ã€ŠConscious Descent [ Dungeon, Ability Awakening, Post-Integration, Progressive Fantasy ]ã€‹


 Chapter 1

    The morning sunlight filtered through the half-closed blinds, casting striped shadows across Avince''s sleeping form. His room was a testament to late-night studying¡ªbooks sprawled across his desk, empty energy drink cans lined up like tired soldiers, and crumpled papers scattered about like fallen leaves.

    "Avince! Come on, wake up!" Amyra''s voice, though groggy, cut clearly through his sleep. She stood in his doorway, already dressed in her school uniform, her long dark hair neatly braided¡ªthe perfect picture of a prepared student, save for the slight annoyance flickering across her face.

    Avince groaned, pulling the blanket over his head with a firm hold. The warmth of his bed felt like a sanctuary against the morning chill and his sister''s persistent voice. "Just five more minutes."

    "No! You''ve already had your ''ten minutes,''" she complained, air-quoting before tugging the blanket off him. The cool morning air hit him like a splash of water. "Get up or else Mom''s gonna be mad again." A small wisp of frost followed her fingertips as she pulled the blanket away¡ªa tiny, unconscious display of her ability that she probably didn''t even notice.

    Grumbling, he finally sat up and rubbed his eyes, his dark hair sticking up in all directions. "Fine, fine. I''m up." The floor was cold against his feet as he stumbled to his closet, fumbling for his uniform while Amyra waited impatiently in the doorway.

    The hallway outside was already alive with the sounds of morning¡ªthe soft hum of their father''s coffee maker, the gentle clink of dishes as their mother prepared breakfast, and the faint whisper of what seemed to be one of their father''s smaller summoned creatures helping with morning chores.

    Some time later, they joined their parents at the dining area, the smell of toast and eggs filling the air. The kitchen was warm and inviting, sunlight streaming through the large windows and catching on the frost patterns that perpetually decorated the window panes¡ªa subtle reminder of their mother''s ice abilities. Avince made himself a cup of coffee, still half-asleep, the warm mug a comfort against his palms.

    Their father sat at his usual place, the morning newspaper spread before him. A small fire salamander, no bigger than a cat, lounged near his feet, occasionally puffing small flames that helped keep the room cozy. It was one of Erwin''s favorite summons for household tasks, particularly useful during cold mornings.

    "You look like you didn''t sleep at all," Erwin greeted as he glanced up from his newspaper, his eyes crinkling with concern behind his reading glasses. The salamander at his feet lifted its head, giving Avince what almost looked like a sympathetic glance.

    Avince shrugged, poking at his scrambled eggs. Steam rose from the plate, curling in the cool morning air. "Stayed up too late, I guess." The eggs were perfectly cooked¡ªhis mother always managed to get them just right, using a precise combination of her ice ability to control the temperature of the pan.

    "Again?" Ashna chimed in from the stove, shaking her head. A thin layer of frost coated the handle of the pan she was holding, her natural affinity for ice manifesting even in such mundane tasks. "You really should start taking better care of yourself, especially with your birthday coming up." As she spoke, the frost patterns on the windows seemed to shift slightly, responding to her concern.

    The mention of his birthday made Avince''s hand pause midway to his mouth. The scrambled eggs suddenly looked less appetizing, despite their perfect preparation. The salamander by Erwin''s feet sensed the change in mood and let out a small, concerned chirp.

    "Mom..." Amyra started, absently creating small ice crystals in her water glass¡ªa nervous habit she''d developed since her awakening.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    "I know you don''t want to talk about it, but we can''t ignore it." Ashna set down her spatula, the metal instantly frosting over where she''d touched it. She turned to face him fully, her expression a mixture of concern and determination. "Your nineteenth birthday is different from others, and you know it."

    Erwin folded his newspaper, dismissing the salamander with a gentle wave. The creature disappeared in a small puff of warm smoke, leaving behind a lingering warmth. "Son, we know it''s not easy being a late bloomer. But everyone awakens eventually¡ªit''s just that some paths are...different from others."

    "Different?" Avince scoffed, his coffee now cold in his hands. "You mean rare and potentially dangerous. One in five million, right?" He could see his reflection in the coffee''s dark surface, looking tired and uncertain.

    "Having an unstable awakening doesn''t mean¡ª" Ashna began, the temperature in the kitchen dropping slightly with her anxiety.

    "I know what it means, Mom." Avince pushed his eggs around his plate, creating patterns that reminded him of the ability-enhanced training grounds at school. "Normal kids get their abilities at six, inheriting from their parents. The lucky ones like Amyra get theirs at thirteen, combining both parents'' abilities into something amazing. And then there''s me."

    "Hey!" Amyra protested, the ice crystals in her glass growing larger with her emotion. "My ice monsters weren''t exactly ''amazing'' at first. Remember when I accidentally froze the entire living room trying to summon a snow rabbit?" Her cheeks flushed at the memory, frost spreading across her glass.

    Despite himself, Avince cracked a smile. The memory was still vivid¡ªthe living room transformed into a winter wonderland, icicles hanging from the ceiling fan, their mother''s prized houseplants frozen solid. "Dad had to summon his fire salamander to thaw everything out."

    "And we had wet carpets for weeks," Erwin added, chuckling. The corners of his eyes crinkled with amusement before his expression grew serious again. "But Avince, having an unstable awakening doesn''t make you any less capable. It just means your body chose a different path." He gestured to the frost-covered windows and the lingering warmth from his salamander.

    "Your father''s right," Ashna moved to sit at the table, leaving behind a trail of delicate frost patterns on the floor that quickly faded. She reached for Avince''s hand, her touch cool but comforting. "Sometimes when parents have abilities that don''t naturally align¡ªlike ice conjuring and monster summoning¡ªthe child''s body takes longer to figure out its own path. It''s not about being better or worse, just different."

    The kitchen fell silent for a moment, save for the soft ticking of the clock and the gentle hum of the heating system fighting against the mixture of warm and cold air that always filled their home.

    "I just know you''ll get something awesome though!" Amyra held her chin in contemplation, unconsciously creating tiny ice figurines on the table as she thought. "A common physical strengthening definitely doesn''t suit you, nor does a transformation ability... maybe a rare elemental manipulation?" The figurines danced across the table''s surface, depicting various abilities she was describing.

    "The awakening at nineteen is called unstable for a reason, Amyra." Avince sighed, pushing away his half-eaten breakfast. The eggs had gone completely cold now. "The ability would be more unpredictable than those." He tilted his head down and continued with a mumble, watching his reflection fragment in his coffee. "It would have been better if I wasn''t part of that one in five million and got my ability earlier."

    Erwin reached across the table and placed a hand on his son''s shoulder, his touch warm from his natural affinity to fire-based abilities. "Listen, when my monster summoning first manifested, I accidentally called forth a group of imp-like creatures I tamed, they wreaked havoc in my school''s cafeteria. The lunch lady never quite forgave me." He smiled at the memory. "Your mother also accidentally froze her entire classroom solid¡ªit took three fire-ability users to thaw everything out. Every ability starts out rough¡ªunstable or not."

    Amyra glanced at the clock and jumped up, her sudden movement causing her ice figurines to shatter into sparkling dust. "Speaking of school, we''re going to be late!"

    The kitchen burst into activity¡ªbags being grabbed, last bites of breakfast hastily consumed, and quick goodbyes exchanged. As they gathered their things, Erwin quickly summoned the small fire salamander to help warm their path to the door, melting any ice that had formed during breakfast.

    "Remember, Avince¡ªwhatever happens, you''ve got us. We''ll help you through it," Erwin called out, the salamander chirping in agreement before disappearing in a puff of warm smoke.

 Chapter 2

    Avince sat near the back of the classroom where he usually sits, staring out the window as the last few students trickled in.

    The conversation with Amyra still buzzed in his mind, making it hard to focus. The weight of his upcoming birthday and what it might bring gnawed at him, leaving him distracted and distant.

    He didn¡¯t notice his friend Erica, slip into the chair beside him until she gently poked his arm.

    ¡°Hey, you okay?¡± she asked, her voice soft with concern.

    He blinked, turning to face her. Erica, his childhood friend, had an uncanny ability to sense when something was wrong.

    Her bright green eyes held a softness that cut through the fog in his mind, the kind of look that made him feel like it was okay to be vulnerable¡ªat least with her.

    ¡°Yeah, just thinking about some stuff,¡± he mumbled, offering a half-hearted smile.

    She tilted her head, unconvinced. ¡°Come on, I know that look. You¡¯re overthinking again.¡±

    Without waiting for his response, she reached out and lightly touched his arm. A warmth spread from the point of contact, soothing the restless energy inside him. His anxious thoughts began to dissolve, replaced by a quiet calm

    Avince¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Your ability... I thought it was just regeneration. But this feels... different.¡±

    Erica smiled faintly. ¡°It is regeneration. Sort of. It¡¯s complicated.¡± She pulled her hand back. ¡°I can use it for other applications too¡ªkind of like healing emotional wounds or calming someone¡¯s mind.¡±

    He leaned back in his chair, brow furrowed in thought. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like just regeneration.¡±

    She shrugged, her expression becoming unreadable, as if guarding some deeper truth. ¡°Maybe. I¡¯ve been told it¡¯s a branch of it, but who knows? I¡¯m still figuring it out.¡±

    Before Avince could press further, Professor Carlson, an old man with sharp eyes and a stooped posture, entered the room. Despite his age¡ªnearing seventy¡ªhe moved with surprising grace, a clear sign of some kind of mind-enhancing ability keeping him sharp. The room quieted as he made his way to the front.

    "Good morning, class," he greeted, his voice steady and commanding. "Today, we¡¯re covering a crucial part of history¡ªThe Integration and the rise of dungeons."

    Avince sat up straighter, his attention snapping back to the present. History wasn¡¯t his favorite subject, but anything about dungeons always piqued his curiosity.

    "As you all know, the world we live in today wasn¡¯t always like this," Carlson began, pacing in front of the blackboard.

    "One hundred years ago, the Integration occurred¡ªa merging of our dimension with another.

    Along with this, dungeons appeared¡ªgateways to dangerous pockets of space filled with monsters. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    These dungeons must be contained and cleared regularly, or the monsters will break through into our world, wreaking havoc."

    Erica leaned closer and whispered, ¡°You think we¡¯ll get assigned dungeon duty soon? Seems like they¡¯re gearing us up for it.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Avince whispered back, glancing as Carlson sketched a crude diagram of a dungeon portal on the board.

    "And that," Carlson continued, tapping the drawing, "is why maintaining control over dungeons is paramount. The creatures within, while varied in strength and nature, are capable of tremendous destruction. A breach could be catastrophic, which is why we train people to handle these threats."

    The bell rang, signaling the end of the first period. Students began gathering their things, the classroom buzzing with chatter. Avince exchanged a glance with Erica as they headed to their next class¡ªMana Control.

    <hr>

    In Professor Zendrick¡¯s classroom, the atmosphere shifted. Zendrick was known for his no-nonsense approach. As a Great Mage, his presence alone commanded attention. Tall, with graying hair and hands marked by scars from old battles, Zendrick exuded a level of mastery that few could match. His battles had left him unable to advance to Archmage, but his skill in mana control was unmatched.

    "Today, we¡¯ll continue our discussion on harnessing mana," Zendrick began, his voice like gravel. "Every human has the capacity to process mana from the surroundings. Without a dedicated ability, however, it¡¯s far less efficient."

    Avince watched closely as Zendrick drew mana from the air, his hands glowing faintly with power. It was like watching an artist at work¡ªevery motion deliberate and precise. "Mana can be used for strengthening your body, transmuting energy, or conjuring elements. For those without abilities, it¡¯s difficult to master, but essential for survival in this world."

    Zendrick paused, his sharp gaze scanning the class before landing on Avince. Avince, unlike most of his peers, still hadn¡¯t awakened an ability. The scrutiny made him shift uncomfortably in his seat, a familiar frustration bubbling up.

    "For those of you with abilities, mana is the fuel for your powers. The stronger your control over mana, the more powerful your abilities will become," Zendrick continued, forming a glowing orb of pure energy in his hand. "Conjuration, elemental attacks, enhanced strength¡ªall of it stems from mastering mana."

    Avince clenched his fists under the table, trying to push down the feeling of inadequacy. He listened intently, but the knot in his stomach grew tighter.

    <hr>

    As the second period ended, Avince and Erica made their way to their third class¡ªMana¡¯s Application in Society. This subject was more relaxed, focusing on how mana had integrated into daily life beyond combat.

    Their professor, a younger woman with a kind smile, stood at the front of the class. "Today, we¡¯ll be discussing how mana has has been integrated and set to replace conventional energy sources like electricity," she began. "Over the past century, humanity has learned to harness mana not just for combat, but for everyday use. From powering homes and transportation to revolutionizing medical treatment, mana is now at the heart of everything we do."

    Avince leaned back in his chair, feeling a rare sense of fascination. "Mana really is the backbone of everything now," he whispered to Erica.

    "Yeah," she replied, "it¡¯s hard to imagine how people used to live without it."

    The professor projected a hologram of a modern city powered by mana conduits. "These conduits transfer and store mana throughout our infrastructure, providing clean, sustainable energy."

    As the lesson continued, Avince¡¯s mind began to wander again. His nineteenth birthday was just around the corner, and with it, the looming possibility of an Unstable Awakening. The thought sent a chill down his spine. Would he finally gain the strength he¡¯d been waiting for? Or would he be cursed with a dangerous, uncontrollable power?

    Erica nudged him gently, pulling him from his thoughts. "You¡¯re going to be fine, Avince," she whispered, her voice filled with quiet confidence, as if she could see the storm inside him.

    He nodded, offering a small smile, but the uncertainty lingered in the pit of his stomach. Only time would tell what his future held.

 Chapter 3

    The midday sun filtered through the windows of the combat training hall as Avince and his classmates gathered for their next class. The space was vast, with padded floors and walls designed to handle the intensity of the lessons. It was time for their physical training under Professor Leo, the formidable instructor known for his beast-like transformation ability.

    Avince felt a mix of excitement and tension as he entered the room. Combat class had always been a double-edged sword for him. While his magical prowess usually set him apart from the others, this class forced him to rely on something else¡ªhis body. No conjuration magic, no elemental manipulation, just raw strength and mana-enhanced physical abilities.

    Professor Leo stood at the front, arms crossed, his imposing frame a reminder of the power he held within. Despite his casual stance, there was a predatory energy about him. His eyes swept over the class, assessing each student with the sharp gaze of a hunter sizing up its prey.

    ¡°Alright, class,¡± Professor Leo¡¯s deep voice reverberated through the hall, commanding everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Today¡¯s lesson is simple but important. All the mana in the world is useless if your body can¡¯t handle it. Tempering your body is just as crucial as honing your abilities.¡±

    He began pacing slowly, his movements fluid and controlled despite his bulky build. ¡°We¡¯ll start with basic exercises to stretch and warm up your muscles. Then we¡¯ll move into sparring. No conjuration magic. Only mana enhancement and the weapons provided.¡±

    Blunted weapons were laid out on a rack near the edge of the room¡ªswords, staffs, spears, and other training tools. But Avince¡¯s eyes stayed on his own fists. He had always preferred close combat with his hands, a personal challenge to push his physical limits without relying on magic.

    As the class began with stretches and a series of basic exercises, Avince¡¯s mind was already preparing for the sparring session. His muscles warmed up, and he could feel the subtle hum of mana flowing through his body, enhancing his strength and agility. Today, he was determined to prove that even without magic, he could hold his own.

    Once everyone was ready, Professor Leo clapped his hands, signaling the start of sparring. ¡°You¡¯ll be paired off. Remember, this is a controlled environment. No killing blows, but don¡¯t hold back either. This is about pushing your limits.¡±

    Avince was paired with Marco, a broad-shouldered guy with short, bristly hair and a cocky grin. Marco¡¯s ability to turn his muscles into steel made him a formidable opponent in physical combat, and while he wasn¡¯t the strongest in their class, his hardened body gave him a significant edge in close-quarters fights.

    Marco smirked as they squared off in the center of the room. ¡°Ready to get flattened, Avince? Steel muscles, remember?¡±

    Avince rolled his shoulders, giving him a measured look. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±

    They faced each other, fists raised, both of them with mana thrumming beneath their skin. Marco¡¯s body shimmered briefly as his muscles hardened, taking on a metallic sheen. He was stronger and more durable, but Avince had a different plan.

    The match began.

    Marco charged forward, his steel-enhanced fists swinging heavily through the air. Avince dodged to the side, his movements fluid as he let the mana flow into his limbs, enhancing his speed. Marco¡¯s strikes were powerful, but they were slow and predictable¡ªan issue with his ability that Avince had noticed early on.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Avince muttered under his breath as he sidestepped another blow. ¡°But steel muscles aren¡¯t exactly flexible, are they?¡±

    Marco grunted in response, his attacks becoming more frustrated as Avince kept slipping out of reach. With every dodge, Avince was analyzing his opponent¡ªseeing the gaps in Marco¡¯s movements, the stiffness in his arms as he overextended with each punch.

    ¡°You¡¯re durable, sure,¡± Avince continued, weaving through Marco¡¯s assault. ¡°But you sacrifice a lot of mobility for that hardness. Steel¡¯s great for defense, but without flexibility, your attacks are easy to read.¡±

    Avince saw his opening. As Marco lunged again, Avince ducked low and slammed his fist into Marco¡¯s exposed side, mana surging through his muscles. The impact sent a shockwave through Marco¡¯s hardened body, the force reverberating through the steel-like muscles that were too rigid to absorb the blow.

    Marco staggered back, clutching his side in surprise. His steel muscles had protected him, but the strike had hit harder than expected.

    ¡°Higher-level users with your ability can make their muscles more malleable without sacrificing strength,¡± Avince explained, circling Marco. ¡°But you¡¯re not there yet.¡±

    Before Marco could recover, Avince moved in again, his fists a blur of motion as he struck at Marco¡¯s weak points¡ªhis joints, his abdomen, anywhere the steel muscles couldn¡¯t harden completely. Each punch was precise, and each impact chipped away at Marco¡¯s defenses.

    With a final burst of speed, Avince landed a heavy blow to Marco¡¯s chest, knocking him off balance and sending him crashing to the floor. The match was over.

    Panting, Marco looked up at Avince with a mix of frustration and grudging respect. ¡°Damn¡­ didn¡¯t think you¡¯d hit that hard.¡±

    Avince offered a hand to help him up. ¡°It¡¯s not just about hitting hard. It¡¯s about knowing where to hit.¡±

    Marco took his hand, standing with a groan. ¡°Yeah, yeah. You win this time.¡±

    Professor Leo nodded from the sidelines, clearly satisfied with the match. ¡°Good. Both of you showed restraint and control. That¡¯s what I like to see.¡±

    As the rest of the class continued their sparring matches, Avince walked over to where Erica had just finished her bout. She looked as calm as ever, barely winded from her fight. Her opponent, however, was bent over, catching his breath.

    ¡°You won again, didn¡¯t you?¡± Avince asked, grinning as he approached her.

    Erica shrugged modestly, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow. ¡°I outlasted him, as usual. Regeneration has its perks.¡±

    Avince chuckled. ¡°Yeah, makes it hard for anyone to keep up with you in these physical matches.¡±

    She smiled, but there was something a bit distant in her expression. ¡°Speaking of that... I wanted to tell you something.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°My dad¡¯s taking me on a training trip next week,¡± Erica said, glancing away for a moment before meeting his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s going to be a long one¡ªhe¡¯s pushing for some intense training, and... I won¡¯t be here for your birthday.¡±

    Avince blinked, the words sinking in. Erica had always been there for him, especially on important days. The news stung more than he expected. ¡°Oh... That¡¯s, uh, that¡¯s too bad,¡± he said, trying to keep his tone light.

    ¡°I know,¡± she said, her voice soft with apology. ¡°I really wanted to be there for your awakening, but this training session¡ªit¡¯s something I can¡¯t miss.¡±

    Avince nodded, forcing a small smile. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay. I get it. You¡¯ve got to do what you¡¯ve got to do. We¡¯ll celebrate when you get back.¡±

    Erica looked relieved, though the guilt was still clear in her eyes. ¡°Thanks, Avince. I promise I¡¯ll make it up to you.¡±

    ¡°Just be sure to come back stronger,¡± Avince teased, giving her a playful nudge.

    She grinned. ¡°Oh, I will. You¡¯d better be ready to keep up.¡±

    As the class wound down and the students began to leave, Avince couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of his upcoming birthday pressing down on him again. Erica wouldn¡¯t be there. And with everything about his awakening still uncertain, it was one more thing to add to the growing pile of worries.

    But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside. There was still training to be done, and he wasn¡¯t about to let his own doubts slow him down.

 Chapter 4

    A month passed, and the day Avince had both dreaded and anticipated had finally arrived¡ªhis nineteenth birthday.

    It was a Saturday, and the house was buzzing with excited energy. The sun streamed in through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table where the family sat together. Ashna was busy preparing a special meal, while Erwin sat back with a cup of coffee, grinning at his son.

    ¡°Still no fireworks?¡± Erwin teased. ¡°You sure you¡¯re turning nineteen today, Avince?¡±

    Avince chuckled, rolling his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not even noon yet, Dad. You know I was born at around noon.¡±

    Amyra, sitting across from him, smirked. ¡°Yeah, maybe you¡¯ll turn into a giant firework at the time of your birthday. You know, like how I summon ice monsters, but you¡¯ll explode into a big, sparkly mess!¡±

    ¡°Or just go up in smoke,¡± Erwin added with a grin, clearly enjoying the playful ribbing.

    Avince shook his head, though he couldn¡¯t help but laugh along. ¡°Thanks for the confidence, everyone.¡±

    ¡°Just imagine it, though,¡± Amyra continued, leaning forward with a twinkle in her eye. ¡°You could be the first person to explode in colors and then have all of us get buried under a pile of your glittery remains!¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a birthday celebration gone wrong,¡± Ashna chimed in, setting down a plate of pancakes in front of Avince. ¡°But if anyone can manage it, it would be you.¡± She ruffled his hair affectionately.

    Avince grinned, nudging her hand away playfully. ¡°I¡¯d prefer to keep my limbs intact, thanks.¡±

    ¡°So, are you nervous?¡± Ashna asked, her expression shifting to one of concern.

    ¡°A little,¡± Avince admitted, trying to sound nonchalant. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ this is a big deal. What if I can¡¯t control whatever it is?¡±

    Erwin leaned forward, his voice reassuring. ¡°You¡¯ve trained for this. You¡¯ve had us by your side every step of the way. And remember, no matter what happens, we¡¯re proud of you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there cheering you on!¡± Amyra added, bouncing in her seat. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll even summon an ice monster to celebrate your awakening!¡±

    ¡°Just not during the actual process, okay?¡± Avince replied, laughing. ¡°I don¡¯t need an ice giant crashing the party.¡±

    The warmth of the moment was palpable, but Avince could still feel the undercurrent of anxiety tugging at him. The Special Awakening Chamber was designed to safely contain any uncontrolled bursts of power that can happen during the awakening process, but the fact that they felt the need to go there made the whole situation feel a lot more real.

    After breakfast, they stood in front of the imposing glass doors of an Awakening Chamber. The building was sleek and modern, designed with reinforced walls and advanced mana dampening systems. People with known destructive ability came here when they were about to awaken, just in case something unexpected happened.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Avince stared at the entrance, his heart racing. He could feel the weight of his family¡¯s presence behind him¡ªErwin¡¯s hand resting on his shoulder, Ashna¡¯s gentle smile, and Amyra bouncing on the balls of her feet just like before, as excited as if it were her own awakening.

    ¡°You ready for this?¡± Amyra asked, nudging him playfully.

    ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be,¡± Avince replied, taking a deep breath.

    They entered the chamber, where a technician greeted them and guided Avince into the awakening room. The room itself was bare, except the awakening matrix at the middle that is used to send out mana pulses designed to trigger an awakening.It has smooth metal walls that hum faintly with mana suppression tech. It was designed to keep the sudden bursts of energy contained.

    ¡°You¡¯ll feel it when it happens,¡± the technician explained. ¡°Unstable Awakenings usually go unnoticed by others, but you¡¯ll know. It¡¯ll feel like a part of you just¡­ clicks into place.¡±

    Avince nodded, stepping into the center of the room as the door sealed behind him. His family watched from a viewing window just outside, their faces calm, though Avince could tell they were as anxious as he was.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to breathe!¡± Amyra called out, her voice bright and encouraging.

    He stood there in the stillness, waiting. Minutes passed, and nothing seemed to change. His heart pounded in his chest, the anticipation almost unbearable. Then, just as he began to wonder if anything would happen at all¡ªhe felt it.

    A strange warmth spread through his chest, like a spark that ignited and flowed through his veins. It wasn¡¯t painful or overwhelming, just... new. Like discovering a limb he never knew he had. His mind instinctively knew what to do with it, how to control it. He could feel it, the mana swirling inside him, just waiting to be tapped into.

    He looked through the window at his family, a wide grin breaking across his face. ¡°I think it¡¯s happening!¡±

    Ashna smiled warmly, while Erwin gave him an encouraging nod. Amyra pressed her face against the glass, eyes wide with excitement. ¡°What is it? What can you do?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet,¡± Avince replied, the thrill of the moment coursing through him. ¡°I want to test it outside!¡±

    The family followed Avince out to the training grounds behind the Awakening Chamber, a wide open space designed for ability testing. Avince could feel the new energy pulsing within him, his fingers tingling as if they were charged with electricity.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Erwin said, crossing his arms and watching his son closely. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡±

    Avince grinned, excitement bubbling in his chest. He stretched out his hand, instinctively reaching for the mana inside him. It responded immediately, flowing outward as if he had been using it his whole life. For a moment, he thought he saw a shimmer in the air, like the space around him was bending.

    But then, without warning, the world around him shifted.

    The training grounds, his family, everything disappeared in an instant. His breath caught in his throat as he found himself standing in a completely different place¡ªa dense forest with towering trees, their leaves glowing faintly with an ethereal light. The air felt thick with mana, more intense than anything he had ever experienced. It was like being submerged in a sea of raw energy.

    ¡°What the...?¡± Avince muttered, spinning around in confusion. He was completely alone.

    His pulse quickened as he tried to make sense of what just happened. One moment, he was about to test his ability, and the next, he had been transported to another world. This wasn¡¯t just some hallucination¡ªeverything felt too real. The smell of the forest, the soft earth beneath his feet, the distant sound of strange creatures moving through the underbrush.

    He reached out with his mana again, but this time, he realized with horror that his reserves were empty. Whatever ability he had awakened, it had drained all of his mana in an instant. He couldn¡¯t feel the familiar flow of energy inside him anymore.

    ¡°What have I done?¡± he whispered to himself, panic rising in his chest.

 Chapter 5

    Avince stood in the eerie forest, his heart racing as he tried to make sense of what just happened. One moment, he had been with his family, testing his newly awakened ability, and the next¡ªeverything had changed. He looked around at the towering, glowing trees and the dense, unfamiliar foliage. The sky above was dark, despite it being midday just moments before.

    What is this place? Avince thought, panic creeping in.

    The forest was unlike anything he had ever seen¡ªunnatural, almost alien. The air was thick with mana, far more concentrated than what he was used to. Every breath felt like he was drawing in pure energy. He reached out, trying to gather mana, but to his horror, his reserves were completely drained.

    His mind raced. Where am I? Did I just get... transported to another world?

    It felt real¡ªtoo real. The ground beneath his feet was solid, the air heavy, and the distant sounds of creatures moving through the underbrush were all too vivid. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was no longer on Earth.

    Avince took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. His thoughts raced back to what he had learned about dungeons and mana-rich environments during his studies. The dense mana, the strange surroundings¡ªit wasn¡¯t a different world. This was something else.

    ¡°I¡¯m... in a dungeon,¡± he whispered to himself, the realization hitting him hard.

    He had heard of rare abilities that could teleport a person from one place to another, but he had never encountered one that could directly transport him to a dungeon. Dungeons, even the weakest ones, were notorious for their dimensional cracks, which could easily kill anyone who attempted to teleport inside. The first recorded instance of someone trying to do so barely made it back, suffering heavy injuries. Still, this is a more likely scenario than being transported to another world.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Avince muttered, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Calm down. You¡¯re not in another world. You¡¯re in a dungeon.¡±

    He glanced around, scanning the trees and dense foliage for any signs of danger. Dungeons weren¡¯t just mysterious¡ªthey were dangerous. Monsters, traps, environmental hazards¡ªit was a miracle he hadn¡¯t run into anything yet

    ¡°I need to find an exit,¡± he told himself, clenching his fists. ¡°Or figure out what this ability of mine can actually do.¡±

    He began moving cautiously through the forest, his senses heightened as he took in his surroundings. The glowing trees emitted a soft hum, and the ground was uneven, covered with strange, iridescent plants that pulsed faintly with mana. Every few steps, he paused, listening for movement, his pulse quickening at every rustle of leaves or snap of a branch.

    As he walked, Avince couldn¡¯t help but feel the overwhelming presence of the dungeon around him. It was like being inside a living organism¡ªeverything felt alive, connected by the thick mana that permeated the air. He had read about dungeons in class, how they were dangerous pockets of space that formed after the world integration, and how they sprouted monsters that could break through if left unchecked.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Suddenly, the sound of something moving in the distance caught his attention. Avince froze, crouching low behind a large, glowing tree. His heart pounded in his chest as he strained to listen. The sound grew louder¡ªheavy footsteps, snapping branches. Whatever it was, it was big.

    Damn, Avince thought, gripping the tree¡¯s rough bark.

    He stayed perfectly still, barely breathing. The footsteps came closer, and for a moment, he could feel the ground tremble beneath him. Then, through the thick foliage, he saw it¡ªa massive, hulking creature lumbering through the forest. Its body was covered in dark, stone-like armor, and its eyes glowed with the same eerie light as the trees.

    Dungeon monster, Avince realized, his pulse quickening. It was just like the ones they had studied in class¡ªcreatures born from the dungeons, sustained by the mana that filled these unnatural spaces.

    The monster paused, sniffing the air, as if sensing something out of place. Avince held his breath, praying it wouldn¡¯t notice him. His mind raced. Without mana, he couldn¡¯t fight. His best chance was to avoid it altogether.

    After what felt like an eternity, the creature snorted and turned away, disappearing back into the dense foliage. Avince let out a slow breath, relief washing over him. But the encounter left him shaken.

    I need to be more careful, he thought, rising to his feet. If that thing had spotted me...

    He moved quickly but cautiously, keeping low and using the strange trees for cover. His mind was still reeling with the implications of his ability. This dungeon, this strange space¡ªit wasn¡¯t just a random occurrence. His power had brought him here for a reason.

    But how? Avince wondered. How did I get transported into this dungeon?

    He needed answers¡ªand fast.

    After a while, he found a small clearing surrounded by more of the glowing trees. It seemed safe enough, for now. Avince sat down on a large stone, catching his breath. His body was still buzzing with the aftereffects of the awakening, the new energy inside him waiting to be understood.

    He focused inward, trying to tap into whatever power he had gained. Slowly, he reached out with his mind, searching for the familiar flow of mana. It took a moment, but then¡ªthere it was. Faint, like the last embers of a dying fire, but still there. He could feel the remnants of his mana reserves, depleted but not completely gone.

    ¡°I can still... do something,¡± Avince muttered. ¡°If I can just figure out what this ability is.¡±

    Closing his eyes, he focused harder, trying to reconnect with the strange energy that had brought him here. He reached deeper, searching for that spark of power he had felt earlier. Slowly, he began to feel something¡ªlike a thread he could pull on.

    Suddenly, he was overwhelmed by a rush of images and sensations¡ªflashes of the dungeon¡¯s layout, its creatures, its dangers. It was as if the dungeon itself was trying to communicate with him, showing him its secrets. The knowledge flowed into his mind, disjointed but powerful. He could sense the dungeon, feel its structure, its walls, its pathways.

    ¡°I can see... the dungeon,¡± Avince whispered, his eyes snapping open. His ability wasn¡¯t just about transporting him here. It was more than that. He could understand the dungeon, navigate it, almost like the space itself was opening up to him.

    It was a powerful realization¡ªand one that gave him hope.

    ¡°I can find a way out,¡± Avince said to himself, determination hardening in his chest. ¡°I just need to keep moving.¡±

    With a new sense of purpose, he stood and began to walk again, this time with more confidence. His mind buzzed with the knowledge of the dungeon, and though his mana reserves were low, he could feel them slowly recovering.

    Whatever his ability was, it was far more than he had expected. And as he ventured deeper into the dungeon, he knew this was just the beginning.

 Chapter 6

    Avince pressed deeper into the vibrant forest, his senses heightened with each step. The trees towered above him, their trunks thick and gnarled, resembling ancient sentinels keeping watch over a hidden world. He could feel the mana pulsing in the air, a tangible force that thrummed beneath his skin, igniting his newfound ability. But that sense of power was tempered by the danger lurking nearby.

    The forest guardians, monstrous beings made of stone and bark, roamed this mystical expanse. Their eyes glowed with an eerie green light, and their movements were fluid, despite their massive, cumbersome forms. He had seen one up close and knew he had to stay hidden, but fear coiled in his gut like a live wire, urging him to run.

    Focus, Avince. Find the way out.

    He ducked behind a massive tree, peering cautiously around its rough, textured bark. His heart raced as he spotted one of the guardians lumbering past, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground. It paused for a moment, its head tilting as if sensing something in the air. Avince held his breath, willing his heart to slow as he waited for the guardian to move on.

    After what felt like an eternity, the guardian continued its patrol. Avince let out a shaky breath, silently thanking whatever fate had spared him this time.

    I have to keep moving, he thought, adrenaline coursing through him. He slipped away from the tree and hurried along a narrow path that wound deeper into the woods. The pulsing energy around him surged with each step, empowering him and filling him with both dread and anticipation.

    As he navigated through the foliage, the underbrush grew thicker, obscuring his view of the surrounding area. The forest seemed to come alive with sounds¡ªwhispers of leaves, the distant calls of unseen creatures, and the low rumble of the guardians echoing through the trees. He pushed on, each rustle and snap of a twig making him more jumpy.

    Then, as he moved further along, something caught his eye. A flash of color amidst the greens and browns of the forest. Curiosity piqued, he paused and scanned the area. There, nestled between the roots of an ancient tree, was a rare fruit¡ªbrightly colored and pulsating with energy. Its surface sparkled like gems in the light, casting reflections that danced across the forest floor.

    Is that¡­ the mana-enhancing fruit they talk about? But I heard it was extremely rare even in highly ranked dungeons..

    Despite the risks, he couldn¡¯t resist. He approached the fruit cautiously, glancing around to ensure no guardians were watching. The closer he got, the more the fruit seemed to call to him, its vibrant glow a beacon of potential.

    He reached out, fingers brushing against the warm surface of the fruit. A thrill shot through him, a feeling that this could change everything. With a swift motion, he plucked the fruit from its perch, cradling it in his hands. The sensation was intoxicating, as if the fruit were alive, thrumming with energy.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    But as he turned to escape, a sudden rustle erupted behind him. He whipped around, and to his horror, he saw several guardians emerging from the shadows, their eyes glowing ominously.

    Panic surged through him, and he bolted, sprinting through the underbrush. He could hear the guardians crashing through the trees behind him, their heavy footsteps thundering as they pursued him. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, and for a moment, he felt invincible.

    Every instinct screamed at him to run faster. He zigzagged through the trees, desperately searching for a place to hide. The guardians were relentless, their movements swift and powerful. Just as he thought he was gaining distance, a massive root snagged his foot, sending him sprawling to the ground.

    ¡°No!¡± he yelled as he fell, his grip on the fruit slipping. He landed hard on the forest floor, the wind knocked out of him. He reached for the fruit, but it rolled away, vanishing into the underbrush. The guardians were closing in, their glowing eyes piercing through the shadows.

    No! I can¡¯t let them catch me!

    Avince pushed himself off the ground, but the weight of panic slowed him. He could hear the heavy footsteps pounding closer, the rustling of branches as the guardians navigated the trees. He turned to flee, but it was too late. A massive stone arm swung down, connecting with his side and sending him hurtling across the ground.

    Pain erupted in his body as he crashed into the earth, darkness beginning to creep into the edges of his vision. This can¡¯t be how it ends... he thought desperately. He tried to move, to fight back, but his body refused to respond.

    The fruit... he remembered, clenching his hand around it instinctively, still firmly gripped in his palm. The last thing he saw was the shadow of a guardian looming over him, and then everything faded to black.

    <hr>

    Avince awoke slowly, his mind clouded with confusion and pain. Blinking against the harsh white light, he felt a sterile coldness surrounding him. A soft beeping sound pulsed rhythmically in the background. He turned his head, trying to make sense of his surroundings, and there she was¡ªAmyra, his sister, sitting beside him with tears streaming down her cheeks.

    ¡°Avince! You¡¯re finally awake!¡± she cried, her voice trembling with emotion.

    ¡°Amyra?¡± he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Thank the stars! I thought¡­ I thought I lost you!¡± she sobbed, rushing to embrace him.

    Her warmth enveloped him, and he could feel her body shaking. Confusion swirled within him as he tried to process everything. The dungeon, the guardians, the fruit¡ªit all felt like a distant memory, fading into the background of his mind.

    ¡°What happened? Where am I?¡± he asked, panic rising in his chest.

    ¡°You were in a coma for days after the awakening. You¡­ you got hurt,¡± she said, pulling back to look into his eyes, worry etched across her face. ¡°I was so scared.¡±

    Days? His mind raced back to the dungeon, the pursuit, the fruit he had grasped so tightly. ¡°What happened¡­ I¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± she interrupted gently, squeezing his hand. ¡°You¡¯re safe now. Just focus on getting better.¡±

    As he lay there, the memories swirled in his mind, leaving him with a haunting question: What truly happened in that dungeon?

 Chapter 7

    After what felt like hours, the door to Avince¡¯s hospital room creaked open once more. His parents stepped inside, their faces lighting up with a mix of relief and joy. Ashna rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him tightly, while Erwin followed closely behind, a proud smile plastered on his face.

    ¡°There¡¯s my brave boy,¡± Ashna said softly, pulling back to look him over. ¡°How are you holding up?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Mom,¡± he replied, grateful for their presence. It felt comforting to see their familiar faces. ¡°What happened? Why am I here?¡±

    Erwin exchanged a glance with Ashna before settling down in the chair beside the bed. ¡°You had quite an adventure, son,¡± he said sarcastically with a chuckle, though the concern in his eyes was unmistakable. ¡°You collapsed after using your ability. The doctors said you pushed yourself too hard. You were unconscious for a while.¡±

    Avince absorbed this information calmly. A sense of dread didn¡¯t wash over him, nor did panic grip his heart. Instead, his thoughts shifted to the events that had transpired in the dungeon¡ªthe guardians, the fruit, and the overwhelming urge to escape. He decided then and there to keep that experience to himself. No need to worry them further.

    ¡°Is everyone okay?¡± he asked, genuinely curious. ¡°What did you do after I used my ability?¡±

    His mother looked at him, eyes filled with concern, but her voice was steady. ¡°You collapsed, and we called for help right away. The doctors took you in and have been monitoring you ever since. We were so worried, but we¡¯re just glad you¡¯re awake now.¡±

    A sense of warmth spread through him at their concern. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for worrying you,¡± he said softly, guilt gnawing at him. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±

    Erwin shook his head, waving off Avince¡¯s apology. ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize, son. We¡¯re just happy you¡¯re back with us. That¡¯s all that matters.¡±

    After a moment of silence, his father¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°So, what does your ability do? Have you figured it out yet?¡±

    Avince hesitated, the urge to share battling with the instinct to keep his experience private. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet,¡± he replied, glancing at the floor. ¡°I think I need more time to understand it.¡±

    His mother nodded understandingly, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s alright. You can keep it a secret for now until you figure it out. Just remember, we¡¯re here for you, no matter what. If your talent turns out to be detrimental, we¡¯ll find a way to help.¡±

    The reassurance from his mother enveloped him like a warm blanket, grounding him in a moment that felt more like a family reunion than a hospital visit.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, the gratitude swelling in his chest. ¡°I appreciate it.¡±

    Ashna smiled and squeezed his hand. ¡°Now, you need to rest. We¡¯ll be right here. Just focus on getting better.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    With that, they took their leave, leaving Avince alone in the dimly lit room once again. He watched as the door closed behind them, the weight of their concern settling in.

    Once the silence wrapped around him, he decided it was time to explore his abilities further. He closed his eyes and focused inward, searching for that familiar connection to the energy he had felt before. A gentle pulse resonated within him, guiding him to the storage space he had discovered earlier.

    To his surprise, it was still there¡ªa pocket of energy waiting for him to explore. He opened his eyes, his heart racing with curiosity.

    What else is in there?

    He willed himself to delve deeper into this newfound space, surprised to see an orb of shimmering light coalescing before him. The familiar shape emerged, revealing the mana-enhancing fruit that he had acquired during his encounter in the dungeon.

    Could it be?

    He reached out, pulling the fruit closer to inspect it. Its surface glowed enticingly, and the memories of its sweet, invigorating smell flooded back to him. It was exactly as he had hoped¡ªa rare fruit that could enhance his affinity for mana.

    Avince recalled everything he had learned about the fruit, the stories of its effects. He quickly checked the details with his phone that his sister had brought earlier, confirming that it held no negative side effects, that it was indeed what he hoped it to be.

    With a mix of excitement and caution, he decided to consume it. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain. He focused his will, and the fruit appeared in his hand once more.

    Taking a deep breath, he took a bite, the sweet and tangy flavor exploding in his mouth. A wave of warmth coursed through him as he swallowed, spreading from his stomach to the tips of his fingers.

    The sensation was soothing, like a gentle tide washing over him. It felt as if the mana around him was responding to his presence, swirling in harmony with his heartbeat. The effects were immediate and profound.

    He closed his eyes again, allowing the feeling to envelop him. The mana flowed through him, clearer and more potent than before. He felt a heightened awareness, as if he were more attuned to the world around him. The hospital room seemed to fade away, replaced by the vibrant colors of the forest he had once encountered in the dungeon.

    I can feel it!

    With newfound clarity, he sensed the energy vibrating in the air, a symphony of life coursing through every fiber of his being. It was exhilarating, like a dormant part of him seemed to have awakened, fully alive and aware.

    But then, a troubling realization struck him¡ªan ominous thought that cast a shadow over his exhilaration. The fruit... it draws you in. The desire for the fruit, the way it glowed and pulsed with energy¡ªit was intoxicating, almost like a siren¡¯s call.

    He remembered the way he had been compelled to take it in the dungeon, how the fruit had glimmered with an allure that was hard to resist. It wasn¡¯t just the power it offered; it was something deeper, a beckoning that clouded the mind and lured people toward it.

    Could it be? Avince¡¯s heart sank as the implications settled in. The dungeon uses the fruit to attract unwary travelers, drawing them into the depths where the guardians wait. It made perfect sense¡ªthe fruit was not just a reward but a trap, ensnaring those who sought its power and leading them into danger.

    Before he could dwell on the grim realization, the door swung open once more. Ashna peeked in, a warm smile illuminating her features. ¡°How are you feeling, Avince? We brought you some food.¡±

    ¡°I feel great, actually,¡± he replied, the energy still coursing through him.

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± she exclaimed, entering the room and setting the food on the bedside table. ¡°I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re okay.¡±

 Chapter 8

    Avince found himself slipping back into his daily routine, the familiar feeling of going to school as if nothing happened, gradually easing his worries. It felt strange to be back after the scare he¡¯d given everyone, but he was grateful for the support of his family and friends. Among those friends, Erica had been particularly worried about him.

    Early in the morning , as he was walking to school, he spotted her rushing toward him, her face lit with concern. ¡°Avince! I was so worried! I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re back!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, really,¡± he reassured her with a smile, even though a part of him felt unsettled. ¡°I was just¡­ tired.¡±

    Erica frowned, her brow furrowing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t visit. Dad had me on a training trip, and I felt terrible leaving you alone. I wanted to be there.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± he said, trying to mask the anxiety creeping back into his mind. ¡°How was your training?¡±

    ¡°Intense! I learned some new techniques,¡± she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ¡°At this rate I might even catch up to you soon enough!

    Avince¡¯s stomach twisted. He admired Erica¡¯s dedication and strength, but his recent experiences had left him rattled. The thought of training with his abilities again scared him; the memory of losing consciousness was still fresh in his mind. But the desire to improve burned stronger than his fear.

    Even without abilities, Avince practiced with manipulating mana like his life depended on it, he got so good to the point that most people his year actually are not match for him in a 1v1 duel, including Erica. Which also shows how much of a monster his little sister is

    ¡°But at this rate they''re improving, they¡¯ll leave me to dust in no time.¡± Avince said dejectedly

    <hr>

    After school, he returned home, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. As he settled in his room, he gazed at the wall, deep in thought. What if I just tried using my ability with a smaller amount of mana?

    He decided to test it. A careful calculation in his mind led him to estimate that using around ten percent of his capacity would be safe. With the recent increase in his mana pool from the fruit, he felt cautiously optimistic.

    Taking a deep breath, he focused his energy, channeling just a fraction of it. For a moment, he felt a strange sensation, as though part of him was being gently nudged forward. The world around him faded, replaced by a familiar yet different landscape.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Instead of being transported entirely, it felt as if a part of his consciousness was now immersed in the dungeon¡ªlike stepping into a virtual reality game. He could still control his main body and felt aware of both worlds. So, this is how it works, he realized, understanding now that his ability only transported part of his consciousness. The last time, he had overexerted himself, leading to a complete transfer.

    The dungeon he now inhabited was markedly different. It was a dimly lit cave, quiet, and it had a soft glow that hinted at mana flowing gently through the space. He feels that the mana levels here is a significant drop compared to the previous dungeon he had previously encountered

    As he explored, he used his ability to get a clear outline of the dungeon and detected that the enemy in this dungeon was only.. Slimes??

    It wasn¡¯t long before he came across one such creature¡ªsimple, gelatinous creatures that were bottom-tier monsters. Dangerous in groups, but usually easy to deal with.

    Avince examined the slimes closely, recalling his mana training. He had learned to transmute his mana into elemental forms¡ªfire, water, earth, and wind, all of which were tier 1 magic. He could also wield some tier 2 magic, but after consuming the mana-enhancing fruit, he wondered just how much stronger his skills had become.

    Spotting a cluster of water-attuned slimes bobbing lazily, a spark of inspiration struck him. ¡°Lightning it is,¡± he whispered to himself, a grin forming on his lips.

    He concentrated, drawing on his mana reserves, channeling it into an electric current. In moments, a bolt of lightning arced from his fingertips, striking the nearest slime. The creature popped with a sizzle, evaporating into mist as the energy surged through it.

    Avince couldn¡¯t help but feel a rush of exhilaration at what he saw

    ¡°Lightning is clearly a higher-tier element; that power is insane!¡±

    He remembered the last dungeon¡ªhow he¡¯d been too low on mana to conjure any magic. Back then, he had relied solely on boosting his physical abilities to escape, but now he realized that even a full-power fireball wouldn¡¯t have harmed the forest guardians. They had been formidable opponents, and even though he felt his skills were about 20% stronger now, he still wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against them.

    He moved through the cavern with newfound confidence, dispatching slimes effortlessly. It felt liberating, a weight lifting from his shoulders. With his ability he navigated the winding paths, avoiding traps and gathering his thoughts on how to utilize his abilities better.

    Soon, he reached a large chamber where the exit portal lay¡ªguarded by a massive water slime, twice the size of the others he had encountered. The creature loomed before him, glistening and threatening. Avince took a moment to assess the situation, a plan forming in his mind.

    Channeling his mana once more, he unleashed another lightning bolt, this one more powerful than the last. The attack struck true, and the enormous slime shattered, dissolving into harmless droplets.

    As Avince stood there, catching his breath and ready to approach the portal, something caught his eye. A strange object had fallen from the remains of the giant water slime. It shimmered faintly, almost pulsating with an eerie glow.

    ¡®Is that what I think it is?¡¯

 Chapter 9

    Avince bent down to pick up the strange object that had dropped from the remains of the massive water slime. It was a monster core, a shimmering orb about the size of his palm, glowing faintly with a soft blue light. The core pulsed gently in his hand, radiating a cool sensation that made the air around it feel noticeably chilled.

    "A monster core¡­ I forgot they could drop one of these," he muttered to himself. He turned it over in his hand, examining it closely. The slimes he had encountered earlier had been too weak to produce one. Normally, only monsters of a certain strength generated cores, which were concentrated manifestations of their mana. But the size and power of the giant slime explained why this one had left a core behind.

    Monster cores were highly prized in society. They were essentially mana batteries, capable of storing vast amounts of magical energy. While some were harvested from weaker monsters and used to power household appliances or machines in the city, others were used to fuel complex machinery and military weapons. These cores could also be repurposed for various magical tools or even be sold for profit.

    However, the monster core he held wasn¡¯t a pure, unattuned core. It was water-attuned, its blue hue and cool aura a clear indication of its alignment. That meant its mana was tied to the water element, making it unusable in its current form for most people, including Avince. If he wanted to use it, he would need to have processed it to remove the attunement, converting it into a raw, unattuned core that could be used by anyone. The process, however, requires too much energy and is time-consuming, probably using even more mana than what the core is worth.

    He sighed. "Water-attuned, huh?" Avince mumbled. "Of course, it had to be attuned to something I can¡¯t use."

    For water-elemental users, though, this core was very useful. It could be used to replenish their mana reserves or even enhance their water-based abilities. But to Avince, it was practically worthless¡ªexcept for selling it. He could probably fetch a decent price for it if he found the right buyer. Elemental cores were usually in demand, especially among elemental manipulators and craftsmen who used them for magical runes and creations.

    "But for me, this thing¡¯s just extra cash in my pocket," he thought, tucking the core into his pocket. His ability didn¡¯t grant him any specific elemental attunement, unlike other mages or mana-users. What he needed were unattuned monster cores, which were more common than attuned ones, but they often came with impurities. These impurities had to be carefully removed to make the core useful, a process that required precision and skill.

    With the core secured, Avince turned his attention back to the portal shimmering in front of him. Its soft glow was inviting, like the exit door of a game. The dungeon run had gone smoother than he expected, but he wasn¡¯t about to get complacent. He still needed to test the limits of his ability.

    Taking a deep breath, he stepped through the portal. As his foot touched the glowing surface, he felt a familiar rush¡ªthe sensation of being pulled back to the real world. His awareness of the dungeon world faded, and in an instant, his consciousness merged back fully with his physical body.

    Back in his room, Avince blinked, his eyes readjusting to the normal lighting. He stretched, feeling the tension drain from his muscles. The experience of splitting his consciousness between two worlds was still disorienting, but the successful run left him feeling energized. He couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    ¡°That went a lot better than I thought it would,¡± he said quietly, reflecting on the dungeon. His mind raced, piecing together everything he had learned from the experience. First, he had only used about 10% of his total mana to activate his ability, but the dungeon felt like it operated at a much lower difficulty level than his first one. His estimation was that the current dungeon was barely 1% as strong as the previous one, even though he had technically used 15% of his total mana back then.

    ¡°This definitely isn¡¯t a one-to-one ratio,¡± Avince concluded. "It¡¯s more of a multiplicative effect when I use more mana. The dungeon¡¯s quality and difficulty jump by much larger increments when I put more energy into it. Or maybe it has no relation at all. But that is highly unlikely¡­ I¡¯ll need to test this further."

    Avince sat down on his bed, still processing the information. His body felt somewhat fatigued, but not nearly as drained as it had been after the first dungeon run. That time, his consciousness had been completely exhausted, leaving him severely weakened for some reason. Now he understood why he had been hospitalized for so long after that incident. His ability seemed to drain not only his mana but something else. He felt really tired mentally If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "It makes sense now," Avince thought. "My body reacts to the strain my consciousness goes through. That¡¯s why I was out for so long before.

    He reached into his pocket and was surprised that it didn¡¯t contain the monster core that he acquired.

    What the...? He could have sworn he had it. He was just holding it. Avince¡¯s mind raced. Had he dropped it on his way out? Impossible. He distinctly remembered pocketing the core before exiting the dungeon.

    Confusion turned to concern as he mentally retraced his steps. Then, something clicked. The storage space... Could it be?

    Without hesitation, Avince focused on his ability, reaching out to that strange storage area he had discovered during his earlier experiments. It was like a pocket dimension, one that seemed linked to his consciousness whenever he accessed the dungeon. With a single thought, he accessed it.

    There it was. The monster core was nestled safely within the confines of his storage space, glowing softly against the darkness of the void. Avince let out a breath of relief, the tension easing from his shoulders.

    ¡°So that¡¯s how it works,¡± he murmured to himself, marveling at the discovery. ¡°Anything I¡¯m holding in the dungeon must automatically transfer to the storage space when I leave.¡±

    Holding it up to the light, he examined its soft blue glow. The core wasn¡¯t large¡ªsmaller than most he had seen before¡ªbut it would still fetch a decent price. "Probably worth around 100 Alliance Credits," he guessed. It wasn¡¯t a huge sum, but enough to buy a few meals or basic supplies. If he was frugal, it could feed him for a day.

    Still, it wasn¡¯t what he was after. Avince knew he needed unattuned cores to fuel his training and abilities. Attuned cores like this were only useful to elemental users, and while selling them could provide some income, he needed something that would push his growth forward.

    "Next time, I¡¯ll aim for something more useful," he muttered, slipping the core back into his pocket. He had barely scratched the surface of what his ability could do, and there were still so many unanswered questions.

    Avince closed his eyes, inhaling deeply as he focused on the mana flowing within him. It was a sensation he was slowly growing accustomed to, but every time he tried to delve deeper into the feeling, he realized just how vast and complex the energy coursing through him truly was. His mana, normally a quiet, invisible force, now thrummed with a soft, almost magnetic pull, like the currents of a deep, unseen river. He concentrated harder, willing himself to tune into its rhythm, his consciousness gradually syncing with the flow.

    The familiar yet alien sensation of his ability brushed against his mind, an intangible door that opened into another world. He visualized the dungeon space that awaited him, but this time, something was different. As he delved deeper into the mana surrounding him, he felt a strange, subtle tug¡ªas if the energy wasn''t just there to be used, but could be manipulated.

    It was faint at first, a whispering suggestion in the back of his mind, but the more he focused on it, the stronger the pull became. His mind brushed against the raw, formless essence of a dungeon, and in that instant, Avince felt it: a malleable connection, a tether between his mana and the potential structure of the dungeon world.

    His pulse quickened. "Wait¡­ is this...?"

    He let his consciousness flow deeper, pushing a little more mana into his ability. It wasn¡¯t just an exchange of energy anymore; there was a response. Like ripples in a still pond, his mana reverberated, the energy amplifying in intensity. The sensation was intoxicating, the dungeon responding to his influence in real time. He could feel it shaping itself based on the amount of mana he was channeling¡ªmore mana, more complexity, more danger."

    "So I can influence the type of dungeon I enter¡­ interesting," he murmured, intrigued by the discovery. He wondered how specific he could be in directing the creation of a dungeon. Could he determine the exact kind of monsters he would face? Or perhaps the layout and challenges within? The possibilities were exciting, but also daunting.

    With 90% of his mana reserves left after the last dungeon, Avince decided to test his abilities again. He would use 40% of his mana this time and try to influence the dungeon¡¯s structure. He thought of a specific kind of monster, something relatively weak but useful for practice¡ªsmall, unattuned green creatures that he could easily handle with his current skills.

    "Let¡¯s see how far I can push this," he thought, a determined glint in his eyes. His mind raced with possibilities as he prepared to delve into another dungeon, eager to uncover more about his ability and the strange world he had access to.

 Chapter 10

    As Avince stepped through the portal and into the next dungeon, he immediately felt something was wrong. The air was thick and heavy, carrying a foul stench of death and decay. He blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the scene before him. What he saw sent a chill down his spine.

    The land stretched out in front of him like a wasteland. The trees were twisted and withered, their bark peeling off like decaying skin. The ground was cracked, dry, and littered with the remnants of long-forgotten battles. Dark stains on the earth hinted at spilled blood, now dried up and blending with the parched dirt. There were bones¡ªhuman or otherwise¡ªscattered across the ground, half-buried in the cracked earth. This place felt devoid of life, except for the occasional gust of wind that seemed to carry whispers of anguish and suffering.

    Avince swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. This wasn¡¯t what he had expected at all. His thoughts raced as he struggled to make sense of it.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like a goblin dungeon¡­ at all,¡± he murmured.

    He had studied dungeons extensively in his classes. Goblin dungeons were typically crude but straightforward, often resembling primitive cave systems or forests with makeshift camps. But this? This place felt like a war zone that had been abandoned for centuries. Something was horribly wrong.

    Avince quickly focused his mind, activating his ability to try and assess the dungeon. He closed his eyes and reached out with his mana, trying to get a sense of the creatures that inhabited this desolate place. When the image finally came to him, his heart skipped a beat, and his eyes shot open in horror.

    Orcs.

    ¡°No¡­ No, this can¡¯t be right!¡± he muttered, panic rising in his chest. ¡°This was supposed to be a goblin dungeon!¡±

    Orcs were nothing like goblins. In his studies, Avince had read old literary works written before the emergence of dungeons, where goblins and orcs were sometimes considered the same¡ªa race of brutish, unintelligent monsters. But dungeons had shattered those misconceptions. While goblins were indeed small, weak, and not particularly intelligent, orcs were a different story entirely.

    ¡°Orcs are¡­ war machines,¡± Avince whispered to himself, dread creeping in. ¡°They¡¯re bigger, stronger, smarter¡­ They¡¯re built for battle, for war.¡±

    His mind flashed back to his training sessions at school, where instructors had warned students about orc dungeons. Even the most experienced adventurers often approached these dungeons with caution. Orcs were organized, using tactics and strategies in combat. They were ruthless and brutal, often attacking in groups, overwhelming their opponents with sheer strength and coordination.

    What have I done? Avince thought, the weight of his mistake sinking in.

    His attempt to influence the dungeon¡¯s type had backfired spectacularly. It was his first time using this new ability, and he had been too hasty, too reckless. He thought he had nudged the dungeon toward a goblin theme, but something had gone wrong. Some of the mana he had intended to use to shift the dungeon must have been improperly allocated, resulting in this horrifying mix-up.

    And now, instead of facing a group of low-level monster, he was standing in the middle of an orc-infested wasteland. The disparity in strength was immense. He wasn¡¯t prepared for this.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    At least I can¡¯t die for real, he thought, trying to cling to that small shred of hope. After all, during his first dungeon run, his consciousness had been severed from his physical body, but his real body had remained safe, even if it left him comatose for weeks. Even if I die here¡­ I¡¯ll just be knocked out, right?

    But then another realization hit him¡ªone that sent a fresh wave of fear through him.

    Mana exhaustion.

    Dying in this dungeon would result in the same fate he experienced before: severe mana exhaustion. The first time it had happened, his family had been there to find him and rush him to the hospital. But now? His family had no idea he was using his ability again. If he collapsed here, there would be no one to save him. He would be left alone, his body wasting away, his consciousness trapped in the void of mana depletion.

    I might as well be dead¡­

    Avince¡¯s hands trembled as he took a few unsteady steps forward. His first instinct was to run, to get out of the dungeon as quickly as possible. He tried to summon his ability to leave, but a sinking realization stopped him in his tracks: while his body in the real world could sense its surroundings, it couldn¡¯t move unless his consciousness was fully back. In other words, he was stuck here.

    Panic surged through him, but he quickly forced himself to breathe, closing his eyes and willing his heart to slow down. Panicking won¡¯t solve anything, he reminded himself. He had to keep calm, think rationally. If he didn¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t survive this.

    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± he muttered to himself, trying to regain control of his thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m not completely helpless here. I need to scout ahead, figure out exactly what I¡¯m dealing with. I can¡¯t fight these things blindly.¡±

    With a deep breath, Avince activated his mana once again, this time carefully controlling the flow to heighten his senses. The landscape stretched out before him, and through his ability, he caught the faint flicker of mana signatures in the distance. Moving cautiously, he began making his way across the desolate landscape, keeping low and trying to remain unnoticed.

    The smell of death hung in the air like a suffocating blanket, and the further he walked, the stronger it became. He had no idea how many orcs might be in this dungeon, but the thought of encountering a full horde made his stomach turn. His instincts told him to flee, but there was no escape¡ªat least not yet. He needed to understand what he was up against before making any rash decisions.

    After what felt like an eternity of creeping through the dead landscape, Avince froze. His ears picked up a faint noise, a low grunt followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. He pressed himself against a nearby rock, holding his breath as he strained to listen.

    There!

    A pair of hulking figures appeared on the horizon, moving slowly through the barren terrain. Even from a distance, Avince could tell they were massive, easily twice the size of a human. Their skin was a sickly green, their muscles bulging under thick armor made of bone and leather. They carried heavy weapons¡ªone had a spiked club, the other an axe that looked like it could cleave a person in two.

    Orcs.

    They were hunting, sniffing the air and scanning their surroundings with keen, calculating eyes. Despite their brutish appearance, Avince could tell they weren¡¯t mindless. They moved with purpose, searching for something¡ªperhaps food or intruders. He felt his heart hammering in his chest as he watched them, barely daring to breathe.

    How the hell am I supposed to deal with them?

    The realization of how outmatched he was hit him like a tidal wave. These weren¡¯t low-level monsters he could pick off with a few well-placed spells. Orcs were built for war, and even though he could handle two of them, more would overwhelm him if they spotted him.

    Avince gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He had to think of something. He couldn¡¯t afford to fight recklessly. But for now, all he could do was watch, observe, and hope that they didn¡¯t notice him.

 Archives- Special Chapter 1

    1 Year Ago.

    Amyra stood before the gleaming doors of the clan¡¯s exclusive awakening chamber, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Her parents stood close behind, each offering an encouraging smile, though a shared apprehension lingered in their eyes. This was a space reserved only for those undergoing an Advanced Awakening that is ice related within their clan.

    Yet, beneath the excitement, a tension filled the air. The memory of her brother¡¯s own awakening attempt haunted them¡ªa process that hadn''t been successful , leaving her brother without an ability even now. The clan¡¯s elders had mentioned his case in hushed tones ever since. Her parents¡¯ smiles, though supportive, couldn¡¯t hide the faint worry lines etched from that experience, as they silently hoped that her awakening would go differently.

    Her mother placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ¡°Remember, Amyra, this is a new experience, but we know you¡¯re ready for it. Just stay calm, and let the energy flow.¡±

    Amyra nodded, taking a deep breath. She stepped into the chamber, a large, circular room with walls lined in shimmering crystal. A technician that was waiting for her then activated the awakening matrix, and with a hum, the crystal walls pulsed with a soft light, radiating a cool energy that resonated through her.

    Amyra closed her eyes, and almost immediately, she felt the energy deep within her stir, as if woken by the matrix¡¯s pull. A wave of cold surged from the pit of her stomach, spreading outward until every inch of her was laced with icy mana. She could feel it¡ªlike a whisper, an invitation to tap into a vast, untamed power.

    The air around her began to shimmer, faint traces of frost appearing on her skin. Her breath misted, and the room itself seemed to grow colder, subtle mana fluctuations swirling around her in response to the awakening of her ice affinity. Her mother and father exchanged a brief look of awe and pride as they watched the display of their daughter¡¯s raw potential.

    When Amyra opened her eyes, her gaze was steady, her power settled yet alive, waiting to be wielded. Her mother stepped forward with a proud smile, reaching out a hand. ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    Amyra¡¯s lips curled into a grin. ¡°Stronger. And colder.¡±

    Her father chuckled. ¡°Then we should put that power to the test. There¡¯s a training chamber prepared for you.¡±

    She followed them out of the awakening room and into a larger, open chamber set up for ability testing. Her mother explained that they would start by testing her mana output and control, two fundamentals of ice magic, while her father arranged targets across the chamber.

    ¡°Try summoning ice,¡± her mother suggested, ¡°even if it¡¯s just a small amount.¡±

    Amyra closed her eyes, reaching for the icy energy she¡¯d felt in the chamber. This time, the cold flowed easily, gathering in her hands and spreading like frost over her fingertips. She exhaled slowly, feeling a snowflake form in her palm, perfect and glistening.

    Her mother nodded approvingly. ¡°Good control¡ªnatural, even.¡±

    <hr>

    Encouraged, Amyra took a deep breath and extended her hand, focusing on the cold coursing through her veins. She began with a simple gesture, willing the mana within her to flow outward. A small, crystalline icicle formed in her palm, delicate yet sharp, glistening under the chamber''s lights. She marveled at the sight, letting the icicle grow until it was as long as her forearm, then with a flick of her wrist, she sent it flying toward the opposite wall. It struck with a solid, icy thud, leaving a faint frost mark on the metal surface.

    Her mother observed from a few feet away, nodding with quiet pride. "You''re doing wonderfully, Amyra. Try freezing a larger area next, maybe near the doorway.¡±

    Taking the challenge to heart, Amyra focused her energy forward, imagining a wave of frost. She directed her mana with purpose, feeling it surge from her core and into the air before her. The temperature dropped sharply as a thin layer of frost coated the doorway, gradually thickening as she concentrated. The frost glistened and grew denser, until the entire area around the doorway shimmered with a solid coat of ice, intricate patterns naturally forming on its surface.

    Each act of creation felt as though she were peeling back a new layer of her power, discovering deeper depths with every attempt. She released the breath she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding, her eyes wide with wonder.

    After a moment, her father stepped forward, smiling as he gestured toward the doorway leading to another area.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try something a little more challenging. We¡¯re going to enter a man-made ice dungeon¡ªa perfect place for you to test your ability.¡±

    The dungeon¡¯s chill was intense, seeping into her bones, but for the first time, the cold felt like a friend rather than a threat. Her father led her into a clearing where a silver-furred ice fox prowled silently, its blue eyes sharp and unyielding.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to see if you can dominate this creature, to see how your new abilities align with mine,¡± her father explained, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯ll demonstrate, then it¡¯s your turn.¡±

    He approached the fox slowly, his mana reaching out with a quiet but undeniable authority. The fox hesitated, then lowered its head, yielding to him in a show of submission before fading into a shimmer of light.

    ¡°That¡¯s how it¡¯s done,¡± he said, turning back to her. ¡°Establish control, make it part of you, and then summon it as your own. It takes patience, but I think you¡¯re ready.¡±

    Amyra nodded, her heart thudding as she focused on the fox that now reappeared, standing cautiously before her. She called upon her mana, feeling it swell within her, then pushed it toward the fox. The creature¡¯s eyes locked onto hers, testing her strength. She pushed harder, letting her energy flow like a current of frost, reaching toward its core. The fox¡¯s body tensed, and for a moment, she thought it might resist, but then it relaxed, lowering its head in submission.

    When she finally opened her eyes, the fox was gone, its presence now settled within her as a part of her power.

    Her father¡¯s expression softened with pride. ¡°Very impressive, Amyra. You¡¯re a natural.¡±

    For the rest of the day, she practiced with her father, summoning and controlling the fox until it felt as natural as breathing.

    Over the next several months, Amyra trained diligently, her abilities growing sharper and more precise with each day. Her mother, who came from a clan renowned for their mastery over ice, guided her in the art of ice manipulation, teaching her not only to summon cold but to shape it with intention. Amyra also received lessons from elders within the clan, who shared centuries-old techniques and wisdom passed down through generations. Under her mother¡¯s watchful eye, and with the knowledge imparted by her clan, Amyra learned to create delicate, intricate constructs: frozen flowers so detailed that every petal held frosted veins, small animals crafted from ice that shimmered like crystal, and even elegant spears that remained perfectly balanced. Each construct required a balance of strength and control, and her mother encouraged her to focus on both, refining the purity of her mana so that her ice was as unyielding as a glacier.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Meanwhile, her father took her training to harsher environments, pushing her to adapt her abilities beyond the comfort of ice-aligned spaces. In an unaffiliated forest dungeon, the air felt warmer, thicker, and less receptive to her powers. Here, she could sense her mana working harder, straining as it reached out to subdue a large, bear-like creature with thick fur and claws that gleamed like steel. She focused intently, sending wave after wave of mana toward the beast, willing her frost to subdue its spirit. Yet, it resisted with ferocity, its breath steaming and its roars shaking the ground. Finally, after what felt like hours of effort, the creature¡¯s gaze softened, its form drooping as it acknowledged her dominion. She¡¯d won¡ªbut not without learning the limits of her control in non-ice environments. The victory was hers, yet it had taken far longer than her attempts with frost-aligned monsters, leaving her drained but resolute.

    The true test of her limits came within a fire-aligned dungeon, a landscape of red stone and constant heat. Here, flames danced in the cracks of the earth, and the air was dense with an energy that felt foreign, almost hostile. She felt her ice struggling to form, evaporating before it could fully take shape, each shard melting under the relentless heat. Her target was a creature with thick, red fur and blazing eyes, its very presence radiating warmth that pushed back her chill. She concentrated, pouring every ounce of mana she had into her efforts, but the fire-aligned monster barely flinched. Her frost could find no hold, her attempts dispersing as quickly as she formed them. No matter how hard she tried, the creature resisted her completely, its fiery aura impenetrable to her cold.

    It became clear that her power had limits¡ªshe could dominate many creatures with time and effort, but fire seemed forever beyond her reach. The realization stung, yet it also fueled her resolve to train harder.

    Still, she improved rapidly, her progress outpacing even her own expectations. By the time almost a year had passed, Amyra was summoning two familiars with ease, and she was eager to test her skills. One afternoon, she spotted her brother about to go home with his friend, and an idea struck.

    ¡°Avince!¡± she called, marching over with a confident smile. ¡°Want to spar?¡±

    Avince raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°Feeling brave, are we?¡±

    She laughed, crossing her arms. ¡°Think you can keep up?¡±

    They exchanged grins, a shared excitement passing between them. Avince agreed, and they made their way to the school training grounds, where students sometimes held friendly matches. A crowd gathered, friends and classmates curious to see the siblings face off.

    Amyra took a deep breath, summoning her familiars¡ªan ice wolf and a winter hawk. She felt a thrill as they appeared, each one standing proudly beside her.

    Avince¡¯s eyes lit up as he took in the sight. ¡°Starting strong, I see,¡± he called, summoning a flickering flame in his hand. ¡°Let¡¯s see if they can handle a little fire.¡±

    The battle began, both of them moving into action. Avince launched a series of fire spells, aiming at her wolf and forcing it to dodge quickly. Amyra commanded her hawk to swoop down, diverting his attention and forcing him to switch focus.

    <hr>

    Avince¡¯s fire magic flared, countering her ice attacks with blasts of heat. Amyra clenched her fists, feeling the strain as her ice magic fought against the intense waves of warmth radiating from her brother¡¯s flames. She held her ground, her wolf lunging forward, fangs bared, while her hawk circled overhead, its frosted wings slicing through the heated air.

    Avince moved quickly, shifting his stance as his fists ignited, his fire-infused punches meeting the icy snap of Amyra¡¯s defense. She summoned a wall of ice to intercept his blows, but he shattered it with a punch, scattering shards of ice like confetti. Without missing a beat, he rolled to the side, evading her retaliatory ice spikes, and countered with a gust of wind, whipping up a powerful current that sent her back a step. She gritted her teeth, countering with a sharp gesture, sending her hawk diving toward him, its talons coated in frost.

    With a quick movement, Avince summoned a barrier of earth, blocking the hawk¡¯s descent just in time. The bird crashed into the wall, frost cracking along the surface as it withdrew, circling above once more. Amyra took advantage of the moment, creating a path of ice beneath her feet and gliding forward in a smooth rush. She closed the gap, summoning her wolf alongside her, and lashed out with a spinning kick aimed at his side.

    Avince sidestepped, grabbing her ankle mid-kick, his grip blazing hot against her ice aura. He twisted, attempting to throw her off balance, but she spun with the motion, sending a burst of cold mana into his arm. The sudden chill forced him to release her, and she took the opportunity to unleash a barrage of ice shards, each shard crackling as it shot toward him.

    He ducked and dodged, his movements fluid as he alternated between earth shields and bursts of wind to deflect her attacks. With a final twist of his wrist, he unleashed a blast of fire that turned her shards to steam in midair. But Amyra was already preparing her next move. She whispered a command to her wolf, and it leapt high, teeth bared, aiming for his shoulder.

    Avince braced himself, his fists igniting once more as he met the wolf mid-air with a fiery uppercut, dispersing the familiar in a puff of mist. Before he could recover, Amyra was on him, launching herself forward with a frost-boosted leap, her fist aimed at his chest. He countered her momentum, catching her wrist and twisting, but she conjured a jagged spear of ice in her other hand, swinging it toward his side.

    He let go, sidestepping just in time as the spear sliced through the air. Summoning his own flames, he brought his fists together, launching a fireball at close range. Amyra crossed her arms, forming a barrier of ice just in time to absorb the brunt of the heat, though the force of the explosion pushed her back.

    ¡°Impressive, but I¡¯m not done yet!¡± Avince smirked, weaving together streams of both wind and fire to form a spinning vortex of flames, sending it roaring in her direction. She narrowed her eyes, pushing her hands forward and conjuring an icy gale to counter it. The two forces clashed, fire and ice locked in a fierce struggle, steam filling the arena as the opposing elements met.

    Seeing an opening, Avince dashed through the mist, his footsteps silent, closing the distance with a quick sequence of strikes, his physical training evident in the precision of each movement. Amyra countered, her instincts sharpened, blocking his punches and using her frost-coated hands to deflect his heat-infused strikes. The air grew thick with warmth and frost, their breathing heavy as they fought back and forth, each pushing the other to their limits.

    Finally, she took a quick step back, calling her winter hawk and wolf once more, her hands raised as she prepared one final assault. Her familiars charged, flanking him from either side. Avince stood firm, his hands glowing with mana, ready to face the onslaught. With a shout, Amyra unleashed a final flurry of icy attacks, her hawk diving with its talons extended, her wolf leaping forward in a blur of white.

    Avince dodged and countered, a wall of flames meeting her ice. They clashed one last time, each giving everything they had. When the steam and frost cleared, Avince knelt on one knee, breathing hard, his flames dimming, while Amyra stood above him, her own breath visible in the chilly air.

    She caught her breath, a triumphant grin breaking across her face. Avince looked up at her, giving her a proud smile. ¡°Nice one, Amyra. You¡¯ve definitely improved.¡±

    But as he turned away, Amyra caught a flicker of sadness in his eyes, a quiet frustration that he quickly hid. She felt a pang of empathy, knowing how much he had trained, only for her to surpass him in less than a year.

    She placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a gentle smile. ¡°Hey, you did great. We should spar again sometime.¡±

    He gave a small nod, forcing a smile. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be ready.¡±

    She watched him walk away, her excitement fading into a bittersweet realization. While her powers had grown stronger, she knew they also set her apart from her brother, a difference that training alone couldn¡¯t bridge. And she wished, more than anything, that he would find a way to feel the same pride in himself that she felt in him.

 Chapter 11

    Avince crouched behind a crumbling rock formation, eyes fixed on the two orcs in the distance. The adrenaline that had surged through him upon realizing the danger he was in had finally started to settle, but his heart still beat with a steady thrum of fear and worry.

    Orcs, he thought, shaking his head slightly. I was supposed to be fighting goblins. This shouldn¡¯t have happened.

    He exhaled slowly, recalling the system of ranks used to categorize monsters and adventurers alike. The rankings had been put in place by the World¡¯s Alliance as a way to provide a universal measure of power and threat level. From the weakest F-rank, to the terrifying S-rank that only a handful of individuals in the world could reach, it was a simple but effective way to gauge an opponent¡¯s strength.

    Monsters like slimes and goblins were typical F-ranked creatures. Easy prey. Civilians without any real abilities could often take them on, and even a child with basic training could hold their own in a 1v1 fight. That was what Avince had expected here¡ªa dungeon full of weaklings. Goblins, perhaps a boss at the end that might push F+, or, at worst, a low E-ranked creature.

    But the orcs in front of him? No way they were F-rank. Even from a distance, Avince could sense their raw power. They were much stronger than what he had prepared for.

    These two¡­ Avince bit his lip. They¡¯re at least upper E, maybe even nearing D-rank.

    That realization sent a fresh wave of unease through him. D-ranked monsters were a different breed. They were stronger, more dangerous, and required more skill to defeat. Orcs in particular were known for their durability, strength, and combat intelligence. Even a small group of them could wipe out an inexperienced team of adventurers.

    The worst part? If these two were already nearing D-rank, that meant the boss of this dungeon could easily be C-ranked. And Avince, despite his ability, wasn¡¯t ready for that. Not even close.

    He thought back to his own rank. Before his ability had awakened, Avince had been a solid mid-tier D-ranked individual, which was impressive for his age. It had taken years of training, magic study to reach that level. Even without an awakened ability, he had been proud of what he¡¯d accomplished. He could wield basic elemental mana, strengthen his body using raw energy, and manipulate magic with a level of precision that surpassed many of his peers.

    But now, despite his newly awakened ability, he is technically unranked. The accident during his first dungeon run leaves him without time to register his new powers with the Alliance. He had no official rank to match his growing capabilities, and no one knew just how powerful he had become¡ªhimself included.

    I have to stay calm, he told himself. Panicking won¡¯t help. I just need to fight smart and conserve my energy. Avince thought while feeling his mana reserve with only 50% left.

    Suddenly, movement in the distance caught his attention. The two orcs had found a target¡ªa lone deer, wandering through the cracked, barren landscape. They stalked it carefully, their massive forms moving with surprising silence for creatures their size.

    Avince¡¯s eyes narrowed as he watched them prepare to strike. This is my chance.

    The orcs were distracted, focused entirely on their prey. If he could catch them off guard, he would have a better chance. The key would be speed and precision. He didn¡¯t have the brute strength to take them head-on, but he didn¡¯t need it. His magic, when used correctly, could be just as deadly.

    Avince¡¯s fingers twitched, summoning mana from deep within himself. He felt the familiar surge of power as it coursed through his veins, like liquid fire, and began molding it to his will. His mastery of elemental magic had always been his strongest suit, even before he gained his ability. He focused on speed, channeling wind magic into his legs, enhancing his movements, making him lighter, faster, deadlier.

    The orcs were closing in on the deer. This was the moment.

    With a burst of speed, Avince launched himself forward, a blur against the desolate backdrop. He drew the mana around him, conjuring two spells at once. Fire and ice, opposites in every sense, but in Avince¡¯s hands, they became a deadly combination.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    As he neared the orcs, he released the first spell¡ªa concentrated burst of flame aimed at the back of the larger orc. The fireball hit its target with a satisfying boom, engulfing the creature in flames. The orc roared in pain, spinning around with rage-filled eyes, its body smoking from the sudden attack.

    But Avince wasn¡¯t done. Before the second orc could react, he unleashed a second spell¡ªan ice spear that flew through the air like a missile, striking the smaller orc in the chest. The ice spread quickly, coating the orc¡¯s torso in a layer of frost, freezing its movements.

    The larger orc, still ablaze, swung its massive club toward Avince with reckless fury. Avince ducked, the air around him crackling as he used wind magic to propel himself out of range. The orc¡¯s club smashed into the ground where he had been standing moments before, sending up a cloud of dust and debris.

    Avince landed a few feet away, panting from the exertion. That was close.

