The scorching heat relentlessly burned Arzael's pale skin as he carefully stepped back into the unforgiving realm of the Underworld, the dreaded Layer 1. A thick, suffocating veil of crimson mist clung tightly to the barren and desolate battlefield, where the ground cracked and bubbled with molten lava beneath his feet.
Far away in the distance, the haunting, guttural roars of demons echoed ominously, reminding him that this place was far from safe. Arzael exhaled a slow, steady breath, his gaze briefly flickering to the glowing interface of his internal system clock hovering at the corner of his vision.
> Level: 10
EXP: 71 / 200
HP: 790 / 790
"The cooldown for Gatewalk is still far from ready," he thought to himself with a hint of frustration. "I need to hold my ground here, endure, and make the most out of every single second to improve and grow stronger."
His footsteps were firm yet measured as he cautiously traversed the treacherous terrain of the boiling lava field.
Out of the ruins, a few small but vicious demons suddenly emerged, their bodies ablaze with flickering flames and their sharp fangs glistening menacingly. Their eyes locked onto him with burning hatred and primal fury.
Arzael immediately understood that standing still and defending was not an option here, the only way forward was to fight.
Without warning, a small demon lunged forward with terrifying speed, its claw slashing directly into Arzael's arm.
> [You received damage from Lesser Demon: -100 HP]
[You gained +20 EXP]
[Pain Conversion Active +50% STR]
HP: 690 / 790
EXP: 91 / 200
"Damn, got hit after all," Arzael muttered, rubbing the wound as blood started trickling down his arm. "So getting damaged here actually grants EXP? That's completely different from the slow pace of the Overworld. If only I possessed an Immortal skill or some kind of endurance boost to survive longer without dying... I'm willing to endure the pain if it means I'll grow stronger."
Despite the sharp, stabbing pain radiating through his arm, he refused to retreat or show weakness. With resolve, Arzael activated his skill Shadow Pierce.
A swift shadowy blade of pure black energy shot forth, cutting cleanly through the air towards the demon that had attacked him. In an instant, the blade pierced the demon's neck, sending it crashing to the ground, lifeless.
> [You have slain Lesser Demon. +20 EXP]
EXP: 111 / 200
The remaining smaller demons, sensing the threat, became increasingly aggressive and relentless. Arzael took a step back, carefully observing their movements and waiting for the perfect moment to strike again.
Suddenly, another demon managed to slash its claw across his leg, opening a deep, painful wound.
> [You received damage from Lesser Demon: -90 HP]
[You gained +18 EXP]
HP: 600 / 790
EXP: 129 / 200
He furrowed his brow in determination. "Can I really endure this? I have no choice but to survive."
With lightning speed and precision, Arzael activated his newly acquired skill, Blood Reaving, a lethal technique that allowed him to drain the blood of his enemies, simultaneously replenishing his own vitality. Harnessing his agility, he surged forward with renewed strength, striking down the demon before him.
> [You have slain Lesser Demon. +22 EXP]
[HP restored: +45 HP]
HP: 645 / 790
EXP: 151 / 200
Letting out a relieved sigh, Arzael scanned his surroundings.
Among the scattered ruins, something gleamed faintly, catching his eye. Intrigued, he approached and carefully picked up the object.
"Finally, a sword worthy of me," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of hope and resolve.
> [Item obtained: Crimson Edge] (Lv 1)
Effect: Each enemy slain increases the sword's power
Rarity: E
The sword felt surprisingly light in his grip, yet radiated an undeniable strength.
Its blade was wrapped in a blazing red aura, pulsating with raw energy, as if it were alive and waiting to bond with its rightful owner.
"This is the weapon I've been searching for," he said solemnly. "The more enemies I kill, the stronger this blade becomes. It's perfect for me."
Before long, a much larger demon emerged from the dense crimson fog. Its monstrous face was terrifying, with razor-sharp fangs and a muscular frame covered in pitch-black skin.
They moved as a pack, their snarls and growls filling the air as they prepared to launch their attack.
Arzael braced himself. He relied on his high agility to swiftly reposition, dodging and weaving through their relentless barrage of attacks.
With sharp reflexes and deadly precision, he thrust his Crimson Edge into one demon with Shadow Pierce, then immediately activated Blood Reaving to drain the demon's blood, restoring his own strength.
> [You have slain Greater Demon. +40 EXP]
[You have slain Greater Demon. +42 EXP]
[HP restored: +85 HP]
EXP: 233 / 200 → LEVEL UP!
[Status – Level 11]
Name: Arzael
Race: ???
Level: 11
HP: 790 / 790
MP: 520 / 520
STR: 37
AGI: 32
VIT: 41
INT: 28
LUK: 8
EXP: 33 / 240
Available Stat Points: 2
A satisfied smile crossed Arzael's face as he swung the Crimson Edge through the air, feeling the surge of new power coursing fiercely through his veins.
"This hellish place is ruthless beyond words, but I am prepared to endure and train here, no matter what."
Though the cooldown for Gatewalk was almost complete, he decided to stay a little longer, determined to prepare himself better before venturing back to the Overworld.
His entire body buzzed with unfamiliar sensations. The pain that once drained him now served as fuel for his strength. The more he suffered, the stronger he became.
"This isn't hell at all,this is my heaven."
Arzael's steps were unwavering, his eyes blazing with fierce red light.