Cyrus took a deep breath, steadying himself after the intense battle with the vampire butler. Sweat dripped down his face, mixing with the blood and grime that clung to his armor. The butler's final shriek still echoed in his ears, a haunting reminder of the close call. He checked his notifications, his eyes scanning the new stats that flashed before him. His strength had increased, his agility sharpened, and his mana pool had expanded. A thrill ran through him, a heady mix of relief and excitement. The exhilaration of growth was a potent drug, but he knew he couldn’t afford to linger. He had a mission: to conquer this dungeon and continue his climb up the leaderboards.
The grand gothic doors ahead loomed ominously, their intricate designs hinting at the power and danger that lay beyond. Cyrus wiped his brow, feeling his health regenerating steadily, a comforting rhythm that bolstered his resolve. With a final deep breath, he pushed the doors open, their creak echoing through the cavernous space.
He stepped into a vast hall, the air thick with an oppressive aura. Shadows clung to the high vaulted ceiling, and the faint sound of chanting reverberated off the stone walls. Rows of ominous statues lined the hall, their eyes seemingly following his every move. At the far end, a figure sat on a throne made of dark stone, surrounded by a sinister red mist that pulsed like a heartbeat. He noticed blood red orbs floating around the chamber.
“You must be the famous Count Drakmar,” Cyrus called out, his voice strong despite the eerie silence that followed. His words echoed, magnifying the tension that hung in the air.
The figure on the throne stirred, and the chanting ceased abruptly. Count Drakmar’s eyes glowed with a malevolent red as he rose, his presence exuding an aura of dread. His steps were slow, deliberate, each one echoing through the hall. “Indeed, and you must be the troublesome human who’s been cutting through my servants. Tell me, what drives you to seek your own destruction?”
Cyrus grinned, a fierce determination in his eyes as he readied his shield and sword. “I’m here to end you.”
Drakmar moved with blinding speed, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. Their weapons clashed with a deafening roar, sending shockwaves through the hall. Cyrus’s Resistor’s Barrier flared to life, his shield glowing with resistance energy, absorbing the initial onslaught. The force of the impact sent vibrations up his arm, but he held firm.
Resistor’s Barrier (Class Ability - Uncommon - Tier 2)
Innate Skill Synergy
The Ability to Infuse Items With Resistance Skills
Effectiveness of Resistance is X1.5
Based on Skill Level, Resistance Skills, and Resilience
Level 16
Everything is just an extension of your body
Drakmar sneered, his fangs glinting in the dim light. “Impressive, but let’s see how you handle this.”
The count’s form shimmered, splitting into multiple shadows that surrounded Cyrus. Each shadow moved with eerie synchronicity, attacking in unison. Streaks of blood whipped around him yet, his dexterity and shieldmanship allowed him to parry and dodge, his movements a blur of steel and determination. He channeled mana into his sword, using Mana Empowerment to enhance its strength, slicing through the shadows with precision.
Mana Empowerment (Rare - Tier 2)
Gives the Skill to Empower Objects with Mana
Empowerment Increases the Strength, Speed, and Innate Magic of Object
Can Increase Rarity of Items for the Duration of Skill
Bonus Increases with Level and Intelligence
Level 31
ULTIMATE POWAAAA
“Your tricks won’t save you!” Cyrus roared, his voice a battle cry as he struck at the real Drakmar hidden among the illusions.
His blade found its mark, but Drakmar merely laughed, the wound healing instantly. “You’ll need more than brute force to defeat me.”
Cyrus’s mind raced. A small glow from the orbs cllued him into a possible mechanic for the boss. Of course a final boss like him has a mechanic, I need to outsmart him. Use everything He activated his Resistant Strike, channeling his stamina and resilience into a powerful blow. His sword glowed with vibrant energy, each swing resonating with determination and strength. He aimed carefully, his strikes precise, targeting the gaps in Drakmar’s defenses.
Resistant Strike (Class Ability - Common)
Innate Skill Synergy
Use Stamina to Add Extra Power to an Attack
Can Be Infused With Any Element You Resist
Based On Ability Level, Strength, and Resistance Skill Level
Current Bonus - 500%
Level 12
To every thousand hacking at the branches of evil
There is one who is striking at the roots
Drakmar staggered, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You… you’re stronger than I anticipated.”
