《Dungeon Contractor》


 Chapter 1 – The Worst Day, The Greatest Awakening

    ¡°This is insane...¡±


    Blood was everywhere¡ªon the ground, on my hands, soaking my clothes. I could barely stand, my legs shaking like they were about to give out.


    Cold, damp air pressed down on me from every direction, making it hard to breathe, let alone think.


    I collapsed next to the lifeless body of a teammate, my legs trembling too much to stand any longer.


    Sure, I was an E-rank hunter, but even calling myself that felt like a stretch. To someone like me, this dungeon was too deep, too dark, and way out of my league.


    The Abyss of the Dead.


    Even seasoned hunters avoided it like the plague¡ªa twisted dimension where space warped, time slipped away, and finding an exit was a mere gamble.


    I had no business being here.


    But my greed had lured me into following B-rank and C-rank hunters, hoping to scavenge a share of the spoils from their leftovers.


    My selfish ambition was the problem.


    And now I was the only one left alive.


    ¡°Damn it...¡±


    I braced myself on a puddle of blood to stand, the sticky liquid clinging to me like a second skin.


    The severed arm of a C-rank hunter caught my eye as I moved, and I couldn¡¯t help but click my tongue in frustration, quickly averting my gaze. But even then, I could still see the other bodies at the edge of my vision.


    This wasn¡¯t just a dangerous area. It was a whole other dimension. A true abyss.


    And yet...


    ¡°I can¡¯t die here...¡±


    Gripping the bloodstained dagger in my hand, I forced myself to stay upright. I didn¡¯t know what I could do with this knife, but letting go of it would mean the end.


    Then it came.


    A deep rumble echoed through the ground.


    Thud... Thud...


    I froze.


    ¡°Damn it... Are there still monsters left?¡±


    Fear clawed its way up my spine as I ducked behind a corpse, suppressing my trembling breaths.


    That¡¯s when I saw it¡ªdark shadows creeping from the cracks in the ground.


    It wasn¡¯t just any darkness. It writhed like living tendrils, slithering toward me with sinister intent.


    One of them coiled around my ankle.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    I kicked at it instinctively, but it didn¡¯t budge.


    The shadow climbed higher, crawling up my leg and wrapping around my waist.


    Cold. So cold it burned.


    It slithered over my back, sending shivers up my spine and stealing the breath from my lungs.


    I thought I was done for.


    But then, just before I screamed, a strange message appeared before my eyes.


    [Special Awakening has begun.]


    A searing pain shot up my spine and into my skull like lightning.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Every nerve in my body felt like it was on fire, frozen in agony.


    And yet... deep within the chaos, I felt something stir.


    Something dark.


    Something powerful.


    Words began to flood my mind: Corruption. Domination.


    [The Power of Corruption has chosen you.]


    [Special Skill ¨C Hand of Domination awakened.]


    [Condition: The more you corrupt, the stronger you become.]


    I couldn¡¯t help but laugh bitterly.


    ¡°A system message? Seriously? Now?¡±


    But my body wasn¡¯t laughing. It moved on its own.


    The shadows that had once threatened to devour me recoiled, as if bowing to my presence.


    And then, something surged from deep within me¡ªa raw, overwhelming power that filled every fiber of my being.


    For the first time, I felt alive.


    ¡°Is this... an awakening?¡±


    That¡¯s when I saw her.


    Long, flowing black hair, skin pale as the moon, and crimson eyes that glowed with an unnatural light.


    Her black dress swirled around her like the shadows themselves welcomed her.


    She looked like a queen of this abyss.


    ¡°You...¡± Her voice was low, almost melodic. ¡°You woke me up.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    She didn¡¯t just belong to this darkness. She commanded it.


    And yet, behind her regal aura, I caught glimpses of something else. A faint loneliness. An insatiable hunger.


    My hand reached out instinctively, but a warning blared in my head.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening to me? This isn¡¯t normal...¡±


    Domination. Corruption.


    The words echoed again.


    Something within me was changing.


    Something I couldn¡¯t control.


    She smiled faintly, a smile as empty as it was beautiful.


    ¡°You...¡± She tilted her head, her crimson eyes narrowing. ¡°How did an E-rank like you survive here?¡±


    I wanted to crumble at her question.


    But instead, anger bubbled within me.


    This power surging through me¡ªit wouldn¡¯t let me cower.


    Clenching my dagger, I forced a smirk.


    ¡°Name¡¯s Hyunwoo. E-rank or not, I¡¯ve made it this far.¡±


    She studied me, her gaze sharp and calculating.


    ¡°Do you want to survive?¡±


    Her words sent my heart racing.


    Of course, I wanted to survive.


    But the way she said it¡ªit sounded like a test.


    Or a challenge.


    [Urgent Quest: Survive. Escape the Abyss, or embrace the power entirely.]


    Escape or... embrace?


    As the footsteps of something massive echoed closer, the choice loomed over me.


    I clenched my jaw.


    ¡°Fine... I¡¯ll embrace it.¡±


    Power surged through my veins, dark and fiery, as if my very blood had turned to shadow.


    She approached me, smiling, her voice smooth yet razor-sharp.


    ¡°Remember my name. I¡¯m Elena Blackmoon.¡±


    Her glowing red eyes pierced into mine.


    And in that moment, I knew.


    I wasn¡¯t the same anymore.


    The worst day of my life?


    Maybe.


    Or perhaps...


    It was the day I truly began to live.

 Chapter 2 – The First Contract

    Chapter 2 ¨C The First Contract


    ¡°This is insane¡­¡±


    Elena¡¯s sharp voice snapped me out of my daze.


    ¡°Hyunwoo, Move. Now.¡±


    I stumbled forward, doing my best not to trip over the corpses scattered across the dungeon floor. Meanwhile, Elena moved effortlessly through the dark, like this place was her personal domain. Her long black hair blended into the shadows, making her look less like a person and more like a part of the abyss itself.


    ¡®She says she was a hunter¡­ but is she even human anymore?¡¯


    I hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°Elena¡­ what are you? You said you were a hunter, right?¡±


    She didn¡¯t even glance back as she answered.


    ¡°I was. But after this dungeon swallowed me whole, my fate changed.¡±


    Her voice was calm, but something about the way her shoulders tensed told me not to push further.


    Then, out of nowhere, a system message flashed before my eyes.


    [Target: Elena Blackmoon]


    [Status: Mentally Unstable / Partially Corrupted]


    [Chance of Domination: 68%]


    [Condition: Establish Domination Contract to share partial abilities]


    ¡°¡­Domination? Contract?¡±


    I frowned. This was similar to the messages from before, but now it looked like I had a success rate¡ªas if I was in some kind of game, trying to persuade an NPC.


