Chapter 123 - HA 123

Chapter 645 - Void Dragon

As I stepped into the darkened passage, the air shifted, cool and heavy, wrapping around me like a second skin. The doorway behind me shimmered briefly, and I heard a low hum—the spell formation sealing itself once more, locking me into this hidden path. I glanced back, watching as the intricate web of mana threads layered over the entrance, twisting and merging until the way out vanished entirely.

The formation was seamless, beyond anything I'd expected. I activated my [Eyes], focusing intently, yet the mana threads remained elusive, slipping just beyond the limits of my perception.

The formation didn't just conceal—it erased, rendering the entrance indistinguishable from the stone wall around it. Even my heightened senses couldn't pierce through the barrier completely.

'Impressive,' I thought, letting my hand hover near the veil, feeling the faint trace of energy lingering there. The mana here was different, older, with a refinement that suggested it came from a source of higher rank or potency than what I could wield.

The spellcraft wasn't merely intricate; it was layered, built to conceal and repel even the keenest observer.

'Whoever crafted this formation didn't just want it hidden—they wanted it forgotten.'

The Void Clan's skill in weaving spells of concealment wasn't new to me, but this level of craftsmanship spoke volumes.

'Indeed. It is much stronger than the one that Zharokath was using.'

It was the work of someone who had perfected the art, using techniques far beyond my own current mastery. Every strand of mana held a precise purpose, each line drawn to repel, to conceal, to mislead.

I observed the way the threads intertwined, their seamless fusion indicative of mana manipulation on a level I'd only read about. A faint shimmer pulsed through the lines, a mark of mana embedded in the stone itself, as though the formation had become part of the tunnel's very structure.

The more I observed, the more I realized that this formation was not just advanced—it was ancient, bound by the kind of magic that survived the ages, unyielding to time and degradation.

'It makes sense why I can't just see through it just at the first glance.'

I noted, memorizing the pattern. The sheer complexity made it evident that the Void Clan had crafted this with a high-ranking intent—either an incredibly rare mana or a formation that scaled well beyond standard techniques.

'Though I can't study it right now, it will be a good future reference.'

Satisfied with my examination, I shifted my focus back to the path ahead.

'There you are.'

The tunnel wasn't as long as I'd expected. Just a few paces ahead, I spotted a small stone platform, illuminated faintly by a dim, ethereal glow.

The closer I drew, the more apparent it became: this was a focal point, the very heart of the concealment formation, carved with a purpose. Symbols etched into its surface pulsed faintly, reacting to my presence with a slow, rhythmic beat, like the pulse of a sleeping giant.

Reaching the platform, I pulled the necklace from my coat, its cool weight resting in my palm. The intricate design of the pendant matched the cavity in the platform exactly, down to the smallest detail.

I ran my thumb over its surface one last time, feeling the faint traces of mana thrumming beneath its surface, before carefully aligning it with the hollow.

With a steady hand, I placed the necklace into the cavity. As it settled into place, a faint hum echoed through the air, and the symbols on the platform flared to life, casting a soft, pale light that filled the tunnel. The platform's edges shimmered, the old mana swirling as it awakened, each line of the formation coming together in a harmonious glow.

I watched as the platform's light intensified, filling the room with a calm, resonant energy. The air around me thickened, charged with mana that felt ancient and potent, infused with a power that seemed to belong to another age entirely. The path ahead was opening, responding to the key now resting in place.

'Finally.'

I thought, the faint pulse of anticipation thrumming.

–SHINE!

A sudden, blinding light flared from the platform, flooding my vision and swallowing the dim tunnel in an instant.

Before I could react, a powerful force tugged at me, as though the very air had shifted to draw me in. The sensation was unmistakable—a warp gate activating, its pull wrapping around me, drawing me forward as space distorted, compressing reality into a single, pulsing heartbeat.

The platform, the tunnel, and even the air seemed to dissolve as I was pulled through the twisting fabric of space, weightless and suspended in a liminal state.

And then, as quickly as it began, the pull ceased. I felt my feet touch solid ground, and I opened my eyes.

Before me lay a vast, empty expanse. The air here was dense, thick with mana that seemed to float and swirl like mist. Faint glimmers of light traced through the space, illuminating fragments of jagged stone structures jutting from the ground like the bones of an ancient creature.

The sky—or whatever ceiling encompassed this place—was of a purple color, different from the blue sky of Earth or other places.

This place was different.

'Indeed...A whole different dimension.'

I kind of expected this, coming here from the start.

The dim light illuminated the expanse, casting a haunting glow over the scene. It wasn't the familiar warmth of sunlight nor the stark, cold light of a close star. Instead, the light seemed to seep in from somewhere far off, as if drawn from the remnants of distant, dying stars hanging faintly in the endless purple void above.

I looked up and saw them—vast celestial bodies drifting through the sky, their shapes twisted, fractured, hollowed out from ages of decay. Dead planets, or perhaps stars that had long burned out, lingered overhead like the ghosts of a ruined cosmos, floating in silent testament to whatever cataclysm had once ravaged this place. The entire sky seemed a graveyard of shattered worlds, suspended in endless stasis.

'A dimension outside of our own lost to time and destruction,' I noted, feeling the weight of the ancient mana clinging to the air. The ground beneath me was uneven and cracked, scattered with fragments of stone that jutted out like the remains of a long-lost civilization. The air hung heavy, carrying a strange stillness that felt too quiet as if the sound itself struggled to exist here.

Ruined structures rose around me, their jagged silhouettes casting angular shadows against the soft, eerie glow. These weren't merely remnants of buildings—they felt like the vestiges of an entire reality, left abandoned and forgotten.

I stepped forward, each footfall echoing softly against the stone, the sound swallowed almost instantly by the thick, dense atmosphere. Mana drifted lazily, swirling around in faint, luminous tendrils, clinging to the cracks and crevices as if the dimension itself held on to the last fragments of life that once thrived here.

'This place… holds the memory of its destruction,' I thought, my gaze tracing the remnants of crumbling towers and empty hallways. It was as if the dimension itself mourned, locked in a silent requiem.

Yet, amidst the silence, a steady pulse of energy reverberated through the air, a hum felt more in my bones than heard. The mana around me, that lingering, ancient essence, wasn't simply hanging in place—it was converging, drawn toward a single point in the distance. I could feel it, a gravitational pull of sorts, siphoning the remnants of this dimension's life force into something—or someone.

I turned my gaze in the direction of that pull, my body still cloaked in [Shadowborne], melting seamlessly into the darkness. The presence was unmistakable, the energy vast and patient, consuming all that remained of this place. I let my mind analyze the clues, piecing them together with what I knew from the game's lore and my own observations.

'Just as I predicted,' I mused. 'The Void Dragon… it died. Its death weakened the Void Clan, leaving them vulnerable, forced to retreat from the influence they once commanded.'

But Primordial Demons like the Void Dragon weren't creatures that simply ceased to exist. Their essence clung to reality, their power too potent to simply vanish. Instead, the Void Dragon had found refuge in this forsaken dimension, hiding within its shattered remains and beginning the slow, arduous process of rebirth. It was siphoning every last scrap of energy from this space, resurrecting itself from its own ashes, piece by piece.

'Three years,' I reminded myself, recalling the timeline from the game. Three years from now, it would emerge from this dimension in full force, unleashing its destruction upon the Federation in a catastrophic strike, the Void Clan reclaiming its lost glory through its resurgence.

But, was it really three years of energy absorption in this world as well? Or, how much of a strength the Void Dragon had recovered, at this point in time?

That was a question that I couldn't answer.

I began walking forward, each step silent as I moved deeper into the desolate realm, [Shadowborne] blending me into the void. My thoughts circled the questions I couldn't answer, calculations shifting in my mind like pieces on a chessboard.

The Void Dragon had been here, absorbing energy for an unknown stretch of time, and the game's timeline was only a faint guideline—a rough estimate in a world where changes could alter the very fabric of fate.

But three years for a rebirth in a game didn't mean the same here. For all I knew, the Void Dragon's energy could be exponentially closer to completion.

It could be halfway through or merely a fraction away from full power. The difference between encountering a weakened, recovering Void Dragon and one nearing rebirth was stark, but that risk was one I'd chosen to accept.

A dangerous gamble, one where the margin for error was narrow. Yet here I was, feeling the weight of my choices settle over me.

After all, there were no guarantees in a place like this. The Federation and the Void Clan might have been betting on the same three years, but the Void Dragon was not a creature bound by human logic or timelines. Its resurgence was more of an inevitability than a question of "if," and waiting was a luxury I couldn't afford.

The path opened ahead, widening into an immense cavern-like expanse. The pull of energy was stronger here, thickening the air to a near-stifling density. I took another step forward, sharpening my senses and letting my focus zero in on the source.

'Bring it on.'

Chapter 646 - Void Dragon (2)

'Bring it on,'

I thought, feeling the thrill of anticipation stir beneath the steady resolve. This was the moment I'd been preparing for, a confrontation years in the making.

