Chapter 17: Shadows of the Legendary
The jagged peaks of the Eternal Expanse loomed before Hayden and his small alliance. This was no ordinary SS-Rank dungeon it was a hidden legendary territory where only the most elite hunters dared tread. Rumors whispered of relics that could reshape a hunter's fate.
[Dungeon Detected: Eternal Expanse | Difficulty: Legendary SS-Rank]
[Recommended Level: 55+]
Hayden's System blared alerts:
[Level: 48 | Strength: 320 | Agility: 350 | Endurance: 310]
[Skills: Shadow Step Lv7, Enhanced Reflexes Lv7, Shadow Manipulation Lv7, Shadow Clone Lv7, Shadow Merge Lv6, Shadow Strike Lv6]
He smiled. Probability and recommended levels didn't matter. The Player had grown far beyond their calculations
Inside, the Eternal Expanse was a chaotic landscape. Shadows moved like living entities, the terrain shifted unpredictably, and monsters of unimaginable strength emerged from the darkness. Hayden's Shadow Clones attacked with precision while Shadow Manipulation reshaped the battlefield to his advantage.
Selene moved openly at his side, her magic weaving seamlessly with his shadows. She wasn't hiding anymore; she directly amplified his abilities, deflected deadly attacks, and synchronized with his every move. Hayden noticed her presence distinctly this time a subtle warmth that wasn't from the System.
[Ally Assistance Detected | SS-Rank Influence: Direct]
Deeper inside, the dungeon's legendary boss awaited: The Obsidian Phoenix, an ancient creature of darkness and fire that had survived countless hunter assaults. Its wings spanned the cavern, each beat tearing through reality.
Hayden vanished with Shadow Merge, appearing behind the Phoenix and striking with Shadow Strike. Clones attacked from all directions while Selene's magic shielded him from the creature's searing attacks and enhanced his damage output.
The battle raged, shadows and fire intertwining in a dazzling display of power. Hayden adapted instantly, controlling space, predicting attacks, and moving with near-godlike precision.
Finally, with a devastating combination of Shadow Strike and Shadow Manipulation, powered subtly by Selene's magic, the Obsidian Phoenix fell. Its core energy poured into Hayden, granting unprecedented growth.
[Boss Defeated! Level Up: 53 → Stats Maxed Beyond Stage]
[Reward: Phoenix Heart (Legendary), Shadow Dagger Evolved → Shadow Dagger of Cosmic Night]
Outside the dungeon, Selene exhaled deeply. Hayden had not just survived he had dominated a legendary SS-Rank territory. She stepped closer to him, subtly offering a hand as he emerged, her energy still intertwining with his in a protective, almost intimate manner.
Hayden sensed it now the unmistakable, deliberate support. He looked at her with a faint smile. "I see you've been helping me… more than usual."
Selene's cheeks tinged faintly pink. "Just… making sure you survive," she replied, her tone calm but layered with hidden emotion.
Aftermath:
The Player, once the weakest hunter, had become a force beyond comprehension. Allies and rivals alike began plotting some to challenge him, others to ally and Selene's presence marked the first real, direct trust between them.
[New Task Unlocked: Ascend Beyond SS-Rank | Legendary Threats and Opportunities Await]
The hunter world would never be the same. Hayden's shadow had grown long, unstoppable, and radiant. And beside him, Selene had stepped out of the shadows not just as an observer, but as a partner in his unstoppable rise.