The sun had barely risen over the city, but Kael was already far from its streets. The forests surrounding the newly discovered dungeon cluster stretched endlessly, shadows and light weaving through the dense canopy. His chest pulsed with the golden warmth of the Dragon Core, stronger and steadier than ever.
Dragon Core Mastery… it's time to test it.
He flexed his fingers, sparks of golden energy trailing along his skin. Observation, Calm Influence, Minor Manipulation, Adaptive Influence, Focus Amplification—every ability hummed in perfect synchronization, guided now by Dragon Core Mastery Lv.1.
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The entrance to the dungeon cluster was massive, jagged stone archways twisting skyward. From within, faint golden light shimmered, pulsing rhythmically like a heartbeat. Kael stepped in, silent and precise, senses stretched to their maximum.
[Dragon Core Status: Dragon Sense Lv.6 | Dragon Core Focus Lv.2 | Adaptive Influence Lv.3 | Minor Manipulation Lv.3 | Calm Influence Lv.5 | Dragon Core Mastery Lv.1]
The system thrummed gently, aware of the S-rank entities inside. Reports from the guild hinted at multiple S-rank monsters patrolling within, creatures that had already eliminated hunters solo. Kael smiled faintly; this would be his first real test of mastery.
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Inside, the corridors twisted unpredictably. Faint golden veins lined the walls, reflecting the pulsing energy from the Dragon Core. Every vibration, every subtle draft, every shimmer of light was amplified in Kael's perception. Observation had become almost instinctive; he anticipated the movements of the S-rank entities before they acted.
Then, movement—three S-rank creatures emerged from the shadows. Their size, speed, and intelligence immediately made Kael's pulse spike. They didn't charge recklessly. They moved like predators, calculating, coordinating, watching him.
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Kael crouched low, extending Adaptive Influence. Calm Influence softened the aggression of the mid-sized S-rank hunters, while Minor Manipulation subtly shifted debris in their paths. One stumbled, another misjudged its step, a third paused, assessing Kael's subtle control.
Good… but they're learning too.
The system responded instinctively. Dragon Core Mastery amplified his focus, allowing every action, observation, and influence to flow seamlessly. Kael's movements became fluid, reactive, almost preemptive. He wasn't just surviving—he was orchestrating the battlefield subtly, controlling every variable he could.
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Suddenly, a deeper roar shook the dungeon. From the shadows, a massive S-rank core entity emerged, scales glimmering gold and crimson. Its eyes locked on Kael, intelligent and deadly, radiating a pressure that made the walls tremble.
This… is a challenge like no other.
Kael's chest flared with golden warmth. He extended Adaptive Influence fully, amplifying Minor Manipulation and Calm Influence. Rocks shifted almost automatically, attacks were redirected subtly, and his perception caught every micro-movement of the creature.
The smaller S-rank hunters faltered slightly, giving Kael space. His pulse surged violently as he moved with precision, dodging claw strikes, shifting debris, and subtly misdirecting attacks.
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Minutes passed in a tense blur. Kael adapted continuously, weaving Observation, Adaptive Influence, Minor Manipulation, and Calm Influence seamlessly. The core entity's movements were intelligent, almost learning his patterns, but Kael's Dragon Core responded instinctively, preempting subtle attacks before they landed.
Then, he felt it—the core of the entity resonating with the Dragon Core, a pulse of energy so strong it shook his chest. The system surged violently, pushing him to the limits of his stamina and focus.
[Dragon Core Mastery Level-Up Available: Adaptive Surge Lv.1]
Kael exhaled slowly. He could feel the new tier awakening within him. Adaptive Surge would allow him to amplify all Dragon Core abilities reactively, responding to multiple threats simultaneously with heightened precision.
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The creatures attacked again, faster and smarter. Kael's pulse synced with the Dragon Core, guiding him through the chaos. Rocks shifted underfoot, attacks were redirected subtly, the S-rank hunters misstepped, and the massive core entity hesitated slightly, sensing the Dragon Core Mastery amplifying his influence.
Kael's body burned with exertion, sweat dripping, chest pounding, yet he felt alive—sharper, faster, and more aware than ever.
This is only the beginning, he thought. The world will soon feel the Dragon Core's power.
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As Kael emerged from the dungeon cluster hours later, sunlight streamed across the forest floor. The Dragon Core pulsed steadily, golden warmth still strong, reflecting his growth. He had survived multiple S-rank entities, mastered the flow of Adaptive Influence, and unlocked Adaptive Surge Lv.1, a new tier of Dragon Core power.
The world beyond the forest was still unaware, still ordinary to the untrained eye. But Kael knew the truth: the forces stirring in dungeons now would ripple outward, shaping a world that had yet to see him—and the Dragon Core—fully awaken.
Soon… the world will notice me.
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