    I didn¡¯t have time to think too much about it.


    Elena suddenly stopped in her tracks.


    ¡°Wait. Something¡¯s coming.¡±


    A scratching noise echoed from deeper in the dungeon.


    Then came the unmistakable sound of something crawling closer.


    Elena¡¯s expression hardened.


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s still here?¡±


    As soon as she muttered those words, a monstrous figure emerged from the swirling black mist.


    Five elongated arms clattered against the dungeon walls, each ending in razor-sharp claws.


    One look at it, and I knew.


    This was the thing that wiped out our entire party. A Servant of the Abyss.


    I froze. My body refused to move.


    ¡°Get back!¡±


    Elena shouted as she conjured a storm of crimson energy, launching a barrage of magic bolts toward the creature. But it was fast¡ªtoo fast. It scuttled across the walls and ceiling, dodging every attack with inhuman precision.


    Then, it struck back.


    Its claws lashed out like whips, forcing Elena on the defensive. Even she wasn¡¯t able to dodge everything. Her movements were just slightly off, as if something was slowing her down.


    ¡®She¡¯s still not at full strength¡­¡¯


    I tightened my grip on my dagger, my hands trembling. There¡¯s no way we¡¯re winning this fight like this.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    That¡¯s when another message appeared.


    [¡®Hand of Domination¡¯ Activated.]


    [Subjugate the target, or corrupt yourself to draw more power.]


    Subjugate¡­


    Elena let out a sharp gasp as the creature¡¯s claws raked across her side.


    She collapsed to one knee, her breathing ragged.


    Her crimson eyes flickered, her magic barely holding on.


    If she fell now, I was dead too.


    Without thinking, I rushed forward, grabbing her before she hit the ground.


    ¡°Elena! Stay with me!¡±


    Her black dress was soaked, though I couldn¡¯t tell if it was from blood or the abyss itself.


    ¡°¡­Move, Hyunwoo. This is¡­ my fight.¡±


    She struggled to speak, but the monster screeched and lunged at us again.


    At that moment, something inside me snapped.


    A surge of dark energy erupted within me, and a single thought crashed into my mind.


    If I take control¡­ If I blind her¡­ I can share her power.


    And that meant¡­ we might actually survive this.


    ¡°Elena, trust me. No, you don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    Before she could resist, I cupped her face with both hands.


    Her crimson eyes widened in shock.


    The monster lunged.


    And I activated Hand of Domination.


    Blood-red energy pulsed from my fingertips, wrapping around Elena like chains.


    My consciousness was yanked into a different plane.


    A space filled with swirling red mist.


    At the center, a shadowed figure with wings loomed¡ªit was her.


    Elena stood there, tears brimming in her eyes.


    Her entire being radiated rage, sorrow, and despair.


    ¡°How dare you¡­¡±


    Her voice echoed, laced with fury.


    Bolts of crimson lightning streaked toward me. The pain was unbearable, but I stood my ground.


    ¡°You know this isn¡¯t how it ends,¡± I gritted out.


    ¡°We can¡¯t die here.¡±


    I reached out toward her, my entire body screaming in agony.


    Domination wasn¡¯t just about taking control.


    It was about guiding the corruption.


    ¡°Elena¡­ if we want to live, you have to accept me.¡±


    Her crimson gaze wavered.


    For the first time, I saw a flicker of hesitation.


    Then¡ª


    A whisper.


    ¡°¡­Save me.¡±


    The moment those words left her lips, the magic around us shifted.


    The red mist coiled around her, forming a magic circle beneath our feet.


    A system notification blared in my mind.


    [Domination Contract Initiated.]


    [Target: Elena Blackmoon]


    A brilliant light exploded, and suddenly I was back in reality.


    Elena was trembling in my arms.


    A faint, blood-red aura linked us, circling our bodies like chains.


    And then, I felt it.


    A connection.


    I could sense her pain, her exhaustion¡­ and her hunger for something more.


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re insane,¡± she whispered.


    But unlike before, her voice wasn¡¯t filled with hostility.


    Instead, it carried something softer¡ªresignation.


    ¡°Yeah. I know,¡± I said, panting.


    She lowered her gaze for a moment before meeting my eyes again.


    There was uncertainty in her stare.


    And something else¡­ something dangerous.


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t understand how an E-rank like you has this power.¡±


    ¡°Me neither,¡± I admitted. ¡°But one thing¡¯s for sure¡­ we¡¯re connected now.¡±


    A final system message appeared before my eyes.


    [Contract Complete ¨C Target: Elena Blackmoon]


    [Mana Link Established]


    [Loyalty increases over time ¨C Additional abilities unlockable.]


    Loyalty?


    I frowned at the wording, but there was no time to think.


    We had to get out of here.


    I held out my hand to her.


    Elena hesitated before finally accepting it.


    Her fingers were ice-cold, but beneath them, I felt a strange, lingering warmth.


    ¡°¡­From now on, we survive together,¡± she murmured.


    I nodded.


    Not just to escape this abyss.


    Not just to stay alive.


    But because I knew¡ªthis was only the beginning.


    The power of corruption. The Hand of Domination.


    If I mastered this ability, no one would ever look down on me again.


    But deep down, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling.


    A whisper of doubt gnawed at my mind.


    Will I be the one in control¡­ or will I become the thing I fear most?


    And as for Elena¡­


    Would she ever truly be mine?


    Either way, I had no choice.


    Even if this path led me straight to becoming the villain¡­


    I was going to survive.


    And I was going to rule.

 Chapter 3 – A New Threat, The Trial of Domination

    Chapter 3 ¨C A New Threat, The Trial of Domination


    ¡°No way¡­¡±


    My breathing was finally settling, but the dungeon still felt thick with tension.


    The crimson mist that had once filled the air had thinned, but traces of it still lingered, seeping into the cracks of the stone walls like living shadows.


    I forced myself to stand, my legs still shaky.


    Elena was kneeling beside me, catching her breath, her head lowered.


    The fading remnants of the blood-red magic circle swirled around her, dissolving into the air.


    The contract was complete.


    I could feel it¡ªpower coursing through me, something new, something dark.


    But there was no time to get lost in that sensation.


    Thud¡­ Thud¡­


    A heavy vibration echoed from deep within the dungeon.


    A cold sweat ran down my back.


    Another monster had just woken up.


    Elena stiffened, her lips parting slightly as she muttered,


    ¡°¡­I didn¡¯t think the dungeon would react this quickly.¡±


    Before she could say more, the ground shook violently beneath us.


