Chapter 8: Into the Dungeon

Audi stepped into the camp, cavernous expanse of the Dungeon alongside the other aspiring adventurers. The scent of earth and something metallic—faint yet distinct—hung in the air. The torches lining the walls flickered, casting eerie shadows over the uneven stone floor.

The group was mostly human, murmuring in hushed voices as they adjusted their weapons and gear. However, amidst the sea of faces, one figure stood out to Audi. A female aspirant, her presence subtle yet impossible to ignore. Her crimson eyes gleamed under the dim torchlight, and her skin was a shade paler than the rest. But what truly caught Audi's attention was the scent.

Blood.

Not spilled on the ground, but carried—held carefully within a flask strapped to her belt.

Curiosity and instinct pushed Audi forward. He approached her with a steady stride, noting the way she barely spared him a glance, as if accustomed to scrutiny.

"Can we trade?" Audi asked, his voice low but firm. He tapped the pouch at his waist, revealing a well-cooked steak he had prepared earlier. "Your blood—for this."

The half-vampire turned her gaze toward him, studying him in silence for a moment. Then, with an amused smirk, she reached for her flask.

"You can call me Dodge," she said, her voice carrying a smooth, almost hypnotic quality. She unhooked the container and tossed it lightly into Audi's waiting hand. "Fair trade."

Audi caught the flask, feeling its weight before slipping it into his belt. He passed the steak to Dodge, who wasted no time in taking a bite, savoring the rare meat with a satisfied expression.

Before their conversation could continue, a commanding voice cut through the murmurs of the recruits.

Hundred stood at the front, his greatsword strapped across his back as always, his sharp gaze scanning the group.

"Listen up!" he called out, instantly silencing the chatter. "Your real trial begins now. The Dungeon isn't just a hunting ground—it's where we separate those who belong in the Tower from those who don't."

A few aspirants swallowed nervously, their hands tightening around their weapons. Others stood firm, determination flashing in their eyes.

Hundred's smirk was almost cruel. "There are two ways to pass. Survive until dawn, or collect one Slime Essence and one Rabitat Fang. You have until sunrise to decide your fate."But before that, there's something you must know—these are the monsters you need to avoid:Floor 1 BossBoss: Rabitata – A rabbit-like beast that like to jumps , with fangs as large as a sword.Boss: Glimes – A massive slime that splits into countless smaller slimes when attacked. Though each piece is weak, if you encounter it, run as fast as you can because they are slow.

A ripple of unease spread through the group. The Dungeon was a breeding ground for monsters—some weak, some lethal. A single mistake could mean death.

Audi exhaled, clenching his fists. This was the first true test. And he would not fail.

The group of twenty adventurers exchanged glances, some confident, others visibly nervous. One way or another, their journey had truly begun.

"Good luck," Hundred said, his voice heavy with meaning. Then, without another word, he turned and disappeared into the shadows of the Dungeon, leaving them to their fate.

The recruits were divided into groups of five before stepping deeper into the Dungeon. At first, they believed gathering Slime Essence and Rabitat Fangs would be a simple task. However, they quickly realized the challenge—Slimes were incredibly difficult to handle due to their slippery and gelatinous bodies. Extracting their essence was a slow, frustrating process.

Despite the initial struggle, most of the groups managed to complete the task without much trouble. Slimes and Rabitats were considered the weakest monsters in the Dungeon, and for many, the test was easier than they had feared.

Finally, only the last group remained—Audi, Dodge, and three others. Unlike the earlier teams, they found that the entrance area had been nearly depleted of Slimes and Rabitats. With no other option, they ventured deeper into the Dungeon's winding corridors.

As they descended, Audi felt something strange—a sensation, as if the Dungeon itself was speaking to him, or perhaps resonating with his presence. He halted, scanning the darkness ahead.

A sudden stillness filled the air.They spotted a massive shadow in the distance. As they moved closer, the gruesome sight became clear—it was devouring the Boss: Rabitata.From the darkness, a towering figure emerged.Dodge's eyes widened. "It's the Fourth Floor Boss! I saw its picture at the guild hall—each floor's boss is recorded there."The Big Bad Wolf—a feral, monstrous beast—stood before them. Its piercing yellow eyes locked onto Dodge, drawn to the scent of vampire blood lingering in the air.The beast crouched low, muscles coiled, ready to strike.Audi tightened his grip on his weapon.

This was no ordinary trial. This was a fight for survival.

The three other aspirants hesitated only for a second before fear overtook them. In a blind panic, they turned and ran.

The Big Bad Wolf let out a guttural snarl. It didn't chase them—it didn't need to. In a single swift movement, its massive claws flashed through the air. The sound of tearing flesh echoed through the cavern as the three aspirants collapsed, their heads severed cleanly from their bodies. The fight was over before it even began.

Dodge's eyes darkened. The scent of fresh blood ignited something within her. As night grew deeper, her strength as a vampire increased. Without hesitation, she uncorked her blood potion and drank it in a single gulp. The red liquid surged through her veins, amplifying her power.

She wiped her mouth and stepped forward, fangs bared.

"Looks like we don't have a choice," she muttered.

Meanwhile, Audi reached into his pouch, pulled out another steak, and took a casual bite. He chewed thoughtfully as he observed the beast before them.

Dodge shot him a sharp glare. "Seriously?"

Audi swallowed, smirking slightly. "Gotta stay energized."

The Big Bad Wolf snarled, eyes burning with hunger.

The real battle was about to begin.