    The second orc, now freed from the ice, charged toward him, its axe raised high. Avince barely had time to react. He summoned earth magic, raising a barrier of stone in front of him just as the orc¡¯s axe came crashing down. The impact shattered the stone, but it slowed the orc¡¯s attack enough for Avince to roll out of harm¡¯s way.

    I can¡¯t keep this up forever. He could already feel the drain on his mana reserves. The orcs were relentless, and their sheer size and strength made them difficult to put down.

    But Avince wasn¡¯t ready to give up. He needed to end this quickly.

    With a surge of energy, he infused his body with mana, strengthening his muscles and enhancing his speed. He dashed forward, weaving between the orcs¡¯ attacks, moving too fast for them to land a clean hit. He summoned another ice spear and hurled it at the larger orc¡¯s leg. The spear struck true, freezing the creature¡¯s limb in place and causing it to stumble.

    Seizing the opportunity, Avince conjured a powerful blast of wind, knocking the smaller orc off balance. With both orcs momentarily disabled, he focused all his remaining energy into a final spell¡ªlightning.

    Lightning crackled in the air as Avince extended his hand, releasing a bolt of raw electricity that struck the larger orc directly in the chest. The creature convulsed, its body seizing up as the lightning coursed through it. The smell of burning flesh filled the air as the orc collapsed to the ground, dead.

    The other orc, still struggling to free itself from the icy bonds, let out a furious roar and charged at Avince one last time. But it was too slow. With a swift motion, Avince summoned a blade of pure mana and slashed across the orc¡¯s chest. The creature let out a final grunt before crumpling to the ground beside its fallen comrade.

    Panting heavily, Avince stood over the two orcs, his body trembling from the exertion. His mana reserves were dangerously low, but he had done it. He had won.

    He bent down and retrieved the monster cores from the orcs¡¯ remains. Both were unattuned¡ªexactly what he needed. He absorbed the mana from the cores, feeling the energy flow through him, replenishing his reserves. It wasn¡¯t a full recovery, but it would be enough to keep him going.

    I can¡¯t stop now, Avince thought grimly. I¡¯ll have to keep this up.

    For the next three hours, Avince fought his way through the wasteland. He targeted lone orcs or pairs, knowing that anything more would be suicide. Each skirmish was a desperate battle¡ªbrutal and exhausting. The orcs were relentless, their strength overwhelming, but Avince had cunning on his side. He struck with precision, using the terrain to his advantage, turning the wasteland itself into a weapon. Every kill was hard-earned, his muscles screaming in protest as he felled each foe.

    Yet, with every victory, his confidence grew. He felt the surge of mana coursing through him as he drained the orcs¡¯ cores, replenishing his own reserves. It wasn¡¯t just about survival anymore¡ªit was a test of his endurance, his power. And with each battle won, he became faster, stronger, more in tune with the dungeon''s brutal rhythm

    But even as he fought, he knew that these small groups were nothing compared to what awaited him deeper in the dungeon.

    Finally, after hours of fighting, Avince found what he had been dreading. In the distance, nestled in the heart of the wasteland, was the orc stronghold. It was a crude, makeshift settlement, with towering walls made of bones and stone. Dozens of orcs moved about inside, patrolling the area, guarding the central building.

    And there, in the middle of the stronghold, was the portal. The exit.

    Avince¡¯s heart sank. There were too many orcs for him to fight head-on. If he tried to rush the portal now, he¡¯d be overwhelmed.

    I need to come up with a plan, he thought, his mind racing. I need to lure them out, create a distraction¡­ something.

    As he crouched in the shadows, watching the orcs move about their stronghold, Avince¡¯s mind whirred with possibilities. He had made it this far, but getting to the portal would be the ultimate test.

    And there was no room for error.

 Chapter 12

    Avince stood beside a large rock near the stronghold, his heart pounding as he surveyed the orc stronghold. The crude construction loomed over him like a grim monument to danger and power, its walls bristling with the promise of violence. Each orc he had encountered so far had only reinforced his belief that he had ventured into something far beyond his current capabilities. Now, however, he needed to think¡ªnot just about survival but also about escape.

    I can¡¯t just run in blindly, he thought, peering through a gap in the rocks. I need to gather information, find a way to lure them out, and then make my move.

    As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground, Avince began his reconnaissance. He observed the routines of the orcs, taking careful notes. Their patrol patterns were erratic yet predictable; a couple of orcs would wander out for brief hunting trips while others remained inside, perhaps feasting or engaging in some form of revelry.

    If I can isolate a few of them¡­ he mused, envisioning a plan.

    Avince spent the next hour watching. He noticed that several orcs would leave the stronghold to scout the nearby area for food. He could use this to his advantage. A sudden loud noise, perhaps an explosion or a distraction from the far side of the stronghold, could draw them out, leaving the portal momentarily unguarded.

    But how do I create that distraction? he wondered. He had limited resources specially on this barren place at his disposal. Then an idea struck him.

    Fire! The thought ignited in his mind like a spark. He could conjure a fire spell powerful enough to burn a side of the wall and create a significant disturbance away from the stronghold, drawing the orcs out to investigate. He could use the vegetation and fallen trees and make the fire bigger to his advantage, a way to lure them away while he made his move towards the portal.

    With a determined resolve, Avince began to gather small twigs and dry leaves, stacking them in on the far side of the wall, a spot well within the shadows of the stronghold.

    As twilight began to cloak the landscape in shades of deep blue and indigo, he carefully lit the pile. Flames quickly licked the dry material, crackling with energy. The fire hissed and spat, quickly growing larger than he had intended, but it would serve its purpose.

    As the flames reached high into the sky, illuminating the surrounding area, Avince held his breath, waiting for the inevitable response. Within moments, the distant cries of orcs filled the air, their guttural voices mixed with the sounds of boots stomping against the ground.

    Avince took this moment to stealthily approach the stronghold. He darted between shadows, the flickering flames of his fire providing cover and illumination. As he neared the portal, he could hear the orcs shouting at one another, scrambling to figure out the source of the fire. The voices were chaotic, a blend of anger and confusion that only fueled his determination.

    This is it, he thought, steeling himself. I just need to get closer.

    However, as he edged closer to the portal, he felt a sudden tension in the air. It was as if something had shifted, a warning bell ringing in his mind. Avince slowed, squinting into the dim light. Just beyond the edge of the portal¡¯s glow stood an imposing figure, silhouetted against the flames.

    An orc stepped forward, larger than the others he had encountered. His skin was a dark green, marred by scars that spoke of countless battles fought and won. As he stepped into the light, Avince¡¯s heart sank. The orc¡¯s jagged teeth glinted menacingly, and a cruel grin spread across his face.

    ¡°So, a kid thinks he can sneak into my domain?¡± The orc¡¯s voice was deep and taunting, reverberating through the night air.

    Avince swallowed hard, realizing this was no ordinary orc. This must be the boss, he thought in horror.

    ¡°Name¡¯s Rokhan Grimjaw,¡± the orc continued, his tone mocking. ¡°I see you¡¯ve made quite the effort to find your way to my door. But, tell me, what do you think you¡¯ll find here? Death? Glory? Perhaps just a quick end?¡±

    Avince took a cautious step back, calculating his options. The orc must be at least C-ranked, the strongest type he had ever faced. He cursed his luck, knowing full well that named bosses often had special abilities and were designed to be much stronger.

    ¡°Tell me, little man,¡± Rokhan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°What do you plan to do now? Perhaps beg for mercy? I do love the sound of people begging for mercy as I tear them limb by limb .¡±

    Without warning, Avince turned to run. His instincts screamed at him to escape, but before he could get far, he felt a force slam into his back, sending him crashing to the ground. Rokhan was faster than he had anticipated.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°Running? How quaint!¡± The orc chuckled as he approached. ¡°But it won¡¯t save you. I¡¯ve had my fill of little morsels like you. Time to play!¡±

    Avince scrambled to his feet, adrenaline coursing through him. He conjured a barrier of earth, hoping to protect himself from the next attack. But Rokhan was relentless, charging forward, his massive form closing the distance in an instant.

    The earth wall held for only a moment before Rokhan smashed through it like it was made of paper. Avince stumbled back, dodging to the side just as Rokhan swung his massive club, the weapon barely missing him.

    With a quick flick of his wrist, Avince summoned a ball of fire, hurling it at the orc in an attempt to slow him down. The flames connected, igniting a patch of skin on Rokhan¡¯s arm. He let out a roar, but it was mixed with laughter.

    ¡°Is that all you have? I barely felt that! Come on, give me a real fight!¡±

    The taunt stung, and Avince gritted his teeth, feeling the pressure mounting. He conjured a blade of wind, aiming to slice at Rokhan¡¯s side. But the orc sidestepped effortlessly, the wind blade missing its mark completely.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to have to try harder than that,¡± Rokhan mocked, his cruel smile widening as he feigned disappointment.

    Avince¡¯s breathing quickened as he realized he needed a new strategy. He conjured a swirling vortex of wind around himself, enhancing his speed as he darted in and out of range, looking for an opening. The orc swung wildly, but Avince was quick, dodging and weaving between the strikes.

    ¡°Come now, don¡¯t be shy!¡± Rokhan growled. ¡°You¡¯re just making this more fun for me!¡±

    As the battle wore on, Avince began to feel the strain. Each dodge was more exhausting, and he was running low on mana. He summoned a quick burst of ice, launching it at the orc¡¯s feet, hoping to trip him up. But Rokhan leapt over the attack with ease, landing gracefully as if he were merely playing a game.

    ¡°Nice try!¡± he bellowed, slashing the air with his clawed hands. ¡°But I¡¯ve faced foes far more skilled than you. Why don¡¯t you just give up? It¡¯ll be easier that way.¡±

    Avince refused to relent, but his options were dwindling. He focused, trying to gather the remaining mana within him. It was now or never. He released a flurry of elemental spells¡ªfire, ice, lightning¡ªhoping to overwhelm the orc.

    The spells collided against Rokhan, each one seemingly absorbed by the orc¡¯s immense resilience. He laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that echoed through the clearing. ¡°Is that the best you can do? I expected a challenge!¡±

    With each failed attack, Avince felt the weight of despair closing in on him. Then, in a moment of desperation, he decided to take a risk. He feigned retreat, running back toward the edge of the clearing, drawing Rokhan further away from the portal.

    ¡°Running away again?¡± Rokhan called, chasing after him. ¡°You¡¯re truly pathetic!¡±

    But Avince wasn¡¯t retreating without purpose. As he reached the edge of the clearing, he turned suddenly, summoning a wall of stone behind him. Rokhan crashed into it, momentarily dazed.

    Taking advantage of the opening, Avince summoned the most powerful spell he could muster. ¡°Lightning Strike!¡± he shouted, a bolt of electricity forming above his head. He hurled it toward the orc, but Rokhan anticipated the move.

    With a speed that belied his size, Rokhan sidestepped, avoiding the attack completely. Avince¡¯s heart sank as he realized he had committed himself to a losing battle.

    Rokhan charged again, this time more furious than ever. Avince scrambled to create another barrier, but it was too late. The orc closed in, delivering a powerful kick that landed squarely in Avince¡¯s chest. He felt the air leave his lungs as he was sent sprawling across the ground.

    ¡°Now, this is fun!¡± Rokhan taunted, stepping forward. ¡°You¡¯re putting on quite the show for me!¡±

    Avince struggled to his feet, barely able to stand. The pain radiated from his chest, and he felt the edges of his vision beginning to blur. But he couldn¡¯t give up now. He summoned every ounce of mana left in him, ready to make one final stand.

    ¡°Is this the best you can do?¡± Rokhan sneered, his jaws snapping just inches from Avince. ¡°You¡¯re just a little boy playing with magic! I could end this now, but where¡¯s the fun in that?¡±

    Desperate, Avince lunged forward, channeling his remaining mana into a surge of power. But Rokhan anticipated his move, catching Avince by the arm and squeezing tightly.

    The orc¡¯s jaws snapped down, and Avince felt a searing pain as Rokhan¡¯s teeth punctured flesh. In an instant, he was on the ground, clutching his severed arm, blood pouring from the wound.

    Rokhan leaned over him, his expression a mix of sadistic glee and mockery. ¡°Pathetic! You were supposed to be entertaining, turns out you are just another snack!¡±

    Avince¡¯s heart raced. He was on the brink of defeat, yet he refused to give in. Summoning the last remnants of his strength, he rolled away, desperately crawling toward the portal.

    But Rokhan was fast, his foot crashing down mere inches from Avince¡¯s head. ¡°You think you can escape? You¡¯re just prolonging the inevitable!¡±

    As Rokhan prepared to deliver the final blow, Avince gathered his mana. ¡°Fireball!!¡± he shouted, launching a desperate surge of fire toward the orc¡¯s face.

    Rokhan staggered back, momentarily blinded. Seizing the opportunity, Avince closed his eyes and focused on the mana around him. He drew upon his last drops of mana, and conjured an ice mirror image of himself, creating a shimmering, reflective clone that mimicked his movements.

    Rokhan, blinded and furious, roared in frustration. ¡°Coward! You think you can escape?¡± He lunged at the ice clone, swiping at it with his massive fist, his blow shattering the illusion into a cascade of frost.

    Avince used this distraction to make his real escape, heart pounding as he darted past the orcs that were just getting back from the fire, utilizing the chaos caused by the ice clone. He felt adrenaline surge through him, the portal¡¯s shimmering light growing brighter as he drew closer.

    Rokhan¡¯s furious roar echoed behind him as he realized the deception. ¡°Get back here, you little rat!¡± The sound of the boss¡¯s heavy footsteps boomed in pursuit, but Avince was almost there.

    With a final burst of speed, he dove through the shimmering portal just as Rokhan¡¯s monstrous form came into view. He felt the cool air rush past him, the safety of escape enveloping him like a comforting blanket.

 Chapter 13

    Avince¡¯s body ached as his consciousness slowly re-emerged. The familiar hum of the world around him felt distant, as if he were still somewhere in that wasteland, battling orcs. But the air was warmer here, softer, and the dull ache in his muscles wasn¡¯t the same as when he was trapped in that dungeon. At least this time, he hadn¡¯t completely burned out his mana.

    At least I managed to avoid draining myself completely, he thought with a weak smile. The battle against the orcs, though brutal, had gone better than expected. He hadn¡¯t pushed his mana reserves to the brink in one big burst like before but instead used it gradually, pacing himself throughout the fight.

    His eyelids fluttered closed, and before he could dwell on it further, the creeping warmth of sleep overtook him again.

    <hr>

    He didn¡¯t know how much time had passed when he stirred again, but this time, a voice caught his attention.

    ¡°Avince?¡±

    It was soft but steady, and when he opened his eyes, he saw a familiar face by his side. Erica was sitting in a chair next to his bed, her eyes studying him with concern.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been out for a while,¡± she said, her tone lighter now that he was awake. ¡°You missed school again.¡±

    Avince groaned and rubbed his eyes. ¡°How long was I out?¡±

    Nearly a whole day,¡± Erica said, her gaze softening. ¡°Your parents were worried. They called in my dad when you wouldn¡¯t wake up.¡±

    Avince blinked, processing her words. Before he could respond, another figure entered the room. It was Erica¡¯s father, Jerome, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a calm, steady demeanor. His hair had begun to gray at the edges, but his presence carried the same authority as it always had.

    Jerome gave a brief nod, his eyes assessing Avince. ¡°Good to see you awake, kid,¡± he said, his voice warm but serious. ¡°You had your family worried there for a bit.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Avince said quickly, though his voice still sounded weak even to his own ears. ¡°Just a bit tired.¡±

    Jerome¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as he stepped closer, placing a hand on Avince¡¯s forehead. A faint glow enveloped his fingers¡ªa telltale sign of his healing ability, one that had served him well in countless dungeon expeditions when he had been part of the same team as Avince¡¯s parents.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got dangerously low mana levels,¡± Jerome said after a moment. ¡°I figured it was something like that when your sister couldn¡¯t wake you.¡±

    Avince glanced toward the door, wondering where Amyra was. ¡°She¡ªshe didn¡¯t mean to worry anyone.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Jerome replied, pulling his hand back. ¡°She did the right thing by calling your parents. They contacted me since I was nearby. Your body¡¯s under strain, Avince. Overuse of abilities, especially at your age, can be dangerous if you¡¯re not careful. I¡¯m sure you already know that.¡±

    Avince nodded, but the reminder only added to the weight he felt pressing down on him. He had pushed himself harder than ever in the dungeon, using every ounce of mana he could. But now that he knew his limits, he could strategize better next time. He wouldn''t let himself collapse like this again.

    ¡°Thanks, Jerome,¡± Avince said, grateful for the older man¡¯s concern.

    Jerome gave a small smile. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Just rest up. I¡¯ll let your parents know you¡¯re awake.¡±

    As Jerome turned to leave, Avince noticed Erica lingering by his bedside. She waited until her father had left before sitting back down.

    ¡°You really need to stop overdoing it,¡± she said, crossing her arms. ¡°This is the second time you¡¯ve collapsed.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Avince muttered, his eyes heavy with guilt. ¡°I just didn¡¯t expect...¡±

    ¡®Didn¡¯t expect what?¡¯ Erica questioned him, raising an eyebrow.

    Avince¡¯s face twisted into a faint grimace. ¡°I-it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°You should take it easy for a while,¡± she said, deciding not to probe further,¡± she said, her voice firm but laced with worry. ¡°This is the second time you¡¯ve collapsed, Avince. You can¡¯t keep pushing yourself like this.¡±

    Avince looked away, unable to meet her gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice,¡± he mumbled. ¡°I need to get stronger.¡±

    Erica¡¯s expression softened, and she sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed. ¡°I know. But there¡¯s a difference between training and¡­ whatever it is you¡¯re doing.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s complicated,¡± Avince admitted. ¡°I just¡­ I don¡¯t have the luxury of taking it slow. You know how hard things have been for me even before my awakening.¡±

    Erica¡¯s eyes held a mix of understanding and frustration. She had seen the pressure he was under, the uncertainty surrounding his abilities and also getting it this late. But she also knew that pushing too hard, too fast, was a dangerous path.

    ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll be more careful,¡± she said after a long moment of silence. ¡°I can¡¯t keep watching you collapse like this. It¡¯s¡ª¡± She hesitated, her voice catching slightly. ¡°It¡¯s scary.¡±

    Avince glanced at her, surprised by the depth of emotion in her voice. Erica rarely let her guard down like this. He nodded, his resolve firming. ¡°I promise.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Erica offered him a small smile, though the worry didn¡¯t completely leave her face. ¡°Good. Because I¡¯m not bailing you out of detention if you keep missing school.¡±

    Avince chuckled weakly, grateful for the shift in tone. ¡°Noted.¡±

    ¡°Besides, you¡¯ve already missed enough classes.¡±Erica then said

    Avince winced, realizing he missed another class. ¡°What did I miss?¡±

    Erica smiled, sensing the change in his mood. ¡°Not much, but Professor Mira assigned us a new project. Rune crafting and enchantment. We¡¯re supposed to draw a rune of durability and apply it to any item.¡±

    Avince sighed, his thoughts briefly shifting to Professor Mira Solandis, the eccentric master enchanter who ran their rune crafting class. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound too bad.¡±

    ¡°It should be simple enough for you,¡± Erica agreed. ¡°But you¡¯ve missed most of the prep work, so you¡¯ll have to catch up. The deadline¡¯s in a week.¡±

    Avince nodded, already calculating how much time he¡¯d need to finish the project. His mana control had improved significantly, and enchanting items wasn¡¯t new to him, he has drawn and applied a much more complicated rune than the entry level durability rune. Still, it was another task added to the growing pile of things he had to handle.

    The quiet moment between them was interrupted by the sound of the door opening again. This time, his parents entered the room. Erwin and Ashna both carried expressions of relief, though concern lingered in their eyes.

    Ashna was the first to move toward him, her ice-blue eyes scanning his face for any sign of lingering pain. ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Mom,¡± Avince replied, offering a tired smile. ¡°Just a little tired.¡±

    Erwin stood at the foot of the bed, arms crossed, his stern expression softening slightly now that he saw his son awake. ¡°You gave us quite the scare, son.¡±

    Avince swallowed, guilt gnawing at him. He hadn¡¯t meant to worry them. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±

    ¡°We know,¡± Ashna said, her hand gently squeezing his shoulder. ¡°But you need to be more careful, Avince. You¡¯re still learning about your ability. You can¡¯t keep pushing yourself like this.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to,¡± Avince admitted, his gaze dropping to his hands. ¡°I just¡­ I don¡¯t know how else to train. My ability isn¡¯t like yours or dad¡¯s. It¡¯s different.¡±

    There was a pause, and when Avince looked up, he saw a flicker of unease pass between his parents. They had been supportive since his awakening, but there had always been a quiet tension when it came to discussing his powers.

    ¡°Your ability is unpredictable,¡± Erwin said after a moment, his voice calm but firm. ¡°And that makes it dangerous, not just for you but for everyone around you.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Avince replied quickly. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m trying to figure it out.¡±

    Erwin exchanged a glance with Ashna, and then back to Avince. ¡°You didn''t inherit your abilities from us, that makes it quite hard to know what it can do.

    Ashna¡¯s expression softened as she moved closer. ¡°We¡¯re not saying you shouldn¡¯t train, Avince. But we¡¯ve also been through this kind of thing before. Your father and I weren¡¯t always in control of our abilities. We had to learn¡ªtogether, and that is even more true for you as we have no idea what your abilities can do¡±

    Avince hesitated for a moment, trying to decide how much to tell them. His awakening had been different¡ªunpredictable¡ªand he knew his parents feared the worst. They hadn¡¯t said it out loud, but he could feel the tension whenever the topic came up.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he finally said. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. I was testing my ability, but I¡¯m still figuring it out.¡±

    Erwin exchanged a glance with Ashna. ¡°Testing it how?¡±

    Avince took a deep breath, deciding to tell them part of the truth. ¡°I can simulate battles with my mana. It lets me fight without putting myself in real danger, but if I ¡®die¡¯ in the simulation, it drains all my mana.¡±

    Ashna¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°That¡¯s dangerous, Avince. Mana exhaustion can have serious consequences. We¡¯ve seen it happen before.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t want you overusing your abilities,¡± Erwin added, his tone serious. ¡°It¡¯s not worth risking your health.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Avince said quickly, trying to calm them. ¡°I won¡¯t overdo it. I just wanted to understand what I can do.¡±

    Ashna¡¯s expression softened, though the worry didn¡¯t fully leave her face. ¡°You¡¯re still learning, and that¡¯s okay. Your ability could be quite strong. Just don¡¯t push yourself too hard.¡±

    Avince nodded, relieved they seemed to believe him. He wasn¡¯t lying¡ªnot entirely. His ability did simulate battles, but he had left out the part where his consciousness entered real dungeons. It was better this way. Safer, as his ability might make people want to exploit him if they got a hold of what his ability can do.

    As the conversation continued, Avince¡¯s thoughts drifted to the implications of his ability. Most dungeons were either government-controlled or owned by private corporations. The fact that he could enter them and even change the direction of the dungeon was a potential goldmine. Resources were limited, and the guilds that managed these dungeon runs had strict contracts for participants.

    His parents, for example, had been part of an A-rank dungeon-clearing team for years, contracted by the government. They had earned a stable living, with generous benefits like housing, healthcare, and pensions, but all dungeon drops were surrendered to the government in exchange for these perks. Private corporations offered different deals, but some were known for exploitative contracts that left ability users with little in return.

    For now, Avince kept these thoughts to himself. His family was doing well, and they had no reason to suspect the extent of his abilities. By what he told them, only simulating battles is not that strong, it has the potential sure but not nearly as strong as what his true ability really is.

    The conversation eventually wound down, with Amyra chiming in here and there. She had been quieter than usual, likely shaken by the whole situation, but she seemed relieved now that Avince was awake and alert.

    <hr>

    Later, Jerome and Erica returned to check on him before leaving for the night. Erica gave him a small smile and waved as she stepped out the door.

    ¡°See you at school,¡± she said lightly, though there was a glint of worry still lingering in her eyes.

    ¡°Well, it looks like you and Erica didn''t have enough time flirting the whole day. Should we give you two some more privacy?¡±

    Erica flushed a light pink, and Avince shot his sister a warning look. ¡°Don¡¯t start.¡±

    Amyra just laughed, clearly enjoying herself. ¡°What? I¡¯m just saying, you two have known each other forever. Childhood sweethearts and all that.¡±

    Erica¡¯s blush deepened, and she quickly stood up. ¡°I, uh, should get going. My dad¡¯s probably waiting for me.¡±

    Avince sighed as Erica hurried toward the door, clearly flustered. ¡°Thanks for coming by,¡± he called after her, his voice sincere despite his annoyance with Amyra.

    Erica flashed him a quick smile, still red in the face. ¡°Take care of yourself, Avince. And don¡¯t push yourself too hard.¡±

    As soon as the door closed behind her, Amyra burst out laughing. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, by the way.¡±

    Avince shook his head, but he couldn¡¯t help but smile. Some things never changed.

 Chapter 14

    Avince sat on the side of his bed, surrounded by the silence of his room. His parents and sister had finally left, giving him the space they thought he needed to rest, but rest was the last thing on his mind. His body ached with exhaustion, but his thoughts were racing, replaying every moment of his most recent dungeon excursion.

    He could still feel the tension from the fight, the sound of the orc¡¯s war cries ringing in his ears. The image of that C-rank boss, towering over him, playing with him like a toy, was burned into his mind. The sheer power disparity was undeniable. He had thought he¡¯d grown stronger, that the mana-enhancing fruit had pushed him to a new level. But facing that named orc boss had brought a harsh dose of reality.

    ¡°Too weak,¡± he muttered to himself. "I was barely hanging on."

    Sure, he had escaped, but only just. And what had he really gained? He closed his eyes and sank deeper into his thoughts. The thrill of victory against smaller orc parties felt hollow now, overshadowed by the brutal truth of how close he had come to failure. If he hadn¡¯t been careful, if he had made one wrong move, the orc boss would¡¯ve ended him.

    Avince rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of his vulnerability. For all his potential, for all the mysterious power his awakening had granted him, he wasn¡¯t invincible. Very far from it.

    He needed to be smarter, more strategic. Recklessness would get him killed.

    Opening his eyes, he reached for his ability, sensing the items within his storage space. He looked at what he managed to collect from the dungeon. A pair of dull, unattuned cores rolled onto his hand, their faint glow a reminder of the countless orcs he had fought. If he hadn¡¯t used so many of these to replenish his mana reserves, he would¡¯ve had more.

    "Two cores¡­ maybe a thousand Alliance credits each," he muttered under his breath. The unattuned cores weren¡¯t rare, not like elemental cores, but they were useful enough to fetch a decent price. It could¡¯ve been more, though. He sighed. The price he paid for survival.

    His hand brushed against the two large orc axes and the crude club lying next to him. Useless, oversized junk. He had stopped collecting them after realizing just how poorly made and impractical they were. No human could wield them without serious enhancements. Even with his growing strength, the axes were far too heavy to be of any use to him.

    ¡°Dead weight,¡± he scoffed, pushing the weapons aside. Next time, he¡¯d focus on collecting only what truly mattered. He couldn¡¯t afford to waste time or effort on things he couldn¡¯t use.

    His mind drifted back to the orc dungeon. He had been too focused on surviving to even think about one of the dungeon''s most valuable treasures¡ªthe flower of flesh and blood. His eyes narrowed in frustration as he remembered.

    ¡°Damn,¡± he whispered. ¡°I was so caught up in trying to escape that I didn¡¯t even look for any.¡±

    The flower of flesh and blood was a rare plant that grew in war-torn battlefields, feeding on the blood of the fallen. Blood mages and those with body-enhancing abilities prized it for its regenerative properties. It wasn¡¯t something he could use that well, not with his own abilities, but its value on the market was undeniable. He could¡¯ve sold it for a small fortune.

    And he had missed the chance. He then laments about how his ability didn¡¯t really help him locating rare materials or items and only gave him a rough idea and outline about the dungeon.

    He shook his head, annoyed with himself. The two cores he¡¯d managed to snag were nothing compared to what he could¡¯ve earned with just one of those flowers.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    But then again, what good would money have been to him if he had died in the dungeon? He needed to be more careful. Not just in his fights, but in how he handled everything¡ªhis planning, his mana management, his ability use. Every decision mattered.

    His mind wandered back to the flower of flesh and blood, used by blood mages. That particular magic, blood magic, was rare and controversial. Blood mages could manipulate life itself through blood, and though it was a tier 2 magic like his lightning magic, it was still vastly different in its applications. Avince currently knows nothing of how to use such magic nor does he think he wants to learn how to as blood magic is usually involved with curses and sacrifice, but he couldn¡¯t deny its power. As he thought about the complexity of blood magic, his thoughts drifted to even more elusive abilities¡ªtier 3 magics like life and death. Those were on a completely different level, nearly impossible to learn unless one''s ability directly allowed it.

    He thought of Erica and her father, Jerome. Their healing abilities, their natural proficiency in manipulating life energy¡­ in some ways, it was similar to blood magic, but far more powerful. Healing could save lives,same as blood magic but blood magic can also be used to destroy them, like death magic. It is undeniable that life and death are clearly the superior in healing and taking lives, while blood magic seems like a weaker combination of the two.

    Avince let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair. It was probably a good thing he hadn¡¯t found any of those flowers. What use would they be to him, anyway? Money? Pfft, imagine how hard it would be to explain how he got them.

    He stared at the cores again. Two cores from a handful of orcs. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn¡¯t much, but at least he can use them right?.It was also a small step forward. He needed to keep pushing, but he also needed to be smarter about it. The dungeon had given him valuable experience, but it had nearly taken everything from him.

    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± he asked himself, thinking carefully.

    The first thing that came to mind was the mana-enhancing fruit. That fruit had immensely increased his mana output and capacity, making him feel more powerful than ever before. But getting hold of another one would be a problem. The forest guardians that guarded the fruit were far too strong for him right now. He had barely escaped from that dungeon the last time. Another attempt could cost him his life.

    ¡°No,¡± he said firmly. ¡°That¡¯s not an option right now.¡±

    He needed to take things slow, be more methodical. Rushing in blindly wouldn¡¯t help him grow stronger¡ªit would just get him killed. There had to be other ways, safer ways, to increase his power. His mind wandered to the concept of mana tempering, a process that could slowly increase one¡¯s mana reserves and control. Some dungeons were said to contain areas specifically designed for that purpose¡ªrare, but not impossible to find.

    And for Avince, finding such a dungeon wasn¡¯t an issue. His ability gave him access to dungeons beyond normal means. He could nudge the direction of his dungeon creations, pushing for a tempering dungeon if he needed one.

    It was an option. Maybe even his best option right now.

    A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought about it. For once, he didn¡¯t have to rush. He had an ability that could give him nearly unlimited opportunities¡ªif he used it right.

    ¡°I¡¯ll focus on tempering my mana,¡± he decided quietly. ¡°Take it slow, build up my strength.¡±

    He would find a dungeon that could help him temper his mana, increase his capacity, and refine his control. There was no need to charge headfirst into danger when he could grow at his own pace.

    A sense of calm washed over him as he finalized his plan. This was the smart move. There was no need to be afraid of falling behind¡ªhis ability was too strong, too unique. With careful planning and patience, he would grow into his power. He just needed to be strategic about it.

    As Avince kept on thinking about his future plans, there was one thing he could ignore no longer.

    The fatigue hit him like a tidal wave, the exhaustion from the dungeon finally catching up with him. His muscles ached, his mind was foggy, and even though his mana reserves had been somewhat replenished, he still felt drained.

    Avince let out a slow, tired breath as he laid back on his bed, sinking into the mattress. He couldn¡¯t help but smile at the thought of what lay ahead. He had a plan now, a clear path forward.

    But for now, he needed rest.

    As his eyes fluttered shut and sleep pulled him under, his last thought was simple: I¡¯ll be ready next time.

 Chapter 15

    Avince woke up to a quiet room, sunlight spilling through the curtains and pooling on the floor. He hadn¡¯t slept this late in weeks, and it felt like his body had finally taken the rest it needed. Stifling a yawn, he stretched, sore but refreshed, before getting dressed and heading out of his room.

    Downstairs, he found his mother and sister at the table, quietly having breakfast. His mother, Ashna, noticed him first and smiled. "Look who¡¯s finally up," she teased, "You must¡¯ve been exhausted."

    Amyra snickered, lifting her cup of coffee. "For someone who¡¯s usually up at dawn, this is impressive."

    Avince rolled his eyes, sitting down to join them. "Guess I overdid it," he admitted, pouring himself some coffee. "I feel better, though."

    Ashna leaned over, setting a plate in front of him. "You¡¯ve earned a day off, you know. Rest if you need to," she said gently. "Your father and I talked, and we¡¯re fine with you taking a break today."

    Avince shook his head, determined. "Thanks, but I¡¯d rather not waste the day. I¡¯m already behind in a few subjects, and I don¡¯t want that gap to grow."

    Ashna looked like she wanted to say something but held back. He noticed a flicker of worry in her gaze before she nodded. "If you¡¯re sure. I know you have a lot to catch up on."

    He glanced around. "Speaking of, where¡¯s Dad? It¡¯s strange not seeing him here this early."

    Ashna hesitated, then shrugged, carefully choosing her words. "He left early. Said he had to meet up with some old friends," she replied casually, though Avince could see the concern lurking just beneath her calm demeanor. She then added, "Amyra and I will be home late tonight¡ªwe¡¯ll be training with the clan."

    Avince nodded, reminded of Amyra¡¯s usual rigorous training schedule.

    Then something clicked in his mind¡ªhe suspected that his father was probably out there trying to gather help or resources related to his ability. His father had always been the type to go the extra mile to support him, especially back when Avince hadn¡¯t awakened any ability at 13. Erwin had spent years reaching out to experts, looking for tutors, anything that might help Avince to learn and avoid lagging behind his peers. A small smile played on his lips as he recalled the memory, but he filed the thoughts away for now. That was a story for another time.

    Amyra, now finished with her breakfast, got up to gather her things. "I¡¯ll be heading to school early," she announced, shouldering her bag. "You¡¯re fine to arrive a bit late today if you want, Avince. The Candidate Tournament for the first years starts today to decide who¡¯ll represent the Academy¡¯s for the District Meet."

    Avince blinked, surprised. He¡¯d completely forgotten about the Candidate Tournament in all the recent chaos. "Right," he muttered. "I meant to sign up, but¡­ well, everything else happened."

    Amyra gave him a sympathetic smile. "Don¡¯t worry about it. From what I¡¯ve heard, most of the applicants are pretty strong, so the chances of qualifying are low. Just focus on what you need to do for now."

    He nodded, grateful for her understanding. As she left, he stood up and finished getting ready for school, mentally preparing for the day ahead.

    <hr>

    The walk to his academy was peaceful, with the familiar surroundings comforting him as he moved through the streets. His academy, Luminas General Academy wasn¡¯t the largest or the most specialized school, but it had a solid reputation for nurturing well-rounded students. It is one of the most reputed academies in the 4th district of the Meskalt country, the academy catered to a diverse range of abilities and aptitudes, from combat-focused students to those interested in magical theory and application. For someone like Avince, whose powers didn¡¯t fall neatly into one category, Lumina had always felt like the perfect fit.

    Even his younger sister, Amyra, was here despite having a magical focus ability. At only 14, she was excelling in her own studies and receiving offers from various specialized schools, but she stayed due to their family¡¯s proximity to Lumina. It was convenient, and it allowed her to stay with her family, at least for now. Still, Lumina had produced some incredible talent; one former student had even placed in the top 10 of the International Competitions. For a general academy, it was impressive.

    When Avince arrived, the school grounds buzzed with energy. Crowds of students gathered around the main courtyard, where brackets for the Candidate Tournament were posted. The excitement was contagious, but Avince reminded himself that he didn¡¯t have time to watch. He had catching up to do and needed to check in with several professors first.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    <hr>

    The first stop was Professor Carlson, who taught History of Dungeons and Awakenings. The classroom was empty when Avince arrived, save for the older professor sitting at his desk, engrossed in a massive tome.

    "Professor Carlson?" Avince approached quietly, not wanting to startle him.

    The professor looked up, adjusting his glasses with a warm smile. "Ah, Avince! Heard you were out for a bit. Feeling better?"

    "Much better, thank you," Avince replied. "I wanted to catch up on the material I missed, if that¡¯s alright."

    "Of course, of course." Professor Carlson nodded, pulling out a stack of notes. "We¡¯ve covered a lot about the early days of dungeon exploration and the history of awakenings. I¡¯ll send these notes to you, but come by after class sometime, and I can go through them with you in detail. I¡¯m always here if you have questions."

    Avince thanked him, feeling relieved. History had never been his strongest subject, but Carlson¡¯s enthusiasm for the topic made it interesting. With one class checked off, he moved on to Professor Lira Vandelor¡¯s room.

    <hr>

    Professor Lira¡¯s class focused on Mana¡¯s Application in Society, and she had a much more casual approach. When Avince walked in, she greeted him with a wave, her warm smile instantly making him feel at ease.

    "Avince! We missed you. Everything alright?" she asked, her tone motherly.

    "Yes, Professor. I just need to catch up on what I missed in class," he explained.

    She nodded, handing him some worksheets. "We¡¯ve been discussing mana applications beyond combat, specifically in infrastructure and daily life. It¡¯s crucial to understand how mana affects society, especially as someone who is recently awakened. You¡¯ll want to know how to apply your powers outside of dungeons, too."

    Avince was surprised that his professor already knew he awakened an ability,still he ignored it and listened intently, taking the materials and promising to review them before their next class. Professor Lira always had a unique way of connecting what they learned to the real world, and he appreciated that.

    <hr>

    The Ethics of Power and Ability Use was his third stop, and Professor Tarien Keld, a stern but fair instructor, wasted no time.

    "Avince, I see you¡¯re back," Keld greeted him with a nod. "Good to see a young man with a commitment to his studies."

    "Thank you, Professor. I¡¯m here to make up for the work I missed," Avince replied, meeting his intense gaze.

    Professor Keld¡¯s subject was all about understanding the responsibility that came with power. He handed Avince a reading list, reminding him of his duty to use his gifts wisely. "Power demands restraint, Avince. I look forward to your reflections on the material," he said with a serious expression.

    After thanking Keld, Avince felt a growing sense of motivation. With these three subjects squared away, he only had his Rune Crafting project left, so he made his way to Professor Mira Solandis¡¯s classroom.

    <hr>

    Inside, a familiar figure was waiting with Professor Mira¡ªErica. She looked up, surprised but happy to see him.

    "Mr. Thane, Ms. Wellesley," Professor Mira greeted them formally, using their surnames as was her custom. "It seems you both have questions about the project."

    Avince smiled and nodded, trying not to look too flustered by Erica¡¯s presence. "I didn¡¯t realize you were working on this too, Erica."

    She shrugged. "I had a few questions on the project. Didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be here either."

    Mira looked between them with a knowing smile. "Avince, you¡¯ve shown quite a talent for Rune Crafting and Enchantments. I have a suggestion if you¡¯re interested. Normally, first-years craft a rank-one durability rune and apply it to an item, but I¡¯d like to offer you something different."

    Avince raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you have in mind, Professor?"

    "If you can successfully create a rank-three rune, I¡¯ll excuse you from the project requirement entirely. You wouldn¡¯t even need to apply it to an item¡ªjust demonstrate mastery," Mira explained, her eyes glinting with expectations.

    Avince was stunned. Rank-three runes were challenging, typically tackled by second-years. "I didn¡¯t know that was an option."

    ¡°It is actually the norm," Mira explained with a sly grin. "Students who excel in the field, or simply have no need for a subject can be recommended to instantly pass. This is quite common in the second years but it is still rarely done in the first. For you, I just need to guarantee that you really has no need for my subject to give you the pass.¡±

    He could hardly contain his excitement as he began mentally cycling through possible runes. A Shock Rune crossed his mind first, a rune designed to release a burst of electric energy upon impact. Then, there was the Concealment Rune, a tricky option that would allow him to blend into his surroundings, perfect for evading detection. The idea of a Fortification Rune also came up, a rune that could be used to strengthen objects or materials¡ªa handy choice if he needed something durable in the future.

    But then he thought of the Channeling Rune. It was subtle yet powerful, aiding in the efficiency of spellcasting and reducing the strain on mana reserves. The Channeling Rune felt right to him, practical yet ambitious enough to make it a worthy challenge.

    Beside him, Erica turned with a small smile. ¡°I¡¯d better go; the tournament¡¯s starting soon. Thought I¡¯d catch a few rounds and learn something from the fights,¡± she said, shouldering her bag.

    Avince gave a nod, appreciating her support. ¡°Enjoy the matches. I¡¯ll catch up with you later.¡±

    ¡°Good luck with your project, Avince,¡± she said warmly, giving him an encouraging look before heading toward the arena.

 Chapter 16

    Avince watched as Professor Mira Solandis carefully laid out the materials for his rune-crafting task: a treated leather patch for drawing the rune and his own two unattuned monster cores. Mira¡¯s gaze was steady as she addressed him.

    ¡°Remember, Avince, rune crafting is about precision, not speed. Any error in the design or mana infusion can ruin the entire piece. Take your time.¡±

    Avince nodded, studying the rune template Mira had provided. It was a complex pattern, carefully designed to channel mana efficiently. He felt the weight of the unattuned core in his hand, feeling the soft but steady hum of mana energy within it. His choice of the Channeling Rune was strategic; it required unattuned cores, and he happened to have two, thanks to his last dungeon run. But using cores for this type of crafting was no joke¡ªthey had to be inserted at the exact moment of mana flow to avoid the rune fragmenting or worse, exploding.

    He prepared to start, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The first step was to draw the rune lines across the leather. With every line, he felt his mana flow through his fingertips and into the etching, each stroke demanding absolute focus. His thoughts briefly wandered as he worked, imagining how challenging it would be to design his own runes from scratch¡ªanother layer of mastery he hadn¡¯t even begun to reach.

    The lines were intricate, with tight curls and precise intersections that needed flawless alignment. He moved carefully, feeling the mana lines pulse with a soft glow as he drew them out. It was demanding, far more than he¡¯d anticipated, and he could sense his mana reserves draining steadily as he worked.

    He managed to reach the final stage, which was infusing the core to activate the rune. As he carefully channeled his mana to place the core, he felt a slip¡ªan almost imperceptible loss of focus. His hand hesitated, and the energy faltered. The lines of the rune began to waver, faint traces of mana seeping out in unstable pulses. Gritting his teeth, Avince pulled back his mana, stopping just before it could damage the leather. Though he hadn¡¯t succeeded, at least he hadn¡¯t ruined the medium.

    With a sigh, he cleaned off the residual mana traces, wiping down the leather to remove any lingering energy that might interfere with a second attempt. He took out the second core and felt its warmth. He couldn¡¯t afford another mistake, not when he had just one core left.

    Drawing another deep breath, he began again, each line more careful than the last. He focused solely on the flow of mana, feeling it resonate through his fingertips as he etched the lines with greater clarity and control. The pattern held steady this time, a faint hum filling the air as he reached the final line. Finally, he pressed the core into the design, releasing his mana in a steady pulse, infusing the rune fully.

    A spark of energy rippled over the leather, and he felt the rune solidify beneath his touch. It was done¡ªa fully crafted Rank 3 Channeling Rune. Relief washed over him as he lifted his hands and admired his work.

    ¡°Impressive, Avince,¡± Mira said, a satisfied smile on her face. ¡°Not everyone can manage a Rank 3 rune on their first try¡ªwell, first successful try,¡± she added with a small laugh.

    ¡°Thank you, Professor.¡± He felt a mixture of pride and exhaustion. Crafting runes was no small feat, and he¡¯d done it. ¡°I¡¯d like to keep this one, if possible,¡± he said.

    Mira nodded. ¡°Certainly. For students who successfully craft their own runes, we allow them to purchase the piece. This one will cost 15,000 Alliance credits for the leather alone.¡±

    Avince grimaced slightly at the price but agreed, aware that rune crafting came with a hefty price tag. With the core factored in, he¡¯d spent nearly 17,000 Alliance credits on this project alone. For a crafted rune, the usual cost would easily double that, since the engraver¡¯s expertise was worth as much as the materials. Adding it to a piece of equipment was even riskier due to the chance of failure. Rune crafting was not a cheap business.

    Thanking Mira, Avince tucked the rune carefully into his bag before heading out to find Erica. They planned to meet in the tournament arena, where the final matches were underway.

    As he entered the packed arena, the energy was electric. He quickly spotted Erica in the stands, her focus on the fighters as they warmed up for the championship match. She waved as he approached, and he took the seat beside her.

    ¡°Perfect timing! The semifinals are just starting,¡± Erica said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

    Avince settled beside her, feeling the crowd''s energy surging around them. The excitement was palpable, with students cheering on their favorite fighters. They watched a few more rounds, each competitor showcasing unique abilities and skills, giving Avince a renewed sense of how diverse and powerful his peers really were.

    ¡°Some of these guys are incredible,¡± he murmured, more to himself than to Erica.

    She nodded. ¡°Hard to believe we¡¯re all in the same academy, right?¡±

    As the semifinals concluded and the arena prepared for the final match, the atmosphere grew even more intense. Avince could sense the anticipation buzzing around them. The announcer''s voice echoed through the arena, calling out, ¡°And now, the moment you¡¯ve all been waiting for¡ªthe final match between Long Xiaofei and Cel Maldour!¡±

    The two fighters took their positions on the field: Long Xiaofei, a lithe young woman with a calm but intense expression, and Cel Maldour, who held a long spear with a confident stance. Avince recognized both names. Long Xiaofei was known for her rare azure dragon bloodline, an ability that gifted her not only with enchanced physical capabilities but also with potent wind magic. Her clan had kept their bloodline pure for generations,It also ensured that most in their clan awakened a strong ability at the age of 6, giving them plenty of time to train so her power was expected to be formidable.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Cel, on the other hand, wielded a unique ability¡ªResonant Frequency. Avince had heard of it but never seen it in action. Erica explained that it disrupted opponents'' movements, breaking their rhythm and coordination.

    ¡®It was a strong ability¡¯ Avince thought. But there was a downside¡ªLike his own ability, Cel¡¯s ability wasn¡¯t a direct boost to his power. In a setting where Cel has teammates to help him, he would be much, much stronger. But in a 1v1 situation like this, even with his incredible spear mastery, he¡¯s at a disadvantage against those with ability that directly gives them raw firepower.

    As the match began, Cel Maldour moved with fluid precision, his stance calm and focused as he advanced toward Xiaofei. His Resonant Frequency ability wasn¡¯t overt; its effect was subtle, manifesting as slight disruptions in Xiaofei¡¯s movements. Her steps faltered occasionally, and her rhythm seemed just a fraction off¡ªa difference small enough that only those watching closely, like Avince and Erica, might have noticed.

    ¡°Cel¡¯s good,¡± Avince whispered. ¡°He¡¯s not just going for power; he¡¯s reading her moves and controlling the flow.¡±

    Xiaofei¡¯s gaze hardened as she caught onto the disruption, but Cel didn¡¯t give her a chance to recover. His spear moved with practiced precision, striking her with hard, accurate blows that should have rattled any opponent. Each impact landed solidly, sending shockwaves through her defenses, yet Xiaofei absorbed the hits, her body barely reacting. It was as though her draconic physique rendered her impervious to his strength.

    ¡°He¡¯s relentless,¡± Erica murmured, watching as Cel landed another heavy blow that should have pushed Xiaofei back. ¡°But she¡¯s¡­ barely flinching.¡±

    Cel¡¯s brow furrowed, and he adjusted his stance, launching a series of faster, even sharper strikes. His ability, subtly weakening her balance and focus, was now at full power, making Xiaofei''s movements slightly jerky. He landed a hit against her shoulder, followed quickly by another to her side, each one landing clean, yet Xiaofei held her ground, her expression unyielding as she absorbed the force.

    Finally, Xiaofei shifted tactics. With a swift exhalation, azure energy flared around her, surrounding her like a dragon''s aura, pushing back the influence of Cel¡¯s ability. She moved forward with renewed power, her eyes locking onto him as if daring him to continue.

    Cel didn¡¯t back down. He adjusted his grip on the spear, his strikes coming faster, each one a study in discipline and finesse. He was clearly the more technical fighter, evading her blows with narrow margins and using his spear to counter with devastating accuracy. Every time she advanced, he met her with a quick, heavy jab or strike, pushing her back a step.

    But despite the impact, Xiaofei remained unshaken. Her aura intensified, azure energy coiling around her, and a fierce, almost primal focus filled her eyes. The crowd held its breath as she stepped forward, absorbing another one of Cel''s powerful strikes with nothing more than a flinch. Then, her energy surged, and she closed the distance, landing a solid, sweeping kick that sent Cel reeling back.

    The crowd gasped as Cel struggled to maintain his footing, his expression fierce but strained. He steadied himself, breathing hard but determined, as he prepared to counter her next move.

    However, Xiaofei gave him no time to react, pressing her advantage. She unleashed her strength with each strike, and the force of her blows combined with the gusts of wind emanating from her aura created a relentless assault.

    Knowing he¡¯s getting pushed back, Cel summoned every bit of his strength and technique, landing two more hard hits, one to her ribs and another to her leg. But Xiaofei merely growled, pushing forward through the pain as if it were nothing.

    Then, with a burst of energy, Xiaofei leaped into the air, the power of her draconic bloodline manifesting in a massive wave of wind. She brought her hands together, channeling a torrent of energy that she launched directly toward Cel. The attack roared toward him, a gale of force and power that threatened to overwhelm him.

    But Cel stood his ground, digging in his heels and focusing all his strength. He managed to brace himself against the onslaught, and in a moment of clarity, he redirected the energy. With a swift motion, he countered with a thrust of his spear, aiming for Xiaofei¡¯s midsection. The unexpected attack connected, grazing her side and drawing a wince of pain from her.

    Xiaofei''s eyes flared with surprise and anger as she felt the sting of the blow. Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, she unleashed her wind power with even greater intensity, her aura flaring wildly around her. ¡°You¡¯re strong,¡± she growled, a fierce determination in her voice as she gathered her energy for a powerful final strike.

    In an instant, she summoned another fierce gale, this one even more powerful than before. The air crackled with energy as she focused all her strength into one last move, a swirling vortex of wind spiraling around her. The arena trembled under the sheer force of her attack, and the crowd gasped as the winds whipped into a frenzy.

    The referee stepped in, sensing the danger as the swirling vortex surged toward Cel. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± he called out, swiftly neutralizing the force of the blast to prevent any serious injury. The air settled, and the crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and gasps, stunned by the sheer intensity of the match.

    Avince exhaled, heart racing as he realized how close it had come to disaster. ¡°That was incredible,¡± he said, looking at Erica, who nodded, equally impressed.

    Despite the ferocity of the battle, both fighters stood, panting heavily, their eyes locked in mutual respect even amid the tension of the moment.

    Avince exhaled, realizing he¡¯d been holding his breath. ¡°Cel almost had her¡­ She¡¯s just unstoppable,¡± he said, feeling a strange mix of awe and admiration for both fighters.

    Erica nodded, her eyes wide. ¡°If only he had that same physical power¡­ But he¡¯s incredible.¡±

    As the dust settled, the crowd roared, and the announcer declared Xiaofei the winner. Avince and Erica exchanged glances, both impressed and a little awed by the display.

    ¡°He¡¯s skilled, but Xiaofei¡¯s power is just too much,¡± Avince remarked. ¡°It¡¯s hard to compete when you¡¯re facing someone with both raw power and an innate ability.¡±

    Erica nodded, watching as Cel left the stage, his face set in frustration. It was clear he wasn¡¯t pleased with the outcome, though Xiaofei acknowledged his skill with a respectful nod. Despite the fierce competition, she seemed to hold no ill will.

    ¡°That was intense,¡± Erica said. ¡°Watching matches like these really shows how much potential there is in our academy.¡±

    Avince agreed, feeling a mixture of inspiration and uncertainty. The talent around him was staggering, a testament to the dedication and hard work of his peers. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder how he might measure up against fighters like Xiaofei and Cel, especially considering their prowess in combat.

    As he watched the crowds still loud from their excitement, his thoughts drifted to the recent orc he¡¯d faced in the dungeon. That brute had easily overwhelmed him, but these two¡ªthey could probably beat it. That made them C-rank fighters at least, capable of handling challenges beyond what he had already faced.

 Chapter 17

    In the aftermath of the tournament, Avince and Erica walked through the dimly lit hallways, their minds still replaying the intensity of the finals. Avince couldn¡¯t shake the idea that Xiaofei and Cel were on a completely different level, and Erica seemed to share his thoughts.

    ¡°So, what do you think?¡± Erica asked, her voice thoughtful. ¡°If we were up against them, how would we fare?¡±

    Avince sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Honestly? Xiaofei wouldn¡¯t even feel anything from my magic. She¡¯s got the raw power to shrug off anything I could throw at her.¡± He paused, thinking it over. ¡°And if she can unleash attacks like that without restraint, your healing wouldn¡¯t keep up. Not against that kind of power.¡±

    Erica¡¯s face fell a little, but she nodded. ¡°Yeah. And I don¡¯t exactly have anything in my skill set that could hurt her. She¡¯s too durable.¡± She gave a small, humorless chuckle. ¡°I have improved a lot during my training, but Xiaofei... she¡¯s on another level.¡±

    Avince could see the same frustration he felt mirrored in Erica¡¯s expression. ¡°Cel, though¡­ I might survive a few moves. His ability would throw off my timing, but I¡¯d still have a chance.¡± He shook his head. ¡°But the second he gets close with that spear, it¡¯s game over. And keeping him at a distance? Not with the spells I know.¡±

    Erica gave a small, wry smile. ¡°And I¡¯d be in just as much trouble. My whole fighting style depends on getting close and outlasting opponents, but Cel¡¯s precision with that spear¡­ it¡¯d be too much.¡± Her gaze drifted back to the arena, her brow furrowing. ¡°There¡¯s a big gap between where we are and where they are.¡±

    They fell into silence, the excitement of the matches giving way to quiet introspection. After exchanging goodbyes, they went their separate ways, and Avince headed home, still absorbed in the thoughts of what he¡¯d seen and what he needed to improve.

    <hr>

    When Avince stepped through the front door, he was surprised to find his father waiting for him, standing beside a cloaked figure with a faint aura of power. Erwin looked up and smiled, gesturing for Avince to join them.

    ¡°Avince, welcome back,¡± his father greeted. ¡°I¡¯d like you to meet Kartana, an old colleague of mine.¡±

    Avince turned to the cloaked figure, who lowered her hood, revealing striking blue eyes that seemed to pierce through him. Her expression was calm, with an air of confidence that only someone of a powerful skill level could exude. Her sharp features, framed by a few loose strands of silver hair, gave her a serious yet graceful appearance.

    Kartana nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°So, you¡¯re Erwin¡¯s son,¡± she said, her voice cool but not unfriendly.

    Erwin cleared his throat, glancing between them. ¡°Kartana is an S-rank mage and an archmage. She specializes in mana-intensive abilities. She¡­ has a unique skill, one that she¡¯s honed despite the challenges.¡±

    Kartana smirked slightly. ¡°Or you could say it¡¯s an ability that nearly destroyed me when I was younger. My power requires vast amounts of mana to sustain, and I suffered from severe mana exhaustion more times than I care to count.¡± Her gaze held Avince¡¯s with a slight curiosity. ¡°It took significant resources and training to reach a point where I could manage it effectively.¡±

    Avince blinked, taken aback. The idea of needing that much mana was daunting, and he could only imagine the discipline and endurance Kartana must have developed to wield her power.

    As he glanced at his father, a thought struck him. Just how much had his father spent to bring someone like her to help him?

    Kartana didn¡¯t waste any time. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get a sense of what you¡¯re dealing with,¡± she said, studying Avince closely. Her eyes seemed to glimmer with mana as she reached out, her hand hovering near him. He felt a soft warmth as her mana flowed, examining him.

    ¡°Hm,¡± she murmured, withdrawing her hand after a moment. ¡°You¡¯ve definitely shown signs of mana exhaustion. That¡¯s no surprise. But there¡¯s something else¡­¡± She tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. ¡°There¡¯s evidence of minor soul damage.¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Avince felt a chill go through him. ¡°Soul damage?¡± he repeated, the words barely leaving his mouth.

    Kartana nodded. ¡°Yes. For most people, their mana acts as a failsafe, automatically healing any minor soul damage over time. But in your case, it seems your mana has been constantly working to repair these small injuries, leaving you drained more often than not. Your reserves might be enough to handle the damage, but just barely¡ªkeeping you at a constant low.¡±

    Avince swallowed, the pieces starting to fall into place. ¡°So¡­ my ability,¡± he started slowly, ¡°if it¡¯s consuming mana¡­ is it also damaging my soul somehow?¡±

    Kartana¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Possibly. Given your abilities, if you¡¯re injured in these simulations, your soul might take a hit as well. When that happens, your body instinctively uses mana to heal the damage. The more injured you get, the more your soul is damaged¡ªand the more mana it needs to recover.¡±

    The realization hit Avince like a punch. That would explain why he needed more mana the more injured he was. He¡¯d thought it was simply due to casting, but if his soul was taking damage, that meant his reserves were being drained even faster.

    Erwin¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°Is there any solution to this?¡±

    Kartana crossed her arms, considering. ¡°The soul is much more resilient than most people realize. It can grow stronger through adversity, but¡­ few people have the means to safely train it.¡± She glanced at Avince. ¡°However, you might have a talent for it, a potential for soul magic, in fact.¡±

    ¡°Soul magic?¡± Avince echoed, feeling a mix of awe and fear. The term itself sounded powerful but ominous.

    Kartana nodded thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s not exactly magic in the usual sense. It doesn¡¯t rely on mana as typical spells do; instead, it draws directly from your soul¡¯s energy. A more accurate term for it would be ¡®soul arts.¡¯ This type of ability is unique because it channels the raw power of your soul rather than tapping into external mana.¡±

    It¡¯s powerful but incredibly dangerous, as most people lack any way to train or protect their soul directly.¡± Her tone turned more contemplative. ¡°There¡¯s an S-rank dungeon filled with banshees¡ªcreatures that use soul energy to attack directly. It¡¯s called the Howling Abyss, and at its core is a named monster called Akasha.¡±

    Erwin looked grim, while Avince¡¯s stomach twisted at the mention of the banshees. He¡¯d heard of them before¡ªbeings whose screams could turn the souls of their enemies into lifeless husks.

    ¡°Akasha has claimed many skilled fighters,¡± Kartana continued, ¡°including an S-rank soul user. His soul was strong, but it turned out that Akasha¡¯s was even stronger, leading to his death.¡± She sighed. ¡°A soul user¡¯s greatest enemy is another soul user with a stronger spirit.¡±

    The silence stretched as Avince took in her words. ¡°But¡­ why did he die? Aren''t S-rank supposed to be strong?¡±

    ¡°His affinity for magic was embarrassingly low,¡± Kartana sneered. ¡°For an S-rank, he might as well have been a novice with how poorly he managed it. He relied too much on soul magic, completely neglecting the fundamentals. If he''d had even a hint of talent in other types of magic, he could''ve used it offensively. But you, on the other hand, seem to have a decent mana reserve¡ªrare for someone your age and without any special ability to boost your affinity. You might already be leagues ahead of him.¡±

    With a faint smile, Kartana reached into her cloak, drawing a pendant from her spatial ring and tossing it to Avince. He caught it, his gaze lingering for a moment on the ring she wore¡ªa spatial artifact, sleek and unobtrusive, but undoubtedly expensive. Avince couldn''t help but marvel at its value, wondering how much that kind of storage cost. Grateful for his own ability to store items within his ability.

    ¡°This is a modified artifact I created,¡± Kartana said. ¡°It pulses mana into the wearer, gradually restoring their reserves when it¡¯s supplied with either monster cores or an external mana source.¡±

    Erwin¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°How much?¡± he asked Kartana, his tone firm and unwavering, fully prepared to tap into their savings if necessary.

    Kartana waved him off. ¡°Your previous payments have covered enough, Erwin. Besides, consider it a freebie¡ªI¡¯m intrigued by Avince¡¯s potential.¡± She shot Avince an amused look. ¡°But you can owe me one.¡±

    Avince winced, suddenly realizing how much his father must¡¯ve spent to arrange all of this. The pendant in his hand held an energy unlike any he¡¯d felt before, a faint hum that felt powerful but calm.

    ¡°The pendant has enough mana for a single use,¡± Kartana said, her gaze sharp and analytical. She knew precisely how the artifact functioned but was curious about how it would interact with Avince¡¯s unique ability. She nodded at him, her expression intent.

    ¡°Activate your ability,¡± she instructed. ¡°Let¡¯s see how it handles the strain.¡±

    Avince took a steadying breath, focusing as he felt the familiar surge of energy that came with activating his ability. Kartana watched intently, and he caught a flicker of interest in her eyes.

    ¡°Good,¡± she said. ¡°Now, simulate an opponent strong enough to kill you. I want to see how your soul and mana respond.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18

    Avince closed his eyes, focusing on the essence of his ability. He thought he needed to envision a dungeon filled with a powerful creature¡ªbut also a challenge that could push him to his limits while offering a chance to learn and grow. His heart raced with anticipation as he mentally sifted through options, seeking the right balance between danger and opportunity.

    Something strong enough to kill me, he thought, a wry smile crossing his lips, but not so powerful that I can¡¯t do something in the fight. His thoughts drifted to dragons¡ªlegendary creatures he had only heard tales about, their might woven into the fabric of stories. The idea of fighting a dragon was exhilarating.

    But I need to pick one that¡¯s manageable, he reminded himself, mentally scanning the hierarchy of dragons. What¡¯s the weakest dragon I can find? After a brief moment of contemplation, he settled on the idea of an ice dragon. They were known to be fierce, yet he had read that the youngest of them, the Wyrmling, was at least a C-rank monster¡ªdangerous, but not insurmountable if he played his cards right.

    Given his experience dealing with ice and his adeptness at using fire magic, he felt confident that he could exploit the elemental weakness to his advantage.

    With determination, Avince consumed all of his mana, channeling the energy into his ability. He could feel the familiar sensation of being pulled away from reality, the world around him fading into darkness. Moments later, his consciousness was thrust into the depths of a dungeon.

    When his surroundings came into focus, he found himself standing in a cold, desolate chamber that echoed with a haunting stillness. Ice coated the walls, and remnants of what looked like dragon nests littered the ground¡ªan abandoned breeding ground, perhaps. The air was thick with the smell of frost and decay, and Avince shivered involuntarily, his breath visible in the frigid air.

    Alright, focus, he reminded himself. He activated his ability, allowing it to scan the area. The results came back quickly, revealing that the chamber was indeed full of ice Wyrmling dragons and their unhatched eggs. His heart raced at the sight¡ªthis was exactly what he had hoped for.

    A new thought struck him: dragon eggs were usually valuable, with many adventurers and tamers seeking them out for their potential. He recalled stories about individuals with special abilities who could hatch and bond with dragons. What if his ability could store a living dragon egg? The idea fascinated him as he remembered his sister. Could she tame an ice dragon?

    Curiosity piqued, Avince activated his ability to navigate the dungeon, honing in on the general vicinity of dragon eggs. His senses tingled as he eventually stumbled upon an egg nestled beneath a mound of ice, its surface shimmering with an icy sheen. But as he moved to claim it, he noticed a Wyrmling lurking nearby, its eyes narrowed and body poised to strike.

    Looks like I¡¯m not the only one interested in this egg, Avince thought, his pulse quickening as the Wyrmling approached, clearly agitated by his presence. The Wyrmling stood protectively over the egg, ready to defend it against any intruders.

    <hr>

    With no time to waste, Avince prepared himself for battle. The ice Wyrmling lunged at him, its jaws snapping, and he barely dodged to the side, the icy breath of the creature chilling him to the bone. He quickly conjured a Fireball, hurling it toward the Wyrmling, but it barely scratched the surface of the creature¡¯s tough hide.

    The Wyrmling retaliated with a powerful swipe of its tail, forcing Avince to roll away to avoid being knocked off his feet. He could feel the wind from the strike whip past him, a reminder of the creature''s strength. As the Wyrmling struck again, he focused on the egg, attempting to use his ability while simultaneously fending off the creature¡¯s relentless attacks. To his surprise, the attempt worked; the egg vanished into the void of his ability, safely stored away. However, this only enraged the Wyrmling further.

    With a furious roar, the Wyrmling charged at him, its icy breath coiling around Avince like a fog. He sidestepped the creature¡¯s snap, narrowly escaping the bite, and countered with a Fireball. This time, he infused it with more of his mana, hoping to catch the Wyrmling off guard. The spell exploded against the creature''s flank, sending shards of ice flying, but the Wyrmling hardly flinched.

    Fighting against the creature was becoming increasingly difficult. The Wyrmling was relentless, its strikes coming faster than he could anticipate. Avince found himself on the defensive, parrying blows and dodging the icy blasts that erupted from the dragon¡¯s maw. Despite his best efforts to strike back, the dragon¡¯s sheer power overwhelmed him. He received several injuries, each more debilitating than the last¡ªone particularly deep gash along his arm left him momentarily stunned.

    As the pain surged through him, he pushed forward, determined to hold his ground. Instead of being on the offensive this time, Avince flicked his wrist and created a wall of flames between himself and the Wyrmling. The fire roared to life, crackling and popping, forcing the creature to halt and reconsider its approach.

    Avince didn¡¯t waste the opportunity. He conjured fiery whips, lashing out toward the Wyrmling with precision, each strike designed to keep the beast at bay. The flames sizzled against the ice, creating a mist that filled the air, adding an element of confusion to the battlefield. The Wyrmling hissed, clearly agitated by the sudden onslaught, and lunged forward again, this time aiming to break through the barrier.

    As it crashed into the wall of fire, Avince focused on redirecting the flames. He twisted his hands, and the fire shifted, enveloping the Wyrmling in a torrent of heat. The creature roared in pain, but it was a desperate roar¡ªone that fueled Avince¡¯s resolve.

    Now was his chance. He launched a series of Fire Arrows, each one aimed at the Wyrmling''s vulnerable spots, seeking to exploit its weaknesses. The arrows flew true, striking the creature and forcing it to stagger back. Avince pressed his advantage, combining his attacks with bursts of flame that swirled around him like a dance of fire.

    But as the Wyrmling charged him again, claws extended, Avince stumbled back, the icy breath of the creature catching him off guard. He fell to the ground, his vision blurring as the Wyrmling loomed over him, preparing to deliver a final blow.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    The dragon is simply too strong for me, he thought, as the world around him faded to black and his consciousness slipped away, pulled back to reality.

    <hr>

    When Avince regained consciousness, he found himself back in the familiar surroundings of their house. He saw Kartana standing nearby, her blue eyes glinting with interest. Erwin was at her side, looking equally curious but far less animated.

    ¡°Ah, took you long enough,¡± Kartana remarked, her tone teasing yet critical. ¡°I was beginning to think you¡¯d gotten lost in there.¡±

    Avince groaned, still feeling the lingering effects of his recent experience. ¡°I was fighting a Wyrmling. It didn¡¯t end well.¡±

    Erwin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. ¡°You fought a dragon? A Wyrmling, you say? That¡¯s impressive.¡±

    Kartana stepped forward, her expression serious as she examined him. ¡°Your mana was completely consumed right from the start,¡± she noted, her voice carrying a tone of authority. ¡°But my artifact hastily regenerates and heals any damage caused by using that much mana so quickly. It works just as intended.¡±

    As she spoke, Avince felt a warmth spreading through him, the effects of the pendant working to restore his strength.

    ¡°However,¡± she continued, her gaze piercing, ¡°I¡¯ve observed something else. Over time, your soul appears to be sustaining damage at irregular intervals. The amount seems random.¡± She paused, studying him closely. ¡°And it¡¯s not just that. You look... worn down. Your body shows signs of strain¡ªlike you¡¯ve been through repeated exhaustion. Have you noticed feeling weaker or more tired every time you use your abilities?¡±

    Avince paused, a realization dawning on him. ¡°The injuries to my soul... they must correspond directly with the ones I¡¯ve taken in fights,¡± he said aloud, connecting the dots. ¡°But the exhaustion? That makes less sense.¡±

    Avince¡¯s expression then turned thoughtful as he looked at Kartana. ¡°I just remembered something¡ªfrom the second time I used my ability. I didn¡¯t get hurt at all; I was just running around, casting lightning to keep the enemies back. But afterward, I felt completely exhausted, like I¡¯d physically done everything myself.¡±

    He paused, considering the implications. ¡°Maybe¡­ all the physical activity I do in the dungeon somehow translates back to my real body, even if I don¡¯t get visible injuries. It¡¯s like my body is carrying the fatigue as if I actually did it all outside the dungeon.¡±

    Kartana nodded in understanding, her expression shifting from analytical to reassuring. ¡°That makes sense,¡± she said thoughtfully. ¡°It explains the randomness of the soul damage¡ªand the exhaustion. It seems like any physical or mana-based exertion you experience in the dungeon translates back to your real body, even if you don¡¯t sustain direct injuries. It¡¯s as though your consciousness links the physical toll back to you.¡±. The pendant¡¯s capabilities should be able to keep up with your mana trying to repair the soul damage. This could turn out to be beneficial; it¡¯s a unique kind of training that might enhance your mana, body, and soul, ultimately increasing their strength and capacity.¡±

    Avince processed her words with interest. The idea of training his soul presented an intriguing challenge, though he still had questions about how that would work in practice.

    ¡°Now, about your next steps,¡± Kartana continued, breaking his reverie. ¡°I¡¯ll need an unattuned monster core to demonstrate how to replenish the pendant''s mana supply.¡± She turned to Erwin, who nodded and quickly rummaged through his belongings.

    While Erwin searched, Kartana¡¯s gaze shifted to Avince, her blue eyes sharp with focus. ¡°You have great potential, Avince. ¡°Your ability to train your soul is significant,¡± Kartana explained. ¡°If your soul grows strong enough, you can apply your will to your attacks and even your magic, making them more powerful and allowing them to have a greater influence on the world around you. At higher levels, this becomes one of the primary ways to advance, which is why individuals at my level must possess some knowledge of the soul. Unfortunately, most lack a reliable method for training it, including me¡±.

    Erwin returned, holding out an unwieldy core that pulsed with an otherworldly energy. ¡°Here it is,¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°An unattuned core from a high-tier monster.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Kartana said, taking the core from him. She examined it closely, nodding in approval. ¡°Watch closely, both of you.¡±

    With practiced ease, she crushed the core in her palm, the material crumbling into shimmering dust. To Avince''s astonishment, the pendant began to absorb the crushed core¡¯s remnants almost instantly, glowing with a vibrant light as it replenished its mana reserves.

    ¡°Fascinating,¡± Avince murmured, unable to look away. He was in awe of how effortlessly she shattered the high-tier core, a feat that required a level of strength currently beyond his reach. The sheer amount of mana contained within that core was staggering, and he knew it would be a long time before he could even hope to replicate her prowess.

    ¡°Now,¡± Kartana said, returning her attention to him, ¡°this process shouldn¡¯t be attempted by you yet. It requires refined control of mana and a deep understanding of how the cores function. For now, the pendant will serve you well, especially since the monster core has filled it nearly to capacity.¡±

    Avince turned to Erwin. ¡°You should be able to break a monster core to fill the amulet as well.¡±

    Erwin nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ll fill it when it''s needed¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Avince said to Kartana, his voice steady. He felt a surge of respect for the archmage; not only was she powerful, but her willingness to guide him through this challenging path was invaluable.

    Kartana stepped back, her eyes narrowing slightly as she began to cast a spell. Avince recognized the incantation as one that summoned constructs. A shimmer of magic enveloped the area, and ethereal shapes began to form around her, materializing into elegant figures of light and energy.

    Avince recognized the spell as Kartana conjured the glowing constructs around her. He knew it was a teleportation spell, designed for long-distance travel and requiring a significant amount of mana. He could feel the weight of the magic in the air, a testament to her capabilities.

    He marveled at the constructs, their forms fluid and graceful, radiating an otherworldly beauty. The aura they emitted was palpable, showcasing the immense power she wielded.

    As the last of the constructs formed, Kartana turned back to Avince and Erwin, her expression softening. ¡°I¡¯ve used too much of my time already, I have somewhere else to be.¡±

    With a final nod, she stepped into the circle of constructs, which flared with brilliant light. In an instant, she was enveloped by the magic, her figure disappearing along with the constructs. The air buzzed with residual energy, leaving Avince momentarily speechless.

    Erwin broke the silence, his voice steady and calm. ¡°You should get some rest now, Avince. You¡¯ve had a long day.¡±

    Avince nodded slowly, still processing everything that had just transpired. ¡°Right. Thank you, Dad,¡± he said, feeling a surge of gratitude towards his father. He appreciated the support, especially in moments when he really needed it.

    As he climbed the stairs to his room, he thought about how he would approach his ability from now on.. Perhaps this was the key to finally closing the gap between him and the stronger contenders he had witnessed in the tournament.

    Once in his room, Avince settled down, the pendant resting on his bedside table, glowing softly. He stared at it for a moment, contemplating what his next approach should be.

 Chapter 19

    As evening settled into the household, the sound of quiet footsteps echoed in the hall. Avince glanced up, watching his mother, Ashna, and sister, Amyra, enter the living room. They looked tired but content, no doubt having returned from their latest intensive training session.

    Amyra slumped onto the couch with a satisfied sigh, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. Ashna sat beside her, a gentle smile gracing her face as she placed a hand on Amyra¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Quite the workout today, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Ashna asked, her tone laced with warmth.

    Amyra nodded, managing a tired grin. ¡°Yeah. I think I could sleep for a week, honestly.¡±

    Ashna chuckled softly, leaning back. ¡°Then rest well. We¡¯ll pick up again after the weekend.¡±

    Their conversation faded as they made their way to their rooms, and Avince found himself alone in the living room, his thoughts drifting to the egg he had found in the previous dungeon. Something about it had intrigued him deeply, and he had barely had a chance to inspect it. Now, with everyone resting, it seemed like the perfect time to revisit it.

    Once he reached his room, Avince closed the door behind him and focused on his storage space. He summoned the egg, feeling the cool, dense weight settle into his palms. The surface was an opalescent blue, shimmering faintly in the dim light. Curious, Avince probed it with his mana, searching for any sign of life within¡ªand to his astonishment, he found it. The dragon egg was on the brink of hatching.

    Fertile dragon eggs were rare, he thought, his pulse quickening. Even more so when they were this close to hatching. Most dungeons that contained dragon monsters were notoriously difficult and usually well out of reach for anyone of his level. And yet, he had managed to come across one in a low-tier ice dungeon. The implications were incredible but also deeply troubling. He realized he had a serious problem on his hands.

    Dragon eggs were not just rare; they were highly regulated. If he brought this to his family, he¡¯d have to explain exactly how he obtained it. That would mean revealing his unique ability and his access to dungeons. And while he trusted his family, he worried that exposing his ability would only put them in danger. But keeping the egg hidden would likely cause it to perish, wasting a truly invaluable find.

    The dilemma kept him up for hours. He weighed his options, considering and then dismissing various ideas until he almost resigned himself to abandoning the egg altogether. But then, a thought occurred to him, one that brought a grin to his face despite his exhaustion.

    It just might work.

    As morning light filtered through his window, Avince shook off the last of his drowsiness. It was Saturday, and the household was still quiet; Amyra was sleeping in after her training session. He took a deep breath, settling into his plan. First, he opened his phone and went to the Alliance Trading Center website, creating an anonymous account. While he already had a personal account, he knew he¡¯d need to operate incognito for this plan to work. The setup was tedious¡ªverification requirements were strict¡ªbut after hours of tinkering, he managed to bypass enough safeguards to create a basic, unverified account. It wouldn¡¯t be useful for serious transactions, but it would suffice for his scheme.

    As more of them were finally awake it was near noon , Avince''s family chatted over what he would call a brunch now. His father was recounting an old adventure, gesturing animatedly with his coffee mug. ¡°And just as the creature lunged, your mother summoned this huge wall of ice, right in the nick of time¡ªfroze the whole thing solid!¡±

    Ashna laughed, nudging him. ¡°You¡¯re making it sound far more heroic than it was, Erwin. I barely kept my footing!¡±

    Amyra rolled her eyes, half-listening as she reached for the toast. ¡°I swear, every time you tell this story, the monster gets bigger.¡±

    Avince chuckled, finishing his coffee and slipping his chair back. ¡°You all can debate monster sizes¡ªI¡¯ve got a project to work on.¡± With a casual wave, he excused himself from the table and headed for the door.

    ¡°Good luck with your project, Avince!¡± Ashna called after him, a warm smile on her face.

    ¡°Make sure it¡¯s not just another excuse to dodge the family stories!¡± Amyra added, raising an eyebrow playfully.

    Erwin laughed, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Just don¡¯t forget to make it back in one piece! We need you back here for the next round of pancakes!¡±

    Avince turned at the doorway, flashing a grin over his shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be back for more pancakes,¡± he replied, stepping out with a wave.

    As Avince stepped into the post office, he glanced around to make sure no one he knew was around. Satisfied, he moved quickly to gather what he needed. He reached for a stack of stamps first, then some thick packaging paper, and finally, a sturdy delivery box that looked like it could take a beating.

    Avince made his way to the counter, handing over the items to the clerk with a polite nod. He quickly counted out the credits, paying for the stack of stamps, the sturdy packaging, and the delivery box. Once the transaction was complete, he gathered his purchases and discreetly placed his hand over them, activating his ability.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    The items disappeared into his storage space, hidden from view. Avince walked out of the post office with a subtle smile.

    In his room, Avince used his phone and opened the Alliance Trading Center app and navigated to the messaging function. His heart raced as he searched for his sister¡¯s account. With a smirk, he began typing:

    IceyGuy566: Hello! I hear you¡¯re interested in ice-based items? I happen to be running a special promotion and would be happy to give you a discount.

    A few moments later, Amyra replied.

    Amyra(EyeSummonIce): Seriously? Who is this? You sound like a scammer lol.

    Avince chuckled. Glancing at his sister¡¯s username, EyeSummonIce. It was funny, capturing her ice powers and her humor perfectly. Although he didn¡¯t expect to be called a scammer so early.

    IceyGuy566: Oh, no scam here! I¡¯m just a simple merchant with excellent ice-based goods. Name it, and I can get it for you.

    Amyra¡¯s response was immediate, and Avince could almost picture her smirk as she typed.

    IceyGuy566: Alright, ¡°merchant.¡± How about a glacier hawk feather, frozen kelp from the Northern Depths, and the pelt of a fenrir? Got any of that?

    Avince snickered. These were all rare items, difficult to find even in high-tier dungeons. But he had an ace up his sleeve.

    IceyGuy566: I have something even better. An ice dragon egg. Nearly hatched.

    The typing icon blinked as Amyra typed, paused, and then typed again.

    Amyra: LMAO. As if! Do you know how much one of those would cost? It¡¯d be snatched up the second it hit the market.

    Avince grinned. She¡¯d taken the bait.

    IceyGuy566: Ah, well, I¡¯m running a special. 100,000 Alliance credits for you. What do you say?

    Amyra: 100,000? Really? Do you think I was born yesterday? Ice dragon eggs go for tens of millions! This is clearly a scam.

