Lilith wandered through the frozen landscape, her sharp amber eyes scanning the terrain for any sign of water. The second floor of the dungeon was a vast expanse of glacial cliffs and icy plains, but she knew that somewhere amidst the towering frozen spires, there had to be a natural spring or lake.
After several minutes of searching, she finally found it—a hidden, crystalline lake nestled between two massive ice formations. The water was a perfect, translucent blue, mirroring the
towering ice cliffs that surrounded it. A thin mist hovered above the surface, giving the lake an almost ethereal beauty. Despite its frozen appearance, the water was pristine, untouched by anything but nature itself.
Lilith stepped forward, her breath visible in the frigid air. The cold didn't bother her much—her mana control allowed her to regulate her body temperature, but even so, an ice bath would test her endurance. She reached down, dipping her fingers into the water. A sharp chill ran through her fingertips, spreading up her arm, but she remained unfazed.
Without hesitation, she began removing her battle gear—her sleek black coat, her gloves, and her boots—until she was left in a form-fitting bodysuit. The suit hugged her every curve, emphasizing her graceful yet athletic figure. Her pale skin, flawless and unmarked, stood in stark contrast to the icy surroundings. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the soft light that refracted off the ice.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the water. A shock of cold enveloped her instantly, sinking into her bones. She clenched her jaw but didn't flinch. Instead, she sank lower, the icy embrace swallowing her until only her shoulders and head remained above the surface.
Closing her eyes, she focused on steadying her breathing. The cold wasn't just an obstacle—it was a tool. She could feel her mana circulation adjusting to the extreme temperature, refining itself, becoming more concentrated. Her body adapted, strengthening under the icy pressure.
Minutes passed. Then, she took a deep breath and submerged completely, her silver hair fanning out beneath the surface like silk in the water. In the silence of the frozen lake, she could hear her own heartbeat, steady and strong.
Her mind sharpened, her control over mana becoming even more precise. It was like the ice was chiseling away any impurities, leaving her stronger, more refined.
After nearly ten minutes beneath the surface, she finally emerged, water cascading off her skin in glistening rivulets. She stood in the shallows for a moment, the frigid air biting at her damp skin, but instead of shivering, she simply exhaled, allowing a faint mist of mana to warm her body.
Stepping onto the icy shore, she retrieved a soft cloth from her spatial storage and dried herself off before slipping back into her clothes. Her body felt lighter, sharper, more alive. This wasn't just a simple bath—it had been a test of will, a refinement of self.
With a final glance at the serene lake, Lilith turned and continued forward. The second floor had been conquered, and the next challenge awaited.
Lilith found a small clearing nestled between towering ice formations, a perfect spot to rest before continuing her conquest of the third floor. The area was sheltered from the harsh winds, and a thin layer of soft snow blanketed the ground, making it a surprisingly comfortable place to sit.
She summoned her spatial storage, retrieving a small cooking kit and a few ingredients she had prepared beforehand. Unlike Noah, who enjoyed hearty meals, she preferred lighter, more refined dishes—something that would restore her energy without weighing her down. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵※𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮※𝓷𝓮𝓽
With a flick of her fingers, she created a controlled flame using her mana, its warm glow contrasting against the icy surroundings. She placed a small pot over it and melted a bit of snow for water, watching as it bubbled gently.
For today's meal, she decided on a simple yet nourishing dish—a warm broth infused with medicinal herbs and thinly sliced meat. She took out the meat, a rare cut she had stored from a previous hunt, and sliced it expertly into thin strips. The herbs, gathered from the ninth floor of the previous dungeon, had healing properties that would help restore any fatigue.
As the aroma of the simmering broth filled the air, Lilith sat back, her amber eyes reflecting the flickering light of the fire. She rarely allowed herself moments of stillness . In a competition , time was a luxury. But she knew better than to push herself recklessly.
When the meal was ready, she took a sip of the hot broth. A soothing warmth spread through her body, counteracting the cold of the ice world. The taste was simple yet satisfying, and with each bite, she felt her strength gradually returning.
Once she finished eating, she cleaned up quickly, ensuring no traces of her presence remained. Then, standing and stretching slightly, she turned her gaze toward the path ahead.
The third floor awaited, and now she was ready to conquer it.
After finishing her meal, Lilith stood up, stretching her limbs to shake off the slight chill lingering from the cold environment. The third floor stretched before her, an endless expanse of icy plains interspersed with towering glaciers and frozen cliffs. A fierce wind howled across the landscape, carrying fine snowflakes that shimmered under the pale light of the artificial sky.
Unlike the first and second floors, where the ice ogres and wolves had been relatively easy to deal with, the monsters here were more cunning and resilient. Frost Wraiths lurked in the mist, their ethereal forms barely distinguishable from the swirling snow, and Glacial Behemoths, massive creatures covered in layers of enchanted ice, stomped through the terrain, their heavy steps cracking the frozen ground.
Lilith closed her eyes, activating her Presence Detection skill. A skill she acquired through skill stone, a gift from her grandfather.
Immediately, a three-dimensional map of the area formed in her mind, allowing her to pinpoint the movement of the creatures around her. She could sense two frost wraiths lurking nearby, their mana signatures flickering like dying embers, and further ahead, a behemoth prowled near the entrance to the next area.