The Chapter you're reading below is an older version of how I originally wrote floor 8. Maya still has her Blaze Knight form here and she doesn't have her Nightbringer form yet. I've posted more details in the authors' notes below the chapter.

Maya was pulled to a cramped cavern. The air was cold and damp, the only light being the faint glow emanating from small patches of bioluminescent fungi clinging to the walls.

Stalactites hung down like stone icicles, some dripping water that echoed softly as it hit the cavern floor. The ground was uneven, a mix of rough stone and slick patches where moisture had accumulated. Maya had to crouch slightly as she moved.

Her footsteps echoed in the confined space, the sound bouncing off the close walls. At the least, her eyes allowed him to see just fine.

[Tribute has entered Floor 8]

[Level up awarded]

[Updating status]

Tribute Name: Maya

Level: 11 >> 12

Physique: 3

Dexterity: 6

Magic: 2 >> 3

And there it was again; another increase to her magic stat. By this point, Maya's curiosity about the stat's implications towards her had reached its boiling point. She examined her [Status] but nothing relevant came up. Checking her [Relic Class Status] didn't do much good either. Until finally, she opened her [Transformation list]

Tier 1: Wind Elemental (requirement: transform mid-air; subsume spell available)

Tier 2: Blaze Knight (requirement: bleed; subsume spell available)

"Subsume spell" was certainly something new. Curious, the Shapestealer pressed one of the notifications with a hand, to no result. Then, she tried to open her [Relic Class Status] and saw that the description for [Copycat] had been expanded again.

[With sufficient Magic, the user can receive subsumed spells from any form they have saved.]

[The spell received is determined by the system and is dependent on the form's abilities]

[Subsumed spells can only be used once before being exhausted]

[The user can gain additional uses of a subsumed spell by transforming into the relevant form where the subsumed spell originated]

[If a given form is destroyed or is replaced; the user will lose access to that form's subsumed spell]

After fiddling around her menus some more. Maya received [Gust] as her tier 1 spell and [Flame Sword] as her tier 2 spell. The two spells were now listed next to their relevant forms whenever she checked her forms via [Transformation List].

Once all was settled, she continued to explore the cavern. At one point, she found herself shuffling through an area densely packed with stalactites. Many hung from the ceiling, some so low that she had to duck and weave her way through. The sharp rocks brushed against her as she moved, their cold, wet surfaces leaving traces of moisture on her clothes.

But soon, Maya's ears picked up a sound: the loud ringing of metal. She thought that she was hallucinating at first, but as she moved forward, the sound only grew louder.

The Shapestealer rushed towards the source of the sound. Eventually, she reached a split in the tunnel: forked in two directions. She paused, straining her ears for the sound again. The metallic ringing echoed once more, this time seeming to come from the right tunnel.

She chose the right tunnel and continued her pursuit. The narrow passage opened up into a larger chamber, and there, to her surprise: she saw Sophia, who was locked in combat with a massive scorpion.

The creature was the size of a large bull. Its pincers snapped viciously, and its stinger arched menacingly over its back, poised to strike. Sophia's sword clashed against the creature's exoskeleton with each strike, creating the ringing sound of metal that Maya had heard.

Maya leapt into the air and transformed into her wind elemental form. Just as the scorpion was about to deliver a critical blow with its stinger towards Sophia, Maya unleashed a powerful gust of wind. The wind tilted the stinger to a different direction, causing it to miss the Paladin completely.

Sophia seemed startled at what just happened, but as she glanced towards Maya, the Paladin seemed to understand the situation.

Without exchanging a single word, the two understood what must be done: focus on the scorpion. As the monster pursued Sophia to pin her down underneath its massive pincers. Maya, saw her opening. She soared up through the air, a gust of wind trailing behind her.

With a focused burst of energy, Maya unleashed a cutting wave of wind, the air itself slicing towards the scorpion. The wind whipped around the scorpion, kicking up dust and small rocks, creating a small torrent of debris clouds.

Although the wind's blades didn't inflict serious damage, they harried the scorpion, bombarding it with relentless force. The creature, visibly annoyed by the persistent assault, shifted its attention toward Maya, its beady eyes tracking her every move.

In the heat of the moment, Sophia saw her chance. She focused her energy, feeling it surge through her veins and into her sword.

the Paladin charged forward. She gathered speed, her eyes locked on her target. Then, she leapt into the air, her body arching towards the monster.

Her blade was perfectly aimed at the scorpion's head. And as she descended, the sword struck the scorpion's exoskeleton with a loud crunch, piercing the hard shell as if it were paper.

At that moment, Sophia unleashed her [Smite]. Her sword erupted in a blinding explosion of radiant energy, enveloping the scorpion's head. The force of the blast was so intense it seemed to momentarily light up the entire cavern.