The vampire quickly healed, yet in his moment of hesitation, Cyrus rocketed toward the nearest ord, quickly slashing through it. “ARGHHH” he heard behind him. He continued to dodge shadow versions of Drakmar while finding all the orbs. While nearing the final one, he noticed a huge magical presence building near Drakmar. The lord screamed as he unleashed the dark and bloody magic, “Survive this!” Cyrus’s eyes widened, it was quite the attack. He quickly prepared his shield and attempted to block it, but almost half of the attack hit him. Cyrus fell to a knee, gasping for air.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
You Have Been Hit With “Bloody Beam”
-2000 HP
Heavy Bleed
Light Slow
Ouch, that hurt like hell. He caught his breath and tried to stem the bleeding on his left arm. Luckily, the combination of dsestroying his orbs and the magic strain of such a large attack, Drakmar was clearly tiring, his calm demeaning disappearing. Cyrus pressed the advantage, not giving the count a moment to recover. Unfortunately, the vampire wasn’t done, using the rest of his magic to bombard him with magic as he approached. He felt the drain on his mana reserves but pushed through, hoping his Bronze Skin and high resilience would shield him from the barrage of magic Drakmar unleashed. Fireballs, ice shards, and bolts of dark energy assailed him, the heat and cold searing his skin, the dark energy sapping his strength. But his defenses held firm, each attack absorbed by his enchanted armor and skills.
Fire RESISTANCE (Common)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Fire
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 24
The finest steel is forged by the hottest fire
Ice RESISTANCE (Common)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Ice
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 20
Ice ice baby
Dark RESISTANCE (Common)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Darkness
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 19
Who’s there?
Blood RESISTANCE (Common)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Blood
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 21
BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD
With a final, decisive strike, Cyrus used Resistor’s Block to nullify Drakmar’s desperate attacks. The count’s eyes widened in shock as Cyrus’s mana-infused sword pierced hischest. The red mist that had shrouded the throne room dissipated, and Drakmar’s body crumbled into dust, a faint whisper escaping his lips as he disintegrated. “How…”.
Cyrus stood amidst the settling dust, his breath coming in heavy gasps. He looked around the now silent hall, the oppressive aura lifted. The statues seemed less menacing, their stony gazes no longer filled with malice. He checked his notifications, seeing the rewards for defeating Drakmar: a surge of experience points and a significant boost to his stats. The path ahead was still long and fraught with danger, but with each victory, Cyrus felt himself growing stronger, more capable. He checked what dropped from the Vampire Lord, and was very happy with the results. He sheathed his sword and moved forward. He would conquer this dungeon.
You have killed a
Count Drakmar (LV 55)
Level Up!
Level 26
5 Stat Points
Level Up!
Level 27
5 Stat Points
ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED
Defeat a Dungeon Boss
Gained 200 Achievement Points
The dust settled, and a treasure chest appeared where Drakmar had fallen. Inside, Cyrus found a shimmering amulet.
Amulet of the Night:
EPIC
+10 Resilience
+15 Intelligence
+10 Vitality
Increased Shadow Affinity
Defense Rating - +10
Grants Basic Night Vision
Increasing Mana Regen By 5%
This amulet is imbued with the power of the eternal darkness
Soulbound to Cyrus Raven
Cyrus equipped his new gear, feeling their power augment his abilities. With renewed determination, he set his sights on the next challenge. There were still 24 days left in the tutorial, and he was determined to become the strongest.
Tutorial Information
Time Remaining: 24D-22H-9M
Achievement Points: 845
Remaining Humans: 4B
As he exited the dungeon, he checked the leaderboards again.
Leaderboards
Level
* BP: 39
* GT: 37
* JL: 36
…
103. CR: 27
Single Skill
* BP: 47
* HY: 44
* PP: 42
…
49. CR: 36
Total Innate Unlocks
20
Cyrus found a hidden passage behind Drakmar’s throne, leading to a staircase descending into darkness.
Second Floor: Aelorian Thicket
Good Luck
Name: Cyrus Raven
Race: Human
Class: Guardian
Tier: 2
Level: 28
HP(Health Points): 3920 (+2.5%)
HP Regen: 216HP/Minute
MP(Mana Points): 3620
MP Regen: 77MP/Minute
SP(Stamina Points): 3650
SP Regen: 98SP/Minute
STATS
Charisma: 29 (+20)
Dexterity: 64 (+6)
Intelligence: 47 (+35)
RESILIENCE: 110 (+78)
Strength: 63 (+22)
Vitality: 62 (+50)
Wisdom: 39 (+10)
Stat Points: 60
Total Defense: 1880 (+146) (+208%)
Protective Swordsmanship (Class Skill - Uncommon - Tier 2)
Gives the Skill to Use a Sword
Gives a Passive Bonus to Damage
Gives a Passive Bonus to Defense
Current Bonus - 75%
Defense Bonus - 15%
Bonus Increases With Level
Level 15
If you sharpen the sword, the sword sharpens back
True Shieldmanship (Class Skill - Uncommon - Tier 2)
Gives the Skill to Use a Shield
Gives a Strong Passive Bonus to Defense
Current Bonus - 180%
Bonus Increases With Level
Level 18
Your spirit is your true shield… and this
Pain RESISTANCE (Uncommon - Tier 2)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Pain
Pain Increases Regeneration of SP and HP
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 36
Keeping a clear mind even through pain, is the sign of a warrior
Mana Control (Uncommon - Tier 2)
The Skill to Be Able to Access and Control Mana
Increased Control and Effectiveness of Mana
Based on Skill Level and Intelligence
Level 33
One who controls is one who has power