The fall lasted longer than it should have.
Wind roared past Hayate's ears, and the faint cries of his companions faded into the void. When the black light finally cleared, he crashed into cold stone, his armor flickering with the System's faint glow.
[System Notice: Dimensional Transfer Completed]Location: The Mortal Abyss – Layer 1.
Hayate slowly pushed himself up, eyes adjusting to the dim glow that spread across a vast underground world. Mountains of black crystal rose in the distance, and rivers of molten gold ran through cracks in the earth. The air was heavy, humming with ancient energy — as if the world itself was breathing in pain.
Rina landed nearby, coughing, her silver hair dirt-streaked."Where… where are we?" she whispered.
Lancel, still gripping his broken spear, scanned the surroundings."This isn't the dungeon. This feels alive."
Hayate's system map flickered — dozens of red markers moved beneath the surface."Monsters," he muttered. "Strong ones."
He clenched his hand, the faint black-and-gold aura pulsing around his fingers.This world… it's different. It's like the dungeon was only a door.
The group started forward, crossing a bridge of stone that hung above a glowing chasm. Strange runes glowed faintly on the walls — words in a language Hayate didn't recognize.
When he touched one, a vision burst into his mind: flashes of cities burning, winged shadows falling from the sky, and a familiar voice whispering —
"Welcome to my true world, Hayate…"
The evil goddess's laughter echoed in his skull.His jaw tightened. So this is your playground, huh?
Suddenly, the ground shook. From the golden river below, a colossal creature rose — scales shimmering like molten armor, eyes burning with hatred.
Rina screamed, pulling back. "That's a—!""Dragon," Hayate finished, his sword igniting with black flame. "And it's not alone."
More shadows stirred in the depths. The System window pulsed urgently:
[Quest Updated: Explore the Mortal Abyss]New Sub-Mission: Survive the Awakening Beasts (Time Limit: 10 minutes).
Lancel readied his weapon, trembling slightly."We can't fight all of them!"
Hayate smirked, a spark of defiance lighting his crimson eyes."Then we'll fight smart."
He raised his hand, and the mark of the System flared across his palm.For a moment, time itself seemed to freeze — the monsters hung suspended, caught in threads of golden light.
Rina stared in awe. "Hayate… what did you just—?"He turned, his aura blazing with dark brilliance. "I just rewrote the rules of this world."
And then the world moved again — exploding into chaos.
[Quest Updated: Survive the Mortal Abyss – Stage 1 Cleared]Optional Quest Added: Discover the Origin of the Fallen Goddess.