Chapter 36

The Jersey devils moved with uncanny speed and agility, their leathery wings fluttering as they darted through the chamber. Ray's senses heightened, his connection with mana allowing him to anticipate their every move. He watched the currents of energy swirling around the creatures, their mana signatures creating a symphony of colours in his mind's eye.

As the first Jersey devil lunged at Ray, claws extended, Ray's body moved with a fluid grace. He parried the attack, feeling the rush of wind as it narrowly missed his armour. In that split second, his mana intertwined with his physical form, guiding him to deliver a precise counterstrike.

The battle that ensued was a whirlwind of blades, claws, and bursts of magic. Ray danced between the Jersey devils, his movements a blur as he weaved through their relentless assaults. His understanding of mana grew more refined with each passing moment, enabling him to strike with calculated precision and dodge with only a few scratches.

Yet, the battle took its toll on both sides. Fatigue settled into their bones, and the room echoed with the sound of laboured breathing. The Jersey devils proved to be relentless adversaries, testing the limits of the Silver Fangs' endurance and mental fortitude. Even as nigh B rank hunters, each clash of weapons brought them closer to their breaking point due to the unexpected intensity of every chamber.

"Don't give in, they're almost finished!" Amelia exclaimed throwing fire at an approaching devil.

Ray could feel his mana reserves dwindling, a tell-tale sign of his waning energy. But he refused to yield. With unwavering determination, he delved deeper into his connection with mana, drawing upon its wellspring of power. He sought to harness the energy around him, using it not only to fuel his attacks but also to heighten his senses.

As the battle raged on, Ray's mana manipulation skills evolved before his very eyes. He not only sensed the energy within himself, but he also reached out to feel the mana radiating from his teammates. It was as if he could perceive the ebb and flow of their energies, their collective strength intertwining and amplifying their resolve.

The Jersey devils, relentless in their pursuit, unleashed a barrage of frenzied attacks. Ray's instincts kicked in, his mana-guided reflexes allowing him to deflect and parry their strikes with deftness. He became one with the rhythm of battle, his movements fluid and precise, as if the mana itself flowed through his veins. Then Ray realised, it was actually flowing through his veins!

With each exchange, Ray grew more attuned to the subtle nuances of mana manipulation. He could feel the intricate dance of energies within the chamber, a symphony of power waiting to be conducted. His control over mana became second nature, a seamless fusion of mind, body, and magic. Ray started to feel the connection between the mana in his body and how it influenced his super speed. He started to notice adrenaline flow almost like a cancer to dilute his mana and slow his speed. He patiently fought the Jersey devils remaining, focusing on understanding more about this connection.

Finally, the last Jersey devil succumbed to their combined might. The room fell into an exhausted silence, broken only by the heavy breathing of the victorious hunters. Their bodies bore the scars of battle, a testament to the struggle they had endured.

As the Silver Fangs caught their breath, a sense of unease settled among them. They surveyed the chamber, their eyes widening at the scattered remnants of armour, weapons, and crimson stains that marred the cold stone floor. It was a gruesome sight, evidence of battles fought by previous hunters who had ventured into the depths of the dungeon but never returned.

Amelia's brows furrowed in concern as she examined the discarded scraps of armour and the pools of blood. She knelt, picking up a damaged helmet, its dents and scratches telling a story of a fierce struggle. The weight of the evidence in her hands was a solemn reminder of the dangers that lurked within these walls.

"Something's not right," she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of caution and curiosity. "These monsters should cap out at a certain rank, but they're mutating beyond our expectations."

Her words hung heavy in the air, causing the team to exchange worried glances. The dungeon they had entered was proving to be far more treacherous and unpredictable than they had anticipated. The very fabric of its existence seemed to defy the rules that governed the hierarchy of monsters.

Felix crouched down, his fingers tracing the edge of a blood-soaked blade. "Look at this," he said, his voice laced with a blend of awe and apprehension. "These weapons are of high quality, forged with skilled craftsmanship. The fact that they were shattered like this... it speaks of a formidable opponent."

Ray's gaze wandered, taking in the remnants of battle that surrounded them. The realization dawned upon him, a chilling understanding creeping into his thoughts. "These hunters... they never stood a chance," he said softly, his voice heavy with a mix of sorrow and determination.

Lucia nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the chamber with a trained gaze. "It's clear that the previous hunters fell victim to the very same monsters that we're facing. Their power, their numbers... it's beyond what we expected."

Amelia's expression hardened, her resolve solidifying. "We need to report this. The Guild needs to be made aware of the danger that lies within this dungeon. The mutations, the heightened strength... it could pose a threat not only to hunters but to the world as a whole."