The Efficiency Hunt: Sub-B Rank Raid
In the dead of the Delhi night, Rudra stood before a new swirling vortex. This was a Sub-B Rank Gate—weaker than a true B-Rank but far more volatile than any C-Rank. Rudra had shed the obsession with breaking records; his mind was now singularly focused on the "Objective."
Upon entering, he immediately activated [Stealth]. He moved like a predatory ghost, drifting past the masses of monsters without shedding a single unnecessary drop of blood. He didn't care for 'Trash Mobs' today. He headed straight for the dungeon core, where two Twin-Headed Ogres (Sub-B Bosses) stood guard.
Within three minutes, Rudra's Darksmith dagger had pierced through their skulls.
[NOTIFICATION: QUEST UPDATE]
Road to Diamond Tier:
Monsters Slain: 2,100 / 2,000 (Requirement Met)
Bosses Slain: 3 / 30 (+2 in this raid)
"Only three..." Rudra panted, his body still feeling the residual strain of his previous overexertion.
The Cold Advice: Strengthening the Vessel
Rudra leaned against the jagged stone wall of the dungeon to catch his breath. His mana reservoir was boiling, pushing against the limits of his physical form.
"Master," the Ruin Soul's voice echoed in his mind, sharp and analytical. "Your reservoir is expanding, but your 'Human Vessel' is struggling to contain this power. If you do not increase your endurance, your veins will rupture before you ever touch the Diamond Tier."
"What's the solution?" Rudra asked.
"You have reserved points. My advice: add +50 points to Vitality immediately. You don't need to be a 'Tank,' but you must be a 'Surviving Sovereign.'"
Without hesitation, Rudra allocated the points.
[STAT UPDATE]
Vitality: 45 → 95 (+50 Boost)
Effect: 40% increase in Physical Endurance and Mana-Recovery speed.
In an instant, Rudra felt a surge of fresh vitality rushing through his system. The exhaustion that had been crushing him evaporated, replaced by a grounded, durable strength.
The Boss Hunter: A Trail of Corpses
Over the next few nights, Rudra became a phantom. He leaped from one dungeon to another across Delhi. Rumors began to circulate within the G.D.A. about "Ghost Gates"—dungeons that were being cleared overnight with no bodies left behind, thanks to Gluttony devouring every trace of the kills.
Rudra's strategy was ruthless. He ignored the small fry, infiltrated the Boss Rooms, executed the targets, and vanished.
Raid 4: 2 Bosses (Centipede Kings) - Slain.
Raid 7: 3 Bosses (Shadow Wraiths) - Slain.
Raid 10: 2 Bosses (Frost Minotaurs) - Slain.
By the time the chapter neared its end, Rudra had rendered nearly eight dungeons around the capital 'Boss-less.'
[NOTIFICATION: QUEST PROGRESS]
Monsters Slain: 2,100 / 2,000
Bosses Slain: 15 / 30 (Halfway there!)
Level 35: The Evolution of Darksmith
After slaying the 15th boss, a melodic 'Ding' resonated in Rudra's ears—a sound more satisfying than any music.
[LEVEL UP!]
Level: 31 → 35
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Evolution conditions met. At Level 35, your primary class skill has reached its first Evolution threshold.
[SKILL EVOLUTION: DARKSMITH → VOID DARKSMITH]
Description: You no longer just forge weapons from shadows; you infuse them with the power of the 'Void.'
Lethality: +100% Damage against Physical Armor.
New Ability: Void Edge - Any weapon created can now bypass mana-shields and magical barriers.
Rudra summoned his dagger. It was no longer a glowing violet; it was a deep, matte black—an obsidian-like blade that seemed to swallow the light around it. It felt weightless, yet thousands of times more lethal.
The Sovereign's Grind
Rudra looked at his new weapon. The fatigue on his face had been replaced by a lethal calm. 15 bosses remained between him and the Diamond Tier, and 30,000 crystals were waiting at the end of the road.
"Master," the Ruin Soul spoke with a hint of pride. "Your 'Lethality' can now rival Chirag's 'Sovereign Heartbeat.' He erases everything, but you... you can now 'Pierce' anything. No shield can stop you now."
Rudra pulled his mask back on. "We're only halfway there, Ruin Soul. The next 15 bosses won't even know what hit them."