The deeper Kael went, the heavier the air became. The golden veins lining the walls pulsed brighter, thrumming in sync with the Dragon Core in his chest. Every step felt deliberate, measured. The dungeon itself seemed alive, watching, responding to him.
From the shadows ahead came a low, resonant growl that shook the stone floor. Not just the S-rank creatures he had already faced—this was larger, older, intelligent, and far more dangerous.
This is it… the core of the dungeon.
---
Kael crouched behind a jagged pillar, eyes scanning. The entity emerged from the shadows: a massive dragon-like creature, its scales shimmering with veins of gold and crimson. Its eyes glowed with a predatory intelligence, fixated on him. Every muscle, every claw, every flick of its tail radiated power.
[S-Rank Core Entity Detected: Extreme Danger]
The Dragon Core pulsed violently in Kael's chest. He could feel it screaming in resonance with the dungeon. Every instinct screamed: fight, survive, adapt.
Kael's hands tingled with sparks of golden energy. Observation, Calm Influence, Minor Manipulation, Focus Amplification—he activated everything.
---
The dragon lunged with terrifying speed. Kael barely dodged, rolling to the side as the claws scraped stone. The shockwave knocked loose rocks into the air. He extended his hand, attempting Calm Influence—but the creature's will was too strong. It snarled, muscles tensing, and the influence barely slowed it.
This is different… it's not just strong. It's smart.
Kael flexed his fingers, sending a ripple of Minor Manipulation toward debris on the floor. Rocks shifted subtly, tripping the dragon just enough for him to slip past. Sparks of golden light danced around his hands, the Dragon Core actively responding to his intent.
[Dragon Core Skill Progress: Minor Manipulation Lv.3]
---
The dragon turned, sensing him again. Its roar reverberated through the cavern, nearly deafening. Kael's chest throbbed violently; the warmth surged, almost painful, but steady. He focused, activating Dragon Core Focus Lv.2, heightening Observation and Influence.
Suddenly, a hidden spike trap in the chamber glimmered faintly in the golden light. Kael's heightened senses picked it up before it could harm him. He shifted his weight, subtly using Minor Manipulation to redirect the dragon toward the trap. Its massive foot clipped it slightly, and it roared in frustration.
Good… but not enough.
---
Kael's pulse quickened. He could feel his energy draining. The dragon's gaze tracked him relentlessly. Every heartbeat, every spark from the Dragon Core pushed him closer to exhaustion. Yet he realized something—the system wasn't just passive; it responded actively to survival and intent.
He concentrated fully, syncing his pulse with the dragon's movements. Observation predicted attacks, Calm Influence delayed aggression slightly, Minor Manipulation shifted the environment, Focus Amplification sharpened everything.
One misstep and he would die.
---
The dragon lunged again. Kael sidestepped at the last moment, extending his hand. Sparks of golden energy struck the floor, sending loose rubble flying, partially blocking its path. He ducked behind a jagged rock as the creature's claws tore the stone apart.
The Dragon Core pulsed violently. Kael felt it reach out—an instinctive surge of energy. Something inside him awakened:
[Dragon Core Awakening: Adaptive Influence Lv.1]
He exhaled sharply. Adaptive Influence allowed him to amplify Calm Influence and Minor Manipulation reactively, adjusting automatically to the enemy's strength. The dragon's next attack was partially redirected by instinctive control, giving him space to escape.
---
Kael staggered, exhausted, heart hammering. The dragon watched him, eyes glowing gold. For the first time, he realized something—the S-rank core entity wasn't just an enemy; it was a test. Every attack, every movement, every roar was shaping him, forcing him to grow.
The golden warmth in his chest pulsed steadily again. Kael exhaled slowly, flexing his fingers. The Dragon Core had responded, awakening new strength under extreme pressure. He survived—not by raw power, but by observation, strategy, and precise control.
---
When he finally emerged from the dungeon, sunlight spilled across the streets. Kael's chest throbbed with the Dragon Core's pulse, now stronger, steadier, alive. He walked slowly, unnoticed by the crowd. Today, he had faced death and survived.
This is only the beginning, he thought. The system is awake… and so am I.
A faint flicker of golden light lingered at the edge of his vision. Kael smiled faintly. The world didn't know him yet—but soon, it would.
---