    IceyGuy566: Ah, well, I¡¯m running a special. 100,000 Alliance credits for you. What do you say?

    Amyra: 100,000? That¡¯s daylight robbery! For a barely-hatched egg? Try again.

    IceyGuy566: Alright, just for you, 75,000. Practically a steal.

    Amyra: A steal, huh? At that price, I¡¯d expect it to hatch and do my laundry.

    IceyGuy566: Tough customer! Fine¡­ 50,000, friend discount.

    Amyra: Friend discount? Pfft. I¡¯ve seen Ancient dragons sold for cheaper!

    IceyGuy566: You know what, 30,000 credits. It¡¯s practically free for something this rare.

    Amyra: 30,000? For a ¡°nearly hatched¡± egg that might be empty? You¡¯d better throw in a lifetime warranty.

    IceyGuy566: Lifetime warranty on a dragon egg? You¡¯re pushing it, but fine, it¡¯s got a no-scam guarantee. I¡¯ll even throw in free delivery.

    Amyra: Oh, so I won¡¯t have to pay extra for the imaginary dragon to arrive at my doorstep? What a deal!

    IceyGuy566: You drive a hard bargain. 10,000, final offer. I¡¯m practically losing money here!

    Amyra: 10,000? Come on, if you¡¯re really serious, why not just give it to me for free? she joked.

    Avince paused, a mischievous glint in his eye.

    IceyGuy566: Fine. Consider it a gift, for the sake of building a strong business relationship. I¡¯ll send it to you for free. You¡¯ll see it soon.

    Amyra was momentarily skeptical, assuming the seller had finally given up on the scam. But a notification soon appeared, confirming that a "gift" was indeed en route to her: an ice dragon egg. She was so confused¡ªwhy would someone risk account deletion by sending an expensive item for free? After a moment''s thought, she shrugged it off, chalking it up to someone with too much time to waste.

    Before she could respond, Avince logged out of the account and got to work, putting his plan into action. He equipped his mana pendant, visualized a lesser ice elemental dungeon, and entered it using a significant chunk of his mana. The dungeon was chilly, its air filled with swirling frost, but the creatures inside were manageable. He breezed through, collecting several ice elemental cores along the way. At the end, he faced a lower D-tier ice elemental as the final boss, but a well-placed fireball spell was all it took to bring it down.

    After returning, he carefully packaged the dragon egg with several of the ice cores, ensuring they would keep the egg cool enough to prevent any harm. He wondered briefly if his storage space preserved items in stasis; the egg hadn¡¯t changed since he first obtained it, and he hoped that would be the case as that would be incredibly useful

    As he secured the package, he took a moment to write the address on the side, making sure to include his family¡¯s home and his sister¡¯s username, EyeSummonIce, as the recipient. With a smirk, he signed his own username, IceyGuy566, as the sender. The playful anonymity felt fitting, and he couldn''t help but imagine the look on Amyra''s face when she saw who the mysterious package was from. Satisfied with his preparations, he tucked the package away, ready for the next phase of his plan.

    As midnight approached, he snuck downstairs, slipping quietly past the rooms where his family slept. He placed the package just outside their front door, hidden safely within the perimeter of their home¡¯s protective wards, and hurried back to his room.

 Chapter 20

    The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains. Ashna¡¯s voice rang through the hall, getting the attention of everyone in the house.

    ¡°Amyra, there''s a package here addressed to you. It¡¯s... leaking ice mana,¡± Ashna said, her eyes narrowing slightly as she held the slightly frost-covered parcel, her gaze shifting between her daughter and the unusual package.

    Amyra blinked in surprise, rubbing her eyes as she joined her family, who were now gathered around. ¡°A package? But I didn¡¯t order anything.¡±

    Ashna raised an eyebrow, her tone doubtful. ¡°Are you sure? Perhaps you just forgot?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m positive I didn¡¯t order anything,¡± Amyra said, examining the box with cautious curiosity. The edges of the box shimmered faintly with residual mana, sending a cool wave of energy across the room. Avince, who was observing quietly, remained calm, his face carefully composed as though he had no idea where the package had come from. He watched as his mother passed the box to Amyra, who opened it slowly, anticipation and uncertainty flashing in her eyes.

    As the lid was lifted, the family¡¯s collective breath hitched.

    Inside lay a glistening ice-blue egg, radiating a gentle but palpable aura of freezing mana. Veins of frost crept along its surface, giving the shell a crystalline texture. It was undeniably beautiful, mesmerizing even, but there was no mistaking its true nature. The size, the mana intensity, the way the air around it seemed to chill ¡ª it was a dragon egg. And not just any dragon egg, but one already attuned to ice.

    Ashna and Erwin exchanged glances, both alarmed and curious.

    ¡°An ice dragon egg,¡± Erwin murmured, his eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°Amyra, where on earth did you get this?¡±

    Amyra, just as bewildered, blinked in confusion, shaking her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I really didn¡¯t order anything.¡±

    She then thought back to the previous day, recalling the strange interaction she¡¯d had online. Her gaze dropped to the package, and she noticed the sender''s name: IceyGuy566.

    Amyra blinked, a puzzled expression crossing her face. ¡°I¡­ it might be from that anonymous account I spoke to yesterday.¡± She shook her head, muttering to herself. ¡°That weird account¡­ IceyGuy566.

    Her parents¡¯ skeptical expressions only deepened.

    ¡°An anonymous account?¡± Ashna repeated, frowning. ¡°Show us the details. I don¡¯t understand how someone could give something so valuable and remain unknown. Dragon eggs aren¡¯t exactly given away lightly.¡±

    Amyra fumbled for her phone, pulling up the conversation. She handed it over to her parents, who began examining the details, their faces growing more dubious as they scrolled through the exchange. The account was new, unverified, and seemed to have no reliable history.

    Erwin sighed, setting the phone down. ¡°This account doesn¡¯t seem very credible. There¡¯s no verification, no transaction history. It¡¯s practically a ghost account.¡±

    Avince cleared his throat, adding a seemingly casual comment. ¡°Maybe someone from the clan sent it? It wouldn¡¯t be unusual if one of the elders took an interest in Amyra¡¯s progress and wanted to support her.¡±

    Ashna nodded thoughtfully, rubbing her chin. ¡°That¡¯s a possibility. Someone with influence could have bypassed the usual channels. It wouldn¡¯t be the first time our clan has helped quietly like this, especially given how rare and significant this gift is.¡±

    Erwin took a long, contemplative breath before speaking. ¡°But even then, a fertile dragon egg... Those are extraordinarily rare. The last expedition that returned from the tundra where one could get one of these was years ago, and as far as we know, no one claimed to have found an egg.¡±

    He paused, his tone becoming more serious. ¡°Then again, that¡¯s not unheard of. It¡¯s possible someone kept it a secret to avoid the risk of it being stolen. The tundra is treacherous, especially near the lair of the ice dragons. Even S-rank teams avoid venturing too deep without the right gear and team composition.¡±

    ¡°What makes the ice dragon lair so dangerous?¡± Amyra asked, her curiosity piqued as she looked down at the egg.

    ¡°It¡¯s located in one of the most inhospitable regions,¡± Erwin explained, his expression grim. ¡°Temperatures are brutally low, and the lair itself is rumored to be guarded by dragons at the peak of A-tier. The dungeon boss is an elder dragon¡ªsome say it¡¯s above even S-tier. Only those with abilities that can counter ice, or specially crafted gear for extreme cold, have any chance of reaching the lair¡¯s depths.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°The environment around the dungeon shapes the type of monsters within, and in turn, the dungeon itself can influence the region, amplifying its natural harshness. With an ice dragon lair, for example, the dungeon radiates intense cold, making the surrounding climate even more severe over time. It¡¯s almost as if the mana pouring out of the dungeon sinks into the land itself, spreading the dungeon¡¯s influence.¡±

    He continued, ¡°This cyclical effect¡ªwhere the environment makes the dungeon harsher, and the dungeon makes the environment worse¡ªadds to the danger. It¡¯s part of why dungeon breaks in these regions are especially devastating, bringing out even tougher, ice-infused monsters adapted to the brutal cold. The surrounding area becomes a hazardous extension of the dungeon itself.

    ¡°But the problem,¡± he continued, ¡°is that this dungeon is rarely delved. Its remote location and deadly conditions keep even seasoned teams from clearing it frequently enough. Because of that, mana within the dungeon builds up, leading to periodic dungeon breaks. Whenever it happens, monsters spill out and start inhabiting the surrounding area.

    Ashna¡¯s gaze softened as she looked back at Amyra, her maternal instincts surfacing. ¡°With how dangerous these dungeons are, we should be thankful this egg found its way to you. It could prove invaluable, especially if you manage to bond with the dragon.¡±

    Amyra¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement, though a touch of nervousness crept into her voice. ¡°You think I could really tame it?¡±

    Ashna gave a reassuring nod. ¡°It should be fine for you to tame the dragon. Even if the original owner wanted it back, the Alliance wouldn¡¯t allow it¡ªthey¡¯d risk too much damage to their reputation. That conversation you had online about the egg was recorded on the Alliance Trading Center website. They have logs of every interaction for cases like this, ensuring both buyers and sellers are protected. If that person ever tries to reclaim it, you have proof that it was gifted to you. Besides, our clan would protect us if anything happened, especially if you did manage to tame it. So go ahead, Amyra.".

    Avince watched as Amyra nodded, summoning her mana and extending her hand over the egg. A visible strand of icy mana coiled around her fingers, weaving gently toward the egg. The egg reacted instantly, pulsing with a defensive surge of cold energy, as if resisting her influence.

    Amyra¡¯s brow furrowed with concentration. She channeled her mana deeper, feeling the dragon¡¯s presence within the egg, testing and pushing against her power. The resistance was fierce, almost aggressive, but she held firm, her own mana resonating with the dragon¡¯s.

    The struggle continued for several tense minutes. The egg glowed brighter, a frosty aura wrapping around it as the egg¡¯s instinctive defenses fought against Amyra¡¯s control. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as she poured more mana into her attempt, her determination unwavering. Finally, with one last surge of effort, she felt a faint connection solidify, the dragon¡¯s resistance fading as it yielded to her influence.

    A triumphant smile spread across her face, and her family clapped, each with a look of pride and relief.

    ¡°Well done, Amyra,¡± Erwin praised, his eyes filled with pride. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy raising a dragon, but with its bond to you established, you¡¯ll have a lifelong companion and protector.¡±

    Amyra laughed, breathless but exhilarated. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it worked!¡±

    Ashna stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on her daughter¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Now, keep in mind, that was just the first step. This dragon egg needs a very specific environment and resources to fully hatch. The ice cores we have here won¡¯t be nearly enough.¡±

    Ashna thought for a moment before continuing. ¡°Thankfully, I should have enough contribution points within the clan to redeem some materials from the vault. The clan keeps a store of rare ice-related items for cases like these, perfect for supporting unique abilities¡ªor creatures like this dragon. We should be able to gather everything we need to sustain the egg until it¡¯s ready to hatch.¡±

    Amyra¡¯s face lit up even more. ¡°Really? That¡¯s perfect! We should go back to the clan as soon as possible. Let¡¯s get everything we need to hatch this little one.¡±

    Avince watched, managing to keep his face composed, though he couldn¡¯t help feeling a spark of satisfaction as his plan unfolded smoothly. This way,  Amyra would gain a powerful companion to aid her in the future. He¡¯d successfully given his sister a valuable resource without revealing the secrets of his own abilities.

    As they shared breakfast, the conversation remained lively around the dragon egg, now bonded to Amyra.

    ¡°So, now that it¡¯s bonded, what¡¯s the plan?¡± Avince asked, hiding his satisfaction behind a curious expression.

    Ashna smiled, her voice light but filled with purpose. ¡°First, we¡¯ll head to the clan vault. I¡¯ll use my contribution points to get some ice materials for sustaining the dragon. We¡¯ll need a steady supply to help it hatch and mature properly.¡±

    Amyra grinned, her excitement evident. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it actually bonded with me. I felt it connect¡ªlike it recognized me as its own.¡±

    Erwin chuckled, setting down his coffee mug. ¡°Just remember, Amyra, dragons recognize strength. They¡¯re powerful creatures, but if their owner falls behind, they won¡¯t hesitate to push back. You¡¯ll need to keep growing, or it might start questioning the bond.¡±

    Amyra¡¯s eyes widened slightly, then she nodded with a renewed determination. ¡°I understand. If it¡¯s going to respect me, I¡¯ll have to stay worthy of that respect. I won¡¯t let it down.¡±

    Ashna placed a reassuring hand on her daughter¡¯s shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. You have the ice affinity and the right abilities to connect with it, but maintaining a bond with a dragon is no small feat.

    As they wrapped up their plans over breakfast, Avince felt a deep satisfaction settle over him. For now, his part in the egg¡¯s arrival was safe, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of pride watching his sister bond with the creature. His family was none the wiser¡ªhis plan had played out

 Archives-Special Chapter 2

    6 years ago

    The Awakening Chamber was alive with anticipation, its polished walls reflecting the bright glow of the mana symbols embedded in the floor. Thirteen-year-old Avince stood at the center of the chamber, his heart racing with excitement. Around him, the air buzzed with energy, tinged with the scent of ozone and the faint hum of the mana arrays.

    His family surrounded him, providing a comforting presence amid the tense surroundings. Ashna held the small hand of his eight-year-old sister, Amyra, who bounced on her toes, her eyes wide with wonder. The elders of the clan, seated in their ornate robes, observed with solemn expressions, their gazes fixed on Avince with a mix of expectation and wisdom.

    ¡°Just focus on the energy inside you, Avince,¡± Ashna encouraged, her voice soft yet firm. ¡°Let it guide you.¡±

    ¡°I will, Mom!¡± he replied, beaming with confidence. The thought of finally awakening his ice ability filled him with warmth. He had been practicing diligently, pouring every ounce of effort into honing his magic, and today felt like the day he would prove himself.

    As the clan member in-charge of his awakening activated the awakening matrix, the symbols beneath his feet flared to life, radiating warmth and light. Avince felt a surge of energy wash over him, his senses sharpening as he channeled the mana swirling around him. For a fleeting moment, he believed he could feel the awakening taking place.

    But then, as the minutes stretched on, the pulsing light began to fade. Panic surged through him, and he concentrated harder, willing the magic to come forth. It felt like grasping at smoke, elusive and just out of reach. Finally, the glow of the matrix dimmed completely, and an unsettling silence filled the chamber.

    The technician stepped back, his expression somber. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Avince. It seems you haven¡¯t awakened an ability today.¡±

    The words hung heavy in the air, and Avince¡¯s heart sank. Dread coiled in his stomach as he looked at his family. Ashna¡¯s eyes were filled with concern, while Erwin¡¯s jaw tightened, the disappointment clear on his face. Amyra clutched her mother¡¯s hand, her small frame trembling with confusion.

    ¡°But I practiced! I worked so hard!¡± Avince exclaimed, desperation tinging his voice.

    ¡°I know, son,¡± Erwin said gently, stepping forward. ¡°But sometimes, it doesn¡¯t happen when we expect it to. Remember you¡¯re still incredibly talented.¡±

    As the elders began to murmur among themselves, Avince felt the sting of tears in his eyes. All his peers were awakening their abilities, and here he stood¡ªempty, devoid of the power that was supposed to define him. The weight of failure settled upon his shoulders, and he fought to keep his composure.

    In the days that followed, his home felt different, tinged with an unspoken sadness. Conversations that had once been filled with laughter were now punctuated by silence. He overheard his parents discussing his future late into the night, their voices low but urgent.

    ¡°He needs guidance, Ashna. Without an ability, it will be a struggle for him to find his place,¡± Erwin said, his voice heavy with concern.

    ¡°I know, but what can we do? We can¡¯t force him to awaken,¡± Ashna replied, her tone edged with frustration. ¡°He needs to know that he¡¯s still capable.¡±

    After several days of deliberation, Erwin resolved to take action. He approached Avince with a determined look in his eyes, his hand resting on his son¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We¡¯re going to continue your training, Avince. You can¡¯t let this defeat you. We¡¯ll find the best tutors and give you every opportunity to grow.¡±

    Avince¡¯s heart flickered with hope. ¡°Really? You think that will help?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Erwin affirmed. ¡°You have a bright future ahead, and we¡¯ll make sure you have the skills you need to thrive, no matter what.¡±

    With newfound determination, Avince embraced the path laid out before him. His parents made the significant decision to change houses, relocating to a modest yet cozy home near the academy. This move allowed them to monitor Avince''s progress closely and ensure he received the support he needed during this hard time for the kid. It was here, in this new environment filled with potential and promise, that he would embark on a journey that would change everything.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    As he entered the academy, the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of aspiring students. The students were scattered across the sprawling grounds, some engaged in physical training while others practiced runes and enchantments. His first lesson was magic training, where he was introduced to the fundamentals of elemental manipulation. Though ice was still the ability he longed for, he discovered a fascination with fire magic, its fiery dance a captivating contrast to the chill he had always admired.

    Avince listened intently to his instructors, feeling a flicker of excitement at the prospect of mastering a different element. The academy¡¯s broad curriculum promised to equip him with skills in various areas, from physical conditioning to rune crafting, ensuring that he developed into a well-rounded magic user.

    Under the guidance of skilled mentors, Avince practiced day after day, channeling the heat into fireballs and swirling flames. The exhilaration of conjuring flames sparked something within him, a sense of accomplishment that fueled his desire to master this new ability. As he trained, he felt the fire becoming an extension of himself, its warmth a welcome embrace.

    The absence of an awakening for ice magic, which he had longed for at first, had shifted his focus. He found solace in fire, appreciating its dynamic nature as a counter to ice. While he still yearned for the chill of ice magic, the fiery element offered a new path, one filled with its own challenges and rewards. Embracing this counter-element allowed him to transform what had initially felt like a failure into an opportunity for growth, igniting a determination within him to excel and prove his worth.

    But with his newfound interest in fire, Avince couldn¡¯t ignore the need for balance. He knew that fire magic is easily countered by water magic and knew that focusing solely on fire magic would leave him vulnerable. Determined not to be outmatched, he sought out lessons in lightning magic next, knowing it would provide him with an advantage against water. He found himself captivated by the crackling energy of lightning, the way it danced and flickered, a stark reminder of the power he could wield.

    Avince dedicated countless hours to training, immersing himself in the fundamentals of each element. He became adept at conjuring bolts of electricity, the exhilaration of controlling such raw power intoxicating. Alongside his studies in elemental magic, he also delved into martial arts and body training, honing his physical skills to complement his magical abilities. Each punch and kick reinforced his discipline, while the agility and strength he developed gave him confidence in combat.  In addition, he took up rune engraving, fascinated by the intricate designs and their potential. This new skill allowed him to weave magic into physical objects, creating enchanted items that could amplify his abilities.

    However, as he progressed through the ranks of elemental magic, he slowly began to realize that his previous fixation on countering his initial disappointment had clouded his judgment. While he enjoyed the thrill of mastering fire and electricity, he knew deep down that he had to confront his true feelings about ice magic and his own potential to awaken a unique ability.

    In the solitude of late-night study sessions, he reflected on his journey. ¡°What if I¡¯m missing out on my true potential?¡± he mused, understanding that his fixation on fire and lightning had driven him away from the one ability he had always longed to master¡ªice.

    It was during one of those moments of introspection that Avince made a decision. He would not let the absence of an awakening define him. He began to learn all tier one magic, immersing himself in water, earth, and wind, honing his skills in each element. As he embraced the diversity of magic, he began to see the beauty in ice once more, recalling the elegance of its constructs and the delicate precision it required.

    Weeks turned into months, and slowly, he found himself drawn back to ice magic, yearning to reconnect with the chilling power he had once cherished. In the academy¡¯s training grounds, he approached the art of ice with renewed passion, practicing with a fervor that lit a fire in his soul.

    ¡°See? This is how it should be,¡± he whispered to himself as he watched the ice swirl and freeze in mesmerizing patterns. ¡°This is who you are.¡± Avince had learned that his journey was not solely about awakening an ability but about understanding himself and the vast world of magic. With every training session, he reclaimed his love for ice, recognizing that he could carve his own path, free from the shadows of expectation.

    As time went on, he became quite known in his academy due to his talent in magic and rune crafting. His ability to create intricate runes that enhanced items garnered admiration from both peers and instructors. The flickering flames of his fire magic, the crackling electricity of his lightning spells, and now his mastery over all tier 1 spells showcased his dedication and skill. However, the lingering absence of his own innate ability weighed heavily on him, like a shadow that never faded.

    Despite his accomplishments, whispers sometimes followed him¡ªrumors about the boy who excelled at everything but had yet to awaken a true power of his own. Avince felt the sting of those comparisons, but he remained resolute, determined to prove that talent and hard work could triumph over the uncertainty of his awakening.

 Chapter 21

    Avince took a deep breath as he finally had the chance to sit down and catch up on what he¡¯d missed in his studies. He knew he¡¯d been falling behind, especially in History, and Initially, Avince had dismissed the class as basic; after all, they¡¯d already studied history before. Who didn¡¯t know how dungeons appeared or how people awakened their abilities? But as the lessons went on, Professor Carlson¡¯s classes began to reveal a depth he hadn¡¯t anticipated.

    He retrieved his history textbook and course notes, flipping through to the most recent topics he¡¯d missed. One section caught his eye: ¡°The Conquest of the Abyssal Mirage ¨C Most Fatal Dungeon Run in Recorded History.¡± He remembered Professor Carlson briefly mentioning this before he¡¯d missed class, but the details were blurry. Avince leaned in, his interest piqued as he read the chapter''s title. An underwater dungeon in the middle of a desert? He knew dungeons could sometimes warp reality, but this was extreme even by those standards.

    Avince settled in, his focus sharpening as he began to read.

    <hr>

    When dungeons first began appearing, they were both a source of terror and fascination. Over time, people had categorized them, classifying the types by elemental affinity, structure, and the kinds of monsters they harbored. As Avince read on, he realized how much more there was to the subject beyond his general knowledge. He¡¯d assumed everyone knew the basics ¡ª how dungeons spawned monsters, how abilities awakened in response, and how humanity adapted to the threat. But the curriculum at college took a different approach, diving into history¡¯s most infamous dungeon expeditions and the tragic tolls they¡¯d taken on teams of adventurers.

    The Abyssal Mirage was one such dungeon, infamous not only for its deceptive appearance but for the sheer number of lives it claimed. Located in the heart of the Haraz Desert, it seemed nothing more than a shimmering mirage in the sand. But the dungeon itself, once entered, was a sprawling, suffocating underwater realm ¡ª a lethal twist for any team unprepared for aquatic conditions.

    Avince¡¯s pulse quickened as he read further. The numbers were staggering: 143 lives lost, 18 teams completely wiped out, all because they hadn¡¯t been prepared for the dungeon¡¯s unexpected nature.

    The first team to enter had assumed the dungeon would reflect the environment it was found in. They¡¯d braved the heat and dust, only to step into a landscape of coral reefs, towering kelp forests, and a chilling expanse of deep water. The dungeon¡¯s elemental nature clashed cruelly with the desert¡¯s arid conditions, and the abrupt shift had left many adventurers gasping, literally, as they drowned within minutes of entry. The first wave of teams barely made it past the entrance. Those who tried to swim through the maze of reefs faced powerful currents, hostile sea monsters, and, worst of all, an ever-dwindling supply of air.

    Each team carried a special recording artifact, required for delving into unknown and unmapped dungeons. These devices captured everything they did within the dungeon, ensuring that if they failed, their actions could guide the next team.

    After an earlier team¡¯s unsuccessful attempt to conquer the dungeon, these recordings became invaluable, offering insights into where and why the previous team faltered and allowing new teams to learn and refine their strategies based on past missteps.

    ¡°Most didn¡¯t even make it to the boss,¡± Avince muttered, reading with a mix of horror and fascination.

    The book went on to describe the desperate attempts of subsequent teams. Equipped with all kinds of tools, they ventured in, hoping to map the dungeon and find any breathable areas. But the dungeon was unrelenting. Even experienced adventurers, many of whom had conquered dungeons across the continent, were taken by surprise, underestimating the level of aquatic combat required. The lack of preparation, combined with their unfamiliarity with underwater fighting, led to an unprecedented loss of life.

    The dungeon remained undefeated until an S-rank team ¡ª known as the Silver Melody¡ª accepted the mission. Comprised of seasoned adventurers, they entered with only a cautious sense of confidence. Even they had miscalculated. None of their members, save for the mage, were trained for sustained underwater breathing. The team¡¯s mage, however, is good enough in his mana to control and create an air pocket, a bubble large enough for the team to move through in short bursts.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    As Avince read, he tried to imagine the scene. A team of elite S-rankers, floating in an ethereal bubble of air in the heart of a desert dungeon turned into an ocean.

    The mage¡¯s air pocket allowed the team to proceed deeper into the dungeon than anyone before them, illuminating an intricate, beautiful undersea environment littered with the eerie remnants of those who had come before. Skulls, broken weapons, and armor fragments lay half-buried in the sand or tangled in seaweed. The dungeon monsters, sharks with a taste for mana, prowled the waters with merciless efficiency, sensing the adventurers¡¯ presence and attacking in coordinated bursts.

    As the team ventured further, the dungeon¡¯s intensity continued to escalate. Avince read about how the Silver Melody had faced schools of aggressive mana-infused fish, serpentine eels with shocking electrical abilities, and the relentless cold of the dungeon¡¯s depths. Even with the mage¡¯s air pocket, they¡¯d struggled to keep up the rhythm of fighting, retreating, and renewing their breath. The underwater environment meant they had to hold their breath, navigate alien terrain, and battle in an environment that felt foreign and suffocating.

    Despite the harrowing conditions, the team managed to locate the dungeon boss ¡ª an upper D-rank monster that had claimed so many lives: a monstrous shark with water affinity the helped it swim faster than normal. The beast was massive, with jagged fins, piercing blue eyes, and rows of teeth that glistened dark red. It lurked in the shadows, its aura filling the water with an oppressive chill.

    In the end, the Silver Melody managed to defeat the shark with a single punch from one of its members. The battle was surprisingly brief, ending almost as soon as it began when the member¡¯s strike took down the shark instantly.; the boss¡¯s strength lay not in its individual power but in the setting it dominated.

    After the conquest, the team had returned to the surface, heralded as heroes. The dungeon, mapped and officially ranked, was now known to be an upper D-rank threat. Yet, its deceptively low rank masked a lethal danger that had caught even experienced teams off guard. The sheer mental toll on the families of the fallen, coupled with the shocking number of fatalities, sparked outrage among the public.

    The pressure mounted as grieving families demanded answers, their voices joined by public outcry. Their anguish forced the Alliance, the governing body responsible for managing dungeons, to send in a specialized task force. This team wasn¡¯t meant to conquer or map; their goal was far simpler and far more final: to destroy the dungeon core.

    Unlike a typical team of dungeon clearers, the task force was equipped with rare, high-tier water-breathing gear, enchanted items resistant to crushing pressures, and powerful mana enhancements designed for deep underwater combat. It was a team assembled for a single purpose, with no intention of fighting the boss again.

    They entered the Abyssal Mirage, descending to its depths. The remnants of mana from the previous battles lingered in the water, a haunting reminder of the lives lost. But this team worked with surgical precision, evading combat where possible and heading straight for the dungeon core. Once located, they performed the delicate ritual needed to collapse the dungeon¡¯s structure, breaking down the core¡¯s energy to sever its connection to the real world.

    The account ended with a note of finality: the Abyssal Mirage was no more, its treacherous waters finally drained, and its horrors laid to rest. The task force returned, bearing the relief of a successful mission but also the weight of lost lives and lingering mysteries. Though the remains of the fallen were unrecoverable, they were honored, their names etched in dungeon lore as a solemn reminder of the risks in exploring the unknown.

    Avince leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. The Abyssal Mirage was ranked as the deadliest D-rank dungeon in history, a paradox in itself ¡ª low in rank, yet unforgivingly lethal. He couldn¡¯t shake the image of those teams, so confident as they entered, only to be taken by surprise and left to the merciless waters.

    Experts who study dungeon phenomena suggested two possible explanations¡ªand perhaps both played a role¡ªin shaping the Abyssal Mirage¡¯s underwater nature. One theory proposed that the dungeon was shaped by the intense desire of ancient inhabitants who longed for water, creating a deep-rooted longing that manifested as an aquatic environment. Alternatively, some speculated that the desert where the dungeon was found might have once been a part of the ocean, with lingering echoes of that watery past influencing the dungeon¡¯s form.

    He closed his textbook, musing over the unexpected lessons buried in his history class. Dungeons were more than just places to train or gather resources. They were living, breathing realms with personalities and quirks, each as unpredictable as the monsters they spawned. For those willing to enter, they offered unimaginable rewards ¡ª but always at a cost.

 Chapter 22

    After all that, Avince felt like he¡¯d made progress on his history work ¡ª or so he thought. The more he read on the next topic about awakening, the deeper the material seemed to go, revealing complexities and nuances that he¡¯d never considered. It felt like the more he learned, the more he realized just how much he hadn¡¯t known.

    He shuffled through his notes, a little groan escaping him as he found his next topic in history: The Formation of Ability-Based Clans and Their Legacy in Awakening. He¡¯d already heard bits and pieces from his mother, Ashna, about clan dynamics, but reading about them in detail was something else entirely.

    Avince couldn¡¯t help but chuckle to himself as he read the opening lines of the chapter. His thoughts wandered to his mother, Ashna, and her history with the Everlasting Ice Clan ¡ª a lineage that had produced some of the most powerful ice manipulators and conjurers in their nation. It wasn¡¯t a subject his mother often talked about, but when she did, Avince always found it fascinating.

    In a sense, it felt strange to him that people would marry based on the compatibility of their abilities, but he understood the logic behind it. The more compatible a couple¡¯s abilities, the greater the potential for their children to inherit or even surpass those abilities. For someone like Avince, whose ability was still a mystery, the thought of pairing up with another capable individual seemed almost absurd ¡ª but it was common practice for many, especially those in clans built on such practices.

    His mind wandered briefly to his own situation. His parents, powerful as they were, had somehow created his sister, Amyra, whose abilities were already proving to be monstrous in their own right. He wondered just how much of that had to do with their bloodlines, their abilities, and the choices they¡¯d made.

    With a sigh, Avince flipped open the history book and began to read.

    <hr>

    The Formation of Clans and the Awakening of Abilities:

    Over the century following the appearance of dungeons and the awakening of abilities, the phenomenon of individuals discovering their powers led to the formation of clans¡ªgroups of people whose abilities were highly compatible with one another. These clans arose in response to the growing number of powerful and dangerous individuals who realized that, while their powers were extraordinary on their own, they could be significantly amplified when combined with others who shared similar abilities.

    The initial formation of these clans came as a result of a social, and sometimes political, necessity. Some saw the ability to marry within the clan as a strategic move, while others felt it was the only way to guarantee their children would inherit potent powers that could be nurtured and expanded upon. As the generations passed, these clans would often grow more powerful, with their members¡¯ abilities becoming even more specialized over time.

    One of the earliest examples of such clans was the Dragon Clan, formed by a group of individuals whose abilities were tied to draconic powers. This clan became one of the most powerful in the nation, with individuals possessing the ability to manipulate elemental forces like fire, wind, and lightning in ways that would have been unimaginable for a typical user. Over time, the Dragon Clan became a symbol of strength and prestige, their members often revered by others in society for their abilities and the power that ran through their bloodline.

    Next came the Ice Clan, which had ties to those who could manipulate and conjure ice in its purest form. This clan, in particular, attracted people with advanced ice-based abilities, resulting in highly skilled ice manipulators and conjurers. For Avince, this was the clan his mother, Ashna, came from, and it was here that he began to see just how far the practice of intermarrying based on abilities could go.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Ashna¡¯s mother had a rare, advanced awakening that allowed her to manipulate ice at an astonishing level ¡ª not only could she control its movement, but she could also conjure ice from nothing with miniscule amount of mana, a feat that few could match. Her ice-based abilities had pushed her at the peak of A-tier, and despite a past injury that had left her unable to go further, her legacy was one of immense strength.

    Avince blinked, remembering a conversation he had with his mother not too long ago. Ashna had mentioned that once her injuries healed, she and her husband, Erwin, would try to delve again. She¡¯d been optimistic, saying there was a real possibility they could both reach S-rank¡ªsomething that would solidify their place among the strongest.  It made sense in hindsight ¡ª Erwin¡¯s summoning abilities complemented his mother¡¯s ice abilities, and together, they created a synergy that was rare in the world of dungeon clearers.

    But the real eye-opener for Avince came when he thought of his sister, Amyra. She was the living, breathing example of what these powerful clans could produce. Amyra¡¯s ability to summon and control ice monsters, on top of her ice mastery, had made her into a force to be reckoned with. Even her command of creatures attuned to ice was unmatched, and her strength in combat was something that Avince couldn¡¯t ignore. She seemed like an unstoppable monster ¡ª a product of Ashna¡¯s bloodline, certainly, but also of the lineage and traditions that had cultivated such power.

    The text continued, elaborating on the formation of other elemental clans: the Fire Clan, with its members possessing the ability to manipulate flames at varying degrees of intensity; the Water Clan, whose abilities allowed them to control water to varying methods like increasing pressure and even for healing; the Earth Clan, with users who could shape and control the earth itself; the Wind Clan, who had mastery over the air, manipulating storms and creating violent gusts; and the Lightning Clan, whose members could command electricity to devastating effect.

    These clans were not just about the abilities themselves ¡ª they were social structures. The clan members would often marry others with similarly powerful abilities to ensure that their bloodlines stayed strong and that their powers grew exponentially with each generation. The children born from these unions were often much more powerful than those born to parents who weren¡¯t from ability-based clans.

    As time went on, the competition between the clans grew fiercer. At the top of the current power struggle in the nation stood the Dragon Clan, a nearly unrivaled force in terms of both power and influence. Its members had access to not only raw elemental power but also the ability of increased strength and endurance.

    However, the Ice Clan and the Lightning Clan weren¡¯t far behind, constantly vying for second place in the rankings. These two clans had very different strengths ¡ª the Ice Clan was known for its defensive and tactical abilities, while the Lightning Clan excelled at fast, overwhelming attacks. Both clans had produced powerful members who had risen through the ranks to become some of the most renowned adventurers and leaders in the nation.

    Avince felt a twinge of something as he read this. It wasn¡¯t jealousy, but more a sense of recognition. His family was deeply tied to the Ice Clan, and in a way, they were at the heart of the competition for second place, battling alongside the Lightning Clan. But it was his sister who seemed to embody that power more than anyone else. Amyra was a product of that legacy, a young woman who had inherited both her mother¡¯s formidable power and the potential of a bloodline that was centuries in the making.

    The history book seemed to stretch on, each paragraph a deep dive into the intricacies of clan politics, bloodlines, and power struggles.  Avince¡¯s mind began to wander as the pages blurred together, but one thing became clear¡ªthe complex web of alliances, rivalries, and ambitions that had shaped the world of dungeons and abilities was far from simple.

 Chapter 23

    Avince slumped over his notes, feeling the weight of this study session. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that catching up on his coursework would be this exhausting. After hours pouring over the intricacies of his history subject, he had to admit he¡¯d spent more time on it than planned. He groaned, knowing he still had two more subjects to cover and very little mental energy left to dig deep. With a reluctant sigh, he decided to skim through the material for Mana¡¯s Application in Society and Ethics of Power and Ability Use, hoping he could get the gist without diving too deep.

    <hr>

    Flipping through the section on Mana¡¯s Application in Society, Avince¡¯s eyes widened as he read about a city built around a dungeon situated inside an active volcano. The thought of people intentionally building a settlement in such a dangerous place was mind-boggling. But as he read further, the purpose became clear. The dungeon, it turned out, was home to powerful fire giants whose mere presence created a steady flow of fire mana ¡ª a resource the city had learned to harness.

    This city, known as Ignis, had grown into a thriving center of mana-based technology and export. The fire mana harvested from the dungeon wasn¡¯t just used to power the city itself; it was also stored and transported to other parts of the nation. People from Ignis had even developed techniques for refining fire mana into a concentrated energy source, powering everything from street lights to large-scale manufacturing. The abundance of fire mana had transformed what might have been a small settlement into a bustling city, one that served as a vital hub for trade and innovation.

    Avince marveled at the ingenuity it must have taken to not only build a functioning city within a volcanic region but also harness its natural resources for everyday use. Yet, he also couldn¡¯t ignore the risk. He thought of the fire giants lurking within the dungeon, creatures whose power was immense and difficult to contain. There had to be a delicate balance at play, with mages and engineers constantly working to keep the fire mana flowing while also preventing a catastrophic breach.

    This was the very essence of Mana¡¯s Application in Society ¡ª finding ways to integrate mana into civilization, making it a resource not just for combat, but for progress and daily life. Even though he¡¯d only skimmed through the material, Avince felt a flicker of inspiration. Maybe one day, he¡¯d visit Ignis and see for himself how they managed to turn such a volatile source of mana into a sustainable lifeline for their city.

    <hr>

    Moving on, Avince took a breath and opened the section on Ethics of Power and Ability Use. As he scanned through the chapter, he noticed the title of the current topic: The Fall of the Crimson Clan. Intrigued, he leaned forward.

    The Crimson Clan had once been one of the most formidable groups in the United Radiant Country , ranked within the top five clans due to their powerful, blood-based abilities. Initially, the clan was known for their unmatched combat skills, their power fueled by an ability that allowed them to manipulate blood to enhance their physical strength and endurance. However, there was a hidden truth to their powers, something that the clan kept secret from society for years: their ability wasn¡¯t just blood manipulation. It was a vampire transformation ability.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Avince shivered as he read about the implications of this power. The transformation ability granted its users enhanced speed, strength, and healing, but it came with a cost ¡ª an insatiable craving for human blood. To avoid detection, the Crimson Clan operated in secret, feeding off kidnapped victims or willing followers, maintaining the facade of an elite group while hiding their true nature. For a long time, they managed to keep their cravings hidden from the public, but rumors started to spread as people went missing.

    The text went on to describe the moment the clan¡¯s secret finally unraveled. Several hostages managed to escape, revealing the Crimson Clan¡¯s dark practices to the world. The shock and horror that swept through society was immense. An emergency summit was called, and the Alliance, along with the powerful coalition of clans within the country, declared the Crimson Clan a terrorist group. Their ranks were hunted down, and many were captured or killed. Those who survived fled into hiding, becoming fugitives feared as much as they were despised.

    Avince¡¯s pulse quickened as he read further. The danger of this ability lay not only in the craving for blood but in the fact that powerful members of the clan could turn others into vampires with their bite. This aspect of their ability was especially feared, as it had the potential to spread like a disease, turning victims into more vampires and, if left unchecked, threatening the very fabric of society.

    Fortunately, the Alliance was well-equipped to deal with such threats. That Country¡¯s most powerful clan was the Celestial Order, known for wielding holy magic. It didn¡¯t surprise Avince that a clan specializing in holy magic, one of the rarest and most potent abilities, was at the top. Holy magic was revered for its strength against curses, dark creatures, and, evidently, vampires.

    Holy magic, classified as Tier 3 alongside rare abilities like life and death manipulation, was powerful enough to counteract the effects of vampirism, purging afflicted individuals and preventing further spread. Avince was fascinated ¡ª and a little awed ¡ª at the mere thought of such a power. Reading about the Celestial Order¡¯s success in quelling the Crimson Clan¡¯s influence was reassuring, especially since his own country was thankfully far removed from their territory. It seemed that the threat of vampires was mostly a problem for the United Radiant Country, whose members had the means and skills to handle it.

    Still, the ethical debate remained at the heart of the lesson. Ethics of Power and Ability Use challenged students to think about the moral implications of abilities like vampirism, powers that could be both a gift and a curse. The textbook posed questions for reflection: Could the Crimson Clan have managed their cravings through alternative means? Was it right for society to banish an entire group based on the potential dangers of their abilities? And perhaps most importantly, did the ends justify the means when it came to the Alliance¡¯s efforts to eradicate the clan?

    As Avince closed the book, he felt the weight of those questions pressing on his mind. The world of abilities was complex, a delicate balance between power and responsibility. While he couldn¡¯t fully relate to the ethical struggles of a vampire clan, he could appreciate the dilemma from the perspective of someone whose own abilities were still taking shape.

    Avince leaned back in his chair, stretching his tired muscles. He hadn¡¯t intended to spend so long on these subjects, yet he found himself drawn into the material despite his exhaustion. There was so much to learn, not just about how to use mana and abilities, but about how to understand and navigate the complexities of a world where abilities had consequences beyond personal gain.

    Closing his textbooks, Avince took a deep breath, the weight of all he¡¯d learned settling over him. There was power in knowledge, and maybe ¡ª just maybe ¡ª he¡¯d found something even more valuable than the lessons themselves: a deeper understanding of the world he lived in, of the hidden forces shaping it, and of his own potential place within it.

 Chapter 24

    Avince let out a weary sigh as he finished studying, realizing just how late it was. The moonlight spilled through his window, casting a calm glow over his desk. He had barely stretched his tired limbs when he heard a knock on his door, followed by his mother¡¯s voice calling him to dinner. Glad for the break, he joined his family around the table, the air warm and lively.

    Over dinner, his mother mentioned their upcoming trip to her clan to stock up on supplies for the dragon egg. "Amyra will need some specific herbs and materials to keep the egg stable during its hatching process," she explained. His father nodded, adding, ¡°We should also redeem some materials for when the dragon egg hatches. Avince, would you like to come with us?¡±

    Avince paused, tempted for a moment. He hadn¡¯t visited since he was young, during his failed awakening. But the mountain of things he still has to do still looms in his mind. ¡°I¡¯d love to, but¡­ I still have a lot to do here,¡± he admitted, looking a bit sheepish.

    His father chuckled, patting his shoulder. ¡°I understand, Avince. Do your thing, but make sure you don¡¯t burn yourself out. There will always be more trips, call us if you need anything.¡±

    The family finished dinner and gradually drifted back to their rooms. Once alone in his room, Avince locked his door and sat on his bed, ready to finally do something he¡¯d been looking forward to: Engraving the Rank 3 Channeling Rune.

    Reaching into his storage ability, he looked and eventually took out a small leather patch, its surface marked with the intricate design of the channeling rune. The rune increased mana channeling speed, reducing the casting time of spells ¡ª a valuable trait for mages like himself who often found themselves needing to cast spells under pressure.

    This rune was an upgrade for him. He used to carry a staff inscribed with an amplification rune, which made his spells more powerful but came with its own set of drawbacks. For one, the staff was bulky and limited his movement that did not suit his fighting style , and during one ill-fated practice session, he¡¯d actually used it as a makeshift weapon and bashed his enemy with it. It had shattered, leaving him to realize just how useless it was for close-range combat.

    That experience had led him to consider runes that could be engraved on accessories instead. The channeling rune, designed for items like rings or bracelets, was perfect. The idea of a lightweight, easy-to-carry boost to his spellcasting appealed to him far more than another cumbersome staff. Plus, he was excited by the fact that this kind of rune compressed into an accessory would give him flexibility that he lacked before.

    Pulling out a small mithril-coated ring from a box on his desk, he ran a thumb over its cool surface. It wasn¡¯t pure mithril ¡ª that would have cost more than he could afford ¡ª but even this mithril-coated version had cost him a significant amount, with his parents ultimately helping him cover the steep 150,000 Alliance Credits. The ring had been his prized purchase, a blank slate for whatever rune he wanted to engrave on it.

    He laid the ring beside the leather patch, feeling a rush of anticipation. Engraving the rune onto the ring would require precise mana control, as he¡¯d have to condense the intricate design to fit on the narrow band. Holding his breath, he began the engraving process.

    Guiding his mana in fine, controlled flows, Avince carefully transferred the rune from the leather patch to the ring¡¯s surface. It was a delicate task, one he had only mastered after countless practice. Slowly but surely, the intricate lines began to form on the mithril band. The leather patch dimmed as the rune transferred completely onto the ring, leaving it blank.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Finally, after what felt like eternity, the engraving was complete. Avince let out a satisfied breath and slipped the ring onto his finger, eager to feel its effects. The ring¡¯s mana reacted to his touch, humming softly, and he could sense the channeling rune¡¯s presence, enhancing his ability to draw and control mana.

    But then he hesitated, thinking back to his pendant. His ability allowed him to enter dungeons with his consciousness, but he¡¯d noticed that certain items, like his pendant, didn¡¯t come along. The pendant was part of his equipment in the real world, but it didn¡¯t carry over into the dungeon realm. If the ring behaved the same way, he might not even be able to use it where he needed it most. He frowned, realizing he¡¯d need to test his theory in his next dungeon session. Until then, he decided to place the ring in his storage space alongside the now-empty leather patch.

    Avince sat back, mentally running through the various ways the ring could benefit him in a fight. Most mages struggled with the time it took to channel mana into more complex spells, especially in the heat of battle. Basic spells were quick, but advanced techniques took time and focus, two luxuries that were often hard to come by.

    With the channeling rune, he would have the advantage of speed, making it easier to adapt in the middle of a fight. He imagined being able to cast more advanced spells faster or pouring more mana into a spell, making it more powerful without the usual increase in casting time.

    But then a thought suddenly tugged at him. He had originally planned before to dive into a tempering dungeon, and with that, he had less of an opportunity to test the ring.

    Thinking about the ring, he muttered to himself, ¡°A tempering dungeon could still have plenty of creatures to test the ring with¡­¡± His fingers reached out to the amulet lying on his desk, its silver gleam inviting. Slipping it over his head, he felt a quiet thrill as his mana stirred, a hum resonating deep within him, aligning with the amulet¡¯s presence.

    Closing his eyes, Avince concentrated on his ability, nudging it towards a tempering dungeon as he¡¯d learned to do. He recalled what he knew about tempering zones¡ªmana-rich environments where natural phenomena like waterfalls, mineral springs, and even dense atmospheric currents enhanced the body and refined abilities. His mind flickered with images of places he¡¯d studied: a waterfall that pummeled down with enough mana to rejuvenate and strengthen anyone under its torrent, a forest so saturated with mana that even the air felt alive, and a cavern lined with mana crystals that pulsed in rhythm with the heartbeat of the dungeon.

    Avince mentally cobbled these images together, crafting an ideal scene in his mind. He pushed his ability as far as it would go, channeling the full extent of his mana reserves into the spell. In a flash, his surroundings blurred, and he felt his consciousness lurch forward, as if diving into the depths of another reality.

    When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in a lush, sprawling forest, bathed in a gentle green glow. The air here was thick with mana, nearly visible in the way it seemed to waver in the air, and the whole place felt alive, as if each tree and leaf pulsed with energy. Taking a breath, he could already feel his body responding, as if drawing in strength from the surroundings.

    Avince tested his abilities, channeling a small surge of mana into his hand. The flow was swift and smoother than usual, and he realized with excitement that his intention had worked¡ªthis dungeon did indeed contain the elements he¡¯d envisioned, though not perfectly matched to his ideal. Scanning the forest, he noted several promising areas: a shimmering pool that looked like it might be a mana spring, a dense section of forest where the air was thick and felt heavy, and in the distance, the faint sound of rushing water.

    His excitement swelled. This dungeon had all the right spots for tempering, and he was eager to start. Just as he took a step towards the waterfall in the distance, a sudden voice pierced the air.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±

 Chapter 25

    Avince turned sharply toward the voice, his eyes narrowing as he searched for its source. Before him stood an imposing figure¡ªa tall, graceful woman with radiant golden eyes that seemed to pierce right through him, and long, lustrous hair that gleamed like strands of sunlight. But it was her ears that truly caught his attention, elegantly tapered and unmistakably marking her as an elf.

    ¡°An elf?¡± he murmured, a mixture of awe and confusion churning in his mind.

    The elf¡¯s gaze swept over him, narrowing with suspicion. ¡°This can¡¯t be possible. The entrance to this dungeon was sealed ages ago.¡± Her voice was like a sharpened blade, each word precise and laced with mistrust. Avince felt an invisible force seize him, binding him in place like chains woven from air.

    Instinctively, he struggled against the unseen hold, his muscles tensing as he tried to break free. The force only seemed to tighten in response.

    ¡°It¡¯s futile to resist,¡± the elf said, her tone calm yet carrying a weight of authority that suggested resistance was not only pointless but insulting.

    Realizing he was only wasting energy, Avince took a steadying breath. If he was going to get anywhere with her, he might as well be upfront. ¡°I... I came here using my ability,¡± he admitted, forcing his voice to stay level under the intensity of her gaze.

    Her eyebrow arched. ¡°Explain,¡± she commanded, the word heavy with expectation.

    Avince hesitated, feeling her stare probe deeper, almost as though she were reading his intentions as much as his words. Clearing his throat, he finally said, ¡°It¡¯s... an ability. I can enter dungeons with just my consciousness. I¡¯m not actually here. Not completely.¡±

    The elf¡¯s face remained inscrutable, yet her eyes gleamed with a spark of intrigue. She tilted her head, her gaze slipping over him as if considering an odd and unexpected twist in an otherwise predictable scenario. After a moment, her lips curved slightly, though her smile held no warmth.

    ¡°So,¡± she said slowly, each word drawn out with a hint of amusement, ¡°you have an ability to wander into places you cannot reach in body.¡± Her eyes narrowed, studying him as though he were a peculiar new variable in an otherwise simple equation. ¡°Only your consciousness?¡±

    Avince nodded, feeling the weight of her words and the curiosity in her expression. Her lips curved faintly, the barest hint of a smile as her interest sharpened.

    ¡°That would explain why you¡¯re in a dungeon like this,¡± she murmured, her tone thoughtful. ¡°One that should be impossible to enter¡­¡± Her gaze intensified, almost gleeful, as she leaned forward slightly, a hint of satisfaction slipping into her words. ¡°Or leave.¡±

    Avince¡¯s spine prickled. ¡°Impossible to leave?¡± he asked, his voice low but steady.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied coolly, her tone as unforgiving as stone. ¡°This dungeon... it is a prison.¡±

    He blinked, curiosity edging into apprehension. ¡°A prison? What... or who is it keeping here?¡±

    A wry smile played on her lips, as if the answer were obvious. ¡°Why, me, of course.¡±

    Avince frowned, trying to piece together the idea. ¡°Why would anyone want to imprison someone like you?¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Her eyes glinted, somewhere between amusement and bitterness. ¡°I chose the wrong side in a war,¡± she said quietly, her voice laced with a shadowed pride. ¡°And in this world, there are beings far more powerful than I. When you oppose such forces, this¡ª¡± she gestured to the dense forest around them, ¡°¡ªis the kind of eternity they grant you.¡±

    Avince felt an unexpected pang of sympathy. Whoever this elf was, she radiated a strength unlike anything he had ever encountered. Yet here she was, bound in a magical prison, locked away from the world.

    As though sensing his thoughts, the elf gave a slight nod. ¡°I am Althiel Solaris, a Sun Elf,¡± she said with a touch of pride. ¡°And that is all you need to know of my past.¡±

    ¡°Althiel,¡± he repeated, the name resonating with an almost tangible weight of power.

    Then a thought struck him, and he turned to her with a questioning look. ¡°How are we able to understand each other, anyway? Do we...speak the same language?¡±

    Althiel¡¯s expression softened, almost amused. ¡°No, we don¡¯t. I¡¯m using a spell that allows my intentions to be translated into words you can understand. And likewise, there¡¯s another spell that translates your intentions into words I can comprehend in my own language.¡±

    Her gaze then returned to him, studying him with fresh interest. ¡°Tell me, young human, what exactly brings you here? Why would you go into a dungeon like this?¡±

    Avince hesitated, feeling her curiosity cut through his defenses. But he chose his words carefully. ¡°I came here to¡­ temper myself. To train and grow stronger.¡±

    Althiel¡¯s lips quirked, faint amusement flitting across her face. ¡°And that would work, even though only your consciousness is here?¡±

    ¡°It does,¡± Avince replied, calm and certain. Refusing to reveal anything else

    She huffed, a flicker of curiosity in her gaze. ¡°Fine, keep your secrets,¡± she said, though her eyes lingered on him, her interest clearly not fading. After a moment, her expression shifted, something deeper seeming to surface. ¡°Tell me, then¡ªhow long has your world been... integrated?¡±

    Avince blinked, momentarily thrown off. ¡°Integrated? What does that mean?¡±

    Althiel sighed, a shadow of impatience slipping into her voice. ¡°You truly know nothing, do you?¡± She studied him intently, then rephrased, ¡°How long have these dungeons existed in your world? And when did your kind first awaken abilities?¡±

    Avince frowned, the odd phrasing of her question giving him pause. ¡°Dungeons started appearing... It''s been about a hundred years. Abilities started around then, too. Some people suddenly gained them, but most awakened later.¡±

    Althiel¡¯s face grew thoughtful, her gaze shifting as if she were lost in some distant memory. ¡°I see,¡± she murmured, more to herself than to him. ¡°So, you¡¯re still in your world¡¯s early stages. The integration is¡­ recent.¡± Her gaze returned to him, sharper now. ¡°Your people have only just begun to grasp the true nature of your world.¡±

    Avince¡¯s brow furrowed, frustration stirring in his chest. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    Althiel met his gaze, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes¡ªpity, perhaps, or amusement. ¡°It¡¯s too early for you to know,¡± she said, her tone softened by an odd, almost understanding finality. ¡°Your world will discover it in time, as all integrated worlds eventually do. For now, just focus on surviving.¡±

    She tilted her head, a faint curiosity lighting her eyes. ¡°So tell me, then,¡± she asked, skepticism creeping into her tone, ¡°how do you plan to leave this place? Does that little ability of yours grant an exit as easily as an entrance?¡±

    Avince shrugged, confident in his understanding. ¡°If my consciousness dies here, I¡¯ll just be pulled out,¡± he replied calmly.

    Her eyes glinted with curiosity, her intrigue intensifying. ¡°You¡¯re that certain? Willing to let your consciousness face death?¡±

    He met her gaze, unwavering. ¡°I know my ability. I¡¯ve entered and left dungeons before.

    She studied him a moment longer, intrigued. Her gaze lingered, and for a heartbeat, a thoughtful glimmer crossed her face. ¡°What if¡­¡± She paused, as though weighing an idea, then continued with a spark of interest, ¡°What if I were to train you myself?¡±

    Avince blinked, his mind reeling. ¡°Why would you want to do that?¡±

    A shadow flickered across her face, though her tone remained light. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m¡­ bored. And who knows? Perhaps one day you might be able to help me.¡±

    Avince couldn¡¯t tell if she was entirely serious, but the offer was tempting. Here stood an elf with a power beyond anything he¡¯d ever encountered, offering to teach him.

 Chapter 26

    Avince¡¯s POV

    The weight of Althiel¡¯s words pressed heavily on Avince¡¯s mind as he stood in the forest, trying to make sense of it all. An entire dungeon, a whole world, separate from our own? He replayed everything she¡¯d told him, piecing together clues that had been scattered in his mind since he¡¯d first awakened his ability.

    As far as I know, he thought, there¡¯s no dungeon on Earth that¡¯s supposed to contain a sealed elf¡ªlet alone one with powers like this. The possibilities were staggering, and his mind raced with theories he¡¯d previously dismissed as unlikely.

    One theory that had floated around in his head was that he was simply teleporting to various dungeons on Earth. Or that his mind was creating them somehow¡ªjust complex landscapes from his imagination shaped by his ability. And yet, here was something that shattered those assumptions. If my ability can actually reach other worlds, and dungeons really are connected like this¡­ he trailed off mentally, struggling to come to terms with the implications. The complications alone¡­ other worlds? Other beings that are also that powerful?

    He let the idea sink in, the enormity of it filling him with both fear and excitement. It was a lot to process, but a strange thrill coursed through him as well, the thrill of discovering just how far his ability might reach.

    ¡°So, your name¡¯s Avince? ¡± Althiel said, her voice steady as she gestured toward the vast landscape around them. ¡°This dungeon is vast, with landscapes and resources you may never get to experience anywhere else. But before we get started, I need to know the extent of your strength.¡± She waved a hand, and the forest around them shifted, the trees pulling back and the ground morphing into a wide, open area of soft forest dirt, leaves scattered across the ground.

    In a flash of golden light, a massive creature materialized before him. Avince¡¯s eyes widened as he took in the size of the summoned beast¡ªa hulking, muscular creature nearly as large as a bus, with fur gleaming like polished bronze and fierce amber eyes that locked onto him.

    Avince looked to Althiel. ¡°Is that¡­ your ability?¡±

    She raised a brow, a small, amused smile gracing her lips. ¡°Not quite. Unlike humans, we elves don¡¯t possess varied abilities. We¡¯re born with one innate power, though some of us are born stronger or weaker than others in our race.¡±

    He listened intently as she explained. ¡°Elves as a race hold an affinity with nature, with each clan in harmony with a particular element. Sun Elves, like myself, are also aligned with sun magic.¡±

    Althiel raised her arm, her eyes reflecting a flicker of golden light as she pointed toward the sky. ¡°See that sun above us? I made that.¡±

    Avince¡¯s jaw dropped, words momentarily failing him. She created that sun? He¡¯d sensed she was powerful, but to be able to create something like that, even if only in a dungeon, was beyond anything he¡¯d thought possible.

    ¡°Enough talking. Show me what you¡¯re capable of.¡±

    Avince nodded, feeling the tension in the air shift. He activated his storage ability, retrieving the mithril-coated ring with the rune he¡¯d crafted, and slid it onto his finger. The subtle thrill of the rune¡¯s power hummed through him, fortifying his confidence.

    A curious expression flickered across Althiel¡¯s face as she observed the ring materialize out of thin air. So, he has some manner of space magic? she thought, intrigued. There was no artifact on him before, yet here he stands with a ring appearing from nowhere. Perhaps it¡¯s also part of his ability¡­

    Avince didn¡¯t waste time. He quickly surveyed the battlefield, his mind already crafting a strategy. The bear before him was enormous, easily towering over him with muscles rippling beneath its thick fur. Judging by its sheer power and aura, he estimated it to be near the bottom of the C-tier¡ªa tough opponent for him, especially considering how he¡¯d struggled with opponents in this range before. But he hoped things would be different now. He had experience, and he was prepared.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    With a deep breath, he started the fight by channeling both water and earth magic, feeling the ring¡¯s channeling rune accelerating his control. He cast a spell to soften the ground beneath them, creating an uneven surface designed to slow the bear¡¯s charging speed. This move cost him a significant amount of mana, but the ring helped minimize the casting time, giving him just enough of a head start.

    The bear charged forward, roaring in frustration as it stumbled on the softened ground. Its immense weight worked against it, each step sinking slightly, causing it to lose balance. Avince seized the opportunity, using his mana to harden patches of ice under his own feet to stabilize himself as he repositioned, keeping out of the bear¡¯s direct path.

    But the fight was far from easy. The bear was relentless, and each misstep seemed to fuel its rage. As Avince tried to shift his position again, the bear lunged, swiping with its massive claw. He barely managed to dodge, the attack grazing his chest and tearing through his shirt. A searing pain flared, but he quickly propelled himself backward with a burst of wind magic, putting space between them.

    Close, he thought, feeling the sting. Too close.

    Avince¡¯s breath came in sharp bursts as he kept his distance from the bear, a hulking mass of fur and muscle that charged at him with relentless aggression. He knew he had to conserve his mana; every spell had to count, or he¡¯d be defenseless before the beast¡¯s next attack.

    The bear lunged, and he sidestepped just in time, the ground quaking from the impact of its massive paws. Avince unleashed a quick burst of mana to create a thin barrier, just enough to deflect the worst of the blow without draining his reserves. The bear roared in frustration, claws scraping at the earth as it scrambled to close the distance once more.

    Avince darted backward, keeping the bear at bay with minimal bursts of energy. He focused on kiting it around the clearing, dodging its swipes and strikes while allowing his own stamina to rebuild slightly. Every step and movement was measured, his mind racing as he searched for an opening.

    Occasionally, he struck out with swift but precise attacks¡ªenough to irritate and wound the bear, but not enough to exhaust him. A surge of mana reinforced in his hand as he slashed at the bear¡¯s side with a wind slash, leaving a shallow cut before retreating once again.

    Each exchange pushed Avince closer to his limit. His breaths grew heavier, and though the bear bled from several wounds, it seemed no less fierce, shaking off dirt and blood as if they were nothing more than minor irritants.

    As the bear charged again, Avince steadied himself, carefully biding his time. It took several more tense exchanges, each one testing his endurance as he dodged and observed, studying the bear¡¯s movements, its timing, the way it lunged with feral commitment. Gradually, he pushed it to commit more fully to its attacks, nudging it closer to recklessness.

    Finally, the opening he needed arrived. The bear lunged forward, its full weight thrown into a charge, too committed to stop. Avince¡¯s hand flicked, hardening the ground beneath its front paw just as it landed. The bear stumbled, its balance momentarily broken as it struggled against the sudden resistance.

    Without hesitation, Avince gathered the last of his mana, channeling heat and energy into a single, blazing lance of fire. He aimed for the bear¡¯s open maw, and with a final shout, released the spell, sending the fiery lance hurtling toward its mark.

    The spell struck true, a piercing lance of fire that shot directly into the bear¡¯s open maw, cutting off its final roar. In an instant, the massive creature froze, eyes wide with a fading light. Then, as if caught in a gentle breeze, its form began to break apart. Shards of mana splintered from its body, shimmering like fragments of glass, each piece aglow with a soft, ethereal light.

    Avince watched, his breath coming in heavy gasps, as the bear dissolved before him. The shards of mana drifted upward, swirling and shimmering in the air before floating back in a delicate stream toward Althiel. She watched them approach, an unreadable expression on her face, as the fragments merged into a cloud of iridescent dust that surrounded her, absorbed into her skin and clothing as if she were drawing in the beast¡¯s very essence.

    For a moment, the clearing was still. Avince, blood pounding in his ears, took in the sight of his vanquished opponent¡ªreduced now to a trail of light that vanished around the elven figure before him.

    As he turned to Althiel, a breathless laugh escaped him, his chest heaving with exhilaration and relief. ¡°You¡¯re full of lies,¡± he said, grinning through his exhaustion. ¡°You knew exactly how strong I was, you summoned an opponent you knew I could take down.¡±

    ¡°Lies? Me?¡± she replied, her voice light and mocking as a glint of mischief sparked in her golden eyes. She folded her arms, watching him with a faint, amused smile that only deepened his suspicion.

 Chapter 27

    After the battle, Avince was still catching his breath, his chest rising and falling with each strained inhale. The bruises and scratches from the encounter began to sting in the cooling air. A sense of pride and exhaustion mingled in his gaze¡ªa personal milestone, hard-won. He noticed Althiel observing him, the faintest hint of amusement curling on her lips.

    ¡°Passable,¡± she said at last, her tone light but her eyes sharp. ¡°Though you made quite a few... mistakes. I can point them out if you¡¯d like."

    The thrill of victory faded as he sensed an incoming critique, but he nodded, his grin diminishing only slightly. ¡°Go ahead."

    She stepped closer, moving with a graceful purpose, her golden eyes unwavering. ¡°First, you avoided being cornered, which was good. But there was a faster, more efficient approach you could¡¯ve taken. Had you softened the ground where you expected the bear to charge, you could¡¯ve trapped it with ease. Its size would have made getting back up nearly impossible."

    Avince frowned, surprised. ¡°I thought using the terrain to slow it down was enough."

    ¡°It did slow the bear,¡± Althiel replied, raising an eyebrow, ¡°but it didn¡¯t control it. By creating an obstacle instead of a trap, you prolonged the fight. Think of it as saving mana only to overspend later¡ªyou used more magic to dodge and reposition than if you¡¯d committed to that one decisive move."

    He absorbed this, realizing how much efficiency he¡¯d overlooked. She continued, ¡°You drained too much mana on temporary defenses and evading. You¡¯re strong, but without efficiency, you¡¯ll end up exhausted before you can even land a critical attack."

    He looked down, feeling the weight of her critique. ¡°I was trying to stay mobile."

    Her gaze turned almost condescending. ¡°Mobility is important, yes, but wasting mana on constant defenses leaves you vulnerable. You managed to land your fire lance, but luck played as much of a role as timing."

    Avince rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. ¡°So¡­ I could¡¯ve won quicker if I¡¯d been smarter?¡±

    ¡°Precisely,¡± she replied, her tone dismissive. ¡°Victory through brute strength alone will only carry you so far. Keep making these mistakes, and eventually, someone will exploit every single one."

    Avince took a deep breath, her words settling in. All his training had honed his power, but now he could see how much there was to refine.

    ¡°What else?¡± he asked, both eager and nervous.

    ¡°Your magic,¡± she replied sharply. ¡°You relied on familiar elements¡ªwater, earth, and wind¡ªbut didn¡¯t push beyond the predictable. Using wind to disorient the bear was effective, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Most creatures will adapt to repeated tricks. Imagine if you¡¯d frozen its limbs or destabilized it with ice spikes. Patterns make you vulnerable."

    Avince¡¯s eyes widened at her insight. ¡°So, I limited myself?¡±

    ¡°Precisely. Humans lack the raw strength of other species, but you do have adaptability. If you don¡¯t use it, you¡¯ll perish,¡± she warned, her tone grave. ¡°Maybe not here, in this dungeon with only your consciousness at risk, but in the real world? That¡¯s a different story."

    Her words struck him. He¡¯d focused so much on mastering his powers that he¡¯d overlooked his vulnerability. This dungeon gave him a safety net¡ªif he ¡®died¡¯ here, his consciousness would return to reality unharmed, thanks to the amulet. But in the real world, there would be no such assurance.

    His thoughts lingered on her words. Althiel wasn¡¯t merely offering advice; she was warning him.

    As they stood there, the silence between them grew, punctuated only by the gentle lapping of the pond¡¯s water against the shore. Avince felt a sense of trepidation, unsure of what to expect next.Stolen story; please report.

    Althiel¡¯s gaze never wavered. ¡°Now, let¡¯s address your physical state. You¡¯re exhausted, and those bruises won¡¯t heal themselves.¡± She gestured toward the pond. ¡°Bathe in the water. It¡¯s enchanted to restore mana and accelerate healing."

    Avince hesitated, unsure about removing his clothes. But Althiel¡¯s expectant gaze left little room for modesty.

    ¡°Do I really have to¡­ remove everything?¡± he asked, a faint blush creeping up his neck.

    Althiel raised an eyebrow, unyielding. ¡°Afraid of a bit of water, are you? This pond¡¯s effects work best with full exposure. Besides, I¡¯d rather not have your clothes polluting it."

    With a sigh, Avince muttered, ¡°Fine, whatever.¡± He carefully removed his clothes, keeping himself covered until he set them on a nearby rock. Taking a steadying breath, he waded into the water.

    The coolness was almost shocking, but as he moved deeper, it felt as though the water itself was reaching out, seeping through his skin, soothing his exhausted muscles. He let out a sigh, realizing how tense he¡¯d been holding himself.

    ¡°You feel it, don¡¯t you?¡± Althiel¡¯s voice came, low and knowing. ¡°This isn¡¯t ordinary water. It¡¯s enchanted to restore mana. Those with high attunement feel it instantly."

    Avince nodded, his eyes half-closed as he absorbed the pond¡¯s energy. It wasn¡¯t just washing away fatigue; it was touching his mana channels, rekindling something vital within him.

    After a pause, Althiel spoke again. ¡°Tell me, why did you come here so unprepared? You wore no armor or equipment, except for that ring."

    Startled, Avince opened his eyes. She looked calm, indifferent to his vulnerability. He hesitated, searching for an answer. ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t think I¡¯d need them. I don¡¯t use armor in academy sparring matches, and I¡¯ve only used equipment a handful of times in dungeons with my father¡­ that was ages ago.¡± He grimaced, feeling vulnerable. ¡°I guess I just¡­ didn¡¯t think of it."

    She sighed, crossing her arms. ¡°A common mistake, but one easily rectified. You¡¯re treading into dangerous territory, Avince. You¡¯ll need equipment¡ªdiscreet, tailored, allowing for movement without sacrificing protection.¡± Her golden eyes were serious. ¡°It may save your life one day."

    Avince nodded, mentally resolving to ask his parents for guidance. A long silence followed, broken only by the gentle ripple of the water.

    Curiosity simmered as he glanced back at Althiel, finally voicing a question he¡¯d held for a while.

    ¡°The soul¡­¡± he began, hesitant. ¡°Is it really¡­ a path to becoming stronger?¡±

    The elf¡¯s brow lifted slightly in surprise, her gaze penetrating as though she could see straight through him.

    The elf¡¯s brow lifted slightly in surprise, her gaze penetrating as though she could see straight through him. ¡°You surprise me, young one,¡± she said softly. ¡°The soul, as you call it, is indeed powerful¡­ but not in the way most would imagine.¡± She looked out over the water, almost as if remembering something distant. ¡°It holds immense potential, but it¡¯s also fragile. Direct damage often leads to lasting consequences.¡±

    Avince listened intently, captivated as her words unfolded.

    ¡°Few methods exist to temper the soul properly. Most damage causes a lingering effect¡ªa kind of corrosion. Even when it heals, it weakens the soul, like a wound that never fully vanishes,¡± she said, her voice softening yet heavy with warning. ¡°That¡¯s why most who wish to grow their souls seek it through other means, letting experiences shape it over time.¡±

    ¡°Like¡­ battles?¡± Avince asked.

    She nodded. ¡°Yes. Battles, struggles, moments that test the very core of your being¡ªthey can nourish and fortify the soul. Life-or-death encounters are particularly... potent in this way.¡± She tilted her head, an almost mischievous gleam in her eyes. ¡°But I doubt that¡¯s what you wanted to hear, is it?¡±

    Avince¡¯s silence said enough, and she offered a faint smile.

    ¡°If, for instance, you had a way of injuring the soul without this corrosion, it could be a direct path to unimaginable strength,¡± she added, her tone now almost teasing. ¡°A surefire way to the peak, as it were.¡±

    He said nothing, his gaze shifting to the water¡¯s surface as if it could hide the thoughts swirling in his mind. But his silence spoke louder than words, and Althiel, sharp as ever, caught on.

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Her voice held a knowing tone, a soft note of surprise but not shock. ¡°Your ability¡­ it allows you to do this, doesn¡¯t it?¡± She didn¡¯t phrase it as a question but as a truth, undeniable and clear.

    Before Avince could respond, she continued, ¡°Let me guess: when your consciousness dies in a dungeon, it damages your soul, which your body and mana then heals.¡±

    Avince¡¯s heart skipped a beat, a flush rising to his face. For a moment, he thought of denying it, but somehow he knew it would be futile. Finally, he nodded, confirming the truth without a word.

 Chapter 28

    The elf¡¯s gaze never wavered, studying Avince with curiosity . Finally, a small smile crossed her lips as she broke the silence. ¡°Why do you look like you just revealed something you shouldn¡¯t have?¡± she asked, arching a brow with an almost playful glint in her eyes. ¡°Although¡­ I must admit, having a way to train your soul is truly powerful. But tell me, have you considered the vastness of the resources at your disposal? You can access dungeons tailored to your needs. That ability alone is incomparable. Your power to train the soul could not hold a candle to that.

    A strange feeling settled over Avince, a sudden, unnerving realization. He¡¯d been too candid¡ªtoo trusting¡ªand it had somehow slipped out. She¡¯d deduced more than he intended, and with an effortless insight that made him feel almost exposed. For a heartbeat, he hesitated, wondering if he should pull back, guard his words. But the elf¡¯s serene confidence held him in place, making him feel both at ease and entirely vulnerable.

    ¡°You mean¡­ the ability to train my soul isn¡¯t as valuable as¡­¡± He trailed off, mentally retracing her words. His brow furrowed as he tried to piece together what she was implying. ¡°Who told you I could access specific dungeons?¡± His voice sounded more defensive than he¡¯d intended.

    The elf chuckled softly, the sound carrying a hint of amusement. ¡°Who told me?¡± She gave him a knowing look, as though the answer should have been obvious. ¡°Avince, you practically handed me that information on a silver platter. You decided to temper yourself and somehow found your way to the one place that best suits your needs, perhaps in the whole universe, purely by chance? This forest isn¡¯t exactly a typical dungeon ground, you know.¡±

    Avince¡¯s shoulders tensed as he realized how easily she had uncovered his secrets, one by one, effortlessly piecing together details he¡¯d hoped to keep to himself. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to reveal so much,¡± he murmured, half to himself.

    Her expression softened, but there was still a glint of humor in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re young. Secrets are not always easy to keep, especially ones that carry as much weight as yours.¡± She paused, glancing around the forest as if assessing its every shadow. ¡°Now, tell me honestly, Avince¡ªwhat¡¯s the extent of this ability of yours?¡±

    He hesitated, but there was a certain inevitability to it now. The elf had already discovered so much; he might as well answer. ¡°I can¡­ sort of nudge my ability in the direction I want it to go,¡± he admitted, watching her expression for a reaction. ¡°Sometimes I focus on a specific type of monster or places, and if I pour enough mana into it, I can reach a place that helps me achieve that goal.¡±

    Her gaze sharpened, her interest clearly piqued. ¡°So, you have control over it. Better than I¡¯d imagined,¡± she murmured, almost to herself.

    ¡°Not always,¡± he clarified, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his tone. ¡°Some of my first tries went badly. I ended up in places that¡­ weren¡¯t exactly what I intended.¡± He glanced down, an old memory of a near-fatal encounter flashing in his mind. ¡°But I learned eventually, I think..¡±

    The elf nodded. ¡°Those mistakes are quite common when exploring unknown abilities, especially one as unique as yours,¡± she said thoughtfully. ¡°But, Avince, do you truly understand the potential of what you hold?¡± She studied him intently, as though searching for a spark of recognition in his eyes.

    He met her gaze, feeling both intrigued and a bit lost. ¡°You keep saying that. Why is my ability to access dungeons so valuable? Isn¡¯t training the soul just as important? I mean, I still have to be strong in the first place to gather any resources from those dungeons, right? And it¡¯s not like there aren¡¯t dungeons around in the world already.¡±

    At this, the elf let out a hearty laugh, rich with both amusement and pity. ¡°Ah, how clueless you are.¡± She shook her head, her smile tinged with the same mixture of amusement and warning. ¡°Let me enlighten you, Avince. Even if we put aside the fact that your consciousness is what enters these dungeons, meaning you can¡¯t truly die, there¡¯s more to it.  Dungeons are unpredictable, and that¡¯s only part of the issue.¡±

    Her expression grew more serious, her gaze piercing. "The best dungeons¡ªthose rich with resources and treasures¡ªare almost always claimed by powerful entities. High-ranking organizations or wealthy clans stake their claim on these dungeons, and any loot gathered is typically split among teams and heavily taxed by the owner. You wouldn¡¯t have the freedom to keep much for yourself, not without facing serious consequences.¡±

    A realization dawned on him as he recalled what his parents had told him about the Alliance¡¯s control over dungeon rewards. Despite risking their lives, they had only received a steady salary and the occasional bonus, though the benefits were quite good.

    The elf¡¯s voice lowered, drawing him back to the conversation. ¡°Think about it,¡± she said, her gaze sharp. ¡°With your ability, you not only have the freedom to choose dungeons tailored to your needs, but you also get to keep everything you find. All those resources, unclaimed and fully yours, if you¡¯re strong enough to claim them.¡±

    There was a pause as Avince mulled over her words, the weight of her statement settling in. His thoughts were interrupted as the elf¡¯s voice broke the silence once more, softer but unwavering. ¡°We can help each other,¡± she said, an undercurrent of calm assurance in her tone.

    Avince¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Help each other?¡± he asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. ¡°How?¡±

    The elf tilted her head slightly, eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and wisdom. ¡°While you may be weak for now,¡± she began, stepping closer, her words resonating in the quiet space around them, ¡°I can help you grow stronger. In exchange, when the time comes, you¡¯ll help me gather the materials I need for a ritual.¡±Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    Avince¡¯s skepticism grew as he crossed his arms. ¡°A ritual? What kind of ritual? And how exactly do you expect me to help someone as strong as you?¡±

    The elf gave him a knowing look, her expression unchanging. ¡°You¡¯re right to be cautious. But for now, you¡¯re too weak to be of any use to me. However, if you help me gather these materials later on, I¡¯ll be able to slowly weaken and destabilize the dungeon core. In time, I¡¯ll be able to destroy it without alerting those who imprisoned me.¡±

    Avince stood still, his thoughts swirling, the weight of the elf¡¯s words settling in. Despite his doubts and the strange sense of unease, something in him couldn¡¯t deny the allure of her offer.

    He took a deep breath, his mind racing through every possibility. What did he have to lose? The elf was already trapped here; what could she do if he didn¡¯t help her? And her promise of power was too tempting to ignore.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to lose,¡± Avince muttered, more to himself than to the elf. He looked up, meeting her gaze with a mix of hesitation and resolve. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    Without warning, the elf¡¯s demeanor shifted. She extended a hand toward him, her eyes gleaming with an ancient, powerful light. Avince blinked, startled by the sudden change, and before he could react, she spoke again.

    ¡°I, Althiel Solaris, daughter of the sun itself and former leader of the Sun Elves, pledge upon my soul that I will help this child unlock his full potential and grant him strengths beyond his imagination. In exchange, he will help me gather the materials required for the ritual to weaken the dungeon core in which I am imprisoned.¡±

    Avince, surprised and awed by the elf, stated, ¡°I accept!¡±

    Avince felt a surge of energy, a strange warmth flooding his chest. His thoughts swirled as the ritual completed, their souls marking the oath, intertwining in ways he couldn¡¯t fully comprehend.

    The elf stepped back, her expression serene as the ritual came to an end. But as the magic died down, Avince felt something shift in his mind. It was subtle at first, like a whisper in the back of his thoughts. But then, the clarity hit him.

    He gasped, his breath coming in sharp, startled breaths. ¡°You tricked me!¡± His voice was filled with outrage as he pulled his hand back, realizing what had just happened.

    The elf didn¡¯t flinch. She merely regarded him with the same calm demeanor as before. ¡°You¡¯re upset?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I would think you¡¯d be grateful.¡±

    Avince¡¯s face flushed with anger, his heart pounding in his chest. ¡°Grateful? You manipulated me!¡± he shouted, his fists clenching at his sides. ¡°You cast some kind of charm on me, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    The elf simply stared at him, her expression unreadable. ¡°Yes,¡± she said, unfazed. ¡°I did.¡±

    Avince¡¯s anger surged. ¡°When?¡±

    ¡°The moment I sensed someone else was in the dungeon,¡± the elf answered, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

    He froze, realization dawning on him. She¡¯d known from the start. She¡¯d been controlling his thoughts, manipulating him without him even realizing it. His trust had been broken, and the sting of it hit him hard. He also realized why he had been so eager to reveal information about his ability¡ªit hadn¡¯t been his own choice.

    ¡°You tricked me all along,¡± he muttered, stepping away, his mind reeling with anger and disbelief.

    The elf remained calm, unmoving. ¡°Calm down,¡± she said. ¡°The charm was only there to make it easier for me to convince you. It wasn¡¯t meant to control you completely. You¡¯re still in control of your actions. The ritual itself is a mutual agreement, Avince. It¡¯s for both our benefits.

