The cavern split with the weight of the newcomer's steps. Each thunderous thud sent cracks racing along the stone. Elior's grip tightened around the Steel Fang Blade, knuckles white, chest still heaving from the Alpha battle.
From the darkness, the creature emerged—towering, monstrous, its fur like black iron, its body corded with muscle. Unlike the Alpha, this beast radiated an aura so oppressive it was hard to breathe.
Two massive crimson eyes locked onto him. In their glow, Elior saw not just rage but intelligence—cold, patient, cruel.
> [Boss Detected: Crimson Direwolf – Tier 3 Dungeon Beast]
Threat Level: EXTREME
Estimated Survival Chance: 11%
The system's numbers stabbed into him like daggers. But Elior only smirked. "Eleven's better than zero."
---
Predator vs Predator
The Direwolf opened its maw and exhaled. Not breath—heat, shimmering like a furnace blast. The air warped, his skin prickling. This was no ordinary beast.
The dragon system growled with something close to envy:
> "It has tasted flame. Take it, and the fire becomes yours."
The vampire whispered hungrily:
> "Its blood will ignite you from within. Drink it, or burn."
The Overflow Engine chimed like a bell:
> [Potential Drops: Crimson Core, Direfang Armor, Bloodfire Essence.]
---
First Strike
The Direwolf lunged, claws swiping. Elior dove aside, the strike carving a trench in solid rock. He countered instantly, Steel Fang Blade flashing across its leg. Sparks erupted—but the blade barely cut the hide.
"Damn thick…" he muttered, rolling as the beast's tail slammed the ground where he'd stood.
A side corridor collapsed, rocks tumbling, sealing escape. This was no longer a fight—this was a cage.
---
Blood Awakens
Pain seared his chest from the earlier wounds, slowing him. The beast sensed it and pressed harder, each strike faster, heavier. Elior staggered, knees nearly buckling.
The systems roared together, voices overlapping in a storm:
> "Evolve!" – Dragon
"Drink deeper!" – Vampire
[Inventory Overflow: Activating Emergency Slot Expansion.] – Overflow
His veins burned with heat. The blood he had stolen from the Alpha ignited like fuel.
Scales shimmered faintly on his shoulders now, claws threatening to break through his fingertips. His eyes glowed brighter red, fangs lengthening further.
For a heartbeat, Elior looked less human—more beast than man.
---
The Direwolf's Fury
The Direwolf recoiled slightly at the change, then snarled, crimson eyes blazing. It slammed its claws into the ground—cracks spidered out, molten glow rising.
> [Boss Skill Activated: Bloodfire Quake]
The ground exploded beneath Elior's feet. Heat surged upward like a geyser of flame.
He threw himself sideways, cloak singed, sword barely held in scorched hands. The cavern was turning into an inferno.
---
Elior bared his fangs, laughter bubbling from his throat despite the pain.
"This is it," he whispered. "The fight that makes me—or breaks me."
He raised the Steel Fang Blade, blood dripping onto its edge. The crimson glow spread, the blade humming with power as his systems resonated in unison.
Before him, the Direwolf crouched, fire flickering in its jaws.
The real battle had begun.