Chapter 152: Out of dungeon?

"Just how long will I stay like this, system?" Ben muttered, frustration evident in his voice as he lay frozen on the cold ground. The only sensation left in his body was the slow rise and fall of his breathing.

*[The penalty will be removed in 8 minutes, host]*

Ben's body was stiff, frozen in place like a statue—a consequence of pushing himself beyond his limits. The skill he used, "Fusion Form," had come with a harsh recoil: the penalty that left him immobile for hours, unable to move.

Finally, the notification Ben had been waiting for sounded in his mind.

*[Skill penalty has been removed. You can now move freely, host]*

With a deep breath, Ben slowly got up, feeling life returning to his limbs. The stiffness began to fade as he forced his body to move. Instinctively, he grabbed the silver vessel beside him and drained the last blood within it, trying to replenish his strength.

[HP: 45/150; BE: 000/100; MP: 53/72]