    Avince¡¯s anger was still boiling, but he couldn¡¯t help but feel the truth in her words. Slowly, his mind began to clear, the haze of manipulation lifting. It wasn¡¯t as bad as he had thought, but the feeling of being deceived still left a bitter taste in his mouth.

    ¡°Why should I trust you now?¡± he demanded, his voice quieter, but still edged with distrust.

    The elf met his gaze, her eyes steady. ¡°Because you don¡¯t have a choice. You agreed to this. And I didn¡¯t lie about the benefits, Avince. I can help you become stronger than you ever imagined. But I need your help to do it.¡±

    Avince took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. He needed to think this through, to analyze the situation logically. The elf had her own motives, but her offer was tempting. She could help him grow, help him reach the strength he needed.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said finally, his voice quieter now. ¡°I¡¯ll help you. But I want to know exactly what this ritual means, and what you need from me.¡±

    The elf nodded, her expression serious. ¡°This ritual will bind our souls together. I cannot do anything that would harm your growth, and likewise, you¡¯ll need to gather materials for me. You should be thankful, as I willingly took the short end of the stick with this agreement. Some of the materials I¡¯ll need can only be obtained when you are stronger than me. That means I must fulfill my end of the bargain first, or I won¡¯t be able to get what I need either.¡±

    Avince nodded slowly, the weight of her words settling in..

    But there was still one thing nagging at him.

    ¡°Before we go any further,¡± Avince said, ¡°I¡¯m unsure whether I¡¯ll be able to go back into this dungeon using my ability.¡±

    The elf¡¯s expression remained unchanged. ¡°Now that our souls are connected, it will actually be easier for you to nudge your ability within this dungeon. The bond will guide you, and you should be able to return whenever you wish.¡±

    Avince wasn¡¯t entirely convinced, but the elf¡¯s words were enough for now. He had no way of knowing it would work, but right now, he had to take her word for it.

    His thoughts churned, but there was little more to be said. The ritual had been done, and he had no choice now. He turned away, trying to steady his mind. The frustration still simmered beneath his skin, but he pushed it down for now.

    He gathered his clothes from the rocks and wore them, his movements quick and purposeful. ¡°I have to go now,¡± he muttered, ignoring the elf¡¯s gaze as he dressed swiftly. ¡°I¡¯ve been here long enough.¡±

    A thought lingered in his mind as he prepared to leave. He turned back to the elf, hesitating. ¡°I need a way back to my body,¡± he said, the weight of his request clear in his voice. ¡°Can you...kill me?

    The elf studied him, her expression unreadable. ¡°Yes,¡±

    As the word left the elf¡¯s mouth, everything around him dimmed, the elf¡¯s face and the forest fading into a deep, endless black.

 Chapter 29

    Avince¡¯s consciousness slowly drifted back to his body. The lingering sensations of the dungeon faded like a half-remembered dream. His mind had barely registered the change when he became aware of the steady rise and fall of his chest, the weight of his limbs against his bed. He blinked into the darkness of his room, confused. Something didn¡¯t feel right.

    His thoughts scrambled to find clarity. The last thing he remembered was asking the elf to kill him in the dungeon. Yet, here he was, lying in his own bed. He glanced at the clock on his nightstand. It was 3 AM.

    Three in the morning?

    He stared at the ceiling for a moment, unable to shake off the disorienting sensation of his mind still lingering in the dungeon. He sat up, looking around his room. It felt wrong. He should have been tired after spending hours in the dungeon, but strangely enough, he didn¡¯t feel exhausted. In fact, he felt... strangely awake.

    Avince rubbed his temples, trying to gather his thoughts. Maybe it was because of the pond? The water there had been soothing, healing¡ªmore than he could understand. Perhaps it was the healing effect of the pond that kept his body from feeling weary from the fight with the bear.

    I should try to sleep, he thought, but as he closed his eyes, his mind replayed the events in the dungeon, Althiel''s words, and the soul-binding ritual. The memory of her manipulation of his mind still lingered, leaving a bitter taste.

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Morning light filtered through the windows as Avince entered the kitchen, where his family was already gathered. In the end he didn''t manage to sleep a wink.

    His father, Erwin, sat at the head of the table, flipping through a booklet. Ashna was pouring tea into delicate cups, while Amyra, always eager for the day to begin, was already halfway through her breakfast.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Avince greeted them, taking a seat.

    ¡°Morning, kid,¡± Erwin said without looking up. ¡°You¡¯re up early.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± Avince muttered, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Again.¡±

    Ashna placed a cup of tea in front of him, her eyes softening with concern. ¡°Is this about your abilities?¡±

    Avince nodded, lifting the cup to his lips. ¡°Yeah. And... about your trip to the clan. I just remembered I need equipment now and was wondering what kind of gear I¡¯ll need, now that I have my abilities. I don¡¯t exactly know what would be useful.¡±

    "I know someone who can craft tailored gear," Erwin said. "I''ll ask when they''re available, then I''ll bring you to meet them."

    Avince¡¯s interest piqued at the mention of someone who could craft tailored gear. ¡°Really? You think they can make something for me at my level?¡±

    Erwin gave a short nod. ¡°I don¡¯t see why not. They¡¯ve worked on gear for a variety of uses. In your case, you¡¯ll just need something light and defensive, and I¡¯m guessing you¡¯ll want it to be topped by your daily clothes, so comfort is a must.¡±

    The discussion ended as Avince prepared to leave for school alone, Amyra skipping her class to follow their parents to get materials for the dragon egg.

    When he arrived at school, the usual bustle of students filled the halls. It felt somewhat normal, but the strange events of the night before still lingered in the back of his mind. Erica caught sight of him as soon as he stepped into the classroom.

    ¡°Avince! You look like you didn¡¯t get enough sleep again,¡± she said, eyes wide with concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he assured her, but there was an edge to his voice that he hadn¡¯t intended.

    Erica raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t press the issue. ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said with a forced smile. ¡°Just... didn¡¯t sleep much again, that¡¯s all.¡±

    As the school day wore on, the usual chatter and lessons passed by in a blur. But then, Professor Carlson made an announcement that drew Avince¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Attention, students,¡± the professor called, his sharp voice cutting through the noise. ¡°There will be an exam at the end of the week. Make sure you¡¯re prepared.¡±

    Avince didn¡¯t flinch at the announcement. He wasn¡¯t worried about the exam. It wasn¡¯t the most pressing thing on his mind. But then, as the professor continued talking, he added something that made Avince sit up straight.

    ¡°And just so you¡¯re aware, next week we¡¯ll also be holding a dungeon run practice,¡± Carlson announced, a slight smile tugging at his lips. ¡°It¡¯ll be an opportunity to test your abilities in a controlled environment. More details will follow soon.¡±

    As the class wrapped up and students began gathering their things, Avince turned to Erica, a curious thought crossing his mind.

    "Hey, Erica, have you started studying for the exams?" he asked, leaning casually against his desk.

    Erica glanced up from the book she was flipping through, rolling her eyes. "Barely. But to be honest, I''m more worried about the dungeon run practice next week."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Avince grinned, feeling a spark of excitement. "I''m actually looking forward to it."

    Erica raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Really? Weren''t you the one complaining about extra practice sessions last month?"

    "That was different," Avince shot back, chuckling. "Back then, it was just boring mana drills and theory. This time, we actually get to do something real. Plus..." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I can finally see how much I''ve improved after gaining my ability."

    Her teasing expression softened as she tilted her head slightly. "I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do just fine, Avince.

    After the day ended and the campus emptied, he returned home to find the house empty and then he made his way to his room.

    Avince¡¯s mind lingered on the events of the previous day, the frustration with Althiel still gnawing at him. He couldn''t quite shake the image of her ¡ª her cold, emotionless demeanor as if what she did was only natural. The elf charming him had managed to get under his skin, even if if she tried to justify it. Yet, curiosity got the better of him. ¡°Might as well check if she¡¯s right about my abilities finding her easier with our soul linked.

    He grabbed the pendant from his desk, the smooth, cold metal familiar in his fingers. With a deep breath, he focused on the link between their souls, nudging his ability with a quiet thought.

    As the sensation of displacement hit him, he felt his consciousness being pulled once again to the familiar dungeon realm.

    The familiar surroundings of the dungeon materialized around him, hazy and shifting. He barely registered the weight of his physical body as his presence coalesced fully in the world. And there, waiting for him at the edge of the stone pathway, stood Althiel. Her silhouette was stark against the cascade of water behind her, eyes glowing with a quiet intensity that made Avince¡¯s irritation flare once again.

    "Welcome back," she said, her voice seemingly pleasing, but it sent a ripple of annoyance through him nonetheless.

    Avince couldn¡¯t suppress the edge in his voice. "Let¡¯s just get this over with. What¡¯s the plan?"

    Althiel¡¯s gaze never wavered, piercing him with an intensity that felt almost physical. It was like she could see right through him, despite the annoyance he tried to mask. She didn¡¯t even flinch at his tone. "We should start with your training. Follow me."

    He wasn¡¯t sure if it was the sheer irritation or the haunting calm in her voice, but the words seemed to leave no room for argument. She turned on her heel and walked ahead, her steps sure and fluid, leading him through the twisting paths of the dungeon.

    Soon, they reached their destination: a vast cavern with a massive waterfall cascading down from a jagged cliff. The roar of the water was deafening, yet somehow, it felt like the silence between them was heavier. Althiel halted at the edge, her back to him now, facing the water¡¯s rush with unyielding focus.

    ¡°This is an ideal spot to temper your body,¡± she explained, voice echoing faintly in the cavern.

    Avince raised an eyebrow, skepticism dripping from his voice. ¡°You¡¯re not trying to kill me, are you?¡±

    Althiel¡¯s gaze remained unwavering. "You can''t die here.". Her eyes gleamed with an intensity that told Avince she wasn¡¯t asking, nor was she indulging his hesitation.

    He snorted, crossing his arms as he stared at the violent rush of water. ¡°Well, I suppose that takes the fun out of it, then.¡± He could feel the weight of her silence. She wasn¡¯t even pretending to acknowledge his attempt at humor.

    ¡°You can¡¯t die here,¡± she repeated, her tone serious, and yet there was a strange finality to it, almost like she was stating something obvious

    Avince sighed dramatically, shaking his head. ¡°You can¡¯t take a joke, can you?¡±

    As he turned to the waterfall beside them, he noted its intensity¡ªit was far more powerful than the tempering waterfall he''d learned back in his world. The force of the water crashing down was almost otherworldly, a constant, thunderous roar that sent vibrations through the ground beneath him.

    "I''ll weaken the water pressure. Proceed," she said, ignoring him, her voice carrying no room for refusal as she used some sort of magic to weaken the flow of the water .

    Avince stepped forward, carefully positioning himself beneath the powerful stream. The moment the water hit him, he winced as the pressure crashed down on him like a thousand stone hammers. His teeth ground together as his muscles screamed, the cold water soaking through him in an instant. For a brief moment, his vision blurred with pain, the force of the water overwhelming him, but he gritted his teeth and refused to yield.

    "This is your idea of training?" he called out over the deafening roar of the falls. "Aren¡¯t you just trying to drown me?" Avince said jokingly

    The water was relentless, and the coldness began to seep into his bones, but Althiel remained silent, watching him from the edge. The water pressed against his body with bruising force, each second a war against the growing pain in his limbs. Every inch of him screamed for relief, but he stayed firm, leaning into the torrent.

    His muscles burned, but he could already feel the subtle shift, like a new strength spreading from his core. The hours blended together into a disorienting haze, with the pounding of the water echoing in his skull, the strength of it molding his body in ways he couldn¡¯t quite explain. Time seemed to stretch, the minutes melting into one long, painful second.

    Just as he was about to buckle under the pressure, he felt a sudden force tug him back. The water¡¯s pressure eased up, and Althiel¡¯s voice cut through the fog of exhaustion.

    ¡°Enough,¡± she said, her tone as calm as ever. ¡°Your body has taken enough damage. Go to the pond and heal.¡±

    Avince barely had time to react before he was pulled back from the waterfall¡¯s edge, his mind still reeling from the intensity of the experience. His body ached, bruised from the unrelenting force, but even through the pain, there was a strange sense of fulfillment. It wasn¡¯t just the physical punishment that had him reeling¡ªit was the way his body was slowly but surely being reshaped. He could feel something within him shifting, building, and it was more than just muscle.

    After healing in the pond, the elf led him back to the cavern and the training continued relentlessly, with Avince pushing himself against the unyielding torrent of the waterfall under Althiel¡¯s watchful gaze. Each time he managed to steady himself, the water seemed to press harder, testing every ounce of his stamina and resolve. Bruises formed along his arms and shoulders, his muscles strained to their limits, and his vision began to blur with fatigue.

    This continued until Althiel called out from the side, her voice clear despite the roar of the water. ¡°That¡¯s enough for today.¡±

    "Finally," he muttered through gritted teeth, the exhaustion finally catching up with him. ¡°I¡¯m done for now.¡±

    Althiel¡¯s gaze flickered over him, her expression still unreadable. ¡°Return again tomorrow.¡±

    As his consciousness shifted back to his body, the familiar feeling of being anchored to his physical form flooded his senses. But something was different now. The exhaustion that hit him wasn¡¯t just a side effect of the training¡ªit was deeper, as if the whole experience had drained something from him. The healing from the pond wasn¡¯t enough to fully alleviate it.

    He stumbled to his bed, the weight of fatigue dragging him down. His body felt like lead, and despite the healing from the pond, he was still worn out from the intense training. Before he could even try to shake off the lingering exhaustion, his eyelids grew heavy. Within moments, darkness overtook him, and he fell asleep.

 Chapter 30

    The days leading up to Friday passed in a relentless, disciplined blur for Avince. His routine had become a finely tuned rhythm: mornings filled with rigorous academic classes, afternoons spent tackling assignments, and evenings dedicated to Althiel¡¯s grueling training sessions.

    The elf¡¯s methods were as precise as they were punishing. Beneath the roaring cascade of the dungeon''s waterfall, Avince faced trials meant to test not just his physical endurance but his mental resolve. The water crashed onto his shoulders like a constant hammer, forcing his muscles to adapt and his mind to focus. Despite the bruises that painted his skin and the dull ache that accompanied every movement, he refused to falter. Each drop of water felt like another piece of the foundation he was building for his future.

    Althiel, though sparing with her words, had begun offering subtle nods of approval during their sessions. Though often unreadable, her occasional smirk suggested that she was pleased with his progress. ¡°Your soul is responding quite well with this training,¡± she remarked one evening, her voice as steady as the flow of the waterfall. ¡°But do not confuse progress with mastery. The path you walk requires more than strength¡ªit demands control.¡±

    Control? It was a word that lingered in Avince¡¯s mind throughout the week, echoing in his thoughts as he juggled his schoolwork and training. The balance he sought between the two worlds felt precarious at times, but he had no intention of letting either slip.

    <hr>

    Friday arrived with an air of nervous energy as the academy¡¯s midterm exams loomed. The testing hall was a grand space, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of runes and constellations. Rows of desks stretched across the room, each one equipped with mana-infused quills and parchment that shimmered faintly in the sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows.

    Avince took his seat, feeling the weight of both anticipation and preparation. The academy¡¯s exams were known for their unique format: instead of relying solely on rote memorization or practical demonstrations, the questions were essay-based, designed to test students¡¯ understanding and critical thinking.

    The first prompt appeared on the enchanted parchment before him, the ink forming words as if guided by an invisible hand:

    ¡°Describe the role of mana channels in sustaining magical ecosystems, citing at least three historical examples of their collapse and the resulting consequences.¡±

    Avince frowned in concentration, recalling lessons from Professor Carlson¡¯s lectures. He began writing, his quill gliding smoothly across the page. As he worked, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder how the professors managed to grade each essay. The sheer volume of responses must have been overwhelming. ¡°Maybe they use enchanted grading artifacts,¡± he mused internally, imagining glowing crystals or runes sorting through the parchments for keywords and logic. It was either that or all the professors were somehow superhuman to grade all of these themselves.

    The hours passed quickly as one complex question followed another. Some required analyzing mana theory, while others delved into ethics, combat strategy, and historical case studies. By the time the final prompt faded from his parchment, Avince felt drained but oddly satisfied. He had given each question his best effort, and a faint glimmer of confidence stirred within him.

    <hr>

    As the students filed out of the hall, Professor Carlson stood near the exit, addressing the crowd with his usual commanding presence. ¡°Your dungeon practice is scheduled for next Wednesday,¡± he announced, his voice carrying easily over the chatter. ¡°There will be no classes on Monday or Tuesday. Use this time to prepare yourselves.¡±

    The declaration sparked a ripple of murmurs among the students. Carlson raised a hand, silencing them before continuing. ¡°The practice dungeon is an academy-owned Mega Dungeon, capable of accommodating multiple groups simultaneously. You will be partnered with four other first-year students from different classes, forming teams of five. Each team will be guided by a fourth-year student.¡±

    Avince¡¯s curiosity was piqued. Mega Dungeons were rare and often shrouded in mystery. Carlson¡¯s explanation only deepened his intrigue. ¡°The dungeon features progressive enemies,¡± the professor explained, his tone measured. ¡°The further you venture, the stronger the foes become. Your goal is to push as far as possible before your guide intervenes. This exercise is not just about individual skill but also teamwork and adaptability.¡±

    The details sent a thrill through Avince. The thought of testing his abilities in a Mega Dungeon filled him with anticipation, though a hint of nerves lingered. He would need to prepare thoroughly if he hoped to succeed.

    As Carlson dismissed the students, Avince couldn¡¯t help but reflect on the timing. No classes for several days? It was undoubtedly an opportunity for students to prepare themselves, but part of him suspected it was also an excuse for the professors to focus on grading the mountain of essays from the exams. He smirked at the thought, imagining Carlson pouring over parchments with the aid of some grading artifact.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    <hr>

    That evening, over dinner, Avince shared his thoughts with Erwin, who listened attentively. The dining room was warm and filled with the comforting aroma of roasted vegetables and spiced stew, a contrast to the chill of the dungeon¡¯s waterfall that still lingered in Avince¡¯s memory.

    ¡°I managed to schedule a meeting with the crafter,¡± Erwin said, breaking the silence. ¡°It¡¯s set for a week from now.¡± He paused, a note of regret creeping into his voice. ¡°Unfortunately, it doesn¡¯t align with your dungeon practice.¡±

    Avince frowned slightly but nodded in understanding. ¡°It¡¯s bad timing, but it can¡¯t be helped,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll make do with what I have for now.¡±

    Erwin¡¯s expression softened, his gaze thoughtful. ¡°You¡¯ve been working hard, Avince. Even without new equipment, I have no doubt you¡¯ll perform well.¡±

    The conversation shifted as Erwin shared news from the clan. ¡°Amyra and Ashna will be returning home tomorrow,¡± he said, his tone brightening. ¡°The egg is almost ready to hatch, and the clan elders, as well as the matriarch of the clan are ecstatic. They¡¯ve decided to fully sponsor the hatching of the egg¡±

    Avince¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s amazing news! How¡¯s the bond between Amyra and the dragon egg coming along?¡±

    Erwin nodded, pride evident in his expression. ¡°The connection is only getting stronger. Amyra¡¯s ability allows her to sense and nurture the dragon¡¯s aura even while it¡¯s still in the egg. Once it hatches, their bond will only grow stronger.¡±

    The rest of the evening passed quietly, and on Saturday, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Amyra and Ashna arrived home. The air seemed to buzz with energy as they stepped into the house, their presence filling the space with a palpable sense of excitement.

    Amyra greeted Avince with a grin, her confidence shining through. ¡°You¡¯ve been busy, huh?¡± she teased, giving him light shoulder pats.

    Avince swatted her hand away, but he couldn¡¯t hide his smile. ¡°You¡¯re one to talk. You¡¯ve been off bonding with an ice dragon.¡±

    Amyra laughed, her eyes sparkling. ¡°It¡¯s not as easy as it sounds. The elders have been watching my every move. But it¡¯ll all be worth it when I bring the dragon home.¡±

    Avince raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his face. ¡°Bring it home? You already have it in your Beast Space, don¡¯t you? Let¡¯s see it.¡±

    Amyra grinned, her pride evident. ¡°Fine. But don¡¯t touch it¡ªit¡¯s still adjusting.¡± She extended her hand, a faint icy mist swirling around her fingers. With a flash of pale light, the infant ice dragon appeared before them, its small, translucent form shimmering like freshly fallen snow. It blinked sleepily, its icy blue eyes glancing around before letting out a soft chirp.

    Avince crouched down, his face lighting up. ¡°It¡¯s adorable,¡± he said, his tone full of wonder. He reached out cautiously, and to Amyra¡¯s surprise, the dragon leaned into his touch, letting out a contented trill.

    Amyra crossed her arms, mock annoyance in her voice. ¡°Hey! Where¡¯s the proud little beast that glared at the elders like it ruled the clan? Now you¡¯re acting all cuddly?¡±

    The dragon blinked at her, tilting its head innocently before nuzzling Avince¡¯s hand again. Avince chuckled, scratching under its chin. ¡°Looks like someone has a soft side.¡±

    Amyra huffed, though a smile crept onto her face. ¡°Traitor,¡± she muttered at the dragon, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯d better not let them see this. They¡¯d never believe me if I told them how fierce you were before.¡±

    The dragon chirped softly, then curled up beside Avince, its icy breath forming faint frost patterns on the ground. Amyra sighed, pretending to be exasperated. ¡°Great. Now it¡¯s smitten with you. You¡¯d better not steal my bond, brother.¡±

    Avince laughed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It knows where it belongs. But you have to admit, it¡¯s impossible not to like this little guy.¡±

    The family spent the evening catching up, their conversations weaving between the past and the future. As they spoke, Avince felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead no longer felt insurmountable; they were simply steps on a path he was determined to walk.

    <hr>

    The weekend passed in a flurry of preparation. Avince reviewed his notes from the battle classes, practiced his mana control exercises, and devised strategies for the upcoming dungeon run. Each night, he used his ability to return to the dungeon and train with Althiel. Under her unyielding gaze, he braved the punishing waterfall, pushing his endurance and refining his focus. The relentless training left his muscles aching and his mind sharper, the lessons sinking deeper with every grueling session.

    Despite the weight of anticipation, the days moved swiftly. By Tuesday evening, Avince stood at the edge of the forest of the dungeon, the familiar sound of the waterfall echoing in his ears. Althiel emerged from the shadows, her expression unreadable as always.

    ¡°You¡¯ve made progress,¡± she said, her voice as steady as the flow of the water. ¡°But the true test lies ahead. Remember, strength is nothing without control. Use what you¡¯ve gained wisely.¡±

    Avince nodded, her words resonating with him. As he stepped into the torrent of water, the weight of the coming days pressed against him. Yet, beneath that pressure, he felt a spark of determination¡ªa promise to himself that he would rise to the challenge, no matter what lay ahead.

    Just as he was about to leave, Althiel hesitated, her usual calm expression flickering with a momentary shadow of concern. ¡°Avince,¡± she said, drawing his attention. ¡°There¡¯s¡­ a bit of an issue with the training. It¡¯s not urgent, and it shouldn¡¯t interfere with your current progress. But we¡¯ll need to discuss it when you come back.¡±

    Avince tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his eyes. ¡°An issue? What kind of issue?¡±

    Althiel waved a hand dismissively, her composure quickly returning. ¡°Nothing that should trouble you now. Focus on the task at hand, and we¡¯ll address it when the time comes.¡±

    Though her words were meant to reassure, Avince couldn¡¯t ignore the faint unease lingering in her tone. Still, he gave a firm nod, deciding to trust her judgment. Whatever the issue was, he would deal with it in due time.

 Archives- Special Chapter 3

    70 years after the integration¡­

    The Crimson Clan¡¯s inner council gathered in a grand chamber adorned with ancient tapestries, each telling a story of their people¡¯s survival. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding as the clan''s members awaited the patriarch''s arrival.

    Alekseyevich Petrov, the aging patriarch, entered the room with his usual commanding presence. His long dark hair, streaked with gray, flowed behind him like a shadow as he took his seat at the head of the table. He was flanked by several elder members, their faces weary but resolute. The weight of the clan¡¯s survival was on their shoulders.

    ¡°The time has come,¡± Alekseyevich began, his deep voice carrying authority. ¡°Our people have lived in the shadows long enough. It is time to reveal our true nature to the world, but we must do so carefully, cautiously. We must ensure that no harm befalls us in the process.¡±

    A murmur spread through the room. The Crimson Clan had long been known for its mysterious ways, its wealth, and its unwavering commitment to survival. But few knew the truth. They were vampires. Yet the blood they took was not stolen¡ªit was willingly given by those who sought the promise of eternal life. And yet, the world would never see them as anything but monsters.

    ¡°We cannot continue hiding forever,¡± Alekseyevich continued. ¡°But we must be honest. We do not take lives to feed. We do not harm unless we are threatened. Our blood bonds are formed only with those who choose it. We give them what they need in return, and we take what we need in return. It¡¯s as simple as that.¡±

    One of the clan members, a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark eyes, spoke up. His name was Viktor. ¡°But how do we explain that to the world? The stories about vampires, the fear... People will never understand. They¡¯ll never believe that we mean no harm to them.¡±

    ¡°We have to start somewhere,¡± Alekseyevich replied. ¡°But we can¡¯t afford to rush. We will begin slowly, carefully. We¡¯ll show them that we do not need to feed on innocents, that we can live peacefully, without taking from others against their will.¡±

    Another member, a younger woman with striking silver hair, spoke up, her voice tense. ¡°What if someone tries to expose us? What if they tell others about the blood we take?¡±

    The room fell silent as the possibility loomed large. Alekseyevich¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°We¡¯ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we must move forward.¡±

    But then, a quiet voice broke through the tension. A man who had been sitting at the back of the room, nervously shifting in his chair, finally spoke up. His name was Dmitri. ¡°I... I have bad news, Patriarch.¡±

    Alekseyevich turned his attention to Dmitri, his brow furrowing. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Dmitri hesitated for a moment before speaking. ¡°One of our donors¡ªsomeone who has been selling his blood to us for years¡ªhas threatened to expose us. He says he¡¯ll tell the world about our true nature and frame us unless we pay him a hefty sum.¡±

    Anger flashed in the eyes of several clan members. Viktor slammed his fist onto the table, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°We should kill him. Let him spread his lies from the grave.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Alekseyevich interjected, his voice firm. ¡°That will only make things worse. We can¡¯t afford to let the world see us as monsters before we even begin to show them the truth. We¡¯ll pay him, for now. But we must remain cautious.¡±

    There was a moment of tense silence as the clan members exchanged uncertain glances. Eventually, most of them nodded, though many were clearly displeased.

    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± one of the elders, an older man named Nikolai, said. ¡°We can manage this. We¡¯ll pay him and keep our reputation intact. For now.¡±

    The conversation continued, each clan member adding their thoughts on how to proceed. In the end, it was decided that the demand would be met. But the reality was more complicated than they had anticipated.

    <hr>

    Months later¡­

    The inevitable had happened.

    The man who had threatened them¡ªhis name was also Viktor¡ªhad gone public with his claims. Worse, he had framed the Crimson Clan, presenting them as evil monsters who took blood unwillingly and drained the life force of innocents. The rumors spread like wildfire, and despite the Crimson Clan¡¯s best efforts to deny the allegations, the damage had been done.

    The world believed the lies.

    Alekseyevich and the elders convened once more, their faces grim as they discussed their next move. It was too late to undo the damage, too late to fix their reputation. Despite their efforts to clarify and mend the misconceptions, their attempts had been in vain.

    The Celestial Order, a powerful faction known for its relentless persecution of dark forces, had swiftly declared the Crimson Clan an abomination, and the hunt had already begun.

    Alekseyevich stood before his people, his expression weary yet resolute. ¡°We tried to fix this. We reached out, explained ourselves, even offered proof of our intentions, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Now the damage is done. We cannot fight rumors with words. We must show them who we truly are, and we must do it before it is too late. But we can¡¯t fix this. Not now. Not while they think we¡¯re evil.¡±. The room fell silent, heavy with the weight of those words. The elders exchanged grim looks.

    Over the past weeks, members of the Crimson Clan had been slowly hunted down one by one. The Celestial Order, relentless in their pursuit, had marked them as enemies of the light, and each day brought news of another fallen member. The fear that had gripped them all was becoming all too real.

    As they were discussing how to remedy the situation, the door to their chamber opened with a heavy creak. In walked several patriarchs of the various clans allied with the Celestial Order. Leading them was the patriarch of the Celestial Order himself, Michael. His tall, imposing figure filled the doorway, and his sword gleamed menacingly in the light. Rumors surrounded the weapon, with whispers claiming it had been forged to slay the dark forces¡ªvampires, demons, and other creatures of the night.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    ¡°You¡¯ve had your chance, Alekseyevich,¡± Michael said coldly, his voice dripping with disdain. He took a step forward, his sneer widening as he looked down on the Crimson Clan leader. ¡°And you¡¯ve failed. The world knows your truth now. And you¡ªyour time is over.¡±

    He paused, letting the words hang in the air like a thick, suffocating fog. Michael¡¯s eyes glinted with satisfaction, the dark glimmer of someone who had long ago calculated the fall of his enemy.

    ¡°You really thought you could fix this?¡± Michael mocked, a low chuckle escaping his lips. ¡°All those pathetic efforts to clear your name¡ªreaching out, offering proof. It was all for nothing.¡± He paced slowly in front of Alekseyevich, each step deliberate, as if savoring the moment. ¡°I planned for this downfall. Every move, every whisper, carefully orchestrated to ensure that the world would see you for what you truly are.¡±

    The elders stood frozen, their faces pale as Michael¡¯s words slashed through them like a blade. Alekseyevich¡¯s jaw clenched, but he stood tall, refusing to let the mockery break him. But inside, a storm of emotions churned. He had fought to protect his clan, to redeem their name, but now it seemed as though the war was already lost.

    Alekseyevich¡¯s hands clenched into fists, his anger palpable. ¡°We¡¯ve done nothing wrong. We only sought to live in peace. The people we¡¯ve turned into vampires... they chose it. We¡¯ve never taken from those who didn¡¯t want it. But you, Michael... You have no idea what it¡¯s like to fight just to survive.¡±

    Michael¡¯s lips twisted into a cruel smile. ¡°You¡¯ve had your chance to change sides, old man, but now it¡¯s too late. Today, you die. Your clan, your legacy¡ªit ends here.¡±

    Alekseyevich had already known what was coming. The whispers had reached him¡ªrumors of the Celestial Order¡¯s movements, their swift and brutal campaign against his Clan. He had made the hard decision to order an evacuation, urging every member of the clan to flee, to scatter and save themselves.

    But not everyone listened. Some of the elders, steadfast and loyal to the end, chose to stay behind. They refused to abandon their patriarch, unwilling to let the Celestial Order¡¯s forces tear down everything they had built without a fight. A handful of warriors and defenders also remained, ready to stand their ground despite the overwhelming odds.

    As the battle raged on, Alekseyevich and his loyal elders fought with every ounce of their strength. Their powers were immense, far above the typical S-class¡ªancient forces honed over decades of existence. Each strike was a clash of titanic forces, shaking the very earth beneath their feet. The air crackled with energy, the sounds of combat echoing through the halls of their stronghold.

    Michael and the other patriarchs, however, were relentless. The Celestial Order¡¯s warriors moved like a well-oiled machine, coordinated and precise. Michael stood at the front, his sword gleaming with divine purpose. The weapon was no ordinary blade¡ªit was said to be forged from the essence of light itself, capable of cutting through the darkness with a single strike.

    The elders fought with valor, each one holding their ground against the overwhelming odds, but one by one, they fell. The first elder, a towering figure with powers known to manipulate life itself using blood, summoned the life force of his enemies to form deadly tendrils. He controlled the blood in the air and the earth beneath him, manipulating it to create a barrier of crimson energy. But Michael''s sword cut through the barrier with ease, each strike slicing through the blood constructs like they were nothing. In a final, devastating blow, the elder¡¯s own blood failed to work with him, his tendrils collapsing as his life force was drained away.

    The second elder, a master of using his blood as weapons, summoned sharp, dagger-like weapons from his own veins, using them to attack with savage speed. He attempted to impale Michael with a barrage of blood spikes, but the combined power of Michael''s sword and the other patriarchs'' magic overwhelmed him. His own blood was turned against him as Michael''s sword severed his control, and his body fell apart, unable to withstand the onslaught.

    The third elder, known for his ability to manipulate his own blood to heal and strike with precision, unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one imbued with his own life force. He used his blood to regenerate himself, making him nearly invincible for short moments. However, Michael¡¯s sword, forged specifically to counter blood magic, pierced through the elder¡¯s defenses, and with a final slash, the elder was torn apart, his blood spilling like a broken river, unable to be controlled.

    Alekseyevich roared in fury, watching as his people fell, their sacrifices fueling the rage that burned within him. He had seen the future of his clan crumbling before his eyes, and he could not allow it. His heart pounded in his chest as he felt the weight of each loss, each fallen elder, each broken body. The clan¡¯s legacy was at risk of being wiped out forever.

    In a final, desperate bid, Alekseyevich tapped into the deepest and darkest recesses of his power. His body twisted and warped, his skin darkening as his form morphed into a monstrous abomination. His spine cracked as wings, bat-like and dark as midnight, unfurled from his back. His face elongated, becoming more beast than man, and his eyes burned with an inhuman fire. The air around him crackled with the raw, untamed power of his transformation.

    With a howl of fury, Alekseyevich charged at Michael and the other patriarchs, his claws raking through the air. The strength of his attacks shook the very foundations of the stronghold. He tore into his enemies with ferocity, his monstrous form an unstoppable force of nature. The Celestial Order¡¯s warriors struggled to keep up, the sheer force of his blows forcing them to retreat. Yet Michael stood firm, his cold gaze never leaving Alekseyevich¡¯s form.

    The battle continued in a blur of chaos. Michael parried Alekseyevich¡¯s clawed strikes with the precision of a seasoned warrior, each block ringing out with a deafening clang. The air hummed with the clash of powers¡ªlight against darkness, speed against strength, and magic against brute force. Michael¡¯s sword gleamed as it sliced through the air, narrowly missing Alekseyevich¡¯s outstretched wings, but it was clear that the patriarchs were gaining the upper hand.

    As Alekseyevich fought, his movements became more frantic. The transformation was taking its toll, his body pushed to its limits. His power, though immense, was unsustainable. He could feel his strength waning, his monstrous form beginning to buckle under the weight of the assault.

    With a final, guttural roar, Alekseyevich charged at Michael, aiming for the heart of the Celestial Oder¡¯s patriarch. Michael¡¯s eyes glinted with an icy determination as he raised his sword high, ready to end it all. In one swift, fluid motion, he drove the blade deep into Alekseyevich¡¯s chest, piercing the heart of the once-great patriarch. The force of the blow sent shockwaves through the air, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze.

    Alekseyevich staggered back, his monstrous form faltering as life drained from him. His wings, once powerful and imposing, drooped, but he refused to fall. His eyes, filled with fury and defiance, burned with the last remnants of his will. He stood tall, blood seeping from countless wounds, his body trembling but resolute. With a final, agonized scream, Alekseyevich endured the crushing weight of his inevitable end, standing still as his power waned.

    Michael stood over him, his expression cold and triumphant. He wiped the blood from his blade, his gaze unwavering as he looked down at the dying patriarch. ¡°The villain has been vanquished,¡± Michael said, his voice dripping with malice. ¡°The world is safer without your kind.¡±

    With a swift, final motion, Michael raised his sword high and severed Alekseyevich¡¯s head from his shoulders. It fell to the ground with a sickening thud, rolling away as the body of the once-great patriarch crumpled lifeless to the floor.

    Michael sneered, the Celestial Order¡¯s victory now complete. The Crimson Clan had fallen, and its final patriarch was no more.

    But the Crimson Clan, despite the lies and the slaughter, had not been entirely wiped out. A few members had managed to escape, their survival depending on the secrets they carried. They would live on, but the world would never know the truth about them.

    And so, the story of the Crimson Clan came to a tragic and brutal end, its legacy tainted forever by the lies of those who sought to destroy them.

    History is written by the victors, and in this case, the Celestial Order would ensure that only their version of events would be told, casting the Crimson Clan as nothing more than a dark, twisted memory in the annals of time.

 Chapter 31

    The day had arrived¡ªthe day of the Dungeon Practice Run. After a grueling week of preparation, Avince stood at the edge of what felt like a significant milestone. This wasn¡¯t just another classroom exercise or magic theory lecture; today was about practical application. Real enemies, real danger, albeit in a controlled environment. The weight of it all made him feel both excited and nervous.

    He had spent the night mentally running through every piece of advice his professors had drilled into him. Sleep had been elusive, but when he finally managed a few hours of rest, his dreams were filled with flashes of monsters, traps, and mana flaring wildly in the chaos. Now, standing here, the anticipation was almost overwhelming.

    Avince opened the school website on his phone one last time, confirming the details of his assignment. Under ¡°Practice Dungeon Assignments,¡± he found his group code: A#14. A first-year group, assigned to Area A, group 14. Simple enough. He mentally noted the information before grabbing his gear: a practical reinforced leather jacket, the mithril ring with the rune he had painstakingly crafted in Professor Mira¡¯s workshop, and the mana artifact Kartana had given him¡ªthe small, intricately carved pendant designed to help with the issue with his ability, but he thought that he might as well use it to enhance his mana regeneration while in the dungeon.

    The journey to the auditorium was quiet, with only the faint rustling of leaves. As he arrived, the massive structure loomed before him, its high-tech exterior shimmering faintly in the light. The school had spared no expense in creating a space that could host large-scale events like these. Inside, the air buzzed with a mix of nerves and excitement.

    The auditorium was vast, with five marked spots for each team and large, high-definition screens displaying group details. The screens flickered as new information updated in real-time, and the hum of mana-powered machinery added to the atmosphere. Avince quickly scanned the room and spotted the area marked "A#14," where four other students were already waiting. Taking a deep breath, he walked toward them.

    As he approached, he recognized one of the students almost immediately. The towering figure turned, his broad shoulders and easy grin impossible to miss.

    ¡°Well, well, if it isn¡¯t Avince Thane,¡± boomed a familiar voice.

    Avince looked up to see Josh, built like a fortress, grinning at him. Josh clapped him on the back with a force that nearly knocked the air out of him.

    ¡°Josh,¡± Avince greeted with a chuckle, steadying himself. ¡°You¡¯re on my team?¡±

    ¡°You bet I am!¡± Josh¡¯s hearty laugh filled the room. ¡°Man, it¡¯s been a while. I still remember the time you smacked me upside the head with your staff during that sparring match in high school!¡±

    Avince smirked, remembering the incident vividly. ¡°You didn¡¯t leave me much of a choice. I told you I wasn¡¯t going to hold back.¡±

    Josh grinned, flexing his biceps dramatically. His strength-enhancing ability made his already-muscular frame look even more intimidating. ¡°And you¡¯ll pay for that one day. Just you wait.¡±

    Their easy banter broke the initial tension, and the rest of the team began introducing themselves.

    Rick stepped forward first. He was short and lean, his movements exuding confidence. His sharp eyes glimmered with mischief, and there was an undeniable swagger in his posture.

    ¡°Hey, Avince,¡± Rick said casually, giving a lopsided grin. ¡°I hear you¡¯ve got some skills with magic. Hope you¡¯re ready to put them to the test in the dungeon.¡±

    Avince raised an eyebrow. ¡°I could say the same to you.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Rick chuckled, leaning slightly forward. ¡°Scout, shadow magic,¡± he said, his voice low and smooth. ¡°I can blend into shadows, slip through tight spots, and spot trouble before it spots us.¡± He gestured at the faint flicker of shadows curling around his feet despite the brightly lit room. ¡°Think of me as the eyes and ears of the group.¡±

    ¡°How does your ability work if we¡¯re out in the sun?¡± Avince asked, genuinely curious.

    Rick shrugged. ¡°Sunlight¡¯s a pain, but I can manage if there¡¯s even a sliver of cover. Just stick close to me, and you¡¯ll stay out of trouble.¡±

    Josh nudged Rick with a grin. ¡°If you don¡¯t run off and leave us behind, that is.¡±

    Rick smirked. ¡°Oh, come on, Josh. I wouldn¡¯t abandon you¡ªwell, unless there¡¯s an adult dragon in there. Then you¡¯re on your own.¡±

    The group chuckled, the tension easing further.

    Next up was Camille, who carried herself with an air of calm authority. She smiled warmly as she addressed Avince.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been making waves here, you know,¡± Camille said. ¡°The professors are full of praise for you.¡±

    Avince blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Seriously? I thought I was flying under the radar.¡±

    Camille laughed softly. ¡°Not with the way you¡¯ve been performing since you enrolled here. It¡¯s not everyday you meet someone without an elemental ability excelling in magic. But enough about that¡ªlet me show you my ability.¡±

    With a fluid motion, she raised her hand, and a shimmering barrier formed in front of her. It started as a translucent shield but quickly solidified into something opaque and glowing faintly.

    ¡°Barrier magic,¡± she explained, her tone steady. ¡°My specialty is creating defensive structures that can withstand just about anything¡ªmagic, physical force, environmental damage. You name it.¡±

    As she spoke, the barrier expanded into a dome, covering the group. A quick flick of her wrist sent a volley of projectiles crashing into the shield, which absorbed the impact with an almost imperceptible hum.

    ¡°Impressive,¡± Avince said, genuinely awed.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Camille replied with a smile. ¡°Defense is my forte, but I¡¯ll be counting on the rest of you to handle offense.¡±

    Finally, Greene stepped forward. She was quiet and reserved, her demeanor almost shy. Her striking appearance¡ªsubtly bark-textured skin and green-tinged hair¡ªhinted at her connection to nature.

    ¡°I work with plants,¡± Greene said softly, her voice almost melodic. With a graceful wave of her hand, she summoned a cluster of vines that sprouted from the ground and danced around her fingers.

    ¡°Plant magic,¡± she continued. ¡°I can create vines to restrain enemies and grow flowers with unique properties¡ªhealing, mana regeneration, sensory enhancement.¡± She plucked a small bloom from the air and held it out to Avince.

    ¡°Try this,¡± she said.

    Avince accepted the flower and felt a warm, tingling sensation as he held it. His mana reserves, which had been slightly drained from his earlier preparations, began to replenish.

    ¡°That¡¯s incredible,¡± he said, looking at her with newfound respect.

    Greene smiled faintly. ¡°Nature can be both nurturing and dangerous, depending on how you use it.¡±

    Their introductions complete, the team began discussing strategies. They decided on a balanced approach: Josh would take the lead as their tank, Camille would protect the group with her barriers, Rick would scout ahead for potential threats, Greene would provide support, and Avince would adapt with his magic as needed.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the best at close combat,¡± Avince admitted, ¡°but I can cover mid-range and provide support spells.¡±

    Josh clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, buddy. Stick close to me, and I¡¯ll make sure nothing gets through.¡±

    As they waited for their assigned fourth-year guide to arrive, the group¡¯s conversation turned to the dungeon itself. The practice dungeons were designed to simulate real ones, complete with traps, monsters, and environmental hazards. While they wouldn¡¯t face life-threatening danger, the challenges were meant to push them to their limits.

    ¡°What do you think we¡¯ll face in there?¡± Greene asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

    ¡°Probably a mix of different kind of monsters,¡± Rick speculated. ¡°Goblins, maybe a few elemental creatures. Nothing too crazy, but enough to keep us on our toes.¡±

    Camille nodded. ¡°The goal isn¡¯t just survival¡ªit¡¯s teamwork. If we don¡¯t work together, we won¡¯t make it far.¡±

    Avince glanced around at his team, a sense of determination settling over him. They were ready. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

 Chapter 32

    The afternoon sunlight filtered through the academy grounds, casting a golden glow over the bustling students. Avince stood with his group, listening to their lively chatter. Josh, as always, was the loudest, his booming voice punctuating the conversations with hearty laughter.

    ¡°So then I told him,¡± Josh said, slapping his knee, ¡°if you¡¯re gonna challenge me to a sparring match, at least make sure your sword isn¡¯t made of cheap mana alloy!¡± He roared with laughter, and even Greene couldn¡¯t suppress a smirk.

    Camille rolled her eyes, adjusting her glasses. ¡°You know, Josh, not everyone can afford to toss money at equipment like you.¡±

    Josh grinned, unabashed. ¡°What can I say? Quality is key. Besides, I earned it fair and square.¡±

    Rick leaned against a nearby post, his daggers glinting faintly in the sunlight. ¡°By fair and square, you mean you took extra shifts at the forge and skipped half your study sessions.¡±

    ¡°Details,¡± Josh said with a shrug, drawing more chuckles from the group.

    Avince chuckled softly but remained more reserved, his thoughts drifting toward the upcoming dungeon run. He glanced around at his teammates, sensing both excitement and nervous energy. ¡°Anyone have any guesses about who our guide will be?¡± he asked, attempting to steer the conversation.

    ¡°Hopefully someone who doesn¡¯t think they¡¯re above teaching us,¡± Camille muttered. ¡°I heard some guides spent more time bragging than giving actual advice.¡±

    Josh flexed his arms with exaggerated confidence. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter who they send. We¡¯ve got this.¡±

    Before anyone could respond, a tall figure approached, immediately drawing their attention. The man¡¯s sharp, angular face and piercing steel-gray eyes gave him an air of authority. His loose tunic and katana strapped to his side hinted at a seasoned warrior.

    The group fell silent as he stopped before them. ¡°I¡¯m Kai,¡± he said, his tone firm yet composed. ¡°Your fourth-year guide. I¡¯ll be overseeing your dungeon practice today.¡±

    Avince¡¯s gaze lingered on the katana. A relic of an era before the Integration, he thought, recognizing the craftsmanship. Kai¡¯s presence radiated tradition and discipline, and Avince couldn¡¯t help but wonder where he had trained. Deciding to confirm his suspicions, he asked, ¡°Kai... are you associated with Kenshi-ryu?¡±

    The faintest trace of a smirk tugged at Kai¡¯s lips. ¡°You¡¯ve heard of us?¡±

    Josh frowned, crossing his arms. ¡°What¡¯s Kenshi-ryu?¡±

    Avince glanced at Josh, then back to Kai. ¡°It¡¯s a dojo, right? Specializes in traditional swordsmanship. It¡¯s famous for its harsh training methods and high dropout rate.¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Kai said, his steel-gray eyes flicking between the group. ¡°Kenshi-ryu originated in Zaroya, an island nation not far from here. The country has a rich martial tradition, and Kenshi-ryu is one of its oldest schools. The name means ¡®swordsman school¡¯ in one of the pre-Alliance languages. Our main branch remains in Zaroya, but branches have opened in neighboring countries, including this one.¡±

    Josh raised an eyebrow. ¡°So... what makes it so famous?¡±

    Kai¡¯s smirk widened slightly. ¡°Our leader¡ªthe Shogun¡ªis rumored to be a combatant possibly beyond S-rank. Each branch leader is also an S-class fighter. While our training is open to anyone willing to learn, advancing through the ranks demands exceptional dedication and talent. Most people quit before they master the basics.¡±

    Josh whistled low. ¡°Impressive. And you¡¯re from this dojo?¡±

    Kai¡¯s smirk faded into a more serious expression. ¡°I am. My father leads the branch in this country.¡±

    The group exchanged surprised glances. Being the son of an S-class branch leader was no small thing. Avince couldn¡¯t help but wonder just how skilled Kai was.

    Josh, however, was undeterred. ¡°Alright, sword guy, let¡¯s see if you can keep up with us.¡± He grinned, earning an exasperated look from Camille.

    Kai¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but there was a subtle glint of amusement in his eyes. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±

    He then gestured toward the transport station. ¡°Enough talk. The bus is waiting.¡±

    The group followed Kai to the academy''s transport station, where a sleek, black school bus waited. The interior was surprisingly spacious, with seats arranged to give each team their own section for strategy discussions. It took a few minutes for everyone to settle, but once the bus started moving, Avince found himself relaxing slightly.

    The drive was smooth, the roads leading to the dungeon surprisingly well-maintained. Outside the windows, lush forests gradually gave way to rocky terrain, signaling their approach to the mountain range.

    Kai remained silent for most of the journey, seemingly lost in thought. However, when the mountains came into view, he turned to the group.

    "That entire range is a dungeon," he said, gesturing toward the jagged peaks looming in the distance.

    The group¡¯s eyes widened. Even Avince, who had read extensively about dungeons, was taken aback by the sheer scale.

    "This isn¡¯t just any naturally formed dungeon," Kai continued. "It¡¯s a Mega Dungeon, one that¡¯s been discovered and heavily modified by the academy for training purposes. While it still retains its natural origins, some parts of it have been changed to test you¡ªprogressive enemies, environmental challenges, and even the layout itself have been adjusted to push your limits. Your objective is to go as far as possible before I step in."

    The group exchanged excited yet nervous glances as the bus pulled into a large clearing at the mountain¡¯s base.

    The group disembarked and followed Kai to one of the dungeon¡¯s entrances, a massive stone archway adorned with intricate carvings that had faded with time. Crumbling stone pillars and vines choking the ruins gave the area an eerie atmosphere. Flickering torches lined the dim corridor leading inside.

    The moment they stepped through the archway, a chill ran down Avince¡¯s spine. The air was colder, heavier, and carried a faint smell of decay.

    "This area is called the Abandoned Ruins," Kai explained. "You¡¯ll face low-level undead and minor traps. Keep your wits about you."Stolen novel; please report.

    The group nodded, falling into formation. Josh took the lead, with Avince and Rick in the middle and Camille and Greene at the rear. Avince adjusted the amulet around his neck, feeling the faint hum of mana coursing through it. The mithril ring on his finger shimmered faintly, enhancing his casting speed, a subtle yet invaluable aid in combat.

    They proceeded cautiously into the dungeon, their footsteps echoing against the crumbling stone walls.

    It wasn¡¯t long before they encountered their first enemies: skeletal soldiers armed with rusty swords and shields. The low-level undead shambled toward them with slow, jerky movements, their bones rattling with each step.

    Josh was the first to engage, his warhammer glowing faintly with mana as he charged forward. With a single swing, he shattered two skeletons, their bones scattering across the floor.

    "Too easy," he muttered, grinning.

    ¡°Show-off,¡± Camille muttered, raising a shimmering barrier to block a volley of arrows from skeletal archers. The arrows clattered harmlessly against the glowing shield.

    "Let¡¯s keep moving," she then said, reinforcing the barrier as the team advanced.

    Avince held back, observing the battlefield as they pressed on. When another group of enemies emerged, he began casting a basic mana pulse, aiming to disorient the skeletons nearest Camille. However, as he channeled his mana, the pulse surged with unexpected intensity. Instead of merely interrupting the skeletons, the pulse struck with enough force to send them stumbling back several paces, their bony frames rattling from the impact.

    Avince blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by the sheer strength of his attack. Why was it so strong? he wondered, the question lingering in his mind. He only intended to flinch the enemy momentarily with the amount of mana he channeled with that pulse. Could it be the waterfall training from last week? The thought tugged at him, but this wasn''t the time to dwell on it.

    The momentary opening gave Camille and Rick the perfect opportunity to charge in, swiftly finishing the skeletons off. Greene¡¯s vines snaked across the floor, wrapping around the legs of several skeletons and crushing them with a flex of her hand. Meanwhile, Rick darted between shadows, his daggers making quick work of the archers.

    The group navigated the labyrinthine ruins, battling small clusters of skeletons and avoiding traps. Rick¡¯s sharp eyes spotted pressure plates and tripwires, allowing the team to bypass most of the hazards. Josh¡¯s earth manipulation ability proved invaluable in creating safe paths and fortifying unstable sections of the floor.

    After less than an hour, they entered a large chamber with faded murals depicting ancient battles. In the center of the room stood a towering skeleton, clad in rusted armor and wielding a massive greatsword.

    "A Skeleton Knight," Kai called from the doorway, his voice carrying over the echoing chamber. "Middle E-rank. Let¡¯s see how you handle it."

    The knight let out an otherworldly roar, its hollow eye sockets glowing with a malevolent red light, and charged forward, its massive greatsword dragging sparks across the stone floor. The oppressive aura it emitted was enough to make the group tense, but they quickly moved into formation.

    Josh was the first to react, stepping forward and slamming his warhammer into the ground. A jagged wall of stone erupted between the knight and the group, but the skeletal warrior swung its greatsword with unrelenting force, almost shattering the barrier.

    "Guess it¡¯s not your average bones," Josh muttered, gripping his warhammer tightly as he braced himself for the next attack.

    Greene was quick to follow, summoning thick, writhing roots from the ground. They coiled around the knight¡¯s legs, forcing it to a halt. The creature snarled in frustration, hacking at the roots with its sword, but Greene¡¯s plants regrew just as quickly as they were cut.

    ¡°Keep it tied down!¡± Josh shouted as he charged, swinging his warhammer in a wide arc. The weapon struck the knight¡¯s side with a resounding crack, sending bone fragments flying.

    Avince, standing toward the back of the group, raised his hands and focused. He gathered a small amount of mana and channeled it. A small ball of fire erupted from his palm, hurtling toward the skeletal knight. The flames engulfed the creature, and to Avince¡¯s surprise, the fire burned far hotter than he had intended. The skeleton stumbled back, its armor glowing red-hot as cracks formed in its scorched bones. It let out a guttural roar, its movements now sluggish and uncoordinated from the searing damage.

    Avince¡¯s eyes widened in shock. That wasn¡¯t supposed to happen. He had only meant to distract the knight, not overwhelm it with such force.

    Before the skeleton could recover, Rick, ever the opportunist, darted through the shadows. He reappeared behind the knight and struck with precision, driving his dagger into the back of its exposed spine. The knight staggered but swung wildly with its greatsword, forcing Rick to retreat.

    ¡°Watch it! This thing¡¯s still dangerous,¡± Camille called out as she extended her hand. A translucent, glowing barrier materialized around Josh, protecting him from the knight¡¯s retaliatory swings. The sword crashed against the barrier, sending sparks flying, but it held firm.

    Avince quickly switched tactics, deciding to test his growing suspicion about his magic''s newfound strength. He carefully channeled a small amount of mana, forming a crackling bolt of electricity in his hand. Let¡¯s see how far this goes, he thought, narrowing his eyes at the skeletal knight. Aiming for precision, he hurled the bolt at the knight''s sword.

    The lightning struck, hitting the blade with a sharp crack and coursing through the metal. The electric surge jolted the knight''s entire body, causing it to freeze mid-step. Its movements turned erratic and uncoordinated.

    Avince¡¯s heart raced. That small amount of mana shouldn¡¯t have done this much damage. He frowned, realization dawning. My magic definitely got much stronger, but my control is terrible.. If I can¡¯t manage weaker attacks, this could get dangerous.

    "Nice one!" Camille said, capitalizing on the opportunity to trap the knight. She formed a glowing barrier that locked its torso in place, immobilizing it.

    Josh roared as he swung his warhammer again, this time aiming for the knight¡¯s legs. The strike landed with a thunderous impact, shattering one leg and causing the knight to collapse onto one knee.

    Enraged, the skeleton swung its sword in a wide arc, breaking Camille¡¯s barrier and forcing the group to scatter. Greene summoned a massive vine that lashed out like a whip, knocking the greatsword from the knight¡¯s grasp.

    Rick darted in again, driving his dagger deep into the knight¡¯s exposed skull. The creature thrashed violently, but its movements were becoming sluggish.

    Avince saw his chance. He called upon his mana again, this time summoning a sharp blade of wind. The gust sliced through the air and severed the knight¡¯s remaining arm, leaving it defenseless.

    Josh didn¡¯t hesitate. With a mighty swing, he brought his warhammer down onto the knight¡¯s skull, shattering it completely. The greatsword clattered to the ground as the rest of its body crumbled into a heap of bones.

    Well,¡± Josh said, resting his warhammer on his shoulder, ¡°that ain¡¯t too hard isn¡¯t it.¡±

    The room fell silent, save for the light breathing of the group.

    Rick sheathed his daggers, glancing at Avince. "That was some serious firepower you brought to the table. Didn¡¯t think you had it in you."

    Avince forced a smile, his mind still racing with questions on how to deal with his surging magic. ¡°Guess I¡¯m full of surprises,¡± he said, keeping his voice light to mask his unease.

    Camille adjusted her glasses, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. ¡°Your magic was a real surprise. That fireball and lightning bolt were... intense. But¡­¡± She hesitated, her brows furrowing in concern. ¡°If you keep casting spells that powerful, won¡¯t you risk running out of mana? You pushed yourself hard back there.¡±

    Avince gave her a reassuring smile, trying to ease her worry. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯ve got a decent mana pool, and I know my limits. I just need more practice, that¡¯s all.¡±

    Camille didn¡¯t look entirely convinced, but decided to let the matter go.

    As the team caught their breath, a glowing portal appeared in the center of the chamber.

    "A checkpoint portal," Kai explained. "It¡¯ll take you back to the surface. Some groups stop here if their guide deems them too weak."

    Josh glanced at his teammates, then at the portal. "We¡¯re going deeper," he said confidently.

    Kai¡¯s steel-gray eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Your call. Let¡¯s see how far you can go."

 Chapter 33

    The faint hum of magic grew stronger as the team stepped past the shimmering portal into the next level of the dungeon. A palpable shift in the atmosphere greeted them; the air was heavy with unstable mana, crackling faintly at the edges of perception.

    They found themselves in a massive corridor, its high vaulted ceiling lined with ancient carvings that glowed faintly with mana. Chandeliers, long since unlit, hung precariously from the ceiling, their intricate metalwork hinting at a forgotten age of grandeur. Unlike the ruins in the previous level, this chamber seemed almost preserved¡ªelegant but undeniably aged.

    "Wow," Greene murmured, her voice echoing softly in the cavernous space. She brushed her fingers along the walls, tracing the carvings. "This place feels... different. Like it was meant to be more than just a dungeon."

    "Old knowledge," Camille said, studying the runes etched into the stone pillars. "This was probably a library or a center for studying magic."

    Avince nodded, his eyes scanning the area. His amulet pulsed faintly against his chest, reacting to the residual mana. "If this place held old knowledge, it makes sense they¡¯d defend it with magic. Be on guard. I doubt the enemies here will be as easy to handle as the skeletons we faced earlier."

    Josh hefted his warhammer onto his shoulder with a grin. "Whatever they throw at us, we¡¯ll just smash right through it."

    "Don¡¯t get cocky," Rick muttered, his daggers already in hand. "This place reeks of traps."

    The group moved cautiously forward, their footsteps echoing in the grand chamber. The corridor opened into a wide room with towering double doors at the far end. The doors were made of dark stone and carved with intricate symbology, glowing faintly with a deep violet light.

    As they stepped further into the room, the carvings along the walls began to shimmer, and a deep rumbling filled the air.

    "Here we go," Josh muttered, gripping his weapon tightly.

    The rumbling grew louder, and from the shadows emerged three humanoid constructs. Their forms were made of gleaming metal and stone, their eyes glowing with an unsettling blue light. They moved with precision, each step heavy and deliberate, the sound of grinding stone accompanying their movements.

    "Constructs," Kai said from the rear, his tone calm. "Middle E-rank. Their magic resistance will be a problem if you¡¯re too reliant on spells."

    Avince stepped forward, his expression calm but focused. "We¡¯ll see about that," he said, raising his hand. Faint sparks of fire flickered around his palm as he prepared to strike.

    Josh charged first, his warhammer glowing faintly with mana as he aimed for the nearest construct. His swing connected with a deafening crash, but instead of shattering the construct like the skeletons earlier, it only staggered slightly before retaliating with a heavy swipe of its stone arm. Josh ducked just in time, narrowly avoiding the blow.

    "They¡¯re tougher than they look," Josh grunted, rolling to his feet.

    Avince extended his hand, summoning a small, tightly controlled vortex of wind. The air spun violently, its sharp edges creating a whistling sound. He hurled the wind blast at the construct attacking Josh, aiming for the joints where stone met metal. The vortex struck, causing the construct to falter as the wind sliced into the vulnerable connection points.

    "Focus on their joints!" Avince called out, flames now sparking around his other hand.

    Camille raised a glowing barrier just as another construct hurled a projectile made of condensed mana toward Greene. The barrier absorbed the impact, but the force pushed Camille back a few steps.

    Greene retaliated by summoning thick vines that snaked around one of the constructs, holding it in place long enough for Rick to dart in. His daggers flashed as he targeted the weakened joints Avince had exposed, chipping away at the construct¡¯s mobility.

    Avince shifted his focus to the third construct, weaving a bolt of fire between his fingers. He consciously held back, trying to control the output and avoid another overpowered strike. With a sharp motion, he sent the fire hurtling toward the enemy.

    The flames struck its torso, leaving a blackened scorch mark, but the construct didn''t stop. It continued its advance, seemingly unfazed by the damage.

    "Too much resistance to fire," Avince muttered, switching tactics. He planted his feet firmly and tried to use a bit more mana in the next spell, summoning a wave of water that crashed into the construct. The water seeped into its joints, slowing its movements and leaving it vulnerable to Josh¡¯s follow-up attack.

    The battle was grueling but manageable. With coordinated attacks, they dismantled the constructs one by one. Josh¡¯s raw strength and Rick¡¯s precision proved invaluable, while Camille¡¯s barriers and Greene¡¯s vines provided much-needed crowd control. Avince¡¯s mastery of elemental magic kept the constructs off-balance, exploiting their weaknesses and providing openings for his teammates.

    Despite the chaos around him, Avince was acutely aware of his own efforts, carefully adjusting his magic output with every spell. Each burst of magic felt like a test, his mind calculating the risks as his body moved instinctively. He had to stay sharp, not just for his own sake, but for the safety of his team. He couldn¡¯t afford to suddenly cast a spell too strong that could possibly hurt his teammates. The last thing he needed was for a fireball to be too strong and catch someone off-guard with the explosion, or a lightning bolt to be so powerful that the shock would affect someone close.

    As the final construct crumbled to the ground, its core shattered and releasing a faint burst of mana, the team took a moment to catch their breath.

    "That was tougher than I expected," Rick admitted, wiping sweat from his brow.

    Camille knelt beside one of the fallen constructs, examining the faintly glowing remnants of its core. "Their magic resistance was no joke. I had to pour more mana into my barriers than I¡¯d have liked."If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Josh grinned, slinging his warhammer onto his back. "Still, we handled it. What¡¯s next?"

    Avince approached the large double doors, his eyes narrowing as he studied the glowing symbology. "A puzzle," he said after a moment.

    "What kind of puzzle?" Greene asked, stepping beside him.

    Avince traced his fingers over the carvings. "These symbols... they¡¯re part of an old language. I recognize some of them from the ''History of Dungeons'' course, but they¡¯re mostly used for magical inscriptions."

    Camille joined him, her eyes lighting up with recognition. "You¡¯re right. These symbols are similar to those used in mana circuits. If we figure out the pattern, we might be able to unlock the door."

    The team gathered around as Avince and Camille began to work. The puzzle required them to channel mana into specific runes in a particular sequence. Avince analyzed the symbols, identifying their meanings and how they might connect, while Camille used her expertise in barriers and circuits to determine how the mana should flow.

    "Try connecting this rune to this one," Camille suggested, pointing to two symbols.

    Avince nodded, channeling mana into the runes. The carvings glowed brighter, and a faint clicking sound echoed through the chamber.

    "That¡¯s it," he said, a smile tugging at his lips.

    After a few more adjustments, the doors shuddered and slowly began to open, revealing the next chamber.

    Josh let out a low whistle. "Not bad, you two."

    The team stepped through the doors into a grand chamber that dwarfed the previous one. The room was circular, with a high domed ceiling adorned with more glowing carvings. In the center stood a massive figure, easily twice the size of the constructs they had just faced.

    An Arcane Golem stood at the center of the arena, its massive stone body pulsating with a deep, magical hum. Smooth stone panels covered its towering form, streaked with glowing blue veins of mana that seemed to pulse with its every movement. Its eyes, two burning orbs of azure light, scanned the group as if it could understand their every move.

    Kai¡¯s voice broke the silence. "Middle D-rank. This won¡¯t be as easy as the last one."

    The ground beneath their feet trembled as the golem took a step forward, its movements slow but deliberate. The sound of stone grinding against stone echoed, sending a chill down their spines.

    Josh, ever the tank, stepped forward first, his warhammer raised. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get this over with. Focus on the openings!¡±

    The golem¡¯s arms raised, each one a massive limb of stone that seemed capable of crushing anything in its path. With a swift, almost mechanical motion, it swung one of its arms toward Josh. He barely had time to raise his shield, the impact sending him sliding back quite a bit..

    ¡°That thing¡¯s faster than it looks!¡± Josh grunted, quickly regaining his footing.

    Greene was the next to react. She slammed her hands into the ground, and thick vines shot up from the earth, wrapping around the golem¡¯s legs. The vines tried to restrain its movements, but the golem''s strength was overwhelming. It swiped its arm, shattering the roots with some effort, but the momentary distraction allowed the others to strike.

    Avince, standing at the ready, raised his hand. With a focused burst of mana, he summoned a blast of water that slammed into the golem¡¯s chest. The torrent of liquid struck with such force that the golem staggered, the water flowing into the cracks between its stone exterior. Avince quickly followed with a second wave, the water swirling and pushing further into the gaps, trying to disrupt the flow of mana that powered the golem¡¯s body.

    ¡°Nice shot!¡± Camille called out, but she wasn¡¯t idle. She extended her arm and a shimmering barrier appeared around Josh, absorbing the impact of the golem¡¯s retaliatory swing. ¡°Keep it together!¡±

    The golem roared, its body glowing brighter as its mana surged. It retaliated by bringing both of its massive fists down on the ground, sending shockwaves through the arena. The ground cracked beneath them as the force rippled outward, threatening to knock them off their feet.

    Rick, already on the move, dashed forward in a blur, using the shadows as cover to close the distance. He reached the golem¡¯s side, darting around its swinging limbs with agility honed from years of training. With a quick, calculated strike, he drove his dagger into the golem¡¯s exposed side. The dagger sank into the stone with a hiss, sending a strange, unnatural vibration through the golem¡¯s body. The strike didn¡¯t penetrate deeply, but it caused a visible crack to form along the stone, and a faint pulse of mana flickered through the golem¡¯s body. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to show that Rick¡¯s attack had done some real damage.

    Avince, seeing the opening Rick had created, decided to switch up his tactics. His fingers crackled with energy as he summoned a sharp, jagged bolt of lightning. He hurled it at the golem¡¯s chest, the electricity surging through the stone body. The blue veins of mana flickered and sparked, but the golem¡¯s exterior absorbed most of the charge.

    ¡°It¡¯s resistant to electricity!¡± Avince called out, frustration creeping into his voice.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to wear it down,¡± Greene suggested, summoning more vines to bind the golem¡¯s limbs once again, but this time wrapping them with an enchanted binding spell that should hold it longer.

    With the golem temporarily immobilized, Josh swung his warhammer with all his might, landing a powerful blow to one of its legs. The impact was deafening, and the sound of cracking stone filled the air as the warhammer smashed into the golem¡¯s leg. The force of the blow shattered the stone, sending large fragments flying. A deep fissure formed along the golem¡¯s leg, causing it to stagger slightly. While the golem didn¡¯t fall, the leg was visibly damaged, its movements now slower and less stable as the cracks spread, weakening its structure. The golem let out a low, reverberating growl, its glowing eyes flickering in a sign of distress.

    Avince wasn¡¯t about to let up. He quickly analyzed the situation and realized the water spells had shown promise earlier, especially in disrupting its mana flow. He focused his mana again, but this time, he infused the water with ice magic. The blast of freezing water hit the golem¡¯s chest, rapidly solidifying the liquid into ice and freezing over some of the cracks in its body.

    The golem shuddered as the ice expanded, its movements slow as it struggled to regain control. ¡°It¡¯s losing mobility!¡± Avince shouted.

    Josh stepped forward and with a grunt, smashed his warhammer against one of the golem¡¯s arms, cracking through the ice and stone. The golem¡¯s arm disintegrated into rubble.

    ¡°Perfect, keep hitting it!¡± Josh urged, pressing the attack.

    Camille, always in tune with the flow of battle, created another barrier around the group to ensure they didn¡¯t get caught in the golem¡¯s wild swings. With a flick of her wrist, she formed a barrier in front of the golem¡¯s other arm, blocking its next swing.

    ¡°Everyone, now!¡± she commanded, and the group pounced.

    Avince, now with a clear opening, summoned another wave of freezing water, this time coating the golem¡¯s torso and neck. The golem roared in fury, but its movements were sluggish. The ice was taking hold, restricting its mana flow further.

    Rick, using the golem¡¯s momentary paralysis, darted up its side and attacked its exposed core¡ªthe crystal deep within the golem¡¯s chest that powered its mana. He jammed his dagger into the crystal, and the golem let out a shrill cry.

    Avince didn¡¯t hesitate. He summoned a final burst of water, flooding the golem¡¯s body with more water, and then he channeled a final lightning spell directly into the core.

    The golem¡¯s entire body lit up with intense blue energy as its mana, overloaded and disrupted, short-circuited. For a brief moment, its form trembled, then collapsed in on itself, cracking and splintering like brittle stone.

    The fight ended with the golem¡¯s body breaking apart, its once-pristine form now shattered into pieces. The crystal core, now cracked and unstable, fizzled out with a final burst of mana.

    They had emerged victorious, and despite the ferocity of the battle, none of them had sustained a single injury. The team stood in the aftermath, catching their breath, their victory clear but hard-earned.

 Chapter 34

    As they took a moment to regroup, another portal materialized before them, the shimmering doorway that would lead them back to the surface. Their guide, however, studied them for a moment, his eyes narrowing with consideration.

    "With the way you''ve handled yourselves," he said, his voice both impressed and serious, "I¡¯d advise you to continue. You''ve only scratched the surface of this dungeon. There''s more to face, and it should push you even further."

    They exchanged glances, the weight of his words sinking in. But without hesitation, the group decided to press on, venturing deeper into the heart of the dungeon.

    Taking the portal to go deeper, the atmosphere shifted almost immediately, the architecture now blended the ancient stonework of a long-forgotten civilization with the raw, untamed growth of nature. Subterranean waterways weaved through the stone halls, the once-clear waters now murky, with only faint ripples marking their passage. The dungeon¡¯s lower reaches had shifted from grand chambers and corridors into a labyrinth of flooded tunnels and cisterns, with occasional pockets of dry land..

    As they advanced, the sound of water sloshing against stone grew louder, accompanied by the faintest whispers of movement beneath the surface. Avince could feel the hairs on his neck prickle. Something was down there, and it wasn¡¯t just the water.

    "Stay alert," Avince warned, his voice low, the tension evident. "We don¡¯t know what kind of creature is lurking down here."

    The air smelled of damp stone and algae, and the light from the torches cast eerie shadows on the waterlogged walls. Avince took in a deep breath, feeling the weight of the atmosphere. It was unlike any dungeon he¡¯d faced before. The ever-present threat of the water made every step feel precarious, every corner hiding something unknown.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stay close,¡± Camille spoke up, her voice steady. "We don¡¯t know how deep the water is in some parts, and I don¡¯t trust it."

    They pressed forward, carefully navigating the slippery stone floor, the water now reaching their knees. Avince felt it slowing him down, the current pushing against his legs, making every step feel harder. His mind was focused, analyzing the situation. The lower level of the dungeon was a far cry from the dry, crumbling ruins they¡¯d just left behind.

    Suddenly, the sound of something stirring beneath the water broke through his thoughts.

    A shape rose from the depths¡ªa massive eel, its body coiling and undulating in the murky water. Its eyes glowed with a predatory hunger as it lunged toward them, jaws snapping open. The water rippled violently as more eels surfaced, their long bodies slithering in a coordinated attack.

    "Here they come!" Rick shouted, his voice tense.

    These eels were no ordinary creatures¡ªthey were massive, their length easily exceeding ten feet, with thick, armored scales that glinted under the dim light. Avince recognized them as being at the lower D-rank, a level manageable if they worked together. Still, the fight would not be easy with the number of eels present.

    The team sprang into action. Josh, towering over the rest, stepped forward, his body rippling with the surge of enhanced strength as his earth manipulation abilities activated. His warhammer, too slow for the nearing eel, was left behind for a moment. Instead, he balled his fists, crackling with power, and swung at the first eel that lunged toward him. The creature was fast, but Josh¡¯s punch was faster, smashing through the eel¡¯s thick scales with bone-crushing force.

    Greene, her body pulsing with the magic of nature, quickly extended vines from her arms to lash at the remaining eels. The thick, sturdy tendrils wrapped around the creatures, restraining them for just long enough to prevent them from overwhelming the group. Camille, ever calm in the heat of battle, stood nearby, her barrier magic at the ready. A transparent shield shimmered into existence around the group, protecting them from the eels'' snapping jaws.

    Avince, however, couldn¡¯t risk using his lightning. The idea of a stray bolt zapping through the water and hitting one of his teammates made him hesitant, so he focused on his other elemental magic, manipulating the water around him and freezing them. With a wave of his hand, the currents of the water shifted, pushing the attacking eels back and making it harder for them to close the distance. Still, the pressure of the battle was mounting. The water was rising, and each eel that was struck down seemed to be replaced by another.

    Finally, with a coordinated strike, the last of the giant eels was subdued. The team, dripping with water, took a moment to regroup, catching their breath.

    "Is everyone alright?" Avince asked, his voice breathless but steady.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Camille responded, her voice calm but tight with the effort. ¡°That was intense.¡±

    Greene nodded, wiping water from her face. ¡°A little wet, but fine.¡±

    Rick gave a thumbs-up, his shadow magic flickering as the water around him blended into his surroundings. "Could¡¯ve been worse."

    Avince looked to Josh, who was breathing heavily but still standing strong. "You alright?"

    ¡°Barely harder than those exams last week," Josh said with a grin, though his voice was strained from the exertion.

    They were about to catch their breath when another disturbance caught Avince''s attention. The water around them seemed to ripple unnaturally, and then¡ªemerging from the depths¡ªcame the next threat: water elementals.

    These creatures were not like the eels. They were ethereal beings, formed entirely from water, swirling with energy and power. Their forms were constantly shifting, flickering in and out of solid form, their limbs like tendrils of liquid that stretched out to strike. The air grew heavy with moisture as the elementals began to form into a solid mass, their bodies crackling with water magic.

    Avince¡¯s heart raced. These creatures were at the middle D-rank, significantly more powerful than the eels. The group had to be more strategic. Unlike the eels, they didn¡¯t need to fear simple physical attacks. The elementals could manipulate water, bend it to their will, and create devastating waves with a mere flick of their watery limbs. They were like living storms, dangerous and unpredictable.

    "Water elementals," Avince muttered under his breath. "Stay on your toes."

    Josh immediately formed a defensive stance, his earth abilities shifting the ground beneath him into a defensive wall. Greene moved next to him, her vines ready to strike. Camille¡¯s shield magic flared to life once again, a translucent dome of energy enveloping the team as the elementals moved in.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    The first water elemental lunged toward Josh, its body twisting into a spear-like shape. Josh raised his hand, pulling earth from the ground to meet the attack. A thick wall of stone rose between them just in time, deflecting the elemental''s assault. The creature¡¯s watery form splashed against the stone before it reformed, its tendrils reaching out to lash at Josh. He grunted, pushing back with earth manipulation, his muscles straining as the elemental¡¯s body pressed against his stone defense.

    Greene¡¯s vines lashed out, trying to ensnare the elemental, but the water was too fluid, slipping through the gaps in the vine¡¯s grasp. Rick, using his shadows to blend into the environment, darted around the battle, distracting the elementals as much as possible.

    Avince, meanwhile, hesitated. He still couldn¡¯t use his lightning in the water¡ªdoing so would risk potentially injuring his team and fire wouldn''t be as effective here.  Although he was still able to manipulate the water itself. With a deep breath, he focused, pulling the liquid around the elementals into a whirlpool and then used a chunk of his mana to freeze a portion of them, trapping them momentarily. The creatures struggled against the ice, their liquid bodies slowly becoming frozen.

    ¡°I¡¯m keeping them contained!¡± Avince called out. ¡°We need to take them down quickly!¡±

    Josh took the cue, charging forward, his earth manipulation bursting through the whirlpool, creating rock spikes that shot out from the ground, aiming directly for the elemental. The creature¡¯s watery form recoiled, but it wasn¡¯t enough to escape the spikes. One hit it squarely in the chest, the stone protruding from its body like a spear.

    Camille reinforced the attack, raising a shield around Josh as he delivered a crushing blow, smashing through the elemental¡¯s form with a heavy punch. The creature dissolved into a flood of water, but it wasn¡¯t the end¡ªtwo more elementals appeared, drawn to the battle by the disturbance.

    The second wave was harder, the elementals more aggressive, bending water and creating whirlpools that threatened to sweep them all off their feet. Avince''s heart raced as he used his control over water and ice to try and counterbalance the creatures'' attacks and freeze them, but it was difficult with the weight of the water around him.

    Greene, seeing an opening, swung her vines toward the elemental¡¯s core, entangling it in a thick, constricting coil. ¡°I¡¯ve got this one!¡± she yelled. With a flick of her wrist, the vine tightened, crushing the watery body into itself, and the elemental burst apart into droplets.

    Rick, darting out from his camouflage, quickly targeted another elemental, quickly stabbing it in its core before it could retreat. ¡°This is too close,¡± he muttered as he strengthened his grip.

    With one last concerted effort, the remaining water elemental was overwhelmed. The team took a collective sigh of relief as the creature was reduced to mere splashes, dissolving into nothingness.

    Exhausted but victorious, the group regrouped. The water still sloshed around them, the oppressive humidity making every breath feel heavy, but they had survived. They had fought not only the giant eels but now these group of water elementals¡ªcreatures of middle D-rank strength.

    "Is everyone alright?" Avince asked again, his voice steady but clearly reflecting the fatigue they all felt.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Camille said, brushing water from her face and giving a tired nod. ¡°That was harder than it looked.¡±

    Rick, panting slightly, gave a thumbs-up. ¡°We make a good team.¡±

    Josh, wiping sweat from his brow, cracked a grin. ¡°Barely breaking a sweat.¡±

    Avince couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of pride. This dungeon rum was going exceptionally well. It had only been a short time since they¡¯d entered this dungeon, and already, he realized that his magic had grown immensely stronger. He thought back to his recent training¡ªjust a few months ago, he had been struggling with how he would even begin to improve. But now, it was clear that he had made significant progress. He was probably somewhere in the lower C-rank range, maybe even higher, and the raw power at his fingertips felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

    However, with this newfound strength came a challenge: his control had dropped immensely. The more power he wielded, the harder it became to maintain and control it. He could still feel the strain, the constant need to rein himself in. But perhaps that was the key. Instead of pushing his limits too quickly, he could simply learn to manage his output, reducing it gradually and fine-tuning his focus. It wouldn¡¯t be fast, but it would be a sustainable way to grow stronger without burning out.