    The vibrations grew stronger, and a deep metallic rumble filled the air, ringing in my skull.


    Something huge was coming up from below.


    ¡°Elena.¡±


    I stood up, looking her way.


    She was already pushing herself to her feet, her crimson eyes sharp with focus despite the exhaustion clinging to her limbs.


    ¡°Our contract¡­ it¡¯s real now.¡±


    My voice was low but firm.


    We might not fully trust each other yet, but right now, we had to fight together.


    Elena¡¯s fingers twitched as she gripped her sword.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea.


    I¡¯m not completely submitting to your power.¡±


    Her tone was cold, but there was no real resistance in it.


    Good enough.


    For now, we had to deal with whatever was coming.


    ROOOOOAAAARR!


    A monstrous roar shook the dungeon like an earthquake.


    I turned, eyes locking onto the source of the sound.


    A massive armored figure rose from the depths, emerging like a nightmare come to life.


    A system message flickered at the edge of my vision.


    [Guardian of the Dead]


    A chill ran through me.


    It was humanoid, but something was wrong¡ªthick red mist oozed between the gaps in its enormous armor, filling the air with an eerie glow.


    The sheer pressure radiating off it was on another level.


    ¡°This thing¡­ it¡¯s like a mid-tier dungeon boss.¡±


    Elena murmured, her grip tightening around her sword.


    I didn¡¯t need to be told twice.


    Even without a system prompt, I could feel it¡ªthis was different from the monsters we had faced before.


    ¡°Get ready,¡± I said, crimson energy flickering to life in my hands.


    ¡°The dungeon isn¡¯t going to let us go that easily.¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t reply, but I could see her preparing a spell, blood-red magic swirling around her blade.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.The cracked stone beneath us pulsed with an ominous glow as if responding to the creature¡¯s presence.


    BOOM!


    The Guardian swung its massive sword, shattering the ground on impact.


    I barely dodged in time, the force sending jagged shards of stone flying.


    Holy shit¡­


    That thing wasn¡¯t just strong.


    It was ridiculously tanky.


    ¡°This thing¡¯s defenses are insane,¡± Elena shouted as she slashed forward, sending a crimson arc of energy toward it.


    The Guardian blocked the attack with ease.


    The force threw Elena backward, her boots scraping against the stone floor as she struggled to regain balance.


    I saw my chance.


    I thrust my hand forward, activating my skill.


    [Hand of Domination ¨C Forced Restraint]


    Crimson chains burst from the air, latching onto the Guardian¡¯s massive arm¡ª


    And snapped instantly.


    I froze.


    It just¡­ broke through?


    A cold realization hit me.


    This thing wasn¡¯t like the last monster I restrained.


    It wasn¡¯t something that could be easily dominated.


    ¡°Damn it¡­ this is bad.¡±


    If this dungeon was truly testing me as a ruler, then this Guardian¡­


    This thing was the gatekeeper.


    And we were about to get crushed.


    ¡°Elena!¡±


    I barked her name, and she immediately moved closer, her breath ragged.


    The crimson mist around the Guardian twisted and pulsed, reacting to the presence of my magic.


    ¡°This fight is going nowhere.


    We need to¡ª¡±


    I hesitated.


    There was only one way to turn the tide.


    ¡°¡­I need your power.¡±


    Elena¡¯s crimson eyes flickered with recognition.


    She knew exactly what I meant.


    Sharing magic.


    It wasn¡¯t just borrowing power.


    It was merging it.


    Her expression twisted in irritation, but she didn¡¯t refuse.


    ¡°¡­Tch. I didn¡¯t expect it to come to this.¡±


    Despite her complaints, she reached out.


    Her fingers brushed against my hand, and immediately¡ª


    A pulse of power erupted between us.


    It felt like my body had just plugged into a second heart.


    Her corruption and my domination collided, igniting like fire meeting oil.


    BOOOOOOM!


    The Guardian swung again, its attack splitting the ground open.


    But this time, I didn¡¯t dodge.


    I clenched my fist, channeling the newfound surge of magic.


    For the first time, I didn¡¯t feel like I was borrowing power.


    I was controlling it.


    I shaped it into a spear of blood-red light, the energy crackling with violent force.


    ¡°This power you¡¯ve endured¡­¡±


    I muttered, feeling the weight of Elena¡¯s strength mixing with mine.


    ¡°¡­Now it¡¯s mine to wield.¡±


    The air shattered as the spear materialized in my grip, glowing with the raw essence of domination.


    [Authority of Domination ¨C Final Judgment]


    I hurled it forward.


    The Guardian lifted its sword, trying to block¡ª


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    The spear pierced straight through.


    A deafening roar echoed as the creature¡¯s massive armor cracked and shattered, dissolving into black mist.


    It was over.


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s done.¡±


    Elena exhaled, still gripping her sword tightly.


    Her body trembled slightly, but her eyes remained sharp, scanning for any remaining threats.


    I finally let my magic fade, turning to look at her.


    Her once-perfect dress was torn in places, revealing faint scars and scratches.


    She had been pushing herself to the limit this entire time.


    And yet¡ª


    Her crimson eyes still burned with defiance.


    Even injured, she refused to show weakness.


    She wiped a trace of blood from her cheek, her hand twitching slightly from exhaustion, but she refused to let it show.


    I stepped closer.


    The contract was real.


    We were connected now.


    But I knew¡ªthis wasn¡¯t true domination.


    She wasn¡¯t completely mine.


    Not yet.


    ¡°¡­You said we¡¯d work together.¡±


    I spoke slowly, watching her reaction.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot I¡¯ll need you for.¡±


    Elena scoffed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself.


    I¡¯m only going along with this because I have no other choice.¡±


    She spoke like she was resisting¡ª


    But she didn¡¯t pull away.


    Her body leaned slightly toward me, almost unconsciously.


    She could fight it all she wanted, but deep down, her instincts already knew.


    The connection between us was real.


    Our eyes met.


    Her crimson gaze flickered, uncertain¡ª


    For just a moment.


    And in that moment, I thought:


    This is just the beginning.


    With exhaustion and exhilaration battling in my mind, I took a slow breath.


    A new path had opened.


    A path that would lead me to absolute power.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. This dungeon still has secrets left to uncover.¡±


    I extended my hand.


    Elena hesitated, then sighed.


    ¡°¡­Fine. But don¡¯t think you can control me.¡±


    I smirked.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±


    And with that, we walked forward¡ª


    Deeper into the abyss.

