> Decay Remaining: 3 days. Body stability at 73%.
Shadren crouched near a flickering flame crystal embedded in the wall, his new body's wounds slowly knitting together. The chase from the hunter had left scorched marks along his side and a permanent itch in his mind.
That guy… he didn't just recognize me. He expected me.
The thought lingered like poison. And now, the fragment of memory he absorbed—flaming spear, giant skull, obsidian armor—kept replaying in the back of his head like a broken echo.
Was that him? Or someone else like him?
He didn't know. But one thing was certain.
I need to grow stronger. Fast.
---
Lower Floor – Monster Ambush
Shadren stalked deeper into the dungeon's fourth floor. The landscape grew sharper, more jagged. Vents spewed sulfur steam, and faint whispers—monster growls and screeches—echoed through the natural stone halls.
Not corridors. No torches. Just raw, evolving dungeon stone.
He caught the scent of blood. Fresh.
A lone Flamehide limped down a steep incline, its tail dragging.
> [Level 4 - Wounded]
He hesitated.
Too weak to be useful long term. But it'll get me through the next body swap.
He leapt from the shadows, claws extended. But—
SNAP!
A tail slammed into his face, sending him tumbling into a jagged rock. Pain flared through his chest.
> [Minor Fracture Detected. Host Durability: 65%]
"It's a trap!"
Three more Flamehides emerged from the gloom—two Level 5, one Level 6. The wounded one wasn't weak—it was bait.
Think fast, idiot.
Shadren ducked under the first lunge and kicked dirt into the second's eyes. The third charged—straight into a low ceiling spike as he sidestepped.
I've played this dungeon before. This section has a natural funnel trap…
He jumped backward into a narrow ravine where only one could follow at a time.
Perfect.
He baited the next one inside and activated his shadow burst—surging forward and slicing its legs out from under it.
> [Shadow Execution: +30 EXP] [Level Up! You are now Level 8]
His host's body surged with new strength. The wounds healed just enough to give him back full mobility. The monsters hesitated.
"You were too slow," he growled in the monster's voice—and lunged.
Three kills. One survivor. And now, three new memories…
—A broodmother hissing lullabies —Running from silver flames —A memory of hiding… from a cloaked man
Again?
It's like every monster here has seen him.
---
Meanwhile: Girls' Hot Spring Break
Back at the surface, the girls relaxed in a steaming spring nestled between jagged rocks. A reward from the guild after a successful lower-floor clear.
Kaela lay with her arms stretched across the rock, her chest rising and falling steadily. "I swear that boss was easier than I expected."
"You only say that because you got the last hit," Nira teased, floating on her back, glistening with sweat and spring water. "Zai would've clapped at how you missed the stun combo though."
Serin giggled, dabbing water down her collar. "You miss him, don't you?"
Lira blushed slightly, staring at the sky. "He always made sure we were safe. Even when he acted dumb."
"Do you think he's… you know… out there?"
Kaela's voice dropped to a whisper. "He isn't replying he would not keep our messages unread without a reason. Don't worry we will visit him soon to check on him."
The silence settled.
And deep below, their missing friend was already changing.
---
Back in the Dungeon – Strange Signal
Shadren moved through the volcanic fissures with newfound agility. His latest body was still twitchy, but the boost to strength and speed was noticeable.
> [Decay Remaining: 2.5 days. Body stability: 87%]
Then… a strange pulsing.
A dungeon beacon?
He crept closer. In the distance, deep red light flickered in a chamber unlike the rest. Symbols glowed on the walls, forming spirals of ancient language.
In the center: a small black orb on a floating pedestal.
> [Rare Monster Beacon Detected]
[Warning: Risk of Dungeon Evolution if activated]
Shadren's shadow form twitched in anticipation.
What the hell is this?
The moment he stepped closer—
"There you are."
He froze.
The hooded man had returned.
But this time, his hood was down.
Shadren saw the face.
Not human. Not fully. Silver eyes. Pale skin. And an aura of dread that thickened the air like smoke.
"You're learning faster than expected," the man said. "Good. Because your real enemies… are waking up."
> [To be continued…]