The Forgotten Depths had already tested Kael's limits, but today felt different. The golden warmth in his chest pulsed strongly, insistent, almost like a warning.
He stepped through the entrance, silent as a shadow. The dungeon was deceptively quiet, yet every instinct screamed danger. His fingers tingled as he flexed them, the Dragon Core responding, subtle sparks tracing along his veins.
Something is waiting… something stronger.
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The tunnels twisted sharply, collapsing in parts, forcing Kael to crawl low. Faint golden veins glimmered along the walls, faint yet persistent, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. He followed them carefully.
A low growl echoed ahead. Kael froze. From the darkness emerged a pair of mid-sized monsters, coordinated and intelligent, far beyond the E-rank level. Their glowing eyes reflected the golden veins in the walls, and a low, vibrating hum radiated from them.
Kael didn't attack. He studied them. Observation guided his every move, his pulse syncing with theirs, feeling the faintest shifts in their posture.
---
Suddenly, a louder, deeper rumble shook the corridor. The S-rank entity from his previous dungeon had followed him, massive claws scraping stone, eyes flashing gold. Kael's pulse surged sharply.
[S-Rank Threat: Extreme Danger – Nearby]
He ducked behind a collapsed pillar, focusing. His Dragon Core flared. This was the first time he had faced simultaneous multi-tier threats.
Observation. Calm Influence. Minor Manipulation. All together.
Kael extended his hands. A faint ripple of energy pushed the mid-sized monsters back just enough to create space. One stumbled into a small pile of rubble. Another swerved sharply, losing momentum.
[Minor Manipulation Lv.2 Unlocked]
The Dragon Core responded actively for the first time under extreme pressure. Kael's pulse was strong, guiding him. He noticed a side corridor that could serve as a trap.
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He carefully nudged a loose stone with Minor Manipulation. It shifted to partially block the S-rank creature's path. The entity paused, sniffing, frustrated. Kael felt a thrill—a combination of fear and exhilaration. He had never influenced an S-rank creature this directly before.
But the mid-sized monsters attacked simultaneously, coordinating instinctively. Kael barely dodged, dust and debris flying around him. His heart pounded; the Dragon Core pulsed aggressively.
[Dragon Core Emergency Response Lv.2]
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Thinking quickly, Kael shifted his focus entirely. The smaller monsters faltered under the Calm Influence. The S-rank creature's attention wavered—just enough for Kael to slip through a narrow side tunnel. His chest burned with the pulse of the Dragon Core, guiding his senses to every subtle shift in air, shadow, and vibration.
The tunnel opened into a small chamber, crystal veins shimmering faintly. Kael pressed his palm against the wall. Sparks of golden light trailed along the stone, and he felt something new awaken:
[New Ability Unlocked: Dragon Core Focus Lv.1 – Amplifies Observation & Influence]
Kael exhaled sharply. This ability allowed him to heighten his senses and influence for a limited time, amplifying his control over creatures and the environment. It was subtle but powerful.
---
He peeked from the side corridor. The S-rank creature had been partially trapped by the stones he manipulated. The mid-sized monsters hesitated, confused. Kael flexed his fingers again, feeling the Dragon Core respond actively, almost like a heartbeat within him guiding every move.
A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. He was near exhaustion, but alive. The system pulsed warmly, acknowledging his survival, progress, and adaptation.
I can survive this… if I stay precise, calm, and focused.
---
By the time Kael finally exited the dungeon, the sun had climbed high, casting long shadows across the city streets. His chest still throbbed with the golden pulse, stronger and steadier than ever before.
He walked slowly, unseen, unnoticed by the bustling crowd. The Dragon Core had awakened more than ever today, and he had survived against multiple threats, including an S-rank entity.
The system is awake. I am ready. Slowly, quietly… I will grow stronger.
Kael smiled faintly, the golden pulse lingering at the edge of his vision. The world didn't know him yet—but soon, it would.
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