 Chapter 4 – No Such Thing as Perfect Control

    Chapter 4 ¨C No Such Thing as Perfect Control


    "So, taking down the Guardian of the Dead wasn¡¯t enough, huh?"


    Even after the fight, something about the dungeon still felt¡­ off. An eerie pressure filled the air, creeping in from all directions. This wasn¡¯t like the usual hunter dungeons I¡¯d been in before.


    Something¡­ or maybe someone¡­ was watching us.


    Elena stood tense, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Her black dress was torn in multiple places, revealing fresh wounds. Drops of blood trailed down her pale skin, the crimson stark against the dim light.


    "How about we rest for a bit?" I asked as I stepped closer.


    She shot me a sharp glare.


    "Just because you ¡®command¡¯ me doesn¡¯t mean you get to boss me around."


    Her voice was cold, cutting. Even after everything, she refused to completely submit. I could see it¡ªshe was still testing me, still keeping her guard up.


    I sighed. Yeah, figures.


    Even if our bodies and powers were linked now, completely taking over her will? That was a whole different challenge.


    "I get it. But listen, there''s still something out there watching us."


    Elena didn¡¯t reply. Instead, she smirked slightly¡ªmocking or agreeing, I couldn¡¯t tell. But at least she wasn¡¯t immediately trying to kill me anymore.


    And then¡ª


    Boom. Boom.


    A deep rumble shook the ground beneath us.


    ¡°¡­Something¡¯s still here," she muttered.


    I could feel it too. This time, it wasn¡¯t just a monster lurking in the shadows. It was like the dungeon itself had woken up, a living entity ready to swallow us whole.


    A deep, guttural growl echoed through the darkness ahead.


    And then¡ªglowing red eyes flickered into view.


    The air turned heavy, thick with something ancient and malicious.


    "This... is this the core of the dungeon?"


    A massive shadow loomed before us. Unlike the boss we had just fought, this thing wasn¡¯t just a monster. It was the dungeon itself given form.


    "We¡¯re not winning this fight," Elena whispered.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    For the first time, she took a step back. But there was nowhere to run. The exits were sealed, trapping us inside.


    "You have the Power of Dominion, don¡¯t you?" She shot me a look. "If you¡¯re gonna use it, now¡¯s the time."


    I clenched my fists.


    She¡¯s scared. Not that she¡¯d ever admit it¡ªshe¡¯d rather bite her tongue first.


    "I want to use it. But against that thing? I don¡¯t know if I can."


    Still, I raised my hand, gathering crimson energy. If I activated the link between us, if we synchronized our powers just right, we might have a chance at taking this thing down.


    The problem?


    That meant trusting each other completely.


    "...Can I really trust you?" Elena murmured, not even looking at me.


    I hesitated. Truth be told, I didn¡¯t fully trust her either. She could turn on me the second this was over.


    But we didn¡¯t have time to hesitate.


    "We don¡¯t have a choice."


    The shadow lunged¡ªfast, massive, and completely overwhelming.


    BOOM!


    The ground shattered between us, sending up a thick red mist that burned my eyes.


    Instinctively, I grabbed Elena¡¯s wrist, pulling her out of the way.


    She tensed at first but quickly regained her balance, summoning her own crimson energy.


    "¡­Seriously. Don¡¯t make me regret this."


    Her fingers tightened around mine. Cold. Trembling.


    A strange heat surged through me.


    This was it¡ªthe moment of choice.


    "Focus everything!"


    Red energy erupted from both of us, intertwining in a swirling aura.


    But was it enough?


    The dungeon core pulsed¡ªboom¡­ boom¡­¡ªlike a heart ready to crush us under its weight.


    A powerful force slammed into me, my vision twisting. For a second, my mind filled with¡­ her memories.


    Her pain.


    Her rage.


    Her lingering regrets.


    Everything.


    I gasped.


    We had to survive.


    No matter what it took.


    I sucked in a sharp breath and raised my hand. The Sigil of Dominion flared to life, drinking in our combined power like it was starving.


    "Look," I said, meeting her gaze. "I don¡¯t have to fully trust you. And you don¡¯t have to trust me. But if we want to survive¡ª"


    "We fight together," she finished.


    Her blood-red eyes flickered with hesitation¡ªbut also resolve.


    This wasn¡¯t submission. It wasn¡¯t control.


    It was something else.


    "Let''s go!"


    I threw my hand forward, and the crimson sigil expanded, casting a brilliant light across the dark dungeon.


    The shadow roared, sending out a shockwave that rattled my bones.


    BOOM!


    Elena staggered but didn¡¯t fall. Instead, she grabbed my arm, steadying me.


    "You¡¯re the one who called yourself a ¡®ruler,¡¯ aren¡¯t you?" she smirked. "Then act like one."


    I let out a breath. Smirked back.


    "Fine. Then let¡¯s show this thing who¡¯s really in charge."


    Our combined power surged forward¡ª


    ¡ªA flash of red lightning.


    ¡ªA vortex of swirling shadows.


    The dungeon trembled as our attack met the core¡¯s overwhelming force.


    And in that instant¡ª


    Everything detonated in a flash of red lightning and shadow.

 Chapter 5 – The Core of the Dungeon

    Chapter 5 ¨C The Core of the Dungeon


    Something enormous stirred, its eyes slowly opening.


    A deep pulse rippled through the chamber, making the entire dungeon feel like a living, breathing thing.


    Cold sweat trickled down my temple as I locked eyes with the monstrous entity before me.


    Two enormous red eyes flickered to life in the darkness, burning with a sinister glow.


    Its dark crimson skin was covered in twisted, ancient markings, pulsing as if alive.


    I had fought powerful bosses before, but compared to this thing? Even the Guardian of the Dead felt like nothing more than a lowly servant.


    [Warning: The Dungeon Core¡¯s Guardian has appeared.]


    A system message flickered at the edge of my vision.


    "Dungeon Core?"


    So this thing¡­ it was the heart of the abyss itself.


    I swallowed dryly, my heart pounding in my chest.


    "¡­There''s no way we can win this," Elena muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Even Elena¡ªwho never hesitated, no matter the fight¡ªlooked uncertain. The sheer weight of this creature¡¯s presence was suffocating.


    But turning back wasn¡¯t an option.


    The dungeon walls were already fading into a thick crimson mist, and the floor beneath us cracked violently. The entire space shifted and warped, preparing to bury us alive.


    "Even if we wanted to run, there''s nowhere to go," I muttered bitterly.


    Fear clawed at my spine. But I knew one thing¡ªfight, or die.


    CLANK.


