Chapter 95: Chapter 94 - Quest In The Burning Dungeon, Part 12 (ARC FINALE)
"Hey, Ami," Van muttered, lying back on the grass, his gaze fixed on the stars above.
"Yeah?" she replied, leaning slightly from her spot on the opposite side of the campfire.
"How old are you?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.
"Hmm... I'll be 19 soon!" she said with a soft smile. "Why do you ask?"
"No reason. You're all grown up now, huh?" he murmured.
Her smile faded as she flipped over, her voice quieter. "What's that supposed to mean? I'm not a kid anymore, so stop treating me like one..."
"Sure, sure..." Van sighed, a faint chuckle escaping as he closed his eyes.
--- THE NEXT MORNING ---
"Alright, you lot," Unicus began, his voice cutting through the morning stillness. The party of eight stood before the cavern entrance, the dim light of dawn casting long shadows over their figures.
The Dragonkin rested his hand on the curved khukris at his waist, their gleaming edges ready for action. Beside him, the Dwarf stood near Unicus, surveying the group with a discerning eye.
The elves, Sylva and Vaelthir, positioned themselves together off to the side, their silent composure contrasting with the tension in the air.
But all eyes were drawn to Ami, who stood unusually close to Van. Any nearer, and she might as well have been in his arms, an intimacy that hadn't gone unnoticed.
'Heh... So, the brat got some action last night...?' Arnolt chuckled to himself.
Unicus's tone shifted, drawing their attention back. His voice grew serious, commanding focus. "I'll be honest with you," he said, his expression darkening as he scanned the group. "I have no idea what's in there. None at all."
He clenched his fist, his frustration palpable. "I don't know what caused everyone to suddenly... erupt into flames and become animated corpses." His words hung heavy in the air, drawing a concerned glance from Sylva. The others exchanged wary looks, except for Vaelthir and Savathon, who stood with arms crossed, scrutinizing Unicus's every syllable.
"But I do know where it began," Unicus continued, his voice steady but grim. "There's a large cavern further in—abandoned buildings, a ceiling so high it looks like a starless sky. That's where it started. That's where everything went wrong."
He paused, his jaw tightening. "We've had theories. Many of them. None panned out. But one remains plausible—a mage. Someone orchestrating this madness."
He turned his gaze to the elves, nodding to Sylva and Vaelthir. "That's where you two come in. Sylva, we'll need your summons and your connection to the spiritual world. Vaelthir, your sixth sense for traps and danger will be invaluable. We'll rely on both of you to lead the way through this."
Unicus's instructions were clear and deliberate, outlining the path forward with a firm resolve.
Meanwhile, Ami glanced sideways at Van. His posture was tense, his hand hovering near his helmet as his eyes locked on the cavern entrance. The faintest furrow lined his brow.
"Van?" Ami whispered, concern softening her voice. "Is something wrong?"
"No... I'm fine," he replied quickly, though his gaze didn't waver from the cavern. Despite his assurance, there was a strain in his voice, something unspoken weighing heavily on him.
Van clenched his jaw, swallowing back the unease gnawing at him.
'Doesn't anyone else see this?' he thought, his stomach churning as a quiet groan escaped him. 'That black flame... It's pouring out of the cave. Even standing here, it's making me feel like shit. Nauseous. Is this because of my new passive?'
He shook his head slightly, trying to clear his thoughts, but the ominous presence of the cave lingered, pulling at the edge of his mind.
"So," Unicus continued, "if you have any doubts, voice them here and leave." His tone carried authority, echoing in the tense silence.
The adventurers remained still, their gazes steady.
"Fine, then. Follow me into that cave, and—"
"Wait," Van's voice cut through from the back, drawing everyone's attention.
"I'm going in first. There's something I want to check," Van said as he began advancing toward the cavern.
"Van...?" Ami voiced, her eyes following him as he walked past her and the rest of the group.
Vaelthir narrowed his eyes, his arms folding across his chest. 'Hmph. He just continues to surprise me with his audacity... First, my lady comes back from the forest yesterday with a sour face after graciously going looking for him... And now this?'
His fists tightened. 'He's pushing his luck!'
Sylva's gaze flickered with irritation as she watched Van stride ahead. 'Really. Why is everyone so surprised at this point? Of course, he'd do something like this... Charging headfirst into danger without knowing anything, causing more trouble for Unicus!'
