The trio stepped through the portal, emerging into a vast, torch-lit hallway that stretched endlessly before them. The flickering flames cast eerie shadows on the stone walls, and an oppressive aura hung in the air.
"There are a lot of monsters here. I can feel it," Rowan muttered, his hand resting on his sword hilt.
Sorin nodded solemnly. "We need to be careful from now on. Stay on your guard."
At that moment, a system window materialized before Ashan.
—-------------------------------------------
New mission..
You have entered an A-rank dungeon.
This dungeon has 3 sections with 3 bosses. The final boss is an A-rank. You will receive rewards from clearing each part.
Main reward for clearing the whole place:
<>Cursed King Mode
You will inherit Ryomen Sukuna's powers. Cursed marks will appear on your body, including an extra pair of eyes. After reaching your full form, you will be able to manifest two additional hands at will. Your power level will begin at the 15-finger stage.
Powers and other things that you will gain:
[BASELINE POWERS]
> Immense Cursed Energy – Grants the user an overwhelming reserve of cursed energy comparable to Sukuna's presence. The user's cursed energy output is doubled.
> Enhanced Physical Strength – Significantly boosts the user's physical power beyond normal limits.
> Super Speed & Reflexes – Enhances movement speed and reaction time to inhuman levels.
> High Durability – Reinforces the user's body with cursed energy, greatly reducing damage taken.
> Extreme Combat IQ – Sharpens the user's combat instincts, allowing rapid analysis and optimal decision-making in battle.
> Keen Senses – Heightens the user's sensory perception, improving awareness of enemies and cursed energy fluctuations.
> High-level Cursed Energy Manipulation – Grants advanced control over cursed energy, enabling efficient and precise technique execution.
[CURSED TECHNIQUES]
> Cleave- Can efficiently slice through anything.
> Dismantle- A devastating slashing technique.
> Domain Expansion: Malevolent Shrine- A domain that has 100% guaranteed attack effects. It comes with its original binding vow, which makes it an open domain.
> Fire Arrow- A powerful fire attack, capable of incinerating enemies in a single blast.
> Reverse Cursed Technique- Can be used to heal both the user and others and reconstruct destroyed or missing body parts/organs.
—-------------------------------------------
Ashan froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.
'Sukuna's powers… is this real? I never imagined anything like this. Coming here was definitely the right choice.'
Suddenly, the ground shook violently, signaling imminent danger. Rowan swiftly drew his shield and unsheathed his sword, while Sorin channeled mana into her wand. Ashan, however, buzzed with excitement.
Armored trolls surged from the far end of the hallway, wielding an array of weapons: iron poles, blades, and more.
Sorin aimed her wand at the advancing horde.
Whoosh…
A massive flame storm erupted, charging toward the trolls and incinerating them to ash. The creatures recoiled in panic.
Ashan grinned while looking at Sorin.
'She has some pretty good skills. They're great helpers, but it can't be like this. I can't let them destroy my points. I need to take action.'
Abruptly, the flame storm dissipated. Sorin frowned in confusion. "What happened?"
"Kreekk…"
Behind the troll ranks stood a distinct troll, clutching a long staff embedded with gleaming stones. It grinned creepily, exuding an aura of malice.
"Ahh... I see. It's a magician. It stopped my flame spell. That troll seems to be the leader here."
"You two stay here. I'll take care of this."
"But it's.." Sorin began, but Rowan cut her off.
"Let him do whatever he wants."
The trolls charged anew. Ashan sprinted forward, extending his arms as a Rasengan formed in his hand, swelling in size. Sensing the threat, the trolls halted mid-stride, but it was too late.
"Eat this!"
The colossal Rasengan slammed into the troll army, unleashing a blinding explosion.
Boom…
The dungeon lit up like daylight. Rowan leaped to shield Sorin with his barrier. When the light faded, they peered out in shock. It was a gruesome scene: nearly half the monsters obliterated, their blood and flesh splattered across the floor. Ashan stood unscathed amidst the carnage.