From my spatial storage, I withdrew the pair of daggers Kieran had provided just today. The blades glinted dully in the faint light, their edges sharp enough to slice through steel, the perfect tools for a close-quarters encounter.

I hadn't had the luxury of training with them yet—they were a last-minute addition, an unexpected bonus—but that didn't matter. Their craftsmanship alone spoke of their potential. They'd find their purpose here, in the shadow of the Void Dragon's lair.

Next, I reached into the storage and pulled out a small vial containing a concoction that I concocted when I was with Maya just now: Void's Bane.

A translucent, viscous liquid swirled within, faint wisps of mana coiling up and dispersing in the dense air.

I carefully unscrewed the vial and let a single drop trickle onto each dagger. The blades' enchantments responded immediately, recognizing the concoction as poison. The metal hummed softly, absorbing the liquid, the edges of the daggers taking on a faint, dark sheen as Void's Bane melded into their structure.

'Well, just to make sure they're fully prepped,' I mused as I returned the daggers to my storage. But the preparation wasn't over yet.

From my storage, I retrieved several more weapons—arrows crafted for precision and speed, along with additional daggers meant for quick strikes. I carefully applied drops of Void's Bane to each of them, watching as the enchantments recognized the potent concoction, the blades, and arrowheads taking on that same dark sheen.

And finally, one final thing was left.

–Celestalith.

Coating Celestalith was a completely different matter, as the weapon would change its form all the time.

And, since the weapon would change its form, naturally the parts that would be coated would also lose their form.

Essentially that was one of Celestalith's weaknesses. I could coat the dagger form, but then I would be left stuck with a single form of weapon itself, limiting myself too much.

But using external weapons like these, this way, I'd have a range of options in combat, each weapon capable of carrying the poison deep into the Void Dragon's essence, weakening it with every strike.

When every weapon was treated, I took a step back, satisfied with the setup, and stood up to drink from a set of small potions. These weren't the heavy hitters—no dangerous side effects, no harsh crashes afterward—just subtle boosters that would enhance my stats by five percent for the next hour.

As the effects settled in, I felt a slight surge in my body—a faint but noticeable increase in strength and awareness. Everything was ready, each detail was accounted for.

With every preparation complete, I took a final inventory of myself. My mana reserves were nearly full, boosted by the ambient energy in this dimension. For some reason, the mana here felt different—denser, richer, as though each breath I took brought a purer form of energy into my body. It was as if this dimension, once rich with life, still carried remnants of that vitality, enhancing my senses and focus.

But I didn't linger on the sensation. This wasn't the time to analyze the quality of the mana here. I had only one purpose, and every second counted.

I let [Shadowborne] settle around me, merging with the dim, shadowed environment as I moved silently forward.

The pull of the Void Dragon's presence grew stronger, thickening the air with an oppressive weight that seemed to seep into every crack and crevice of this place. Each step brought me closer, and the aura of raw, primal energy intensified, filling the cavern with an ancient, slumbering power.

I moved steadily, feeling the faint pulse of the Void Dragon's essence grow sharper. The quiet hum in the air shifted, vibrating at a frequency I could almost feel in my bones. This was no ordinary creature—Primordial Demons like the Void Dragon were forces of nature and even weakened, its essence was formidable.

As I moved deeper into the cavern, the eerie stillness around me became all the more pronounced. Not a single sign of life stirred in this place—not even the faintest trace of movement. It was as if every living thing that had once existed here had been drained, leaving nothing but emptiness and silence.

Finally, I arrived at my destination, stepping into a vast, circular expanse. The area was unsettling in its design: the ground, a deep purplish hue, seemed to pulse beneath my feet like veins drawing mana from some hidden source. Scattered across the floor were countless bones, remnants of past lives long since expired, their twisted forms rising among fractured stone structures that jutted from the ground like forgotten monuments. The air itself felt heavier, the ancient mana pressing down like an invisible weight.

And in the center of it all stood a massive egg. It loomed, dark and foreboding, its surface glossy and untouched, showing no signs of wear or even the slightest hint of cracking. It was easily several times my height, exuding an aura of latent energy—a formidable presence wrapped in silence.

I felt a pang of pity as I studied it. Without any cracks or movement, there was no way to gauge the state of the Void Dragon within. Approaching it would risk triggering a reaction, and studying it up close was out of the question without exposing myself.

'This is going to be bothersome.'

No sense in waiting any longer. I raised Celestalith, the weapon shifting seamlessly in my grip until it took on the sleek, curved form of a bow. With practiced precision, I notched an arrow, letting my mana flow into it, sharpening its potency. I took aim, focusing on the egg's center, then released.

BOOM!

The arrow shot through the dim light, striking the egg with a resonant impact, and then the arrow exploded with a blue fire of Lunar Mana.

But as the smoke cleared, the scene remained unnervingly calm. There was no reaction from within, no sound, no stirring in the dense mana around me.

'Indeed. No reaction.'

And the egg was just not affected either, completely unbothered by the strike.

I watched the egg intently, as it remained completely unscathed, untouched by the explosion of Lunar Mana. My arrow had been powerful enough to shatter most defenses, yet the egg's surface hadn't even been scratched. Its defenses weren't just resilient—they were sustained, bolstered by the very energy flowing through this dimension.

My eyes traced the thick, pulsing veins running along the ground, feeding directly into the egg's base, channeling mana from the surroundings to protect it. If I wanted to weaken the egg, I'd have to disrupt its supply.

With a sigh, I notched another arrow, aiming it toward one of the thicker veins winding its way across the cavern floor. I poured energy into the arrow, charging it with mana until it vibrated with a fierce intensity, then released it.

The arrow struck the vein with a resounding boom, an eruption of energy tearing through the pulsing line. This time, the reaction was violent, as the mana in the vein surged, flaring up before fading into a dim, lifeless gray.

The force of the explosion shook the space around me, the ground quaking as the energy supply to that section was abruptly severed.

'It is working indeed. Now the rest.'

I quickly moved, setting my sights on the remaining veins.

BOOM!

One by one, I released a volley of arrows, each hit accompanied by another fierce eruption of mana as the veins lost their color, the once-pulsing lines growing dark and still.

BOOM!

The cavern shuddered with each impact, and the energy in the room shifted, growing unstable as the protective flow to the egg diminished with each severed vein.

With each strike, I could feel the defenses weakening, the energy around the egg beginning to thin. The structure wasn't impervious—it relied on this network, and I was tearing that network apart piece by piece.

The energy in the space had become chaotic, mana filling the air like a raging storm. The veins, severed from their purpose, spilled their power into the open, saturating the cavern with raw, unfocused energy. It crackled around me, creating an almost suffocating density in the air, but I pushed forward, already prepared for this kind of backlash.

As I drew back my bow, aiming at the fifth vein, a sudden tremor coursed through the ground. The entire cavern shook, debris rattling loose from the fractured stone structures around me. I shifted my gaze to the egg—it was trembling, vibrating under the pressure of the condensed mana within it. Hairline cracks had begun to form on its surface, glowing faintly as the energy within intensified, pulsing like a heartbeat.

I could feel it—an immense surge of mana accumulating inside, a force so dense and overwhelming that even from a distance, its presence bore down on me. This was it; the Void Dragon's awakening.

'Time to move.'

Without hesitation, I took cover behind one of the larger stone structures, crouching low as I let the shadows fold around me, fortifying myself with [Shadowborne]. I braced for what was coming, knowing that this was only the beginning.

The egg's cracks widened, light spilling from the fractures as mana surged and coiled within. The entire cavern pulsed, the immense energy ready to erupt as the creature within stirred to life.

CRACK!

And with a loud voice, the egg cracked.

BOOM!

Followed by an explosion.

"SCREEEEECH!"

And then, followed by a screech of a monster. Indeed, the fight was about to start.

Chapter 647 - Void Dragon (3)

"SCREEEEECH!"

The dragon's screech tore through the cavern, a sound so piercing it rattled my bones and forced me to brace myself. In that instant, I activated [Shadowborne]'s defensive form, [Shadow Embrace], and felt the comforting shroud of shadows coil around me, forming a protective layer that absorbed some of the incoming force. The explosion's shockwave hit me, fierce and unyielding, pushing against my body like a physical wall.

I gritted my teeth as the pressure settled on me—a crushing, suffocating weight, unlike anything I'd ever felt. Every inch of the air was saturated with the Void Dragon's raw, ancient mana, filling the cavern with an almost tangible presence. It was as if the very essence of the Void itself had come alive, pressing down on me with a relentless force that seeped through my defenses and settled heavily in my chest.

"SCREEEEECH!"

The sound was deafening, reverberating through every corner of the cavern, threatening to shake it apart. My ears rang, my vision swam, and I fought to maintain my focus, knowing that this was only the beginning.

And then, as the dust settled and my senses adjusted, I saw it.

The Void Dragon.

The creature before me was a monstrous sight, its scales dark as the deepest night, seeming to absorb every trace of light in the room.

Veins of void energy pulsed along its massive body, glowing with an eerie, purplish hue that contrasted sharply against its pitch-black form. Its eyes, glowing like twin void stars, fixed on me with an intelligence that sent a chill down my spine.