Savathon sneered, spitting on the ground as Van passed by him. 'Constantly questioning his leader and undermining the ones beside him. As expected of a spoiled brat... Unfit to be a warrior, ever.'
Van walked on undeterred, his eyes locked on the cavern entrance. As he neared Unicus and Arnolt, the Dwarf stepped into his path.
"Hey, brat," Arnolt growled, his bulky frame blocking the way. "Watch yer step. Just because we decided to bring you along doesn't mean—"
Before Arnolt could finish, Van gently but firmly pushed him aside, causing the Dwarf to stumble.
"Sorry," Van said casually, continuing toward the cavern. "I just need to check something."
'I need to check that fire,' Van thought, his jaw tightening as he approached the ominous cavern entrance. 'If everyone here burns to death, I'll be blamed first and foremost. I'm indestructible and, well, immortal. So, I have to go in first to make sure this... "fire" is safe.'
The party's eyes followed him, a mixture of disbelief and irritation etched on their faces.
'Did that brat... just push me?' Arnolt thought, frozen in place as he struggled to process what had just occurred.
'Van might be wearing A-Ranked armor that enhances his strength... But Arnolt is on the verge of becoming an S-Ranked Berserker! He's practically second only to Marcilla Veil in raw power. How...?' Unicus's thoughts churned in disbelief, his gaze fixed on Van's retreating figure.
'Hmph,' Ami smirked, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face. 'Dumbasses. Underestimating him like this...' She sneered inwardly, glancing at the stunned group.
"H-hah... That must be some armor, huh? Hey, kid! Watch your back, someone might steal that if you keep flaunting it!" another human warrior called out from the back, his mocking tone a weak attempt to lighten the tension and get a rise out of Van. But Van didn't react. He kept moving.
As he neared the cavern entrance, the black flame seemed to intensify, dancing just beyond the threshold. Even through his armor, Van could feel it pressing against him.
'Grg... I can... feel the heat. What is this...? Come on, stupid Arcane stat! I'm strong enough for an A-Ranked quest. Stop this...!!' His thoughts came in bursts, frustration mounting as the searing heat seemed to seep through his armor, licking at his skin. He raised his hands to cover his helmet, shielding his face as though to protect his eyes from the oppressive glow.
"What is he doing...?" Unicus muttered aloud, his brow furrowing as he watched Van's strange movements.
"Has he gone insane, maybe?" Vaelthir suggested coldly, his arms crossed, a skeptical gleam in his eyes.
Ami, however, looked on with growing concern. 'What's wrong, Van...? Why are you walking like... you're shielding yourself from wind... or... fire?' She clutched her hands together, worry twisting in her chest.
As Van continued forward, the flames seemed to devour the light, his vision filling with shadows and flickers of orange. Each step brought a fresh wave of heat, his body aching as if screaming in warning to turn back. The air grew heavy, oppressive, wrapping around him like a suffocating shroud.
--- ELSEWHERE ---
[But he won't turn back, even with that pesky Seed of Darkness screaming at him to stop,] the Goddess Varolia mused, a sly smile curling on her lips as she reclined on her ornate throne in Arataxia. Her legs crossed elegantly, she leaned on one elbow, watching the scene unfold below with amused detachment.
[Because he's human. A little, sad human so desperate to prove his worth and existence,] she continued, her tone dripping with mockery. Her gaze sharpened as she leaned in closer, her half-lidded eyes fixed intently on Van, who continued his steady approach toward the cavern.
[...So that people would need him. Isn't that it, my little hero?] Her voice softened to a murmur, laced with a cruel edge, as she cast a fleeting glance at the sealed Magus bound nearby. He writhed in his shackles, his eyes wide with desperation, as though silently screaming at Van to turn back.
Varolia's smirk widened as she returned her attention to Van, her amusement deepening. [And as depressed as you're going to get... you cannot change who you are, Hellix.] Her sneer was venomous, her words dripping with disdain.
[You are your own worst enemy. That pathetic lack of self-worth, coupled with your endless thirst for fleeting connections, will be your undoing.] She chuckled softly, her amusement unshaken by the grim certainty of her words. [Too bad you won't live long enough to witness... Oh well...] She leaned back, her expression alight with sadistic glee. [I suppose I could let you see it from up here after you've been beaten. Wouldn't that be fun?]
