[New Ability Unlocked: Abyssal Endurance – Temporary resistance to damage when HP is critical]
[Treasure Acquired: ???]
---
Kael's eyes narrowed at the last notification.
Something shimmered beneath the bear's massive body, partially buried in the dirt and blood-soaked stone.
He pulled his bone dagger free from the beast's skull with a wet 'squelch', stepping back as the corpse began to dissolve. Black mist rose from the carcass, its remaining energy absorbed by the dungeon itself, a natural process for all slain beasts within these walls.
What remained behind was a weapon.
Kael crouched low, brushing dirt and ash away to reveal a dagger unlike any he had seen before.
It was nearly a foot long, with a blade as dark and jagged as if carved from the fang of some primordial beast. A faint, pulsating crimson energy ran through the weapon like veins, as though something alive slept inside it. The handle was wrapped in what looked like blackened leather, worn but still intact.
He picked it up carefully. It felt cold to the touch and heavier than it looked, but surprisingly balanced in both weight and size. The moment his fingers wrapped around the grip, a subtle warmth spread through his palm.
A system prompt materialized before his eyes.
---
[DING!]
[Weapon Acquired: Abyssal Fang Dagger]
Grade: Mystic
Material: Unknown Abyssal Bone
Durability: Superior
Effects:
> Passive Effect: Sharpness never dulls.
> Hidden Effect: ??? (Sealed. Requires further awakening)]
---
Kael turned the dagger over in his grip, examining every detail. The edge gleamed wickedly even in the dim light. He tested it gently against his thumb, just the slightest pressure drew a bead of blood.
The sharpness was unlike any normal blade. He could tell it would cut deeper and faster through even the toughest hide.
But the hidden effect intrigued him more. It wasn't fully unlocked yet. Something dormant lay within this weapon, waiting to be discovered.
"A weapon that grows stronger..." A slow, satisfied smirk spread across his lips. "Just like a cultivator." He tested the weight again, slashing through the air experimentally. The dagger moved like an extension of his arm. "Finally, a real weapon."
Kael took one final glance around the now-empty cavern. The massive stone gateway leading to the next floor stood ahead, ancient runes flickering faintly with pale blue light as the third-floor entrance portal began to form.
His grip on the Abyssal Fang Dagger tightened.
He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders as the residual power from his breakthrough settled into his bones and muscles. His new ability — Abyssal Endurance — pulsed within him, reinforcing his body in ways he couldn't fully understand yet. It felt like insurance, a last resort for when death came knocking.
He wiped both daggers clean, then carefully sheathed his old bone blade. Despite its cracks and chips, it had served him well. Discarding it felt wasteful.
The dungeon was silent now. No more growls. No heavy breathing of dying beasts. Just the steady hum of primal energy pulsing from the portal ahead.
Kael moved forward, boots pressing softly against the cavern floor as he approached the gateway. The flickering runes along its edges pulsed like a living heartbeat, reacting to his presence with increasing intensity.
He didn't step through immediately. His instincts told him to be cautious. Every floor had been more dangerous than the last. There was no reason to expect the third would be different.
Instead, he crouched and took inventory. His bone dagger was riddled with cracks now, small chips along the edge from repeated impacts against tough hide and bone. But with the Abyssal Fang Dagger secured at his belt, he felt more confident.
His tattered cloak was stained with dried blood, some his, but most from the monsters he'd cut down. The fabric hung in tatters. He'd need a replacement soon if he wanted to maintain any stealth advantage.
His gaze flicked back to where the Dire Bear had fallen. The fight had been close, too close. If he hadn't adapted fast enough, if his stamina had run just a little lower, if that final strike had missed its mark... he wouldn't be standing here.
Kael flexed his fingers, feeling the primal energy still thrumming beneath his skin. He was growing stronger with each kill, each challenge overcome. But the dungeon was becoming more dangerous too, even for an F-rank.
The Abyss-Touched Dire Bear shouldn't have been on the second floor. Something was wrong with this place.
He pushed the thought aside. Speculation wouldn't help him survive.
Kael approached the portal and pressed his palm against the cold stone archway. The energy shifted around him immediately, recognizing him as the victor. The runes brightened, flooding the cavern with brilliant blue light.
A deep vibration rolled through the air, resonating in his chest. The gateway flared to life.
In the next breath, the world twisted around him, and he was gone.
---
— Third Floor —
The first thing Kael noticed was the temperature.
It was colder here. Much colder. The damp, humid air of the second floor's underground forest had been replaced by something crisper, dryer. His breath misted faintly in front of his face.
A low breeze swept through the cavern, carrying the scent of dry air and something else, faint but unmistakable.
Smoke.
Kael's body tensed immediately, every muscle coiling.
This wasn't the lingering stench of burning torches mounted on walls. This was fresher, the distinct smell of a recently tended campfire. Wood smoke mixed with traces of cooked meat.
Humans.
His hand moved instinctively toward his new dagger, fingers wrapping around the grip. His senses sharpened, scanning the darkness ahead.
