The lower dungeon stretched into a cavern wider than any Kai had seen before. The ceiling arched high above, dripping with glowing crystals that pulsed with a sickly green light. The ground was slick, stained with dried blood and monster carcasses, as if the place itself feasted on death.
Kai tightened his grip on his blade, his body still buzzing from the system's power. His Predator's Aura was active — goblins and minor beasts had scattered like rats at his mere presence. But now, the cavern was silent, oppressive, like something far bigger was waiting.
Gladiator's eyes narrowed. "Stay sharp. This… this is Beast territory."
Gladis moved closer to Kai, her lips brushing his ear. "Don't get cocky. Beasts aren't like goblins. They're smarter… hungrier."
Kai smirked, though his heart thumped with anticipation. "Good. I need something worth killing."
---
The silence shattered with a guttural roar that rattled the cavern walls. From the shadows, it stepped forward — a hulking monstrosity. Twice the size of Gladiator, with matted fur, jagged claws, and glowing red eyes that locked onto Kai like a predator spotting prey. Its chest was marked with scars, trophies of countless battles survived.
"A dungeon dire-beast," Gladiator muttered, his voice low with dread. "Worth thousands if we kill it."
Kai's grin widened. "Perfect. Let's dance."
The Beast lunged with terrifying speed for its size. Kai barely dodged, rolling aside as the claws gouged into the stone, leaving deep trenches. Dust and rocks exploded around them.
Kai countered, blade flashing as he slashed across the Beast's flank. Blood sprayed, but the wound was shallow — barely a scratch. The monster roared, furious, and swung its massive arm.
The impact was brutal. Kai blocked with his sword, but the sheer force sent him flying across the cavern, slamming into the wall. His ribs screamed in pain, blood spilling from his lips.
"KAI!" Gladis screamed, rushing forward, but Gladiator held her back.
"He has to fight."
Kai staggered to his feet, spitting blood, a manic grin spreading across his face. "Fuck… that almost felt good." His body trembled, not with fear, but with exhilaration. The system chimed faintly in his ears:
Warning: Host health critically low. Remaining HP: 32%.
He gripped his blade tighter. His Dungeon Sense pulsed, guiding him, whispering where to strike.
The Beast roared again, charging. Kai ducked under its swipe, sliding between its legs and slashing upward, carving deep into its groin. The monster howled in agony, stumbling.
Kai didn't hesitate. He leapt onto its back, driving his sword into its spine, hacking like a madman. Blood sprayed across his face, hot and metallic. The Beast thrashed wildly, slamming into walls, rolling, trying to crush him.
One swipe finally connected, claws tearing across Kai's side. Flesh ripped, blood gushed. He screamed, almost losing his grip.
Pain blinded him. His vision blurred. But through the haze, he saw it — a faint glow pulsing inside the Beast's chest.
"The core…" Kai hissed.
With a final roar, he plunged his blade deep, cutting through fur, flesh, and bone until he reached the glowing crystal. His hand shot forward, ripping it free. The Beast let out one last death cry before collapsing with a thunderous crash, shaking the cavern.
Silence.
Kai stood over the corpse, drenched in blood, his own wounds pouring freely. He clutched the glowing core, his vision spinning. The system chimed in his head:
Beast slain. Dungeon Core retrieved. Value: 5000 Coins. Host XP increased. Strength +20%. Agility +15%. Endurance +10%.
Kai fell to his knees, coughing blood, the core glowing in his blood-soaked hand.
Gladis rushed to him, dropping beside his battered body. "Idiot! You could've died!" Her hands trembled as she pressed against his bleeding wound, her tears mixing with the gore.
Kai smirked weakly, his voice hoarse. "But I didn't… and now we're rich."
Gladiator approached, eyes wide with respect. "You fought like a beast yourself. I've never seen anyone move like that."
The system chimed again:
Host has proven strength. Next task unlocked: Claim your healer through seduction. Without her, you will not survive future dungeons.
Kai let out a ragged laugh, leaning back against the cavern wall, blood dripping down his chin. "Guess the system doesn't plan on letting me rest anytime soon…"
Gladis cradled his head against her chest, her voice breaking. "Don't push yourself like that again, Kai…"
Kai smirked, eyes flicking up at her. "If you want me alive, better make sure I'm satisfied. That's how I heal, remember?"
Her face flushed, torn between anger and arousal.
Gladiator turned away, gripping his sword tighter.
The cavern fell silent again, the massive corpse of the Beast lying as proof of Kai's first true conquest — and the beginning of even greater trials.