Her soft giggles filled the chamber, echoing with malice as her gaze lingered on Van.
------------------
And thus, Van Hellix entered the cavern. Above him, sunlight vanished, replaced by jagged rock overhead. The cavern walls encased him, rough and unyielding, leaving the daylight as a faint memory behind him.
...And the flames of darkness he had felt and seen earlier dissipated into nothingness.
'...I knew it. Just overreacting, whatever sense I've gained,' he thought, his brow furrowing slightly. 'Welp, I'm prone to overreacting to things. Maybe it picked up that trait?'
He glanced behind him, already seeing the rest of the party closing in.
"Are you happy now, noble brat?" Savathon spat, his sneer sharp as he brushed past Van. The others followed, their gazes tinged with a mix of irritation and suspicion, each wordlessly questioning Van's odd behavior.
Even Unicus passed him, his arched brow a silent inquiry. Van caught the flicker of doubt in his leader's expression but said nothing.
'All that bravado... and for nothing,' Sylva thought, her lips curving into a faint sigh as she trailed behind. 'Just as I expected. I guess all he has is his body and that armor. I was right... He shouldn't learn anything about his parent. He isn't worthy of it.' Her gaze shifted to Unicus, who was moving ahead, his commanding presence comforting in her eyes.
One by one, the group passed Van. Arnolt was the last, his face an enigma of doubt and curiosity. 'How did he push me so easily?' he wondered, his steps heavy with unresolved thoughts.
"Van...?" Ami's voice pulled him from his musings. She approached hesitantly, her worry unmasked as she reached out, her hand resting gently on the cold metal of his armor. Her presence was softer now, no longer concealing her emotions around the party.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
Van remained silent, his eyes scanning the cavern as if searching for something just beyond his grasp. Finally, he shook his head.
"Nothing," he replied, his voice low. "I just thought I saw somethin—"
[NEW SYSTEM MESSAGE!]
'The fuck...?' Van's thoughts stalled as a digital prompt blinked into existence before his eyes, its glowing letters hovering in the air between him and Ami.
[A GODLY SEAL HAS BEEN PLACED ON YOU.]
"WHAT!?" Van's voice rang out, loud and sharp, startling Ami as he staggered back a step.
"Van!?" she called out, alarmed by his sudden outburst. Her voice drew the attention of the others, who turned to glance back.
"Ahh... He's probably just doing this for attention at this point," Vaelthir muttered, his tone dripping with disdain. "Just leave him there, Unicus." His dismissive remark found silent agreement among the rest of the group. Even Arnolt and Unicus exchanged a glance before reluctantly continuing forward.
'Seriously... Isn't he overdoing it by now?' Sylva thought, her fist clenching at her side. 'If he's going to be a bother for Unicus... Then I'll... "remove" him from the party myself,' she resolved, her grimace hardening into hostility.
Behind them, Van remained frozen in place, his breaths quickening as another glowing message materialized before him.
"Poor girl, falling for his bravado," one of the human warriors muttered at Ami, shaking his head as they walked on.
[ALL OF YOUR PRIME STRENGTH HAS BEEN SEALED TO MATCH THE LEVEL OF YOUR OPPONENT! MAY THE GODS HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL!]
Van's breath hitched sharply, panic flaring in his chest. His voice echoed through the cavern as he shouted:
"STATUS WINDOW! NOW!"
At his command, the familiar interface appeared before him, stark and foreboding.
Name: Van Hellix
Age: 17 (42)
Sex: Male
Race: Unknown
Level: 337
STATS:[AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 106] (UNABLE TO ALLOCATE STATS DUE TO GODLY SEAL)
VIG (Vigor): 500 (GODLY SEALED)
STR (Strength): 500 (GODLY SEALED)
RES (Resistance): 500 (GODLY SEALED)
DEX (Dexterity): 500 (GODLY SEALED)
PER (Perception): 500 (GODLY SEALED)
Mana: 10 (+200)
INT (Intelligence): 10 (+50)
Holy: [INACCESSIBLE]
Arcane: 0 (+25)
'FUCK... FUCK!!' Van's mind raced as he read the display, his chest heaving. The overwhelming reality of his sealed stats pressed down on him like a suffocating weight.
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