Cooper was trudging through a cavern, with Albert and Julian behind him. A smile stretched across his face as [NATURE'S DOMAIN] alerted him to the familiar pulse of a skill probing his being. The [DUNGEON], welcoming him back.
Despite his initial fear, he found the danger presented now to be almost... addictive. His dreams in the scant few days he had been gone were filled with glorious combat, and the rush of mana strengthening his soul. He was certain that even by [DUNGEON] standards, this one was far from normal.
The main point being just how much presence it had. Like all kids, he had an adventurer phase growing up, so he knew a little about how the great labyrinths of magic and blood worked. Specifically, how they got started. They were supposed to be like animals, barely more than blood-lust given form. Usually dumber than the beasts it summoned. And while the inhabitants of the [DUNGEON] were quite smart, they were still commanded from the shadows.
Cooper had no doubt within his mind that whatever soul controlled this place was something well and truly other. Not a God, not a Demon, nor any ilk in between. It was simply too cunning, too quick to understand the outside world. It already had a concept of money for Sol's sake!
But enough about whatever pulled the strings. Cooper was here to fight, and he'd be damned before he left without another level. He strode towards the entrance to the [DUNGEON] proper, before pausing at the last few steps.
The previous jagged opening had been replaced by an immaculately carved archway, stretching a hungry maw to welcome all who would enter. Above the opening, inscribed into the stone with far too much uniformity too be natural, laid words. But not in any language he knew. Runes, seeming to shift and waver, swam through his mind. Wreathed in shadow, jeering that he didn't deserve to understand.
And what laid beyond. Gods, what laid beyond. The room was perfect, devoid of any and all imperfections or blemishes. The room was no longer a random cavern, no. The walls were perfectly smooth, though it was hard to pick them out behind the numerous nests and endless vines. In-between the vines, bright ferns twisted, climbing for the sun and filling the room with an oppressive heat.
The floor had changed as well. Where once unsteady ground and pitfalls had marred the stone, it too was now perfectly level. And etched into that perfect stone, was a fire. One that was depicted in twists and flares of charred stone, boldly standing out against the grey of rock. It, just like the runes, felt alive. These flames did not waver or swim through his mind like the runes, but he felt their hunger, their desperation to reach the center. To consume.
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Yes, this [DUNGEON] was something else. Something new to the world, Cooper was sure of it. And floating through the hall of all too perfect stone and living murals, was a wisp.
"Elf boy! Back to be Mirage's training dummy already?"
Cooper smirked. Despite all the eldritch mysteries within these halls, the [LIEUTENANT] that voiced their will was a far more familiar sight. That of an excited child, ready to see what the world had to offer. Stepping fully into the room, he drew his ax and dagger.
"Just send the birds already ya little shit."
The only response from Apollo was a hearty, bellowing laugh. And as it rang through the room, eyes opened. A few dozen eyes. The heat that filled the room doubled, then tripled, as the [FIRE-BIRDS] and their queen awoke. That was all the warning he had before claws and haze blades were rushing towards him, and he slid fully into the embrace of [NATURE'S DOMAIN].
The world took on a green tint, and his sight became more. He saw all around him, felt the twisting of wind and wings down to his very bones. And he fought. Cooper twisted in between blades of burning air, dodged between claws, and swung his ax at the few who dared to enter its reach. His dagger flew from his hand, and already he began to feel the mana of a fresh kill seep into his soul.
He danced through the room, his feet barely touching the ground as the ability took full control. Cooper just reacted. The birds flew at him in great droves, always flying forward with a fiery determination. But he would not fall so easily. He spun and twisted between every attack, only collecting a few scratches as his kill count rose towards a dozen.
He felt it the moment that the [DUNGEON] decided to cut its losses. Behind him, the burning power of a [LIEUTENANT]. He spun, ready to give a final push against Mirage and her deadly claws. Yet, it was not Mirage that faced him. Apollo floated, bobbing rhythmically up and down. His light pulsed in a beautiful display, capturing Cooper's eyes. And then, a song. Several different tones rung out, each in perfect harmony, and began to rise higher.
And higher.
And higher.
And higher.
His skull felt like it was splitting, but his arms couldn't rise, his eyes couldn't close, his head couldn't turn.
And higher.
And higher.
And higher.
Right before his mind felt like it was going to burst, a word emerged.
Relax.
And higher.
And higher.
And higher.
Why had he fought the tone? He should just relax. There was nothing to fear.
Safe.
And higher.
And higher.
And higher.
His ax fell to the floor. He didn't need it. He was safe, after all.
Sleep.
And higher.
And higher.
And higher.
His dagger cluttered against the stone. He suddenly felt tired.
Sleep.
And higher.
And higher.
And higher.
His eyelids fluttered. Maybe a nap wouldn't be so bad?
SLEEP.
And higher.
And higher.
And higher.
Cooper's whole body shuddered as a chill seeped into his bones. He was exhausted. Dead tired.
Drop.
The last thing he saw was the rapidly approaching floor, before everything went black.