    He then glanced at the others, now more attuned to their capabilities after the fight. Josh, should be at the peak within D-rank, and a force of nature in his own right, his raw power and tenacity making him an invaluable frontliner capable of holding his own against tough opponents. Camille, Greene, and Rick, should all be in the middle of D-rank. Camille¡¯s strategic thinking and quick reflexes made her an excellent support, using her barriers and enhancements to keep the group safe. Rick, ever the stealthy operative, was quick on his feet and had a sharp eye for vulnerable spots, his speed and agility allowing him to strike precisely when the time was right. Greene, with her calm and calculated approach, controlled the battlefield with her plant magic. Avince also hardly noticed it before but flowers would sprout in his leather jacket when fighting, probably the girl providing some sort of buff to the team.

    ¡®We¡¯re holding it together because of how well we¡¯re using our abilities,¡¯ Avince thought to himself. ¡®Josh and I are doing some heavy lifting, but the rest of the team is pulling their weight, too.¡¯

    As they moved deeper into the dungeon, the next challenge lay ahead¡ªthe entrance to the boss chamber. A set of submerged corridors stretched before them, the dark waters glimmering as if holding secrets within. A lever shimmering deep under the water would open the chamber, but reaching it would not be easy.

    ¡°This is it,¡± Avince said, his voice steady. ¡°The boss room is just beyond that entrance. We¡¯ll need someone to go underwater and activate the lever to open the doors.¡±

    There was a pause as the team exchanged glances. Avince felt the weight of the decision. While the others could hold the line, he knew he was the most capable of handling the underwater.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Avince said without hesitation.

    Josh frowned. ¡°You sure? We can figure something else out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Avince replied. "I¡¯ve got this."

    He stepped forward, quickly gathering his thoughts. This wasn¡¯t going to be easy¡ªhe needed to be quick and precise to avoid any unnecessary risks.

    Using a combination of his air and water magic, Avince created an air pocket around his head, allowing him to breathe underwater. It wasn¡¯t perfect¡ªhe couldn¡¯t use it on his teammates like the S-rank mage from Silver Melody¡ªbut it would be enough. He also made a shield barrier with his mana, reinforced by Camille, that would protect him as he dove into the depths to reach the lever.

    "Stay safe," Camille said softly, her usual calm demeanor hiding the concern in her eyes.

    Avince gave her a small nod and dove into the water, the cold shock hitting him instantly. He swam down, the water closing over him. His movements were slow at first, as the weight of the water around him made it harder to swim, but his focus remained clear. The lever was within reach, and he could feel the pressure mounting as he approached.

    Suddenly, the water shifted around him, and he felt the unmistakable tug of something moving beneath the surface. A group of eels had ambushed him, their sleek, slippery bodies weaving around him, jaws snapping just inches from his face. Avince¡¯s heart raced, but he remained calm, his air pocket barely holding as he continued to swim forward.

    He didn¡¯t hesitate, ignoring the eels completely. His goal was simple¡ªto reach the lever. The creatures attacked his shield, but it held firm, Camille¡¯s barrier magic protecting him as he swam deeper. The eels weren¡¯t a threat now; they were only an obstacle.

    With a swift motion, Avince reached the lever, pulling it down. The door beyond the water began to open with a heavy groan, and as the water flowed away from the entrance, he felt the vine tug on his leg. Greene had yanked him back to the surface with her vines.

    ¡°You good?¡± Josh asked, his voice full of concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Avince replied, his breath heavy but his mind clear. The next challenge awaited them¡ªanother dungeon boss.

 Chapter 35

    As they entered the boss chamber, the air grew heavy with moisture, the thick, clammy heat pressing down on their skin as they descended further into the room. The walls, once ancient stonework covered in the faint etchings of long-forgotten runes, had become slick with the water that now filled the lower corridors.

    At the front of the group, Avince kept his eyes peeled for any further threats, his heart pounding in anticipation. He had been through a few difficult fights already, but nothing like this. The last battle, against the giant eels and the water elementals, had been brutal. He had struggled to maintain control of his abilities in this environment. The fact that they¡¯re in contact with water interfered with his ability to use lightning. His main strength was being suppressed, and it left him feeling vulnerable. Ice and water were the two elements that seemed to cooperate with him in this setting, water maybe not that much either.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like this,¡± Josh said, his deep voice echoing slightly as he glanced around. The terrain was difficult to navigate, with wet stones, slick puddles, and rising water that crept up their legs.

    ¡°Keep your focus,¡± Avince replied, though some uncertainty reflected in his gaze. His fire and lightning abilities haven''t been useful in this dungeon at all, with ice and water carrying this floor, but even that had its limits. He had to be strategic with every move.

    Greene, walking just behind him, raised her hand, pushing back a strand of wet hair that clung to her face. Her usual calm demeanor seemed shaken, though she hid it well. ¡°I have a bad feeling. We¡¯re not alone.¡±

    Avince¡¯s senses flared. The temperature dropped suddenly. The air was heavy with moisture, and he felt an ominous shift in the water beneath their feet. A ripple spread across the surface of the murky water, followed by a sudden surge, as something massive shifted below.

    Then, it emerged.

    A towering form, its body composed entirely of swirling water, rose from the depths. The creature was an elemental¡ªa water elemental, but far more powerful than the ones they had faced earlier. This one was massive, standing at least 15 feet tall, with its body constantly shifting like a living tidal wave, its limbs rippling with liquid power. Its glowing blue eyes burned with an insatiable hunger as it slowly began to move toward them, dragging the water with it.

    ¡°This is bad,¡± Avince muttered, a cold chill creeping down his spine. ¡°It¡¯s a High Water Elemental...¡±

    His gaze narrowed as he assessed it. The High Water Elemental was middle C-rank¡ªa challenge that would have been difficult for even a fully prepared team. Alone, he might have stood a chance if he wasn¡¯t in this oppressive environment. But with his lightning rendered useless, he was limited to his ice and water skills, which, though powerful, were not the perfect counter for this kind of battle.

    The water elemental raised one hand, and a torrent of water shot out like a massive tendril. The force of it crashed against their formation, pushing them back and forcing them to scramble to keep their footing in the slick, unstable water.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hold it back!¡± Josh shouted, his voice strained as he slammed his warhammer onto the water filled ground. A wall of earth rose in front of them, solidifying into stone, just as the water tendril slammed against it. The impact sent a shudder through the ground, but Josh¡¯s wall held firm.

    ¡°Nice one, Josh,¡± Avince called out. ¡°Greene, can you bind it?¡±

    ¡°On it!¡± Greene responded, stretching her arms out. Vines shot from her hands, spiraling toward the elemental, wrapping around its massive form. The vines constricted, but the water elemental simply twisted, its body reforming around the plants, sloughing off the entanglement.

    ¡°It¡¯s too slippery!¡± Greene grunted, pulling her vines back as they were discarded by the elemental¡¯s shifting body.

    Camille, her magic at the ready, conjured a translucent shield around the group, just as another wave of water surged toward them. The shield shimmered, absorbing the impact, but the force of the hit knocked them off balance.

    ¡°Focus!¡± Avince shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos. He was already moving. The elemental wasn¡¯t just a physical threat¡ªit was a summoner. He knew it because It¡¯s learned by previous delvers that High elementals could summon other lower elementals. The creature¡¯s water-formed hands glowed with a faint, ominous light, and before they knew it, smaller water elementals began to emerge from the depths, summoned by the high elemental.

    ¡°This is bad,¡± Josh muttered under his breath as he surveyed the situation. The smaller elementals were multiplying faster than they could deal with. ¡°We need to get solid ground.¡±

    Avince¡¯s mind raced. Ice... Ice could help them. He had to limit the number of smaller elementals they were dealing with. If they could control the battlefield, maybe they could wear down the High Water Elemental.

    ¡°Everyone, stay close!¡± he ordered. ¡°Greene, support Josh with your vines. Camille, keep your shield up. I¡¯ll make solid ground for us to stand on.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Josh nodded, gritting his teeth as he raised his hand. The earth groaned beneath them, and more soil began to rise. Slowly but steadily, Josh began to form a platform, the soil building up to create a foundation they could stand on. It was slow going, and the water elementals constantly tried to erode the structure, but Josh¡¯s earth manipulation kept them at bay, while Greene¡¯s vines defended the edges.

    As they fought to create their standing ground, Avince used his ice abilities, directing freezing tendrils of magic to slow and immobilize the smaller water elementals, trapping them in solid blocks of ice. It wasn¡¯t much, but it gave them breathing room as they built their platform.

    Amid the chaos, Rick darted in and out of the fray, his shadow abilities turning him into a flickering blur. With each step, he seemed to vanish into thin air, reappearing at unpredictable angles. His quick strikes drew the attention of the high water elemental and its summons.

    ¡°Over here, big guy!¡± Rick taunted, his voice echoing through the air as he materialized from the shadow of a nearby boulder. The elemental surged toward him, a tendril of water whipping in his direction. But before it could land a blow, Rick disappeared again, slipping into a patch of darkness created by Josh¡¯s rising platform. He reappeared behind the elemental, his dagger slashing through its liquid form, scattering water that quickly reassembled.

    ¡°Keep them busy, Rick!¡± Avince called out, his ice magic crackling in the air as he froze another wave of smaller water elementals. Tendrils of frost snaked out from his hands, turning the elementals into shimmering statues before they could close the distance.

    ¡°Busy is my middle name!¡± Rick replied, ducking under another watery appendage. With a flourish, he vanished into a shadow cast by one of Greene¡¯s larger vines and reappeared at the elemental¡¯s side, slashing at its core. His swift, unpredictable movements kept the high elemental disoriented, its attacks growing increasingly erratic.

    Meanwhile, Josh¡¯s platform finally began to take shape, a solid base of earth rising above the waterlogged battlefield. Greene reinforced it further, her vines digging into the soil to anchor it in place.

    ¡°We¡¯re almost there,¡± Avince muttered, wiping sweat from his brow despite the cool air. ¡°Josh, keep pushing. Camille, summon your strongest barrier to shield us!¡±

    Camille¡¯s face tightened with strain as she quickly raised her hand. ¡°I can¡¯t hold a barrier that strong for long!¡± she warned, her voice laced with urgency. ¡°You need to move fast!¡±

    The air around her shimmered as the barrier expanded, crackling with power. The oncoming forces slammed into it, the barrier holding firm for now, but Camille¡¯s energy was visibly depleting. ¡°Go, now!¡± she urged, gritting her teeth as the pressure mounted.

    ¡°Hang on!¡± Josh shouted, his body trembling with effort. The platform was finally taking shape, solid soil rising above the murky waters as the team began to gain the high ground.

    With a final heave, the platform reached a height that would allow them to stand above the water, a sturdy, rocky surface that Josh had shaped from the earth. Avince felt a wave of relief, but it was short-lived.

    The High Water Elemental, sensing the shift in momentum, roared in fury. Its body swelled with liquid power as it hurled another torrent of water toward them, this time with enough force to shatter the platform. But they were ready now.

    ¡°Avince!¡± Josh called, his voice urgent.

    Avince nodded, already gathering his mana. The time had come. With their solid ground beneath them and their bodies mostly dried from the continuous battle, he could finally use his lightning. It was the moment he had been waiting for.

    With a deep breath, Avince focused on the storm within him. Mana surged through his body, crackling as he formed a massive ball of electricity above his head. His fingers trembled with the immense power he was wielding. The air around them hummed with the energy, the crackling tension building.

    ¡°This is it!¡± Avince shouted, releasing the ball with all his might. The electric sphere shot through the air, arcing toward the High Water Elemental. The moment it made contact, the explosion of energy was deafening.

    The elemental let out a final, monstrous scream as the electricity coursed through its watery form, evaporating the creature into nothingness. The water around them hissed and sizzled as steam poured into the air, and within moments, the massive elemental had been reduced to vapor. The dungeon floor was eerily quiet.

    Avince collapsed to his knees, his mana reserves nearly depleted. Josh, Greene, Camille, and Rick were equally exhausted, their bodies worn from the fight.

    ¡°Is it... done?¡± Greene asked breathlessly, her chest rising and falling with each labored breath.

    Avince wiped his brow and nodded. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡±

    His team looked around, their gazes flickering between the aftermath and Avince. They were surprised by how powerful that attack had been

    As the steam cleared, something glinted in the center of the now-empty space where the High Water Elemental had once stood. A smooth, blue stone lay on the ground, its surface polished and almost glowing in the dim light of the dungeon.

    Josh crouched down, picking it up with a careful hand. ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°A Water Stone,¡± Avince said, recognition flashing in his eyes. ¡°Very rare, and extremely valuable. It¡¯s used by water mages to amplify their power¡ªboosts their output significantly. Though,¡± he added with a slight frown, ¡°it¡¯s only useful for water magic.¡±

    ¡°Still... worth a lot,¡± Rick commented, his eyes gleaming. ¡°Probably worth half a million credits.¡±

    The tension in the air lifted slightly as the group took in the magnitude of what they had just accomplished. The fight had been brutal, but they had emerged victorious.

    At that moment, Kai then got over and stored the water stone, same as all their previous drops in this dungeon that will be evenly distributed after the run.

    ¡°Well done, you¡¯ve defeated the High Water Elemental. How do you feel?¡± Kai said after storing the water stone in his storage ring.

    ¡°Exhausted,¡± Avince replied, breathing heavily. ¡°But we¡¯re ready to keep going.¡±

    Kai¡¯s voice grew more serious. ¡°I¡¯ll allow you to continue, but I¡¯ll step in if necessary. Rest up first.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll take a breather,¡± Avince agreed, his voice tired but determined. ¡°Then we¡¯ll see what the next floor has in store for us.¡±

    The team gathered together, catching their breath and resting as they prepared to enter the next part of the dungeon.

 Chapter 36

    After entering the portal to the next floor, the team felt the oppressive silence of this dungeon floor as they descended into the depths.The team trudged through the narrow corridors, the dim flicker of magical lights casting long shadows on the walls. The further they descended into the dungeon, the more oppressive the air became. Avince could feel the weight of the atmosphere pushing against his chest as they approached the next level.

    ¡°This place doesn¡¯t feel right,¡± Greene muttered, her eyes scanning the dark, cavernous space ahead. As a plant mage, she had a unique sensitivity to magical energies, and right now, every inch of the dungeon reeked of ancient arcane power.

    ¡°Stay sharp,¡± Kai said, his tone calm but with a steely edge that commanded attention. ¡°This is the Arcane Library. Everything here is imbued with magical power. That means more than just traps and monsters. You need to be ready for anything.¡±

    The large, ornate doors before them creaked as they pushed them open, revealing a massive underground library. The vast hall stretched out before them, rows upon rows of shelves stacked high with ancient tomes, scrolls, and arcane artifacts. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, runes glowing faintly as though the entire library was alive.

    Avince¡¯s eyes widened. The sight was mesmerizing¡ªbut it also filled him with an eerie sense of unease. "This place is only filled with items, but there''s something... wrong about it. The magic here is ancient, and it''s dangerous."

    ¡°You''re not wrong,¡± Camille agreed, her eyes scanning the shelves for any movement. ¡°There¡¯s a heavy aura of enchantment here. These books are more than they seem.¡±

    The team cautiously stepped into the library, the sound of their footsteps muted by the thick carpet of dust and the presence of magical wards. Before they could advance any further, the first sign of danger came¡ªan old, worn book on the nearest shelf suddenly flew off its stand, pages fluttering as it shot toward them. The sound of paper tearing filled the air as it collided with the floor, but it didn¡¯t stay there. It lifted once again, a dark aura swirling around its pages, its glowing sigil pulsing with energy.

    ¡°Animated books!¡± Avince shouted, raising his hand and preparing his magic. He focused his energy and released a sharp blast of water and wind, forming a barrier to block the incoming book. It slammed into the barrier with a force that rattled the air around them, but the book¡¯s animated form simply reformed and launched itself again.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Greene called, as more books began to fly off the shelves in rapid succession. These animated books, while not as powerful as some of the other monsters they''d encountered, were relentless and fast. Fortunately, they were only the lower-tier of the magical tomes.

    ¡°Low E-rank,¡± Avince muttered, realizing the strength of these books. ¡°They¡¯re strong for their type, but we can handle them.¡±

    Rick, the fast one of the group, darted around, his speed making him a blur as he knocked books from the air. His lightning-quick strikes left a trail of destruction, but for every book he destroyed, another seemed to take its place.

    ¡°Damn, there are too many!¡± Rick said, frustration creeping into his voice as more books filled the air.

    Kai calmly observed the swarm of flying books, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Don''t waste your energy. They''re not the real challenge here."

    Before anyone could respond, a new threat emerged from the shadows. As if on cue, a cursed tome¡ªfar darker and more dangerous than the animated books¡ªemerged from the shelves. This cursed tome is a different breed, its pages blackened and its sigils radiating malevolent energy. The very air around them seemed to warp and distort as the cursed books surged forward, their magic more focused, more intense.

    ¡°Watch out, this is a Upper D-rank!¡± Avince called, his voice laced with urgency. ¡°We¡¯ll have to take this down carefully. It won¡¯t go down as easily as the animated ones.¡±

    ¡°Greene!¡± Camille shouted, rushing toward her as an explosion knocked Greene off her feet. Their scout had failed to detect a trap which Greene stepped on..

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Greene groaned, struggling to stand as the explosion left a gash across her arm. She winced, clutching her injured limb. However, even as she spoke, a faint network of thin, glowing vines began to sprout from her skin, weaving themselves into an intricate pattern around the wound.

    The cursed tome hovered menacingly in the air, it''s dark magic crackling like a storm about to unleash its full fury. The team, undeterred by the ferocity of its arcane blasts, formed a tight formation, ready to strike with precision.

    Greene, albeit injured, was the first to act. She summoned a mass of thick vines that shot from the floor, aiming to bind the cursed tome. The dark magic inside the book flared, and the vines were immediately scorched by bursts of intense black energy. But Greene wasn¡¯t deterred; she pulled the remaining vines back and readied for another attempt. "These things don¡¯t give up easily," she muttered under her breath, her focus razor-sharp.

    Camille, standing next to Greene, quickly assessed the situation. She could feel the heavy pulse of cursed energy reverberating in the air. "We need to disrupt its magic!" she called out, stepping forward to place herself between the cursed tome and the others. Her fingers twitched as she began weaving a more complex barrier spell, one designed to absorb and deflect magic rather than just block it.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    A surge of arcane energy shot out from the tome toward the team, crackling like lightning. Camille raised her barrier just in time, the blast slamming into the magical shield with enough force to send a shockwave through her arms. The shield held, but barely, and the energy scattered like shards of broken glass, some of it ricocheting off the floor and walls. ¡°Keep at it!¡± Camille shouted, her teeth gritted.

    At the same time, Josh took a step forward, his body surging with the power of earth magic. He slammed his warhammer down onto the ground, causing massive stone pillars to erupt from the floor, towering high enough to block the cursed tome¡¯s path. The pillars stood as an impenetrable defense, and the book¡¯s magical bolts slammed harmlessly into the stone.

    Rick, swift and silent, darted around the battlefield. Using the cover provided by Josh¡¯s stone pillars, he dashed forward, closing the distance between him and the cursed tome. With expert precision, he leapt onto one of the pillars, narrowly avoiding a bolt of dark energy, and used his dagger to slice through the book¡¯s ethereal binding. His dagger sank into the tome¡¯s glowing, cursed pages with a hiss, but it didn¡¯t seem enough to fully silence it.

    Avince, watching Rick¡¯s movements, saw the opening. His fingers twitched as he began to focus his mana for a spell. He conjured a wave of water and ice magic that crashed into the cursed tome, quenching the dark flames flickering around it and temporarily dousing its arcane powers. The freezing water caused the tome to shudder, its magic flickering and weakening under the ice.

    With the tome stunned, Greene pushed forward again. This time, her vines, infused with a concentrated burst of energy, wrapped tightly around the cursed book. The book¡¯s magic lashed out in desperate bursts, but Greene¡¯s vines were reinforced with her own mana, resisting the onslaught. With a strained grunt, she pulled the vines tighter, binding the tome into a crushing grip.

    Camille stepped up next, her hands raised high as she finished her barrier spell. With a wave of her hand, she sent a concentrated burst of energy through the vines, adding her strength to Greene¡¯s effort. The book¡¯s magical aura flickered violently before it finally began to crackle and break apart under the combined force.

    Josh shouted in triumph, his warhammer raised high. "Now! Together!"

    The group launched their final coordinated attack. Rick¡¯s dagger, still lodged in the cursed tome, created a rift in its magical field, allowing Avince¡¯s water magic to surge deeper into the tome. Camille¡¯s barrier spell now wrapped the tome in a suffocating grip, while Greene¡¯s vines tightened around it, pulling the magical energy into a crushing lock. Josh¡¯s final, crushing strike sent a shockwave through the ground as he brought his warhammer down onto the cursed tome with all his might.

    The book shattered, its pages disintegrating into a fine dust that scattered across the battlefield, leaving behind only the faintest echo of its dark magic. The room grew still, the air clearing as the last remnants of the curse dissolved into nothingness.

    As the dust settled after the final blow to the cursed tome, the silence in the library grew even more oppressive. The team stood, catching their breath, eyes scanning the wreckage left in the wake of the battle. But the moment of relief was short-lived.

    "This is tricky," Camille said, examining the symbols within the locked doors. ¡°The runes are constantly shifting.¡±

    Avince squatted down, his brow furrowed as he studied the puzzle. "I¡¯ve seen something like this before¡­ Give me a second."

    The team stayed alert while Avince carefully deciphered the runic sequence. Slowly, with precise concentration, he triggered the right combination. The floor rumbled as the door opened to reveal the next room.

    But before they could catch their breath, a new wave of animated books flew at them, and with the animated books, another cursed tome appeared, and it was stronger than the ones before.

    ¡°This one¡¯s a Low C-rank,¡± Avince said, grimacing. ¡°We have to finish this one fast.¡±

    Josh chuckled, his usual hearty laugh echoing in the chamber. ¡°I do like a challenge! Let¡¯s do this!¡±

    With that, the battle resumed. Josh stomped his feet, sending shockwaves through the room as he used his Earth magic to destabilize the cursed tome¡¯s position. Rick moved quickly, slicing through the animated books while keeping an eye on the cursed tome.

    Greene¡¯s vines tangled with the cursed tome¡¯s dark energy, trying to disrupt its magic, but it was no easy task. Camille focused on reinforcing their defenses with her barrier magic, using her abilities to block the cursed tome¡¯s dark energy blasts.

    It was a tough fight, but the team worked together, chipping away at the cursed tome bit by bit. Like the previous tome, Avince disabled the tome¡¯s energy with his combination of ice and water magic, which had proven effective in this dungeon. When the battle was finally over, the team was drained and had sustained some injuries from holding off the barrage of books, but they made their way toward the final door.

    The last puzzle was even more complicated. Ancient runes appeared on the door, shifting and changing with every second. Avince could feel the strain in his mind, but with the help of Camille, they pushed through, carefully adjusting the runic symbols until the door clicked open.

    Beyond the door stood the final boss room. The air thickened with a dark aura, and a hooded figure stood at the center of the room. The dark mage¡¯s presence was overwhelming, its magic practically suffocating.

    Kai stepped forward, his face calm. ¡°That¡¯s your boss. A B-rank dark mage. Average for a B tier, but still dangerous.¡±

    The team paused, exhausted from their battles. They knew they couldn¡¯t face this one, not yet with their current strength. But before anyone could speak, Kai walked into the boss chamber without hesitation.

    The dark mage immediately launched a barrage of destructive dark magic¡ªmassive, explosive orbs of dark energy. But Kai didn¡¯t move a muscle. He simply stood there, his katana poised, and with a casual flick of his wrist, he deflected each dark magic orb with ease.

    With a fluid motion, Kai dashed forward with a Katana drawing stance, his blade flashing through the air in a single, clean slice. The dark mage crumpled in two, falling to the floor in an instant.

    The team stared in awe. ¡°That was¡­ incredible,¡± Greene whispered, her voice filled with awe.

    Kai sheathed his katana. ¡°You¡¯re not ready for this boss, let alone the next floor. The next one has upper C-rank enemies in droves, plus a middle A-rank boss. And after that¡­ B-rank minions would swarm you and an S-rank as a boss.¡±

    The dungeon around them trembled as a portal opened up before them.

    Kai turned to them, his tone now serious. ¡°You¡¯ve done well, but your dungeon run ends here. I¡¯m not letting you continue.

    The team understands and steps through the portal, their bodies exhausted and their spirits worn down. The dungeon run had come to an end¡ªfor now¡ªbut they knew they learned a lot from this run.

 Chapter 37

    The cold night air hit Avince as the group stepped out of the dungeon¡¯s portal, the fatigue in his limbs a stark reminder of the grueling hours they¡¯d just endured. Around him, the scene was chaotic yet subdued, with several students slumped on benches, their faces pale and drenched in sweat. Assistant healers were busy, moving swiftly between groups, tending to wounds and exhaustion with glowing hands and murmured spells.

    Avince took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension of the dungeon. His team had done well, but the fatigue was catching up fast.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we made it that far,¡± Greene muttered, sitting on a bench with her head resting against the backrest. Her arm, still bandaged from earlier, looked better now, though the exhaustion on her face was evident.

    Kai stood nearby, scanning the horizon. His usually composed face showed a hint of relief. ¡°The last team shouldn¡¯t be long now,¡± he said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Your group went deeper than most and took a good amount of time, so the others should take about the same.¡±

    Avince, leaning against the bus parked near the dungeon, remembered their phones had been left inside before they entered. He climbed into the bus briefly to retrieve his, and when he checked the time, his eyebrows shot up. "It¡¯s almost 10 p.m. already?" he muttered aloud. "We went in at 3 p.m. ¡­ That¡¯s seven hours inside. No wonder I feel like my legs are about to give out.¡±

    ¡°I missed dinner,¡± Greene groaned, clutching her stomach.

    As if summoned by her words, a teaching assistant approached, carrying a tray of sandwiches and canned juices. He handed one to each team member, offering a tired but encouraging smile. ¡°Here. You¡¯ll need this to keep your strength up.¡±

    Avince accepted the food gratefully, tearing into the sandwich. The savory taste hit his tongue, and he realized just how hungry he was.

    ¡°We should¡¯ve brought food into the dungeon,¡± Josh said between bites, his voice muffled by a mouthful of sandwich.

    ¡°Yeah, because that would¡¯ve worked so well,¡± Camille retorted with a smirk. ¡°Have you seen the state we were in after the fights? Anything we brought would¡¯ve been destroyed, squished, or drenched in mana residue.¡±

    Avince chuckled quietly, though his thoughts drifted to his storage ability. I could¡¯ve stored food in there easily¡­ Maybe next time, but not in front of them. Better keep that under wraps.

    Kai returned shortly, his expression relaxed. ¡°The last of the teams just finished. We¡¯ll be heading out soon. Eat up and get comfortable.¡±

    The team took their time eating, and by the time the other students had been treated and fed, the bus was ready to leave. As everyone filed in, Avince noticed how much quieter the atmosphere had become. The once-lively chatter was replaced by tired sighs and the occasional groan. Students slumped against the windows, their exhaustion palpable.

    A professor Avince didn¡¯t recognize stood at the front of the bus, addressing the students. ¡°You¡¯ve all done well. There will be no more classes for the rest of the semester. The results of both your exam and dungeon performance will be released next week, just before Christmas break. Use this time to rest and recover,¡± he announced with a reassuring tone.

    The professor continued, ¡°Additionally, you should now have access to your dungeon contribution records on your school profiles. There, you¡¯ll find the credits you accumulated during this dungeon run, as well as those from any future ones. Use them however you like, whether for training, equipment, or personal projects.¡±

    The announcement was met with murmurs of relief, though most students were too tired to respond properly.

    Avince felt his eyelids grow heavy as the bus rumbled to life. He drifted off, lulled by the gentle sway of the vehicle, only to be jolted awake when they stopped at a roadside station. The professor announced a short break for food and bathroom use, and Rick nudged Avince.

    ¡°Hey, come eat with us,¡± Rick said, gesturing toward the small diner attached to the station.

    Avince shook his head, leaning back into his seat. ¡°I¡¯m too tired. You guys go ahead. I¡¯ll just sleep.¡±

    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Rick replied with a shrug, leaving with the others.

    Avince closed his eyes again, letting sleep take him until the bus started moving once more. This time, he woke only when the bus slowed near his neighborhood. Groggily, he waited a bit then  stood and called out to the driver. ¡°Can you stop here? My house is just a few blocks away.¡±

    The driver nodded, pulling over briefly to let him off. Avince stepped out into the cool night air, his body aching as he trudged home. It was almost 1 am when he finally unlocked the door, wondering if anyone would still be awake.

    The living room lights were on, and to his surprise, Ashna and Erwin were sitting on the couch, waiting for him.

    ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± Ashna exclaimed, her face lighting up with relief.

    Erwin gave him a tired smile. ¡°How was it? Did your team do well?¡±

    Avince dropped his bag by the door and sank onto the couch, rubbing his eyes. ¡°We did great. Better than I expected, honestly.¡±

    ¡°Did you eat?¡± Ashna asked, already standing as if she knew the answer.

    ¡°Had a sandwich,¡± Avince replied, his stomach growling again. ¡°But food would be nice.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Ashna smirked, turning to Erwin. ¡°Ha! Told you he¡¯d want something when he got back.¡±

    Erwin chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Alright, you win.¡±

    In no time, Ashna whipped up a quick meal of fried eggs and bacon. Avince devoured it, the warmth of the food chasing away the last remnants of the dungeon¡¯s chill.

    They chatted briefly about the run, though his parents didn¡¯t press too much, sensing his exhaustion. Finally, Ashna patted his shoulder. ¡°Go rest, Avince. You¡¯ve earned it.¡±

    He nodded, excusing himself and heading to his room. For a moment, he considered using his ability to enter a dungeon. I could try and sneak in some training, he thought. But the weight of his body and the fog in his mind convinced him otherwise.

    Plenty of time for that later, he decided, letting himself sink into the comfort of his bed. Within moments, he was fast asleep, his dreams a mix of giant eels and flying books.

    <hr>

    The evening passed and sunlight streamed through Avince¡¯s curtains, gently pulling him from the depths of sleep. His body still felt heavy from the dungeon run, but the rest had done wonders for him. Stretching his stiff limbs, he sat up, hearing faint noises from the kitchen.

    The smell of eggs and toast wafted through the air as he wandered into the dining area, where Amyra sat at the table. She was fully dressed and engrossed in a stack of notes, occasionally scribbling something down as she ate her breakfast.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Avince mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he joined her at the dining table.

    Amyra glanced up briefly, her pen pausing mid-note. ¡°Morning. You¡¯re up earlier than I thought, considering how late you got back.¡±

    ¡°Exhausted, but I believe we did well,¡± he replied, grabbing a plate and piling it with food. As he sat down, he noticed the stack of notes Amyra was holding. ¡°Studying already? Shouldn¡¯t you be relaxing or something?¡±

    Amyra smirked, her eyes glinting with confidence. ¡°I¡¯ve got exams, remember? High school students don¡¯t get to run around in dungeons and call it learning.¡±

    Avince blinked, suddenly remembering. ¡°Oh yeah, I forgot the high schoolers are still taking their exams. So, how¡¯s it going?¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°Just reviewing some formulas for trigonometry. And before you ask, yes, I¡¯m confident I¡¯ll pass.¡± She gave him a smug grin before taking a sip of her juice.

    Avince chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Of course you will.¡±

    Their lighthearted conversation was interrupted by Ashna walking into the room, drying her hands on a kitchen towel. ¡°Good morning, Avince,¡± she said, smiling warmly before looking at Amyra. ¡°By the way, Amyra, your plan to wait up for your brother didn¡¯t exactly go well.¡±

    Amyra frowned slightly. ¡°I told you I wasn¡¯t waiting for him¡ª¡±

    Ashna grinned, cutting her off. ¡°Oh, really? So who was it that fell asleep on the couch with her notebook still open?¡±

    Erwin¡¯s deep laugh boomed as he entered the room, holding a cup of coffee. ¡°She even mumbled something about some formula in her sleep. Truly dedicated.¡±

    Amyra groaned, slumping over her notes as her cheeks turned pink. ¡°Ugh, can we not do this first thing in the morning?¡±

    Avince smirked, thoroughly enjoying the teasing. ¡°Aw, that¡¯s sweet, Amyra. Didn¡¯t know you missed me that much.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± she shot back, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t flatter yourself.¡±

    Ashna patted her daughter¡¯s shoulder as she passed by, still grinning. ¡°We¡¯re just saying it¡¯s nice that you care, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Nice? Embarrassing, you mean,¡± Amyra muttered, returning her focus to her notes as the rest of the family chuckled.

    Their conversation drifted into lighter topics as they ate, with Amyra teasing him about how exhausted he looked and Avince teasing her about taking notes during breakfast. Once they finished, Avince excused himself and headed back to his room.

    As he closed the door behind him, he sat on his bed and suddenly remembered something: the dungeon contribution points. His heart raced slightly with curiosity as he opened his phone, logging into the academy¡¯s contribution website.

    The dashboard loaded, displaying his account balance: 353,257 points.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Avince whispered, his eyes widening. He had expected a decent reward, but this was far more than he had anticipated.

    Noticing a notification icon in the corner, he clicked on it and found a detailed breakdown of the dungeon run. A note explained that the first-year dungeon experience came with a special perk: 100% of all drops would be allocated to the students, based solely on their contributions. The academy had waived its usual 20% cut for first-time participants and the initial payment for even running the dungeon.

    Avince leaned back in his chair, recalling how the elf had mentioned the true advantage of his ability¡ªskipping the hefty fees and fines that regular dungeon delvers faced. That¡¯s something to keep in mind for the future.

    He returned to the breakdown, scanning through the numbers. His team had earned a total of 981,270 contribution points, with Avince¡¯s share making up a staggering 36%.

    ¡°Wait, 36%?¡± he muttered to himself, frowning slightly. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder how his score was calculated. Most of the damage against the water elemental had been from him, sure, but the entire team had worked together for the victory. Maybe Kai, as their guide, had a specific method for determining contributions. Either way, Avince wasn¡¯t about to complain¡ªhis score spoke for itself, and the rewards were undeniable.

    Curious, he navigated to the academy¡¯s contribution store, where items and services could be exchanged for points. His jaw dropped as he scrolled through the offerings. Intrigued, he decided to compare the prices elsewhere and noted that each contribution point was roughly equivalent in value to an alliance credit. However, the academy¡¯s store does stand out by offering exclusive items and services that couldn¡¯t be purchased with credits alone.

    Weapons, enchanted gear, rare runes, and even personalized training sessions were listed, their prices ranging from thousands to millions of credits. One item caught his eye: ¡°Personal Guidance by the Academy Founder ¨C 5,000,000 Points.¡±

    Avince clicked on the listing, reading the description. An apprenticeship from the academy¡¯s founder, an S-tier powerhouse whose knowledge and connections were beyond the reach of most people. Normally, even if you multiplied five million credits by ten, you wouldn¡¯t get the chance to speak to someone like that, let alone receive personal training.

    ¡°That¡¯s insane,¡± Avince muttered, leaning back in his chair. He couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine the level of skill and insight someone like the founder could provide.

    His thoughts drifted to Kartana, the powerful mage his father had once hired to help him and with his ability. How much did Dad spend to get her help? he wondered, suddenly feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. Clearly, his family had made sacrifices to support him, even before his abilities had fully manifested.

    Then, a small smirk crept onto his face as he remembered something. He was already being helped by someone even above that tier.

    Shaking off the thought, Avince continued browsing the store, mentally noting items that might help him in the future.

 Chapter 38

    The soft chime of Avince¡¯s phone startled him from his thoughts as he sat on the edge of his bed, staring absentmindedly at the faint glow of his phone screen. The notification light blinked insistently, pulling him back to the present. He opened the notification bat, expecting some automated alert from the academy system.

    Instead, the name ¡°Erica¡± flashed on the screen. He swiped it open, curious.

    Erica: Hey! How are you holding up? Rested yet after the dungeon?

    A faint smile tugged at his lips.

    Avince: Hey, I¡¯m fine. Just woke up, and had breakfast. You? How¡¯s everything on your end?

    The reply came almost immediately.

    Erica: Better now that I¡¯ve had a full night¡¯s sleep. My legs still feel like jelly, though. Those water elementals were relentless. My team¡­ well, let¡¯s just say we didn¡¯t exactly shine in the third section.

    Avince raised an eyebrow as he typed back.

    Avince: Relentless? What happened?

    Erica: We were overwhelmed. Completely. Those water elementals swarmed us, and I had to burn through nearly all my mana to keep everyone alive. Honestly, we¡¯d have been wiped if the 4th year wasn¡¯t with us to save our skin.

    Avince: That sounds rough. Everyone okay now?

    Erica: Yeah, we¡¯re fine. And hey, I¡¯m actually proud of myself. All that healing didn¡¯t go unnoticed¡ªI got a pretty solid contribution score.

    Avince: Oh? How much?

    Erica: 90,000 credits! Not bad, right?

    Avince let out a low whistle. That was an impressive number for a healer.

    Avince: Not bad at all. That¡¯s a great score, Erica.

    A smug emoji appeared on his screen, followed by another message.

    Erica: Right? I was starting to think I¡¯d set some kind of class record. But then I realized you haven¡¯t told me how much you got yet¡­

    He hesitated for a moment, knowing what was coming.

    Avince: 353,257.

    The typing indicator appeared on Erica¡¯s end, then stopped, then appeared again.

    Erica: ¡­Are you kidding me?

    Avince: Nope.

    Erica: That¡¯s insane! How is that even possible? I thought 90k was a lot! What did you do in there? Carry your whole team on your back?!

    Avince chuckled, shaking his head as he replied.

    Avince: Not quite.  I think we got further into the dungeon than most, and our total contribution ended up around 980,000. A lot of it was probably from this water stone we found, but I guess I pulled my weight too.

    There was a short pause before Erica¡¯s next message.

    Erica: 980,000?! That¡¯s more than I¡¯ve ever heard of for a single run! No wonder your score¡¯s so high. You must¡¯ve done a ton to get that much credit. I¡¯m impressed, Avince. Really.

    He felt a twinge of embarrassment at the praise but quickly changed the subject.

    Avince: So, what are you planning to do with your points? Any ideas yet?

    Erica: Well, my dad told me to save them for now. He said I should think about getting some physical augmentation to help with my close combat skills. Makes sense, right? I can¡¯t always rely on healing to get me out of trouble.

    Avince leaned back against his headboard, thoughtful.

    Avince: Yeah, that¡¯s actually a really good idea. Augmentation could give you a serious edge in battle. But it¡¯s not exactly easy to come by.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    He paused, memories of his rune-crafting studies and late-night research bubbling to the surface. Augmentation was, in essence, an advanced and highly specialized form of rune engraving. But unlike the runes on weapons or equipment, augmentations were designed specifically for human bodies, making them infinitely more delicate and dangerous to apply.

    The process involved inscribing intricate runes directly onto a person¡¯s mana flow, enhancing their physical or magical capabilities. A single miscalculation during the engraving could cause catastrophic damage, potentially killing both the engraver and the recipient.

    Currently, only a handful of engravers in the world were skilled enough to perform augmentations safely. Most were contracted by powerful clans or organizations, their work tailored to specific needs and closely guarded.

    Avince¡¯s own experience with runes was nowhere near that level yet. The thought of attempting augmentation with his current skills made him shudder.

    Avince: Augmentation¡¯s definitely worth looking into, but it¡¯s not something you can rush. You¡¯ll need to find someone really skilled for that.

    Erica: For sure. Dad said the same thing. I¡¯ll probably save up and take my time researching my options. What about you? Any plans for your points?

    Avince: Not yet. I¡¯ll ask around for advice first. No point rushing into something I might regret later.

    Erica: Smart move. Anyway, I should let you go. I¡¯ve got some training  to do with my father again now that we have a break again, and you probably have something important to focus on too.

    Avince: Yeah, something like that. Good luck with your training.

    Erica: Thanks! And good luck with¡­ whatever it is you¡¯re working on. Talk later!

    He set his phone down, her words lingering in his mind. Erica¡¯s mention of augmentation had sparked something¡ªa reminder of just how vast the world of mana applications was and how much he still had to learn.

    But there was no time to dwell on that now. He had other priorities.

    Avince reached for the amulet around his neck, its smooth surface cool against his fingers. Althiel¡¯s cryptic words from their last encounter echoed in his mind, and he knew it was time to get some answers.

    Closing his eyes, he focused inward, nudging his ability toward the familiar pull of her dungeon. The sensation was immediate, a gentle tug that grew stronger with each passing second.

    The room around him blurred, the boundaries between reality and the dungeon world dissolving. As his consciousness began to shift.

    The familiar forest clearing materialized around Avince as his vision cleared. The air was crisp and filled with the faint hum of magic that seemed to permeate every inch of the elf¡¯s dungeon. In the center of the glade, the elven woman stood with her back to him, her white hair cascading down like a silver waterfall. She turned, her piercing emerald eyes locking onto him as though she had been waiting for his arrival.

    ¡°Welcome back, Avince,¡± Althiel greeted, her voice calm yet carrying a note of urgency. ¡°I trust your last dungeon venture was¡­ enlightening?¡±

    Avince stepped forward, his hand instinctively reaching for the ring in his storage space and wearing it. ¡°It was. But that¡¯s not why I¡¯m here. You said there was an issue last time. I¡¯ve been meaning to ask¡ªwhat did you mean by that?¡±

    Althiel¡¯s expression grew serious, and she gestured for him to sit on a fallen log nearby. She remained standing, towering over him with an air of authority.

    ¡°You¡¯ve progressed well, perhaps too well,¡± she began, her gaze unwavering. ¡°But that progression is not balanced.¡±

    Avince frowned, unsure of what she meant. ¡°Balanced? What¡¯s wrong with my progress? I feel like I¡¯m getting stronger.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, you are,¡± Althiel said, crossing her arms. ¡°But only in certain ways. I¡¯ve been observing your growth, and it¡¯s unusual. Possibly because your presence in the dungeons is not physical. Only your consciousness enters, leaving your body behind in the real world. As a result, your soul has been strengthening at an accelerated pace¡ªtwice as fast, in fact. But your body¡­¡± She trailed off, letting the words hang in the air.

    ¡°My body?¡± Avince echoed, leaning forward.

    ¡°It¡¯s barely improving,¡± Althiel said bluntly. ¡°The little improvement I¡¯ve seen is likely your body adapting to the strength of your soul. But adaptation is not enough.¡±

    Avince frowned, his mind racing. ¡°I don¡¯t see the problem. Isn¡¯t soul strength more important? It powers my abilities and influences mana. Shouldn¡¯t that take priority?¡±

    A faint smile played on Althiel¡¯s lips, though there was no warmth in it. ¡°Yes, soul strength is vital. The soul is the source of your power and connection to the world. But the body is the vessel that carries it. Let me give you an analogy.¡± She crouched slightly, her eyes meeting his on a level plane.

    ¡°Imagine your body as a container,¡± she said, tracing an invisible shape in the air. ¡°And your soul as water. Normally, if you fill the container with too much water, it overflows. But that¡¯s not how it works with the human body.¡±

    ¡°What happens instead?¡± Avince asked, a faint sense of unease creeping into his voice.

    ¡°The container doesn¡¯t have an opening to overflow¡ª so it breaks,¡± Althiel said simply, her voice cutting through the quiet of the clearing.

    Avince sat back, her words sinking in. The thought of his body ¡°breaking¡± was chilling. His mind flashed to the dungeon, to moments when his spells had felt unnaturally powerful, even when he used less mana than usual. A memory of a crackling lightning strike that seemed to ripple through the air with an intensity he hadn¡¯t intended resurfaced.

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ noticed things,¡± he admitted, his voice quieter now. ¡°In the dungeon. My spells feel stronger than they should be, even when I don¡¯t use much mana. Is that because of my soul?¡±

    Althiel nodded, her expression grave. ¡°Yes, your soul grant you an edge in how you interact with mana and the world. The more refined your soul becomes, the more influence you can exert in the world itself¡ªshaping them to your will. But there is an issue. Your body cannot sustain this accelerated growth. At the moment, your soul is the only thing getting stronger, but without corresponding growth in your physical form, this may begin to take a toll.¡±

    Avince¡¯s mind raced as he thought back to moments when his spells seemed to exceed his expectations, when his presence alone had seemed to warp the environment around him. "So¡­ the more my soul develops, the more I can influence the world, but my body is lagging behind?"

    "Precisely," Althiel said, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "This could lead to¡­ complications. Your body might break under the strain if you continue at this pace."

    Avince¡¯s thoughts shifted quickly. ¡°Then how do I fix it? Should I focus on strengthening my body?¡±

    Althiel¡¯s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. ¡°That¡¯s part of it. But there¡¯s something more you must consider. How good are you at transmogrification?¡±

    The question caught Avince off guard. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. ¡°Not very good at all. I haven¡¯t really put much importance on it while training.¡±

 Chapter 39

    Avince remained seated on the log, his mind buzzing with the flood of new information Althiel had shared. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, and looked up at the elven woman.

    ¡°Why transmogrification?¡± he asked, breaking the silence. ¡°You brought it up, but I don¡¯t see how it¡¯s supposed to solve my problems. Does it actually help me?¡±

    Althiel folded her arms, her expression contemplative. ¡°Yes, it does. With the rate at which your soul is growing, your body will struggle to keep up. Casting spells, channeling mana¡ªeverything will feel more difficult because your physical vessel isn¡¯t equipped to handle the output of your soul¡¯s strength. You may have already experienced moments when your abilities felt like they were pushing against your limits.¡±

    Avince nodded slowly. He had, but he hadn¡¯t connected it to his body¡¯s inability to cope with his soul¡¯s growth.

    ¡°Transmogrification offers a solution,¡± Althiel continued. ¡°By altering your body to better accept the flow of mana, you reduce that strain. Think of it as reshaping the container to fit the water it holds.¡±

    ¡°Okay, that makes sense,¡± Avince said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. ¡°But what kind of transmogrification are we talking about? Should I turn myself into something like steel or iron? Wouldn¡¯t that help with durability and mana flow?¡±

    Althiel shook her head, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°Steel and iron are primitive solutions. For someone like you, whose soul is rapidly strengthening, I would suggest mithril.¡±

    The words hit Avince like a thunderbolt. His eyes widened, and he leaned back in shock.

    ¡°Mithril?¡± he stammered. ¡°Are you serious? That¡¯s impossible! Transmogrifying my body into mithril would be a peak Tier 3 magic, maybe even Tier 4! The level of precision and mana density required¡ªI don¡¯t think anyone in my world is capable of that.¡±

    Althiel frowned slightly at his reaction, tilting her head as if reconsidering something. ¡°Your world¡­¡± she murmured. ¡°I forget sometimes that your world is still in its infancy after integration. Only a century has passed since your people were exposed to dungeon energy. That explains your reaction.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Avince asked, narrowing his eyes. ¡°What does that have to do with anything?¡±

    Althiel straightened, clasping her hands behind her back as she launched into an explanation. ¡°Mithril, as you understand it, is simply silver infused with dense mana. Nothing more. Your world¡¯s current perspective overcomplicates the matter because you lack the understanding and tools to produce it efficiently. In fact, I can create mithril myself, provided I have a sufficient supply of silver.¡±

    ¡°Wait, wait,¡± Avince interrupted, raising his hands in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re telling me mithril is just silver with mana in it? That can¡¯t be right. Mithril is one of the most valuable minerals in the world! How can something so precious be based on¡­ silver?¡±

    Althiel¡¯s emerald eyes gleamed as she met his incredulous gaze. ¡°Value is a matter of perspective, shaped by scarcity and knowledge. In my world, mithril is more readily available because we¡¯ve mastered the process of its creation. Silver, on its own, is merely Tier 2¡ªa step above stone and rock. But with proper mana infusion, it evolves into mithril.

    "That said," she added, her tone growing more serious, "mithril is still not a common resource. The sheer amount of mana required to produce it drives up its cost considerably. Even so, it remains far more accessible and economical than solely relying on the small quantities scavenged from dungeons. Your people consider it rare because they have yet to uncover these methods.¡±

    Avince blinked, struggling to process her words. ¡°So you¡¯re saying that if I bring you silver, you can just¡­ turn it into mithril?¡±

    ¡°Not quite that easily,¡± Althiel replied. ¡°It requires a process. You need sufficient mana, precise control, and the proper method to compact that mana without destroying the silver in the process. It¡¯s not instantaneous, and it will take effort and precision, but once you master the technique, you¡¯ll understand why this process is so valuable.¡±

    The revelation left Avince stunned. He leaned back on the log, staring up at the canopy of the glade as he tried to reconcile this new knowledge with what he had always believed. Silver was valuable, sure, but nowhere near as valuable as mithril. If what Althiel said was true, the implications were staggering.

    ¡°Silver into mithril¡­¡± he muttered, shaking his head. ¡°That changes everything. Mithril isn¡¯t just mined from dungeons¡ªit can be made. And I¡¯ve been sitting here thinking it was some unattainable, mystical material.¡±

    Althiel regarded him with a faint smile, though a glint of seriousness remained in her eyes. ¡°Be cautious, Avince. While this knowledge may seem revolutionary, it can also bring danger if used recklessly.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    He sat up abruptly, an idea forming in his mind. ¡°Can you help me make mithril? If I bring you silver, can you turn it into mithril for me?¡±

    The elf hesitated, her expression thoughtful. She began pacing, clearly weighing the risks and benefits of his request. After a moment, she stopped and faced him.

    ¡°I can,¡± she said finally. ¡°But there will be conditions.¡±

    ¡°Name them,¡± Avince said without hesitation.

    ¡°First, you are not to sell the mithril, not now or in the near future. Its sudden appearance in large quantities would raise suspicion, especially if your people believe it to be a rare mineral. Second, any mithril I create for you will be for your personal use only. Equipment, tools, or weapons¡ªnothing more.¡±

    Avince nodded quickly. ¡°Agreed. I wouldn¡¯t even know where to start selling mithril anyway.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Althiel said. ¡°Bring me silver, and I will help you craft mithril. But remember, this process is as much about your growth as it is about the material. I don¡¯t want you relying on equipment. You should practice transmogrification into silver first.¡±

    Avince nodded, his resolve hardening. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll find someone to teach me and start practicing.¡±

    He paused for a moment, then added, ¡°Actually, there¡¯s something else I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you about.¡±

    The elf arched an elegant brow, curiosity piqued. ¡°Oh? Do tell.¡±

    Avince hesitated, then continued. ¡°During my dungeon run, I earned quite a few contribution points. I¡¯m not really sure where to use them. Do you have any suggestions on how I should spend them?¡±

    Althiel¡¯s expression shifted slightly as she regarded him. ¡°I see. But I need you to explain something to me first. What exactly are these contribution points you¡¯ve earned? How are they spent? I know they¡¯re tied to your school, but I¡¯m curious about their purpose and limits.¡±

    Avince nodded, then explained, ¡°They¡¯re points given by the school to redeem resources and services. Anything from materials, equipment, even access to specialized training sessions and lessons. Basically, they¡¯re a currency to support students in their development.¡±

    Althiel raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. ¡°Even for training?¡±

    Avince nodded again, a hint of relief in his voice. ¡°Yes, for training as well. It can cover a lot, depending on what you need.¡±

    Althiel¡¯s expression softened with a thoughtful smile. ¡°Considering your current priorities, I¡¯d suggest investing in training for your physique. Your body needs to be able to handle the increasing power of your mana, or you¡¯ll face more setbacks in the future.¡±

    She paused, tapping a finger against her chin. ¡°After that, consider finding someone who can teach you the fundamentals of transmogrification. It will take time, but it¡¯s a skill you¡¯ll need to master before progressing further. Silver is just the beginning, after all.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Avince replied, nodding slowly. ¡°What about the potions and materials? Don¡¯t I need to purchase some of them too?¡±

    ¡°I can help with that,¡± Althiel said, her expression turning serious. ¡°I can still recall, albeit faintly, the recipe for one of my clan¡¯s tempering potions. It could greatly enhance your body¡¯s adaptability and prepare it for the changes ahead.¡±

    She raised her hand, a soft glow enveloping her palm. A swirling orb of golden light formed, pulsing faintly as it hovered between them.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Avince asked, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡°A memory packet,¡± Althiel explained. ¡°It contains the recipe. Take it, and you will know what you need.¡±

    Avince took a wary step back, his distrust evident. ¡°A memory packet? Really? After what happened between us before, you can¡¯t expect me to just grab some glowing orb you conjured out of nowhere.¡±

    The elf sighed, her expression tinged with exasperation. ¡°It is harmless, I assure you. If I wanted to harm you, there are far simpler ways than this.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t you just write it down?¡± Avince countered, still skeptical.

    ¡°Because you wouldn¡¯t understand a word of it,¡± Althiel replied, crossing her arms. ¡°Our written language is far different than yours. It would look like gibberish to you.¡±

    Avince let out a long sigh. The pressure from earlier¡ªthe weight of everything Althiel had laid out for him¡ªwas beginning to settle in. "Fine"

    He reached out hesitantly and grasped the orb. The moment his fingers made contact, a rush of sensations overwhelmed him. His vision blurred, and his mind was suddenly filled with vivid flashes¡ªingredients, environments, and creatures all linked to the tempering potion recipe. He saw crimson-hued plants growing in volcanic regions, molten fragments from fire-elemental monsters, and the glowing embers of rare dungeon stones.

    When the images faded, Avince staggered back, muttering to himself. ¡°Fireleaf¡­ Ignis Core¡­ Emberhorn Resin¡­ Flame Serpent Scales¡­¡±

    Althiel nodded approvingly. ¡°Yes, those are the materials you will need. With your ability, finding them should not be a challenge. The memories I gave you also include the environments and monsters where these can be found.¡±

    Avince straightened, still processing everything. Though some of the materials were unfamiliar, the knowledge he had gained was detailed enough to give him confidence.

    ¡°Got it,¡± he said, determination burning in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll start tracking these down as soon as I can.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Althiel said. ¡°But remember, the potion is only one part of your preparation. Do not neglect your training.

    Avince gave a curt nod. ¡°Thanks, Althiel. I¡¯ll get to it now.¡±

    The elf smiled faintly, a rare hint of warmth in her expression. ¡°Good luck, Avince. You¡¯ll need it.¡±

    Before he could respond, the forest dissolved into darkness, and Avince found himself back in his room.

 Chapter 40

    Avince groaned as he sat up in his bed, his mind still swirling from the bizarre sensation of "dying" once again in Althiel¡¯s dungeon. He ran his fingers through his hair, which was damp with sweat, and muttered to himself, "Does she even need to kill me that randomly I had no idea what was going on? Or is she just showing off her power?" The thought lingered as he leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

    I should ask her next time. How she¡¯s been killing him¡­ Avince shuddered at the idea of her casually obliterating him every time she wanted to leave her dungeon.

    Shaking off the unease, Avince decided to refocus his energy. His mind immediately jumped to the pressing matter of his dwindling resources. He pulled out his phone and accessed the Alliance Trading Center¡¯s marketplace, looking up the current prices of silver.

    ¡°Ten Alliance Credits per gram,¡± he muttered, his brow furrowing. Silver had been steadily climbing in value due to its exceptional ability as a conduit for fire and lightning magic. Not as precious as gold, but at this rate, it was quickly becoming a valuable commodity.

    Avince opened his balance summary, wincing at the sight of his funds: a meager 15,000 Alliance Credits. Buying that mithril ring had been a significant investment, but the purchase left his finances in tatters.

    "That ring was worth it though," he muttered as he switched to the academy¡¯s resource portal to compare prices.

    To his surprise, the academy sold silver at only 8 contribution points per gram¡ªmuch cheaper than the trading center. However, there was a limit of 5 kilograms per student per semester.

    ¡°Figures,¡± Avince said with a smirk. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t want anyone flipping it for a quick profit.¡±

    As he debated how much silver to purchase, another thought crossed his mind: transmogrification. He remembered the advanced art of reshaping his body through mana manipulation that Althiel mentioned. ¡°She seemed adamant about it too¡± Avince thought

    The advanced art of reshaping one¡¯s body through mana manipulation had fascinated him ever since Althiel mentioned it. The idea of enhancing physical traits or adapting to different environments held immense appeal, especially given the versatility it could bring to combat.

    Driven by curiosity, Avince decided to look for potential instructors. His first stop was the Alliance Trading Center, a bustling hub not just for materials but also for skilled individuals offering their services. Scrolling through the listings, he found various experts advertising their specialties¡ªeverything from advanced mana control to weapon enchantments. However, transmogrification seemed to be a niche field.

    The few posts he did find were either vague or outrageously expensive. One instructor claimed to be a ¡°body-sculpting genius¡± but charged fees that could rival an A-ranked dungeon bounty. Another offered group lessons but was located on the other side of the continent. Frustration began to set in as he realized that most of the offers were either impractical or financially out of reach.

    Not ready to give up, he shifted his search to the academy¡¯s website, a more accessible and familiar option. After a few minutes of browsing, he came across a promising post. Christian Valdris, an alumnus reputed for his expertise in transmogrification, was offering private lessons to current students. The post highlighted his ability to tailor transformations for both combat and utility, with an emphasis on precise mana control.

    The prices, however, were staggering: 1,000 contribution points for a single trial lesson or 40,000 for a comprehensive semester-long course, including weekly lessons, personal guidance, and a tailored improvement plan.

    ¡°Forty thousand points¡­¡± Avince whistled low. It was an enormous investment, but given the popularity of Christian''s courses among students with transmogrification abilities, it seemed worth considering. For now, though, the trial lesson seemed like the best option to gauge its value.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    Avince quickly enrolled in the next available session, set for the following week. The timing was fortunate, as the semester break would delay the next round of lessons until the new year.

    Satisfied, he returned his focus to acquiring silver. While the academy''s pricing was unbeatable, he was cautious about overusing his contribution points. After some deliberation, he decided on a balanced approach: spending all 15,000 Alliance Credits to purchase 1.5 kilograms of silver and using an additional 12,000 contribution points for another 1.5 kilograms.

    The total haul of 3 kilograms left him with no credits and 340,000 contribution points after accounting for the 1,000 points for Christian¡¯s trial lesson.

    <hr>

    Avince sat back, his phone still in hand, and stared at the summary of his transactions. While he felt slightly more prepared, the nagging anxiety of limited resources remained. His thoughts drifted to the future, imagining the possibilities transmogrification might unlock for him.

    "One step at a time," he told himself, feeling a surge of determination.

    The room grew quiet as Avince began thinking what to do next. His eyes then fell on the amulet he placed on the table. Avince took it and felt the amulet¡¯s mana pulses

    Avince sighed, leaning back in his chair as he glanced at the faintly glowing amulet in his hand. A quick check confirmed his suspicions¡ªits mana reserves were almost completely depleted. The light that once pulsed vibrantly was now dim and flickering, a testament to how much he¡¯d been pushing himself. His mind flashed back to his intense training by the waterfall and his repeated use of mana during the academy¡¯s trials.

    It was still early in the evening, and the thought of heading to bed with his amulet nearly empty didn¡¯t sit well with him as he might want to use his ability before resting. He stood up, deciding to find his father. Erwin had been the one to refill the amulet for him before and should know how to do it best.

    Avince searched the house, checking the living room and even the study, but Erwin was nowhere to be found. Frowning, he walked to the kitchen, where his mother, Ashna, was carefully slicing vegetables for dinner.

    ¡°Mom, have you seen Dad?¡± he asked, leaning against the counter.

    Ashna glanced up from her work, her icy-blue eyes warm but curious. ¡°He had some errands to run. Why? Do you need something?¡±

    Avince hesitated, then held up the amulet. ¡°It¡¯s running low on mana. I was hoping he could refill it.¡±

    Ashna set down the knife and stepped closer, her brow furrowing in concern as she inspected the amulet. ¡°You¡¯ve been using this a lot, haven¡¯t you?¡± she asked, her tone tinged with worry. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t overexert yourself, Avince. Pushing your mana reserves like this isn¡¯t good for you.¡±

    Avince quickly shook his head, a sheepish smile forming. ¡°It¡¯s not that bad, Mom. It¡¯s just¡­ you know, the Dungeon trial run at the academy. It took more out of me than I expected.¡±

    Ashna¡¯s sharp gaze lingered on him, and Avince felt his excuse crumble under her scrutiny. She didn¡¯t say anything, though; instead, she sighed and held out her hand. ¡°Fine. Give it to me.¡±

    Relieved but slightly nervous, Avince handed her the amulet. Ashna then went to her room and retrieved a palm sized, glowing crystal ¡ªa decently high-ranked unattuned monster core. Holding it in one hand and the amulet in the other, she began to channel her mana and crushed the core in her hand. Her eyes glowed faintly, and the air around her turned noticeably colder as her ice-attuned energy surged, breaking down the core¡¯s mana and infusing it into the amulet.

    It took longer than usual¡ªlonger than when his father did it. The process seemed to demand more focus and effort from her, and Avince couldn¡¯t help but notice the faint sheen of sweat on her brow when she finished.

    ¡°There,¡± Ashna said, handing the now-glowing amulet back to him. The light was brighter than before, though still not as vibrant as when Erwin had charged it.

    ¡°Thanks, Mom,¡± Avince said, sliding it back over his neck. He hesitated, then added, ¡°It seemed harder for you to charge it than Dad. Is it because you¡¯re more attuned to ice mana than unattuned mana?¡±

    Ashna gave a small smile but didn¡¯t directly answer his question. ¡°Let¡¯s just say your father has his own way of handling things. Next time, don¡¯t wait until it¡¯s almost empty to ask for help, alright?¡±

    Avince nodded, her mother¡¯s words still lingering in his mind. He knew there was more to it than she let on, but he decided not to push. For now, he was just grateful to have his amulet replenished.

    As he turned to leave, Ashna spoke again, her tone softer. ¡°Your father will be home soon. We¡¯ll eat dinner together later, so don¡¯t get too comfortable in your room.¡±

    Avince paused at the doorway, glancing back at her. He gave a small smile. ¡°Alright. Thanks, Mom.¡±

    The faint glow of the amulet in his hand gave him a sense of reassurance as he headed to his room, the rhythmic hum of its mana a quiet reminder of the effort his parents always put into supporting him.

 Archives-Special Chapter 4

    The air in this dungeon was thick with mana, the kind that made Maverick¡¯s skin prickle and his instincts scream to stay alert. The cavernous final chamber of this overly sized dungeon loomed before them, an intimidating expanse illuminated by the faint glow of crystalline formations jutting from the walls and ceiling. The atmosphere was heavy, a palpable reminder that they were nearing the end of this massive, labyrinthine dungeon. Somewhere ahead, an S-rank boss awaited them.

    Maverick adjusted the straps of his enchanted satchel, recalling how they¡¯d just cleared the previous section, facing down an A-rank boss that would have been insurmountable for most teams. Not for this group. The trio of S-rankers he traveled with had dispatched it almost casually. Watching their overwhelming power had left Maverick equal parts awed and unnerved.

    To his right walked Lyra Winters, her cold demeanor matching her element. With her stark white hair and icy blue eyes, she exuded an almost otherworldly grace. Even now, frost gathered faintly around her hands as if the dungeon''s oppressive heat was beneath her notice. She rarely spoke, but when she did, her words carried weight¡ªsharp and deliberate.

    To his left strode Zarek Surge, a man whose energy could barely be contained. His wild grin and electric-blue streaked hair made him impossible to miss. Sparks of lightning danced across his fingers as he idly flicked bolts of energy between his hands, the sound of crackling electricity a constant reminder of his explosive power. Zarek was the kind of guy who thrived on danger, always looking for the next thrill.

    Leading the group was Long Qiangsheng, their unofficial commander. Long had no flashy displays of power like the others, but his presence alone was intimidating. His strength and durability were nothing short of monstrous, and Maverick had seen him crush monsters with a single punch that left craters in the dungeon floor. Calm and unyielding, Long seemed unshakable, his focused demeanor a grounding force for the group.

    Maverick, by contrast, felt like the odd one out. His ability, magic amplification, was undeniably useful, but in a team like this? He felt more like a support than a true equal. He¡¯d proven his worth on other teams by amplifying not only their combat abilities but also his own spells, particularly his life magic¡ªa rare and invaluable skill for other teams. But this one? He felt useless as he barely did anything and the enemies would die before him being able to do anything..

    As they walked, Zarek broke the tense silence, his grin widening. ¡°So, what do you think the boss is going to be? A dragon? Maybe one of those creepy shadow beasts?¡±

    ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯ll be stronger than the last one,¡± Lyra said, her voice as frosty as her aura. ¡°Try to keep your excitement in check. We can¡¯t afford recklessness here.¡±

    ¡°Oh, come on, Lyra,¡± Zarek replied, sparks dancing between his fingertips. ¡°Where¡¯s the fun in that? You¡¯re just mad because I fried that last boss faster than you could freeze it solid.¡±

    Lyra gave him a withering look. ¡°If by ¡®fried,¡¯ you mean you caused an unnecessary cave-in that delayed us for an hour, then yes. Well done, Zarek.¡±

    Zarek smirked but didn¡¯t argue. Maverick stifled a laugh, the tension in the group easing slightly as their personalities clashed. It was a reminder that, despite their power, they were still human¡ªeach with their quirks and flaws.

    ¡°Focus,¡± Long¡¯s deep voice cut through their banter like a blade. His eyes were fixed ahead, his hands clenched into fists that glowed faintly with mana. ¡°This dungeon¡¯s design isn¡¯t random. The mana here is dense, and the architecture of this chamber suggests powerful monsters meant to stop us. Stay sharp.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Maverick said reflexively, adjusting the mana flow in his body. He envied Long¡¯s ability to stay so composed. Meanwhile, Zarek fell silent, though the playful glint in his eye remained.

    Maverick¡¯s thoughts drifted as they moved forward. The surnames of his teammates intrigued him¡ªWinters, Surge, Long. It was almost as if their abilities had been destined by their surnames. Did their families always possess these surnames or have they changed it after getting their abilities? Maybe some sort of cosmic joke tied to the integration? It would make for fascinating research¡ªmaybe he should study it once they got back

    Before Maverick could delve further into his musings, a sharp noise echoed through the chamber. It was faint at first, like the skittering of claws on stone, but it grew louder, more numerous.

    "Ambush!" Long shouted, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

    From the shadows, they emerged¡ªgrotesque creatures that looked like they had crawled straight out of an alien nightmare. Their elongated limbs ended in jagged claws, their eyeless faces twisted into gaping maws lined with needle-like teeth. A black, chitinous sheen covered their bodies, and their movements were unnervingly fast.

    ¡°Only Low A-rank¡± Lyra assessed coldly as the creatures swarmed toward them. ¡°But there are too many to ignore.¡±

    ¡°Finally!¡± Zarek laughed, electricity crackling around him. ¡°Something fun to warm up!¡±

    The first wave descended upon them, and the group sprang into action.

    Lyra raised a hand, and an icy mist swirled around her. In an instant, jagged spears of ice formed in midair and shot toward the creatures, impaling several of them and freezing others solid. The frost spread rapidly, slowing the advance of the swarm.

    Zarek, meanwhile, was a blur of movement. He leapt into the fray with wild abandon, electricity surging from his body in violent arcs. Each bolt struck multiple creatures, their bodies convulsing before collapsing in smoldering heaps. ¡°You want more? Come on!¡± he shouted, his laughter echoing through the chamber.

    Maverick stayed close to Long, his hands glowing with mana as he channeled his amplification ability. ¡°Long, you¡¯re amplified!¡± he called out, the energy surging into his teammate.

    Long wasted no time. With a single, thunderous step, he launched himself into the swarm. His fist collided with the ground, creating a shockwave that sent the creatures flying. Those that tried to claw at him barely left a scratch on his impenetrable skin. With methodical precision, he tore through the horde, each punch and kick leaving destruction in its wake.

    Despite the chaos, Maverick held his ground. He summoned a shield of shimmering mana to block an incoming strike, then retaliated with a burst of concentrated fire magic, searing through several creatures. He could feel the strain of maintaining his amplifications while fighting, but the adrenaline kept him sharp.

    ¡°Keep them contained!¡± Lyra commanded, her icy aura intensifying. She raised both hands, and a wave of frost erupted from the ground, encasing a large portion of the swarm in a glacial prison. ¡°We need to thin their numbers before more show up.¡±

    ¡°On it!¡± Zarek replied, unleashing a massive surge of lightning that arced between the frozen creatures, shattering the ice and obliterating them in a flash of energy.

    The battle raged on, but the group¡¯s coordination and overwhelming power quickly turned the tide. One by one, the creatures fell, their twisted bodies littering the ground. As the final creature was struck down, silence returned to the chamber, save for the team¡¯s heavy breathing.

    ¡°Well,¡± Zarek said, brushing off a smear of black ichor. ¡°That was fun. Let¡¯s hope the boss is a bit more of a challenge.¡±

    Lyra shot him a glare but said nothing, her icy composure already returning.

    Long nodded toward Maverick. ¡°Good work. Your amplifications made this much easier.¡±

    Maverick managed a small smile, his heart still racing. ¡°Thanks. Let¡¯s hope I can keep it up for the boss.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    Long¡¯s gaze shifted toward the massive doors ahead. ¡°We¡¯re not far now. Stay ready.¡±

    Ahead, the path widened, revealing a set of massive, ornate doors. They were carved with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with light, the mana in them so potent it was almost overwhelming. Maverick¡¯s heart raced. This was it¡ªthe final chamber.

    ¡°Well,¡± Zarek said, grinning as he flexed his fingers. ¡°Time to show this boss why we¡¯re the best.¡±

    ¡°Contain your energy until we know what we¡¯re dealing with,¡± Lyra said sharply, stepping forward to examine the runes on the door.

    Long moved to stand beside her, his massive frame towering over everyone else. ¡°Maverick, stay close. We¡¯ll need your amplifications the moment the fight begins.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Maverick replied, his voice steady despite his nerves. He channeled mana into his ability, preparing to enhance his teammates¡¯ already overwhelming strength.

    Lyra finished her examination, stepping back with a cold determination in her eyes. ¡°The runes are designed to seal something immense. Whatever¡¯s in there is far beyond A-rank.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Zarek said, his grin widening. ¡°I was getting bored.¡±

    Lyra ignored him, her gaze shifting to Long. ¡°On your command.¡±

    Long nodded and placed his hands on the doors. With a low growl, he pushed them open, his raw strength causing the ancient hinges to groan in protest. As the doors parted, a wave of oppressive mana washed over them, and Maverick felt the weight of the dungeon¡¯s final guardian.

    The massive chamber was almost overwhelming in its scale, the ceiling disappearing into shadows far above. The air was heavy with an oppressive, almost tangible aura of power that seemed to press against their very souls. Maverick¡¯s eyes were immediately drawn to the center of the room, where the boss awaited.

    It was a hulking figure, larger than anything they had encountered so far. Its armored body glinted in the faint light of the glowing crystals scattered throughout the cavern. Its resemblance to the alien-like creatures they had just fought was unmistakable, but this one was far more intimidating. Its body was encased in layers of black, chitinous armor reinforced with glowing red veins of energy that pulsed like a heartbeat. The creature¡¯s glowing red eyes burned with an eerie intelligence, and in its clawed hands, it held a massive halberd that crackled with raw energy.

    Maverick swallowed hard, his palms damp with sweat. This is the S-rank boss?¡ªit feels way powerful than any other S rank monster I¡¯ve seen

    The creature tilted its head, as though assessing them, and then let out an ear-splitting roar that shook the cavern. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the creature slammed its halberd into the floor, sending arcs of energy rippling outward.

    Long stepped forward, his body already glowing with mana. His presence was steady and unshakable, a pillar of confidence in the face of the terrifying foe. ¡°Stay disciplined,¡± he said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°We take it down together.¡±

    The creature charged, its massive halberd cleaving through the air with terrifying speed. The group scattered, narrowly avoiding the first strike as it slammed into the ground, leaving a deep crater. The shockwave sent debris flying, forcing everyone to take cover.

    ¡°Hit it hard and fast!¡± Long shouted, leaping forward to engage. His fists collided with the creature¡¯s armored chest, sending a shockwave rippling through the chamber. But the monster barely flinched, retaliating with a wide swing of its halberd that forced Long to retreat.

    Lyra raised her hands, summoning a storm of razor-sharp ice shards that rained down on the boss. The shards struck its armor, some embedding themselves in weak points, but the creature shook them off with ease, the frost dissipating from its molten aura.

    Zarek darted in from the side, electricity crackling around him as he unleashed a torrent of lightning. The bolts slammed into the creature, lighting up the chamber, but its armor absorbed much of the impact, glowing faintly as it redirected the energy.

    Maverick stood back, his hands glowing with a pulsing light as he amplified the others¡¯ attacks. ¡°You¡¯re all amplified!¡± he called out, his voice strained as the mana drain began to take its toll.

    They pressed the attack, pouring everything they had into their strikes. Long delivered thunderous blows, Lyra sent waves of frost and ice spears, and Zarek attacked with relentless lightning strikes, all while Maverick¡¯s amplification pushed their abilities to their limits. But no matter how much damage they inflicted, the creature¡¯s wounds began to seal themselves immediately.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t working,¡± Lyra said through gritted teeth, her frosty aura intensifying as she summoned another massive barrage of ice magic. ¡°It¡¯s healing too fast.¡±

    Maverick furrowed his brow, his focus sharpening as he tried to analyze the creature¡¯s unnatural regeneration. Suddenly, his eyes widened in realization. ¡°Wait! It¡¯s not just healing¡ªit¡¯s using time magic to revert its wounds!¡±

    Long glanced back at him, his expression grim. ¡°Time magic? That explains why it¡¯s not going down. Tier 4 magic like that burns through mana reserves fast, though. There¡¯s got to be a limit.¡± He turned to the others, his voice sharp. ¡°We can¡¯t afford a war of attrition. Push the offensive! If we keep letting it recover mana, we¡¯re dead!¡±

    Without hesitation, Long Qiangsheng¡¯s body began to glow, his mana surging to unprecedented levels. His form shifted, muscles expanding as golden scales began to cover his skin. His human features gave way to those of a Jiao dragon, a powerful scaled serpent of legend. His massive frame loomed over the battlefield, claws and fangs glinting in the dim light. ¡°I¡¯ll take the brunt of its attacks. You two focus on breaking through that armor!¡±

    Lyra and Zarek exchanged determined glances. Lyra¡¯s frost aura flared violently, spreading across the chamber as she unleashed her full power. Ice began to crystallize around her, encasing her arms and legs in glacial armor. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this.¡±

    Zarek grinned, the crackling of his lightning growing louder. Sparks danced wildly around his body as he summoned every ounce of mana he had. ¡°I¡¯m all in!¡±

    The battle became even more brutal. Qiangsheng, in his dragon form, charged headlong into the monster, his claws raking across its chest and arms. He grappled with the creature, keeping it occupied while his teammates focused on weak points in its armor. The monster retaliated viciously, its halberd igniting with molten energy as it struck with devastating force. Each blow Long took sent tremors through his massive frame, but he held firm, his golden scales absorbing the impact.

    Lyra summoned massive ice constructs, creating an array of crystalline weapons that bombarded the creature from all sides. Her spears pierced through the gaps in its armor, freezing sections of its body. Zarek was a blur of motion, darting around the battlefield and targeting the exposed weak points with precision strikes, each one sending arcs of lightning coursing through the monster.

    Maverick pushed himself to the brink, amplifying their abilities to the absolute limit. But as the fight dragged on, his mana reserves began to run dangerously low. Gritting his teeth, he deactivated his ability briefly, focusing on regaining what little mana he could while his teammates held the line.

    Despite their efforts, the monster¡¯s regeneration continued to slow them down. The team began to suffer injuries¡ªdeep cuts, bruises, and broken bones. The halberd grazed Zarek¡¯s arm, leaving a gash that bled profusely. Lyra was caught by a sweeping blow that severed her leg at the knee. She screamed in pain but didn¡¯t falter, freezing the wound instantly to stop the bleeding. Her icy aura surged as she crafted a prosthetic leg from ice, standing tall once more.

    ¡°You¡¯re not getting rid of me that easily,¡± she growled, her voice icy with determination.

    Qiangsheng roared in frustration, pinning the monster to the ground with his claws. ¡°It¡¯s weakening! Don¡¯t let up!¡±

    Maverick reactivated his amplification, his body trembling from exhaustion. The monster¡¯s movements grew sluggish, its time magic faltering as its mana reserves depleted.

    With a final surge of power, the two unleashed their attacks simultaneously. The ice greatsword struck first, piercing through the creature¡¯s chest and freezing it in place. The lightning bolt followed, shattering the frozen armor and tearing through the monster¡¯s core.

    The creature let out a deafening roar and collapsed to the ground, its body beginning to disintegrate into ash. But as the team caught their breaths, a disturbing sight met their eyes¡ªthe remnants of the creature were slowly knitting back together. Its core, though shattered, seemed to spark faintly with lingering energy, fueling its regeneration.

    Long Qiangsheng, still in his dragon form, stepped forward, his scales turned gold, glinting in the dim chamber. His eyes burned with determination as he opened his jaws wide. Energy began to gather in his throat, swirling with an intensity that shook the very air around them.

    With a deafening, earth-shattering roar, Qiangsheng unleashed a concentrated wave of power directly at the creature. The roar resonated like a divine hymn, obliterating the monster entirely and reducing its regenerating form to nothing more than scattered embers that faded into the void.

    Maverick, standing nearby, felt the ground tremble beneath his feet. As the roar subsided, he narrowed his eyes, sensing something beyond ordinary mana. ¡°That roar¡­¡± he muttered under his breath, his gaze fixed on Qiangsheng. ¡°There¡¯s¡­ traces of divine energy in it.¡±

    Qiangsheng returned to his human form, his body covered in sweat but his expression triumphant. ¡°Good work, everyone.¡±

    Maverick sank to the ground, his legs trembling. ¡°Remind me¡­ to never doubt you guys again.¡±

    Zarek laughed, collapsing beside him. ¡°Man, that was awesome! Let¡¯s do it again sometime.¡±

    Lyra shot him a withering glare, though a faint amusement can be heard from her voice. ¡°Even this one is more than enough.¡±

 Chapter 40.5

    The sharp clack of wooden swords striking against one another filled the air of the Kenshi-Ryu Dojo, creating a rhythmic symphony of discipline and combat. Inside the expansive training hall, students moved in perfect synchronicity, their bodies flowing like water but striking like tempered steel. Sunlight filtered through the paper windows, casting a golden glow on their disciplined forms. The faint scent of polished wood and incense lingered in the air, a subtle reminder of tradition and dedication.

    At the far end of the room, standing near a polished katana mounted on the wall, a tall figure observed silently. His eyes darted across the dojo floor, mentally noting the stances, techniques, and timing of each student. The man, Sai Kenshin, radiated a calm yet commanding presence. His dark hair, streaked with silver strands, was tied neatly behind his head, and his hakama boring the emblem of the Kenshi-Ryu¡ªa coiled dragon clutching a sword.

    Sai¡¯s keen gaze flicked to one particular student who hesitated slightly in his movement. A single raised eyebrow was enough to send the student scrambling to correct his form. Sai allowed himself a faint smirk. Perfection was not expected, but effort was non-negotiable.

    The dojo doors slid open with a firm but respectful sound, pulling Sai¡¯s attention. A young man with sharp features and a confident stride entered. He wore a travel-stained jacket over his training attire, his short, unruly hair damp with sweat. His face carried a mischievous grin, but his eyes reflected a depth of experience well beyond his years.