The sheer size of it was indeed huge; each breath it took caused the ground beneath my feet to tremble, the dense mana radiating from it distorting the air around it.

The dragon's wings unfurled, vast, and shadowy, each membrane stretching like a dark curtain that seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding shadows. The tendrils of void energy danced around its body, giving it an almost ethereal, otherworldly quality. It was both terrifying and mesmerizing—a primordial force given form, ancient and unyielding.

I couldn't afford to be distracted.

Taking a steadying breath, I tightened my grip on Celestalith, feeling the familiar hum of mana as it responded to my intent. My instincts screamed at me to retreat, to find cover, but I knew there would be no running from this. This was a battle where every moment counted, and I couldn't waste a single one.

The Void Dragon tilted its massive head, looking around to sense the presence of the mere intruder that dared to disturb its slumber.

As I steadied myself, peering through the haze of mana and dust, I took in the Void Dragon's form. The sheer power emanating from it was staggering, but there was something… incomplete about it. Comparing it to the fully realized monster from the game, I noted the differences. This version was smaller, lacking the complete majesty and terror of its future self. Its dark, shimmering scales, though formidable, had patches where they appeared thinner, as if still developing. The massive tail, which in the game had been an impenetrable weapon, looked a touch shorter, less armored.

The most noticeable difference, however, was its wings. A mature Void Dragon should have two pairs, each one casting vast shadows capable of blotting out the sun. But here, only one pair was fully formed, while the second set barely extended past its back, stunted and skeletal, pulsing with incomplete veins of void energy. The dragon's body was still growing, still in the midst of its rebirth—a sign that my gamble had worked, at least partially.

But if the Void Dragon was aware of this, it wasn't happy about it.

"SCREEEEECH!"

Another piercing roar ripped through the cavern as it flailed, its wings smashing into nearby rock formations and sending boulders crashing to the ground. The dragon's eyes blazed, sweeping the cavern with furious intensity, searching for the intruder who had dared interrupt its slumber. Veins of void energy pulsed along its form, glowing angrily as if sensing its incomplete state and raging against it.

Each strike of its claws against the stone was thunderous, and I could feel the fury radiating from it. Shadows pooled at its feet, surging with each frustrated movement as the dragon's half-awakened strength struggled to stabilize.

I took a slow, measured breath, keeping my form concealed in the shadows, my grip tight on Celestalith.

'No need to waste any more time.'

The more the dragon went berserk, the more dangerous it would be for me, as there is a chance that it can find my presence, or discover me.

'I shouldn't rely on Shadowborne, as if it is omnipotent.'

That was why, it was the time to act.

Without hesitation, I drew Celestalith, shifting it smoothly into its rifle form. The weapon hummed in my grip, resonating with my mana as I focused my aim on the Void Dragon's head, targeting its blazing, furious eyes. I poured compressed energy into each shot, feeling the familiar surge as the rifle prepared to unleash its devastating force.

-PIU! PIU! PIU!-

Three bullets shot from the rifle in quick succession, streaking toward the dragon's head with deadly precision. Each shot left a faint green trail in its wake, Celestalith's unique ability marking the path with ethereal tendrils that guided my vision to the target. I could see the trajectory clearly, the mana-infused bullets zeroing in on their mark.

The Void Dragon's eyes flared as the first shot hit, exploding in a burst of energy that forced it to reel back. The second and third bullets followed, striking just above its eyes and sending tendrils of green energy cascading down its face.

"SCREEEEECH!"

The impact forced the dragon to halt, its head snapping back as it let out a furious roar, shaking the very foundation of the cavern.

But I had only seconds before it would find me.

The Void Dragon's enraged gaze turned sharply in my direction, its blazing eyes narrowing on my location. Its instincts were sharper than I had expected; it sensed my presence instantly, its void energy swirling as it prepared to retaliate.

Without a moment's hesitation, it raised one massive claw and slammed it down toward the spot where I stood, the sheer force sending cracks radiating across the ground.

WARP!

I activated [Shadow Leap] just in time, vanishing into the shadows and reappearing several meters away. The dragon's claw struck the stone with a thunderous impact, shattering the ground beneath it and sending debris flying in every direction. Dust and fractured stone filled the air, obscuring its vision as I moved further back into the shadows.

The Void Dragon let out another screech, its frustration evident as it lashed out blindly, the half-formed wings on its back twitching with a rage that made the air vibrate.

It twisted its head, trying to pinpoint my new location, but I remained hidden, silent in the shadows as it scanned the cavern, its every movement tinged with a primal fury.

Knowing my element of surprise was gone, I decided to press the advantage while it was disoriented. I shifted Celestalith back to its rifle form, preparing for another round of shots.

'Analyze.'

The fight had begun, and I didn't have much time to think.

'The bullets don't have much effect. As expected. I either need to go into close combat range, or I need to use Blasting Arrows.'

The dragon's incomplete state made it less formidable, but each second it remained active allowed it to stabilize, to draw strength from the ambient void energy.

'I need to be fast.'

I took a steadying breath, activating [Eyes of Hourglass]. Immediately, time seemed to slow, the rush of mana surging into my eyes sharpening my senses to a razor's edge.

The Void Dragon's movements, once a flurry of terrifying speed, now appeared almost sluggish as my perception accelerated.

My brain worked at a rapid pace, analyzing every detail as my vision began to pierce beneath the dragon's thick, pulsing hide.

'What? Just what is this?'

But, beneath its dark scales, a complex network of mana pathways glowed faintly, each line of energy coiling and twisting through its colossal form like rivers of power.

It was unlike anything I'd ever seen—an intricate web of void energy, far denser and more complex than any creature I'd encountered. Every line was alive with mana, fueling the dragon's strength.

My eyes darted across the dragon's form, tracing the intricate patterns, but even with my heightened perception, I struggled to pinpoint any weak spots.

The sheer complexity of its pathways was overwhelming; its mana structure was layered, dense, and woven in such a way that it defied any quick analysis. Weak points were there, but hidden, each one embedded deep within the framework of its body. I only had seconds to make sense of it.

'Focus,' I told myself, pushing through the disorienting rush of information. My vision sharpened further as I studied the lines of energy with intensity, zeroing in on the faint disruptions in the flow.

'This…..'

Finally, I managed to mark five potential weak points—areas where the mana seemed less stable, where the flow was disrupted for the briefest of moments before stabilizing again. I burned their positions into my memory, mapping them out in my head.

'It is coming.'

The Dragon also noticed my new location, as I could sense its eyes and body starting to move.

I tightened my grip on Celestalith and took aim, channeling my mana into the rifle as I locked onto the first weak point. Even with my slowed perception, each shot needed to be precise, hitting those exact marks to verify if they were indeed vulnerabilities.

-PIU! PIU! PIU!-

The bullets tore through the air, each one streaking toward its target, striking the dragon's form with pinpoint accuracy.

The impacts resonated against its hide, faint pulses of green energy signaling where each shot had hit. The dragon roared in response, the vibrations shaking the very ground beneath me.

SWIRL!

But that wasn't enough as instantly, just as the green energy pulsed against the dragon's hide from my shots, I sensed a sudden shift in its mana.

The air around it thickened, condensing rapidly into a point just above its head. My eyes widened as I realized what was coming—a beam of condensed void energy, aimed directly at me.

Even in slow motion, the beam surged with terrifying speed, a searing streak of darkness that seemed to slice through space itself. I had only a fraction of a second to react, and instinct took over.

I activated [Shadow Leap], vanishing into the shadows just as the beam tore through the spot I had occupied. The air sizzled, the edges of the cavern stone melting under the sheer force of the blast as it continued past, carving a searing line into the wall behind me. The explosive force from the impact rocked the cavern, sending cracks spidering across the walls.

I reappeared on the opposite side of the room, catching my breath as I steadied myself. I could feel the residual heat of the beam, even from a distance, and a shiver ran through me at the near miss.

"SCREEEEECH!"

The Void Dragon's furious screech reverberated through the cavern, its blazing eyes snapping toward my new position.

The beast twisted, clearly enraged by yet another missed strike.

And then its eyes shone brightly for a split second, and then….

