As they pressed deeper into the molten maze of Echoing Deep, the air grew heavier, heat thickening around every breath. Unlike traditional dungeon crawls that felt like wave-based arenas, Echoing Deep did not pause between skirmishes.
There were no convenient gaps for rest or reorganization. This was a true ecosystem—a living, breathing furnace where monsters roamed in territorial clusters, and once you stepped into their turf, they followed.
The team had entered the heartland of the Emberclad Ravager packs—territory crawling with elite-class predators. The moment they felled one group, the next pack emerged from the misty crimson beyond, drawn by scent, vibration, or some kind of aggro instinct unique to this dungeon's King-level ecology.
Kaito signaled without hesitation. "Don't stop. Forward momentum. Treat this like hostile terrain—never stall."
Despite the relentless pace, something had changed in the party's rhythm. The first wave had tested them—but now? Their formations tightened, timing sharpened. Hiroto learned to angle his shield before the impact, minimizing stagger. Mei Rin instinctively tracked flankers, targeting leg joints for guaranteed mobility debuffs. Suzune's traps were laid faster and smarter—across chokepoints, under archways. Aika's healing pulses came right before the damage landed. Kaede's AOE spells now landed mid-mob, not after.
A third engagement unfolded beneath a broken arch of obsidian-stone. The Ravagers came faster this time, less cautious.
The team moved without hesitation. It was almost military.
The final beast in that sequence collapsed with a hiss of flame and steam, the cavern briefly illuminated by the dying glow of molten blood.
Then—a shimmer.
A rectangular object dropped near the rear wall—hovering midair for a moment before thudding to the ground.
[Item Drop – Skill Tome: Cross slash]
Class: Melee – Sword
Rarity: Rare
Effect: Unleashes two consecutive diagonal slashes in an X-pattern, dealing moderate physical damage. Can stagger lightly-armored enemies and briefly interrupt casting. Effective against unarmored or mobile targets.
Cooldown: 6 seconds
Effect:
Deals 120% weapon damage per slash10% chance to cause "Bleed" for 3 seconds
Slight knockback on smaller enemies
And beside it—
[Item Drop – Ember-Hinge Saber (Silver-Rank)]
+18 Attack
+4% Burn Chance on Hit
Durability: 150/150
Requirement: Lv. 12 – Sword-type Classes Only
Two more [Shadeglass Needle] and a [Candlescore shard] materialized after a small poof of golden particles. And as if that wasn't enough—another two gold coins sparkled at Kaede's feet.
Kaede blinked. "more skill tome? Already?"
"No way," Daichi whispered. "They just drop like that?"
"This is insane..." Suzune muttered. "I thought I'll be needing much more time to complete my class quest ."
"me too" said Aika, as these two materials were required for their class advancement quests.
[ Candlecore Shard ]
A dim fragment from ancient subterranean altars. Said to carry the prayers of forgotten generations.
[ Shadeglass Needle ]
A needle-shaped crystal formed in places untouched by light. Absorbs echoes instead of sound.
Kaito's voice cut through. "King difficulty. Risk high, reward higher."
The others turned to him.
Kaito crouched to pick up the items—and without delay, handed the saber to Hiroto, learned the skill himself and the materials to Suzune and Aika respectively.
"You're up. Master swap to this saber. You'll need the bonus for the next packs."
Hiroto stared. "You sure?"
"We're only alive if you keep aggro. That means you hit harder, too."
Kaede gave an exaggerated sigh. "Spoiled tank privilege confirmed."
Suzune grinned. "I still want a recount on class selection."
Aika chuckled softly. "I'm just happy that even I get something this time."
"Don't mind it, these weapons and skill books are there to strengthen us." Kaito said as he smiled "and you all will have a share as this is not the end."
As they moved forward, from a split in the ridge came screeches — half-simian monsters crawling on all fours with serrated fangs, their arms twice the size of their legs.
[Lv.15 – Blazemaw Shredder – Elite]
The monster's arms were twice the size of its legs, its skin cracked like overcooked stone with glowing lava patterns running down its back. Fangs jutted out unnaturally wide from its jaw.
Kaito's eyes narrowed. "Everyone stay sharp. That thing's fast."
He raised a hand and gave calm, direct instructions.
"Hiroto, hold it in the middle. Don't let it get past you."
"Aika, keep your healing steady—but small bursts, nothing big."
"Kaede, charge your next fire spell—but wait for my signal."
"Suzune, place your trap in front of its path, just behind Hiroto."
"Mei Rin, aim for the joints—slow it down."
The beast lunged.
Hiroto stepped forward, raising his shield just in time as the Shredder's claw slammed down. The force made his boots skid back, scraping across the rock floor—but he didn't fall.
The others moved quickly.
Suzune dropped a trap, a flicker of wires snapping open. The Shredder's second lunge tripped directly into it—roots and pressure hooks locking one of its legs mid-motion.
"Now!" Kaito called out, and surged forward.
A low spark trailed behind his blade as he slashed across the Shredder's flank. His Lightning Edge crackled on contact, making the beast roar in pain and swing its claw again.
"Move left!"
They ducked, sidestepped together—the claw missing by inches.
Kaede raised both hands. "Basic Fire Burst—go!"
A small sphere of flame flew straight into the beast's neck, blasting embers across its shoulder.
"Good hit. Keep it off balance!" Kaito shouted, circling behind it again.
Aika raised her staff. "Heal—Hiroto!"
A warm glow surged around Hiroto's chest as his health bounced back. He nodded, gritting his teeth and holding his stance.