    A deep, earth-shaking noise rumbled through the chamber.


    Had the Core moved? No¡ªit hadn¡¯t even taken a step, yet the very air itself trembled, boiling like a storm about to break.


    "This thing isn¡¯t just a boss monster. The entire dungeon itself has a will of its own."


    I clenched my teeth.


    Elena must have realized the same thing, because instead of looking for an escape, she spread a magic circle beneath her feet.


    But the moment she did¡ª


    "Tch¡­ Something''s interfering," she growled.


    Her crimson magic flickered and twisted, as if the dungeon was devouring it.


    I felt it too.


    My Power of Dominion¡ªthe ability that had let me control powerful beings¡ªwasn¡¯t working properly here.


    "¡­I refuse to die here."


    I gritted my teeth as the Core¡¯s overwhelming gaze bore down on us.


    The very air pulsed, pressing against my back like an unseen hand, forcing me to kneel.


    Every cell in my body screamed at me to run¡ªbut I had nowhere to go.


    "Elena!"


    I turned to her, reaching out.


    Our contract was already in place, which meant we could share power.


    Even if it wasn¡¯t perfect, it was the only chance we had.


    For a split second, Elena looked like she wanted to argue. But then she let out a shaky breath, her grip tightening around her sword.


    "¡­Fine. It¡¯s not like we have a better option."


    She raised her blade.


    A faint, crimson aura flickered around my hand in response.


    For the first time since entering this dungeon, I could feel my power resisting the Core¡¯s pull.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    BOOM.


    The Core twisted and pulsed, its shape constantly warping like a nightmare given form.


    Thick tendrils of crimson mist snaked through the air, reshaping the chamber itself.


    There was no longer a ceiling or a floor¡ªjust an endless, shifting void.


    With a fierce cry, Elena charged, blade flashing in the dim light.


    It was reckless. But at this point, inaction meant death.


    Her blade sliced through the Core¡¯s massive form¡ªonly for it to barely make a scratch, as if she¡¯d struck solid stone.


    "Tch¡­ Damn thing''s tough," she spat.


    She glanced at me.


    It was my turn.


    I clenched my fist and thrust my hand forward.


    The crimson aura of Dominion flared¡ª


    ¡ªOnly to be crushed before it could even touch the Core.


    "It¡¯s resisting¡­!"


    Elena gritted her teeth and lifted her sword again.


    I could feel her desperation¡ªher mana surging to the point where her veins looked like they were burning.


    Instinctively, I reached out.


    "Let¡¯s do this together."


    The crimson and black energy between us twisted and fused¡ªlike chains forging themselves in midair.


    And then¡ª


    WHOOSH.


    The Core let out a guttural snarl, and in an instant, our chains shattered like glass.


    An electric shock raced through my nerves as our own power backfired on us.


    "Urgh¡­!"


    Pain shot through my fingertips.


    Elena was flung backward, rolling across the cracked floor.


    Her dress was tattered and stained with blood, but neither of us had time to care.


    Haa¡­ Haa¡­


    At this rate, we really had no way out.


    But I refused to give up.


    I gritted my teeth and crawled toward Elena.


    Our eyes met, both filled with the same desperate realization.


    "Give me everything. All of your power."


    It was reckless.


    It was insane.


    But it was the only option left.


    Elena let out a ragged breath, biting her lip.


    Her pride must have been screaming at her¡ªbut even she knew we didn¡¯t have a choice.


    "¡­Fine," she whispered. "It¡¯s better than dying here."


    A wave of crimson energy flowed from her fingertips into mine.


    The fusion of Domination and Corruption pulsed violently, setting my nerves on fire.


    I could feel everything¡ªher power, her emotions, her fear.


    My heartbeat pounded like thunder in my ears.


    For the first time¡ªI felt like we actually had a chance.


    "Let¡¯s end this."


    I gritted my teeth and unleashed everything.


    The crimson aura morphed into a spear, crackling with energy.


    BOOM!


    The spear shot forward¡ªpiercing straight into the Core.


    This time, I felt it¡ª a real impact.


    The Core lurched backward, shuddering.


    "Did we¡­?"


    Elena¡¯s voice was barely a whisper.


    But it was too soon to relax.


    The Core¡¯s gigantic eye suddenly distorted, its form warping.


    It let out a guttural growl, red mist bursting from its wounds.


    Cracks spread across its body¡ªcrimson light spilling out like lava.


    And then¡ª


    The entire dungeon trembled.


    The Core¡¯s massive form collapsed, crumbling into a storm of mist.


    BOOOOM.


    The explosion ripped through the chamber, a blinding light swallowing everything.


    And then¡ªsilence.


    I gasped for air, my limbs numb and heavy.


    Collapsing to the floor, I panted.


    "¡­Is it finally over?"


    Elena, barely holding herself up by her sword, let out a long breath.


    We stared at the space where the Core had been.


    The crimson mist slowly faded¡ª


    And in its place¡ª


    A shadow emerged from the mist, its shape slowly taking form.


    A human-shaped figure.


    Long, flowing hair.


    A slender, graceful frame.


    And glowing red eyes that slowly opened.


    "Another monster¡­?"


    Elena and I instinctively braced ourselves.


    But this figure was different.


    They weren¡¯t like the Core.


    A system message flickered before me.


    [Contractable Entity Detected: ???]


    "Contractable¡­? What the hell does that mean?"


    I gripped my sword, locking eyes with the figure.


    Elena, too, tensed, watching them warily.


    The figure smiled slightly.


    And at that moment¡ª


    This was only the beginning.

 Chapter 6 – A New Contract, and the Fracture

    Chapter 6 ¨C A New Contract, and the Fracture


    "What the hell¡­?"


    As the fog thinned, a figure emerged.


    She wasn¡¯t just beautiful¡ªshe was impossible.


    Long, flowing black hair floated around her, as if gravity meant nothing.


    Her crimson eyes gleamed, watching us like a predator amused by its prey.


    Her skin was pale as moonlight, so flawless it almost didn¡¯t seem real.


    She didn¡¯t just stand in the darkness¡ªshe was part of it.


    I felt my breath catch.


    She wasn¡¯t a monster.


    And she sure as hell wasn¡¯t human either.


    Had the destruction of the Core created her?


    Or had she been waiting all along?


    "Is she¡­ what¡¯s left of the Core?"


    Elena muttered, gripping her sword tightly.


    Her entire body was tense, her stance sharp, ready to strike¡ª


    But she hesitated.


    She wasn¡¯t sure what we were dealing with.


    The woman let out a soft chuckle, stepping toward us.