–a̶̡̛͈̱̟̙͇͎̘̙̭̜̞͂̆̀̋̌́͂̂͋̅̒͠ş̵̢̢̝͈͖͔̺͕͖̩̫̯͇͆̔͑̔̊͒̀̆͊̔͐͛̽͒̃̍͑̈́̚͠ḑ̶̨̨̛̤̮͇̝͉̲̘̼͎̾͒̀̀́̽͑̄̿͊̄̇͘͜͜͜͠͝͝ͅf̴̢̧̨̤̬̟͈̰̼̹͖̭̰̹̱̙̺̘͈̪̈́̽́͌g̶̛̠͚̏̈́͘a̶̦͕̐́͂͋̓͊̚͝ḍ̴̪̔̓̿͌̎̑͆̆̚͠͠f̵̮̅ǵ̵̨̛̛͍̥͕̗͚͌͌̄̔̃͜ą̵̢̙̱͙̼̫͔̟͎͚͈̌̀͌̏̎̌́́͆̏̿̒̏̌̌͆͘͜͜͜͜͝ͅd̵̼͓͖̟̥̞̟͖̄̌͐̂̏̆̍͑̊̽̀̕f̵̫̮̝̺̜͗̍͋̽͋͝͠͝͝g̸̨̭̘͓̥͍̿̋͛̿̈́a̸͖͍̺̥̫̰̩̰̗͌̒͑͑̌̔̐̐̾̈́̓̆͌̾͠͠͝͠d̷̨̡̛̛̼͚͎͈̝̩͉̖̤͎̄̾͊̅̅̊̎͋̓̀̿̈́̏̑͝͠͝f̷̡̢͖̘̣̪͈̟̹̝̗̟͈͔̦͙̀̋̎͑͗̂̒̌͛̿̚̕͜͝ǵ̷̢̣̦͔͙̣̰̙̟̳̪̫͈̺̯̥̉̒̉̓͋̔̓̏̑͘͝͠ȁ̸̫̓̄̋͆̈́̐͘d̸̙̄͐̂̌̓͗̾̅͛͗̓̂́̓͊̾̓͝͠

I felt something inside me, disappearing.

'Shadowborne.'

It was gone.

Chapter 648 - Void Dragon (4)

A cold realization washed over me as I felt the familiar presence of [Shadowborne] vanish from within. It was simply… gone as if it had been erased from my very being. My instinctual reliance on the shadows, my ability to vanish and strike from concealed positions—all of it had been stripped away.

This was one of the Void Dragon's abilities, a terrifying attribute of void energy itself. It could erase the very essence of things, nullifying powers it found troublesome, leaving opponents vulnerable. The dragon had sensed [Shadowborne] as my most elusive strength, the one that had frustrated it again and again and had chosen to erase it entirely.

I clenched my jaw, my mind racing to adjust. This was exactly why I had restrained my attack, focusing first on marking the dragon's weak points. If I had revealed my full strength too soon—if my offensive abilities had been nullified instead—I would have been left defenseless against this creature.

'This is the power of the Void Dragon,' I thought, feeling the weight of the situation settle around me. No more escaping into shadows, no more slipping away at the last second. It was now a battle in the open.

'Heh….That is why, you Primal dogs are weak…..You can't think.'

It was really ironic that one of the strongest beings in this world would make such a mistake.

'Now move.'

I channeled my mana into my legs, using the [Cyclone Stance]'s footwork.

SWOOSH!

Feeling mana surge through my legs, I blasted forward, crossing the cavern with blinding speed.

The Void Dragon's blazing eyes locked onto me as I closed the distance, and with a thunderous roar, it surged forward to meet my advance.

SWOOSH!

Its massive, clawed foot came crashing down, a strike that would have crushed me if I hadn't twisted at the last second, narrowly slipping past its lethal reach.

CRASH!

The force of its swipe left a gust of wind in its wake, nearly throwing me off balance. But I maintained my momentum, now only meters from the beast, and reached into my pouch, fingers wrapping around the throwing daggers Kieran had provided me.

Each blade was crafted with perfect weight and balance, designed for swift, accurate throws—ideal for the kind of precision strikes I needed now.

My gaze locked onto the weak points I had marked earlier, the faint green tendrils from Celestalith's energy still lingering, guiding my aim like threads of fate.

'Perfect.'

With a flick of my wrist, I released the first dagger, watching as it soared through the air, aiming for the dragon's exposed neck where the scales were thinnest. The blade struck true, embedding itself into the weak point. I didn't waste time; in quick succession, I threw the remaining daggers, each one slicing through the air toward the marked weak points along its body.

-THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!-

Each dagger found its target.

Yet, the dragon wasn't idle.

With a furious roar, it swung its other massive claw toward me, a strike so powerful that the very air seemed to compress around it.

BOOM!

I leaped back, aiming to evade, but the shockwave from the force of the swing caught me, slamming into my body like a hammer. Pain erupted along my side as I was thrown backward, crashing into the hard stone floor with a force that rattled my bones.

I grimaced, clutching my side as I rose to my feet, feeling the sting of the injury. The dragon's raw strength was overwhelming, and even an indirect hit left its mark.

'The daggers.'

But then I had finally, allowed myself to take a look at the body of the monster itself.

'Tch.'

I gritted my teeth, feeling the sting of disappointment as I took in the sight of the Void Dragon. The daggers I had thrown, despite striking the marked weak points, hadn't embedded deeply enough. My strength alone wasn't sufficient to pierce through the creature's dense hide completely. The Void Dragon's natural armor was formidable, each scale layered with hardened mana that resisted my attacks as if mocking my attempts.

SWOOSH!

But before I could adjust my strategy, the dragon let out a furious, guttural roar, its massive body coiling as it prepared to launch forward. I barely had a second to brace myself as it surged toward me, jaws wide open, razor-sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light.

RUMBLE!

The cavern trembled under the force of its charge, and I realized I wouldn't be able to evade fully.

BITE!

I moved as fast as I could, ducking and twisting, but the Void Dragon was relentless, its jaws closing in on me with terrifying speed.

SLASH!

I felt the edge of its teeth graze my side, sharp as blades, tearing through my armor and scraping against my skin. The pain flared as blood trickled down, but I managed to shove my foot against its maw, pushing myself free with a fierce kick.

As I leaped back, I focused, calling the daggers back to me. In midair, they shifted, slicing through the shadows as they flew back to my side. I caught my breath as I landed, but there was no time to dwell on the pain.

The Void Dragon was still on the offensive, its eyes blazing as it readied itself for another attack.

Without hesitation, I transformed Celestalith into its bow form, drawing the string and infusing a cluster of arrows with highly concentrated mana. The weapon hummed, green tendrils flickering along the arrows as I released them with precision, each one aimed directly at the dragon's eyes.

-THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!-

The arrows shot forward, guided by the green energy of Celestalith. They struck the dragon's eyes with perfect accuracy, but to my shock, there was no explosion. The arrows seemed to vanish upon impact, their energy dispersing into nothingness as if they'd been swallowed whole.

'Void nullification… again.'

The dragon's void energy had canceled out my attack, erasing the mana as if the arrows had never existed. Frustration coursed through me as I realized that, even with Celestalith's enhancements, I was still only scratching the surface of the Void Dragon's defenses.

"SCREEEEECH!"

The Void Dragon let out another enraged scream, the sound vibrating through the air as it gathered energy in its maw. Void energy began to condense, swirling into a dense, pulsing mass that crackled with dark intensity.

The air around it grew cold and oppressive as the dragon prepared to unleash a ranged attack, channeling the beam toward me with deadly intent.

'This….'

With Shadow Leap gone, I did not have any other way to defend myself aside from evading the strike.

'Adapt!'

And, I did so.

I steadied myself, watching the Void Dragon's eyes and the gathering void energy in its maw. In that instant, I realized its intent—it wasn't targeting me directly, but rather the path I'd instinctively choose to evade. The beast's instincts were sharp, honed by a primal intuition that read my movements as if it knew my intentions.

This could be a mindless creature, but it was the epitome of a Hunter.

A dragon.

'So, that's what you're doing…'

But if I could read it reading me, I could turn this against it.

As the beam erupted from its maw, searing toward the side I would normally choose for escape, I pivoted, pushing myself to the opposite side at the last second.

WROOM!

The beam narrowly missed me, scorching the ground where I'd been standing and leaving an ashen trail across the cavern. I rolled with the momentum, using the evasion to position myself better as I rose to my feet.

This was my window, however small.

Without hesitation, I activated [Eyes of Hourglass], mana flooding into my eyes as the world slowed to a crawl. Every detail of the Void Dragon's form sharpened in my vision, the lines of mana pulsing through its body, each weak point illuminated like a faint constellation.

I could see its focus shift, the dragon's gaze locked onto me with a burning rage, but I knew it was drawn primarily to protect its most vulnerable spots—its eyes.

With this in mind, I pulled back the bowstring, channeling mana into two arrows and releasing them with precision aimed straight at its eyes.

They shot through the air, green tendrils trailing as they flew. The dragon's attention snapped toward the incoming arrows, instinctively moving to counter them, its gaze locked on the threat.

But I was already moving.

I shifted my aim, sending three more arrows toward the other weak points I'd marked earlier along its neck and joints. If my theory was correct, the dragon would prioritize its eyes, ignoring the other arrows. And if those landed, they might destabilize its defenses enough for me to strike deeper.

The first two arrows hit their mark, the Void Dragon's eyes flashing with void energy as it nullified them, dispersing their power into nothingness.

But as it focused on those, the second volley found their targets unimpeded.

-THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!-

The arrows embedded in the weak points along its body, each impact resonating with a deep, pulsing glow.

And then followed by a

BOOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Sounds of explosion.

The explosions rippled through the Void Dragon's body, each impact resonating with a deep, pulsing blue glow before erupting into violent bursts. My mana had done its job, destabilizing the weak points I'd marked, and the force of the blasts left the creature writhing in agony. The dragon's furious scream echoed through the cavern, its voice thick with rage and pain.

