Using the Byakugan, Ashan's vision pierced through the black door as though it didn't exist.
Layers of stone, enchanted metal, and sealing formations peeled away in his sight, revealing what lay beyond.
Inside the chamber was silence.
At the center of the room stood a massive iron coffin, engraved with ancient runes that pulsed faintly, as if breathing. Thick chains wrapped around it, some embedded directly into the floor and walls. The air inside felt heavy, dense with suppressed killing intent.
Within the coffin lay a humanoid demon exceeding eight feet in height.
It slept.
Its body was grotesque yet imposing. Jagged bones burst outward from its shoulders, ribs, and spine, as though its skeleton had grown too large for its flesh. The face was partially flayed, rotted flesh missing from the cheeks and jaw, revealing rows of sharp, predatory teeth locked in a silent snarl even in slumber.
Armor covered its torso and limbs, dark crimson and black, scarred from countless battles. Embedded across its body were three swords, each resting as if bound to its very existence.
Ashan's gaze sharpened as the system interface unfolded before his eyes.
—---------------------------------
Name - Araksha
Type - Demon
Age - ???
Gender - Male
[Power rank - A+]
[Strength - 230]
[Stamina - 240]
[endurance - 250]
[Agility - 290]
[Other powers and skills]
<> Sword Sense – A
Advanced perception allowing prediction and reaction to movements at extreme speeds.
<> Twin Fang Art: Reaper's Waltz – A+
A seamless dual-sword dance where each motion tears the air itself apart, producing cutting shockwaves that extend the range of the blades in spiraling arcs.
<> Poison Blood – A
Blood can be sprayed or released, instantly melting flesh and bone upon contact.
<> Demonic Overclock – B
Temporarily removes physical limiters at the cost of life force.
[Weapons]
<> Nullfang (SS)
Drains mana upon contact with targets or spells. Stored mana enhances subsequent strikes.
One of only three known weapons capable of nullifying mana-based attacks entirely.
<> Veyra (A)
White blade with extreme durability and mana resistance. When infused with mana, vibrates at lethal frequency, cutting metal effortlessly.
<> Solen (A)
Black blade capable of paralyzing mana users. Effectiveness scales with the target's mana flow, the stronger the mana, the greater the paralysis.
Special Condition:
Upon death, Araksha's abilities and power are transferred to the demon in the other chamber.
—---------------------------------
Ashan exhaled slowly.
"Oh… that's a tough one," he muttered.
His vision shifted.
Through the red door, another chamber revealed itself.
This coffin was different. It was sleeker, carved with arcane sigils rather than brute-force restraints. The figure inside was humanoid, average in height, entirely draped in black robes that concealed every inch of skin.
Resting atop its chest was a long wand, nearly half its height, crafted from an unknown black metal. Embedded at its tip was a massive crimson orb that pulsed rhythmically, like a living heart.
The system responded again.
—---------------------------------
Name - Yakwaru
Type - Demon
Age - ???
Gender - Male
[Power rank - A+]
[Strength - 150]
[Stamina - 180]
[endurance - 130]
[Agility - 100]
[Other powers and skills]
<> Demonic Domain – A
Creates a territory infused with demonic mana, inducing hallucinations and mental breakdown in weaker beings.
<> Black Binding – A
Chains of condensed dark mana restrain enemies, suppress mana usage, and crush bones. Resistance increases damage as chains tighten with each struggle.
<> Demonic Regeneration – A
Consumes surrounding mana to heal from fatal wounds.
<> Golem Creation – A
Summons various fire-based golems.
Special Condition:
Upon death, Yakwaru's abilities and power are transferred to the demon in the other chamber.
—---------------------------------
Ashan closed all four eyes.
'Undoubtedly,' he thought, 'these two are far beyond anything else in this dungeon.'
His mind raced, calculations stacking upon calculations.
'If one dies, the other inherits everything. If I kill one first, the survivor will exceed S-rank without question.'
A slow smile curved his lips.
'This is dangerous… but also perfect.'
He opened his eyes and turned toward Draven.
'Yes. That's it. I'll separate them.'
'I'll have Draven and the others deal with the mage-type demon behind the red gate. I'll handle the swordsman.'
Then doubt crept in.
'But… can they actually beat Yakwaru?'
Ashan walked toward Draven.
Draven noticed immediately. "Why? Did something happen?"
"Not yet," Ashan replied calmly. "But what's inside those doors is serious trouble. I'm going to explain. Everyone, come closer."
At his command, the raiders gathered.
Ashan's tone turned sharp and authoritative.
"Behind these doors are two monsters. Both are top-tier A-rank demons."
A murmur rippled through the group.
"Behind the red door," Ashan continued, "there's a mage-type demon. It can induce hallucinations, bind you with dark chains that suppress mana, regenerate by consuming ambient mana, and summon golems."
Sisiliya's eyes widened. "How do you know all that?"
Ashan glanced at her coldly.
"That's not important. What matters is that it's accurate. Tell me.. can you handle it?"
Draven narrowed his eyes, weighing the words.
"That's difficult," he admitted. "Then what about the other door?"
Ashan's expression darkened.
"The black door holds the real nightmare," he said. "A sword demon. A master. Armed with three dangerous blades, one that nullifies mana, one that cuts anything, and one that paralyzes mana users."
A chill ran through the group.
"For mages," Ashan added quietly, "it's a death sentence."
Silence followed.
Sisiliya exchanged a glance with Draven.
After a moment, both nodded.
"Yes," Sisiliya said. "We can handle the mage demon."
"But why not go one door at a time?" Draven asked.
Ashan shook his head.
"That won't work."
Before anyone could argue, he clapped his hands once, the sound echoing sharply.
"Listen carefully. When you enter, don't hesitate. Don't wait. The coffin is your target. Strike it with everything you have before the demon awakens."
He looked each of them in the eyes.
"Close combat is your advantage. Don't let it control the battlefield."
Draven nodded slowly.
"That's sound advice. We'll do it."
Ashan smiled faintly.
"Good. Then I'll give you something."
He removed the gunbai from his back and extended it toward Draven.
"Take this."
Draven hesitated, then accepted it, feeling its weight.
"Are you sure this will help?"
"You saw it reflect acid earlier," Ashan replied. "It's durable, and can counter powerful attacks. Trust it."
Draven nodded.
Ashan turned to the A-rankers.
"Who here can throw weapons accurately at long range?"
An assassin stepped forward. "I can."
Ashan summoned ten explosive kunai into his hand and passed them over.
"Use these. Avoid direct confrontation. Strike weak points when the others engage. Be careful, they detonate on heavy impact."
The assassin nodded seriously.
Ashan stepped back, facing the two doors.
"Well then," he said, eyes gleaming. "Let's beat them up."