    Her movements were unnaturally smooth, almost floating, as if she wasn¡¯t bound by the same laws as the rest of us.


    Crimson energy coiled around her like living tendrils, pulsing faintly in the dim light.


    "Hmm¡­ so you¡¯re the ones who woke me?"


    Her voice was slow, rich¡ªlike a blade wrapped in silk.


    There was no aggression.


    But there was power behind it.


    A strange pressure settled in my chest, making it impossible to ignore her presence.


    I didn¡¯t look away.


    There was nowhere to run.


    And besides¡ª


    A system message had already appeared in my vision.


    [Potential Contract Target Detected.]


    This wasn¡¯t a coincidence.


    "The dungeon¡¯s Core was destroyed¡­ but did that create her?"


    My mind raced.


    Was she a fragment of the Core, given form and will?


    Or something far worse?


    She took another step forward.


    Elena moved instantly, positioning herself between us, sword raised.


    "Stay back."


    Her voice was sharp, controlled¡ªbut there was a crack in it.


    Uncertainty.


    The woman merely smirked.


    "Oh? Is that jealousy I hear?"


    Her lips curled into a slow, teasing smile, her glowing red eyes flickering toward me.


    "I thought you were already ¡®claimed.¡¯ So why act so protective?"A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Elena¡¯s grip tightened.


    For a moment, something flickered across her face¡ª


    Frustration?


    Irritation?


    Or something closer to fear?


    But before she could answer, the woman turned her attention fully to me.


    Her smile deepened.


    "You? Trying to claim me?"


    Her fingers brushed my chin, a slow, testing motion.


    It wasn¡¯t just a touch.


    It was a challenge.


    Elena snapped.


    "Enough!"


    Her sword whipped downward, crackling with crimson energy.


    The woman barely spared her a glance.


    With a flick of her wrist, an unseen force halted Elena¡¯s blade mid-air.


    "Tsk, tsk. That¡¯s no way to treat your master, is it?"


    Elena ripped her weapon back, eyes burning.


    "She¡¯s the dungeon¡¯s Core in another form! You can¡¯t seriously be thinking of making a contract with that!"


    Her voice was raw with frustration, but I didn¡¯t need her to tell me that.


    The woman¡ªno, this entity¡ªwasn¡¯t just another dungeon creature.


    She was something more.


    And yet¡ª


    The system had already marked her as a valid contract target.


    And I¡­ wanted this power.


    If I was going to survive, I needed to take risks.


    "I¡¯ll call you Lavi."


    The words left my mouth before I had time to second-guess myself.


    The woman¡ªLavi¡ªblinked in mild surprise.


    Then she grinned.


    "Lavi¡­ huh? I like it."


    A notification flashed before my eyes.


    [Contract Established ¨C Target: Lavi]


    [S+ Rank / Unstable Sentience]


    S+ Rank.


    A monster like this under my command¡­?


    This could change everything.


    Lavi tilted her head, amusement still dancing in her eyes.


    "But tell me, ''master''¡­"


    Her voice dipped into something darker.


    "If you¡¯re going to claim me¡­ shouldn¡¯t you prove you can control me?"


    Before I could react, she snapped her fingers.


    The space around us distorted.


    A crushing force slammed down on my body like a thousand invisible hands.


    "Kneel."


    It wasn¡¯t a suggestion.


    It was an order.


    And my body obeyed.


    I barely had time to grit my teeth before my knees hit the ground.


    Damn it¡ªthis pressure was insane.


    It wasn¡¯t just physical.


    It was reaching into me.


    Like it was trying to tear apart my very existence.


    "You think you can dominate me?"


    Lavi¡¯s voice was almost playful.


    "Then show me."


    Elena moved, but I shook my head sharply.


    "Don¡¯t interfere."


    Even through the crushing weight, I forced my gaze upward.


    If she wanted a test, I¡¯d give her one.


    A notification flashed across my vision.


    [New Skill Unlocked: Forced Subjugation]


    [Ability: Override the target¡¯s resistance and force synchronization.]


    [Condition: The target must recognize your authority.]


    I smirked.


    "You want to see if I¡¯m worthy?"


    My fingers twitched as I summoned my power.


    Crimson energy pulsed from my body, slamming into the invisible force binding me.


    Lavi narrowed her eyes.


    "Oh?"


    The air around us cracked, two opposing forces colliding.


    For a moment, her control wavered.


    I rose to my feet.


    "If you want to be dominated¡­"


    I raised my hand.


    "Then submit."


    The two energies clashed.


    Crimson light exploded outward.


    Lavi¡¯s grin widened as she stumbled back slightly, her power faltering.


    Then¡ª


    She laughed.


    "Impressive. Maybe you really are worth playing with."


    She stretched, crimson magic flickering around her.


    "Fine. I¡¯ll give you a chance."


    A sly smile played on her lips.


    "So¡­ what now, master?"


    I exhaled sharply.


    The pressure was gone, but I could still feel the weight of her power.


    I had won, but I hadn¡¯t truly claimed her yet.


    This was just the beginning.


    "We leave. Now."


    I turned, looking at Elena.


    She was fuming, her grip tight on her weapon.


    "Do you even realize what you¡¯ve done?"


    Her voice was low, dangerous.


    "You and I aren¡¯t even in a perfect contract, and now you¡¯ve bound yourself to another entity?"


    She wasn¡¯t wrong.


    But I had no choice.


    "I know."


    I met her glare head-on.


    "But this was the only way."


    Elena didn¡¯t argue.


    She didn¡¯t agree, either.


    Instead, she turned away, sword glinting in the dim dungeon light.


    Lavi let out a soft laugh, her gaze flicking between us.


    "Oh, this is going to be fun."


    I had taken a huge risk.


    But in the end¡ª


    What is domination without chaos?


    We walked forward, deeper into the abyss.


    Together.


    For now.

 Chapter 7 – The Power of Domination

    Chapter 7 ¨C The Power of Domination


    It felt like my entire body was collapsing under the weight of an unseen force.


    Gravity itself had turned against me.


    I gasped for air, but it felt like the oxygen had been ripped from my lungs.


    My throat burned, and my muscles locked up.


    And then, in a voice as smooth as silk but as heavy as iron, Lavi spoke.


    "Kneel."


    Her words weren¡¯t a suggestion.


    They were law.


    The space around us twisted and warped, bending under the weight of her power.


    Gravity multiplied, pressing me down as if I were pinned beneath a collapsing mountain.


    I resisted, every fiber of my body straining¡ª


    But it was useless.


    My knees slammed against the cold ground.


