The next strike came, and I didn't flinch. My body moved before my mind caught up. The creature's arm slammed into the floor beside me, cracking stone and sending shards flying, but I stayed upright. Pain ran through my ribs, but it wasn't unbearable—it felt different, like my body had learned how to take the hit and survive. I clenched my teeth and pushed my shoulder into one of the glowing cracks. My fist collided with stone, a sharp vibration shooting up my arm. I almost dropped my shield, almost stumbled—but didn't. Every step, every move, felt heavier but controlled, like my body had become something new.
A small blue window flickered at the edge of my vision. [Impact Endured: Physical Strength +3] [Durability +2] [Current Level: 2] I blinked at it. My chest tightened—not from the stats, but from what it meant. Every time I survived, every strike I took, I was becoming stronger. My own body was leveling up, evolving. I swallowed and stepped forward again, striking the same crack. The stone chipped, sharp edges cutting my gloves, but I didn't stop. [Critical Strike Endured: Skill Unlocked – "Reinforced Fist"] A notification popped briefly: [Level Up! Current Level: 3 | Stats Increased: Strength +5, Durability +4, Agility +2] I blinked, laughing dryly. It wasn't just surviving anymore. I could feel myself becoming dangerous.
The creature hesitated, pulling back slightly. It wasn't expecting me to fight with this much control. My heart raced, sweat dripping down my neck, blood on my hands, but underneath all of it was focus. Survival wasn't enough. I had to fight, to adapt, to keep climbing. I struck again, more force behind it, ignoring the pain in my hands and ribs. Another notification appeared: [Skill Enhanced – Reinforced Fist: Damage +10% | Endurance +5%] I stared at it, letting it sink in. The dungeon hadn't broken me. It had reshaped me.
I stepped closer, shield at my side, fists ready. The creature studied me, its glowing eyes narrowing. I studied it back, muscles trembling but steady. "You've been waiting for me to fall," I muttered, voice rough. "Guess I'm not that easy to kill." Another ping at the edge of my vision confirmed it: [Boss Damage Mitigation Observed | Adaptation Rate +20%] I took a slow breath. I wasn't alone. I had myself. And that might be enough.