Chapter 11: The SS-Rank Trial
The entrance to the Obsidian Citadel, an SS-Rank dungeon, loomed like a black monolith against the horizon. Its aura radiated raw power, and the air shimmered with magical distortion. Even seasoned hunters hesitated before stepping inside.
Hayden's system pinged incessantly:
[Dungeon Detected: Obsidian Citadel | Difficulty: SS-Rank]
[Recommended Level: 35+]
[Warning: High Mortality Rate | Solo Survival Possible: 45%]
He checked his stats:
[Level: 25 | Strength: 180 | Agility: 210 | Endurance: 190]
[Skills: Shadow Step Lv4, Enhanced Reflexes Lv4, Shadow Manipulation Lv3, Shadow Clone Lv3, Shadow Merge Lv2, Shadow Strike Lv1]
A grin spread across his face. Probability didn't matter. He had the system, he had experience, and he had shadows.
Inside, the dungeon was a labyrinth of black stone, illuminated by eerie crimson crystals. Shadows moved independently, forming grotesque shapes and attacking relentlessly. Hayden merged with them, his clones attacking from multiple directions, breaking enemy lines with precise timing.
Selene, as always, observed from the shadows outside. She had followed Hayden's energy signature, subtly shifting traps and magical interference that would have otherwise slowed him down. No one else would know; it was almost imperceptible, but it made his path smoother.
"Curious… and infuriatingly effective," she whispered, lips curling slightly as she watched him dominate enemies with supernatural precision.
At the core of the dungeon waited the SS-Rank Boss: Eclipse Seraph, a celestial being with wings of darkness and radiant light piercing through. Its roar shattered stone, sending tremors through the dungeon.
Hayden activated Shadow Merge, vanishing completely. Clones spread across the chamber, drawing the Seraph's attention while Hayden struck from behind with Shadow Strike, bypassing its radiant defenses.
The battle raged like a storm of light and shadows, Hayden weaving through attacks with preternatural reflexes and manipulating shadows into lethal instruments. EXP flooded in as each strike damaged the Seraph.
Finally, Hayden's Shadow Dagger of Eternal Night pierced the Seraph's heart, absorbing its energy into the System.
[Boss Defeated! Level Up: 30 → Stats Maxed for Current Stage]
[Reward: Seraph's Halo (Legendary), Shadow Dagger Upgraded → Shadow Dagger of Infinity]
Outside, Selene exhaled quietly. For the first time, she felt the weight of genuine admiration. He wasn't just strong he was extraordinary, surpassing every expectation she had built in her mind.
She adjusted her position slightly, subtly preventing a magical surge from nearby hunters from interfering with Hayden's path a quiet act of protection she would never admit.
Selene's icy blue eyes lingered on him. "Impressive," she murmured. "More than impressive… extraordinary."
Aftermath:
Hayden emerged from the dungeon, shadows swirling around him, his presence radiating unparalleled power. S and SS hunters across the region began whispering of the Player who had conquered the Obsidian Citadel solo.
And Selene… she followed at a distance, curiosity and admiration growing stronger, though she would not yet approach. A subtle bond was forming, one that would become crucial as Hayden continued to rise.