Chapter 34: Depths and Shadows

The stale air of the Dungeon was strangely familiar now.

Even with its shifting walls, strange bioluminescent glow, and the distant roars echoing from below, Ethan no longer felt fear when he stepped inside. He felt purpose.

Lili walked beside him, crossbow strapped over her shoulder, a small pack filled with potions, supplies, and loot bags. She kept her eyes sharp and her movements tighter than before. Their teamwork had grown naturally over the past few dives.

Today, they were pushing toward the 9th floor.

"Monsters incoming," Lili said, crouched behind a rock outcrop, peeking through the dark.

"Type?" Ethan asked calmly, drawing his short sword and dagger.

"Two War Shadows and a Killer Ant pack. Five of them."

He didn't hesitate. "Cover me."

He darted forward as Lili rolled into position. The shadows moved unnaturally fast—dark, humanoid forms with slashing claws. Behind them, the larger Killer Ants clacked their mandibles and charged with armored legs.

Ethan moved like water.

His footwork was clean and his strikes decisive. His dagger slashed across the first War Shadow's neck, dispersing it in a mist of blue light. The second came at him, claws extended, but he spun low, tripping it and driving his sword through its chest.

Lili let her bolts fly—each one precise. The twang of the crossbow echoed as a bolt pinned one Killer Ant's head to the wall. Another bolt hit a joint between the chitin of another, slowing it just enough for Ethan to cleave through its thorax.

"Nice shot," he called back.

"Same to you!" Lili grinned, reloading without missing a beat.

The last two ants lunged—Ethan ducked one and grabbed the other's leg, twisting hard to flip it on its back. He finished it with a clean stab through the faceplate.

It was over in seconds.

Lili ran up, breathing lightly but clearly exhilarated. "You make this look too easy, Ethan-sama."

"Getting there," he said, flicking blood from his blade. "You're not bad yourself."

He pulled out a small folded parchment from his belt pouch and tapped it with a finger. His system menu opened silently before him, only visible to his eyes.[Stats Update]

Strength: SS 999

Endurance: SS 999

Dexterity: SS 999

Agility: SS 999

Magic: SS 999

Level: 1 (MAX)

EXP Overflow: 198%He closed the screen, brows furrowed.

He had already hit SS in all categories. His instincts were sharper, body faster, reaction time nearly supernatural. The monsters on these lower floors were no longer a real threat—except one.

The floor boss.

"Lili," he said as they gathered loot crystals, "once we hit the 10th floor, we stop and assess. Don't follow me unless I say so."

Lili blinked, looking up. "Is it that serious?"

He nodded. "The 10th floor is where the real danger starts. It's not like the rest."

She hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. But I'll be ready to support."

They moved cautiously as the walls began to change. The smooth dungeon stone became cracked and darker. The sounds of distant stomping echoed upward—a rhythmic, booming beat that could only mean one thing.

Something massive was waiting below.

They reached a safe zone before the descent to the 10th floor. It was quiet—eerily so.

Lili set up a temporary campfire from stored materials, while Ethan sat down, sharpening his blades with slow, thoughtful motions.

"You're quiet," Lili said, watching the flames flicker.

"Thinking," he said. "Trying to feel out what's next. I've never faced a floor boss before."

Lili nodded solemnly. "Bell fought the Minotaur and almost died."

"I know." His tone was calm, but firm. "I won't make his mistakes."

Lili reached into her bag and pulled out a small metal vial. "Drink this. Magic resistance boost. It won't last long, but it could help."

Ethan raised an eyebrow but took it with a nod. "Thanks."

Their eyes met briefly across the fire. No words were needed. They were ready—but they weren't invincible.

And beyond that descent was the next great test.

The 10th floor.

Where legends either rose or were broken.

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