"What the hell was that? It's like a massive bomb. But how is he still standing? That thing exploded right on him," Rowan whispered to Sorin.
She remained silent, her gaze fixed on Ashan.
Ashan rolled his shoulders casually.
'Wow... I almost got wiped out. Without Limitless, I'd never have blocked that. Ahh... What am I thinking? I still have Susanoo and the Yata Mirror. I'm itching to test them out.'
Ashan charged at the leader.
"Kreek…"
The troll panicked, aiming its staff at him. A red beam shot forth.
Ashan smirked, halting and raising his Gunbai as a shield.
Rowan gritted his teeth.
"That fucking idiot. Why use that trash to shield himself?"
The mana ray struck the Gunbai, but it didn't even leave a scratch.
Ashan grinned mercilessly.
"Uchiha Reflection!"
A powerful wave of wind surged back, sending the entire army, including their leader, flying through the air.
Rowan's jaw dropped. "That thing wasn't destroyed? And that wind wave? I'm sure it came from it. Just what kind of weapon is that?"
Without respite, Ashan unleashed a barrage of Black Flash attacks. Each strike decapitated or obliterated a troll in a one-sided massacre. The creatures fell helplessly.
Enraged, the leader aimed its staff again. Ashan's Sharingan activated, sensing the incoming lightning bolt. He grinned and swiftly switched places with a nearby troll.
"Krees…" The struck troll exploded like fireworks. The leader gaped in confusion, struggling to comprehend.
"Why are you attacking your own kind? What, did someone steal your glasses? If I ever open an eye clinic, you're walking in first, no appointment needed!"
An idea sparked in Ashan's mind.
"Let's play a game."
His Sharingan evolved into the Mangekyou. In a blur, he closed in, locking eyes with the leader.
[Tsukuyomi]
The troll's mind plunged into an alternate realm mirroring the dungeon. Unaware, it saw every troll transform into Ashan, attacking relentlessly. In reality, the trolls advanced on Ashan, but the leader waved its staff, unleashing a massive fire wave upon its own forces.
Sorin blinked in bewilderment. "Huh... why is he attacking his own army? Has he lost his mind?"
The leader continued its assault, wiping out the remaining trolls in minutes. Kreekk... It smiled smugly, but Ashan's mocking grin shattered the illusion.
"Come to reality already."
Ashan dispelled the illusion. The troll's smile vanished as it beheld the annihilation of its army.
"You just killed your entire remaining force. Now it's your turn to join them."
A Rasengan smashed into the troll's head, ending it instantly.
Sorin and Rowan stood stunned. Sorin clutched Rowan's arm.
"He is a monster. A high-ranker. There's no doubt about it."
—-------------------------------------------
You cleared the C section of the dungeon, defeating 45 trolls and taking down one alpha troll.
Rewards - 235 points
—-------------------------------------------
Ashan gathered the monster cores and turned to the siblings. "Shall we continue?"
He strode down the hallway. Sorin and Rowan hurried to catch up.
"Mister, you really are strong. But what are those powers you showed? Are they your unique skills?"
"Yes, you can say that. Because I've never seen anyone else using them."
Sorin eyed the Gunbai resting on his shoulder.
"Your weapon is amazing. I'm regretting underestimating its capability. May I know what material was used to make it?"
"Even if I say that, you won't know."
"If it's possible, can I hold it once?"
Ashan glanced at her and handed over the Gunbai without hesitation.
"Wow. It feels like a feather. How can something like this have such high endurance?"
"Don't try to figure it out. You won't find it anyway."
He reclaimed the Gunbai. Sorin offered an awkward smile.
"What a rude bastard." Rowan muttered under his breath.
Ashan eyed back at Rowan.
"Thinking of running again like yesterday? Just say the word. I'm always at your service."
Rowan's jaw clenched in fury. Sorin hid a secret smile at the exchange.