The scorpion's head disintegrated, fragments of its exoskeleton scattering like shrapnel as the monster's body went limp. Sophia landed back on the cavern floor, steadying herself, her chest heaving with exertion.

With the battle over, Maya transformed back into her original form. "Hey there," she greeted, waving a hand at Sophia.

the Paladin slumped onto one leg, using her sword for support. "Thank you," she muttered weakly.

"How long have you been here?" Maya asked, approaching Sophia to give her a hand.

The Paladin took Maya's hand and pulled herself up, taking deep breaths along the way. "Not sure, a few days I guess. But haven't managed to find the portal out."

"Well, what matters is you're fine," Maya said.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Fine is a relative term," Sophia joked.

"Come on, you know what I mean."

"No worries, just joking."

Though Sophia put up a brave face, it didn’t take much for Maya to notice that the Paladin seemed bothered by something.

"Something’s bothering you," Maya commented aloud.

"I don’t hide it well, do I?" Sophia asked.

"Not really."

"Did Atris say anything about me?"

Maya nodded. "He did."

"I see," Sophia muttered.

"Listen, none of that matters. I still need your help to get out of the tower."

"You don’t mind me being what I am?"

"Not really. Why should I?"

"It's just... it's not easy to accept the fact that you were meant to be something, you know?"

"I mean, I personally think you're better off now."

"How so?"

"That golden bastard showed me what you could have become after you were sent here. And if I'm honest, it's nothing you'd want to be."

"I’ll take your word for it," Sophia said with a chuckle.

"Alright, now if you're done moping, let’s figure out a way to get out of here."

"Sounds good to me."

***

As Maya and Sophia continued their cautious exploration of the cavern, the cavern’s atmosphere seemed to grow more oppressive, creating a sense of foreboding that clung to the damp air.

Eventually, their path led them to a large opening. Sophia hesitated and stopped in her tracks. "I feel something off."

"Don't worry. We still need to find a way out of here." Maya said.

Sophia sighed. "You're right."

As they crossed the opening the two spotted a large temple in the distance. The temple's walls were an eerie bluish hue, giving it an almost ghostly appearance. It was decorated with grotesque carvings of fish and other sea creatures, depicted in unsettling, contorted forms.

Maya and Sophia cautiously walked towards the temple. The oppressive atmosphere only seemed to grow heavier.

"What the hell is this place?" Maya asked.

Sophia shook her head slowly. "I don't know," she admitted. "But it seems like the only place left to go."

Maya looked around the foreboding structure. "Do you think this temple is dedicated to the Old Gods too?"

Sophia contemplated Maya's question for a moment before replying,"Probably."

"Guess this is where we're going next." Maya said

Sophia took a deep breath. "Sadly, yes."

The two approached the gates: which were massive, adorned with more of the twisted, aquatic carvings. With a shared sense of resolve, they prepared to enter the temple.

Sophia reached out and pushed against the massive doors of the temple. They creaked open slowly, groaning under their own weight, revealing the dark interior beyond.

Maya took a deep breath and stepped in. Sophia followed close behind, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

Immediately after, the doors of the temple shut behind them with a loud thud.

Maya sighed. "Typical."

Sophia laughed softly. "So, what do we have here?"

The inner walls of the temple were lined with the same odd aquatic carvings like what she saw outside. The ceiling was high and vaulted while the air was cool and damp, carrying a faint scent that was both ancient and otherworldly.

In the center of the main chamber was a large altar. Surrounding it were statues, each depicting various sea creatures in grotesque and exaggerated forms.

Maya surveyed the interior of the temple, her eyes moving from statue to statue. "Doesn't seem like anyone's here."

"Maybe just not yet." Sophia said, pointing to a corridor that branched off from the main chamber. "Let's try going there."

The two made their way down the corridor. The passage was narrow and dimly lit, the walls adorned with more of the unsettling aquatic carvings.

The corridor eventually opened up into a circular room. Nothing was there except a single stone well at the center of the room.

Maya started to walk towards the well to take a closer look. She felt strangely drawn to it for some reason.

However, before she could get too close, Sophia reached out and grabbed her hand. "Not so fast."

Maya turned to Sophia. "What's wrong?"

"The well could be a trap." Sophia said.

"Should we just move on to the next room?" Maya asked.

Sophia shook her head. "Do you have something you can throw down the well?"

"I don't actually have things to throw, but I can conjure a flame sword to chuck down the well if guess."

'You're serious?"

"Yes."

"Huh, alright, could you try throwing a flame sword down the well?"

Maya nodded and focused her energy. She cast [Flame Sword], and in response, a sword made entirely of fire materialized, levitating in the air before them.

With a mental command, the Shapestealer directed the flaming sword to fly into the well. The sword cut through the air as it made its way toward the bottom of the well.

"Anything happen?" Sophia asked.