Until now, he'd fought alone. The only life he'd encountered in this dungeon had been monsters, beasts twisted by corruption or natural predators adapted to the depths. But the third floor was different.
There were others here. And not all of them would be friendly. Especially considering the memories he'd inherited suggested the previous owner of this body might have been killed by someone in a place just like this.
The scent of smoke grew stronger as he moved forward, mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood. Fresh blood.
The terrain had changed dramatically too. Gone were the twisted trees and soft mulch. The third floor resembled an ancient battlefield left to decay over centuries. Jagged rock formations jutted out from the cavern walls at irregular angles.
The floor was uneven, broken into layers and plateaus connected by narrow stone bridges. Pools of stagnant water reflected the dim glow of luminescent crystals embedded high in the ceiling, casting everything in an eerie blue-green light.
Faint voices echoed through the tunnels ahead. Not the growls or snarls of beasts but human speech. Multiple voices, speaking in low, cautious tones.
Kael moved silently, keeping low as he navigated through the scattered boulders and rock formations. His Night Predator trait enhanced his stealth, allowing him to blend into the shadows naturally. A flickering orange light became visible ahead, firelight dancing against stone walls.
He slowed his approach, grip firm on his dagger. Through the gaps in the rocks, he finally saw them.
A group of five. Three men, and two women. Their armor and weapons immediately marked them as adventurers but not common ones. The quality was too high.
Rich embroidery decorated their cloaks, and their weapons gleamed with proper maintenance and enchantments that caught the firelight. Their posture, even while resting, remained alert and disciplined.
These weren't rookies stumbling through an F-rank dungeon for practice. These were experienced fighters, likely from noble houses.
They sat gathered around a campfire built in a natural alcove, speaking in voices just low enough that Kael had to focus to pick out individual words.
"...Another squad wiped out?" One of the men, broad-shouldered with a scar across his jaw, shook his head grimly.
"Third one this week," replied one of the women, checking the edge of her sword. Her voice was steady but tired. " The monsters are getting worse. More aggressive. We need to regroup before pushing deeper."
"Tch." The second man spat into the fire, his expression dark. "Doesn't matter anyway. Dorian Valthorne's already claimed the best hunting grounds on this floor. The rest of us are just cleaning up scraps after him and his entourage."
The name hung in the air like a curse.
Kael's expression remained unreadable, but his thoughts sharpened instantly.
'Dorian Valthorne.'
The name was well known throughout the Valoria Kingdom, infamous, even. One of the heirs to the Duchy of Ironvale, House Valthorne. A powerful dukedom with direct ties to the royal family.
The memories he'd inherited painted a clear picture: entitled, arrogant, cruel when it suited him, and dangerously skilled despite his attitude.
If Dorian was here, claiming territory and resources, things were going to get complicated. Nobles like him didn't share. They took.
Kael exhaled slowly through his nose, watching the group carefully. They hadn't noticed him yet, too focused on their conversation and the warmth of their fire.
He could turn back now. Avoid them entirely. Stay in the shadows and find another path through the third floor.
Or...
He could step forward and see for himself what kind of people he was up against. Learn their strength, their intentions, maybe even their weaknesses.
Knowledge was survival. Ignorance was death.
Kael made his decision.
Staying hidden might keep him safe for now, but it wouldn't change the reality of the dungeon, or the world beyond it. Humans could be just as dangerous as monsters, sometimes more so. If he wanted to survive here and whatever came after, he needed to understand the kind of people he was dealing with.
His grip loosened slightly on his dagger, but his stance remained ready. His muscles stayed coiled, prepared to react instantly if things turned hostile.
Then, with quiet but deliberate steps, he moved from the shadows and into the dim glow of the campfire.
The effect was immediate.
All five adventurers sprang to their feet, weapons drawn in a synchronized motion that spoke of countless hours training together.
Steel rang as swords cleared scabbards. A bow came up, arrow nocked. The firelight glinted off their blades as they formed a defensive semicircle.
"Who's there?" The scarred man's voice was sharp, authoritative. His sword pointed directly at Kael.
Kael stopped just outside the fire's brightest reach, keeping his hands visible but relaxed at his sides. His new dagger remained sheathed at his belt. His posture was neutral, not aggressive, but not submissive either.
"Just another adventurer," he said calmly, voice carrying clearly through the cavern. "Clearing the dungeon. Same as you."
The woman with the sword narrowed her eyes, studying him intently. Her gaze swept over his blood-stained clothes, the weapons at his belt, the way he held himself. Suspicion colored her tone. "No one clears the second and third floors alone. Not at your level."
Kael met her gaze steadily. "I've managed so far."
A tense silence stretched between them. The five adventurers exchanged quick glances, some silent communication passing between them.
Finally, the scarred man lowered his sword slightly, though he didn't sheath it. "You've got guts walking up to an armed group like that." His eyes flicked to the Abyssal Fang Dagger at Kael's belt, noting its quality. "Or you're stupid."
"Or confident," Kael replied evenly.
A snort of laughter came from the youngest man in the group, though his spear remained ready. "I like this one. Got some spine at least."