Chapter 43

"Okay Ray, this dungeon is D rank. Barnes wants you to push beyond your limits and grow faster." Jessica explained as she got out of the car "Four chambers, after conquering each one, he wants you to refine you core for an hour."

Ray nodded, absorbing Jessica's words as they stood outside the entrance of the D-rank dungeon. The weight of Barnes' expectations and the desire to push his limits surged through his veins.

"I won't be following you in, Barnes got special permission to allow you to go in alone." Jessica added.

He understood the importance of rapid growth and honing his abilities, but the thought of facing the unknown alone sent a shiver down his spine.

"Are you sure about this, Jessica?" Ray asked, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "Going into a D rank dungeon alone... As a D rank hunter? It feels risky. "

Jessica turned to face him; her eyes filled with unwavering confidence. "Ray, Barnes believes in you. He sees your potential, and he knows that sometimes, the greatest growth comes from facing challenges head-on. We both believe you're better than your rank, go dominate that dungeon."

Ray took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the dungeon's entrance. The air seemed heavy with anticipation, as if the dungeon itself held secrets waiting to be unravelled. He knew that he couldn't let fear hold him back. If he wanted to surpass his limits and uncover the truth behind the Order of Shadows, he had to step into the unknown.

"Alright," Ray said, determination lacing his words. "I'll do it. I'll enter the dungeon alone and face whatever lies within. But Jessica, promise me you'll be there waiting for me when I come out."

A soft smile touched Jessica's lips as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You can count on it, Ray. I'll be right here, waiting for you. Remember, this is your journey, your path to growth. Embrace the challenges, trust in your abilities, and let your mana guide you."

With those words of encouragement echoing in his mind, Ray took a step forward, crossing the threshold of the dungeon. The familiar sense of anticipation mingled with trepidation filled his senses. The dimly lit corridor stretched out before him, beckoning him deeper into the labyrinthine chambers.

As he ventured further into the first chamber, Ray's senses heightened. He could feel the mana pulsating through the air, swirling with unknown energies. The sound of distant echoes and the faint scent of damp earth filled the chamber, adding an eerie ambiance to the surroundings.

Whilst he had fought a centaur before, he didn't have any mental or physical fatigue. In a dungeon, anything could happen, it was unknown territory and he had to fight multiple monsters before he could get to the final boss which in this case would be D rank.

Ray stepped into the first chamber of the dungeon, his senses heightened and his mana flowing through him with newfound ease. The eerie glow of the chamber illuminated the path ahead, revealing the presence of ten flickering F rank Will-o'-Wisps hovering in the air. Their ethereal forms danced and swirled, emanating an otherworldly aura.

A surge of confidence coursed through Ray as he assessed the situation. With his improved mana manipulation and refined control, he felt a heightened connection to the essence of mana, granting him increased speed and strength. He focused his gaze on the Will-o'-Wisps, their dim lights illuminating the darkness that surrounded them.

In a burst of energy, Ray propelled himself forward, his movements swift and precise as his opponents slowed. He weaved through the chamber, gracefully evading the ethereal wisps that tried to entangle him with their ghostly tendrils. His reflexes were honed, his strikes imbued with the power of his mana.

With each swing of his weapon, Ray cleaved through the Will-o'-Wisps, dispersing their ethereal forms. His blows resonated with raw power, fuelled by the depths of his mana reserves. The Will-o'-Wisps, typically elusive and unpredictable, were caught off guard by Ray's newfound speed and strength.

As the chamber echoed with the sound of vanquished spirits, Ray stood amidst the fading glow of the defeated Will-o'-Wisps. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, but a triumphant smile graced his face. He had successfully harnessed his mana, allowing him to move and strike with unparalleled agility.

His breathing steadied as he caught his breath, his mind alive with the exhilaration of the battle. Ray marvelled at the progress he had made, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment.

"Whilst they're only F rank, I have never so easily defeated a horde of them at once!" Ray smiled.

The whispers of doubt that had plagued him earlier were silenced by his undeniable growth.

With the first chamber conquered, Ray's confidence soared as he ventured deeper into the dungeon, anticipation building within him.