Lucien thought he had already won the battle.
But something felt wrong.
He quickly took out a healing potion and drank it.
I am glad I did not use them all. I still have one left.
Suddenly, the monster stepped forward.
It had recovered from his attack.
Lucien narrowed his eyes and rushed forward before it could fully regain strength.
But just as he was about to strike, the Void Reaper began to laugh.
Haha… I underestimated you, human. Now I will take this fight seriously.
The aura around the Void Reaper grew thicker.
It became heavy and suffocating.
Lucien felt the pressure and gritted his teeth.
I knew from the beginning this was not a fight I could win with luck. I was afraid.
He tightened his grip on his weapon.
But if I stay afraid, I will never grow stronger. I will not give up. I will keep fighting until nothing stands in my way.
The force of the Void Reaper's aura pushed Lucien backward.
Dark red energy began swirling around the monster.
Lucien realized he was in serious trouble.
I could have run if I had the chance. But if I am going to die in this world, then I will die with honor and pride.
The Void Reaper's second form was complete.
When it stepped forward, its voice changed.
I am no longer the Void Reaper. I am Eclipse Devourer.
Lucien stared at it calmly.
I see. So you are still in your right mind.
The monster's eyes glowed.
This is your end.
In an instant, it vanished.
Lucien could not sense its position.
The next moment, he felt a sharp pain in his chest.
He looked down.
A dark sword had pierced straight through him.
Is this how it ends for me?
His vision began to fade.
The monster turned away.
It was a great fight. But you still died, human.
As it walked away, it paused.
When was the last time I enjoyed fighting a lowly human? I should have asked his name.
Suddenly, it froze.
A terrifying aura exploded from Lucien's body.
It felt like a demon king had descended into the world.
Lucien's wound began healing at an unbelievable speed.
He slowly stood up.
I am not done yet. I will devour the darkness within you.
The monster turned sharply.
I thought you could not use aura or magic. How did you obtain such power?
Lucien's eyes were cold.
I do not answer to monsters.
The Eclipse Devourer attacked again, faster than before.
But this time, Lucien dodged every strike effortlessly.
With a single slash, he ended the exchange.
You said your name was Eclipse Devourer. The one who swallows light and reality. Then I will show you who truly devours.
The monster sneered arrogantly.
You insignificant insect. You dare compare yourself to me? I am a being born from the abyss itself. I have consumed heroes, shattered kingdoms, and erased hope. You are nothing more than dust beneath my feet.
Before it could continue, Lucien raised his hand.
A massive black hole formed behind him.
Darkness began pulling everything inward.
The monster tried to escape, but the force was overwhelming.
No… this cannot be happening. I am the one who devours.
The black hole swallowed the Eclipse Devourer completely.
A system notification appeared.
Power detected. Authority conflict confirmed.
Absorption successful.
Warning. Excessive power acquired.
Primary ability sealed until conditions are met.
Lucien collapsed as the dungeon began to disappear.
---
Inside his dream, he found himself bound by a massive black chain.
He tried to break it, but it would not move.
A dark aura surrounded his consciousness.
At the same time, another powerful aura clashed against it.
The two forces collided.
Lucien suddenly opened his eyes.
He was in his bed at home.
His mother was sitting beside him.
Lucien… you are finally awake. You have been asleep for three days.
He looked at himself.
Mom, I feel fine. I am not hurt at all.
In his mind, he was confused.
I was stabbed in the chest. How am I completely healed?
His father entered the room.
You are awake. I found you lying on the ground after the dungeon was cleared. Were you the one who cleared it?
Lucien shook his head.
No. I only remember being stabbed by the Void Reaper.
His father frowned slightly.
When I told you to enter the dungeon, I did not tell you to go to the final boss chamber.
I fell into a teleportation trap.
His father remained silent for a moment.
When I arrived, I felt a powerful aura. You were lying beside a sword. It seems the Void Reaper was protecting it.
The sword is called Abyssal Sovereign.
This blade was forged from condensed void essence within the dungeon core. It allows the wielder to manipulate space, create void rifts, and absorb dark energy attacks. However, it only responds to someone acknowledged by the dungeon itself.
You should rest. Tomorrow you will go to train under my master. Your mother and I will be leaving as well.
Yes, father.
His mother gently spoke.
I am relieved you are not hurt. And the sword I gave you… you broke it.
Lucien nodded.
It helped me a lot.
She smiled softly.
That was a holy sword. Your father used it when he was younger. That is why I gave it to you.
Lucien stayed silent, trying to remember what happened after he was stabbed.
But nothing came back.
It does not matter. I am alive. That is enough.
His mother looked at him carefully.
You seem troubled.
I was just thinking about the dungeon.
She sighed.
We are putting you through a lot at such a young age. But it is for your sake. What awaits you in the future is more dangerous than you can imagine. You must grow stronger to protect yourself.
Lucien looked at her calmly.
I know. And I am grateful to both of you. I will become strong.
She smiled with pride.
If it ever becomes too much, your father and I are here for you.
I understand, mother.
As she left, Lucien thought to himself.
After nearly dying twice, staying calm is the only choice I have.
---
Later that night, his father spoke quietly to his mother.
I suspect Lucien was the one who cleared that dungeon.
She looked shocked.
How could a six year old clear a dungeon? Especially one with an SSS class monster.
Our son is a genius. When I found him, I felt an overwhelming aura from him for a brief second.
She fell silent.
Maybe you are overthinking.
But deep down, she was not completely sure.
---
Meanwhile, Kael, Nyra, and Liora returned to their guild.
They reported that the dungeon had been cleared.
The guild master was shocked.
Do you know who cleared it?
No. But we met a boy inside. He was strong enough to defeat a B class boss.
The guild master narrowed his eyes.
A boy?
They nodded.
But clearing the final boss is impossible. It was an SSS class monster.
News quickly spread across the city.
The dungeon that had remained uncleared for fifteen years was gone.
Even the strongest adventurers had failed before.
So who defeated the Void Reaper?
The investigation began.