    Lavi tilted her head, strands of crimson-streaked hair drifting weightlessly as her glowing red eyes locked onto mine.


    Mocking. Testing.


    "You?" she mused. "You¡¯re the one who wants to claim me?"


    A slow smirk crept across her lips.


    "That¡¯s cute."


    I clenched my teeth.


    Hell no.


    I wasn¡¯t about to break that easily.


    Her magic wasn¡¯t just crushing my body¡ª


    It was invading me.


    Like tendrils of shadow, her power coiled around my very being, reaching deep, probing, pulling¡ª


    Trying to consume me.


    A sharp realization struck me.


    This isn¡¯t just physical suppression.


    She¡¯s trying to break my mind, too.


    "Interesting."


    Lavi¡¯s voice was light, almost amused, as she raised a hand.


    Above me, a storm of crimson energy swirled, crackling with lethal intent.


    The air thickened, pressing down with an unbearable force.


    She wasn¡¯t just testing me anymore.


    She was about to end this.


    Shit. Think. Fast.


    I forced my head up, locking eyes with her.


    At that moment, a system message flashed before me.


    New Skill Unlocked!


    [Forced Subjugation]


    [Synchronizes the target¡¯s magic and mind with the user.]


    [Establishes absolute authority.]


    [Condition: The target must acknowledge your dominance.]


    I sucked in a ragged breath.


    She wasn¡¯t unbeatable.


    She was testing me.


    A fragment of the Dungeon Core, given will.


    She wanted to see if I was worth following.


    "This isn¡¯t just about brute force."


    I forced my voice through the suffocating pressure, steadier than I felt.


    "True domination isn¡¯t about forcing someone down. It¡¯s about making them acknowledge they belong beneath you."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Lavi¡¯s brows lifted slightly.


    "Oh?"


    "You keep testing me, but that means you care about the results."


    I reached up¡ª


    And grabbed her wrist.


    Her red eyes narrowed, but she didn¡¯t pull away.


    I was still kneeling.


    But my gaze never dropped.


    "You¡¯re the one who wants to see if I¡¯m worthy."


    "So let me make it simple¡ª"


    I tightened my grip.


    "I¡¯ll make you kneel instead."


    The air split open as my power clashed with hers.


    A deep, resonating shockwave blasted outward¡ª


    Magic against magic.


    Force against force.


    For the first time¡ª


    Lavi¡¯s expression wavered.


    "Tch. This is stronger than I expected."


    She took a step back.


    That was all I needed.


    I surged forward, breaking free from the crushing gravity.


    My fingers curled tighter around her arm, locking her in place.


    "If you¡¯re going to test me¡ª"


    "Do it properly."


    Lavi watched me carefully, then let out a small laugh.


    "Alright, master."


    Her voice was smooth, teasing, but with an edge of curiosity.


    "I suppose a test like this is only fair."


    But before I could respond¡ª


    BOOM!


    A violent explosion of crimson magic erupted between us.


    I turned sharply¡ª


    Elena had stepped in.


    Her sword was plunged into the ground, crackling with raw energy.


    Her breath was uneven, her hands trembling.


    "Enough!"


    Her voice cut through the tension like a blade.


    "What the hell are you two doing?!"


    She wasn¡¯t just angry.


    She was furious.


    For a second, I almost forgot to respond.


    Lavi?


    She just smirked.


    "Oh? Is that¡­ jealousy?"


    She turned to Elena, her gaze sparkling with amusement.


    Elena¡¯s expression twisted, her grip tightening around her sword.


    "It¡¯s not jealousy!"


    She snapped¡ª


    But her voice wavered.


    "I just¡ª"


    She exhaled sharply, trying to steady herself.


    "I just realized how dangerous she is. And now you¡¯re throwing yourself into another damn contract?!"


    She turned her glare on me.


    I let out a slow breath.


    She wasn¡¯t wrong.


    Lavi was dangerous.


    But¡ª


    "Elena, we need power if we¡¯re going to survive."


    I met her gaze without flinching.


    "Lavi isn¡¯t just some monster. She¡¯s something else. If we use this power properly¡ª"


    "Properly?!"


    Elena¡¯s voice was sharp.


    "You think you can control her?"


    I hesitated for half a second too long.


    Lavi laughed.


    "Oh, darling, I like her."


    She flicked her gaze toward Elena, mocking.


    "She cares so much about you."


    Elena scoffed.


    "I don¡¯t care about him."


    But she wouldn¡¯t meet my eyes.


    That was all the confirmation I needed.


    "This is just the beginning."


    I murmured under my breath.


    Elena heard it.


    She didn¡¯t like it.


    But she didn¡¯t argue.


    Not anymore.


    Lavi, meanwhile, was studying me again.


    She reached out, trailing a single finger down my arm.


    "That ¡®Forced Subjugation¡¯ skill¡­ should we test it more?"


    She tilted her head, crimson magic crackling around her fingertips.


    "Let¡¯s see if you can really tame me."


    "This woman¡­"


    Elena groaned, rubbing her forehead.


    "You two are exhausting."


    I just exhaled.


    "This isn¡¯t over yet. Lavi hasn¡¯t completely submitted."


    A system notification flashed before me.


    [ Forced Subjugation in Progress]


    [Target: Lavi / Unstable Sentience]


    [Current Loyalty: 70%]


    [Loyalty increases with continued synchronization.]


    I curled my fingers around Lavi¡¯s wrist, careful yet firm.


    I could feel it¡ª


    The battle of wills still raging between us.


    This wasn¡¯t a fight of magic or brute strength.


    It was a test of control.


    Lavi hummed softly, watching me.


    "Go ahead. I like it sweet, but I don¡¯t mind it rough either."


    Her smirk was pure chaos.


    "Whichever one you choose, master."


    "She really is a handful."


    I muttered under my breath.


    As the dungeon shuddered beneath us, I knew¡ª


    The first fracture had already formed.


    End of Chapter 7

 Chapter 8 – The Edge of Farewell, A New Journey

    Chapter 8 ¨C The Edge of Farewell, A New Journey


    The sound of cracks spreading through the dungeon grew louder, deep and ominous.


    It wouldn¡¯t be long before this place collapsed entirely.


    The ceiling and walls were already splintering, fractures racing across them like veins of impending destruction.


    Dust and debris filled the air, making it hard to see.


    I raised an arm, brushing away the settling dust as I stepped forward.


    Everything had shifted too quickly after forming the contract with Lavi.


    There was no time to process.


    "Hah¡­"


    Elena let out a deep breath beside me.


    She still looked unsettled, stealing occasional glances in my direction before cutting her gaze toward Lavi, her eyes sharpening with wariness.