    ¡°I¡¯ve returned, Father,¡± the young man called out, his voice resonating across the hall.

    Sai¡¯s expression shifted to one of mild amusement. ¡°How was your trip babysitting first-year students, Kai?¡± he replied, his tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

    Kai chuckled, walking toward his father. ¡°Babysitting? You make it sound like I volunteered for it. I¡¯m just trying to rack up more contribution points. I¡¯ve got my eyes on something expensive, and I¡¯m not about to beg for extra funding.¡±

    Sai folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Contribution points, hmm? Is that what they¡¯re calling it now? Getting more predictable than I thought.¡±

    Kai laughed, then gave his father a sidelong glance. ¡°Speaking of predictable, couldn¡¯t you have come up with something more creative when naming me? Changing one letter from Sai to Kai? Really, old man?¡±

    Sai¡¯s lips twitched, but he didn¡¯t rise to the bait. ¡°I wanted you to have a name as sharp as a blade. Be grateful I didn¡¯t call you Mai.¡±

    Kai groaned but couldn¡¯t help smiling. ¡°Point taken. Anyway, something interesting came up during the dungeon run.¡±

    Sai tilted his head, intrigued by the sudden shift in tone. ¡°Oh? And what would that be?¡±

    Kai¡¯s eyes glimmered with interest as he leaned against a nearby pillar. ¡°There¡¯s a first-year I was assigned to oversee. Quite an unusual one.¡±

    ¡°Unusual how?¡± Sai asked, his curiosity now fully piqued.

    ¡°He¡¯s a C-rank,¡± Kai began, his tone slow and deliberate, ¡°but his awakening is¡­ anomalous.¡±

    Sai nodded thoughtfully but didn¡¯t seem overly impressed. ¡°A C-rank in his first year is commendable, but not unheard of. Plenty of strong students reach that level before graduating. It¡¯s rare for his age, but not extraordinary.¡±

    Kai shook his head, a knowing grin on his face. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought too. But this dungeon run didn¡¯t even push him to his limit. I only stopped them from continuing in case his teammates got injured. Otherwise, I might¡¯ve let him take on the B-rank Dark Mage alone.¡±

    Sai¡¯s eyes narrowed at that. ¡°The Dark Mage? The boss of the fourth chamber in the Mega Dungeon? And you think this kid had a chance against it? You know better than most that the gap between C-rank and B-rank is not a small bottleneck¡ªit¡¯s a chasm.¡±

    Kai nodded, his grin growing wider. ¡°True. But what if I told you that the presence of this kid¡¯s soul is already at B-rank?¡±

    Sai froze, his sharp gaze locking onto his son. ¡°Impossible. If his soul is that strong, how is he still only at C-rank? That kind of disparity doesn¡¯t happen.¡±

    Kai crossed his arms and shrugged. ¡°He can¡¯t control it yet. I¡¯ve seen him trying to hold back his mana, and even then, he was able to one-shot a middle C-rank high elemental.¡±

    The dojo fell silent for a moment, save for the rhythmic clack of swords in the background. Sai¡¯s mind raced as he processed this new information. ¡°Interesting. That kind of raw strength isn¡¯t normal. It must be tied to his ability. Tell me, what¡¯s the student¡¯s name?¡±

    Kai smirked. ¡°That was my thought too. So I did a bit of digging on him. His name is Avince Thane. Both his parents are A-rank, and his mother is part of the Everlasting Ice Clan.¡±

    Sai¡¯s expression shifted subtly at the name. His eyes narrowed, and he muttered, ¡°Thane¡­ Thane¡­ Where have I heard that before?¡±

    The pieces began to fall into place, and his eyes widened slightly in realization. ¡°His father. Is he a beast tamer?¡±

    Kai raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. ¡°Yeah, but why does that matter? He¡¯s just an A-rank beast tamer.¡±

    Sai let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. ¡°Just an A-rank beast tamer? Without his summoned beasts, perhaps. But I have insider information. The only reason his wife was injured was because she got caught in the crossfire of his battle against an S-rank beast.¡±

    Kai¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Wait, what? Why would they hide something like that?¡±

    Sai¡¯s gaze hardened, his voice dropping to a low murmur. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But it seems they¡¯ve given birth to another monster. If this Avince kid really has a soul presence that strong, his ability might be something that enhances the soul itself. Interesting.¡±

    He turned to his son, his expression serious but with a glint of excitement. ¡°Kai, send an invitation to this Avince Thane. He might benefit from dabbling in swordsmanship.¡±

    Kai hesitated, frowning slightly. ¡°I don¡¯t think our style matches his abilities.¡±

    Sai waved a hand dismissively. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s the thought that counts. Besides, I want to see what this boy is capable of. If nothing else, it will be good to have him on our radar.¡±

    Unbeknownst to them, Avince was already on more radars than he realized.

    <hr>

    The principal¡¯s office was a space befitting a man like Maverick Thaddeus. A mix of timeless elegance and practicality, the room was filled with bookshelves lined with leather-bound tomes, glowing mana orbs hovering above as light sources, and a large desk carved from dungeon-harvested obsidian. Behind the desk sat Maverick himself, a man whose mere presence seemed to command respect. His sharp, golden eyes, which glowed faintly with mana, scanned the room as he reclined in his chair, his hands resting on the armrests with ease.

    Standing across from him was Professor Carlson, a man known for his sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge of dungeons and its history. Despite their differences in demeanor, the two shared a camaraderie that came from decades of experience in guiding and shaping the young students for their future.

    ¡°It¡¯s rare for you to visit this old bag of bones,¡± Maverick remarked, his voice carrying a deep, resonant tone that betrayed his age despite his youthful appearance.

    Carlson chuckled as he adjusted his coat. ¡°Old bag of bones? Maverick, you¡¯re old enough to be my grandfather, yet you don¡¯t look a day over sixty. If anything, I should be asking you for tips on staying young.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    Maverick allowed a rare smile to creep onto his face. ¡°Ah, the perks of getting strong enough to reach S-rank. Though, if I had your mind, I¡¯d trade it in a heartbeat. Perhaps then I wouldn¡¯t have issues listening to the endless complaints from the board.¡±

    The two shared a laugh, their years of familiarity showing in the ease of their banter. ¡°Speaking of age,¡± Carlson said with a grin, ¡°maybe it¡¯s about time we both start thinking about finding replacements. You and I aren¡¯t exactly spring chickens anymore.¡±

    Maverick leaned forward, his smile turning wry. ¡°If only it were that easy. You¡¯ve taught here for how many decades now? And you¡¯re still holding on to teaching every single first-year class. No wonder you look like you¡¯ve been wrestling dungeon trolls.¡±

    Carlson rolled his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t remind me. Teaching first-years is a privilege, but it¡¯s taking a toll. Perhaps it¡¯s time to cut back on a class or two.¡±

    Maverick nodded thoughtfully. ¡°That might be wise. But knowing you, you¡¯ll just end up taking on more research projects instead.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Carlson admitted, chuckling. ¡°But enough small talk. I¡¯m here for a reason.¡±

    Maverick folded his hands, his expression growing serious. ¡°I suspected as much. What brings you to my office today?¡±

    Carlson sighed, his tone growing somber. ¡°The tournament results over the last few years have been¡­ less than ideal. We haven¡¯t had a single student qualify for nationals in almost five years. It¡¯s embarrassing.¡±

    Maverick leaned back in his chair, nodding. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. Our fourth years have a few decent ones¡ªmost of them hovering around B-tier¡ªbut nothing exceptional. Still, I had high hopes for this year. Though I wish they were stronger. The Academy had to invest a lot of resources and artifacts to ensure that there would be no mishaps in the practice run in the dungeon

    Carlson raised an eyebrow. ¡°Artifacts? Those one-use dungeon escape tools, correct? Quite the expense for students.¡±

    Maverick sighed. ¡°Yes, we had to carefully allocate them. We paired the strongest fourth-years with the most promising first-years, hoping they¡¯d be able to protect the teams if something went wrong. And even then, we still had to use a few. The high-water elemental proved too much for some guides without risking the students, and they had no choice but to use it to prevent unnecessary risks.¡±

    ¡°Unfortunate,¡± Maverick muttered. ¡°But speaking of the dungeon results, how did the final match turn out? Did Xiaofei win, or did Cel manage to pull an upset this time?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s actually why I¡¯m here,¡± Carlson said, grinning widely. ¡°Neither of them won.¡±

    Maverick blinked, stunned. ¡°What? Then who did? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s¡ª¡±

    Carlson interrupted him with a hearty laugh. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s exactly who you¡¯re thinking. Avince Thane.¡±

    Maverick let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair as he processed the information. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned. I¡¯ve always thought that boy was destined for great things, but without an ability, he was living with a handicap. You¡¯re telling me he managed to surpass Xiaofei and Cel?¡±

    Carlson shrugged. ¡°Not exactly. All three teams ended up in the same spot¡ªstopped at the Dark Mage. But Avince¡¯s team solved the dungeon puzzles and neutralized the corrupted tomes faster than the others. His runecrafting skill was the difference-maker.¡±

    Maverick nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. ¡°That boy always did have a talent for runes. Still, if he¡¯s managed to outshine Xiaofei and Cel, we need to see just how strong he¡¯s become.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I came to you,¡± Carlson said. ¡°I want him in this year¡¯s tournament training program.¡±

    Maverick frowned. ¡°Others might call it unfair. We already conducted the tournament, after all. And there are bound to be whispers about favoritism.¡±

    Carlson shook his head. ¡°Doubtful. Everyone already knows how talented the kid is. All he needs is a push. Besides, he¡¯s only just awakened his ability and people know he wasn¡¯t able to participate at that time.¡±

    Maverick considered the idea, tapping his fingers on his desk. Finally, he nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll handle the paperwork. But you owe me for this, Carlson. If this backfires, it¡¯s on you.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± Carlson said, grinning as he extended a hand.

    The two men shook hands, their discussion ending on a note of mutual understanding. As Carlson turned to leave, Maverick leaned back in his chair, staring thoughtfully at the ceiling.

    <hr>

    At the Branch of the Department of Ability Registration, the steady hum of fluorescent lights filled the air, accompanied by the faint shuffle of papers and the muted clatter of keyboards. The office, a maze of cubicles and neatly arranged workstations, carried the faint scent of coffee and paper.

    Emily Summers sat at her desk, her fingers tapping lightly against the edge of her lukewarm coffee mug. Piles of neatly organized documents surrounded her, and rows of data scrolled endlessly across her dual monitors. It was just another morning of sorting through ability-user registrations and dungeon reports¡ªmundane but crucial work in the grand scheme of things.

    She was an administrator in this branch, a division tasked with cataloging, analyzing, and classifying the abilities of newly awakened citizens. It wasn¡¯t a glamorous job, but it paid well, and Emily had always liked the satisfaction of keeping things in order. Her job was to input and refine information about abilities based on raw data and field reports provided by operatives and ability assessors. For the most part, the work was mundane¡ªcataloging minor telekinesis, elemental manipulation, and other garden-variety powers.

    But today, something unusual landed in her inbox.

    A document stamped with a bold "PRIORITY" marker pinged onto her screen. Emily raised an eyebrow, setting her coffee down as she scanned the subject line: "Ability Analysis Pending Final Review."

    Attached was a file containing the details of a newly awakened individual. Emily clicked it open, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she read through the basic information:

    Name: Avince Thane

    Birth Date: September 06, 2127

    Age:19

    Rank: Middle D-Class

    Ability Classification: Anomalous

    Ability Name: Unassigned

    Emily tilted her head, intrigued. Anomalous abilities were rare, usually requiring high-level operatives or connections to verify. Even more curious was the fact that this file had been marked as reviewed by Kartana, one of the S-class operatives overseeing ability registration. Emily frowned. Why would someone that high up be personally involved in reviewing a D-class student?

    She scanned further, taking note of the raw assessment notes left in the file. Avince¡¯s ability appeared to lack a clear elemental alignment or direct combat application. Instead, the notes hinted at something tied to increasing combat experience. Emily¡¯s eyes flicked to the ¡°Edit¡± button in the system, a task she routinely performed by organizing the ability¡¯s description into digestible terms for the government database.

    When she clicked, however, a red warning box popped up on her screen:

    ERROR: You do not have permission to edit this section.

    Emily blinked, her fingers hesitating above the keyboard. ¡°What the...?¡± she muttered. She had full clearance for ability reviews of even already A ranking people, let alone a D rank. Why was this section locked? She clicked the button again, only to be met with the same error message. Frustrated, she opened her chat window and sent a direct inquiry to her supervisor.

    Emily Summers: Sir, I tried updating the details for a D-class awakened named Avince Thane. The file is locked, and I don¡¯t have permissions. Is this an error?

    Moments later, a reply popped up. Emily¡¯s eyebrows shot up as she read the sender''s name: Kartana.

    Kartana: It¡¯s not a mistake. I¡¯ll handle this case personally. Continue with your other assignments.

    Emily sat back, stunned. Kartana had replied directly. In her five years working at the department, she had never interacted with anyone above her immediate supervisor, let alone an S-class operative like Kartana. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, tempted to press for more details, but she stopped herself.

    Kartana¡¯s involvement was highly irregular, but Emily reminded herself of one of the unspoken rules of government work: Don¡¯t ask questions that don¡¯t concern you. Shaking her head, she pushed her curiosity aside and resumed processing her other files. Still, the mystery lingered in the back of her mind, making her work feel slower than usual.

    <hr>

    Kartana¡¯s POV

    Far from the monotonous hum of the registration office, Kartana sat in her sleek, minimalist workspace. She leaned back in her ergonomic chair, tapping her fingers thoughtfully on the armrest. On her desk, a holographic display projected Avince Thane¡¯s file, his data floating in neat columns above the surface.

    Kartana¡¯s lips curled into a faint smirk as her mind worked through the puzzle. There haven¡¯t been many anomalous awakenings even if she includes hers to the mix, and they weren¡¯t necessarily strong but this one stood out. The ability to simulate battles for your consciousness to fight might only seem a bit decent. But being able to strengthen the soul while doing so is incredibly powerful.

    The smirk deepened as Kartana remembered something that had made waves across the underground circles recently: news that Erwin Thane¡¯s daughter had bonded with a dragon. That revelation had caused quite a stir among the elite families. Kartana tilted her head, recalling her visit to help Avince.

    Must be why he decided to fight a dragon back then, Kartana mused, her smirk growing wider. Perhaps a bit pressured by your little sister, are we Avince?

    She dismissed the thought and turned her attention back to the file. Publicly disclosing Avince¡¯s true ability would be unwise. The last thing they needed was opportunists or power-hungry factions sniffing around a child whose full potential had yet to awaken. It was better to keep the soul-strengthening aspect hidden.

    Kartana¡¯s fingers danced over the holographic keyboard, locking the sensitive information behind the highest security clearance. She added the details to a classified section, ensuring only those with direct authorization could access it. The official record of Avince¡¯s ability would remain vague, with the critical details buried where prying eyes couldn¡¯t reach.

    Finally, she hovered over the ¡°Ability Name¡± field. After a moment of thought, she typed: Conscious Descent.

 Chapter 41

    Avince stood still, his gaze locked on Althiel¡¯s hands as she performed what could only be described as art. The silver he had acquired was now being transmuted into mithril, and the process left him speechless.

    Each movement of Althiel¡¯s fingers was purposeful, as though she were conducting an invisible orchestra. A soft blue glow radiated from her hands, enveloping the silver in a shimmering cocoon of mana. The air was thick with energy, and Avince could feel it thrumming against his skin.

    The silver began to shift, liquefying and taking on a radiant, otherworldly hue. It shimmered with a brilliance that seemed to reflect every color of the spectrum, yet it held an unmistakable silver-blue core. Althiel¡¯s control over her mana was absolute, the precision in her movements leaving no room for error.

    For her, it seemed effortless, but Avince knew better. The mana control, the intricate adjustments in flow and density¡ªit was beyond anything he could imagine himself doing.

    ¡°Is it always this... intense?¡± he asked, unable to tear his eyes away from the transmutation.

    Althiel smirked but didn¡¯t look up. ¡°This? No, this is child¡¯s play compared to what true masters of transmutation can do. In my prime, I could have done this in seconds.¡±

    Avince couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Well, even your ¡®child¡¯s play¡¯ is leagues ahead of me. I can barely keep a rune stable for five minutes.¡±

    She finally finished, the glow fading as the silver solidified into a perfect bar of mithril. She held it up, inspecting it briefly before handing it to Avince. ¡°Here. Pure mithril. You won¡¯t find better quality unless you stumble upon an ancient dwarven vault.¡±

    Avince took the bar gingerly, as though it might dissolve in his hands. It was cool to the touch, yet he could feel the raw power coursing through it. ¡°This is... incredible. Avince hesitated, his excitement dimming slightly as reality set in. ¡°There¡¯s actually a problem. I know a crafter my dad will introduce me to, but... mithril isn¡¯t exactly subtle. How do I use it without drawing too much attention?¡±

    Althiel tilted her head, her emerald eyes narrowing thoughtfully. ¡°A valid concern. Mithril has a way of catching people¡¯s eyes, especially those with less-than-honorable intentions.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Avince said, placing the mithril bar on the table between them. ¡°I want to make something useful, but I don¡¯t want to be a walking target. Plus, I¡¯ve got an appointment with that crafter soon, and I need to figure this out before then.¡±

    Althiel leaned back, her expression contemplative. After a moment, she said, ¡°Perhaps you could commission a base piece¡ªsomething upgradeable. It could start simple and unassuming, with the potential for enhancements later on.¡±

    Avince¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That¡¯s... actually a brilliant idea. A piece that could be upgraded later on.¡±

    ¡°But...¡± he added, frowning slightly, ¡°there¡¯s still the issue of how to actually use the mithril. Even if I start simple, mithril isn¡¯t exactly common, and people will notice if I want to commission someone to upgrade them.¡±

    Althiel nodded, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. ¡°True. If you¡¯re looking for a solution, why not use your ability to locate a suitable craftsman? Dungeons, after all, aren¡¯t just places for slaughter. Some of them have been transformed into civilizations.¡±

    Avince blinked. ¡°Civilizations? What do you mean?¡±

    Althiel smiled faintly. ¡°Exactly what I said. Some dungeons have conditions that are favorable for habitation¡ªample resources, stable mana flow, and natural defenses. Over time, settlements have been established within these dungeons.

    Avince glanced around the empty chamber they were in, a thought suddenly occurring to him. "Speaking of dungeons... how is this place so peaceful? I''ve never seen a dungeon without monsters before."

    A knowing smile crossed Althiel''s face. "Ah, you''ve finally noticed. Just as there are rituals to collapse a dungeon core, there are methods to suppress them. When properly executed, these techniques can halt or significantly reduce a dungeon''s monster spawning capabilities."

    "You can do that?" Avince leaned forward, intrigued. "Is that what the people who imprisoned you did here?"

    "Indeed." Althiel traced a pattern in the air, leaving a brief trail of silvery light. "It''s complex magic, requiring intimate knowledge of dungeon cores and their functioning. The suppression technique essentially puts the core in a dormant state¡ªstill alive and maintaining the dungeon''s structure, but unable to generate the energy needed for monster spawning."

    "That''s... incredible," Avince said, his mind racing with possibilities. "Is this how those dungeon cities you mentioned work?"

    "Some of them, yes. Though each city has its own methods. In my world, some people built an entire city inside one. Their dwarven smiths are unparalleled, especially when it comes to working with mithril."

    Avince leaned forward, intrigued. ¡°Wait, so there are dwarves living in a dungeon in your world?¡±

    ¡°Not just dwarves,¡± Althiel said, shrugging nonchalantly. ¡°Other races have done it too.

    Avince frowned, tilting his head. ¡°Then why not just commission a dwarf to make the base equipment in the first place? Wouldn¡¯t that save me a lot of trouble?Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    Althiel smirked, her expression caught somewhere between amusement and exasperation. ¡°You could,¡± he admitted, folding her arms. ¡°But tell me, do you have the resources to even provide the material for a custom piece?¡±

    Avince opened his mouth to retort but immediately froze. The memory of his Alliance Credit balance¡ªexactly 0¡ªflashed in his mind. The weight of it hit him harder than he¡¯d like to admit, and he let out a self-deprecating laugh.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ no,¡± Avince muttered, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. ¡°I don¡¯t think I could afford a pebble from a dwarf, let alone a full custom order.¡±

    Althiel smirked. ¡°Exactly. The dwarves don¡¯t work for free, and providing mithril alone won¡¯t be enough. They¡¯ll expect payment for something valuable.

    Avince raised an eyebrow. ¡°Something valuable? Like what? If mithril isn¡¯t enough, what else can I even offer?¡±

    Althiel¡¯s smirk deepened as he crossed her arms. ¡°Well, you could use leftover mithril as collateral if you¡¯ve got enough of it. Dwarves respect fine materials more than most races. But¡­¡± Her voice took on a knowing edge, ¡°¡­that would be a waste, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Avince frowned. ¡°A waste? How is that a waste if it gets me the equipment I need?¡±

    ¡°Because,¡± Althiel said, leaning in, his tone like a teacher schooling a particularly dense student, ¡°mithril has far more applications than just being used as currency. Crafting, enchantments, reinforcement¡ªit¡¯s too valuable to just hand over to pay for labor. Instead, you can use something that¡¯s easier to come by. Monster cores.¡±

    ¡°Monster cores?¡± Avince repeated, his curiosity piqued.

    Althiel nodded. ¡°Most dwarves are as practical as they are skilled. They¡¯ll gladly accept high-grade cores as payment because they¡¯re versatile. Powering forges, crafting enchantments, or even as raw mana sources¡ªit¡¯s all fair game to them. Plus, cores are easier to come by compared to rare materials like mithril.¡±

    ¡°Monster cores,¡± Avince repeated, nodding slowly. ¡°That makes sense. Cores usually maintain their value really well¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because they¡¯re so useful,¡± Althiel explained. ¡°Cores contain raw mana, making them useful for crafting, fueling magical devices, and even serving as currency. Fire- and earth-attuned cores, in particular, are highly valued among dwarves for their affinity with forging.¡±

    Avince scratched his chin, considering his options. ¡°So... I need to start hunting fire and earth monsters. That¡¯ll get me the cores I need, and it¡¯ll help me gather materials for the body-tempering potion at the same time.¡±

    ¡°Precisely,¡± Althiel said with a nod. ¡°It¡¯s an efficient use of your time.¡±

    Avince leaned back in the stone he was sitting on, his mind churning with possibilities.

    ¡°Althiel,¡± he said, breaking the momentary silence. ¡°Do you know of any specific places where I could find these smiths to help me ?

    The elf rested her chin on her hand, her bright emerald eyes narrowing in thought. ¡°Hmm... let me think,¡± she murmured.

    Several moments passed, and Avince began to wonder if she¡¯d forgotten he¡¯d even asked. But then Althiel snapped her fingers, a small smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°Ah, there¡¯s a place that might work. A neutral dungeon city. It¡¯s not entirely run by dwarves, but all kinds of races gather there. You¡¯d have a better chance of finding a smith skilled enough to work with mithril.¡±

    ¡°A dungeon city?¡± Avince repeated, leaning forward.

    Althiel nodded. ¡°Yes. The city¡¯s neutrality makes it safer than wandering into more... exclusive dungeons. Take the dwarves¡¯ main dungeon, for example. If you were to somehow bypass their guards and pop up in the middle of their domain unannounced, you¡¯d likely be executed on the spot. And that¡¯s assuming they don¡¯t torture you first wondering how you got in.¡±

    Avince blinked. ¡°That¡¯s... horrifyingly specific.¡±

    Althiel shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not far from reality. They¡¯re a proud race, and humans suddenly appearing in their domain would be seen as a grave insult. Of course, for you, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    ¡°Not a problem?¡± Avince asked, raising an eyebrow.

    Althiel gave him a pointed look. ¡°You don¡¯t truly die, remember? Even if they kill you, you¡¯ll just be sent back to your body. It¡¯s not exactly a permanent issue.¡±

    Avince sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯d rather not go through the trauma of being turned into a dwarf barbecue, thanks. Let¡¯s stick with the neutral city you mentioned. What¡¯s it like? If I knew what it looked like, I could nudge my ability toward it when I have the time.¡±

    Althiel tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. ¡°I could give you another transfer of memories,¡± she offered.

    He groaned. ¡°Of course you could. Because I could always trust you with my memories.¡± Avince said sarcastically.

    Althiel laughed softly. ¡°You survived, didn¡¯t you? Besides, transferring memories is such a delicate process that you can easily notice and stop the transfer if I¡¯m up to something. Not that I¡¯m planning anything.¡± She said jokingly.

    He hesitated, glaring at her briefly before sighing in resignation. ¡°Fine, but not now. Let¡¯s do it later, once I¡¯ve got my base armor ready and enough cores for upgrades. No point in rushing if I¡¯m not prepared.¡±

    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Althiel said with a shrug, clearly unfazed by his reluctance.

    <hr>

    Avince stood, slipping the mithril bar into his storage space as he prepared to leave. ¡°Alright, I still have more to do. Let me out of here, Althiel.¡±

    ¡°You want me to kill you again, I assume?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡ª¡± He froze mid-sentence, frowning. ¡°Actually, now that you mention it, how are you killing me in the first place? You¡¯re not exactly stabbing me with a sword or anything.¡±

    A sly grin spread across Althiel¡¯s face. ¡°I was wondering when you¡¯d finally ask. It¡¯s quite simple, really. I noticed your soul was becoming too strong, which, frankly, would have been an issue as I¡¯ve said before. So, I¡¯ve just been dissipating it every time you need to leave¡ªgently, of course. It¡¯s the easiest way to send you back without complications.¡±

    Avince stared at her, his blood running cold. ¡°You¡¯ve been... dissipating my soul?¡±

    ¡°Relax,¡± Althiel said with an amused chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s not that serious. Killing you outright would simply damage your soul which would then heal. What I¡¯m doing prevents that damage, allowing you to leave this place without injuring your soul, although I''m pretty sure that doing that to anyone else would just leave them in a hollowed-out husk. .¡±

    He swallowed hard, the color draining from his face. ¡°You¡¯re terrifying, you know that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been told,¡± she said with a wink.

    Avince shook his head, deciding he¡¯d heard enough. ¡°Fine, just... do it. Kill me or dissipate me or whatever it is you do. I need to get back.¡±

    ¡°As you wish,¡± Althiel said, standing there gracefully looking at him.

    The world around him then began to blur, Althiel¡¯s serene face the last thing he saw before everything went black.

 Chapter 42

    The faint rays of morning sunlight peeked through the blinds of Avince''s room, casting soft lines across the cluttered desk piled with books, rune sketches, and a few empty mana potion vials. He stirred in his bed, groaning slightly as the weight of exhaustion settled into his body. Visiting Althiel always left him drained. Even if his physical body remained untouched during his trips into the dungeon, the mental strain of being in her presence¡ªand dealing with her was another thing entirely.

    Sitting up, he rubbed his temples, trying to shake the grogginess. As much as he hated how tiring those visits could be, he couldn''t deny the thrill they gave him. Watching Althiel turn silver into mithril had been mind-blowing. He could still feel the echo of her mana control in his mind, the effortless grace she had displayed as she bent raw elements to her will.

    He let out a breath, standing and stretching. Today was another big day. The results of both the exam and the dungeon run were being announced. The exams, at least, didn¡¯t make him anxious. He¡¯d studied hard, and he expected to place somewhere in the top percentile. The dungeon rankings, though...

    Avince shook his head as he pulled on his uniform, unable to suppress a grin of excitement. He had to see where he¡¯d placed.

    The results could have been simply posted in the academy website but the school liked to make the students visit the academy itself in case they have some remedials or backlogs to finish. It was also a way for the academy to promote one last meet up between the students as well as the professor before their break

    Avince navigated the academy¡¯s hallway on his way to the central hall, where the exam and dungeon results had been posted on the digital leaderboard. Students were already gathered in clusters, chatting loudly about their standings, some gleeful and others grumbling.

    He found an open terminal on the far side of the hall and quickly tapped his student ID. The holographic interface shimmered to life, displaying his personal results.

    Exam Results

    Rank: Top 14 out of 1497

    Score: 94.7%

    Avince smiled faintly. It was about what he¡¯d expected. He wasn¡¯t aiming to be the absolute best¡ªthose were reserved for the absolute study freaks and those with abilities that enhance intelligence¡ªbut being in the top 1% was enough to keep him competitive in both academics and future opportunities.

    He scrolled to the next section, his heart beating faster as the dungeon results loaded.

    Dungeon Run Rankings

    Team Ranking: 1st Place

    Individual Ranking: 1st Place

    Avince blinked, stunned. ¡°Wait... what?¡± he muttered, leaning closer to the terminal as if that would make the words change. He double-checked the results, his name sitting firmly at the top of both lists.

    A few students standing nearby caught wind of his reaction.

    ¡°Thane¡¯s team got first?¡± one whispered.

    ¡°And he placed first individually too?¡± another added, their tone laced with disbelief.

    Avince stepped back, allowing others to see the rankings as he processed the information. How? There were so many strong first-years¡ªCel Maldour, with his unique ability; Long Xiaofei, whose wind magic and dragon bloodline put her in a league of her own. Especially Cel¡ªhis ability should be incredibly strong in a team format.

    He frowned, trying to piece it together. He hadn¡¯t done anything particularly flashy during the dungeon run, except for killing the High Water Elemental. But other teams should also have been able to defeat that boss since a Middle C-rank creature was still manageable for some of them.

    His thoughts shifted to the next boss, and suddenly, realization struck. The Dark Mage is too strong for any of the first-years, and their guides must have stopped them from proceeding further. It must be that his group had reached that point faster than the others.

    He then recalled that most of the floor leading to the Dark Mage was puzzle-based, and another thought dawned on him.

    ¡°That must be it,¡± Avince murmured to himself. ¡°It¡¯s not about how strong you are¡ªit¡¯s about how quickly you progress. Those puzzles must have slowed them down more than they did us.¡±

    Still, the rankings were more about bragging rights than anything else. They wouldn¡¯t affect his future directly, but he couldn¡¯t deny the small sense of pride swelling in his chest.

    Avince¡¯s thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re full of surprises, Avince.¡±

    He turned to see Erica, her arms crossed, a teasing grin on her face. ¡°Ranked higher than Cel Maldour and Long Xiaofei? I¡¯m starting to wonder if you¡¯ve been holding out on us.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that,¡± Avince replied with an awkward chuckle. ¡°Honestly, I think it came down to luck more than anything else.¡±

    Before Erica could respond, Mavis, one of his more competitive classmates, approached. She was tall and lean, her piercing hazel eyes giving off a feline intensity. Her short, jet-black hair had a subtle, natural sheen, and the sharpness of her movements always seemed to hint at something more predatory.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Known for her rare transformation ability, Mavis could shift partially or fully into a sleek black panther, enhancing her speed, agility, and stealth. She crossed her arms, a smirk curling at her lips as her eyes flicked toward Avince. ¡°Luck? Don¡¯t sell yourself short. You¡¯re ranked first. You had to do something right. What¡¯s your secret?¡±

    Avince shook his head. ¡°No secret. We just managed to clear some of the puzzles faster, that¡¯s all. I¡¯m sure anyone could¡¯ve done it with the right focus.¡±

    Mavis smirked. ¡°Humility doesn¡¯t suit you, Thane. If I ranked first, I¡¯d make sure everyone knew it.¡± He glanced at the rankings again and muttered, ¡°Though I¡¯ll admit, that Dark Mage floor was brutal. My guide pulled us out before we even got close.¡±

    Others began chiming in, some congratulating Avince, others lamenting their own rankings. Myra, a quiet but sharp girl known for her lightning magic, offered him a small smile. ¡°Your group¡¯s strength must have been exceptional. Some parts of the dungeon are actually hard to clear. I had to hold back a lot to stop me from hurting my teammates.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Avince replied. ¡°But it¡¯s not just that. I think our team is quite well balanced for this dungeon theme too.

    As the chatter grew louder, Avince found himself retreating into his thoughts again. The rankings didn¡¯t matter to him as much as they seemed to matter to others. He had come to the Academy with a goal: to grow stronger, to find his place in a world that often made him feel out of place. And now, standing here with his classmates, he realized he had already taken the first steps toward that goal.

    He glanced at Erica, who was now talking animatedly with Mavis about her own dungeon run. Despite her excitement, she seemed to sense his gaze and turned toward him. ¡°You okay?¡± she asked, her tone softening.

    Avince nodded. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just that I have more things to do after this. There should be no issues with the subjects too. There¡¯s no reason to hang around.¡±

    Erica studied him for a moment, then smiled. ¡°Fair enough. I¡¯ll catch up with you later, then.¡±

    As Avince turned to leave, a firm yet familiar voice called out from behind him. ¡°Avince Thane.¡±

    He stopped and turned to see Professor Carlson Verity approaching, his sharp gaze fixed on him. The professor¡¯s presence was commanding, even in a casual setting.

    ¡°Professor Carlson?¡± Avince asked, unsure why the history instructor would single him out here.

    ¡°I won¡¯t keep you long,¡± Professor Carlson said, adjusting his glasses. ¡°But before you disappear, check your Academy email. I¡¯ve sent you something that requires your attention.¡±

    Avince frowned slightly, curiosity sparking. ¡°My email? Is it related to the dungeon run?¡±

    ¡°Partially,¡± Carlson replied cryptically. ¡°Let¡¯s just say it¡¯s an opportunity.

    With that, the professor gave him a curt nod and walked off, blending into the crowd of students.

    Avince stood there for a moment, trying to piece together what Carlson could mean. He rarely interacted with the professor outside of class, so this sudden message felt¡­ unusual.

    Erica¡¯s voice broke his train of thought. ¡°Looks like someone¡¯s popular,¡± she teased, her grin playful.

    Avince shook his head, still puzzled. ¡°I¡¯ll check the email later"

    Erica nodded, her expression softening again. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it."

    With a small smile, Avince gave her a wave and walked toward the exit.

    Once he was back in his room, Avince sat at his desk and turned on his phone to check his email. The interface flickered to life, displaying a flood of spam, promotional offers, and random notifications. He skimmed through the list until he found the email from the academy.

    However, another email caught his attention.

    It was from the Kenshi-Ryu Dojo, the Dojo his guide, Kai was in. The subject line read:

    ¡°Exclusive Invitation for Training ¨C Sponsored Offer!¡±

    Intrigued, Avince opened it.

    The message congratulated him on his dungeon results and extended an invitation to train at their dojo. It explained that the dojo was offering an initial sponsorship, meaning his training fees would be covered until he either decided to leave or failed to meet their standards. The email detailed the dojo¡¯s rigorous training regimen and its focus on swordsmanship. It also mentioned the dojo¡¯s strong connections to different level tournaments, which piqued his interest.

    Avince leaned back in his chair, chewing on his bottom lip thoughtfully.

    ¡°Swordsmanship, huh?¡± he muttered.

    He immediately thought of Kai, whose simple, yet deadly technique cut that dark mage in half so effortlessly

    ¡°Not really my style,¡± Avince murmured again. His fighting method relied heavily on adaptability and using different magic to outmaneuver his opponents rather than engaging in direct, close-quarters combat.

    But then, he paused.

    Wouldn¡¯t it be a good idea to have a backup option?

    He drummed his fingers on the desk. Swordsmanship might not align perfectly with his current fighting style, but it could make him more versatile. Close combat was his weakest area, and improving even slightly could make a significant difference in a pinch.

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± he decided, flagging the email to revisit later.

    He then checked the email sent by the academy.

    ¡°Congratulations, Avince Thane ¨C Candidate for District Tournament¡±

    He clicked it, his eyes quickly scanning the text.

    The message congratulated him on his rankings and informed him that his exceptional performance in both the exams and the dungeon run had earned him a spot in the academy¡¯s district tournament training program. The program was designed to prepare top-performing students for the upcoming tournament, offering advanced lessons, sparring matches, and the chance to represent the academy at a higher level.

    As Avince continued reading, one sentence stood out:

    "Due to your outstanding results, the academy has made an exception to include you in this year¡¯s program despite the already decided line up during the first year¡¯s tournament."

    Avince¡¯s heart raced as he re-read the email. A candidate for the district tournament? Him?

    Sure, his rankings were high, but he hadn¡¯t expected to be selected for something this prestigious. It wasn¡¯t just about competing¡ªit was about being noticed by influential figures, forging connections, and testing himself against some of the best ability-users in the region.

    The exception only made it more surreal. The academy decided to bend some rules with their decision to include him.

    He leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Well, this changes things,¡± he muttered.

    For once, the path ahead seemed clear. He had the potential to stand among the elite¡ªif he put in the effort.

 Chapter 43

    Avince sat at the dinner table with his parents, Erwin and Ashna, and his sister. The smell of Ashna''s herb-roasted chicken lingered in the air, but his plate was only barely touched. His mind was buzzing too much to focus on eating.

    "Top one percent in exams and first place in the dungeon rankings?" Erwin said, leaning back in his chair, a wide grin spreading across his face. "That''s my son."

    "Oh please," Amyra rolled her eyes, though her smirk betrayed her joy. "Don''t inflate his ego too much, Dad. He already barely fits through our doors." She playfully nudged her brother''s arm.

    Ashna shot her husband a playful glare but couldn''t hide her own pride. "Avince, you''ve done so well. But first place in the dungeon rankings? That''s... unexpected. What happened?"

    Avince shrugged, scratching the back of his neck. "I think it''s because my team reached the Rank B boss faster than anyone else by doing the puzzle faster. It wasn''t anything flashy, my team is just... efficient. The rankings this time are more about problem solving than raw power, after all."

    Erwin chuckled. "Critical thinking is often underrated. Most young ability-users just try to brute force their way through power, which you can''t really do with runic puzzles. You''re thinking ahead, which is good."

    "I guess," Avince muttered, glancing down at his phone on the table. The emails were still open, and he had been waiting for the right moment to bring them up.

    Clearing his throat, he spoke. "So... I got some emails today. One''s from the academy, and the other''s from a dojo."

    "A dojo?" Erwin raised an eyebrow.

    "Yeah. The Kenshi-Ryu Dojo. They''re offering to sponsor my training in swordsmanship."

    Amyra nearly choked on her drink. "You? With a sword? Oh, this I have to see. Please tell me they''ll let me watch the training sessions. I need some quality entertainment in my life."

    Ashna tilted her head. "Swordsmanship? That doesn''t seem like your style."

    "That''s what I thought too," Avince admitted. "But I''ve been thinking... my close-combat skills are pretty weak. Maybe learning some sword techniques could help me become more versatile."

    Erwin nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "It''s not a bad idea. Swordsmanship teaches discipline and footwork, which could benefit you even if you don''t rely on a blade. But don''t spread yourself too thin. Focus on what aligns with your strengths."

    Avince hesitated. "Yeah, that''s the thing. I''m not sure what my ''strengths'' are yet. I''m still figuring out how to use my ability effectively."

    "What about the other email?" Ashna asked, her tone more cautious.

    "It''s from the academy," Avince said, his voice tinged with excitement. "They''ve chosen me as a candidate for the district tournament training program."

    The table fell silent. Even Amyra''s usual playful expression turned serious.

    "The district tournament?" Amyra leaned forward, concern evident in her voice. "Brother, those fights get intense. Last year''s finalist ended up in the hospital for three weeks."

    Ashna''s eyes widened, but her expression quickly shifted to one of concern. "Avince, that''s a huge opportunity, but it''s also dangerous. District tournaments aren''t just about showcasing skills¡ªthey''re brutal. You''ll be going up against some of the best ability-users your age."

    "I know," Avince said, meeting their gazes. "But I want to do this. I need to push myself if I''m ever going to catch up to people my age."

    Ashna frowned, clearly torn. Erwin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Ashna, he''s not a child anymore. If he wants to compete, we should support him."

    She sighed but nodded. "Fine. But only if you promise to prioritize your safety, Avince. No reckless heroics."

    Avince smiled. "I promise."

    The conversation shifted to Avince''s training, the remains of dinner growing cold on their plates.

    "You mentioned close-combat skills," Erwin said, pushing his plate aside. "That''s a smart focus, but what about your mana control? How are you progressing there?"

    Avince shrugged. "It''s... okay. I''m getting better at channeling mana into runes and basic magic applications, but my stamina is still an issue. I can''t sustain high-level techniques for long."

    "Stamina comes with time," Erwin said. "What about your simulation ability? Have you found ways to maximize its potential?"

    Avince felt a twinge of guilt at the half-truth. "I''m still exploring different approaches. Each time I use it I can feel how much I''ve improved in combat and learn something new.

    He thought about the dungeons¡ªthe real source of his growth. The way he can get precious resources there, and how each encounter pushes him to adapt and improve.

    "Keep at it," Erwin encouraged. "Your ability is unique¡ªif you can master it, you''ll develop skills that others can''t easily replicate."

    Ashna placed a gentle hand on his arm. "You''ll figure it out in time. For now, focus on the basics¡ªstamina, close combat, and mana control. Build a strong foundation, and the rest will follow."

    After dinner, Avince retreated to his room, spreading out his research materials on his desk. He''d spent a few days studying Christian Valdris''s papers and theories, particularly his groundbreaking work on transmogrification. Unlike traditional understanding of the technique, which focused on changing the form of objects, Valdris focus is to temporarily alter the properties of weapons and even the human body itself through precise mana application.

    The morning sun cast long shadows across the academy grounds as Avince made his way to the specialized training facility.

    Outside the large workshop building, marked by a bronze plaque that read Christian Valdris ¨C Specialized Transmogrification Studies, nearly thirty students had gathered.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    The building itself was impressive¡ªthree stories of reinforced stone and metal, with large windows that gleamed with protective enchantments. Training dummies lined the outer walls, many bearing scorch marks and deep gouges from previous sessions.

    The doors opened silently, and Christian Valdris stepped out. He was tall and wiry, with sharp features and calculating eyes behind wire-rimmed spectacles. His appearance was deceiving¡ªAvince had read about his combat achievements. The man had once held off three B-rank ability users using nothing but his transmogrification techniques.

    "Welcome to Specialized Transmogrification," Christian announced, his voice carrying clearly across the courtyard. "You''re here because you''ve shown interest in my classes and applied for this trial class. Whether you continue with the rest is entirely up to you."

    They filled into the workshop, and Avince''s eyes widened at the sight. The interior was vast, with individual workstations arranged in a semicircle. Each station was equipped with various materials¡ªwood, metal, stone¡ªand surrounded by runic arrays that glowed with latent power. The walls were lined with demonstration weapons of all types, from simple training swords to exotic implements Avince didn''t recognize.

    "Before we begin," Christian said, taking his position at the center of the room, "let me correct some misconceptions about transmogrification. Many of you have probably read that it''s about changing the form of objects¡ªreshaping metal or transforming materials. That''s the basic application, yes, but it''s not what we''ll be focusing on here."

    He picked up a wooden training sword from a nearby rack. "True combat transmogrification is about understanding the properties of materials and temporarily imbuing them into objects or even your own body through precise mana application."

    With a subtle flare of mana, the wooden sword in his hand took on a metallic sheen. "I haven''t transformed this wood into metal," he explained. "I''ve coated it with my mana, giving it the properties of iron while maintaining its original form. The advantage? It''s still as light as wood, but now hits with the force of metal."

    The class watched in stunned silence as he demonstrated further. He ran his hand along the blade, and the metallic sheen transferred to his fingers. When he tapped the stone floor, it rang out with the clear sound of metal on stone.

    "This is what separates combat transmogrification from basic material manipulation," Christian continued. "It''s not about permanent changes¡ªit''s about adaptability. In a real fight, you won''t have time to completely transform your weapons. But coating them with different properties? That you can do in an instant. With enough practice that is."

    He gestured to the workstations. "We''ll start with the basics of mana coating. Remember¡ªyou''re not changing the material itself. You''re overlaying its properties with your mana."

    Avince found himself paired with a girl named Marina at one of the workstations. Each station had been laid out with various materials: wooden practice weapons, metal ingots of different types, and samples of stone and crystal.

    ¡°Long time no see,¡± Marina said with a small smile as she adjusted her gloves.

    Avince blinked in surprise before grinning back. ¡°Marina? I didn¡¯t realize you were here. Feels like forever since senior high.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s been a while,¡± she replied, nodding. ¡°Guess we¡¯re back to being classmates again, huh?¡±

    ¡°Looks like it,¡± Avince said, feeling a bit more at ease as they exchanged a brief, friendly laugh before focusing on the task ahead.

    "Start with something simple," Christian instructed the class. "Take a wooden practice weapon and try to coat it with the properties of the metal samples. Focus on maintaining an even mana distribution."

    Avince picked up a wooden short sword and one of the iron ingots. He''d practiced basic transmogrification before, but this was different. He needed to understand the properties of the iron¡ªits weight, its hardness, its very nature¡ªand replicate those qualities with his mana.

    His first attempt resulted in a patchy coating, some parts of the wooden sword showing the metallic sheen while others remained unchanged. Beside him, Marina had managed to achieve a more consistent effect with her practice staff, though the metallic properties flickered unstably.

    "Interesting approach," Christian said, passing by their station. "You''re trying to force the properties into the wood. Instead, think of your mana as a conduit. Let it carry the essence of the iron, not just its appearance."

    Avince nodded, adjusting his technique. This time, he spent longer studying the iron ingot, really feeling its properties through his mana. When he attempted the coating again, the result was more uniform, though still imperfect.

    "Better," Christian commented.

    Christian had made a round of the workstations, observing each pair''s progress and offering advice where needed. He adjusted stances, suggested alternative methods for mana flow, and pointed out subtle mistakes.

    Christian¡¯s hands-on approach seemed to energize the students, and as he moved back to the center of the room, his tone became more challenging. ¡°Body coating isn¡¯t just for weapons. It¡¯s time to test your ability to reinforce yourselves directly.¡±

    "Now, who wants to try coating their own body?"

    A murmur of excitement ran through the class. This was what many had been waiting for¡ªthe application of transmogrification to physical enhancement.

    A student stepped forward first,seemingly confident with their ability. Following Christian''s instructions, he placed his hand on a steel ingot, studying its properties. When he channeled his mana, his entire arm took on a metallic sheen.

    "Good initiative," Christian said, "but watch this." He picked up a small hammer and struck the student¡¯s transformed arm. The sound rang out clearly, but the student winced.

    "You replicated the appearance and hardness of steel, but not its ability to distribute force," Christian explained. "In a real fight, that would still result in broken bones. Remember¡ªyou need to understand every aspect of the material you''re replicating."

    The lesson continued for another two hours, with students experimenting with different materials and applications. Some focused on precise, small-scale transformations. Others worked on full-body enhancements.

    Looking at his workbench partner, Marina seemed to have a talent for combining properties from different materials, creating unique effects.

    As the class ended and students filed out of the workshop, Avince stayed behind, examining his practice sword. The metallic coating had mostly faded, but he could still feel traces of the technique in his mana pathways.

    "Something on your mind?" Christian asked, organizing materials at his workstation.

    "Just thinking about what I¡¯ve learned," Avince replied. "Could this be combined with other techniques? Like, if I want my body to handle powerful magic applications for example..."

    Christian raised an eyebrow, a glint of enthusiasm creeping into his voice. "Interesting perspective. Transmogrification is incredibly versatile¡ªit¡¯s one of those abilities that can complement almost anything if applied right. You should consider signing up for the full course. We could explore those possibilities in depth."

    Avince caught the subtle shift in Christian¡¯s tone and couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°You¡¯re just trying to get me to enroll so you earn more credits, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Christian chuckled, completely unabashed. ¡°Hey, I won¡¯t deny that. But I¡¯m serious¡ªthere¡¯s potential here. Besides, I¡¯d much rather rack up credits teaching someone who¡¯s actually interested than someone who¡¯ll sleep through class.¡±

    Shaking his head with amusement, Avince carefully returned the practice sword to its rack. He couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of the choices before him. Between the dojo¡¯s offer of swordsmanship training, the district tournament program, and these advanced transmogrification lessons, his path forward felt both exciting and overwhelming. But at least one thing was certain: Christian had a knack for pitching his course with charm.

    As he walked back across the academy grounds, the setting sun painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Avince found himself smiling. He might not fully understand his whole path yet, but he was certainly finding a lot of ways to grow stronger.

    That night, as he lay in bed reviewing the day''s lessons, his mind kept returning to the possibilities. Coating weapons with different properties, enhancing his own body''s capabilities, combining these techniques with magic... The potential seemed endless.

    "One step at a time," he reminded himself, closing his eyes. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and new opportunities to grow stronger. For now, that was all he needed.

 Chapter 44

    The morning sun cast its golden glow across the bustling streets of the sixth district as Avince and his father, Erwin, stepped off the mana-powered tram. Ignis was unlike anything Avince had seen before. The city thrummed with life and technology, its skyline dominated by towering spires with glowing conduits of mana running along their surfaces like luminous veins. Steam hissed from ornate brass vents on the streets, mingling with the scent of metal and oil.

    "Welcome to Ignis," Erwin said with a grin, slinging a small travel bag over his shoulder. "The heart of innovation in the sixth district¡ªand the place to meet our crafter, Marcel Smith."

    Avince removed his jacket now that he was no longer on the air-conditioned tram and could feel the heat of the place¡ªthey were at the base of a volcano, after all. He then followed his father through the streets, his curiosity growing with each step as they passed shops displaying mana-fueled gadgets, from pocket-sized calculators to complex navigation devices. Sleek automatons in brass and copper assisted with street cleaning, their movements surprisingly fluid. Above them, vehicles glided along magnetic rails suspended between buildings, their hulls gleaming in the morning light.

    The journey had been a long one. They¡¯d left their home in the fourth district at midnight, embarking on a journey that took them a bit more than five hours on a high-speed train to cross the 600 kilometers separating the two districts. After arriving in the sixth district, it had taken another hour by tram to reach Ignis. Avince was still adjusting to the shift in pace and atmosphere; the journey itself had been smooth but exhausting, with the train humming steadily through the night and the tram weaving seamlessly through the cityscape.

    Erwin glanced at his son as they navigated the bustling streets. "Traveling between districts always takes some time," he said. "Meskalt¡¯s six districts may be interconnected, but each one¡¯s like its own little world.

    "Marcel''s workshop isn''t far," Erwin said, pointing to a narrow alley lined with industrial buildings. "But don''t let his... eccentricities throw you off. He''s one of the best craftsmen out there."

    "What do you mean by eccentricities?" Avince asked, his curiosity piqued.

    Erwin chuckled. "Let''s just say he approaches his craft with... unique enthusiasm. You''ll see soon enough."

    The workshop stood at the end of the alley, its exterior unassuming save for the faint hum of mana engines within. A worn brass plaque read "M. Smith - Master Artificer & Innovative Solutions." Erwin pushed open the heavy door, and Avince was immediately hit by a wave of heat and the pungent smell of molten metal.

    Inside, the space was a chaotic wonderland. Half-finished projects cluttered every available surface¡ªblades glowing faintly with intricate runic patterns, pieces of armor hanging from hooks, and strange contraptions that whirred and clicked with mysterious purpose. The walls were lined with tools of all shapes and sizes, and a massive forge dominated the center of the room, its flames casting flickering shadows that danced across walls covered in technical drawings and diagrams.

    A man with wild, unkempt hair and soot-streaked goggles perched on his forehead emerged from behind a stack of gears. He wore a leather apron over a rumpled shirt, and his hands were stained black with grease. Various tools hung from his belt, clicking together as he moved.

    "Erwin Thane!" the man bellowed, his voice carrying a mix of delight and distraction. "You''re right on time! I was just finishing up a fascinating experiment with mana conductivity in crystalline structures. Did you know that if you align the crystal lattices just right¡ª"

    "Good to see you too, Marcel," Erwin interrupted with a knowing smile. "This is my son, Avince. We''re here to talk about equipment commission."

    Marcel''s eyes lit up as he turned to Avince, his gaze sharp and analytical behind thick-lensed spectacles. "Ah, the son of the great Erwin! Let me have a look at you." He pulled out a strange device from his pocket, something that looked like a cross between a compass and a magnifying glass, with delicate magical circuits etched along its rim.

    Before Avince could protest, Marcel grabbed his shoulders, spinning him around and muttering to himself while holding up the device. "Fascinating mana signature... Lean build, but good posture... Hmm, spell casting-focused, perhaps? Or maybe you''re still finding your style... Oh! Interesting resonance pattern in your soul..."

    "I can stand still if that helps," Avince offered, trying to be helpful despite his confusion.

    Marcel laughed. "No need, no need! The readings are clearer when you''re natural. Now, tell me¡ªhow long have you been actively channeling mana? Any particular elemental affinities? Family history of unique magical manifestations?"

    "Marcel," Erwin cut in, "perhaps we should focus on the equipment first?"

    "Right, right!" Marcel released Avince and bounded over to his workbench, rummaging through a pile of notes and sketches. "Let''s talk fighting style! Tell me everything¡ªhow you fight, what you need, and where you see yourself in five years. No detail is too small!"

    Avince gathered his thoughts before speaking. "I''m still refining my style," he admitted. "Right now, I rely on mid-range magic while adapting with different spells depending on the situation, but my close-combat skills are lacking. I''ve been working on incorporating more defensive techniques, but..."

    "But you find yourself vulnerable when enemies close the gap?" Marcel finished, already sketching rapidly. "Common problem for mages. Continue."

    "Yes, exactly," Avince nodded. "I''m also currently working on my mana control and stamina. Sometimes I exhaust myself too quickly in longer fights, unless I¡¯m wearing this artifact. So I need gear that won''t weigh me down but can still protect me when I''m low on energy."

    Marcel''s eyes immediately zeroed in on the amulet hanging from Avince''s neck. He leaned closer, his fingers twitching with curiosity. "That amulet... may I?" Without waiting for permission, he gently held it up for inspection, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Fascinating craftsmanship. The rune work is meticulous, and the mana channels are¡ª" He paused, peering closer. "Who created this magnificent trinket? It''s incredibly advanced, even for most modern standards."

    Before Avince could respond, Erwin cleared his throat loudly. "Marcel, focus. We¡¯re here to discuss equipment, not to dissect every shiny thing my son owns."

    Marcel sighed, reluctantly letting the amulet drop back into place. "Fine, fine. But whoever made that has my respect. Truly remarkable work." His enthusiasm reignited as he grabbed a fresh sheet of paper. "Now, let me propose something revolutionary: modular armor with integrated mana regulation systems!"

    "Modular armor?" Avince repeated, intrigued.

    Marcel''s excitement was contagious as he began drawing more detailed sketches. "Picture this: a lightweight core suit made of mana-responsive alloys¡ªI''m thinking of a blend of adamantium and mithril for the base, with crystalline focus points at key junctions. The core piece would help regulate your mana flow, preventing wastage and improving efficiency."

    He flipped to a new page, drawing faster. "Then we add modular components that can be swapped out based on your needs. Defensive plates for close combat, mana amplifiers for spell casting, even specialized components for different elemental affinities!"Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    "Hold on," Avince interjected, catching his father''s subtle look of concern at the increasing complexity of Marcel''s proposals. "I have a different idea in mind. Is it possible to create armor that can be upgraded over time?"

    Marcel''s rapid sketching stopped abruptly. He looked up at Avince with newfound interest. "Upgraded? Do elaborate."

    "Well," Avince continued, choosing his words carefully, "instead of making something perfect from the start with expensive materials, could we design armor that''s effective but can be enhanced later? Something that could grow stronger as I do?"

    A slow grin spread across Marcel''s face. "Now that''s interesting thinking, young man! Most clients just want the best materials right away, damn the cost. But you''re thinking long-term, aren''t you?"

    "Exactly," Avince nodded, growing more confident. "I''d rather have something reliable that I can improve piece by piece than sink everything into a single version that I might outgrow."

    Marcel stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Yes... yes, we could work with that approach. In fact..." He began rifling through his drawers, pulling out material samples. "We could start with an enhanced steel alloy for the base¡ªmuch cheaper than jumping straight to mithril or adamantium. The real innovation would be in the construction method."

    "What do you mean?" Avince asked, leaning forward with genuine interest.

    "Well, if we want true upgradeability..." Marcel laid out fresh sketches, his hand moving with renewed purpose. "We could design special socketed connections at key points throughout the armor. Not just mechanical joints, mind you, but magical conduits that can accept enhancement later."

    Erwin nodded approvingly. "Sounds more sustainable than going all-in on expensive materials from the start."

    "But," Avince added, "would these connections be able to handle significant upgrades? Say, if I wanted to incorporate higher-grade materials later?"

    "Ah! That''s where this comes in!" Marcel returned to his table and began rummaging through various items before finally pulling out what looked like a complex runic matrix etched onto a small plate. "One of my latest innovations¡ªan adaptive runic framework. It acts as a mediator between different materials, allowing them to work together harmoniously. You could start with enhanced steel and gradually incorporate better materials without needing to replace the entire armor."

    "And this upgrade process," Avince pressed, thinking of his hidden mithril, "can it be done piece by piece?"

    "Absolutely!" Marcel''s enthusiasm matched Avince''s interest. "Each component can be upgraded independently. Start with reinforcing the vital areas, experiment with different materials, and find what works best for your style. The armor grows with you!"

    "This is incredible," Avince said, examining the bracer. "But how long would it take to create something like this?"

    Marcel rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "For the basic suit alone, it would take about two months. Every upgrade would probably take weeks to accomplish.

    "And the cost?" Erwin asked, though his tone suggested he was already prepared for the answer.

    Marcel pulled out a ledger and began calculating. "Given the materials involved... the complexity of the runic work... testing phases..." He wrote down a number and slid it across the table.

    Erwin whistled but nodded. "That''s about what I expected. We can do a payment plan¡ªhalf now, half on completion?"

    "For you, old friend? Absolutely." Marcel turned to Avince. "Now, I''ll need to take some more detailed measurements. And I have a few questions about your magical preferences..."

    The next hour was a whirlwind of measurements, magical assessments, and increasingly technical questions about Avince''s fighting style and magical capabilities. Marcel used various mysterious devices to record everything from Avince''s mana circulation patterns to his natural casting stance.

    Finally, with the commission settled and initial payments arranged, they prepared to leave. Marcel pressed a small crystal into Avince''s hand. "For recording any ideas or requirements that come to you later. Just speak into it, and I''ll get the message."

    Back on the streets of Ignis, Avince felt slightly overwhelmed but excited. "That was... intense."

    Erwin laughed. "Marcel''s always been like that. But there''s no one better at combining traditional crafting with magical innovation."

    They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the city properly. Their first stop was the Grand Artificers'' Market, a massive covered bazaar where inventors and craftspeople displayed their latest creations. Avince marveled at a demonstration of self-writing quills, enchanted mirrors that could show distant locations, and compact devices that could purify water using minimal mana.

    "This is amazing," Avince said, watching a mechanical bird deliver messages between market stalls. "We don''t have anything like this back home."

    "Ignis attracts the brightest minds in magical engineering," Erwin explained, leading them to a section dedicated to combat equipment. He paused, turning to face them with a thoughtful expression. "Actually, while we¡¯re here, I should mention¡ªI¡¯m planning a dungeon run. There¡¯s a particular fire creature I¡¯ve been hoping to tame, and this is the perfect opportunity to go for it."

    Erwin glanced at Avince with a grin. "How about you join me? It could be good training for you. Don¡¯t worry¡ªit''s a B-class dungeon. I can handle it without any trouble."

    Avince hesitated for a moment, then nodded, his curiosity outweighing his apprehension. "Sure. It sounds like a good opportunity."

    "Great!" Erwin said, his grin widening. "Let¡¯s get you geared up, then."

    They spent time at various stalls, with Erwin explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different equipment. He picked out a fire-resistant cloak for himself and insisted on getting one for Avince too.

    "The fire creature I''m planning to tame isn''t particularly that strong," Erwin explained as they examined the cloaks, "but it''s better to be prepared. These are treated with a special solution that creates a barrier against magical flame."

    "Are you sure about taking me along?" Avince asked, trying to hide his nervousness. "A B-class dungeon sounds dangerous."

    Erwin placed a hand on his shoulder. "You''re ready for this, son. Besides, it''s time you learned more about creature taming. It might not be your primary focus, but understanding different magical disciplines will make you a better mage overall."

    Their shopping completed, they made their way to the Mana Gardens, a public park where magical engineering met nature. Crystal formations channeled mana in beautiful patterns, creating light shows and powering various public amenities. Children played with simple enchanted toys while their parents relaxed on benches that adjusted their temperature for optimal comfort.

    Near the center of the gardens, they stopped to watch a demonstration of a new mana-fueled exosuit designed for industrial work. The operator lifted massive crates with ease while explaining how the suit amplified natural movements using minimal magical energy.

    "The principles aren''t that different from what Marcel''s planning for your armor," Erwin noted. "Just applied differently."

    As the sun began to set, they made their way to the Crystal Spire Restaurant, a rotating establishment near the top of one of Ignis''s tallest buildings. The entire structure was powered by massive mana crystals, and the views of the city were breathtaking.

    Over dinner, Erwin shared stories about his early days as an adventurer, including his first meeting with Marcel. "He was even more eccentric back then, if you can believe it. Nearly blew up his workshop trying to create self-repairing armor. But his successes far outweighed his failures."

    Avince looked out over the city, now lit by countless magical lights. "This whole day has been incredible. I never realized how much potential there was in combining magic with technology like this."

    "That''s why I wanted to bring you here," Erwin said, smiling proudly. "Strength isn''t just about raw power or magical ability¡ªthere¡¯s also understanding all the tools at your disposal and using them wisely. Marcel''s armor will be amazing, but it''s just a tool. The real growth will come from how you learn to use it."

    As they boarded the mana-powered tram for their next location, the dungeon, Avince felt a deep sense of anticipation. The day had shown him possibilities he''d never considered before, and he couldn''t wait to see how Marcel''s creation would help him grow as a mage.

    "Thanks for everything, Dad," he said as they watched the city lights blur past. "Not just the armor, but... all of this."

    Erwin smiled, ruffling his son''s hair. "This is just the beginning, kid. Just wait until you see what comes next."

    Avince nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. As the tram carried them to the dungeon location, he found himself reaching for the crystal Marcel had given him, already forming ideas for his future equipment. The city of Ignis had shown him that the fusion of magic and innovation could open doors he''d never even imagined existed.

 Chapter 45

    Avince and Erwin stood at the edge of the volcanic crater, the oppressive heat rolling over them like a living thing. The shimmering air and faint glow of molten rock gave the landscape an otherworldly feel.

    "This dungeon isn''t government-owned," Erwin explained, adjusting the straps of his gear with practiced ease. A slight smile played at the corners of his mouth. "I had to spend a fair amount of Alliance credits to secure access. It''s worth it, though. You don''t get dungeons like this in the public sector."

    Avince frowned, his curiosity piqued. "What made you choose this specific one?"

    Erwin gestured to the glowing cavern below, his movements deliberately casual. "Location, for one. This dungeon sits in the middle layer of an active volcano. It''s considered middle-strength overall, but that''s only because the deeper layers are untouchable. Even S-class teams don''t venture to the core¡ªit''s suicide. As for this level..." He watched Avince from the corner of his eye, gauging his reaction.

    His voice trailed off as they descended into the dungeon. The air grew heavier, thick with mana, and the faint hum of energy vibrated through Avince''s chest. Molten streams of lava carved glowing paths through the dark stone, illuminating their way.

    "This dungeon is home to living armors," Erwin continued, his tone almost playful. "Forged by the intense mana of the volcano. The soldiers you''ll see first are mid-C rank. Tough enough to take down most unprepared teams. Then there are the elites¡ªgeneral-class armors at peak C. And the boss..." He gave a knowing smile. "A king among armors. High B rank, that¡¯s what I¡¯ll be taming. You''ll see soon enough."

    Avince held his amulet in hand as if seeking comfort at the pulses of mana it gave, swallowing hard. He wasn''t entirely sure he was ready for this.

    As they ventured deeper, the oppressive heat gave way to an eerie silence. The first sign of movement came from the shadows¡ªa metallic scrape that sent a shiver down Avince''s spine. Two figures emerged from the gloom, their glowing cores pulsing faintly within enchanted steel bodies. The living armors moved with an unnerving fluidity, their jagged swords wreathed in flames.

    "Soldiers," Erwin said, his tone casual. "Mid-C rank."

    He raised his hand, summoning his creature. A massive, translucent slime materialized beside him, its gelatinous body shimmering with a strange blue aura. Despite its unassuming form, the pressure it exuded was overwhelming.

    "A slime?" Avince asked, disbelief coloring his voice.

    Erwin chuckled. "Not just any slime. This is Smeech. Found him as the boss of a slime dungeon I cleared decades ago. He''s grown stronger over the years, though he''s reaching his limit at high B rank. Still, it''s more than enough for these." Smeech gurgled enthusiastically at the praise, causing Erwin to smile. "Yes, yes, show them what you can do."

    Smeech surged forward, making a low gurgling sound that somehow seemed eager. The slime engulfed one of the living armors in a wave of viscous liquid. The creature struggled, its core glowing brightly as it tried to resist, unleashing waves of fire that turned to steam against Smeech''s body. But the slime''s crushing pressure extinguished it in moments.

    The second armor, however, bypassed Smeech entirely and charged at Avince. Its glowing core flickered with an almost malicious intent as it raised its flame-wreathed sword.

    Avince barely had time to dodge the wide slash, the blade carving a molten scar into the ground where he''d stood. Waves of heat scorched the air around him. He countered with a blast of water magic, the spell hitting the core directly. But instead of staggering, the armor pressed forward, steam hissing from its joints as it converted the water to vapor.

    "Damn it," Avince muttered, weaving to avoid another strike. He followed up with a gust of wind to throw the armor off balance, then attempted to crack the core with a sharp spike of earth magic. The attack landed, but the armor didn''t falter. Instead, it channeled flames through its body, melting the earth spike before it could penetrate deeply.

    Its sheer resilience was daunting. Avince poured more mana into his spells, layering attacks of water pulses and wind blasts to chip away at the core''s defenses. Each strike drained his stamina, and sweat poured down his face, both from exertion and the dungeon''s oppressive heat. The armor countered each water spell with intense heat, turning his attacks to steam before they could do significant damage.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the armor''s core shattered, and its metallic body collapsed into a lifeless heap. Avince staggered back, panting.

    "That was just one," he muttered, his arms trembling.

    "Not bad," Erwin called, a faint smirk on his face. He walked over to the fallen armors, carefully collecting their cores and examining the metallic fragments. "These contain traces of adamantium," he explained, storing the pieces in a specialized container. "The volcano''s heat and mana pressure create a unique forging environment. Makes these quite valuable." Smeech gurgled in agreement, which made Erwin chuckle. "Yes, yes, you did most of the work."

    As if on cue, three more living armors emerged from the shadows, their glowing cores casting an ominous light. Among them stood a larger figure¡ªits armor gleaming with a golden hue, flames dancing along its surface.

    "Elites," Erwin said, his tone serious. "The generals. That one''s at peak C rank."

    Smeech moved to intercept the elite, making a deep, resonant gurgle that Erwin seemed to understand. "Don''t get cocky," he warned his slime. "These ones are different."

    The general-class armor was faster and more powerful than its subordinates. It deflected Smeech''s attacks with calculated precision, its molten sword leaving trails of heat in the air. Each swing created waves of fire that forced even the slime to dodge.

    Meanwhile, the three soldier-class armors advanced on Avince. He gritted his teeth, preparing for the fight of his life.

    The soldiers attacked in perfect coordination, their flame-wreathed swords creating a cage of fire around him. Avince''s water magic turned to steam before it could reach their cores, and his wind spells only served to fan their flames higher. One soldier''s blade caught his shoulder, searing through his protective gear.

    Desperate, Avince focused his mana and channeled a surge of ice magic. The temperature around him dropped sharply, frost forming on the molten rocks. With a powerful swing of his hand, he unleashed a wave of ice that froze one of the soldiers in place. He followed up with a concentrated spike of ice, shattering its core.

    Erwin''s eyes widened slightly at the display, his expression shifting from casual observation to keen interest. "Your ice magic..." he murmured, but kept his thoughts to himself. Even Smeech paused momentarily in its battle, gurgling questioningly at Erwin, who shook his head slightly.

    The remaining soldiers pressed their attack with renewed vigor, their molten cores flaring brighter as if sensing Avince¡¯s growing exhaustion. He raised his hand to conjure another ice barrier, but the first soldier''s blade struck before it fully formed. The impact shattered the half-formed wall into icy shards, forcing Avince to leap back as the molten edge of the blade sizzled through the air where he had stood moments before.

    Another soldier advanced, its movements eerily mechanical yet relentless. Avince lashed out with a spike of earth magic, aiming for its legs. The jagged pillar erupted from the ground, striking the creature¡¯s knee and staggering it briefly. But the second soldier closed the gap, its flaming sword cleaving at him as Avince used his magic to make a makeshift shield made of ice as he desperately parried as the shield shattered.

    Sweat dripped into his eyes as he spun away from the next strike, narrowly avoiding the searing heat of molten metal. With a surge of focus, he summoned a torrent of water, aiming the high-pressure blast directly at the closest soldier¡¯s core. The stream struck true, causing the molten glow in its chest to flicker. Avince pressed the attack, intensifying the flow, but the second soldier was already moving to intercept.

    Its sword came down in a vicious arc, and Avince barely managed to redirect it with a blast of wind, the molten blade slicing a shallow gash into his sleeve. He stumbled back, gritting his teeth as the searing heat licked at his skin. The first soldier, though damaged, recovered quickly, its glowing core burning brighter as it rejoined the assault.

    Avince clenched his fists, forcing his weary body to move. He darted between the two, weaving through their relentless strikes with bursts of wind-enhanced agility. One soldier swung low, and he jumped, vaulting over the blade and slamming a shard of ice into its chest. The core cracked but didn¡¯t shatter. The second soldier took advantage of his airborne position, swinging its blade in a horizontal slash.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    Twisting mid-air, Avince conjured a shield of water around himself. The molten sword hissed as it struck the barrier, slowing down its momentum. Steam erupting in a violent burst that obscured the battlefield. Using the distraction, Avince landed behind the first soldier and thrust a concentrated spear of ice into its already-damaged core. The crack widened, and with a final burst, the core shattered.

    The soldier¡¯s armor collapsed into a pile of lifeless metal, but Avince had no time to celebrate. The remaining soldier charged through the dissipating steam, its blade raised high. Avince ducked low, sending a blast of wind at the creature¡¯s legs. The gust knocked it off balance, and he followed up with a barrage of ice spikes, aiming for its joints.

    One spike struck true, piercing through the gap in its knee joint and pinning the leg to the ground. The soldier struggled, its molten core glowing angrily as it tried to free itself. Seizing the moment, Avince summoned a great amount of mana and formed a massive shard of ice above the soldier. He brought it down with a crushing force, smashing through the creature¡¯s core in a brilliant explosion of frost and molten light.

    As the second soldier¡¯s armor crumbled to the ground, Avince collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.

    That''s when the second general-class armor appeared. Erwin observed how his son would react, his earlier surprise now replaced with calculated observation. He quickly moved to collect the cores and fragments from the fallen soldiers, his container filling with the valuable materials before putting them in his storage ring.

    The armor emerged from a pool of lava, its golden armor radiating an intense heat that made the air shimmer. Avince tried to stand, but his legs trembled with exhaustion. His mana reserves were nearly depleted.

    The general attacked without hesitation, its sword trailing streams of liquid fire. Avince raised a barrier of ice, but it melted instantly. The armor''s blade caught him in the side, sending him sprawling across the ground. Pain exploded through his body as he rolled to avoid a follow-up strike that left a crater in the stone floor.

    The golden armor loomed over Avince, its core pulsing with deadly intent. He tried to summon more ice magic, but his mana flickered weakly. The general raised its sword for the final blow.

    Only then did Smeech crash into the armor like a tidal wave, pushing it back with an angry gurgle. Erwin walked over unhurriedly, offering a hand to help Avince up.

    "That''s enough for now," Erwin said, his voice carrying no trace of concern. Instead, there was a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "You''ve shown me what I needed to see." Smeech made a concerned burbling sound, to which Erwin nodded. "He''ll be fine, old friend. Just need some rest."

    Avince wanted to protest, but the pain in his side and his depleted mana left no room for argument. He watched as Smeech engaged both generals, its massive form splitting to fight them simultaneously.

    "You knew I couldn''t handle that general-class armor yet." Avince said tirelessly as he looked at his burned cloak, thankful at the effectiveness of the equipment they bought.

    Erwin''s smile widened. "Of course. But there''s a difference between me telling you your limits and you discovering them yourself. Sometimes the best lessons come from failure." He paused, watching Smeech methodically dismantle the generals. "Though I must admit, that ice magic of yours was... unexpected. It''s what made me curious to see how you''d fare against a general."

    After the battle, Erwin carefully collected the golden fragments from the defeated generals, examining them with particular interest. "The elite armors contain high concentrations of adamantium, second only to the boss." he explained, storing them separately. "Their cores are especially valuable too¡ªthe volcanic pressure makes them perfect for crafting high-grade equipment."

    The molten heat of the volcanic dungeon pressed heavily against Avince as they ventured deeper into its twisting paths. Sweat drenched his brow, and his body felt leaden, but he pushed forward, determined to prove his worth. Erwin moved ahead with an air of calm confidence, his every step deliberate, while Smeech flowed alongside them, occasionally gurgling warnings about approaching dangers.

    "Dad, I''ve been wondering¡ªwhat makes Amyra''s taming ability so special? You can tame any monster, right? So why is her power treated like it''s... unique?"

    Erwin paused, glancing over his shoulder with a chuckle. "That''s an interesting question, son." He folded his arms, leaning slightly against a rock while Smeech burbled curiously. "Amyra can tame any monster with enough time and effort, just like me. The difference is that her ability makes it ridiculously easy for her to tame ice creatures."

    Avince frowned, trying to process this. "What do you mean by ''ridiculously easy''?"

    Erwin grinned. "Let me put it this way: remember that infant ice dragon your sister hatched last time? If I were to try taming that egg when I was that age, it would take months or even years of careful mana bonding just to prevent it from trying to kill me even if it had to die itself. But your sister? That little one imprinted on her the moment it hatched, following her around like a puppy." Smeech made what sounded suspiciously like a laughing gurgle.

    Avince couldn''t help but laugh at the image, though a pang of envy pricked his chest.

    Erwin continued, his tone more serious. "That''s not the only thing. We''re not entirely sure yet, but your sister''s tamed ice monsters seem to grow stronger faster than normal. Remember your sister''s tamed ice wolf? It''s already pushing into mid C-rank after just a year. That kind of growth isn''t natural."

    "So her ability doesn''t just make taming easier¡ªit boosts the monsters she tames?"

    "Looks that way," Erwin said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "It''s a rare kind of synergy. Ice monsters resonate with her mana in a way that makes them more responsive, more loyal, and, frankly, more terrifying in combat."

    Avince nodded, digesting the information. His sister''s talent was undeniable, but he couldn''t let himself be overshadowed. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his chest. The day''s defeats had only strengthened his resolve to grow stronger.

    Erwin watched his son''s reaction with quiet approval. Everything was proceeding exactly as he''d planned¡ªtesting Avince''s limits. The volcanic dungeon had served its purpose perfectly.

    "More company," Erwin muttered, his eyes narrowing. Smeech gurgled in anticipation, its form rippling with eagerness.

    From the shadows emerged a squad of living armors¡ªthis time six soldiers and two elite general-class armors. Their glowing cores pulsed with a menacing energy, and their molten swords gleamed ominously in the dungeon''s light.

    "You''re not fit to fight anymore," Erwin said to Avince, his tone steady but firm. Without waiting for a response, he raised his hand, and Smeech rippled forward. This time, the slime''s form shimmered with a dangerous, predatory energy that made the air around it feel charged with tension.

    Avince, clutching his side, watched in growing apprehension. Smeech felt strong before, but now, it moved with terrifying intent. Suddenly, the creature quivered and split itself into two smaller yet equally formidable entities¡ªone surging toward the two elite living armors, the other gliding toward the five soldiers.

    The battle began with an explosion of fire.

    One of the elite living armors raised its massive sword, its blade igniting in flames that roared to life. With a deafening crack, it brought the flaming sword down in a devastating arc toward the approaching slime. But Smeech dodged with incredible speed, splitting into smaller fragments to evade the strike. The ground beneath the sword scorched instantly, the heat radiating outward, but the slime reformed seamlessly and counterattacked with a tendril that struck the living armor''s leg. The creature staggered but recovered, its joints glowing with molten heat as it retaliated with another flaming swing.

    The second elite living armor joined the fray, launching a barrage of fireballs from its gauntlets. The fireballs exploded as they hit Smeech''s form, sending waves of heat and smoke into the air. For a moment, it seemed like the slime might falter¡ªbut then it surged forward, unharmed, its fluid body absorbing the energy of the flames. It lashed out with multiple tendrils, wrapping around the first elite''s flaming sword arm. The armor struggled, its body glowing brighter as it tried to release a blast of heat, but Smeech responded by hardening around the joints, effectively locking them in place. With a sickening crunch, it shattered the arm entirely, leaving the elite defenseless. The slime moved quickly, engulfing its core and dissolving it in seconds.

    The second elite, seeing its ally fall, unleashed a stream of fire from its chest, the flames roaring like a furnace. Smeech split again to dodge the inferno, reforming behind the armor in a blur of motion. Before the living armor could react, the slime surged upward, wrapping itself around the creature''s torso. The armor glowed red-hot as it tried to burn the slime off, but Smeech countered by cooling its surface, forcing the heat to dissipate. Moments later, it crushed the armor''s core, leaving nothing but charred fragments behind.

    Meanwhile, the other half of Smeech had reached the five standard soldiers. These armors wielded flaming spears, thrusting them in coordinated strikes. The spears burned bright, leaving scorched lines in the ground as the soldiers tried to corral the slime. But Smeech was relentless, making aggressive gurgling sounds as it dodged and weaved through their formation, its fluid body unaffected by the flames. One soldier managed to stab its spear into the slime''s mass, but instead of harming it, the spear dissolved in a hiss of steam, the molten fragments falling to the ground.

    Smeech retaliated with brutal efficiency. Tendrils lashed out, striking at the soldiers'' legs and shields. One soldier tried to release a fiery explosion from his core, but the slime absorbed the blast, its surface rippling as it surged forward. Within moments, the soldiers were overwhelmed. The slime wrapped around their bodies, extinguishing their flames and crushing their cores with terrifying precision.

    The battlefield grew quiet. The two elites lay in shattered pieces, their flames extinguished, while the soldiers were reduced to piles of molten armor fragments. The slime reformed into a single entity, looming for a moment before slithering back to Erwin¡¯s side. Its predatory shimmer faded as it obediently awaited further commands.

    Avince, still catching his breath, stared at the scene in awe and unease. The destructive efficiency of his father¡¯s summoned creature left no doubt¡ªthis was the power of a seasoned tamer.

    As they continued deeper into the dungeon, the oppressive heat grew almost unbearable. The walls seemed to pulse with an eerie red light, and the air was thick with the smell of sulfur.

    Finally, they arrived at a massive set of doors, intricately carved with depictions of molten lava and armored figures. The sheer size and detail of the doors were awe-inspiring, but the ominous energy emanating from beyond them made Avince¡¯s stomach churn.

    ¡°The boss chamber,¡± Erwin said, his tone serious.