The Shredder staggered—then roared as it charged one last time, dragging its half-burned leg.
Another swing—another dodge.
And with a final snap of Kaede's last fire spell, the beast buckled.
BOOM.
It collapsed onto its side with a violent crash, twitching once before the fire dimmed in its eyes.
[System Notification – Elite Monster Defeated]
Gold sparks shimmered in the air as new loot formed from the Shredder's corpse:
Loot Acquired – Blazemaw Shredder (Lv. 15 – Elite)
King-Level Dungeon — South Glade Lower Basin
[Skill Tome] Combustion Pulse
Profession: Mage
Required Level: 10
Description: Emits a short-range heat wave that deals AoE fire damage and applies Burning for 3 seconds. Cooldown: 12 sec.
[Skill Tome] Radiant Surge
Profession: Cleric
Required Level: 10
Description: Releases a pulse of holy energy in a 5-meter radius, healing allies by 150% of INT and slightly pushing back enemies. Cooldown: 30 sec.
[Skill Tome] Backstep Fang
Profession: Rogue
Required Level: 10
Description: Quickly steps behind the nearest enemy within 4 meters and delivers a critical stab. Damage increased by 50% if used from stealth. Cooldown: 20 sec.
[Weapon Drop] Silver-Rank Staff – "Engraved Emberpole"
Profession: Mage
+28 Magic Attack
+10% Fire Spell Efficiency
Passive: Increases Burning DoT duration by 2 seconds
Bound on Pickup
[Material] Hollowflint Feather (Quest Item)
An obsidian feather infused with residual air pressure. Found near collapsed air tunnels of Echoing Deep
[Material] Blistergem Core (Quest Item)
A crystal of unstable elemental essence, pulsing with buried heat. Believed to be fire magic born from earth pressure.
[Material] Stonebrand Emblem (Quest Item)
A scorched insignia once wielded by fallen Echoing knights. Resonates with the will to protect.
[Material] Lava Fuse ×2
Used in fire-based armor or potion catalysts.
[Material] Flame Crest ×1
Rare drop from fire elementals. Required for crafting fire-resistance cloaks.
[Material] Molten Pollen ×3
Base alchemical powder for combustion potions or smoke bombs.
[Currency]
3 Gold, 40 Silver
Kaede's mouth dropped open. "Wait… that's Blistergem Core my advancement item I needed"
Kaito nodded. "You earned it. Also take these. Learn the skill, and equip the weapon."
Kaede scratched his head, still surprised. "I guess happiness came too early?"
The others gathered closer, surprised again at the drop quality.
"And this symbol… this is the Stonebrand Emblem!"
"This is the item my class advancement quest asked for! I thought we'd have to grind for hours to find it…" Hiroto
"And just like that I also have my advancement task completed and Four gold coins too?" Mei Rin said, raising an eyebrow. "Feels like this dungeon doesn't hold back."
Suzune grinned. "King difficulty's the real deal."
"Alright, I won't complain," Kaede said, accepting the loot as the scroll burned into his interface.
[Character Panel – Kaede]
Class: Mage
Level: 10
HP: 780 / 780
MP: 1220 / 1220
Weapon Equipped: Silver-Engraved Staff (Level 10, Mage Only)
Gear Rank: Basic (Staff: Silver Rank)
Armor Rating: +5 (Mage Robes – Common Grade)
[Attributes]
Strength: 5
Intelligence: 20
Vitality: 9
Dexterity: 12
Wisdom: 24
[Skills Learned]
Fire Burst (Area Spell)
→ Creates a small explosion in a short-range radius. Deals moderate AoE fire damage.
Cooldown: 6sLightning Spark
→ Unleashes a quick bolt of lightning toward a single target. Deals moderate electric damage and may briefly stun light enemies.
Cooldown: 4sCombustion Pulse (Rare Skill – Dungeon Drop)
→ Generates an unstable orb of heat that explodes outward in a 3-meter radius, dealing medium fire damage and applying a 20% movement speed slow for 5s.
Cooldown: 12s
[Status Effects / Buffs]
Passive Mana Regeneration +10/sec (from Staff Bonus)Bonus Spell Amplification: +8% (from Silver-Engraved Staff)
[Character Panel – Hiroto]
Name: Hiroto
Class: Knight
Level: 10
[Attributes]
Strength: 26Vitality: 30Intelligence: 6Dexterity: 10Endurance: 23
[HP: 1580 / 1580 ]
Armor Rating: +24 (Silver-tier Shield + Heavy Gear)
Attack Power: 52 (base + Ember-Hinge Saber bonus)
[Equipment]
Main-Hand: Ember-Hinge Saber (Silver-Rank)
→ +18 Attack
→ +4% Burn Chance on Hit
→ Durability: 150/150
→ Requirement: Level 12, Sword-type Classes OnlyOff-Hand: Molten Guard (Silver-Rank Shield)
→ +15 Block
→ +5% Fire Resistance
→ +10% Threat Generation
→ Durability: 180/180
[Skills Learned]
Shield Taunt
→ Draws enemy attention for 5 seconds.
Cooldown: 10sShield Bash
→ Interrupts and stuns enemies briefly.
Cooldown: 6sIron Fortress Stance (Silver Skill – Dungeon Drop)
→ Grants full stagger immunity and 15% increased defense.
Cooldown: 45s
[Status Effects / Passives]
Fire Resistance +5% (from Molten Guard)Block Rate +10% (from Shield)Burn Chance +4% (from Saber)Bonus Threat Generation +10%