    But Lavi?


    She didn¡¯t care in the slightest.


    Her expression remained calm, composed, as if she were strolling through a garden instead of a collapsing abyss.


    Her long, crimson-streaked hair flowed behind her, and a faint, pulsating red energy hovered around her form¡ªan eerie yet graceful presence.


    "So, what now?"


    Elena¡¯s voice came hard and sharp, breaking the silence.


    "You, Lavi¡­ Both of you are cooperating, but what exactly is the plan?"


    She sounded irritated¡ªnot just at Lavi, but at me too.


    She wanted answers.


    I hesitated for a moment.


    The first priority was simple¡ªescape the dungeon.


    But even with the Core destroyed, its remnants lingered.


    And according to Lavi, the dungeon itself was twisting the pathways, making our exit uncertain.


    "First, we find the exit."


    I kept my voice steady.


    Lavi¡¯s lips curled into a playful smirk.


    "Hmm. Well, if you want to get out, you¡¯ll have to keep up."


    Her tone was mocking, but her eyes glowed with undeniable purpose.


    "Since I¡¯m what¡¯s left of the Core, I can sense the shifting pathways. I know where the exits will open¡­ and where they won¡¯t."


    Elena¡¯s jaw tightened.


    "So, we have to rely on her now?"


    She spat the words out like they left a bitter taste in her mouth.


    I sighed.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Looks like it."


    We didn¡¯t have a choice.


    For now, Lavi was our best guide.


    Boom.


    A tremor rippled through the ground.


    A low, guttural rumbling followed, as if the dungeon itself was shifting.


    Crimson mist gathered in the distance, condensing¡ªforming into new spectral figures.


    The dungeon wasn¡¯t just breaking.


    It was fighting back.


    "Again?"


    Elena cursed, already drawing her sword.


    The shadows surged forward.


    I moved to cover her flank, while Lavi raised a single hand, her fingers pulsing with blood-red light.


    Crack.


    A jagged bolt of energy split through the air, ripping apart the nearest specter.


    For a moment, I was struck by realization¡ª


    We actually worked well together.


    Our movements were instinctively aligned, reacting in sync.


    Lavi¡¯s long-range attacks, Elena¡¯s precision strikes, and my command over the battlefield¡ª


    We weren¡¯t just fighting.


    We were dominating.


    "These things just keep coming."


    I muttered, catching my breath.


    "We need to get out of here before the whole place collapses."


    "Yeah, no kidding."


    Elena scoffed, flicking her sword to the side, letting the misty remains of the enemy dissolve.


    But something in her expression had changed.


    She was frustrated, yes.


    But there was also a flicker of something else¡ª


    Recognition.


    She was starting to realize that fighting alone wasn¡¯t the only way.


    "Master."


    Lavi suddenly stepped closer, nudging my side with her elbow.


    "Don¡¯t you want to test your power again? See just how strong your ''Domination'' has become?"


    I turned to her, blinking.


    "Here? Now?"


    "What? Are you scared?"


    Her smirk widened, teasing.


    "Afraid of what might happen?"


    I exhaled, shaking my head.


    She was probing me, watching, waiting¡ª


    Seeing if I was afraid of her, or if I could truly control her.


    I knew what she wanted.


    She wanted to push the limits¡ªhers, mine, ours.


    "Not happening."


    I cut her off before she could press further.


    "If we start fighting here, we¡¯ll just bring the dungeon down faster. We can test that later¡ªafter we make it out alive."


    "Tch. Boring."


    Lavi pouted, crossing her arms.


    Elena let out an annoyed sigh.


    "Both of you, shut up. Look ahead."


    At the end of the corridor, a massive archway loomed, dark and foreboding.


    The crimson patterns along its surface glowed faintly, shifting like a living entity.


    A portal?


    An exit?


    We had no choice but to find out.


    "Let¡¯s move."


    I stepped forward.


    Lavi stretched lazily, following along.


    Elena kept her distance, but stayed close enough to react if something went wrong.


    The moment we passed through the archway, the air grew heavy.


    Red mist clung to the walls, the stones cracked and fractured, and more shadowy remnants crawled from the ruins.


    But they were weak.


    We cut through them effortlessly as we moved forward.


    And then¡ª


    A sliver of light broke through.


    "There."


    I let out a breath.


    The exit.


    The crimson mist peeled away, revealing a shimmering tear in the air¡ª


    The way out.


    "So that¡¯s it?"


    Lavi kicked at the ground, unimpressed.


    "With the Core gone, the dungeon can''t sustain itself anymore. It¡¯s just falling apart."


    Elena hesitated.


    "So, if we step through, we¡¯re done?"


    Lavi twirled a finger.


    "Basically. Whatever¡¯s left will collapse on its own."


    I inhaled deeply, glancing back one last time.


    We survived this place¡ª


    But that didn¡¯t mean the real battle was over.


    Lavi¡ªa dangerous, unpredictable contractor.


    Elena¡ªan ally, but still not fully mine.


    And me¡ªunsure if I could truly control this power.


    "Stay sharp."


    I warned them.


    "Just because this is the last step out doesn¡¯t mean there¡¯s no trap waiting."


    Carefully, we moved toward the brilliant tear of light.


    The energy pulled at us, like gravity shifting.


    A brief dizziness hit me¡ª


    And then¡ª


    Thump.


    My boots hit solid ground.


    I blinked.


    A wide, open space stretched before us¡ª


    A destroyed lobby-like structure, filled with crumbled walls and the remnants of long-defeated monsters.


    "This is¡­"


    Elena¡¯s voice was quiet.


    "The entrance?"


    It looked like the very first chamber we had entered in the ¡®Abyss of the Dead.¡¯


    "We made it out."


    Lavi yawned, stretching her arms.


    "Well, that was fun."


    I exhaled slowly.


    But the tension wasn¡¯t gone.


    Elena¡¯s shoulders stiffened as she turned away.


    "That¡¯s it. I¡¯m done."


    "Wait¡ª"


    I reached for her, but she shook her head.


    "I was only here to clear the dungeon. What you do with Lavi is your problem."


    Her words were calm, but distant.


    She was putting up a wall.


    "But¡ª"


    She raised a hand, stopping me.


    "I know what you¡¯re planning, but I¡¯m not getting dragged into it."


    And just like that¡ª


    She turned away.


    And walked off.


    "Master."


    Lavi¡¯s voice purred at my ear.


    "So, what¡¯s next?"


    I exhaled.


    The real game was just beginning.


    And I had no intention of losing.


    -End of chapter 8