In retaliation, the beast raised its massive claws, void energy swirling around them as it condensed into two enormous, shadowy spears. The dragon's eyes flashed with deadly intent as it lifted the spears high, gathering power with every second before slamming them down toward the ground with devastating force.

-THOOM!-

The spears struck the earth, unleashing a massive shockwave that tore through the cavern, sending cracks racing along the stone floor and walls. The sheer power of the impact vibrated through me, the ground beneath my feet heaving as the wave of energy barreled forward.

But instead of fear, a smirk tugged at my lips.

The pain and damage from the explosions had disrupted the dragon's defenses, leaving the weakened areas exposed.

This was my chance.

With quick precision, I pulled out the daggers Kieran had given me, feeling their familiar weight in my hands. As the dragon's immense body began to descend, momentarily vulnerable from the agony that wracked it, I flicked my wrists, sending the daggers flying toward the exposed points with lethal accuracy.

SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Each blade sliced through the air, guided by the green tendrils still lingering from my previous attacks, the ethereal lines leading them toward their targets.

But before the daggers found their marks, the shockwave from the dragon's impact reached me, slamming into me with crushing force.

BOOM!

I staggered, the blast driving me back, my body jarred from the impact...

Chapter 649 - Void Dragon (5)

The shockwave blasted toward me, but just as it closed in, I activated [Aegis Guard] from the [Storm Stance], channeling energy around my body in a protective layer. In the same instant, I shifted Celestalith into its [Martial Artist] form, feeling the weapon respond and morph into a shield that expanded before me, absorbing part of the impact.

-BOOM!-

Despite the layered defenses, the sheer force of the dragon's attack overwhelmed me, sending me hurtling backward. I flew through the air, slamming into the cavern wall with a bone-jarring impact. Pain exploded through my body, my vision blurring as I felt the blow reverberate deep, churning my insides. I tasted the metallic tang of blood as it filled my mouth, spilling over my lips with a violent cough.

"Cough…."

For a moment, the world was a blur of pain and sound. My body felt battered, every muscle screaming from the impact. But I forced myself to focus, my eyes locking onto the Void Dragon.

'Heh...'

The daggers I'd thrown before the blast had found their mark; were embedded deep in the weakened points, each one pulsing with mana that disrupted the flow of void energy within the creature.

"SCREEECH!"

The dragon's agonized scream echoed through the cavern, a piercing sound filled with fury and desperation. Its massive form shuddered, scales twitching erratically as if caught in the throes of a berserk state.

The void energy within it, once an unstoppable force, was unraveling, disrupted by the effects of my attacks and the Void's Bane that laced the daggers.

Through my blurred vision and battered body, I activated my [Eyes], focusing on the chaos within the creature's mana pathways. The once-stable flow of energy inside the dragon was spiraling out of control, twisting and convulsing, unable to maintain its usual coherence. The Void's Bane had taken root, spreading through its veins like poison, breaking down its defenses from the inside out.

I smirked, feeling a grim satisfaction despite the pain. Everything was finally coming together.

Each dagger pulsed within the beast, radiating the toxic mana of the Void's Bane, amplifying the disruptions and forcing the void energy to go berserk.

The dragon's eyes rolled with agony, its body convulsing as it struggled to maintain its form. Veins of energy bulged beneath its scales, glowing faintly as the poison wreaked havoc within its system.

The Void Dragon's attacks grew frantic, clawing at the ground and slamming its tail against the stone in a frenzied attempt to shake off the growing pain. But the damage was done.

"Hehe…..Now, here I come."

I reached into my spatial storage, fingers brushing against the cool, smooth surface of the [Overdriving Pill]. Without hesitation, I popped the pill into my mouth, feeling its potent contents dissolve and flood my system.

Almost instantly, a surge of raw energy coursed through me, mana converging around my body like a pulsing aura. My muscles tightened, revitalized by the intense boost. The injuries I'd sustained still throbbed beneath the surface, but the pain dulled, becoming more bearable, at least for now.

The effects were undeniable: a staggering 35% increase in my stats for the next three minutes. I felt my senses heighten, my reaction time sharpening, and my strength returning in full force.

The Void Dragon seemed to sense the shift in my aura, its vertical slits narrowing, glowing with a fierce yellow intensity.

"ROAAAAR!"

The creature's body convulsed as it struggled to control the berserk void energy wreaking havoc within it, pain and fury blazing in its gaze. Driven by rage, the dragon roared, shaking the cavern as it charged toward me with terrifying speed.

SWOOSH!

But this time, I was ready.

With the heightened agility granted by the pill, I sidestepped its attack, feeling the rush of air as its claws scraped past me, narrowly missing.

The world around me felt slower, my movements sharper, more precise. As the dragon's claws dug into the ground, I twisted out of its reach, maneuvering around its massive form with newfound ease.

The Void Dragon lashed out again, its strikes wild and furious, but I weaved between its attacks, faster than it could track. Each motion felt fluid, and controlled—no longer a desperate attempt to survive but a calculated assault.

SWOOSH!

The beast's pain and anger grew with each missed strike, and I could see its movements becoming more reckless.

'You are in pain.'

And when a beast is in pain, it becomes erratic. That is the basic rule.

SWOOSH!

The Void Dragon raised its colossal body, channeling the ambient mana that filled the cavern. The void energy in the atmosphere, unleashed from its own disrupted pathways, began to converge, swirling around it like a vortex of dark power.

Its eyes glowed with renewed intensity, and its form seemed to blur, growing faster, more dangerous.

In one of its massive claws, the dragon summoned a spear of condensed mana, dark and pulsating with void energy. With a fierce glare, it swung the spear toward me, a powerful arc of energy trailing behind it.

But this time, I didn't just evade.

I reached into my spatial storage, retrieving the daggers Kieran had provided, each one coated in Void's Bane. The toxic mana shimmered along their edges, ready to slice through the dragon's defenses with deadly precision.

SWOOSH!

As the dragon's spear sliced toward me, I leaped into the air, twisting just out of its reach. The force of the swing sent a gust of wind rushing past, but I was already moving.

HOWL!

While airborne, I cast [Grapple], sending a thread of mana latching onto the dragon's rough hide. With a sharp pull, I changed my trajectory mid-air, shooting toward the dragon's exposed underbelly.

In the blink of an eye, I was face-to-face with the vulnerable area I'd been aiming for.

Without hesitation, I drove the daggers into its flesh, both blades piercing through its thick hide with the added potency of Void's Bane.

The poison acted swiftly, spreading through the dragon's veins, amplifying the disruption in its energy flow and pushing the creature's berserk state even further.

The dragon let out a bone-rattling roar, its body convulsing as pain surged through it. The void energy around it flickered wildly, destabilized by the concentrated poison of the daggers.

Gripping the hilts, I twisted the blades deeper, feeling the dragon's blood pulse against the metal as its body shuddered. Its defenses were breaking down, its energy spiraling out of control as Void's Bane continued to eat away at it from within.

"RRRRROOOOOOAAAAAR!"

But, that wasn't the end.

A dragon was a dragon after all.

The Void Dragon's furious roar reverberated through the cavern as it smashed its tail into the ground with bone-shaking force. The impact sent tremors racing across the floor, throwing me off balance for a split second—just long enough for the dragon to take advantage.

Its massive tail whipped around in an arc, aiming straight for me. I reacted instantly, casting [Grapple] to hoist myself out of reach.

But just as the mana thread extended, it vanished—nullified by the dragon's ability to disrupt spells.

TAK!

Before I could adjust, the tail struck me with crushing force, sending me hurtling across the cavern and slamming into the wall. The impact churned my insides, and I felt another mouthful of blood rise as I hit the ground.

'Can't waste any time. Wake up.'

Ignoring the pain, I forced myself to my feet. I didn't have the luxury of recovery; the three-minute window from the Overdriving Pill was quickly ticking down. My options were narrowing with each second.

Since [Grapple] was no longer an option, I channeled the remaining mana into my legs, amplifying my speed and power.

SWOOSH! CRACK!

With a burst of energy, I launched myself toward the dragon once again, weaving through its onslaught. The dragon's spear came down in a deadly vertical arc, but I sidestepped at the last moment, feeling the rush of void energy as it struck the ground beside me.

It lashed out with its claws next, but I ducked beneath the swipe, narrowly evading the jagged talons that sought to tear me apart. Then came the tail once more, sweeping through the air with deadly intent, but I managed to leap over it, my heightened reflexes keeping me just ahead of each strike.

And there it was—the opening I needed.

With a final burst of speed, I closed in on the dragon's belly, pulling another pair of daggers from my spatial bracelet.

The beast's void energy flickered wildly, struggling to stabilize, but its massive form was still formidable.

I drove both daggers into its exposed underbelly, feeling the resistance as they sank deep, their blades infused with Void's Bane.

But this time, I didn't linger.

Sensing the dragon's impending counterattack, I immediately released the daggers, abandoning them as I pushed off from its body, creating as much distance as I could.

The dragon roared in agony, its eyes blazing with a renewed fury as the poison took hold, further destabilizing its energy.

"ROOOAR!"

