begin evolution, the current dungeon training realm will end and you will be returned to the mortal plane. Upon successfully evolving you will receive new skills and an increase in physical attributes.
Gavin was stunned. So many messages popped up in his vision at once. He was thrilled about the two instant level ups. But the evolution offer and being able to escape from this dungeon was a pleasant surprise. He thought about it for a moment. He only came here to get a glimpse of what the training dungeon would be like. Now he knew. It was a nightmare of constant battles, no rest, and pure exhuastion.
He longed for Erza. I am going to appreciate that campsite a whole lot more when I return. Gavin smiled softly as he ended his shift. He had done enough for now, the summer was still young, he had plenty of time before the academy started up. Besides, with all the combat experience he gained, he was more than a match for any normal student he might encounter.
You ready to go home partner? Gavin asked his companion.
Do you really have to ask? Her reply was full the biting sarcasm that he had grown to appreciate and cherish from Veronica.
He swiped through the messages, like closing out of them in a gaming menu back home. He reached the one he was looking for and clicked yes.
His entire body erupted with pain as his vision blacked out.