 Chapter 46

    The heavy iron doors to the boss chamber creaked open with an otherworldly groan, releasing a wave of scorching air that made Avince''s skin prickle. Beyond lay a cavernous space that stretched into darkness, its boundaries barely visible in the ominous glow of molten rock that flowed through cracks in the obsidian walls. Rivers of magma crisscrossed the chamber floor like veins of liquid fire, casting writhing shadows that danced across the ceiling.

    The air was thick and oppressive, carrying an almost tangible weight that seemed to press down on Avince''s chest with each breath. The young man found himself drawing closer to his father, his steps hesitant as an overwhelming presence bore down upon them¡ªsomething far more powerful than any creature they had encountered in the dungeon thus far.

    Smeech, their faithful slime companion, slithered eagerly ahead of them, its translucent body reflecting the orange glow of the chamber. The creature had proved invaluable throughout this dungeon, effortlessly neutralizing the living armors with little effort. But before it could venture further, Erwin raised his hand.

    "Smeech," he called softly, his voice carrying an authority that needed no volume to command attention. The slime paused mid-motion, its body rippling with what could only be described as disappointment. It let out a dejected gurgle before dissolving into a puddle of crystal-clear water and flowing back toward them, reforming at Erwin''s feet.

    "You''re calling Smeech back?" Avince asked, unable to hide his surprise. He wiped beads of sweat from his forehead, the chamber''s heat already becoming uncomfortable. "Why? It''s been the perfect counter to everything we''ve faced so far. These fire based armors don''t stand a chance against him."

    Erwin''s response came with a knowing smile, the kind that always made Avince feel like he was missing something obvious. "True enough. Smeech would be an ideal counter... if our goal was to kill the King." He paused, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But remember, I''m not here to destroy it. I''m here to tame it."

    Before Avince could voice his confusion, his father closed his eyes in concentration. A familiar shimmer of mana surrounded him as he accessed his monster space. A burst of crimson light materialized before them, coalescing into a small salamander with scales the color of sunset. About the size of a housecat, the creature stretched lazily before curling its tail around itself, looking utterly unfazed by the suffocating heat.

    "Lizzy?" Avince blurted out in disbelief. "You brought out Lizzy? But she''s just¡ª" He caught himself, remembering all the time when his mother and his sister would leave their home feeling like an icebox whenever they instinctively used their ability. Lizzy had always been there, curled up in the living room, providing much-needed warmth. "I thought she was just our house heater!"

    Erwin''s laugh echoed through the chamber, genuine amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh, Lizzy is much more than a simple house heater. You''ve only seen her at her most docile." He reached down to scratch under the salamander''s chin, earning a pleased chirp. "She''s been holding back. Significantly."

    A low rumble interrupted their conversation, the sound reverberating through the chamber like distant thunder. The magma streams pulsed brighter, and at the far end of the room, a figure emerged from the shadows. The King Living Armor revealed itself, each step it took leaving ghostly trails of flame in its wake.

    Avince''s initial reaction was confusion. The King wasn''t particularly large¡ªin fact, its armor was smaller than the Elite Living Armors they had fought on their way here. But as he studied it more closely, he began to understand why this creature commanded such respect. Intricate runes were carved into every inch of its armor, each one glowing with inner fire. A crown of pure golden flame hovered above its helm, and the very air around it seemed to bend and distort from its power.

    The pressure in the room intensified tenfold, and Avince found himself struggling to breathe. His instincts screamed at him to run, to get as far away from this creature as possible. Every fiber of his being recognized the presence of a predator far above his level.

    "That''s the difference between C and B tiers, Avince," Erwin explained, his calm voice anchoring his son against the tide of panic. "The threshold between them is vast, and this one sits at high B-tier. What you''re feeling now¡ªthat''s natural. It''s your body recognizing a superior enemy."

    The King''s hollow eyes flared to life, twin orbs of crimson that blazed like captured stars. Heat radiated outward in visible waves as its entire form began to glow white-hot. Flames erupted from every joint in its armor, transforming the being into a walking inferno that put the chamber''s ambient heat to shame.

    Avince stumbled back, the intensity of the heat making his eyes water. The air around the King had become so hot it distorted like a mirage, and he could feel his skin beginning to blister even from this distance. "Dad, we should¡ª"This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    "Liz," Erwin said simply, cutting off his son''s suggestion of retreat.

    The transformation in the salamander was instant and dramatic. Gone was the lazy, content creature that lounged in their living room. Lizzy''s eyes snapped open fully, revealing pupils of molten gold that fixed upon the blazing King with predatory focus. She rose to her feet with fluid grace, her tail uncurling as she began to stalk toward the Living Armor.

    The King responded with a roar that sent shivers down Avince''s spine¡ªthe sound of metal grinding against metal, amplified by the chamber''s acoustics. It raised its arms, and the very air ignited. A torrent of white-hot flame, so intense it was almost blue at its core, rushed toward Lizzy with devastating force.

    "Dad!" Avince screamed, his heart in his throat. "That attack could vaporize us! Lizzy''s going to¡ª"

    His words died in his throat as Lizzy opened her mouth impossibly wide. Instead of attempting to dodge or defend, she began to drink in the flames like a person dying of thirst. The fire bent and twisted in mid-air, funneling directly into her maw. With each gulp, her body began to change.

    The transformation was mesmerizing. Lizzy''s form expanded rapidly, her muscles swelling and bulging as she absorbed more and more fire. Her crimson scales darkened to deep burgundy, taking on a metallic sheen that reflected the chamber''s light like polished copper. Horns of crystallized flame sprouted from her head, and her tail lengthened and thickened until it could easily crush stone. Soon she stood as tall as a bear, then larger still, her claws leaving deep furrows in the chamber floor that immediately filled with molten rock.

    "What... what is she?" Avince managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper.

    "A Magma Salamander," Erwin replied, pride evident in his voice. "An extremely rare species that feeds on fire itself. The more powerful the flames, the stronger she becomes." He gestured toward the King, who had finally ceased its attack upon realizing it was only making its opponent stronger. "And right now, she''s feasting on some of the purest fire mana she''s had in a while."

    Lizzy''s growl of disappointment when the flames stopped resonated through the chamber like an avalanche. She fixed the King with an almost accusatory stare, as if demanding it continue feeding her. When the Living Armor took a defensive stance instead, brandishing its flame-wreathed sword, Lizzy''s patience evidently ran out.

    She moved with shocking speed for her new size, her massive body barely seeming to touch the ground as she launched herself at the King. The Living Armor swung its weapon in a desperate arc, but Lizzy twisted in mid-air with impossible agility, avoiding the blade entirely. She crashed into the King with enough force to shake the entire chamber, massive claws pinning the armor to the ground hard enough to leave deep indentations in its enchanted metal.

    What followed was both fascinating and terrifying to watch. Lizzy''s jaws clamped down on the King''s chest, right where its core of fire mana burned brightest. The Living Armor thrashed wildly, its flames flaring in desperate bursts, but each explosion of power was simply absorbed into Lizzy''s ever-growing form. The salamander''s scales began to glow from within, as though she had swallowed the heart of a star.

    The King''s struggles grew progressively weaker, its once-brilliant flames diminishing to flickering embers. Just as it seemed the creature would be completely drained, Erwin''s voice cut through the chaos.

    "Liz, enough."

    The command was gentle but firm. Lizzy released her grip with obvious reluctance, stepping back to allow Erwin to approach. She had grown to the size of a small dragon, her body radiating enough heat to turn the stone beneath her feet molten.

    Erwin approached the fallen King, his mana radiating as a visible aura around him. The pressure in the room shifted, no longer emanating from the Living Armor but from Erwin himself. The weakened King had no choice but to submit to this overwhelming display of dominance as the aura enveloped it. After a moment, its form shimmered with golden light before dissolving into pure energy, which Erwin guided into his monster space with practiced ease.

    "Well done, girl," Erwin praised, reaching up to pat Lizzy''s massive snout. The salamander, now easily twenty times her original size, rumbled contentedly and nuzzled against his hand like an oversized cat. "That should keep you well-fed for quite a while."

    Avince watched the interaction with a mixture of awe and disbelief. "So... this whole expedition was just to get Lizzy a reliable source of food?"

    "Partially," Erwin admitted with a grin. "Might as well, right? We¡¯re already here for your equipment so I might as well use this trip to go get some food for Lizzy, efficient right?"

    And exactly how strong is she?" Avince asked, eyeing the massive creature that had so easily overwhelmed a B-tier boss. "At her full power, I mean."

    Erwin''s expression grew thoughtful as he considered the question. "When properly fed? Lizzy is my second-strongest tamed creature. She could hold her own against peak A-tier opponents, though she''d need a constant supply of fire mana to maintain that level of power."

    Avince groaned, running a hand through his sweat-soaked hair. "Of course she could. Any other house pets I should know about? Is the old tree in the backyard actually an ancient being?"

    His father''s mysterious smile did nothing to reassure him.

    An exit portal materialized near them, its cool blue light a stark contrast to the chamber''s red glow. As they prepared to leave, Avince watched Lizzy''s form dissolve into motes of light as she returned to his father''s monster space. He had a feeling he''d never look at the salamander the same way again, especially the next time she was curled up by their fireplace, pretending to be nothing more than a simple house pet.

    He had severely underestimated his father''s tamed creatures. He couldn''t help but wonder what other surprises Erwin had in store. If Lizzy was only his second strongest, just how powerful was his strongest?

 Chapter 47

    The rhythmic hum of the train filled the air, accompanied by the faint clatter of wheels against rails. It was the kind of sound that Erwin had grown accustomed to over the years, a comforting backdrop to moments of quiet thought. He glanced to his side, where his son, Avince, sat with his nose buried in a thick, leather-bound book. The title, etched in elegant gold letters, read Fundamentals of Fire Magic: A Comprehensive Study by the legendary Vales Ignis.

    Erwin couldn''t help but chuckle softly at the sight. The boy hadn''t looked up once since they left the city''s magic district. His hands gripped the edges of the book with an intensity that reminded Erwin of the way he used to clutch his first monster core¡ªfull of wonder and determination. The memory of that day was still vivid: Avince''s eyes wide with excitement, his small hands trembling as he held the crystallized essence of magical power.

    The author of that book wasn''t just anyone. Vales Ignis was an archmage, a name that carried weight even in a world brimming with exceptional individuals. To be an archmage wasn''t just a title; it was a testament to one''s mastery over mana and magic, a recognition that their abilities could shape¡ªor destroy¡ªa city district with a single spell. District-level spells were one of pinnacle magical achievements, techniques so powerful they could alter the very landscape of urban environments. These weren''t mere destruction spells¡ªthough they could certainly level buildings and reduce streets to rubble. The true masters used them to reshape reality itself: spells that could transmute entire blocks into crystalline formations, create pocket dimensions that could house thousands of refugees, or establish magical barriers that could withstand armies.

    Ignis himself was a peak S-rank ability-user and one of the guardians responsible for maintaining the balance of this vast volcanic region. His role in periodically clearing the volcano''s main dungeon was pivotal in preventing catastrophic monster outbreaks. Erwin had once witnessed one of Ignis''s district-level spells in action, during a particularly nasty outbreak five years ago. The archmage had used what he called the "Crimson Heaven''s Decree"¡ªa spell that turned a quarter-mile of city space into a controlled inferno so precise it could burn selected targets while leaving civilians completely unharmed. The display had left Erwin in awe of the sheer control required to maintain such discrimination in a spell of that magnitude.

    Erwin''s eyes softened as he watched his son pour over the text. The book didn''t contain any of Ignis''s district-level spells, of course¡ªknowledge that powerful was far too dangerous to be shared freely. The last time someone had leaked information about such spells, an entire city sector had been quarantined for months while they dealt with the aftermath of an amateur''s attempted replication. But the book offered something just as valuable: a solid foundation in fire magic. Fundamentals, Erwin thought, were often underestimated in their importance, yet they were the cornerstone of any true mastery.

    As he watched his son study, Erwin''s mind drifted to Edgar, the only known soul arts user who had managed to create an entirely new branch of power. The memory brought a mixture of respect and frustration. Edgar had been brilliant, there was no denying that¡ªcreating soul arts despite his weak magical affinity was nothing short of revolutionary. But his overconfidence had been his undoing, leading to his untimely death.

    "Talent isn''t everything," Erwin muttered under his breath, drawing a curious glance from Avince.

    "Did you say something, Dad?"

    Erwin hesitated but decided that he might as well voice his worries about his son. "I was thinking about Edgar, S rank soul user. Your ability to enhance your soul reminded me of him." He shifted in his seat, choosing his words carefully. "He was brilliant, but... well, brilliance without wisdom can be dangerous. He ventured into that S-rank dungeon alone, even though he knew its boss was practically designed to counter soul arts users. If only he''d swallowed his pride and brought another

    Avince''s eyes widened with interest. "I read about him in the academy archives, and Kartana mentioned him too, but they didn''t say much about how he died."

    "No, they wouldn''t," Erwin sighed. "It''s not exactly an inspiring tale for young ability users. But maybe it should be¡ªthere''s as much to learn from failure as success." He ran a hand through his graying hair. "Edgar could have revolutionized how we understand the soul. Instead, his legacy is replaced by a cautionary tale about the dangers of overconfidence. That''s why I worry sometimes, seeing how quickly your power is growing."

    Without Edgar, there was no one Erwin could turn to for guidance in such an unknown and dangerous field. The thought left a hollow feeling in his chest. Unless he could somehow convince one of those old beings¡ªthose enigmatic figures who rarely involved themselves in the affairs of the world¡ªto help his son, he couldn''t see a clear path forward. And the old masters were notoriously reclusive, their aid coming at a steep price.

    The conversation lapsed into thoughtful silence, broken only by the steady rhythm of the train as his son was back to his reading again. Avince had practically lit up when he spotted the book in the store earlier that day, and Erwin hadn''t hesitated to buy it for him. The shop owner had raised an eyebrow at the purchase¡ªthe book wasn''t cheap, and its content was usually reserved for more specialized mages. But Erwin had seen the hunger in his son''s eyes, the same drive that had pushed him to practice basic mana circulation exercises for hours on end.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    As the train wound its way through the countryside, Erwin found his thoughts drifting to the changes he''d observed in his son lately. The way Avince''s mana signature had been fluctuating, how his control seemed to slip when he thought no one would notice. It reminded Erwin of his own struggles during his early days as an ability-user, when he was just learning how to use his ability. But there was something different about Avince''s situation¡ªsomething that made Erwin''s instincts tingle with concern.

    He had noticed the subtle tremors in Avince''s hands after casting an ice magic too strong for what his strength suggests, the way his son would sometimes pause mid-movement as if fighting against an invisible weight. These weren''t just signs of physical exhaustion; they were indicators of something deeper, something fundamental about the way Avince''s ability was developing. The pressure Avince exuded when he used his mana didn''t match his current level of strength. It wasn''t just raw power; it was the kind of presence one associated with seasoned fighters, those who had endured countless battles and honed their abilities through sheer survival.

    The only plausible explanation was his son''s ability to enhance his soul. Erwin had suspected as much since the awakening, but the progress Avince had made was startling. It hadn''t been long since his son''s ability had emerged, yet his soul''s strength made his spells already comparable to a weak B-rank mage. Even if his technique and control weren''t at that level yet, his mana output certainly was. It was like watching a sapling trying to channel the power of an ancient tree¡ªimpressive, but potentially devastating to its own growth.

    Erwin frowned, his gaze shifting to the passing scenery outside the train window. The landscape was dotted with the distinctive towers of mana circulation stations, their crystalline spires reaching skyward like artificial mountains. Each one represented humanity''s attempt to tame and utilize the raw magical energy that permeated their world. But even these massive structures, designed by teams of mages, sometimes failed catastrophically when pushed beyond their limits. The parallel to Avince''s situation wasn''t lost on him.

    That kind of rapid development could be a double-edged sword. Without a solid foundation, it was easy to overextend oneself, to lose control or, worse, burn out. And then there was the physical toll. Erwin had seen too many promising young ability-users cripple themselves by pushing too hard, too fast. The memory of a particularly talented colleague from his younger days¡ªnow confined to a wheelchair after attempting a power-boosting technique beyond their capacity¡ªserved as a constant reminder of the risks.

    Avince wasn''t out of shape, far from it. The school''s physical training curriculum ensured that all students maintained a decent level of fitness. But even with his lean, well-toned frame, it was clear that his body was struggling to keep up with the strain of his growing power. Erwin had noticed the subtle signs particularly the occasional winces when Avince thought no one was looking.

    Erwin sighed quietly, his fingers absently tracing the outline of an old training manual in his coat pocket. He had been debating whether to intervene or let Avince handle this on his own. His son had already brought up the idea of joining a dojo, a suggestion that Erwin found both curious and promising. Avince wasn''t a swordsman, nor had he ever shown much interest in martial combat, yet he seemed convinced that this was the right path.

    The request had stirred memories of Erwin''s own journey, of the years he''d spent balancing physical and magical training. He remembered the ache in his muscles, the burn of pushed limits, but also the satisfaction of achieving true harmony. Perhaps Avince had inherited more than just his aptitude for magic¡ªmaybe he had also inherited that innate understanding of what his development needed.

    "You really like that book, huh?" Erwin finally broke the silence, his voice light and teasing, though his mind was still heavy with thoughts of his son''s future.

    Avince glanced up, startled for a moment before grinning sheepishly. "It''s amazing, Dad. Did you know that Vales Ignis once used a firestorm spell to stop a monster horde from breaching the city walls? The way he described it¡ªit''s like he turned the whole battlefield into an inferno."

    Erwin chuckled, remembering the historical accounts of that battle. "I''ve heard the stories. Vales was¡ªand still is¡ªone of the best in the country. But don''t get any ideas about summoning firestorms just yet." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "Though I suppose everyone has to start somewhere. Even Ignis began with basic flame manipulation."

    Avince laughed, a sound that warmed Erwin''s heart. "I know, I know. Fundamentals first." His eyes sparkled with determination as he turned back to his book. "But someday, Dad. Someday I''ll be able to reach his level too."

    "Good." Erwin leaned back, closing his eyes briefly, touched by his son''s ambition but also worried about the path ahead. "Remember, even the strongest flames start with a single spark." And the most devastating burns, he added silently, come from flames that grow too quickly to control.

    As the train continued its journey, Erwin''s thoughts drifted to the future. He wasn''t sure how much longer he could keep his hands off Avince''s training. The boy was growing fast¡ªtoo fast¡ªand there was a part of Erwin that worried about what that might mean. The world of ability-users was not always kind to prodigies; sometimes their greatest battles were not against monsters or rivals, but against their own potential.

    But for now, he decided to let his son enjoy the ride. They would face the challenges ahead together, as a family. And when the time came, Erwin would be there to support him, just as he always had. After all, wasn''t that what fathers were for? To guide, to protect, and sometimes, to know when to step back and let their children forge their own path¡ªeven if that path led through fire.

    The train whistle sounded in the distance, a reminder that their journey was far from over. Erwin smiled softly, watching his son''s eager eyes scan the pages before him, all while silently praying that his son would learn from both the successes and failures of those who came before him.

 Chapter 48

    The hum of the train beneath Avince''s feet felt familiar, almost soothing, as he leaned against the frost-kissed window. Outside, the world had transformed into a vast expanse of white, snow blanketing the land in every direction. Jagged mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks disappearing into steel-gray clouds that promised more snow to come.

    It had been another long journey to get here¡ªa plane ride spanning hundreds of kilometers, followed by several hours on this train that climbed steadily toward the First District. The remoteness of the clan¡¯s territory only emphasized how far it was from the bustling heart of the Fourth District they called home. He absently traced a finger along the window''s edge, a small flame dancing across his fingertip as he read through his book.

    "Still reading that fire book?" Amyra''s voice cut through his music. She plopped down in the seat across from him, her dark hair dusted with snowflakes from her brief venture to the dining car. A paper bag clutched in her hands released the enticing aroma of fresh pastries. "You''re really serious about reading, aren''t you?"

    Avince pulled his scarf tighter around his neck, more out of habit than actual cold. The red fabric¡ªone of many equipment they bought from Ignis¡ªhad become his favorite accessory in this journey. "Well, it''s better than thinking about this weird summoning from the matriarch," he said, rolling his eyes. "Like, seriously, who calls someone back after six years just out of the blue?"

    "Maybe she finally realized how awesome you are?" Amyra teased, reaching across to close his book. Her fingers left small patches of frost on the leather cover¡ªan unconscious display of her own affinity. "Come on, aren''t you even a little curious?"

    "I mean, yeah, but it''s Christmas break," he groaned, though his eyes betrayed a hint of interest. He absently ran his warm hand over the frost patterns she''d left behind, watching them melt away. "Everyone else is probably in their home and resting, while we¡¯re here travelling nearly a thousand kilometers . But hey, at least tell me about your dragon. You named her Frost, right? Is she still acting all cute?"

    Amyra brightened immediately, pulling out a pastry and breaking it in half to share. "Oh my god, you have to see her progress. It sucks we can''t summon her on the train. The matriarch says she''s one of the strongest ice dragons they''ve seen in decades. When she first hatched, she froze half the room solid." She laughed at the memory, her breath forming small ice crystals in the air. "The elders were freaking out, but the matriarch just said it was a sign of good things to come. Here, look¡ª"

    She pulled out her phone, scrolling through photos of a sleek, silver-blue dragon with crystalline scales that seemed to capture and reflect light like freshly fallen snow. In one video, Frost was practicing ice formation, creating intricate sculptures with her breath before shattering them with a flick of her tail.

    "Show-off," Avince said with a smirk.

    The memory of the family discussion a few days ago surfaced:

    "Seriously, why?" he''d asked, sprawled dramatically across their living room couch, phone in hand. "What does she even want with me? You all go there plenty without me."

    Ashna had sighed, though there was amusement in her expression. "Avince, the matriarch rarely makes requests like this. She specifically asked to meet you."

    "It doesn''t sound optional," he muttered, scrolling through his social media feed.

    "It''s not," Erwin added, crossing his arms. "But think of it as an opportunity, not a burden. The matriarch wouldn''t call you for no reason, especially not after all this time."

    Avince frowned, "But why now? Why during Christmas? There¡¯s this new spell I¡¯ve been meaning to try and¡ª"

    His mother''s hand rested gently on his shoulder, her touch cool but comforting. "I know it''s sudden, but your father and I have responsibilities to the clan. Besides..." She gave him a knowing look. "Do you really want to stay home alone while we''re away?"

    Avince had groaned, knowing she had a point. The last time he''d spent a holiday by himself, he''d nearly burned down the kitchen trying to recreate his father''s fire-roasted festival dishes. His social media would be dead anyway, with everyone away for the holidays.

    "Fine," he relented, his tone exaggerated. "But only because I don¡¯t wanna be left alone on Christmas.¡±

    Now, as the train sped toward their destination, Avince tried to distract himself by flipping through Fundamentals of Fire Magic, the book he had persuaded his father to buy during their trip to Ignis. The price had been ridiculous¡ª100 Thousand Alliance Credit¡ªbut Avince had been so enamored with the book that he''d practically begged for it. His father had eventually relented, though not without some playful grumbling about being manipulated by his son''s "puppy dog eyes."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Avince''s reading was interrupted as the sliding door to their compartment opened. Erwin entered first, balancing a tray of snacks and drinks, with Ashna following close behind.

    "Thought you might be hungry," Erwin said, placing the tray on the table between them. He gestured to a bundle of pastries. "Fresh from the dining car. They''re famous for these."

    "Thanks," Avince said, reaching for one. "I need something sweet after that bland breakfast."

    As they settled in, the conversation naturally flowed.

    "So," Erwin began, leaning back in his seat, "how''s Frost coming along? Any signs of growth since I last saw her?"

    Amyra brightened at the mention of her familiar. "She''s been doing amazing. Her attacks are stronger, and she''s starting to react to commands faster. The training regimen we worked out is really paying off."

    "Good," Erwin said with a proud smile. "It seems that our theory about your ability is true, her growth is more than we expected."

    Ashna, sipping her tea, tilted her head with a curious look and turned to her son. "What about your magic studies, Avince? I¡¯ve just heard that you got an instant pass in Professor Solandis'' class"

    "Oh yeah," Avince said, perking up. "Crafted a Rank 3 Channeling Rune. It was challenging but I¡¯ve already been crafting runes at that level even before without a problem.

    Ashna''s eyes lit up with pride. "A Rank 3 already? That''s impressive, Avince."

    They continued chatting, the topics shifting naturally from their time in Ignis to memories of past adventures. Laughter filled the compartment when Erwin shared a story of a mishap involving an overenthusiastic automaton in one of the city''s workshops.

    By the time they boarded the cable car to the clan''s territory, the sun was at its peak, but the heat couldn¡¯t seem to penetrate this place. Avince found himself pressing his hand against the frosted window, curiosity finally overtaking his annoyance as the snow-covered expanse came into view. Glittering ice formations scattered across the landscape, sparkling like diamonds under the golden afternoon light.

    "They''ve expanded the eastern quarter again," Ashna told Avince, following his gaze. Intricate ice sculptures marked new boundaries, their surfaces etched with protective runes that glowed softly in the fading light. "The training grounds especially. The younger generation needed more space for their practice training."

    "The combat arena''s completely different now," Amyra added enthusiastically, pointing to a massive structure that seemed to be made entirely of enchanted ice. "They renovated it last year¡ªyou''d have known if you''d visited. Mom helped with some of the ice formations for the new obstacle course. They''ve even added special sections for non-ice users now."

    "Okay, that actually looks pretty cool," Avince admitted, his interest piqued. He noticed several young people practicing below, their elements creating a fascinating display of power¡ªice, yes, but also wind, earth, and even a fire user. "Since when did they start letting other elements train here?"

    When the lift reached its destination, Avince couldn''t help but notice how much had changed. The guards'' uniforms now bore additional insignias that he didn''t recognize¡ªflowing patterns that seemed to represent different elemental affiliations.

    "Lady Ashna," one of them said, bowing deeply. "Welcome home." The guard''s eyes flickered briefly to his sister, recognition and curiosity evident in their gaze.

    The village had grown considerably. Elegant buildings of ice and stone rose in intricate formations, their surfaces now adorned with more sophisticated mana-infused runes that pulsed with a gentle, rhythmic glow. The streets were busier than he remembered, bustling with both familiar and unfamiliar faces. Ice creatures of various kinds¡ªbirds, leopards, and even a few wyverns¡ªmoved through the village with ease, perched on specially designed platforms or gliding gracefully between the buildings.

    Their designated house was different from the one they previously stayed in, closer to the center of the village. The warm, cozy atmosphere inside was a welcome contrast to the cold outside. The walls were decorated with a mix of traditional ice clan tapestries and newer artworks that celebrated various elements¡ªanother change that caught his attention.

    "I call dibs on the room with the nice window view!" Amyra announced, already racing up the stairs with her bags. A trail of snowflakes followed in her wake.

    "Some things never change," Ashna said fondly, watching her daughter go. Then, she looked at her son and asked, "What do you think of all the changes?"

    "It''s... different," he admitted, pulling out his phone to snap a few pictures. "But different might not be bad. Still doesn''t explain why the matriarch suddenly wants to see me though."

    His mother squeezed his shoulder gently, her cool touch familiar. "Well, you''ll find out soon enough, won''t you?"

    Later that afternoon, as Avince watched young clan members practice in the combat arena¡ªsome with ice, others with different elements¡ªhis curiosity about the matriarch''s summons grew. The whole place seemed more open, more diverse than he remembered. Maybe this visit wouldn''t be as boring as he''d feared.

    A familiar screech drew his attention skyward, and he watched as Frost descended from one of the lower perches. The ice dragon had indeed grown impressive, her scales catching the light like aurora borealis. She landed beside them with surprising grace for her small size, immediately bumping her head against Amyra in greeting before turning curious eyes to Avince.

    "Stop looking so suspicious," Amyra said, appearing beside him with two steaming cups of hot chocolate while Frost settled behind them like a protective wall. "The matriarch probably just wants to see how strong you''ve gotten."

    "Maybe," he agreed, accepting the cup with a nod. His free hand reached out toward Frost, and to his surprise, the dragon didn''t shy away from his touch. "Though I hope whatever this is about is actually worth missing my training. But hey, if they''re letting other elements train here now..." He let a small flame dance across his fingers, a grin spreading across his face. "Maybe I''ll get to show off a bit."

    "No promises," she said with a matching grin, bumping her shoulder against his arm. "But from what I''ve heard, there are some pretty talented people here now. Could be fun to spar with a few of them while we''re here."

 Chapter 49

    Avince stirred, the unfamiliar weight of thick blankets pressing down on him. His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he forgot where he was. The ceiling above him wasn¡¯t the one from his room back home. Instead, it was a smooth, pale surface that faintly reflected the dim morning light spilling in through a frosted window.

    Sitting up, he noticed the room was surprisingly warm¡ªnot what he expected given their location deep within the Everlasting Ice Clan¡¯s frozen territory. It was cozy, with a soft rug covering the wooden floor, a small table in the corner, and shelves lined with books and decorative ice carvings. The fireless warmth emanating from the walls suggested the presence of mana-infused mechanisms.

    Must be some kind of insulation enchantment, he thought, running a hand over the bed frame. Despite the frigid temperatures outside, the magic kept the interior at a pleasant temperature.

    He stretched and yawned, his muscles still aching from their journey. A glance at the clock told him it was early. Today was the 24th, Christmas Eve¡ªor close enough. The meeting with the matriarch wasn¡¯t until nightfall, which left the entire day to fill.

    His thoughts drifted to the previous evening. After unpacking and some conversations, he¡¯d spent hours absorbed in Fundamentals of Fire Magic, testing one of the techniques it outlined. It described using fire mana to improve internal body circulation, a method that enhanced physical endurance and allowed for greater adaptability in extreme environments. The book had explained it in almost scientific terms, detailing how fire mana could accelerate the flow of energy through the body, increasing warmth, blood flow, and overall efficiency.

    It wasn¡¯t easy, though. Fire mana was volatile, and controlling it within his own body required precision. The first few attempts had left him lightheaded, and his mother¡¯s warnings about not overexerting himself echoed in his mind. But by the end of the night, he managed a basic level of control. The warmth spreading through his body had been subtle but noticeable.

    I guess I¡¯ll see how well it works once I step outside, he mused, swinging his legs off the bed and standing.

    He dressed quickly, layering himself against the cold despite his experiment. The house was silent except for the faint crackle of mana-infused warmth humming in the background. Stepping out of his room, he found Amyra and their father seated at the dining table in the cozy living room.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± Erwin greeted, his voice as steady as ever. Amyra gave him a brief nod, her attention divided between her breakfast and a small glowing crystal in her hand.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Mom?¡± Avince asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

    ¡°She has some matters to attend to within the clan,¡± Erwin replied. ¡°Probably catching up with her cousins and siblings. You know how it is¡ªthese visits are as much about strengthening family ties as anything else.¡±

    Avince nodded, though the mention of ¡°family ties¡± reminded him of the matriarch and the impending meeting. He pushed the thought aside and turned his attention back to his father.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan for today?¡±

    ¡°Well, since we¡¯ve got time, I thought we might visit the training grounds,¡± Erwin said, sipping his tea. ¡°It¡¯s a good chance for you and Amyra to stretch your abilities and see how you measure up against the clan¡¯s fighters.¡±

    Amyra raised an eyebrow, finally looking up from her crystal. ¡°You¡¯re planning to fight, Avince? That¡¯s new.¡±

    He shot her a smirk. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised how much I¡¯ve improved.¡±

    Erwin chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s see if that¡¯s true.¡±

    The training grounds were located at the edge of the village, a sprawling open area surrounded by icy cliffs that reflected the sunlight. Mana-infused barriers shimmered faintly around the perimeter, keeping stray attacks from spilling into the village.

    When they arrived, the grounds were already bustling with activity. Fighters of all ages were locked in intense duels, their abilities creating a dazzling display of ice constructs and controlled chaos.

    Avince watched as one warrior summoned a massive wall of ice to block an incoming spear of frost, only for another to leap over it with impossible agility, their weapon glowing with mana. The sheer skill on display was both intimidating and inspiring.

    Before long, a trainer approached them. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with an easy grin and sharp eyes that seemed to take in everything at once.

    ¡°You must be the Thanes,¡± he said, his voice carrying over the din of the training ground. ¡°Name¡¯s Kael. Welcome to the training grounds. Fancy testing your mettle?¡±

    ¡°We were just here to observe,¡± Erwin said, but Kael¡¯s grin widened.

    ¡°Nonsense. There¡¯s no better way to learn than by doing.¡± He looked at Avince and Amyra, his gaze appraising. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­ Early C-rank for you,¡± he said, nodding at Avince. ¡°And mid-C for the young lady.¡±

    Avince tensed slightly at the assessment. He wasn¡¯t surprised that Amyra ranked higher¡ªshe was a prodigy, after all¡ªbut the gap in their abilities stung less than it might have a few weeks ago. His path was clearer now, and tamers like his sisters were known for fighting above their ranks.

    Kael clapped his hands together. ¡°Let¡¯s start with a duel, shall we? Avince, you¡¯ll face Mark over there.¡±

    Avince turned to see a young man about his age stepping forward. Mark had short, dark hair and a spear slung across his back. Something about him felt familiar, and as he got closer, recognition dawned.

    ¡°Mark?¡± Avince said, tilting his head. ¡°We¡¯ve met before, haven¡¯t we?¡±

    Mark grinned. ¡°You¡¯ve got a good memory. We¡¯re cousins¡ªor close enough. Not by blood, though. The clan adopts plenty of people with similar abilities.¡±

    Avince nodded, recalling vague childhood memories of playing with Mark during one of their visits to the clan.

    The duel began with Mark lowering into a crouch, his shield and spear shimmering with an icy blue glow. Frost trailed from the spearhead as he twirled it in his hand, and shards of ice formed along the edges of his shield, reinforcing it with a razor-sharp edge. His breath fogged in the cool air surrounding him, a byproduct of his ability.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got, Avince,¡± Mark said with a grin, his voice steady but challenging.

    Avince nodded, his heart pounding but his mind focused. He raised his hands, mana surging through him. A fireball sparked to life in his palm, illuminating his determined expression.

    Mark didn¡¯t wait. He lunged forward, the tip of his spear aimed straight for Avince¡¯s chest. The icy weapon gleamed as if eager to taste blood.

    Avince sidestepped just in time using wind magic to lighten his steps, the spear grazing past him with a sharp whoosh. Without missing a beat, he hurled the fireball at Mark¡¯s exposed flank.

    Mark reacted instantly. His shield moved like a blur, intercepting the fireball mid-flight. The flames splashed harmlessly against the icy surface, steam rising where heat met cold.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Avince¡¯s eyes narrowed. His ice shield is stronger than I thought.

    Mark pressed the attack, charging forward with his shield raised. Each step left a trail of frost on the ground, his spear darting in and out like a serpent¡¯s fang. Avince ducked, weaving away from the strikes, but Mark was relentless.

    "You can''t dodge forever!" Mark growled, slamming his shield into the ground. A wave of frost rippled outward, the sudden chill biting at Avince''s skin and slowing his movements.

    He''s trying to box me in. Avince gritted his teeth, his breath coming out in visible puffs. He raised both hands and conjured twin fireballs, their heat pushing back the encroaching frost. With a swift motion, he launched them toward Mark, aiming for his shield arm.

    Mark twisted his body, using his shield to block one fireball while spinning his spear to shatter the other. The ice weapon sliced through the flames with a hiss, sending embers scattering into the air.

    But Avince was already moving. He circled around, keeping his distance and firing smaller bursts of flame. Each one forced Mark to adjust his stance, preventing him from closing the gap.

    "You¡¯re good at blocking," Avince called out, a smirk tugging at his lips, "but how long can you keep it up?"

    Mark didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he planted his spear into the ground, ice rapidly spreading from its base. The frost formed jagged spikes, racing toward Avince like a wave of icy daggers.

    Avince¡¯s eyes widened, and he leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the attack. His foot slipped on the frozen ground, but he caught himself with a quick burst of wind, propelling him back to a safer distance.

    "Alright," he muttered, flexing his fingers as more fire began to swirl around his hands. "Let¡¯s turn up the heat."

    With a roar, Avince unleashed a volley of fireballs, each one larger and hotter than the last. They streaked through the air, forcing Mark to retreat under the relentless assault.

    Mark gritted his teeth, his shield absorbing the brunt of the flames, but cracks began to form in the ice. He raised his spear and threw it with a surge of mana, the icy projectile spinning toward Avince like a missile.

    Avince ducked at the last second, the spear whizzing past his ear and embedding itself in the ground behind him. He didn¡¯t waste the opportunity. With Mark momentarily disarmed, Avince poured all his mana into a single, massive fireball. The flames swirled together, forming a searing orb that radiated heat waves across the field.

    Mark¡¯s eyes widened as he stared at the massive ball of fire. In a last-ditch attempt, a layer of ice surged across his body, forming a full suit of armor just as Avince hurled the fireball with all his might.

    The explosion rocked the arena as the fireball collided with Mark¡¯s shield. The icy barrier shattered into a spray of frost and steam, while his armor of ice melted under the intense heat. The sheer force of the impact sent Mark sprawling to the ground. Trainers rushed onto the field, their mana shields flaring to life as they intercepted the lingering flames, preventing any further harm.

    Avince staggered, his chest heaving from the exertion. His vision blurred slightly from the mana drain, but a satisfied grin spread across his face.

    On the sidelines, Amyra clapped her hands, a teasing smile lighting up her face. "Not bad, big brother. Looks like you¡¯ve finally learned how to hit something."

    "Thanks," Avince panted, brushing soot from his sleeve. "Guess all that practice is paying off."

    Mark groaned as he pushed himself to his feet with the help of the trainers, rubbing his burned shoulder. ¡°Alright, you win this time,¡± he muttered, though a grudging smile tugged at his lips. ¡°Next time, I won¡¯t lose.¡±

    Next, it was Amyra¡¯s turn. Her opponent was a girl named Kristine, whose cold, calculating gaze made Avince uneasy. The girl looks about the same age as him, maybe older.

    Kristine¡¯s cold, piercing gaze locked onto Amyra as the two faced off in the arena. ¡°So, you¡¯re the genius everyone¡¯s been raving about,¡± she said, her voice as icy as the frost forming at her fingertips.

    Amyra didn¡¯t flinch. She tilted her head slightly, smirking as if amused. ¡°Guess you¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± Her tone carried a confident edge that only made Kristine¡¯s frown deepen.

    The instructor raised their hand, signaling the start of the duel. ¡°Begin!¡±

    Amyra¡¯s hands glowed with frosty blue light as she summoned her familiars. A massive ice wolf, named Wise, materialized at her side, its crystalline fur glinting under the arena¡¯s lights. Beside it, a sleek winter hawk named Flurr perched on her shoulder for a moment before taking flight, its sharp eyes gleaming as it circled above. The air around them dropped in temperature, visible frost forming on the arena floor as Wise let out a deep, resonant growl and Flurr screeched, their forms pulsing with power.

    Kristine smirked, unbothered by the display. She raised her hands, her fingers crackling with icy mana. ¡°Let¡¯s see how well they handle this.¡± She slammed her palms together, sending a wave of cold rippling outward. Above them, dark clouds formed in the blink of an eye, and shards of hail the size of fists began raining down with terrifying force.

    Amyra narrowed her eyes and barked an order. Her wolf, darted forward, bounding through the storm with remarkable agility, while the hawk soared upward, its sharp cry cutting through the howling winds. The wolf weaved through the hail, its glowing eyes locked on Kristine, while the hawk dived at her from above, sharp claws aiming for her exposed back.

    Kristine sidestepped with practiced ease, her body shimmering as it faded into the storm. ¡°You¡¯ll have to do better than that,¡± her voice echoed from somewhere within the blizzard.

    Amyra clicked her tongue in frustration. The storm intensified, ice and snow swirling so thickly that it became nearly impossible to see. From the stands, Avince could just make out the faint forms of the wolf and hawk struggling to locate their target. He watched as shards of ice shot out from the storm, slamming into the wolf and hawk from unexpected angles.

    ¡°That hailstorm looks hard to maintain,¡± Avince muttered, impressed. ¡°Just how much mana is she using to keep it going?¡±

    Beside him, Kael crossed his arms, his expression neutral, but his voice tinged with approval. ¡°Kristine¡¯s ability allows her ice magic to be more powerful and requires less mana to maintain, but in return, it reduces her control over it. She sacrifices precision for sheer destructive force. It¡¯s risky, but if she catches you in her rhythm, it¡¯s almost impossible to recover.¡±

    Amyra, however, wasn¡¯t one to back down. ¡°Flurr, blind her!¡± she shouted, her voice cutting through the storm as she called the name of her winter hawk. It responded instantly, releasing a burst of icy light from its wings that illuminated the arena for a split second.

    Kristine reappeared, her form silhouetted in the harsh light as she crouched low, preparing to unleash another spell. That was all the wolf needed. With a ferocious snarl, it lunged through the storm, jaws threatening to shut around her leg.

    Kristine grimaced, her free hand already moving. A sharp spike of ice erupted from the ground, slamming into the wolf and sending it flying. It hit the ground with a whimper, struggling to stand as cracks formed along its crystalline body.

    Amyra gritted her teeth, summoning a wall of ice to shield her wolf from another attack. She reached out, her hand glowing as she reinforced her summons with a surge of mana. ¡°I¡¯m not done yet!¡±

    Kristine chuckled, her mana swirling around her as she prepared her next move. ¡°Neither am I.¡± She thrust her arms upward, and the storm seemed to respond to her will. The hailstones grew larger, their descent faster, each impact shaking the arena floor.

    The wolf howled as it took another hit, its form dissolving into shards of ice that scattered across the ground as her ability unconsciously retrieved any summons that had taken too much damage. The hawk fared no better, clipped by a shard of hail that sent it spiraling. It vanished in a burst of mist before crashing to the ground.

    Amyra stood alone now, her summons gone. She glared at Kristine, determination blazing in her eyes. ¡°If that¡¯s how you want to play it¡­¡± She clasped her hands together, her breath visible in the freezing air. A layer of shimmering ice encased her body, forming a protective cocoon that pulsed with mana.

    Kristine didn¡¯t hesitate. She raised her hand, and the storm converged, the hail swirling into a massive spike of ice above her. ¡°Let¡¯s see how long you can last in there.¡± She brought her hand down, and the spike hurtled toward Amyra like a falling comet.

    The impact was deafening. The ice cocoon cracked under the force, fractures spreading like spiderwebs. Amyra winced, her face pale from the strain of holding it together. But before she could recover, another spike followed, then another, each one hitting harder than the last.

    Avince leaned forward in his seat, his hands clenched into fists. ¡°Come on, Amyra,¡± he whispered under his breath.

    The final spike shattered the cocoon completely, sending shards of ice flying in all directions. Amyra stumbled forward, her knees buckling as she struggled to remain standing. Kristine stepped closer, a triumphant smirk on her face as she prepared to end the duel.

    Before she could, the instructors intervened, their mana shields flaring to life as they stepped between the two combatants. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± one of them barked.

    Kristine lowered her hands, the storm dissipating as quickly as it had come. She looked down at Amyra, her smirk softening into something resembling respect. ¡°Not bad,¡± she said quietly before turning and walking off the field.

    Amyra straightened, brushing the frost from her shoulders. She ignored the trainers¡¯ worried glances and walked back to the stands, her head held high despite her exhaustion.

    Amyra gave him a tired smile, shaking her head. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have let her set up her skills. She turned the whole arena into her battlefield before I even had the chance to counter. That was a bad mistake.¡±

    Before Avince could respond, Erwin approached from behind, his usual calm demeanor tinged with pride and warmth. ¡°Amyra,¡± he called gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

    She turned to face him, her frustration evident. ¡°I messed up. I let her control the pace from the start. I walked right into her strategy.¡±

 Chapter 50

    Erwin shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips as he looked at Amyra. "Don''t beat yourself up too much; it wasn''t a fair matchup to begin with. Her ability is perfectly suited to dismantling summoners like you. That hailstorm of hers disrupts, confuses, and keeps your summons off-balance. It''s a hard fight for anyone caught off guard."

    Amyra absently rubbed her arms where tiny bruises were beginning to form from the pelting ice. "I''ve never seen anything like it. The way she summoned the storm... it was a display of pure power." She glanced at Kristine, who stood at the edge of the training grounds, casually chatting with her peers as if she hadn''t just dominated her in the battle.

    Kael, leaning back with a smile, interjected, "Oh, I don''t think it would''ve made much of a difference even if Amyra wasn''t caught off guard. Few can match Kristine, even if they knew what was coming." His tone carried pride, and it was clear that he held Kristine''s skills in the highest regard. "She''s been training since she could walk. The ice responds to her as naturally as breathing."

    Erwin''s smile widened slightly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Then how about this? What if we have my son fight her instead? It should be a fair match, considering you ranked him lower than her anyway¡ªwhat was it? Low C-rank?"

    The temperature seemed to drop a few degrees as nearby conversations quieted, attention turning to their exchange. Kael''s grin widened, clearly intrigued by the suggestion. "Hoho, fine by me, but they both look rather exhausted right now. Why not save it for later¡ªsay, before the celebration?"

    Erwin nodded knowingly, recognizing Kael''s intent to put on a show for the gathered clan members. "Fair enough," he said. Turning to Avince, he added, "You should prepare. Get some rest and focus your mind."

    As the group dispersed, Avince pulled his father aside, skepticism etched on his face. "Is this really necessary? What''s the point of dragging me into this?"

    Erwin''s expression softened, though his voice carried a weight of seriousness. "Avince, we walked right into their little game. This was a setup. They''ve been waiting for us, picking counters specifically designed to show us up. Kristine''s abilities are a perfect foil for Amyra''s summons. And as for Mark, he was counting on overwhelming you in close combat, thinking your magic wouldn''t be strong enough to break through his shield and armor. But you surprised them." Erwin''s voice took on a note of pride. "Your magic was too powerful for them to handle."

    "So this whole thing is just...a power play?" Avince asked, frowning.

    "Politics rarely take a direct path," Erwin said, his eyes scanning the training grounds. "The Everlasting Ice Clan has always prided itself on tradition and hierarchy. They don''t like our family gaining too much attention, especially with your sister''s dragon... it disrupts their carefully maintained order." He placed a hand on Avince''s shoulder. "They need to know where we stand."

    The evening brought with it a transformation of the clan''s main building. The grand hall buzzed with activity as influential members gathered for the celebration, their formal attire glinting under the ethereal light of suspended mana crystals. Ice sculptures lined the walls, each one a masterpiece that seemed to capture motion in frozen time. Avince, dressed in formal robes that felt stiff and foreign, followed his mother through the crowd toward the private chamber of the clan matriarch, Lyra Winters.

    The temperature dropped noticeably as they approached her chambers, frost patterns spreading across the walls like delicate lace. Two guards stood at attention, their ceremonial armor gleaming with runes of ice magic. They parted on both sides without a word, revealing the entrance to the sanctuary.

    Lyra was a vision of timeless elegance, her youthful appearance belying the immense power Avince could feel radiating from her. Her white hair shimmered like frost under moonlight, and her sharp blue eyes seemed to pierce right through him. She couldn''t have looked older than thirty, yet Avince knew she was old enough to be his grandmother. The air around her seemed to crystallize with each breath, tiny ice particles dancing in the light.

    "Leave us," Lyra said, her tone firm yet composed. Ashna hesitated for a moment, glancing at her son before nodding and stepping out of the room, leaving Avince alone with the matriarch.

    "Do you have any idea why you''re here?" Lyra began, her voice calm but with an undercurrent of authority that made the hair on the back of Avince''s neck stand up.

    "Not really," Avince admitted, fighting the urge to shift under her penetrating gaze. "I was told you wanted to see me, but no one explained why."

    Lyra stared at him for brief moment before rising from her seat, she moved to a crystalline shelf where books sat preserved in sheets of perpetual ice. Her fingers traced the spine of one particularly worn volume. "Even before your awakening, I knew you would not develop an ice-based ability. Technology and research have advanced over the years, granting us a greater understanding of mana and abilities. This tome, a copy of a book we recovered from one of the dungeons we cleared. It contains profound knowledge about the nature of mana types and their affinities." She turned back to face him. "Based on what I sensed in you as a child, it was clear that you lacked the compatibility to awaken an ice-based ability. Your failure to awaken at thirteen was inevitable."

    Avince''s eyes widened as he absorbed her words. The pieces began to click into place. His failure to awaken an ability at the expected age, the years of feeling inadequate¡ªit all made sense now. But one question still lingered. "If you knew that, why am I here now?"

    Lyra''s movements were graceful as she approached him, each step leaving a faint trail of frost that quickly faded. "Because your newly awakened ability changes everything. You have a rare gift, and with the right guidance, you could surpass even the S-tier ranks. You could reach heights few have ever dreamed of." Her tone grew more serious as a sudden wave of pressure filled the room, the air becoming dense with concentrated mana. "I, myself, have powers that have surpassed human limits and gone beyond S-tier. What I''m offering you is the chance to join me on that path."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Your current approach however... it''s holding you back. This obsession with being a generalist, spreading yourself thin across multiple elements¡ªit''s a fundamental misunderstanding of how power truly works in this world."

    "What do you mean?" Avince asked, his curiosity piqued despite his reservations.

    Lyra gestured, and an intricate ice model materialized in the air between them, showing various elemental symbols arranged in tiers. "The public believes that the tier system merely indicates difficulty of use¡ªthat Tier 1 elements like fire are simply easier to control than Tier 2 elements like ice, or Tier 3 elements like life and death. But that''s a comfortable lie we let them believe." Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "Every experienced mage knows the truth: higher tiers mean greater power potential. Period."

    The ice model shifted, showing various magical effects. "Take your fire magic, for instance. Yes, it''s easier to learn, easier to control. But it will never reach the heights that ice can achieve. It''s like..." she considered for a moment, "comparing a rusty knife to a steel sword. Both can cut, but one has inherently greater reach and power."

    "Does that mean I should learn tier 3 magic instead?" Avince asked, thinking of people like Erica and her father.

    Lyra''s expression darkened slightly. "Ah, yes, focusing on tier 3 magic thinking it will lead to greatness. That reminds me of someone. You should know him¡ªhe was the principal of your school, Maverick. He was brilliant and dedicated his entire life to mastering life magic without a natural ability for it." Her voice took on a contemplative tone. "I remember us venturing into a dungeon together. He could enhance his team''s abilities with his awakened ability and was a decent mage as well. Later on, he decided that his path should focus more on supporting others, even though he could also enhance himself with his ability. But alas, he chose to dedicate himself to life magic to provide even greater support."

    The ice model shifted again, revealing a battlefield scene. "But when he compared himself to an actual person awakened with a life focused ability, the difference was stark. It wasn''t even a fair comparison. What he could accomplish with half his mana, the other person, with less practice, could achieve using a fraction of theirs. You see, without an ability, you''re fighting against nature itself. You''re trying to force the elements to bend to your will, rather than working in harmony with them."

    She turned back to Avince, her gaze intense. "Your use of lightning is strong¡ªI won''t deny that. As a tier 2, it wasn¡¯t a bad choice to specialize in. But ice... ice is in your blood, even if you don''t have a natural ability for it. You''re part of this clan, and that means something."

    Avince remained skeptical as he thought about Althiel¡ªthe raw power he had witnessed in her fire magic and the creation of that miniature sun lingered in his mind. However, he kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to offend the matriarch before him. Instead, he asked, "What about combining elements? Wouldn''t that give me more options in battle?"

    Lyra shook her head, a hint of frustration crossing her features. "That''s exactly the kind of thinking that will hold you back. Power isn¡¯t about having more options¡ªit¡¯s about pushing your strongest option to its absolute limit." She raised her hand, and the air itself seemed to freeze, the temperature plummeting as intricate ice crystals began to form around her. They spun and danced in the air, each one a marvel of complexity and beauty.

    "Look at what ice alone can do," she continued, her voice sharp but edged with passion. "It can shield you against the fiercest attacks, strike with precision and devastation, shape the battlefield to your advantage, and, in the right hands, even heal. Why dilute that potential by scattering your efforts across weaker paths? Every element has depth, but mastery requires focus. Ice is not just a tool¡ªit¡¯s an extension of your will, a reflection of your discipline. Dividing your focus diminishes your power and your identity."

    Her gaze bore into Avince, the chill in her tone matching the frost-laden air. "I¡¯ve seen too many prodigies fail because they chased versatility instead of perfection. Don¡¯t be one of them."

    Avince remained silent, her words sinking in like shards of ice. He shifted on his feet, resisting the urge to look away. "But what if focusing on one thing means I limit myself in ways I can¡¯t predict?" he asked, his voice quieter now, almost hesitant. "What if the world demands something different?"

    Lyra¡¯s expression softened, just slightly. She gestured toward the intricate web of ice in front of her, now forming a delicate yet unyielding spiral. "The world will always demand something, Avince. That¡¯s its nature. But what it respects¡ªwhat it fears¡ªis power. Unshakable, undeniable power. It¡¯s better to be a mountain than a dozen scattered pebbles. Think about that."

    "I-I¡¯ll think about it," Avince said carefully, though his mind was already racing with doubts. He turned the words over in his head, wrestling with the weight of Lyra¡¯s argument. Was she right? Could true strength only come from dedicating himself to one path? Or was there still merit in the versatility he¡¯d been striving to cultivate?

    Lyra''s smile returned, though it didn''t reach her eyes. "Don''t take too long. The sooner we correct your course, the easier your journey will be." She gestured toward the door, the ice patterns receding at her command. "You may go."

    Reuniting with his family in the main hall, Avince felt a strange mix of relief and unease. His mother gave him a questioning look, but he shook his head, silently signaling that they would discuss it later. Around them, clan members mingled and conversed, their breath visible in the chilly air. Ice-based abilities were on casual display everywhere he looked¡ªdrinks kept perpetually cold, elaborate ice sculptures being modified on the fly, even simple party tricks that drew appreciative laughs from onlookers.

    The conversation turned to lighter topics, and for a while, Avince felt a sense of normalcy. He observed the clan members, noting how their abilities seemed to complement each other, creating an environment where ice magic was as natural as breathing. It made his own powers feel somehow alien, out of place in this frozen world.

    That sense of otherness only intensified when Kael approached, Kristine trailing behind him with a self-assured smile. "Well, well," Kael said, his voice carrying an edge of confidence. "I hope you''re ready for a fight, Avince."

    Kristine''s icy blue eyes locked onto him, her expression unreadable. Tiny snowflakes began to materialize around her, swirling in a chaotic dance that seemed more threatening than beautiful. "It''ll be interesting to see how you measure up," she said coolly.

    Avince straightened, meeting her gaze with quiet determination. The warmth of his inner fire stirred in response to her cold aura, though he kept it carefully contained. As he stood there, Lyra''s words echoed in his mind, making him question everything he thought he knew about his path forward. "I guess we''ll find out."

 Chapter 51

    The crowd gathered quickly under the cold evening sky, their breath visible in the frigid air as they made their way to the outdoor arena. The Everlasting Ice Clan had many great dueling grounds, but this one looked even more impressive. There was a massive circular platform of pure, reinforced ice that glimmered faintly in the moonlight, surrounded by frost-coated stone seats. The arena had seen countless battles, each duel a testament to the clan''s power.

    Avince stepped onto the frozen battlefield, having changed into his battle attire before coming here, his boots crunching against the icy surface. The cold bit at his skin, but he barely felt it. His mind was elsewhere, replaying the matriarch¡¯s meaning: "Fire is inferior to ice." The statement had dug into him, gnawing at his pride and fueling a stubborn determination. Tonight, he decided that he would have to see for himself.

    Kristine stood on the opposite side of the arena, her posture relaxed but confident. Her white and blue robes fluttered slightly in the chilly breeze, and her icy blue eyes gleamed with anticipation. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re ready for this?¡± she called out, her voice carrying across the arena. ¡°I won¡¯t go easy on you just because you¡¯re new here.¡±

    Avince smirked, rolling his shoulders as he let a flicker of flame dance between his fingers. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect anything less.¡±

    Kael¡¯s booming voice broke through the murmurs of the crowd. ¡°This duel is a friendly demonstration of skill,¡± he announced, though his tone betrayed his eagerness for the fight. ¡°Let the match begin!¡±

    Kristine wasted no time. She thrust her hands forward, her mana surging as the temperature in the arena plummeted. Snow swirled around her, gathering in a storm that quickly engulfed the battlefield. A fierce blizzard erupted, cutting visibility to mere feet and sending shards of ice hurtling toward Avince.

    Avince clenched his fists, his flames flickering to life and forming a protective barrier around him. The ice shards melted before they could reach him, turning into harmless steam. But Kristine wasn¡¯t done. With a sharp gesture, she summoned a series of jagged ice spikes that shot up from the ground, forcing Avince to leap back to avoid being skewered.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to do better than that!¡± Avince shouted, slamming his palms together. A vortex of fire erupted around him, spinning faster and faster until it formed a barrier of intense heat. The snowstorm faltered as the fire pushed it back, creating a small bubble of warmth in the otherwise frigid arena.

    Kristine raised her hands, and the snowstorm condensed into a massive sphere of ice above her head. With a flick of her wrist, she hurled it toward Avince. The sphere shattered upon impact with his fire vortex, sending shards of ice in every direction. But Kristine was already moving, using the storm to close the distance between them.

    Avince barely had time to react as she appeared out of nowhere, conjuring an ice blade and slashing at him. He parried with a burst of flame, the heat forcing her to back off.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± she admitted, circling him like a predator. ¡°But fire¡¯s not enough to beat me.¡±

    Avince gritted his teeth, the words echoing in his mind. Ice is superior. Fire will hinder your growth. He refused to believe it. Gathering his mana, he unleashed a torrent of flames that surged across the arena, melting the ice beneath Kristine¡¯s feet and forcing her to retreat.

    The crowd murmured in surprise as steam billowed up, obscuring the battlefield. But Kristine didn¡¯t falter. She summoned a new wave of snow, cooling the arena and solidifying the melted ice. ¡°You¡¯re persistent,¡± she said, her voice calm despite the intensity of the fight. ¡°But this is my domain.¡±

    With a sweeping motion, she created an ice wall to block his flames and then sent a flurry of icicles raining down on him. Avince dodged and countered with a fireball, but Kristine deflected it with a flick of her wrist. The clash of elements sent sparks and shards flying, the heat and cold creating a chaotic symphony of destruction.

    Kristine narrowed her eyes, her lips curving into a smirk. ¡°So you¡¯re only going to use fire magic?,¡± she said, her voice barely audible over the roaring flames. ¡°Let¡¯s see how far that gets you.¡±

    Avince¡¯s breathing grew heavier as he poured more mana into his flames. The effects of his soul getting stronger still lingered, amplifying his magic but making it harder to control. He could feel the strain, but he refused to back down. ¡°You think ice is invincible?¡± he shouted, his voice laced with defiance. ¡°Let me show you what I can do!¡±

    He slammed his hands together again, this time conjuring a massive fire vortex that shot into the sky like a fiery tornado. The intense heat pushed back Kristine¡¯s blizzard, the flames consuming her snow and ice. The crowd gasped as the vortex grew larger, its light illuminating the night like a second sun.

    Kristine¡¯s eyes widened, and for the first time, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face. She raised her arms, summoning a huge chunk of her mana to create an enormous glacier that rose from the ground, its jagged edges glinting in the firelight. ¡°Let¡¯s see if your flames can handle this!¡± she shouted, sending the glacier hurtling toward him.

    Avince didn¡¯t flinch. He focused his mana, channeling it into a concentrated stream of fire that collided with the glacier. The impact was explosive, sending chunks of ice and bursts of flame flying in all directions. The arena shook, and the crowd shielded their eyes from the blinding light.

    When the smoke cleared, Avince was still standing, his flames burning brighter than ever. The glacier had been reduced to a puddle of water that quickly evaporated under the heat. Kristine stared at him, her confidence wavering.

    ¡°You¡¯re strong,¡± she admitted, her voice softer now. ¡°But don¡¯t think this is over.¡±

    Avince smirked, his flames flickering around him like a living entity. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡±

    Kristine gathered the last of her mana, her body surrounded by a shimmering aura of frost. She unleashed her final attack, a massive wave of ice that surged across the arena, freezing everything in its path. The crowd held their breath, the sheer power of the attack leaving them in awe.

    But Avince didn¡¯t back down. He summoned all his strength, his flames roaring to life as he created a barrier of fire around him. The ice wave crashed against the flames, the two elements battling for dominance. For a moment, it seemed like a stalemate. But then, with a burst of energy, Avince¡¯s flames overpowered the ice, shattering it into a million pieces.

    Kristine fell to her knees, her mana completely drained. She looked up at Avince, who stood tall, his flames gradually dying down. ¡°I...yield,¡± she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

    The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their excitement palpable. Avince extended a hand to Kristine, helping her to her feet. ¡°Good fight,¡± he said, a genuine smile on his face.

    Kristine managed a small smile in return. ¡°You¡¯re strong,¡± she admitted. ¡°Fire isn¡¯t as weak as I thought.¡±

    As the two fighters left the arena, Avince glanced toward the matriarch, who watched from the stands with an unreadable expression. He didn¡¯t need her approval. Tonight, he had proven something to himself¡ªand that was all that mattered.

    The duel had concluded, but the energy it left behind lingered in the air, crackling like embers in a fading fire. Avince felt a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction as he followed his family out of the arena. The crowd dispersed slowly, many of them still murmuring in astonishment over the battle. For now, the rivalry of flames and frost had subsided, giving way to a different kind of gathering.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    The celebration was held in the clan¡¯s grand pavilion, a sprawling structure of crystalline ice and mana-infused stone that shimmered faintly under the moonlight. It stood at the heart of the Winters Clan¡¯s territory, surrounded by snow-laden trees and softly glowing lanterns that gave the area an ethereal glow. Despite the icy surroundings, the inside of the pavilion was comfortably warm, enchanted to keep guests cozy no matter the weather.

    Avince stepped into the pavilion and was immediately greeted by an array of tantalizing aromas. Long tables were laden with dishes that seemed to defy the cold environment: steaming soups, perfectly roasted meats, delicate pastries, and even an array of frozen desserts that glittered like jewels. It was a feast that celebrated both the clan¡¯s heritage and their mastery over ice.

    ¡°Not bad for a first visit, huh?¡± Amyra nudged him, her earlier worry about her brother¡¯s duel replaced with a playful grin. ¡°Bet you didn¡¯t think we¡¯d have food like this in an ice fortress.¡±

    Avince chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ll admit, I was expecting frozen fish and snow soup.¡±

    ¡°Snow soup isn¡¯t a thing!¡± Amyra retorted with mock indignation, then paused. ¡°Actually, I think Aunt Freyja tried to make it once¡­¡±

    ¡°Not my fault it¡¯s an acquired taste,¡± came a voice from behind them. A woman who looked to be in her forties, with black hair and a mischievous glint in her eyes, walked up, balancing a plate piled high with food. ¡°You must be Avince. I¡¯m Freyja, one of your mom¡¯s sisters¡ªor adopted sisters, I should say. I¡¯ve been hearing a lot about you, but dang, that battle really left one hell of a first impression.¡±

    Avince blinked, slightly caught off guard by her casual demeanor. ¡°Uh, nice to meet you.¡±

    Freyja leaned in conspiratorially. ¡°Word of advice: steer clear of Aunt Ingrid¡¯s soup. She¡¯s not exactly known for her cooking skills.¡± She winked before moving on to join another group, leaving Avince to process the whirlwind introduction.

    The pavilion buzzed with chatter as clan members mingled, exchanging stories and laughter. Avince found himself drawn to the long buffet tables, where the dishes seemed almost too beautiful to eat. He picked up a plate, unsure where to start, when his father, Erwin, appeared beside him.

    ¡°Go for the roasted venison,¡± Erwin suggested, nodding toward a platter adorned with slices of perfectly cooked meat. ¡°It¡¯s marinated with some kind of ice herb. Surprisingly good.¡±

    Avince followed his advice and added a few slices to his plate. ¡°So, this is what celebrations are like here?¡± he asked, glancing around at the lively scene.

    Erwin nodded, his expression softening. ¡°The Winters have some really great cooks. That¡¯s one of their ways of making an amazing first impression. Why do you think I married your mom?¡±

    ¡°Speaking of impressions,¡± Ashna suddenly said, joining them with a plate of her own as she glared at her husband. ¡°You did well out there, Avince. Kristine is a tough opponent, and you handled her storm beautifully.¡±

    Avince shrugged, trying to downplay his accomplishment. ¡°It was just a duel. Nothing too serious.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short,¡± Ashna replied, her tone firm but kind. ¡°You beat her using only your fire too.. That¡¯s nothing to brush off.¡±

    Before Avince could respond, a new voice cut in. ¡°Well, well, look who¡¯s suddenly the talk of the clan.¡±

    He turned to see an older woman approaching, her expression a mix of curiosity and thinly veiled annoyance. Her icy blue eyes were sharp, and her presence exuded an air of authority. Kristine trailed behind her, looking slightly sheepish.

    ¡°Ingrid,¡± Ashna greeted her with a polite smile. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    ¡°Ashna,¡± Ingrid replied curtly, her gaze shifting to Avince. ¡°So this is your son. The one who caused such a stir tonight.¡±

    Avince straightened, unsure how to respond to the scrutiny. ¡°Uh, yes, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m Avince.¡±

    Ingrid¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°You¡¯re strong. I¡¯ll give you that. But strength without refinement is dangerous, especially for someone dabbling in fire magic. Don¡¯t let it go to your head.¡±

    Kristine elbowed her mother gently. ¡°Mom, he did well. You don¡¯t have to scare him off.¡±

    Ingrid huffed but didn¡¯t argue. Instead, she turned her attention to Ashna. ¡°You¡¯ve raised an interesting one. Let¡¯s hope he lives up to the potential you seem to think he has.¡±

    With that, she moved on, leaving Avince to exhale a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her,¡± Kristine said, offering him an apologetic smile. ¡°She¡¯s just a bit...peculiar.¡±

    ¡°Peculiar is one way to put it,¡± Amyra muttered under her breath, earning a chuckle from Avince.

    The evening continued with more introductions. Avince met several of his mother¡¯s other adopted siblings, each with their own unique quirks. There was Torren, a boisterous man with a booming laugh who insisted on challenging Avince to an arm-wrestling match. ¡°Just for fun!¡± he said, though Avince was pretty sure the guy could break all his bones with a single tap. Then there was Lyssa, a quiet woman who spoke softly but carried an air of wisdom.

    The conversation shifted between lighthearted banter and deeper discussions about the clan¡¯s history and traditions.

    At one point, Avince found himself seated between his father and Kael, who was clearly enjoying the food as much as the atmosphere despite their earlier confrontation.

    ¡°You surprised me tonight,¡± Kael said, gesturing with his fork. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to handle Kristine so well.¡±

    Avince raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that a compliment?¡±

    Kael grinned. ¡°Take it however you want. Just don¡¯t get too comfortable. There are plenty of others in the clan who¡¯d love to challenge you.¡±

    ¡°Good to know,¡± Avince replied, his tone dry.

    The night wore on, and the pavilion grew livelier as the guests indulged in food, drink, and laughter. Avince couldn¡¯t remember the last time he¡¯d been part of such a festive gathering. Despite the initial tension and the lingering weight of the matriarch¡¯s words, he found himself relaxing in the warmth of his family¡¯s presence.

    As the celebration wound down, The night wore on, and the pavilion grew livelier as the guests indulged in food, drink, and laughter. The warm glow of lanterns overhead illuminated the tables, where animated conversations and hearty toasts brought life to the gathering. Avince couldn¡¯t remember the last time he¡¯d been part of such a festive celebration. Despite the initial tension from the morning and the lingering weight of the matriarch¡¯s words, he found himself relaxing in the warmth of his family¡¯s presence.

    As the crowd began to thin and the festivities wound down, Avince stepped away from the main pavilion, finding a quieter spot near a stone bench by the garden¡¯s edge. His father joined him moments later, a glass of wine in hand and a calm expression on his face.

    ¡°They¡¯re really enjoying themselves,¡± Avince said softly, gesturing toward the pavilion where laughter still echoed. His gaze shifted to Erwin, his brow furrowing slightly. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t get it. Why does everyone seem so friendly now? After what happened this morning with the power play, I thought they¡¯d still be trying to do something.¡±

    Erwin took a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass down on the stone bench beside him. His voice was measured as he replied, ¡°You¡¯re not wrong about the power play, Avince. But you have to understand¡ªmost of the clan isn¡¯t out to harm us or plot against us. They¡¯re just¡­ prideful. It¡¯s part of who they are. Appearances, strength, and tradition mean everything to them. This morning¡¯s display wasn¡¯t malice¡ªit was a way to remind us of our place in the clan¡¯s hierarchy.¡±

    Avince raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. ¡°Doesn¡¯t make it any less frustrating. It felt like they were trying to tell us to know our place.¡±

    Erwin smiled faintly, his tone softening. ¡°That¡¯s one way to see it, but you¡¯re missing the bigger picture. The matriarch wouldn¡¯t tolerate anything too drastic. She values her family and the clan she built from the ground up, and she¡¯d never let things escalate beyond what¡¯s necessary to save face. The truth is, most of the people here are good at heart¡ªthey¡¯re just bound by the clan¡¯s customs and their own pride.

    Avince sighed, leaning back against the cool stone of the bench. ¡°I guess it¡¯s easier to judge from the outside looking in.¡± His gaze dropped briefly before he added, ¡°Speaking of the matriarch¡­¡±

    Avince then told his father a brief summary of what the matriarch had said earlier and whether the duel might somehow offend her, considering he had only used fire in the duel.

    Erwin¡¯s expression turned thoughtful, and he rested a reassuring hand on Avince¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The matriarch shouldn¡¯t be angry about that duel. If anything, she¡¯d admire your resolve. Her words about ice weren¡¯t a rebuke¡ªthey were her way of saying she believes it would suit you better. She wouldn¡¯t be upset with you, Avince. She simply wants what she thinks is best for you, even if her approach can feel¡­ frustrating.¡±

    Avince tilted his head, his lips curving into a wry smile. ¡°Frustrating might be putting it lightly.¡±

    Erwin chuckled, his hand giving Avince¡¯s shoulder a gentle squeeze. ¡°She¡¯s lived a long life, seen countless battles, and guided this clan through difficult times. Her advice, whether you follow it or not, comes from a place of genuine care. But at the end of the day, your path is your own to choose. Don¡¯t let anyone, not even the matriarch, take that from you.¡±

    Avince nodded slowly, feeling a sense of relief settle over him. ¡°Thanks, Dad. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    Erwin smiled, standing and picking up his glass of wine. ¡°Good. Now, why don¡¯t we head back before your sister realizes she¡¯s alone and throws a tantrum?¡±

    Avince let out a small laugh, standing and following his father back toward the pavilion, the weight of the day¡¯s events feeling a little lighter on his shoulders.

 Archives- Special Chapter 5

    The Howling Abyss was aptly named. The cries of banshees echoed endlessly through the twisted labyrinth of jagged rocks and bone-laden pathways. The air was heavy with despair, thick with the suffocating aura of death and madness. Ancient runes carved into the walls pulsed with a sickly green light, casting eerie shadows that seemed to move of their own accord.

    Edgar Alvarez strode confidently through the abyss, his every step radiating an aura of unyielding dominance. His midnight-black armor, engraved with intricate soul runes of his own design, glowed faintly with a pulsing blue light. Years of experimentation and countless hours of meditation had allowed him to develop these unique patterns¡ªeach one a testament to his understanding of soul manipulation. A massive halberd rested on his shoulder, its blade humming softly, infused with his unique soul energy.

    As he walked, Edgar focused inward, feeling the constant ebb and flow of his soul. Unlike most people who have rigid, unchanging soul structures, Edgar had discovered that his ability allowed his soul to be far more malleable. Through careful practice, he had learned to flex and reshape his soul''s very essence, adapting it to different situations and gradually strengthening it with each transformation. It was a slow process, but the results were undeniable.

    His piercing black eyes scanned the area, catching the faint shimmer of spectral figures lurking in the shadows. His lips curled into a smirk. "Come out already," he called, his voice sharp and commanding. "I don''t have all day to waste on second-rate wraiths."

    As if on cue, the banshees emerged, their ghastly forms gliding eerily over the uneven ground. Their hollow eyes burned with malice, and their wails grew louder, the sound clawing at Edgar''s mind. Behind them, darker shapes began to materialize¡ªshadow wraiths, their forms barely visible even in the dim light of the dungeon.

    He rolled his shoulders, exhaling sharply. "Pathetic."

    With a surge of will, he activated one of his soul arts, Soul Cascade. A brilliant wave of blue energy erupted from his body, forming a dome of protective light. The banshees'' wails faltered as the energy struck them, their ethereal forms distorting and disintegrating. The shadow wraiths proved more resilient, their darkness-infused bodies absorbing some of the impact.

    Edgar didn''t hesitate. He charged forward, his halberd becoming an extension of his will. Each swing was precisely calculated, enhanced by his Soul Rend technique. The blade cut through spiritual flesh and shadow alike, leaving trails of blue energy in its wake. A shadow wraith attempted to flank him, but Edgar''s soul flexed instinctively, hardening just before the wraith''s claws could pierce his defense.

    "Interesting," he muttered, adjusting his soul''s structure to better resist shadow-based attacks. It was a subtle change, but one that would grow stronger with each encounter. This adaptability was his true strength, though few understood its importance.

    The battle continued, Edgar moving with brutal efficiency through waves of increasingly powerful spirits. When a particularly large group of wraiths surrounded him, he unleashed a new technique he''d been developing. "Soul Nexus," he growled, his armor''s runes blazing bright. Multiple tendrils of soul energy erupted from his body, each one seeking out and impaling a different target. The wraiths screamed as their essence was torn apart from within.

    In minutes, the field was clear, the spirits reduced to wisps of fading mist. Edgar scoffed, wiping spectral residue off his halberd. "Is this all this dungeon has to offer? Disappointing."

    But even as he spoke, a new threat revealed itself. Elite banshees¡ªlarger, faster, and far more aggressive¡ªdescended upon him in droves. Their forms flickered in and out of sight, their shrieks capable of shattering the resolve of even the most seasoned warriors. Among them were corrupted soul phantoms, beings of twisted spiritual energy that could potentially disrupt his soul manipulation.

    Edgar grinned, his arrogance unshaken. "Now this is more like it."

    He slammed the butt of his halberd into the ground, summoning Soul Chains. Ethereal tendrils of blue energy erupted from the ground, snaring the banshees and binding them in place. The soul phantoms proved more challenging, their corrupted energy eating through his chains. Edgar adapted quickly, adjusting the composition of his soul energy to counter their corruption.

    The battle became a deadly dance of spirit and steel. Edgar weaved between his opponents, his halberd singing through the air as he chained together increasingly complex combinations of soul arts. When a soul phantom managed to graze his armor, he felt its corrupting energy try to seep into his soul. Instead of fighting it directly, he allowed his soul to flex and bend, redirecting the corruption harmlessly away before counterattacking with a devastating Soul Implosion.

    By the time the last of the elites fell, Edgar''s breathing had grown heavier, but his confidence remained unbroken. Each encounter had forced him to adapt, to push his soul''s flexibility to new limits. He could feel the subtle improvements, the microscopic strengthening of his spiritual essence. He sheathed his halberd on his back and surveyed the area. "If this is what passes for an S-rank dungeon, I might as well take a nap while I''m here."

    As he pressed deeper into the abyss, the air grew colder, and an oppressive weight settled over the chamber. The walls here were different, covered in intricate demonic runes that seemed to drink in the light. Edgar''s soul instinctively tensed, sensing a powerful presence ahead.

    The chamber opened into a vast cathedral-like space, its ceiling lost in darkness above. At its center stood a throne made of what appeared to be crystallized shadows, and upon it sat a figure of breathtaking beauty and terrible power. Her dark, leathery wings were folded behind her back, and elegant horns curled atop her head. Her eyes, glowing with an inner crimson fire, fixed upon Edgar with predatory interest.

    "My, my," she purred, her voice carrying both warmth and deadly promise. "What brave little soul has wandered into my domain, leaving such destruction in their wake?" She rose from her throne with fluid grace, her movements hypnotic. Several male demons emerged from the shadows around her, each one radiating an otherworldly charm that would have brought lesser men to their knees.

    Edgar''s grip on his halberd tightened. "You must be the dungeon boss. I was expecting something more impressive."

    The demoness laughed, the sound both beautiful and terrible. "I am Akasha, and you are in my realm now, little soul wielder." She gestured to the incubi around her. "My companions have been quite bored lately. Would you care to entertain us?"

    "A succubus playing with her toys," Edgar scoffed, bringing his halberd to bear. "Let''s see how long your entertainment lasts."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    The incubi moved with incredible speed, their forms blurring as they attacked from multiple angles. Edgar met them head-on, his halberd blazing with soul energy. The first demon caught the weapon''s blade across his chest, but instead of falling, he smiled, the wound healing almost instantly.

    "What?" Edgar''s eyes narrowed as he noticed his soul energy being absorbed and corrupted by the demons'' touch. He quickly adjusted his soul''s structure, making it more resistant to their influence, but the process was slower than usual. These beings were different from the spirits he''d faced before.

    The battle intensified as Edgar found himself pushed to his limits. The incubi worked in perfect coordination, their attacks flowing into one another like a deadly dance. When he would adapt to counter one demon''s abilities, another would switch tactics, forcing him to adjust again and again.

    Edgar unleashed Soul Cascade, followed by a rapid series of Soul Rend strikes, his blade leaving trails of blue light in the air. Two incubi fell to his onslaught, their bodies dissolving into shadow, but the others pressed their advantage. A clawed hand slipped through his defense, raking across his armor and leaving deep gouges in the metal.

    Throughout the fight, Akasha watched from her throne, her smile growing wider with each passing moment. She made no move to intervene, content to observe as her champions tested the limits of Edgar''s abilities.

    "Enough games," Edgar snarled, his soul flexing and pulsing with power. He unleashed Soul Nexus again, but this time he modified the technique on the fly. The tendrils of energy split and reformed, creating a complex web of soul energy that trapped the remaining incubi. With a grunt of effort, he poured more power into the technique, causing the web to constrict and detonate.

    The explosion rocked the chamber, sending chunks of stone raining from the ceiling. When the dust settled, the last of the incubi had been reduced to fading shadows. Edgar turned to face Akasha, his armor scratched and dented but his spirit unbroken.

    "Your pets were entertaining enough," he said, readying his halberd. "But playtime is over."

    Akasha''s smile never wavered as she rose from her throne. "Indeed it is. Thank you for the wonderful show." Her form seemed to grow larger, darkness gathering around her like a cloak. "Now, let me show you what true power looks like."

    She moved with impossible speed, appearing before Edgar in a burst of shadow. Her first strike caught him off guard, sending him flying across the chamber. He crashed into a pillar, his soul automatically flexing to absorb the impact. But something was wrong¡ªwhere his soul touched her power, it began to warp and twist.

    Edgar recovered quickly, launching into a series of his most powerful combinations. Soul Cascade, Soul Implosion, Ethereal Cleave¡ªeach technique was executed perfectly, his soul adapting and strengthening with every exchange. But his attacks seemed to pass through Akasha like smoke, barely leaving a mark.