And then it finally used one thing that it had not been using.

Its wings.

The Void Dragon, in a final attempt to escape its torment, unfurled its wings, the dark, shadowy membranes stretching wide. With a powerful beat, it tried to lift itself from the ground, desperate to take to the air and escape the poison ravaging its system.

But I wasn't about to let it.

"YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!"

Chapter 650 - Void Dragon (6)

But I wasn't about to let it.

"YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!"

–Umbralith.

I shifted Celestalith into its purple form, [Umbralith]. The weapon thrummed with power, responding instantly to my intent. I focused on the dragon, channeling mana into Umbralith's unique ability.

In an instant, gravity around the Void Dragon doubled, forcing it back toward the ground just as it started to lift. Its massive wings strained, and the beast roared in defiance, fighting against the force.

But I wasn't done.

With a surge of energy, I increased the gravity further, the force quadrupling around the dragon's struggling form.

It thrashed, its wings beating furiously, void energy flaring as it tried to counter the overwhelming pressure. But I pushed harder, the gravity intensifying to eightfold.

The Void Dragon screeched, its body shaking violently as it struggled to remain airborne. The cavern itself seemed to tremble under the immense gravitational force, cracks spidering along the ground beneath the dragon's massive claws.

"Fall!" I roared, pouring every last ounce of mana into the weapon. The gravity spiked to sixteenfold, an insurmountable weight pressing down on the dragon's form. Its wings buckled, unable to withstand the pressure, and with one final scream, the creature plummeted to the ground, crashing into the stone floor with a thunderous impact.

BOOM!

It was all thanks to the fact that my stats were increased further by %35.

Just as I held the Void Dragon pinned under the crushing force of [Umbralith], I felt the gravitational field dissipate abruptly.

–Null.

The dragon's eyes glinted with cunning as it writhed, free from the field's crushing grip. The nullification cooldown had ended, allowing the creature to dispel my last tactic. It rose slowly, void energy flickering weakly along its scales, but the battle was far from over.

But this was all the time I needed.

Without hesitation, I shifted Celestalith into its crimson form, dual daggers that glowed a deep, bloody red.

As they materialized in my hands, a surge of raw power washed over me, the edges of my vision tinged crimson.

The injuries I'd sustained pulsed with energy, amplifying my strength through the weapon's unique bond—the more blood spilled, the stronger I became. The pain, now less a hindrance and more a source of power, coursed through me like fuel.

I reached into my spatial storage, pulling out the Void's Bane concoction. With a swift flick of my wrist, I dripped the toxic liquid onto the daggers' blades, watching as the crimson metal absorbed the poison, veins of dark energy pulsing along their edges.

I tossed the empty vial aside, gripping the daggers tightly as they thrummed in my hands, alive with power and purpose.

"Here I come."

The Void Dragon's gaze sharpened as it sensed the threat, but it was too late.

SWOOSH!

With a final, steadying breath, I braced myself and dashed forward, the crimson-tinted world narrowing to a single point of focus: the dragon's weakened, pulsing form.

Each step brought me closer, my body moving fluidly despite the bruises and gashes. The power of Celestalith's crimson form pushed me past my limits.

The Void Dragon lashed out, its claws raking through the air, but I ducked and sidestepped, closing the gap with lethal intent.

'Slow.'

But it was slow.

Just slow.

–SWOOSH!

The Void Dragon swung its massive claw toward me, but I slipped past it effortlessly, my body a blur as I blasted forward.

I saw the panic flicker in the dragon's eyes as it leaped back, desperate to avoid the inevitable. Its wings began to beat frantically, each powerful stroke lifting it off the ground.

But just as it started to rise, the dragon let out an agonized scream, its wings seizing mid-motion.

The once-mighty creature faltered, its wings stiffening as the void energy flickered erratically along its form. I allowed a grim smile to spread across my face, knowing exactly what was happening.

Void's Bane had taken root in one of the most critical pathways I had targeted earlier. The nerves running through that specific weak point connected directly to the muscles that controlled its wings.

With the poison spreading through those delicate, essential channels, the dragon's wings were rendered useless, paralyzed by the toxic mana coursing through them.

This was why I had taken the risk in the first place. The initial strike had been more than just an attack; it was a strategic gamble. Trading blows and enduring the dragon's strikes allowed me to target this vulnerability, knowing the payoff would be worth it.

CRASH!

The Void Dragon crashed back to the ground, its wings now limp, useless appendages that dragged along its sides.

Fury and pain burned in its gaze as it glared at me, the once-mighty beast now grounded and struggling, its defenses shattered and its movement sluggish. I tightened my grip on the crimson daggers, each step bringing me closer to its exposed, vulnerable form.

The dragon had nowhere left to run.

"heheheheh..."

It couldn't escape.

It was completely trapped.

But what to do? Every living being has an instinct to leave, that is how the world works.

The Void Dragon let out one last, primal roar, its entire form trembling as it gathered every last ounce of void energy, directing it toward me in a final, desperate attempt. I could feel the intensity of its power, the forceful attempt to disrupt my movements, to render me still.

But it wasn't enough.

The dragon, in its not fully developed state, couldn't command the strength necessary to nullify my actions.

After all, if it were to do that, it would have done it long ago.

I continued my advance, undeterred, my eyes locking onto the creature's agonized gaze. Each step was purposeful, the crimson daggers humming with energy as I raised them, closing the distance.

The Void Dragon's void energy flickered one final time before it sputtered out, the remnants of its strength ebbing away, leaving it vulnerable, defeated.

Standing before the beast, I took a deep, steadying breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle around me. I closed my eyes, centering myself, channeling the remaining mana within me as the crimson world around me sharpened, amplifying my senses.

My grip tightened around the daggers, and a calm resolve washed over me.

–"Onslaught of Crimson Moon."

I unleashed my final move.

I struck with precision and relentless fury, each slash of the daggers carving through the beast's flesh with lethal intent. My movements were swift, almost a blur as I danced around its vulnerable body, the daggers leaving crimson arcs in the air as they cut through its hide.

Each strike was methodical, aimed at vital points I had marked in my mind, the void energy within it collapsing with every blow.

The dragon's body shuddered, each pulse of the Void's Bane working its way deeper into its core as the crimson onslaught continued. Finally, with one last, decisive strike, I drove both daggers into its heart, feeling the creature's life force ebb beneath the blades.

The Void Dragon let out a final, weakened roar, its voice fading into a faint echo as its body went limp.

The battle was over, and as I pulled the daggers free, the beast collapsed, void energy dissipating like mist into the air.

The victory was mine, hard-won and absolute.

Then, out of nowhere, my heart thundered with a single, brutal THUMP!

A wave of dizziness overtook me, and I felt the strength drain from my limbs, my body suddenly heavy and sluggish.

The pill.

The [Overdriving Pill]'s effects, which had granted me that extra edge, had finally caught up with me. My vision blurred as the intense crash hit, and my senses dulled and unsteady. It was as if someone had flipped a switch, cutting my power and leaving me with a body that felt alien, and weak.

I stumbled, clutching my side as I tried to steady myself.

"Haaaaah...Haaaaah….."

My stats had plummeted, and the hibernation state of the pill's aftermath took hold, draining a staggering seventy percent of my strength. Every movement felt like dragging lead, and I had to force myself to stay upright, each breath laborious.

'As expected...Just a second late and I would no longer be able to live.'

I made one mistake in the fight.

A single mistake, where I couldn't predict the fact that the dragon would have [Nullified] my [Grapple].

Had I made more than one mistake, I would not be here breathing right now.

The timing had been everything.

The end of the pill's effects, the initial strike, and every precise maneuver—all of it had to be executed flawlessly. Had I slipped up even once more, the three minutes of enhanced strength would have ended in the heart of battle, leaving me exposed, and helpless. If I hadn't planned my movements down to the second, I wouldn't be here, standing victorious.

But that didn't matter now. What was important was that I had survived, the Void Dragon was defeated, and I'd managed to emerge from the fight in one piece—barely.

Despite the crash of the [Overdriving Pill] draining most of my strength, my injuries had largely healed, thanks to the properties of [Crimson Celestalith].

With each strike, I'd absorbed a fraction of the dragon's vitality, fueling my own body even as I wore it down.

I could feel that essence lingering, an echo of the force pulsing within me, knitting together wounds that would have otherwise left me struggling.

'Fortunate,' I thought, steadying myself, forcing my breath to slow, to find a rhythm again.

Just as I steadied myself, feeling the faint pulse of the Void Dragon's vitality knitting me back together, an unexpected surge of energy struck me like a tidal wave. It was powerful, overwhelming, and unlike anything I'd ever felt before.

A torrent of demonic energy flooded my body, dense and intense, carrying with it the raw essence of the Void Dragon itself.

It wasn't just demonic—it was something deeper, something primal. The energy surged through me, unrelenting, filling every cell with an almost unbearable pressure. My body reacted instinctively, my mana channels opening wide to absorb it, but the force was too much, too fast.

