This part of the tunnel was far more spacious and wider than the previous sections, yet, for some reason, it was also significantly colder. The chill that seeped through the stone walls was fierce and unrelenting, creeping into every crevice like an invisible mist.
However, Blazy's crackling flames wrapped around Nox like a protective barrier, shielding him from the biting cold and keeping his body comfortably warm.
The mushroom man, on the other hand, remained unaffected. It had long since adapted to such an environment, its thick fungal skin providing natural insulation against the cold air. The creature showed no signs of discomfort, moving with the same unbothered pace as before, its stubby feet tapping lightly against the rocky ground.
"In the Adventure Guild, they mentioned the possibility of finding spatial-type creatures here," Nox murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "But so far, I haven't come across one."
His sharp gaze swept over the tunnel ahead, scanning for the slightest distortion in the air—any flicker, ripple, or anomaly that could hint at the presence of a hidden creature. Yet, no matter how carefully he observed, nothing seemed out of place.
"Maybe they're just not nearby," Nox concluded after a brief moment of thought, his brow furrowing slightly in contemplation.
So far, he had taken note of the general terrain of this dimension, and from what he had observed, it was noticeably smaller than most rifts he had encountered. However, that wasn't unusual. Dimensional Rifts varied greatly in size, shape, and complexity—some were vast, open landscapes filled with towering cliffs and sprawling ruins, while others were narrow, labyrinthine tunnels that twisted and turned unpredictably.
Despite this particular rift being on the smaller side, it was still large enough to require several days of exploration to fully uncover its secrets. Numerous branching tunnels stretched into the unknown, each potentially leading to undiscovered dangers. However, Nox had no interest in exploring every inch of the dimension. He had already made up his mind.
Instead of wandering aimlessly, he would follow the echoes of dimension boss roars that reverberated through the tunnel, guiding him toward the heart of the rift.
To be honest, Nox wasn't entirely sure why he was heading in the direction of the dimensional boss, especially when the Adventure Guild had explicitly advised against engaging it. Their warning had been firm—boss-level creatures within rifts were extraordinarily powerful, capable of annihilating reckless Awkakenend in mere moments. Even experienced parties often avoided them unless properly prepared.
Yet, despite knowing this, Nox continued forward without hesitation.
Was it curiosity? A reckless thirst for battle?
Deep down, he knew the truth.
It wasn't caution that pushed him forward.
It wasn't recklessness either.
A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
He wanted the dimensional boss for himself.
"I mean… I don't need to kill it, right?" he pondered aloud, the thought settling into his mind like an irresistible temptation.
This wasn't the first time such an idea had surfaced in his thoughts. He had entertained it before—many times, in fact.
If he couldn't kill the boss… then why not tame it?
A Level Five Dimension was considered a national treasure, a resource that could be farmed for valuable items and experience for decades without being exhausted. If he were to kill the dimensional boss, he would not only face arrest but also be forced to pay a massive compensation fee. The guild had strict laws regarding such creatures, as their continued existence was essential for maintaining the rift's stability.
However… if he tamed the boss instead, the rift could remain intact.
"In times of need, I could even call for its help," Nox murmured, his dark eyes glinting with ambition.
The thought sent a thrill through him. The possibilities were endless.
With renewed determination, his steps quickened, and before long, he found himself standing before a pair of massive double doors.
Blazy's orange flames flickered, casting a warm glow over the towering structure, revealing the intricate golden-black engravings that spiraled across the ancient metal surface. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each carving imbued with an aura of mystery and power, as if the door itself held a story lost to time.
Nox took a slow, deep breath, steadying himself.
This… This was his first time facing a boss monster.
A mixture of nervousness and excitement coursed through him, making his pulse quicken. His heartbeat drummed in his ears, yet his mind remained sharp, clear, and unwavering.
"Alright… no turning back now," he muttered under his breath, his fingers curling into fists at his sides.
Reaching forward, he pressed his palm against the cold metal. The surface was impossibly smooth, worn down over countless years, as though the touch of many hands had eroded away any imperfections.
With a firm push, he forced the heavy doors open.
A deep, resonating groan echoed through the tunnel as the ancient hinges, long untouched, groaned in protest. A rush of cold, mana-rich air spilled from within, swirling around him like an unseen tide, carrying an undeniable weight of power.
At the center of the cavernous chamber stood a towering silhouette, its presence exuding sheer, overwhelming dominance. The oppressive aura in the air thickened, pressing down on his skin with the force of an invisible storm.
Its eyes snapped open.
A pair of glowing green irises flickered to life, burning like twin flames in the darkness.
The mushroom man instinctively took a step back, its body trembling slightly as if sensing the sheer might of the entity before them.
A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the cavern, shaking the very foundation of the stone beneath their feet. The sound alone was enough to make lesser creatures collapse in terror.
Adrenaline surged through his veins, sharpening his senses.
He had come all this way for a reason.
"Let's see if you're worth taming."
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