    "Interesting," she mused, easily dodging another strike. "Your soul is quite unique. So flexible, so adaptable." Her eyes gleamed with genuine interest. "But flexibility without foundation is merely weakness."

    Before Edgar could respond, she released her full power. The chamber filled with an otherworldly screech that struck at the very core of his being. His soul, despite all its flexibility, began to crack under the assault. He tried to adapt, to bend rather than break, but Akasha''s power was overwhelming.

    "Your ability to change and grow is impressive," she said, her voice carrying almost a hint of regret. "Alas you''ve built your house upon sand, little soul wielder. True power requires an unshakeable core."

    With a final, devastating surge of power, Akasha shattered Edgar¡¯s soul completely. His body crumpled to the ground, the light fading from his eyes as his essence scattered into the abyss. The void seemed to echo with the remnants of her power, the weight of her victory an unspoken declaration of her supremacy.

    Akasha returned to her throne, her gaze dispassionate as she absently waved away the lingering soul fragments that floated like shimmering dust in the cold air.

    Far away, in the Alliance¡¯s headquarters, a crystal set into a polished mana pillar glowed faintly before activating. A crowd quickly gathered as the recording began to play.

    The scene unfolded with an unsettling clarity: Edgar Alvarez stood defiantly before Akasha, his stance firm, his aura blazing with the intensity of a man who had staked everything on his pride. His soul, renowned for its remarkable malleability¡ªan ability that could adapt and flow like water through any challenge¡ªpulsed with raw power. But as her scream reverberated through the dungeon, Edgar faltered. The recording lingered on the moment his defenses cracked, his supposedly flexible soul bending under the pressure.

    As the recording ended, murmurs rippled through the room. Some voices carried scorn.

    "That arrogant idiot," one man muttered, shaking his head. "Who walks into an S-rank dungeon like that, alone, no less? The irony is, his soul could adapt to anything, but he himself couldn''t adapt his thinking."

    "He relied too much on his own ability," another agreed. "Akasha''s scream was devastating, sure, but it wasn''t unbeatable. Edgar''s problem wasn''t his ability¡ªit was his mindset. For someone whose power centered on flexibility, he was remarkably rigid in his approach."

    A woman stepped closer to the crystal, her brow furrowed as she scrutinized the final moments. "It''s not just the scream. Look at how she cornered him¡ªher aura constricted his ability to adapt. Edgar didn''t have a backup plan because he never thought he''d need one. He believed his malleable soul would be enough, but he failed to realize that true adaptation starts with the mind, not power."

    Another veteran leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "The dungeon rating might need to go up, but let''s not pretend this is beyond the reach of the top S-rankers. Edgar''s downfall wasn''t the dungeon itself¡ªit was his stubborn refusal to acknowledge his limitations. His soul arts were incredibly versatile, but he wielded them with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. The very flexibility he praised in his ability was absent in his strategy."

    The room fell silent as one of the oldest instructors in the Alliance, a grizzled man with a long scar across his cheek, stepped forward. His voice was calm but firm, cutting through the murmurs. "Let this be a lesson to all of you," he began, his eyes sweeping over the gathered crowd. "Edgar''s case is a perfect example of how your greatest strength can become your greatest weakness. His soul could transform and adapt to any situation, yet he remained unchanging in his approach¡ªrefusing help, dismissing preparation, charging in with nothing but confidence in his ability."

    He gestured toward the crystal. "Watch it again. The true tragedy isn''t just that Edgar died¡ªit''s that he died without ever realizing the fundamental flaw in his thinking. He mastered the art of making his soul flexible but failed to apply that same principle to his thinking. Akasha didn''t just exploit a weakness in his power; she exposed the contradiction at the core of his being."

    The crowd nodded solemnly, a sense of gravity settling over the room as the recording replayed. This time, they studied not just Edgar''s mistakes but also the painful irony of a man whose power embodied adaptation while his mind remained stubbornly fixed.

    As the gathering dispersed, the lesson was clear: True strength lies not just in the flexibility of one''s power, but in the willingness to acknowledge one''s limitations and adapt one''s approach accordingly.

    Years have passed, and the dungeon remains uncleared. Multiple teams of S-rankers have managed to reach Akasha, but her mastery over souls has prevented them from defeating her. Each team was forced to retreat after enduring one of her full-powered scream. The scream left their souls disoriented while Akasha toyed with them striking from the shadows and blinking in and out of battle with ease.

    However, fighting a well-balanced team of S-rankers left her with only a few exploitable weaknesses, allowing them to escape unhindered. Akasha could do nothing to stop their retreat without endangering herself. Thankfully, Akasha appeared unwilling to risk her own life and refrained from pursuing her opponents any further.

    The Howling Abyss, now ranked at the peak of S-tier, might now only be conquerable by those who have surpassed the limits of S-rank and ascended to the higher levels.

 Chapter 52

    Lyra Winters, the matriarch of the Winters Clan, sat at the head of the long, frost-etched table. She exuded an aura of overwhelming power, one that went beyond the strength of an S-rank ability user. Lyra was one of the few in the entire country who had ascended beyond S-rank, a feat that placed her in a league of her own. Only two others in the nation could claim such a title, making their collective strength the cornerstone of the country''s defenses.

    Opposite her sat Ashna and Erwin. Both were still adjusting to the early hour of the summons, though they were sharp enough to mask their weariness. Ashna, her silver hair catching the morning light, held a composed expression, though her hands rested tensely in her lap. Beside her, Erwin''s outwardly relaxed posture belied the intensity in his sharp gaze.

    Lyra wasted no time, her voice sharp and clear. "Ashna. Erwin. We need to discuss something about your son."

    The statement hit like a cold gust of wind, though neither parent outwardly reacted.

    "What about Avince?" Ashna asked, keeping her tone even.

    Lyra''s piercing blue eyes fixed on her. "His soul growth. It''s no longer a suspicion; it''s a certainty. His soul is growing at an unprecedented rate¡ªone that his body cannot sustain."

    Erwin leaned forward, his expression darkening. "We suspected as much after our observation. But what makes you certain?"

    Lyra steepled her fingers, her eyes narrowing as if peering into a distant memory. "The way his mana resonates... It''s unnatural. His soul is growing at a pace far beyond what his body can handle. If this continues unchecked, he risks irreversible damage¡ªperhaps even death."

    Ashna''s composure cracked for a moment, her lips pressing into a thin line. "There must be a solution."

    "There is," Lyra replied, her tone measured but firm. "He must stop using his ability to improve his soul. Completely. At least for the next year."

    Erwin stiffened. "You''re asking him to stop using his ability entirely? That''s... extreme."

    Lyra''s gaze turned icy. "This is not a suggestion, Erwin. It''s a necessity. His soul must stabilize, and his body needs time to catch up. A year or more of focused body tempering and practice to control his overwhelming magic should suffice, but until then, he cannot afford to push himself further."

    Ashna exchanged a glance with her husband. "He''s not going to take that lightly. You saw him in the duel¡ªhe''s determined to prove himself."

    "And therein lies the problem," Lyra said, leaning back in her chair. "His stubbornness is commendable, but it''s also dangerous. Did you see how he fought Kristine? Using only fire¡ªfire, of all things. He''s made his stance clear despite what I said, despite knowing I am watching him fight."

    The mention of fire brought a flicker of frustration to the matriarch''s otherwise stoic demeanor. She gestured toward the frost-covered windows of her chamber. "You should''ve guided him towards ice, Ashna. With your lineage and his potential, it would''ve been the natural choice. Instead, he clings to Tier 1 magic as if it''s something to be proud of."

    Ashna bristled but kept her tone calm. "Avince has always been drawn to fire after his failed awakening. It''s not something we forced on him."

    "That may be so," Lyra replied, her voice softening slightly, though the edge remained. "But you must make him see reason. Fire is holding him back. It lacks the refinement and versatility needed for the higher tiers of magic. If he refuses ice, then I suggest lightning. It''s a far better alternative."

    "Lightning?" Erwin echoed, frowning.

    Lyra nodded. "I have connections with the Lightning Clan. They owe me a favor. If Avince agrees to transition, I can arrange for him to train under their tutelage. He may not appreciate it now, but it''s a path that will allow him to grow properly. Continuing with fire will only hinder him in the long run."

    Erwin hesitated, his hand clenching into a fist. "And if he refuses?"

    Lyra''s gaze hardened. "Then he''ll be gambling with his future. I''m telling you this as a matriarch and as someone who cares for this family. Convince him, Erwin. Ashna. For his sake."

    A heavy silence fell over the room, broken only by the faint hum of mana in the walls.

    Lyra shifted her attention to Ashna. ¡°Now, onto another matter. Amyra¡¯s dragon.¡±

    Ashna¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°What about it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already reached out to the Patriarch of the Dragon Clan,¡± Lyra said, her tone matter-of-fact. ¡°They have far more experience with such creatures than we do. If anyone knows how to guide her in this, it¡¯s them.¡±

    Erwin raised an eyebrow. ¡°The Dragon Clan? That¡¯s... unexpected.¡±

    Lyra allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Amyra''s potential is extraordinary, but she''ll need guidance to harness it fully. This dragon of hers is a rare gift¡ªand a dangerous one if mishandled."

    Ashna''s brows furrowed as she glanced at the Matriarch, hesitation flickering in her expression. "Do we truly not know who delivered the dragon egg? Its origin troubles me, Matriarch. Such a gift doesn''t simply appear without motive."

    Lyra''s gaze hardened slightly, though her tone remained measured. "None that I know of, Ashna. I''ve made discreet inquiries, but there''s no record of anyone within the clan delivering it¡ªor even possessing knowledge of it beforehand."

    Ashna''s lips pressed into a thin line, her unease palpable. "And you''re certain there''s no danger in it? No hidden intent?"

    The Matriarch allowed herself a moment of thought before responding, her voice firm and unshakable. "I checked the dragon thoroughly. Its aura, its essence¡ªeverything is as it should be. It''s a pure, untainted creature, and its bond with Amyra is genuine. Whoever sent it either wanted her to thrive or saw potential in her growth. Regardless of their intent, the dragon itself holds no malice or ill will."

    Ashna nodded slowly, relief flickering in her eyes. "Thank you, Matriarch. I''ll make sure Amyra understands the importance of this."

    Lyra offered a rare smile, though it was fleeting. "Amyra has been entrusted with something extraordinary. That kind of power requires care and wisdom. Ensure she understands both the privilege and the responsibility of this bond."

    Lyra''s expression softened for a brief moment before her sharp gaze returned. "And now, let''s talk about the two of you."

    Ashna straightened, instinctively bracing herself.

    "You," Lyra said, focusing on Ashna, "are nearly healed from your injury. There''s no reason to delay any longer. It''s time for you to push for S-rank."

    Ashna opened her mouth to protest, but Lyra raised a hand to silence her.

    "I understand your hesitations," the matriarch continued, her tone firm yet measured. "But this clan needs more S-ranks. The stronger we are, the better prepared we''ll be for what''s coming."

    She paused for a moment, her gaze growing distant, before murmuring, almost to herself, "It would be ideal if more people could ascend and surpass S-rank. The balance of power would shift, as the three of us alone in this country are simply not enough. Only then would we have the strength needed to face what lies ahead."

    Ashna''s jaw tightened, but she nodded. "I''ll... consider it."

    "And you, Erwin," Lyra said, turning her attention to him. "You have a tamed S-rank creature¡ªa remarkable feat. But you yourself remain at peak A-rank. It''s time to finally make that breakthrough."This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Erwin met her gaze evenly. "I''ve been working on it."

    "Work faster," Lyra said bluntly. "We don''t have the luxury of time. Every S-rank we can muster will be crucial."

    Another heavy silence filled the room, the weight of the matriarch''s words pressing down on them.

    "I''ll do what I can," Erwin said finally, his voice steady.

    "See that you do," Lyra replied. She leaned back in her chair, her demeanor shifting ever so slightly. "That will be all for tonight. Think on what I''ve said."

    Ashna and Erwin stood, bowing respectfully before leaving the chamber. As they stepped outside, the gravity of the conversation hung heavily between them.

    "What are we going to do?" Ashna asked quietly.

    Erwin exhaled slowly, his breath forming a cloud in the frosty air. "We''ll talk to Avince. But you know as well as I do¡ªhe''s not going to give up fire easily."

    Ashna nodded, her expression thoughtful. "And what about us? Are we ready to take that next step?"

    Erwin glanced at her, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and uncertainty. "We''ll have to be."

    The two of them walked in silence, their steps crunching softly in the snow as the estate''s sprawling grounds stretched out before them.

    Earlier that day

    The first rays of dawn crept through the curtains of his room, yet Avince lay wide awake, his mind spinning in circles. The conversation with the matriarch before last night''s celebration still gnawed at him. Every word, every hint of disdain, replayed in his head, fueling his unease. It wasn''t just the implications of her words¡ªit was what they suggested about his abilities, about who he was.

    He couldn''t simply let it go. He needed answers, and there was one place he knew where he could get them.

    Avince sat up abruptly, the blanket sliding off him as he reached for the silver amulet resting on the nightstand. Its faint glow pulsed against his touch, the resonance of his mana connecting with the artifact.

    Sliding the amulet around his neck, he took a deep breath and focused his mana. The familiar warmth coursed through his body as the world around him blurred and shifted. His room faded, replaced by the dense, bright canopy of the ancient forest within the dungeon realm. The air smelled of damp earth and faint magic, and the faint rustle of leaves reminded him he wasn''t alone.

    "Back so soon?"

    The melodic voice broke the silence, and Avince turned to see Althiel leaning against a tree, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. Her hair shimmered in the dappled light, and her golden eyes studied him with an intensity that always made him feel small, like a child standing before an elder who had seen countless lifetimes.

    "You seem troubled, young one," she said, tilting her head. "What brings you back here so soon?"

    Avince hesitated for a moment, unsure where to start. Finally, he blurted, "The matriarch of my clan said something last night¡ªsomething I couldn''t accept."

    Althiel''s brow arched as she pushed off the tree and folded her arms. "Oh? And what exactly did they say to stir you so deeply?"

    Avince recounted the meeting in vivid detail¡ªthe veiled criticisms, the implications of his limitations as a generalist, and the faint disdain laced in her words. He spoke quickly, the frustration spilling out with every sentence. By the time he finished, he was pacing, his fists clenched at his sides.

    Althiel listened in silence, her expression unreadable, but as Avince''s words trailed off, a laugh escaped her lips. It wasn''t a mocking laugh, but one of genuine amusement.

    "I often forget how early your world is in its integration," she said, shaking her head. "Your matriarch sounds like someone clinging to outdated beliefs. Let me guess¡ªyour world didn''t have magic before integration, did it?"

    Avince nodded slowly. "No. Mana only became a part of our world after the first dungeon appeared."

    "That explains much," Althiel said with a wry smile. "But an ascended this early in your world''s integration... that''s quite impressive. Now, tell me, what does your world know about magic conjuring in general?"

    Avince frowned, taken aback by the question. "Well, we classify magic into tiers. Tier 1 magic¡ªearth, fire, water, air¡ªis the easiest to conjure and turns out is considered the weakest. The higher tiers are harder to conjure but are much stronger. Most people focus on Tier 2 magic or higher if they have the ability."

    "I see," Althiel said, her tone thoughtful. "Your world''s knowledge is... outdated, likely because of that tome people will receive from clearing a mega dungeon. Such tomes are useful, but they often lack the nuances of more advanced magical understanding."

    Avince''s brows furrowed. "Outdated? What do you mean?"

    "The Tier 1 magic you described," Althiel began, "is not inherently weak. Your understanding of it is incomplete. Think of it this way¡ªearth, fire, water, and air are simply conjuring different states of matter. Earth is solid, water is liquid, and air is gas. Advanced applications of these elements¡ªlike ice, steel, or mist¡ªare merely extensions of the same concepts, with additional properties layered on. For example, ice involves reducing temperature, steel involves hardening, and mist involves concealment. These are not separate elements but refinements of the basics."

    Avince blinked, the implications of her words slowly sinking in. "But fire... fire isn''t like the others. It''s not a state of matter."

    "Precisely," Althiel said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Now can you tell me. How do you conjure fire?"

    "I combust my mana," Avince said. "Essentially, I burn my mana to create fire."

    "And how do you make it hotter, stronger?"

    "Uhhh, by burning more mana?" Avince said hesitantly.

    Althiel laughed again, shaking her head. "I should have known. When I watched your fight, I noticed something off about your fire magic, but I didn''t think much of it at the time as this is pretty much common sense. It seems your world''s understanding of fire, and magic in general is indeed... elementary."

    Avince frowned. "What do you mean? What''s wrong with how I use fire?"

    Althiel stepped closer, her violet eyes locking onto his. "Let me ask you this: how do you make ice stronger?"

    Avince hesitated, then said, "By making it colder."

    "Exactly. So, if making ice colder makes it stronger, then doesn''t it stand to reason that fire can be made stronger by making it hotter¡ªnot by burning more mana, but by using mana to control the temperature?"

    The realization hit Avince like a bolt of lightning. He stared at Althiel, the pieces clicking into place. "So... fire isn''t inferior. we''ve just been using it wrong."

    "How did we miss something that simple?" Avince asked, his voice tinged with disbelief and frustration. "I mean, it''s so obvious when you think about it¡ªcontrolling temperature instead of just pouring in mana. How did no one figure this out before?"

    Althiel leaned back, crossing her arms with a wry smile. "Oh, trust me, the answer to that is as old as arrogance itself. It''s the tome they received¡ªthe ones everyone swears by¡ªthat are partly to blame. All world will receive some sort of copy of that same tome after the integration. It categorize the elements into tiers of power, making it seem like some are naturally superior to others. Fire has always been listed as one of the ''unstable'' elements in the past, meant for raw destruction and little else. That kind of thinking puts blinders on people, makes them believe fire can''t be refined."

    Avince frowned, processing her words. "So, people have just been blindly following outdated ideas? And no one ever questioned it?"

    "Some probably have," Althiel admitted, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "But there could be other reasons. One that immediately comes to mind is that fire mages tend to steer clear of ice magic. They see it as a rival element¡ªopposite in nature, and they think there¡¯s nothing to learn from it. That divide keeps them from understanding the connection. The truth is, controlling temperature is the key to mastering both elements. But you¡¯d never know that if you refused to look beyond the fire at your fingertips."

    Avince nodded slowly, his thoughts spinning. "So... you''re saying that the idea of controlling temperature isn''t new, but no one figured out how to apply it to fire?"

    Althiel shrugged, her expression unreadable. "It¡¯s also possible some people did figure it out. But if they did, they kept it to themselves. Knowledge is power, Avince, and not everyone is as willing to share it. " She leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing. "Think about it¡ªif a fire mage learned how to use their mana to control temperature instead of just fueling raw flames, they¡¯d have an edge over every other fire mage. Why would they hand that advantage to the competition?"

    Avince¡¯s eyes widened as the implications sank in. "So this could¡¯ve already been discovered by someone all along?"

    "Could¡¯ve been. Or maybe it¡¯s been lost and rediscovered overtime. Either way, it doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is that you know now. And if you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll use it to make your fire unstoppable." Althiel smirked, her confidence unshaken. "After all, fire isn¡¯t inferior. It never was. It''s one of the most versatile and destructive elements when used correctly. Do I look inferior to you?"

    Avince shook his head quickly. "No, definitely not."

    "Good," she said, her tone firm. "But there''s another issue we need to address¡ªyour generalist approach to magic. I can understand why you''ve chosen this path. You want flexibility, to cover your bases, but this approach is indeed hindering your growth."

    Avince bit his lip. "What should I do, then?"

    "You need to specialize a bit," Althiel said. "Focus on two elements¡ªthree at most. Fire and lightning, for example, are both highly offensive elements. Some have made those two work, but I personally think they don''t complement each other well. You can combine them or maybe add a third element to balance it out. The choice is yours. The world is your canvas, and the only limit is yourself."

    "What do you suggest?" Avince asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

    Althiel smiled faintly. "Your path is your own choice. I''ve already said more than enough. The rest is up to you."

    She stepped back, her gaze softening. "Now, do you have any other questions, Avince?"

    Avince shook his head, still processing everything she''d said.

    "Very well," Althiel said.

    Before Avince could respond, the world around him dissolved into darkness, and he was once again back in his room. Alone with his thoughts.

 Chapter 53

    The soft hum of the kettle filled the quiet kitchen of the household, accompanied by the faint creak of wood as Erwin and Ashna shifted in their chairs. Morning light filtered through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the worn wooden table where cups of steaming tea rested in their hands, untouched and slowly cooling. The tension in the air was palpable, a reflection of their exhaustion after a long ride from the 6th District to their home. They had left early the previous morning and only arrived late last night, their thoughts weighed down by everything they had experienced in the clan and the inevitable conversation they needed to have.

    Outside, the familiar sounds of their neighborhood coming to life drifted through the window¡ªdistant voices of children playing, the rumble of cars, and the chirping of birds greeting the new day. But inside, the silence stretched between them like a taut string ready to snap.

    Ashna broke the silence first, her voice quiet yet resolute, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. "We need to talk to him, Erwin. The matriarch''s suggestion is... unconventional, but it''s not without merit." Her ice-blue eyes reflected the morning light, carrying the weight of decisions that would reshape their family''s future.

    Erwin exhaled, leaning back in his chair. His dark hair, streaked with strands of white, caught the light as he ran a hand through it. The wood creaked beneath him as he shifted his weight, buying time before responding. "I know. But you saw the look on his face when we were there¡ªhe won''t take this lightly. He''s proud of what he''s already achieved, even if it''s not much by their standards." His voice carried the gentle concern of a father who had watched his son struggle and succeed against odds that most would consider insurmountable.

    Ashna''s ice-blue eyes softened as she glanced toward the staircase, where the faint creak of Avince''s footsteps signaled his approach. Her hand tightened around her cup, her knuckles whitening slightly. "That''s why we have to make him understand. This isn''t about what he wants right now¡ªit''s about what''s best for him in the long run." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "We''ve always taught our children to be independent, to make their own choices. But sometimes, as parents, we need to guide them toward opportunities they might not see clearly."

    Erwin nodded reluctantly, his shoulders tensing. "And Amyra?" The question hung in the air, heavy with implications. Their daughter''s situation was equally complex, if not more so, given her unique circumstances.

    "That''s non-negotiable," Ashna said firmly, her tone carrying the weight of countless discussions they''d had on the journey home. "The dragon clan''s guidance is invaluable for her and her dragon. She may not like it, but this is the best path for her growth. It''s time she steps beyond what we can teach her." She took a small sip of her tea, grimacing slightly at its cooled temperature. "We can''t let our desire to keep the family together hold them back from their potential."

    The sound of footsteps grew closer, and both parents straightened imperceptibly. Before Erwin could respond, Avince entered the kitchen, his expression guarded. He''d been expecting this conversation ever since his parents had been summoned by the matriarch, and he wasn''t sure he was ready for it. His hair was slightly disheveled, suggesting a restless night, and dark circles under his eyes hinted at hours spent lying awake, wondering about what was to come.

    "Morning," he said cautiously, sliding into a chair across from his parents. The wooden chair scraped against the floor, the sound unnaturally loud in the tense atmosphere. His eyes darted between his parents, reading their expressions with the wariness of someone preparing for unwelcome news.

    Erwin straightened, his usual warmth tempered by seriousness. The morning light cast shadows across his face, emphasizing the lines of concern etched there. "Morning, Avince. We need to talk. I think you already have an idea of what we''re gonna say, but this is about the matriarch''s suggestion and what it means for you." He shared a quick glance with Ashna, drawing strength from their united front.

    Avince crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. The defensive posture wasn''t lost on his parents. "I already know what you''re going to say. She thinks I should abandon fire magic because it''s a Tier 1 element and would hinder my path. She wants me to train in ice magic under the clan instead, doesn''t she?" His voice carried an edge of bitterness, the words coming out sharper than he intended.

    Ashna nodded slowly, her expression carefully neutral. "It''s true that the matriarch wanted you to focus on ice at first. Our clan is highly specialized, and their techniques could give you a significant edge. But no," she paused, choosing her words carefully, "the matriarch recommended you to transition to lightning instead, which actually aligns well with your interests." Her eyes softened as she continued, "You''ve always been fascinated by lightning magic, second only to fire. Their techniques could give you a significant edge. Your father and I discussed it extensively on the journey back, and we think training with the lightning clan is a good opportunity, especially since their estate is only a 30-minute bus ride from here."

    The mention of lightning caused Avince to shift in his seat, a flicker of interest crossing his face before being quickly suppressed. His fingers drummed against the table. "So what? I''m supposed to give up fire magic entirely? Just like that?" The question came out defensive, but there was an undertone of uncertainty that hadn''t been there before.

    "Nobody''s asking you to give it up," Erwin said, his tone calming but firm. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "But you need to be realistic. Fire is difficult to make work in the higher levels and even harder to refine. The matriarch isn''t wrong when she says that both lightning and ice are more straightforward and powerful in most cases. Learning from them doesn''t mean abandoning fire¡ªit means expanding your arsenal." His eyes met his son''s, filled with understanding and concern. "This isn''t about giving up on something you are, it''s about growing beyond what you currently know."

    "I don''t care if it''s difficult," Avince shot back, his voice rising slightly. His hands clenched into fists under the table, and a faint warmth emanated from them¡ªa unconscious manifestation of his agitation. "Fire isn''t weak, and I''m not giving up on it just because it''s not as ''efficient'' as lightning. If anything, I need to work harder to prove it''s not inferior." The passion in his voice was unmistakable, carrying years of determination and pride in his chosen path.

    Avince clenched his fists tighter, his mind racing. His parents noticed the subtle tremor in his hands as he struggled to maintain his composure. He already knew the truth about fire magic¡ªthat its true potential lay in controlling its temperature rather than simply burning more mana. The knowledge sat heavy in his chest, a secret he couldn''t share. He had already experimented with adjusting his fire''s temperature, and it was surprisingly far more powerful than just expending additional mana. But he couldn''t reveal that knowledge, not yet. It would be too hard to explain how he had learned it, and the questions that would follow might lead to complications he wasn''t ready to face. For now, he would have to carry that secret alone.

    Ashna leaned forward, her expression earnest, "Avince, this isn''t about proving anything to anyone. We simply wanted to give you the best possible chance to grow. You''re not being forced to give up fire magic, but learning from the lightning clan would give you access to techniques and information we can''t provide. You can still keep using fire magic¡ªthis is about broadening your horizons, not narrowing them." Her voice carried the gentle authority that had guided both her children through countless challenges.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Avince''s jaw tightened, his internal struggle visible in the tension of his shoulders. He hated how logical their argument sounded, even though it rubbed him the wrong way. Learning lightning should only complement my strengths, he thought, the idea taking root despite his reluctance.

    After a long pause, during which the only sound was the distant rumble of traffic and the quiet ticking of the kitchen clock, he sighed. His shoulders slumped slightly, the fight draining from his posture. "Fine. I''ll train with the lightning clan. But I''m not giving up on fire magic, no matter what they say." The words came out forced, but with an underlying determination that was characteristically his.

    Erwin exchanged a meaningful glance with Ashna before nodding, relief visible in the slight relaxation of his features. "That''s your decision, and we''ll support it. But there''s more we need to discuss." His tone carried a weight that made Avince tense up again.

    Avince looked at his parents warily, noting the way they seemed to brace themselves. "More?" The word came out almost as a whisper, his earlier defiance giving way to apprehension.

    Ashna sighed softly, exchanging another look with Erwin before she spoke. Her fingers wrapped around her now-cold tea, seeking comfort in the familiar gesture. "The Matriarch also shared something important regarding your ability, Avince. She advised that, for the time being, you should refrain from using it to improve your soul." The words came out carefully, measured, as if she were handling something fragile.

    Avince furrowed his brows, his earlier anger forgotten in the face of this new revelation. "Refrain from using it? Why?" His voice carried genuine confusion and concern, the defiance from earlier replaced by uncertainty.

    "You should have felt it by now too," Ashna stated, her eyes searching his face. "The Matriarch believes that the next year would be better spent focusing on strengthening your body and gaining precise control over your magic instead. Overusing your ability to improve your soul even more could lead to your body breaking." Her words hung in the air, heavy with implications.

    The kitchen fell into silence again, broken only by the distant sounds of life continuing outside their windows. Avince stayed silent for a moment, his expression pensive, fingers absently tracing patterns on the wooden table. He couldn''t deny it¡ªhis soul had indeed been growing stronger, too strong, in fact. His magic was becoming harder to control, feeling chaotic at times, like trying to hold back a flood with bare hands. He had been trying to gain control, but he still found himself slipping now and then, flaring up in ways that felt beyond his grasp. The Matriarch''s advice made sense, and he knew she was right.

    He nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "If she thinks that''s what I need, I''ll trust her judgment." The words came out steady, but his mind was already racing with something else.

    Deep down, another thought took root. The strengthening potion recipe Althiel had provided still lingered in his mind, a possible solution for his problem. If the potion works, it should fix the underlying issue. My body is too weak to handle this power, and I lack the practice to control my magic¡ªit''s not my soul that''s the problem. The thought provided a small comfort, a secret path forward that he could hold onto.

    He resolved to follow the Matriarch''s advice, at least outwardly. Still, if he could gather the necessary ingredients for the potion, he just needed to use his ability carefully to collect the materials, as long as it didn''t worsen the instability. I just need to avoid taking too much damage or dying. I''ll figure this out. The plan formed in his mind, giving him a sense of purpose beneath his apparent compliance.

    Ashna hesitated for a moment before continuing, her fingers tightening around her cup. "There''s still another thing you should know," she began, her voice gentle but firm. "Amyra will be leaving the 4th district with us. We''re taking her to the 2nd district to live for some time in the dragon clan."

    The words had barely left her mouth when Amyra, who had been silently approaching the kitchen, froze in the doorway. Her sudden appearance made everyone start slightly. "Wait, what? I''m going to the dragon clan?" Her voice cracked slightly, surprise and confusion evident in her tone.

    Erwin nodded, turning to face his daughter. His expression was gentle but resolute. "Yes. The dragon clan has the expertise you need to raise your dragon properly and understand its full potential. This ensures that your dragon receives the best possible care and guidance." He spoke with the careful tone of someone who had rehearsed these words, knowing they would change his daughter''s life.

    Amyra''s expression shifted from surprise to frustration, her hands gripping the doorframe. "But I''m finally getting into a rhythm here! What about school? What about my training?" The questions tumbled out, each one carrying the weight of her growing anxiety about the change.

    "We''ve already arranged for your transfer to a school near the dragon clan''s estate," Ashna said gently, her voice carrying the same careful tone she had used with Avince. "This is an opportunity you can''t afford to pass up. And as for training, this doesn''t mean you''ll stop¡ªit just means you''ll have access to resources and mentors we can''t provide here." She paused, letting the words sink in. "The dragon clan has the experience on how to properly nurture dragons. They can teach you things we never could."

    Amyra turned to Avince, her eyes searching his face for support, silently pleading for him to say something, anything, that might change their parents'' minds. "Are you okay with this?" The question carried all her uncertainty and fear about the changes ahead.

    Avince looked between his sister and their parents, his heart sinking. The morning light caught the slight shimmer of tears in Amyra''s eyes, making him want to protest, to argue against their decision. But he could see the resolve in their parents'' eyes. This wasn''t up for debate. "It''s not up to me," he said quietly, hating the helplessness in his voice. "But if it''s what they think is best for you, then..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence, the words feeling like a betrayal.

    Ashna reached across the table to place a hand on Amyra''s, her touch gentle but firm. "We know this is sudden, but it''s the right decision. We''ll be running dungeons in the 2nd district during this time as well. Your father and I plan to use this opportunity to push for a breakthrough into the S ranks."

    Amyra''s frustration gave way to shock, her eyes widening. "Wait, what? You''re going for an S-rank breakthrough?" The news momentarily displaced her own concerns, a testament to the significance of what their parents were planning.

    Erwin nodded, a hint of excitement breaking through his serious demeanor. "Yes. It''s something we''ve been holding off for a while, and this trip gives us the perfect chance to make it happen." His eyes held a glimmer of the adventurer he had once been, before settling down to raise a family. "The dungeons in the 2nd district are perfect for what we need."

    "You''re invited to join us, Avince," Ashna said, her voice gentle, offering an olive branch. "If you want to visit the dragon clan and see the 2nd district, we''d be happy to have you come along." The invitation hung in the air, a bridge between their separate paths.

    Avince shook his head almost immediately, though the decision cost him more than he let show. "No. I''ve already made plans and will keep going to school here. I can''t just drop everything and leave." His voice was steady, but his hands clenched under the table, betraying his emotion.

    Ashna''s expression was understanding but firm, the morning light catching the worry in her eyes. "We respect your decision. But this will mean you''ll be staying here alone while we''re gone." The words carried all the concern of a mother preparing to leave her child for the first time.

    Amyra¡¯s shoulders slumped, but she didn¡¯t argue further. She knew their parents wouldn¡¯t budge, and deep down, she understood the importance of what they were asking her to do.

    The conversation ended on a somber note, and as the family dispersed, Avince found himself alone in his room, staring at the faint glow of his amulet. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly alone. His family was moving forward, forging their own paths, and he was left to carve out his own.

 Chapter 54

    The metallic clang of silverware against plates punctuated the family''s New Year''s Eve dinner. They had decided to go out to a fancy restaurant as a final celebration for the end of the year and a last family bonding before the inevitable departure. Steam rose from perfectly plated dishes at the high-end restaurant, carrying the aroma of truffle and aged wine. Avince watched his sister Amyra snap yet another photo of her dessert, her phone''s flash drawing disapproving glances from nearby diners.

    "Dad, you''ve got sauce on your tie again," Amyra said, barely containing her laughter.

    "This is what I get for trying to be fancy," Erwin sighed, dabbing at the silk tie with his napkin. "You''d think after twenty years of your mother dragging me to nice restaurants, I''d have figured out how to eat without wearing half the meal."

    "Oh please," Ashna rolled her eyes, hiding her smile behind her wine glass. "Need I remind you of our first date? You were so nervous you knocked over an entire bottle of red wine."

    "Mom!" Amyra leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "You never told me this story!"

    "Because your father swore me to secrecy," Ashna winked. "But since we''re all sharing embarrassing moments..."

    "I thought we agreed that story would die with us," Erwin groaned, but his eyes crinkled with amusement. "Fine, fine. I was trying to impress your mother with my knowledge of fine wines. I grabbed the bottle to show her the label, but my hands were shaking so badly, it slipped right out of my grip. Drenched both of us in Cabernet Sauvignon."

    "And I married him anyway," Ashna reached over to squeeze his hand. "Though the restaurant did ban us for a month."

    More of such conversation transpired that night, and for a moment, it felt like they were just a family¡ªnot mages bound by duty. Avince found himself memorizing the details: the way the candlelight caught the whitening strands in his father''s hair, how his mother''s laugh lines deepened when she smiled, the familiar sound of Amyra''s snort when she tried to contain her giggles.

    But moments, like the final hours of the year, have a way of slipping through your fingers. The celebration ended and the days passed.

    A week into the new year, their living room had transformed into an obstacle course of cardboard boxes and half-packed suitcases. Avince stubbed his toe on what his mother swore was just her jewelry collection¡ªthe weight suggesting otherwise¡ªand collapsed into a kitchen chair with a grunt. The wood creaked beneath him as he shifted, watching his parents navigate the chaos with practiced efficiency.

    "How much longer until you leave?" The words felt heavy in his mouth.

    Erwin''s hands stilled over a box he was sealing. He exchanged a look with Ashna, one of those wordless conversations parents seemed to master. "Two days. The dragon clan''s already prepared the accommodations. They''re expecting us by the weekend."

    "It''s not forever, you know," Ashna added softly, abandoning her packing to sit beside him. "We¡¯ll only be away for a year you know, maybe two at most"

    "A lot can change in two years," Avince muttered, then immediately regretted the bitterness in his tone when he saw his mother''s face fall.

    From upstairs came the muffled sound of Amyra''s voice, probably saying goodbye to yet another friend over the phone. The thump of items being tossed into boxes punctuated her conversation.

    "And Amyra''s school transfer?" Avince''s fingers drummed against the kitchen table, leaving slight indentations in the wood¡ªa nervous habit he''d developed since intensifying his training.

    Ashna tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "It''s all settled. Though I caught her crying over her yearbook last night. She''s trying to be brave about it."

    "She gets that from you," Erwin said, joining them at the table. "Always putting on a strong face."

    "I learned from the best," Avince replied, meeting his father''s gaze. "Remember when you broke three ribs during that dungeon mission but still insisted on attending my middle school graduation?"Stolen novel; please report.

    "Your mother nearly killed me herself when she found out," Erwin chuckled. "But I wasn''t going to miss seeing you give that valedictorian speech."

    Avince''s gaze drifted to the windowsill, where morning light caught the silver sheen of his partially transformed arm. The past few days had left their mark on him¡ªcalluses on his palms from countless hours of practice, dark circles under his eyes from late-night training sessions.

    He had finally decided to buy the full course from Christian, and it had been worth every point¡ªeven if his remaining credit balance strongly disagreed. Buying the course allowed him to contact the alumni directly and ask for advice.

    Eventually, he further explained to Christian about the idea of transmogrifying his body into silver again, presenting it as his own original theory. Of course, he carefully avoided mentioning that the idea had actually come from an ancient elf from another world. There was no way he was going to explain that part.

    Christian was intrigued by the idea and gave him advice on what he could do and how he should practice. But even though Christian was great at giving information, you can only go so much trying to learn through chat. But he still managed to learn a lot.

    His latest breakthrough still tingled in his muscles. Yesterday, when his arms had finally transformed fully into silver, the sensation had been electric¡ªliterally. Lightning and fire danced across the metallic surface of his skin, no longer fighting against his natural form but flowing through it like water. For ten precious seconds, he''d felt invincible.

    "You''re progressing faster than I thought," Erwin noted, pride evident in his voice. ¡°Someone trying to transmogrify parts of their body usually takes them months."

    "Well, I had a great teacher," Avince smiled, the compliment warming him despite the cold weather.

    The sound of the doorbell cut through their conversation. Through the window, he could see Amyra''s friends gathering on their front lawn, a farewell party she hadn''t expected. Their voices carried through the glass:

    "You can''t leave without a proper goodbye!"

    "We brought your favorite bubble tea!"

    "The dragon clan better not change you too much!"

    "And you better still text us every day!"

    "We made you a scrapbook¡ªeveryone signed it!"

    Amyra burst through the front door, her eyes already glistening. She threw herself into the group hug, her laugh mixing with sniffles.

    "You guys are impossible," she managed between hiccups, accepting the bubble tea with trembling hands. "I thought we agreed no crying!"

    "You''re the one crying!" her best friend accused, though her own mascara was running.

    "Am not!" Amyra protested, wiping her eyes. "It''s just... allergies."

    Two days passed, morning dew still clung to the grass as the family gathered for departure. The rented car idled in the driveway, its trunk already loaded with their belongings. Avince helped his father tetris the last few bags into the remaining space.

    "Before we leave," Ashna began, her keys jingling nervously in her hand, "there''s something about your training we need to discuss. The lightning clan¡ª"

    "They''re sending someone here," Erwin cut in, his expression suggesting he still couldn''t quite believe it himself. "To train you personally."

    Avince''s eyebrows shot up. "Here? As in, living here?"

    "Our clan matriarch and patriarch of the lightning clan made this decision over our heads," Erwin said, running a hand through his hair. "Believe me, I tried to understand what the hell they¡¯re thinking, but those old monsters speak in riddles half the time."

    "Your father''s just annoyed because he won¡¯t ever get the same kind of opportunity ''" Ashna added with a slight chuckle.

    "Not like I¡¯d want to," Erwin protested. Just you alone was enough of a headache already, imagine two of you."

    ¡°What exactly do you guys mean by that?¡± Avince asked, confused at what his parents were talking about.

    ¡°Oh you¡¯ll see¡±. Erwin said with a small smirk as if making fun of his son.

    Avince had more questions but the car''s engine revved impatiently. Amyra came from behind and threw her arms around Avince''s neck, nearly knocking him over..

    "Don''t you dare slack off," she whispered fiercely. "When I come back, I expect to see lightning shooting from your eyeballs or something."

    Avince laughed, the sound catching in his throat. "No promises about the eyeballs. But I''ll do my best."

    "And don''t forget to water my plants," she added, pulling back to look him in the eye. "If Mr. Whiskers is dead when I get back¡ª"

    "Your cactus will be fine," he assured her, ruffling her hair one last time.

    He stood in the driveway long after the car disappeared around the corner, until the morning mist had burned away and the neighborhood came alive with the sounds of another day beginning. The empty house loomed behind him, suddenly too quiet, too still.

    His hand absently traced the silver patches still flickering across his skin. There was work to be done.

 Chapter 55

    It had been a day since his family left, and Avince sat alone in their house, the silence pressing in around him like a tangible weight. At his desk lay a list of materials: Fireleaf, Emberhorn resin, Ignis core, Flame Serpent scale, and Sunbloom flower¡ªeach name carrying its own weight of difficulty. The list had seemed daunting when he first received the memory packet, but as he studied each item, he began to realize it might not be as challenging as he''d initially thought.

    With another semester looming on the horizon, completing this task before his schedule filled seemed the wisest course of action. He had spent the past few days preparing, using what little free time he had to enchant his temporary dungeon equipment with fire resistance. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but it would help mitigate the extreme heat he¡¯d inevitably face while gathering the materials. The enchantments weren¡¯t permanent, but they would last long enough for what he needed.

    The thought sparked another realization: despite possessing his ability for what felt like ages, he''d barely scratched its surface. The corners of his mouth turned up in a slight smile as he considered his plan. What better way to explore the depths of his power than now, when he needed it most?

    His fingers found the amulet around his neck, an automatic gesture tat formed with the repetitive use of the amulet. The faint hum of mana pulsed against his palm like a second heartbeat, familiar and reassuring. The amulet, Kartana''s gift, represented more than mere protection¡ªit was his key to pushing beyond normal limits, allowing him to channel more mana than his body could typically handle without risk of harm. Today, however, he had one clear purpose: to locate a dungeon containing all the materials on his list.

    "Let''s see how much mana this will cost," he muttered, his voice barely disturbing the quiet room. His eyes drifted closed as he focused on the list, building the image in his mind. He envisioned a place where fire reigned supreme, where every element danced with living flame¡ªa perfect fusion of volcanic fury, desert heat, and burning forests. With practiced ease, he nudged his ability, feeling the mana flow through his veins like warm honey as he concentrated on the image.

    Minutes ticked by on the old clock on the wall. Then an hour.

    Avince''s brow furrowed deeply, frustration etching lines across his forehead. The familiar pull of his ability, usually so reliable in guiding him toward dungeons, remained stubbornly absent. It wasn''t like hitting a wall¡ªit was more like trying to grasp smoke. His ability was there, he could feel it, but it seemed unable to comprehend what he was asking of it.

    "What''s going on?" he muttered, slumping back in his chair. The wood creaked beneath him as he shifted. The amulet in his hand had grown warm, indicating that some of its stored mana had been consumed in his attempts. "I wonder how I''d recharge you now. Well, they did say that I shouldn''t use my ability, so that''s probably why Dad didn''t bother asking."

    Deciding to approach the problem from a different angle, Avince narrowed his focus to just one material: Fireleaf. The response was immediate¡ªhis ability hummed to life, providing a distinct pull toward a destination, like a compass finding true north.

    "Huh," he said, carefully pulling back before the ability could fully activate. "So, it works with one material... What about two?"

    He repeated the process, this time combining Fireleaf with Emberhorn resin in his mental image. Again, the pull manifested, though it felt slightly less certain, like a radio signal starting to fade at the edges. Avince halted before his ability could fully engage, his mind racing with possibilities. If two materials worked, why had all five failed so spectacularly?

    His thoughts drifted to the memory packet Althiel had given him, the images still vivid in his mind. He recalled the Fireleaf and Emberhorn resin growing on massive, gnarled trees in what appeared to be a fiery forest, their leaves dancing with golden flame. The Ignis core had been different¡ªhe remembered seeing a monster deep within a volcanic cavern, its power pulsing with waves of heat like a beating heart. The Sunbloom flower and Flame Serpent scale appeared in yet another setting: the sun-scorched dunes of a desert, where the very air shimmered with heat.

    Pulling out his phone, he began researching, fingers flying across the screen as he searched through obscure forums and dungeon logs. The information was scattered like puzzle pieces, buried in user comments and expedition reports, but gradually, he pieced together a clearer picture. His initial hunch proved correct: each material belonged to a distinct dungeon environment. Ignis cores were dropped by monsters exclusively found in active volcanic dungeons, while Fireleaf and Emberhorn resin only grew in fire-based forests. The Sunbloom flower and Flame Serpent scale, true to the memories, were unique to desert-type dungeons.

    "So that''s why my ability couldn''t find a single dungeon with all of them," Avince murmured, running his fingers through his hair as understanding dawned. "They don''t exist in the same environment¡ªit was like asking it to find something impossible."

    The realization was frustrating, but it brought clarity. He spent the next half hour methodically testing his theory, experimenting with various combinations of materials. Each test confirmed his hypothesis¡ªhis ability''s pull aligned perfectly with the dungeon type that matched the materials.

    "I''ll need to visit three separate dungeons, then," he concluded, drumming his fingers against the desk. It wasn''t ideal, but at least now he had a clear path forward. Of the three dungeon types, the fire-based forest seemed the most approachable. According to the recipe, he needed one liter of Emberhorn resin and five kilograms of Fireleaf¡ªquantities that, while substantial, shouldn''t prove too overwhelming.

    Grasping his amulet, Avince closed his eyes and directed his ability toward finding a fire-based forest dungeon. The pull was immediate and strong, like a rope tugging at his consciousness. He took a deep, steadying breath, mentally preparing himself for what lay ahead.

    The transition into a dungeon was always peculiar¡ªlike stepping through a curtain of pure energy that blurred the boundaries between the real and the imaginary. When Avince opened his eyes, he found himself standing in a forest that defied ordinary description.

    Colossal trees surrounded him, their trunks as wide as small houses. Their bark was a deep blackened red, like cooling lava, with veins of ember pulsing beneath the surface in hypnotic patterns. Leaves the color of molten gold swayed in the hot, dry air, creating a metallic rustling sound. The ground beneath his feet crackled with each step, small wisps of smoke rising from his footprints. The atmosphere was thick with the scent of smoke and sweet sap, while the distant roar of flames provided a constant backdrop, like the breathing of some massive beast.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Avince inhaled deeply, feeling the heat of the fire-based forest wash over him in waves. His eyes swept across the towering trees, and for a brief moment, he was caught off guard. They''re massive¡ªway bigger than what I saw online. Despite his research on the emberhorn trees, nothing had prepared him for the sheer scale of this place.

    Retrieving a sharp, well-maintained axe from his storage space, he approached one of the smaller Emberhorn trees. The familiar weight of the tool¡ªone he''d watched his father use countless times to cut wood for their fireplace¡ªbrought comfort in this alien environment. Heat radiated from the tree''s surface like an open furnace, its bark pulsing with inner light as thick resin oozed slowly from various points, catching the fiery light and transforming it into amber-like jewels.

    "Well, here goes," Avince muttered, adjusting his grip on the axe handle as he reinforced it with mana. Following the technique he''d learned from online videos about collecting emberhorn resin, he swung the axe. The blade sank into the tree with a satisfying thunk that reverberated through his arms. However, chopping proved more challenging than anticipated¡ªdespite the embers glowing within its bark, the wood was incredibly dense and resistant, fighting against each strike. Sweat poured down his face as he continued his assault, the rhythmic swings of the axe echoing through the fiery forest like a woodpecker''s determined percussion.

    Finally, after what felt like hours, the tree released a deep, resonant groan. Avince stepped back, watching with a mixture of satisfaction and awe as the massive trunk began to lean. It toppled to the ground with an earthshaking crash that sent a cascade of embers spiraling into the air. He leaned against his axe for a moment, catching his breath and wiping his brow, before pulling several sturdy containers from his storage space.

    Kneeling beside the fallen tree, Avince carefully examined the sap pockets where the Emberhorn resin oozed. The heat rising from the trunk made his face flush, but he pressed on, using a small, razor-sharp chisel to precisely puncture the sap reservoirs. The resin flowed freely into his containers, its consistency reminiscent of honey but with an inner light that made it appear alive. Even through his heat-resistant gloves, he could feel the warmth of the liquid as he worked.

    "These sell for 15,000 Alliance Credits per liter," Avince remarked quietly, still amazed by the value of what he was collecting. "No harm in getting a bit extra, especially given the effort it took to gather them."

    He continued his methodical work, moving from tree to tree with growing confidence. By the time he finished, he''d filled twenty containers, each holding five liters of the precious resin. While it far exceeded what he needed for his potion, the potential value made the extra effort worthwhile.

    With the resin secured, Avince turned his attention to the Fireleaf. The golden, glowing leaves shimmered enticingly on the branches of the remaining Emberhorn trees, their edges rimmed with a deep crimson that seemed to pulse with inner fire. At 25,000 Alliance Credits per kilo, they were even more valuable than the resin. Drawing upon his magical abilities, he created controlled gusts of wind, carefully modulating the strength to pluck the Fireleaf from the branches without damaging their delicate structures. The leaves swirled around him in a mesmerizing dance, like a tornado of living flame, before settling gently into the prepared containers. The process proved harder than expected¡ªsometimes the wind grew too strong, damaging the leaves.

    When he finished, Avince had collected approximately thirty containers of Fireleaf. Some were definitely damaged, but that shouldn''t reduce their effectiveness, though the exact weight remained uncertain. He surveyed his collection with satisfaction, wiping away the sweat that had accumulated on his brow despite the heat-resistant enchantments on his clothing.

    Of course, as with all dungeon expeditions, the peaceful gathering couldn''t last forever.

    The ground beneath his feet began to tremble, and from the shadows of the forest emerged a group of burning treants. Their wooden bodies were wreathed in constant flame, hollow eyes burning with malevolent intelligence as they fixed their gaze upon him. Avince tightened his grip on his axe, which he''d cleverly infused with ice magic to extend its reach and add an elemental advantage¡ªa modification that had already proved useful in chopping the trees.

    "Let''s see how well this works on you guys," he said, swinging the ice-imbued axe toward the nearest treant. The weapon sliced through the creature with surprising ease, the ice magic extinguishing its flames and leaving behind nothing but a steaming, lifeless husk.

    The remaining treants proved minimal challenge, their high E-rank status making them more of a nuisance than a genuine threat. Avince methodically dispatched them one by one, the ice-enhanced axe providing a significant tactical advantage. As he fought, he found himself experimenting with his ice manipulation, attempting to shape it into more complex forms inspired by his cousin Mark''s techniques. While his attempts were rough and unpolished, he could feel the potential for growth in each swing.

    After dealing with the treant threat, Avince decided to press forward and complete the dungeon. His primary objectives¡ªthe resin and leaves¡ªwere secured, but his adventurer''s instinct told him to see the task through to its conclusion. Besides, it would provide an easier way to find an exit portal.

    As he pressed deeper into the dungeon, the environment grew more intense. The heat rose to nearly unbearable levels, and the forest became increasingly dense, the trees pressing closer together like soldiers closing ranks. Sweat dripped from his brow despite his best efforts to endure. At one point, Avince retrieved a cold water bottle from his storage space, one he had brought specifically to prepare for the dungeon''s oppressive heat. He took a long, refreshing sip before pulling out a bag of ice and pressing it against his forehead. The brief chill provided some relief, but he knew it wouldn''t last long.

    Eventually, he reached the dungeon''s boss chamber¡ªa massive clearing dominated by a fire treant that dwarfed its lesser kin. Its bark glowed like fresh magma, and while its movements were slow and deliberate, each step shook the ground with tremendous force.

    "High D-rank, huh?" Avince muttered, rolling his shoulders to release the tension that had built up. "Let''s get this over with."

    Channeling his mana, he transformed his right hand into silver as he formed a gleaming Ice Lance. The spell shimmered with frost, its surface crackling with concentrated magical energy as he took careful aim at the massive treant. With a fluid motion, he launched the lance toward his target. The projectile struck true, piercing through the creature''s massive chest and instantly extinguishing its fiery core in a spectacular display of elemental conflict. The giant treant released a deep, resonant groan as it collapsed, its massive body crumbling into ash and leaving behind a single, softly glowing nature core.

    Avince approached the remains and picked up the core, turning it over in his hands with a slight frown. Nature cores, especially those dropped by mid-tier monsters, weren''t particularly valuable in the current market. However, as he examined it more closely, he noticed a faint, flickering warmth within¡ªthe unmistakable presence of fire mana intertwined with its natural energy.

    He furrowed his brows. A hybrid core? That was uncommon. The combination of elements could either increase its value due to its rarity or decrease it if it was considered unstable and harder to refine. He wasn''t sure which, but it was better than leaving empty-handed. With a thoughtful hum, he carefully stored the core away alongside his other gathered materials.

    Standing in the now-quiet chamber, surrounded by the evidence of his successful expedition, Avince allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He''d not only gathered the materials he needed but had also turned a potential profit in the process¡ªassuming he could find a way to sell them. As he prepared to leave the dungeon, his mind was already turning to the next challenge: the volcanic caverns where he would need to search for the Ignis core.

 Chapter 56

    Avince exhaled slowly, his fingers absently tracing the smooth surface of the amulet that hung around his neck. He was preparing to use his ability again, but this time there was an edge of anticipation in his movements. The next material he needed was the Ignis Core¡ªthe most crucial component of the potion according to the recipe. While the Fireleaf and Emberhorn resin had been conveniently found in the same location, this next item would prove more challenging, as it could only be obtained from killing monsters.

    Taking another deep breath, he closed his eyes and settled into a comfortable stance. His consciousness reached out like tendrils of thought searching through space, gently nudging his ability toward dungeons where Ignis Cores might be found. The response was almost immediate¡ªa powerful pull that made his spiritual sense tingle. His consciousness latched onto a dungeon entrance with great precision, and suddenly, his mind was flooded with impressions of what lay within.

    A molten cavern materialized in his mind''s eye¡ªa place where the very air shimmered with heat. Rivers of lava carved paths through ancient stone, their golden-red glow casting dancing shadows on crystalline walls. The concentration of fire mana was so thick it felt almost liquid, pressing against his spiritual senses like a physical weight.

    His brow furrowed as recognition sparked in his mind.

    The familiar pressure of the dungeon''s aura stirred some recent memories¡ªvivid recollections of a time when he and his father had ventured into the volcanic region of Ignis. The similarity was uncanny. Could his ability have somehow connected him to one of the dungeons in that same region? The magical signature certainly matched what he remembered of that dangerous place.

    Just as he was about to fully commit to the transfer, allowing his ability to pull him inside, his instincts screamed a warning. Something felt wrong. The dungeon''s presence wasn''t just overwhelming because of its environmental conditions¡ªthere was something else, something that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

    Knowing when to trust his instinct, Avince forcefully halted the transfer process, his fingers clenching as he fought against the pull. Instead of retreating completely, he pushed his ability further, trying to get a more detailed read of the dungeon''s essence. It was like attempting to swim through wet sand¡ªeach spiritual step forward required intense concentration and effort. But after several minutes of careful probing, the issue revealed itself with crystal clarity.

    This wasn''t just any dungeon. This was a B-rank dungeon¡ªand a particularly powerful one at that.

    His expression darkened as the implications sank in. "Damn," he muttered under his breath.

    B-rank dungeons were entirely different beasts from what he typically dealt with. They were the kind of places where even small mistakes could prove fatal. The memory of his previous experience with his father in such a dungeon rose unbidden¡ªa stark reminder of just how dangerous these places could be. Even with his current strength, entering one without proper preparation would be foolish at best, suicidal at worst.

    Instinctively, he tried to redirect his ability, searching for a weaker dungeon that might still contain the Ignis core. But it was futile¡ªlike trying to grab smoke with bare hands. No matter how he adjusted his focus or changed his approach, no alternatives presented themselves.

    Frowning, he pulled out his phone and began a thorough research. It didn''t take long to confirm what he had begun to suspect: Ignis Cores were exclusively obtained from B-rank or higher fire-type monsters. They weren''t simply monster cores¡ªthey were specialized mutations that only occurred when powerful fire monsters were exposed to concentrated lava mana over extended periods. The realization explained why his ability couldn''t locate an easier alternative¡ªthere simply weren''t any lower-ranked dungeons that could produce what he needed.

    He clicked his tongue in frustration. "Well, that''s certainly an issue." He ran a hand through his hair, considering his options. "Guess I''ll have to tackle this one later."

    With no other choice, he shifted his focus to the remaining two materials on his list¡ªthe Flame Serpent Scale and the Sunbloom Flower. Perhaps he could at least make progress with those while he figured out how to handle the B-rank dungeon situation.

    Once again, he reached out with his ability, this time seeking a dungeon where both materials could be found. The shift was immediate and dramatic¡ªthe oppressive heat of the lava dungeon gave way to a different kind of warmth. As the new location came into focus, an endless expanse of rolling dunes stretched before him beneath a merciless sun, the sand glittering like countless tiny mirrors under the harsh sunlight.

    Before taking his first step into this new environment, he conducted a quick search on his phone, determined not to walk in blind. To his surprise, he found the exact dungeon listed online. The information was reassuring¡ªthe dungeon¡¯s boss was a Desert Anaconda, an early C-rank monster. The rest of the dungeon''s inhabitants consisted mainly of D-rank desert scorpions and fire serpents, all well within his capabilities to handle.

    Yet, this discovery only deepened his suspicion. Had his ability found another dungeon that existed in his world?

    Shaking off the thought for now, he activated his ability once more, getting a rough sense of the dungeon¡¯s layout. Though the dunes stretched endlessly in every direction, he could feel a subtle pull guiding him toward his objectives. With his path clear, he set off across the desert.

    The first engagement came quickly. A group of desert scorpions burst from beneath the sand, their chitinous bodies nearly invisible against the golden backdrop. But thanks to his ability, Avince sensed their presence before they could spring their ambush. As the creatures lunged, he reacted instantly¡ªhis right hand shifted, flesh flowing like quicksilver until it was completely covered in a metallic sheen.Stolen story; please report.

    Even with the silver transformation to increase his control and attempt to dampen his power, he could feel his magic straining against his control as he channeled it. The lightning bolt he cast was still more powerful than he''d intended, shattering the scorpions'' carapaces with explosive force rather than the clean strikes he''d aimed for.

    "Still too much," he muttered, flexing his silver-coated fingers. Despite his efforts to moderate his strength, his magic remained difficult to fine-tune. At least the creatures were defeated, even if not as elegantly as he''d hoped.

    He took a moment to collect the fallen scorpions. Each of their sacs only contained a few drops of poison, but at one million Alliance Credits per liter, it was worth the effort. He carefully stored the intact bodies in his storage space.

    As he continued his trek across the dunes, he encountered his next targets¡ªfire serpents. Their bodies glowed like living embers as they slithered across the sand, leaving trails of heat-warped glass in their wake. These were the creatures he needed for their scales..

    Unfortunately, the market for fire serpent scales was nonexistent. It seems like alchemy and forging experts still haven¡¯t found any use of them. Their meat, while edible, wasn¡¯t particularly valuable either, selling for a mere 250 Alliance credits per kilogram.

    Before engaging each group, he would transform his hand to silver, the metallic sheen reflecting the desert sun. Despite this precaution, his spells still packed more punch than necessary. What should have been precise strikes often resulted in unnecessarily powerful bolts that left small patches of glass where they struck the sand.

    He collected the serpents'' entire corpses, knowing that proper harvesting required expertise he didn''t possess. Better to preserve the materials intact than risk ruining valuable resources through inexperience.

    Along his path, he discovered additional materials. Clusters of Spindlethorn Cacti dotted the landscape, their water-filled flesh worth five hundred Alliance Credits each. While not especially valuable, their practical utility made them worth collecting as they allow a fully grown man to not need water for a day. He also found patches of Fireblooms, their vibrant red petals adding splashes of color to the monotonous desert landscape. Though similar in appearance to the Sunbloom he sought, these common flowers were worth only five hundred credits each compared to the Sunbloom''s half-million credit value.

    Hours passed as he made his way through the desert, his ability steadily guiding him toward the oasis where the Sunbloom would be found. The sun beat down mercilessly, but he maintained a steady pace, gathering resources as he went.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity of trudging through sand, he crested a dune and saw it¡ªa large body of water shimmering like a mirror in the desert heat. The oasis. And with it, the certainty that the dungeon''s boss was near.

    Avince approached cautiously, his hand already slowly transforming into silver as he prepared himself. He felt the air pressure change, and the water''s surface rippled ominously. He barely had time to brace himself before a massive snake erupted from the depths.

    The Desert Anaconda burst forth in a spray of water, its scales shimmering like molten bronze in the harsh sunlight. Its body was easily as thick as a mature tree trunk, and its length, nearly 15 meters, seemed to go on forever as it rose higher and higher into the air. This was what the C-rank monster looked like¡ªimpressive, but not overwhelming

    The serpent''s hiss filled the air like steam escaping a pressure valve as it coiled its massive body, preparing to strike. Avince remained calm, channeling mana through his silver-coated hand, trying to moderate the flow of power.

    The anaconda struck with frightening speed, but Avince was ready. He raised his transformed hand, and despite his attempt at restraint, he felt his magic surge forth with tremendous force. The lightning bolt that emerged was far more powerful than he''d intended, crackling through the air with the sound of a thousand birds taking flight.

    The spell struck the serpent directly in its open maw, and the effect was spectacular¡ªperhaps too spectacular. The anaconda''s entire body lit up like a lightning rod, electricity arcing between its scales as it convulsed violently. The smell of charred flesh filled the air, and in less than a second, the mighty creature crashed to the sand, its body still smoking from the overwhelming force of the attack.

    Avince stared at his silver hand, flexing the fingers with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "Still can''t get it quite right," he muttered. Even with the transformation, his power was proving difficult to rein in. What should have been a clean kill had turned into something approaching overkill.

    With the boss defeated, he turned his attention to his true objective. There, in the heart of the oasis, surrounded by crystal-clear water, stood a single Sunbloom Flower. Its petals seemed to capture and amplify the desert sunlight, creating a gentle golden glow that made the half-million credit price tag seem almost reasonable.

    He spared a glance at the massive corpse of the Desert Anaconda. Unfortunately, it held little value¡ªits meat could be sold for a mere 500 Alliance credits per kilo, hardly worth the effort of processing and selling. Sighing, he attempted to store the massive serpent in his storage space, only to feel resistance. The sheer size of the creature strained the limits of his spatial storage, making it clear that forcing it inside would be more trouble than it was worth.

    However, his gaze shifted to the anaconda¡¯s fangs¡ªmassive, curved, and unsurprisingly sharp. He recalled that a pair of Desert Anaconda fangs could fetch well over 100,000 Alliance credits. Now that was worth the effort.

    Retrieving his axe, he set to work. With practiced precision, he carefully extracted both fangs before leaving the rest of the corpse behind.

    With the fangs secured, he turned his attention back to the Sunbloom Flower. He approached cautiously, mindful of its delicate structure. The petals shimmered under the desert sun, their golden glow seeming to respond to his presence. With steady hands, he plucked the rare flower and stored it away with even greater care than he had used for all his other gathered materials combined.

    His desert expedition was complete. But even as he prepared to leave, his thoughts lingered on the next challenge¡ªthe B-rank dungeon and the Ignis Core he still needed. That, however, was a problem for another time.

    As he prepared to leave, he took one last look at his hand, now back to its normal flesh. The metallic sheen had fully receded, but the lingering sensation of power remained, thrumming beneath his skin. With a quiet breath, he willed the transformation once more. Silver spread across his fingers, the reflective surface catching the desert sunlight in a dull gleam.

    The power thrumming through his body showed no signs of becoming easier to control even with the transformation, but at least he was making progress in finding ways to manage it. Small steps, he reminded himself, were still steps forward.

 Chapter 57

    Five million Alliance credits.

    Avince stared at his phone, its blue light casting harsh shadows across his face in the darkness. Five million for a single Ignis Core. His fingers drummed against his thigh, matching the frantic beating of his heart. With every other material already gathered, the potion was tantalizingly close, yet impossibly far.

    The Alliance Trading Center''s website showed multiple listings, most from merchants based in Ignis¡ªthe volcanic region he''d visited with his father. Memories flashed through his mind: heat waves shimmering above black rock, his father''s steady summons, the thrill of fighting powerful enemies together. His ability had found one of the dungeons in that same area. He was sure of it.

    Avince ran a hand through his tangled hair, letting out a slow breath. Five million exceeded his entire net worth. Even if he sold every last drop of Emberhorn Resin, every Fireleaf he''d collected¡ªhell, even if he added the sunbloom to the mix¡ªhe wouldn''t come close.

    "Ridiculous," he muttered, the word heavy in the quiet room.

    He switched off his phone, forcing himself to think rationally. Two paths lay before him:

    The first option was to wait. He could continue farming C-rank dungeons and then sell the materials¡ªperhaps even find a seller who wouldn¡¯t question how he had obtained them. He could store everything in his space until he found the right deal. It was the safe choice, the smart choice¡ªthe one his parents would have approved of. But with next semester''s schedule looming, how long would that really take?

    Or take the dangerous path. Get the Ignis Core now, fix his body''s deterioration immediately. The risk was clear: death in a dungeon meant soul damage, which could make his magic even more unstable. Failure would leave him worse than before.

    He paused a bit to consider. Lately, he had been one-shotting powerful enemies¡ªeven C-rank monsters. The Burning Treants had fallen like kindling before his ice magic. The Desert Anaconda, which should have a natural resistance to lightning, had died from a single concentrated strike. None had posed a real challenge. His power had grown; he could feel it thrumming beneath his skin. Could a B-rank monster even withstand a full barrage of his spells?

    He had never fought a B-rank enemy before, and alone at that. The idea was reckless. Dangerous. He remembered what their B-rank guide, Kai, had said: "The gap between C-rank and B-rank is not a small bottleneck¡ªit''s a chasm." But the memory of his recent victories burned brighter than that warning.

    The possibility sang in his blood, a siren call he couldn''t ignore. If he could find a weaker B-rank dungeon, one where he could grab an Ignis Core and escape before things got too dangerous... The plan began to form in his mind, each piece falling into place like the components of a spell.

    His mind made up, Avince activated his ability, nudging it with specific intent. The familiar sensation of his power awakening spread through him, like cool water flowing through his veins.

    Find the weakest dungeon that contains monsters that drop Ignis Cores.

    At first, he instinctively searched for C-rank dungeons, just as he had before¡ªknowing deep down that it wouldn¡¯t work. He had already confirmed that Ignis Cores didn¡¯t appear in dungeons of that level. So, reluctantly, he pushed his ability further, expanding his search.

    Find the weakest B-rank dungeon.

    It took longer than usual, as if his ability was sifting through countless possibilities. Then¡ªthere it was.

    A familiar, searing heat flooded his senses¡ªthe burning air, the shifting magma flows, the oppressive weight of a dungeon steeped in fire mana. The place was nearly identical to the first volcanic dungeon he had entered. But something about it made the hair on his neck stand up.

    It was weaker than the first one, but only barely.

    Before proceeding, he stopped his ability and did what he should have done first¡ªresearch.

    Pulling up his phone again, he searched through dungeon records, cross-referencing the terrain, mana signature, and general layout his ability had shown him. The blue light reflected in his eyes as he dove deeper. After three hours, his neck cramping from the hunched position, he found it.

    It was a known B-rank dungeon, classified as high-risk. The monsters inside were mainly humanoid lava creatures, similar to the Living Armors he had fought alongside his father, but instead of metal, these were forged from molten rock and raw fire mana, their bodies hardened by volcanic minerals. The description warned of their ability to regenerate from most injuries¡ªtheir cores needed to be completely shattered for a true kill.

    According to records, the standard creatures inside were middle C-rank, but the boss was a solid mid B-rank¡ªfar stronger than anything Avince had faced alone. Reports spoke of an entire low B-rank team being wiped out, retreating with severe burns and massive injuries.

    More importantly, the records confirmed what he needed to know:

    Ignis Cores did not drop from regular monsters.

    They only came from mutated variants¡ªmonsters with irregular growths of fire mana, far more powerful than their normal counterparts. These mutations were rare, occurring in perhaps one out of every thousand monsters, and were invariably more dangerous than their standard counterparts.

    That meant fighting every monster he encountered would be pointless. He needed to use his ability to find a mutated one, kill it, then use his ability again to find an exit portal and leave without engaging the boss. Quick, clean, efficient.

    It was a solid plan. At least, that''s what he told himself as he checked his equipment one final time, including a spare fire cloak his father had brought him from Ignis, stored safely in his space.

    Satisfied, Avince reached for his amulet. Its smooth surface was cool against his palm, its enchantments humming softly, providing him with a constant stream of mana. He activated his ability once more, feeling the familiar surge of power.

    His vision blurred, the mana around him twisted¡ª

    And he stepped into the volcanic depths.

    The heat hit him immediately, like a physical blow. He quickly retrieved the cloak from his storage and donned it.

    A wave of scorching air rolled over him, as if he had stepped straight into an active volcano. The temperature surpassed what he had experienced before, even compared to the other fire-based dungeons he had just endured. Thick black smoke drifted through the air, rising from molten rivers that snaked between jagged obsidian formations. The ground beneath his feet was a mixture of cracked stone and solidified lava, each step radiating heat that seeped through even his fire-resistant cloak.

    Avince focused his ability, probing deeper into the dungeon. Instead of mapping the entire place, he concentrated on his goal¡ªfinding a mutated monster. But something wasn''t right. His ability felt sluggish, resistant, like casting a spell underwater. It was harder to use here compared to previous dungeons. Was it because this was a higher-ranked dungeon?

    Still, he pushed through the resistance. He felt the flow of mana shift, subtle distortions in the fabric of the dungeon itself. Several middle C-rank monsters roamed nearby, their presence like burning brands in his awareness, but he ignored them. He needed the right one.

    Minutes passed as he walked carefully, avoiding unnecessary fights. The heat intensified the deeper he went, and sweat began to soak through his clothes despite his fire-resistant cloak. Eventually¡ª

    There.

    A disturbance in the fire mana. A presence denser than the others, a conflagration compared to their flames. It was deeper in the dungeon, separated from the usual clusters of monsters, standing alone on the edge of a lava flow. The mana signature was unlike anything he''d sensed before.

    A mutated variant.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    Perfect.

    Or so he thought.

    Avince moved toward the target, his steps measured and precise. He kept his movements swift but careful, trying to suppress his mana signature. As he got closer, he caught sight of his target, and his confidence wavered for the first time.

    It was humanoid, but that''s where any resemblance to the standard lava creatures ended. Standing roughly three meters tall, its body was composed of hardened volcanic rock interwoven with glowing rivers of molten lava. Unlike the others, this one had sharp, jagged protrusions along its arms and shoulders, crystalline formations that pulsed with inner fire. Its chest housed not one, but multiple cores, all pulsing with intense, concentrated fire mana that made the air shimmer.

    Avince''s instincts screamed at him¡ªthat''s it. This was the one. But it was also far more powerful than he''d anticipated. The records had mentioned mutations, but this... this was something else entirely.

    No hesitation. You can''t afford to doubt now.

    He raised his hand, transforming it into silver, gathering mana until the air around him crackled with frozen energy. The first spell needed to count.

    "Ice Lance."

    A massive spear of frozen mana materialized and shot forward with incredible speed, larger and more powerful than any he''d cast before. It pierced straight through the monster''s chest, but instead of falling, the creature roared, its molten body flaring even hotter. The ice lance melted almost instantly, steam hissing from the wound as it slowly sealed itself.

    It didn''t die instantly.

    That was new. And very, very bad.

    The creature turned its head toward him, its molten eyes locking onto his position. In that instant, Avince grasped the sheer strength of his opponent¡ªthis wasn''t just any monster. It was an early B-rank creature, nearly as powerful as the dungeon¡¯s boss. He had walked straight into the strongest enemy he had ever faced alone.

    "Fine," Avince clicked his tongue, pushing down his rising panic. He didn''t need it to be instant, nor fast. He just needed to win.

    A burst of chilling energy exploded from his palm, coating the monster''s molten body in rapidly forming layers of ice. Steam erupted as the elements clashed, but Avince didn''t let up. He poured more mana into the spell, forcing the temperature lower and lower.

    The monster roared, the sound shaking loose stones from the ceiling. It charged forward with shocking speed, its massive form leaving trails of molten rock in its wake. Avince barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as a massive fist crashed into the ground where he''d been standing.

    He followed up with another Ice Lance, targeting what he thought was the main core. The spear struck true and the monster stumbled. The wound began healing slowly, molten rock flowing like blood to seal the breach.

    The air around them had become a battleground of extreme temperatures, steam and smoke making it difficult to see. Avince''s lungs burned with every breath, struggling against the intense heat.

    Gritting his teeth, he switched tactics. Lightning crackled at his fingertips before surging forward in a blinding arc. The bolt struck the monster''s shoulder, sending sparks dancing across its fiery form. It flinched, but its molten veins glowed even brighter, as if absorbing the energy from its surroundings.

    Not enough.

    Avince twisted his hand, sending a pulse of water magic straight into its chest, hoping to cool its core. The liquid sizzled on impact, evaporating into a cloud of steam that momentarily obscured the battlefield. He followed up by slamming his foot into the ground, channeling his mana into the earth. The soil beneath the monster turned to sludge, dragging its heavy form down.

    For a moment, it faltered¡ªone foot sinking as it struggled to pull itself free. Avince seized the opportunity, conjuring a thick wall of ice around its legs, trying to freeze it in place.

    Then, with a guttural roar, the creature exploded outward. Flames surged, shattering the ice and solidifying the ground once more. The monster''s charred flesh twisted, its wounds sealing before his eyes.

    Avince exhaled sharply. Every attack, every spell¡ªnothing stuck.

    The heat around him intensified, the very air shimmering from the creature''s burning presence. His mana reserves were draining fast, and the monster wasn''t slowing down.

    Each attack from the monster came closer than the last, its movements becoming more precise as it learned Avince''s patterns. A swing of its arm sent a wave of lava toward him. He blocked with an earth wall, but the wall disintegrated almost instantly, forcing him to cast a water barrier that sizzled against the heat.

    His mana we¡¯re getting used rapidly. The constant high-power spells, the maintaining of his protective barriers, the amount of focus he needed to predict the monster''s movements¡ªit was all taking its toll. Sweat poured down his face, his breathing became harder and harder.

    The creature seemed to sense his weakening state. It pressed its advantage, its attacks becoming more aggressive. A blast of concentrated fire caught Avince''s left side, burning through his cloak. The pain was immediate and intense, but he forced himself to keep moving.

    He followed up with a barrage of attacks, seamlessly weaving ice and water magic together. A spear of ice shot forward, piercing deep into the monster¡¯s molten body, and before it could recover, a jet of high-pressure water blasted into the wound, hissing violently as steam erupted into the air. The rapid cooling fractured the hardened lava, creating weak points that he immediately exploited with another ice lance. The monster roared in pain, its molten form struggling against the relentless assault. With each strike, its movements grew more sluggish, the cold seeping into its core, forcing it to fight against its own solidifying body.

    But something was wrong. With each wound that closed, the monster''s cores pulsed brighter. Its movements, though slower, carried more weight, more presence. The air around it began to shimmer with increasing intensity.

    No time to waste. He needed to end this now, before the monster recovered completely..

    Avince gathered his remaining mana for one final attack. Ice magic swirled around him, dropping the temperature so low that even the nearby lava flows began to cool. The monster charged forward, its body blazing like a miniature sun.

    Avince transformed his hand one last time before casting a spell.

    For a brief moment, a memory surfaced¡ªhis mother¡¯s voice guiding him through his early training. He had been so focused on mastering ice magic back then, eager to push his limits. She had taught him this spell, warning him of its intensity, of the absolute stillness it could bring.

    "Absolute Zero!"

    The spell, one he had rarely used due to its immense mana cost, consumed every last drop of his energy to instantly lower the temperature to its absolute limit. A surge of frozen power erupted from his hands.

    For a moment, everything stopped. The air itself seemed to freeze, crystals of ice forming and shattering in the same instant. The monster''s charge faltered, its blazing form dimming as frost spread across its body like a creeping plague. Avince watched, heart pounding, as the creature''s molten veins began to dim one by one.

    Ice crept over its limbs with ruthless efficiency, locking them in place. The monster''s thunderous roar turned weak, almost pitiful, as frost sealed its mouth. Its multiple cores flickered like dying embers, struggling against the encroaching cold. Deep cracks formed across its surface, a web of fractures spreading with each passing second. Steam hissed from the rapid cooling, and for the first time since the battle began, the oppressive heat from the monster began to fade.

    Avince exhaled, chest heaving, allowing himself a small smile. The spell had worked better than he''d dared to hope. He could see it in the way the creature''s glow had dimmed to almost nothing, in how its struggles grew weaker with each passing moment. Just a little more...

    Then came the sound¡ªa deep, resonating crack that shook the very air.

    The ice exploded outward in a devastating shower of fragments. Flames burst forth from the monster''s body, roaring back with renewed fury. The creature tore free of its icy prison with terrifying ease, its body blazing brighter than ever before.

    It wasn''t enough.

    The creature''s multiple cores flared simultaneously as if coming back to life, releasing a wave of heat that shattered the remaining ice and sent Avince flying backward. He slammed into a wall, his head cracking against the stone. Through blurry vision, he saw the monster approach.

    This... this was a mid B-rank power. Equal to the dungeon''s boss.

    As the creature''s burning fist descended, Avince felt a strange sensation. Death. It had been a while since he had last died in a dungeon¡ªexcept for Althiel dispersing his soul. But this felt different. He could feel his soul taking actual damage, and in those final moments, as his consciousness faded, he sensed something else¡ªhis soul pulsing with new strength as the amulet worked to heal its wounds.

    Then darkness took him, and he knew no more.

    When he awoke later in his room, his soul ached, but at least he was alive. I''m fine, he told himself, though the lingering pain suggested otherwise. He had much to think about. The potion would have to wait. The real issue was that his soul felt strange¡ªresonating oddly, as if something had shifted¡ªand his mana was becoming even harder to control.

    As he sat up, his eyes fell on his hand, where his mithril-coated ring should have been gleaming with its usual soft glow. Instead, a jagged crack ran through its surface, the once-active enchantment now utterly lifeless. With the enchantments, that thing was worth nearly a quarter million. Now? Just a broken ring.

    He groaned. "That¡¯s a quarter million down the drain

    But before he could dwell on it further, the doorbell rang.

    Who could that be? Avince muttered, pushing himself up. Then, he remembered¡ªthe Lightning Clan was supposed to send someone to teach him.

    He made his way downstairs and opened the door, only to freeze in surprise. There were two people standing outside with what looked like their whole belongings in tow. One of them was familiar.

    "Erica?" Avince asked, his brow furrowing.

    Erica gave a shy wave. "Hi."

    Beside her stood another young woman roughly around the same age as them, her black hair framing a fierce glare. Avince turned to her, his curiosity piqued.

    "And you are?" he asked.

    The girl crossed her arms, seemingly annoyed. "Katarina Surge. I''m supposed to teach you... somehow."