My vision blurred as the world around me spun, and I could feel my senses dimming, unable to handle the onslaught. The dragon's life force was like a wildfire, searing its way through me, merging with my own mana in chaotic pulses. My heartbeat quickened, each beat more strained than the last, struggling to keep up with the new power rushing through me.

My knees buckled, the strength leaving my limbs as the energy overtook my mind, overwhelming every sense, every thought. I fought to stay grounded, to keep some semblance of control, but the energy was too vast, too all-consuming. I could feel my consciousness slipping, fading beneath the relentless flood of power.

And then, darkness.

Chapter 651 - Voidborne 

As Astron's body collapsed to the ground, his strength utterly spent, a strange pulse rippled through the air. From the fallen Void Dragon, a bubble of chaotic, purplish energy began to seep out, twisting and spiraling, moving with a malevolent intent toward him.

The energy crackled, dense, and overwhelming, carrying with it the fury and essence of the defeated Primordial Demon.

Just as the dark energy neared Astron, a soft glow emanated from the necklace resting against his chest. From within it emerged the faint, ethereal form of Estelle, appearing more solid and composed than ever before.

Her expression was a blend of sadness and faint regret as she regarded her unconscious brother, who lay battered and drained beneath her gaze.

"Brother…" she whispered, her voice gentle yet filled with an almost maternal warmth. Estelle reached out, brushing her hand softly along his face, her touch ghostly but filled with affection.

"You're working really hard…" Her fingers trailed along his forehead, smoothing away the traces of strain and weariness that marred his features. A tender smile graced her lips, though sadness lingered in her eyes. "I'm sorry for not being able to show myself… yet."

She looked up, her gaze shifting to the chaotic energy hovering ominously in the air. The remnants of the Void Dragon's essence pulsed within it, wild and untamed. Estelle raised her hand, her fingers weaving through the currents of power as she steadied its chaotic flow.

"You've managed to conquer yet another one," she murmured, almost to herself, admiration and pride flickering in her gaze as she studied her brother. Then, with a calm resolve, she raised her hands, tracing intricate symbols in the air. "I shall guide this energy for you," she whispered, her voice laced with determination.

With each delicate movement of her fingers, Estelle directed the Void Dragon's energy toward Astron's body, guiding it with a practiced grace. The purplish aura wove through her hands, now refined and tempered, as she funneled it gently into Astron. The energy merged with him, its chaotic nature softened by her touch, flowing seamlessly into his body and intertwining with his essence.

As Estelle channeled the Void Dragon's energy toward Astron, a faint glow began to bloom above them. A small moon materialized in the air, illuminating the pair with a soft, mystical light. The colors shifted gently from green to red, from purple to blue, then to a muted grey before becoming a shimmering, translucent hue, casting an otherworldly glow that ebbed and flowed with her chants.

Her voice was low, melodic, woven with an ancient rhythm that seemed to resonate with the light itself:

"Vires lunaris, effunde mihi,

Ad fraternum cor, in unitate tua,

Fluere tranquillus, sanguine fortis,

Infunde potentiam, manere victoris."

With each phrase, her hands moved delicately, guiding the pulsing energy into Astron's body. The raw essence of the Void Dragon, once chaotic and wild, now flowed gently, tempered, and refined under her careful touch, weaving itself into Astron's very being. Estelle's face held a soft smile, but she whispered to herself, her voice a faint murmur carried by the glow of the moonlight.

"If you take on too much, you'll burst, little brother," she sighed softly, almost chiding yet fond. "You're pushing yourself so hard… try to be more careful."

Despite her gentle reprimand, her expression was one of unwavering affection. Her fingers traced along his chest, weaving patterns to guide the energy into his core, allowing it to settle without overwhelming him. The moon above them began to pulse with each color, echoing her words, her essence, and her love for him, infusing him with the strength of the Void Dragon while leaving him intact.

Her smile softened as she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "You're not alone, brother," she whispered, the light around them dimming as the final remnants of energy settled within him.

"Please seek our home…..You are now ready to continue our legacy….And to learn the secrets of our kin."

With a final, gentle, kiss on his forehead, Estelle allowed her form to dissolve back into the ethereal realm, leaving only the faintest glimmer of moonlight as a reminder of her presence, and the lasting power she had woven into his spirit.

*******

"You are working really hard…."

It was a voice that I could never forget.

The voice of a certain someone haunted me for quite a while.

But for some reason, this time, the memory will be fresh. Much fresher than how it would be.

For some reason, I felt a warm sensation in my head.

Then, I blinked my eyes open, staring up at the familiar, dim purple sky that stretched endlessly above. I took a deep breath, feeling the air fill my lungs easily, invigoratingly.

The exhaustion, the sluggishness—the oppressive weight of the hibernation state—had vanished completely. Instead, my body felt revitalized, stronger than before, as if every cell hummed with newfound energy.

I lifted a hand, flexing my fingers, testing the range of motion. No pain, no weakness—only a deep, simmering power flowing through my veins.

Whatever had happened during that blackout had left me in a state far beyond what I'd felt even before the battle began.

I rose to my feet, brushing dust from my coat, feeling as though the crash of the [Overdriving Pill] had never even happened. Whatever surge of energy I'd absorbed from the dragon had not only revitalized me but had completely eradicated the effects of the hibernation debuff.

Looking around, I took in the cavern again. The Void Dragon's carcass lay a few meters away, massive and unmoving, its dark form stark against the dim glow of the cavern. Its once-pulsing veins of void energy had dimmed, and its terrifying presence was now reduced to a lifeless shell.

The dragon lay in absolute stillness, its primal force dissipated, and I felt an odd stillness settle within me too—one born of the quiet finality of the victory.

I took a moment to examine the Void Dragon's carcass, and it struck me just how massive it truly was. In the game, it had always looked enormous, filling the screen with a dark, fearsome presence, but standing here, facing its real-life scale, was something else entirely. The sheer size of it was staggering, almost surreal, and it hammered home the reality of what I'd just accomplished.

'Even after all this time, seeing something this large up close... scaling it from a screen to the real world is a different feeling altogether,' I thought, a sense of appreciation for the art mixing with the residual pulse of adrenaline.

A part of me itched to test my newfound strength, to feel the extent of what I'd gained from this battle, but I quickly shook the thought.

There was no telling how much time had passed while I was here. This was a different dimension, a place cut off from the normal flow of reality. Time could be running faster here, or maybe even slower. Either way, I couldn't afford to gamble on it.

'This is no place to linger. There's a chance someone noticed the Void Dragon's death,' I reasoned. Killing a Primordial of the Void wouldn't go unnoticed forever, and it was only a matter of time before someone came to investigate. I'd stirred up enough trouble for one day.

I glanced around, my mind already planning my exit. There was no room for distractions, not even to check my own status window. I'd have to trust that the gains would be there when I needed them.

'Time to go,' I decided, one final look at the fallen dragon sealing my resolve. I had survived, come out stronger, but staying any longer would only invite new dangers.

Without wasting a moment, I reached into my coat and pulled out a newly acquired storage ring—a large-capacity one I'd invested in recently, bought for exactly this purpose. The Void Dragon's carcass was a treasure trove of valuable materials, and leaving it behind was out of the question. Dragon scales, bones, organs—all of it could be crafted into rare artifacts or used to study the unique properties of Void energy.

With a thought, I activated the storage ring, channeling mana into it. The dragon's massive form shimmered and, piece by piece, vanished into the spatial storage, leaving only faint wisps of residual energy where its body had once been. Satisfied, I slipped the ring back onto my finger, feeling the weight of the dragon's remains securely within.

Turning, I took hold of the necklace, feeling its familiar weight in my palm. I focused, and the mana within me responded. This energy wasn't like any I'd wielded before; it was deep, consuming, a darkness that thrived in silence. The [Voidborne] trait had settled naturally within me, instinctive, its presence pulsing in rhythm with my own mana. Although I hadn't yet seen the full details in my status window, I could feel an innate understanding of how to control this Void energy.

As I channeled Void mana into the necklace, it began to glow, its surface radiating with an otherworldly light. The space around me warped, the dimensions bending and folding with each pulse of energy I fed into the artifact.

WARP!

In an instant, the air twisted, and the familiar pull of spatial displacement seized me. The cavern, the dragon's grave, and the eerie sky vanished as reality bent around me, transporting me back to the world I'd come from.

The world settled around me, and I felt the familiar, solid weight of the ground beneath my feet.

The oppressive mana of the dragon's lair was gone, replaced by the more neutral energy of the dimension I'd returned to.

I blinked, allowing my senses to adjust as I took in my surroundings. I'd emerged just outside the entrance to the hidden tunnel I'd entered earlier, the faint glow of the teleportation magic fading from the space around me. The atmosphere was eerily quiet, the cavernous pathway deserted and untouched, as if no one had been aware of the Void Dragon's existence or its death.

I took a deep breath, grounding myself. My body felt alive, every fiber humming with the new, potent power coursing through me.

With the Void Dragon's carcass securely stored and the [Voidborne] trait now a part of me, I had achieved everything I'd set out for.

After a quick assessment of the surroundings, I knew I had to leave this place immediately. The Void Clan, the Federation—any number of groups could have sensed the disruption, and it wouldn't be long before someone came to investigate.

