Chapter 23 — The Dungeon Core: First Layer
Chapter 23 — The Dungeon Core: First Layer
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The world twisted.
For a brief moment, Cyrus felt weightless—his body stretching, compressing, folding through dimensions not meant for the human mind.
Then—
Thud.
His boots touched solid ground.
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The Dungeon Core revealed itself.
It wasn't like the training dungeons or academy simulations.
This was ancient, alive. The air was heavy — not with pressure, but with presence.
Faint blue light radiated from crystals embedded deep into obsidian walls. Strange vines pulsed softly, like veins carrying some unknown energy.
In the distance, sharp clicking sounds echoed.
Something — or some things — were already moving.
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Cyrus instinctively lowered his breathing.
> Observe first. Always observe first.
Three exits. One sealed. Two open. Crystal lattice structure. Adaptive growth — self-repairing walls? No wind. Airflow suggests artificial ventilation or dimensional bleed...
He continued noting every detail in mere seconds.
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The others stabilized behind him.
Ren (grinning):
"Feels different than I expected. The air… tastes like metal."
Liora (soft giggle):
"It's not metal, Ren. That's dimensional friction. The very space is grinding against itself."
Aurora (calmly scanning):
"This place isn't stable. We need to map it quickly."
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Cyrus didn't speak.
Instead, his eyes flicked toward Adrien.
The so-called Transgressor stood confidently, like he belonged here.
> He has prior knowledge of this dungeon's structure. This was not a gamble for him.
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Suddenly, an electronic pulse vibrated beneath their feet.
A pillar of shifting metal erupted from the ground ahead.
A projection formed — ancient Dominion script floating mid-air:
> WELCOME TO THE GATE OF ETERNUM
— Layer One: The Trial of Synergy —
"Only the synchronized shall proceed. The dissonant shall be erased."
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The message faded.
A wide arena opened ahead. Floating platforms shifted slowly above an endless pit.
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Vera (whispering):
Again .... "Erased...?"
Daiki (serious tone):
This again "Instant death for mistakes. This is no simulation."
Shun (uneasy chuckle):
"Synergy trial again " let's do then
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Cyrus finally spoke, his voice like a sharp knife slicing through tension.
Cyrus (neutral, commanding tone):
"This is not a simple dungeon. It's designed to fracture groups from within."
His eyes swept the group.
Cyrus (calmly explaining):
"Observe the floating platforms. They adjust based on emotional synchronization. Any dissonance between us — distrust, fear, arrogance — will destabilize them."
Iris (curious):
"How do you know?"
Cyrus (soft smile):
"Because that's what I would design if I wanted to break alliances."
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Adrien clapped softly.
Adrien (mockingly impressed tone):
"Excellent deduction, Cyrus. As expected of someone... like you."
His emphasis was deliberate. The others caught it but chose silence — for now.
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Suddenly the trial activated:
> THE TRIAL BEGINS IN 60 SECONDS.
The platforms pulsed rhythmically, waiting.
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Selene (serious tone):
"If we hesitate, we die."
Ren (nodding):
"So we synchronize like before. We've all trained for battle. Trust your instincts."
Liora (smiling):
"But we've never trusted each other, have we?" Before we just gone with flow
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The tension grew.
Cyrus's mind raced — calculating, adapting.
> They don't realize yet: this trial isn't about skill or power.
It's about leadership.
And control.
Not like before
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Cyrus (commanding tone):
"Everyone. Close your eyes. Breath. Match your breathing to mine."
At first, hesitation. But even Adrien followed.
Cyrus inhaled deeply — steady, controlled.
Cyrus (calm, soft voice):
"In… hold… exhale slowly. Synchronize."
The group began breathing together. Heartbeats aligned.
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The timer hit zero.
> TRIAL INITIATED.
The first set of platforms activated, forming a thin pathway suspended over the abyss.
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They stepped forward together.
The platforms flickered — some stabilizing, others wavering as emotional fluctuations threatened collapse.
The real battle had begun.
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Cyrus (internally):
This isn't a test of power. This is a test of influence.
And I will master it.
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End of Chapter 23