Arcanvale City was alive with noise. Lantern-lit stalls lined the cobbled streets, their vendors shouting deals over the evening bustle. Hunters returned from dungeons bloodied and grinning, tossing beast cores to brokers in exchange for jingling pouches of coin.
For Kael, the city was a reminder of how far behind he was. F-rank—barely scratching the bottom of the ladder. He clenched his fists as he watched groups of well-armed hunters swagger past. They had polished armor, sharp blades, even magical beasts as companions. And him? Smoke, fire, and a system too mysterious for comfort.
He looked at Eren. "You sure about this?"
Eren's lips twitched nervously. "No. But if we don't start now, when will we? Besides… you're the crazy one, not me."
Kael smirked. "Good. Stay close. Heal when I say heal."
Into the Dungeon
The dungeon gate shimmered like cracked glass, standing in the shadow of Arcanvale's outer wall. Two Protectors guarded the entrance, checking the hunters' tags. Kael and Eren slipped in without a word—unregistered rogues could still risk entry if they weren't caught.
Inside, the dungeon stank of damp moss and sulfur. Its walls pulsed faintly, as though alive, veins of light threading through stone.
System prompt: Dungeon – "Cavern of Molten Shadows." Difficulty: Low (Recommended: E–D Rank). Boss: ???.
Kael's heart thumped. "Perfect."
First Floors
They met their first pack of creatures—shadow hounds with glowing red eyes and jagged, bone-like fangs.
"Eren, backline."
The hounds charged, claws scraping stone. Kael exhaled, his palms igniting.
Skill: Ember Palm (F-Rank) – A wave of flame surged outward, scorching fur and flesh. Two hounds yelped, collapsing in flames, but three pushed through.
Kael spun, trailing smoke. Skill: Smoke Veil (F-Rank)—the room clouded, blinding the beasts. He slid low, grabbed one by the neck, and snapped it against the wall. The others tore through the veil but Eren raised his hands, light glowing.
Skill: Minor Heal (F-Rank)—a soothing aura pushed back Kael's fatigue.
"Not bad," Kael muttered, grinning.
They fought their way up, floor by floor, until the dungeon grew silent.
The Boss
The chamber stretched wide, stalactites dripping molten drops. From the ceiling unfurled a creature of ash and flame—the Molten Serpent. Its scales shimmered with embers, eyes like lava.
The ground shook as it roared.
System prompt: Boss – Molten Serpent (E-Rank).
Kael's throat tightened. An E-rank already? Damn…
The serpent lunged, jaws snapping. Kael rolled, fire exploding from his hands. The flames struck its scales, but it only hissed, glowing hotter.
"Not enough…"
The serpent's tail whipped across the chamber. Kael blocked with smoke, but the sheer force slammed him into the wall. His ribs ached.
"Kael!" Eren rushed forward, pouring light over him. His wounds sealed just enough for Kael to rise again.
Kael grinned, spitting blood. "Good. Now it's my turn."
He focused, fire and smoke twisting together.
Skill Fusion Activated: Smokeflare Burst (F-Rank → E-Rank).A fiery explosion wrapped in choking smoke detonated against the serpent's chest, searing its scales black. The beast shrieked, thrashing violently.
Kael pushed forward, striking again and again until the serpent finally crumbled into ash, its molten core rolling across the floor.
Aftermath
Both collapsed, panting. Eren stared at the glowing core in Kael's hands. "You're insane."
Kael grinned weakly. "Maybe. But we're alive."
They exited the dungeon with bags of lesser beast cores, and one glowing Molten Core—worth a fortune.
At the Market
The Protector's Market Center was alive with noise, hunters trading cores for skill books, weapons, and armor. Kael's eyes roamed the stalls until they froze.
An Ice Shard Tome (E-Rank) gleamed in a glass case, frost radiating faintly.
Price: 50 Gold + Minimum Rank Requirement: E.
Kael's heart pounded. "That's it. That's the skill I need."
Eren followed his gaze. "But you're still F-rank. And broke."
Before Kael could curse, the familiar blue text of his system flickered before his eyes.
System Alert: User has demonstrated combat efficiency. Unlocking Growth Path.
Quest: "Prove Your Flame" – Conditions: Defeat 50 hostile beasts outside dungeon walls OR acquire 5 rare beast cores. Reward: Rank Ascension (F → E).
Kael's lips curled into a dangerous grin.
"Looks like the system wants me to earn it."