Adjusting my coat, I set my sights on the distant exit, stepping into the shadows as I prepared to make my way out of this place.

Chapter 652 - Voidborne (2)

I stepped into the hotel, its polished floors and warm lighting a stark contrast to the dark, oppressive atmosphere I'd just left behind.

The place was quiet, elegant, and mercifully empty—a welcome change after days spent stalking through shadows and hunting a creature like that. Now, all I wanted was a place to rest. A bed, silence, and maybe a few hours without worrying who or what might be watching.

As I approached the front desk, the receptionist looked up from her screen, a polite smile at the ready. Her gaze met mine, and for a split second, her expression faltered. Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing faintly as she took in my appearance.

'Ah. Another one,' I thought, suppressing a sigh. Ever since I'd consumed that flower in Maya's forest, I'd noticed this reaction everywhere.

Strangers staring, women going pink in the face, and even a few men were caught off guard. It was as though my very presence now carried some inexplicable allure, one I hadn't asked for and didn't want.

"Good evening, sir," she greeted, her voice a little too bright, the blush still coloring her cheeks. "Welcome to the Arcadia Hotel. How can I assist you?"

"Just a room for the night," I replied, keeping my tone as neutral as possible. "Something quiet, if you have it."

"Of course," she said, typing away, her gaze flickering back to me every few seconds. "Under what name should I register your stay?"

"Astron Natusalune," I replied, watching as she noted it down, her blush deepening slightly. She handed me the keys, her fingers brushing against mine as she did. Another lingering glance, almost as if she couldn't help herself.

I nodded politely, turning away. 'This charm nonsense is more trouble than it's worth,' I mused, moving toward the elevator. I wasn't interested in people's admiration, nor did I care for the attention that came with it. All it did was remind me of how far I still had to go, and the focus I needed to maintain.

The ride to the room was blissfully silent, and as I reached my floor and slipped the key into the door. I stepped into the room, letting the door click shut behind me, savoring the solitude.

I set down my belongings and surveyed the room. A brief flicker of satisfaction crossed my mind as I took in the polished elegance of the space, the muted lighting, and, most importantly, the oversized tub that awaited in the bathroom. It was why I'd rented a place this fine—might as well have the quiet and comfort while I could. Herbal baths had become a habit, ever since the organization had introduced me to their therapeutic effect. They steadied my mind and soothed the tension that built up after too many missions, letting me reflect without distraction.

'Let's take a bath first,' I thought, moving to prepare it.

The water filled steadily, steam beginning to cloud the air as I added the herbs from a small pouch I'd carried with me. Their scent—calming, slightly bitter—filled the room, a familiar blend that reminded me of the solitary moments I'd taken advantage of back at the organization.

I slipped into the tub, letting the warm water rise around me, seeping into my skin, easing the lingering ache from my muscles.

Silence wrapped around me like a second skin, the kind I welcomed. Here, alone and away from any prying eyes, I could think without restraint.

I allowed myself to feel the stillness, a state I'd grown accustomed to, free from the needless burdens of excitement or fear. I rarely felt anything at all, in truth. My emotions had long since been subdued, directed toward purpose rather than impulse. It was a kind of clarity I valued.

As I lay there, submerged in warmth, I turned my attention inward, letting my senses flow through the energy within me.

The Void energy from the dragon felt different, deeper, darker as if it reached beyond what normal mana could touch. It pulsed, synchronized with my own reserves, but still carried a wildness, a primal force that resisted being fully tamed.

'The [Voidborne] trait is potent,' I observed, watching the way the energy settled and moved. It felt almost alive, weaving through me with an instinctual understanding, as if it knew its place already.

Even without opening my status window, I could sense the changes: my mana was denser, my physical strength heightened, and beneath it all, a quiet, consuming power that made each breath feel purposeful.

But well, aside from that, I still needed to check the status window of course. So that, a certain someone could show a better view for the people reading?

'Status Window.'

As I called, the panel appeared before me.

------------------------------------------

▶Name: Astron Natusalune

▶Occupation: Weapon Master (level 4)

▶Talent Limit: 12

▶Passives:

Vengeful Bane

Bloodline Resonance

Psychic Cognizance

▶Attributes:

Variable Attributes:

• Strength: 6.02 ➔ 6.74

• Dexterity: 6.04 ➔ 6.76

• Agility: 6.12 ➔ 6.85

• Constitution: 6.03 ➔ 6.75

• Intuition: 6.20 ➔ 6.94

• Magical Power: 6.61 ➔ 7.40

• Mana Capacity: 6.70 ➔ 7.50

Invariable Attributes

Charisma: 11

Vitality: 10

▶Traits:

Perceptive Insight (Epic)(Unchanging)

Lunar Enigma (????) (Growth Type) (Stage 1)

Shadowborne (Legendary) (Growth Type)(Stage 3)

Voidborne (Legendary) (Growth Type)(Stage 1)

▶Arts:

Lethal Arsenal Ascendancy (????)(%37)

▶Skills:

Eyes of Hourglass

▶Body Imprints:

Everchanging Glyph

▶Bonds:

Aurora Raven (Rare)(Growth Type)

Celestalith, The Transcendent Eclipse

--------------------------------

The status window shimmered before me, its familiar layout detailing every aspect of my growth. As I scanned the numbers, the changes were immediate and undeniable. Every attribute had surged, the increases lining up perfectly with what I'd expected. A twelve percent boost across the board—precisely what comes from killing a Primordial Demon, even one that wasn't fully realized.

'So, a twelve percent increase. Not bad, even if it was expected,' I mused, noting the way each stat felt more refined, more substantial, as though my very foundation had shifted.

The boost was unmistakable, my strength, dexterity, and agility were now at levels that were leagues beyond what they'd been before.

And it wasn't just the physical. My mana capacity had climbed significantly, a steady surge of energy coursing through me, ready to be wielded. My magical power itself was close to breaching an entirely new threshold, a solid 7.40 that marked a milestone in my progress.

'Indeed…..Now, I can command the next level of mana.'

I thought to myself.

With each integer increase for the Magical Power, the rank of the mana that one would be able to make use of would also increase.

It was a satisfying sight, though satisfaction was a fleeting concept. Each boost, each increment, was simply another step. The real work came next, taming this new energy, and fusing it fully into my skillset. I knew well enough that raw power meant nothing if it couldn't be wielded precisely.

My gaze fell on the Voidborne trait, newly acquired and resting at Stage 1.

-----------------

Trait: Voidborne

Description: The innate trait bestowed by the Primordial Void Dragon, this ability grants the user mastery over void energy, enabling them to bypass physical and mystical barriers, nullify magical effects, and render themselves undetectable in various environments.

Stage 1:

Void Cloak:

The user cloaks themselves in void energy, allowing them to phase briefly through physical barriers and evade basic detection methods. While cloaked, the user nullifies minor ambient energies in the immediate area, making it difficult for magical or sensory abilities to track them. This energy cloak enhances the user's stealth, creating an elusive, incorporeal presence that slips through obstacles and evades observation.

------------

I took in the description of the [Voidborne] trait, noting each detail with a sense of mild satisfaction. Just like in the game, it had granted me the initial ability, [Void Cloak]. Familiar, yet distinct from the stealth provided by [Shadowborne's] [Shadow Veil].

[Shadow Veil] had served me well enough until now, shrouding me from perception, blurring my presence into the shadows. But [Void Cloak]—this was something else entirely. Not only did it conceal, but it nullified, stripping away the very traces that magic and senses relied on. No mere cloak, it made me incorporeal, an elusive void that slipped through barriers. And if I could understand a structure, and see its design clearly, I could phase through it.

'This isn't just hiding—it's erasure,' I thought, my fingers tapping lightly against the edge of the bath. 'If I need to vanish, I'll do more than disappear. They'll forget I was even there.'

The implications were significant. With [Void Cloak], I could evade even the most sensitive detection. The potential for this power, especially once mastered, was staggering.

Each wall or barrier was no longer an obstacle but a faint suggestion, a guideline I could simply pass through.

But the true strength would lie in my understanding—knowing where to phase, when to cloak, and making each choice precise. The Void demanded precision, and I would need to wield this trait carefully.

Satisfied, I dismissed the panel, the details now committed to memory. This was a new advantage.

'While it may look like a waste, it is still fine. Since I know the second stage of this trait, it shouldn't be that hard for me to get to that stage.'

That was the main part. With [Shadowborne] I lacked the necessary guiding principles, as the trait was different from the one that was shown in the game.

But this one seemed to be similar to the one in the game, and that gave me a direction to pursue.

'But, the most important thing is the fact that I now got my hands on the void energy.'

With the acquisition of void energy, I finally had the catalyst I needed. The very essence I'd absorbed from the Void Dragon was more than just raw power—it was the cornerstone of a technique I'd been working toward, one that would take advantage of the Void's unique properties to break past typical limits. This was more than an ability; it was a path to mastery.

'Void energy… now this is where it completes.'

Now, with everything finished, it was time for me to meet with a certain someone.