Maya shrugged. "Don't think-"

Her words were abruptly cut off by a sudden scream echoing from the bottom of the well.

Sophia quickly looked around the room. "Did that sound really come from the well?"

"We should probably run." Maya warned.

No sooner had she spoken than the ground beneath them began to rumble. The vibrations were subtle at first but quickly grew in intensity quickly.

Maya and Sophia turned to flee back the way they had come. However, as they reached the corridor leading back to the main chamber, they found themselves slamming against an invisible barrie that prevented them from escaping the room.

The Shapestealer slammed her hand against the invisible barrier. But her efforts were hopelessly futile.

Sophia quickly turned around and drew her sword. "Just leave it and get ready."

Exhaling a resigned sigh, Maya followed Sophia's lead and drew her dagger, holding it tightly in her grip.

Suddenly, the well exploded in a burst of stone and debris as a giant fish-man wielding a rusted metal anchor burst forth from it; landing on the temple floor with a heavy thud.

The fish-man was tall and imposing. Grayish scales covered its skin, and its eyes were large and bulbous. Its mouth was filled with rows of sharp, jagged teeth, and gills flared on the sides of its neck. Maya's conjured flaming sword was stuck to its head, yet the creature seemed unfazed by the burning weapon.

With a roar, the fish-man hurled his massive metal anchor directly at Maya.

She rolled to the side to dodge, her reflexes saving her from a direct hit. The anchor smashed into the wall with tremendous force.

Large chunks of stone and a cloud of dust were dislodged by the force of the collision, falling down and around Maya. Soon, she found herself buried by the debris: trapping her beneath their weight.

Meanwhile, Sophia charged at the fish-man with her sword drawn. Just as she reached striking distance, the Paladin imbued her sword with the power of [Smite].

She struck the fish-man's right arm. Her [Smite] imbued sword cut through the scaly flesh and bone, shattering part of the arm in a burst of light and force. Bits of scales and flesh were scattered, leaving the fish-man's arm chunked off.

The fish-man let out a piercing screech in response before kicking Sophia. The attack sent her flying back until she slammed against the wall. The Paladin crumpled to the ground, momentarily stunned by the force of the blow.

After Maya managed to break out of the debris. She made a deep cut on the palm of her hand, her blood ignited as it fell to the ground as she transformed into the Blaze Knight.

The Shapestealer conjured three more flaming swords. She raised her hand and hurled them towards the fish-man.

They pierced the fish-man's scaly chest. The impact of the swords caused the fish-man to moan in pain as flames seared its flesh. Overwhelmed by the fiery blades, it collapsed onto the ground.

Once the immediate threat had been neutralized, Maya reverted back to her original human form.

She rushed over to Sophia, who was still recovering from being thrown against the wall by the fish-man. Offering her hand, Maya helped the Paladin to her feet.

"Thanks," Sophia said. She brushed off some of the debris and steadied herself, still feeling the effects of the earlier impact.

"Don't mention it," Maya replied casually, checking Sophia for any serious injuries. "Did you hear a voice just now?"

"I didn't hear anything," Sophia responded, her brows furrowing slightly. "Why do you ask?"

"Nevermind," Maya said, shaking her head. "Let's get out of here."

Maya and Sophia carefully exited the room, continuing their exploration deeper into the temple.

Their path led them to another room. This chamber was filled with statues, but unlike the grotesque depictions they had seen earlier, these were of fish-people. Each statue was depicting the fish-people in various poses of kneeling and worship.

Maya glanced around at the statues. "These things are creepy."

Sophia chuckled and said, "The last time we were in a room full of statues, we had to fight a cerberus."

Maya let out a sigh, half-amused and half-resigned. "Don't remind me."

"Anyway, let's split up for a bit. Might find something faster that way." Sophia said.

Maya nodded. "Alright, just be careful."

With a final glance at Sophia, the Shapestealer turned and began to explore a different section of the room.

Maya cautiously waded through the chamber, her eyes scanning the surroundings intently. She reached out tentatively, poking at the statues one by one. Each touch was gentle, almost reverent, as she examined them for any hidden mechanisms or clues.

Just as Maya was about to move on to the next statue, a voice unexpectedly spoke up from behind her. "Having fun, are we?" The voice was smooth, carrying an amused yet unsettling undertone.

Maya swiftly turned around, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. Standing there was a pale woman, her features partially obscured by a raven mask that covered the upper half of her face. She was draped in black, tattered robes and her hands were bound in steel manacles. Despite this, she seemed to hold herself with an air of confidence and power.

"Who are you?" Maya asked.

The woman raised a finger to her lips in a shushing motion. "Keep it down, only you can see or hear me."

Despite the woman's cryptic words, Maya's instincts urged caution. She drew her dagger, holding it defensively as she took a step back. "Seriously, who are you?"

The woman's lips curled into a knowing smirk."I'm Munin: God of Change."