Fight! Defeat! Dominate!

These words rang through John’s head. His heart pounded in his ears and his brow furrowed. His breathing grew more intense as his legs pounded the ground beneath him. The surroundings blurred as he sped by at a blinding speed. Following his victory over the giant frog, John’s forcefully honed instincts told him that he was second only to the boss inside this dungeon. His place of power was proven in the blood of all the enemies that found themselves unfortunate enough to be in his path.

From the spirit beast’s perspective, they had all made their way deep into the dungeon. They had proven their grit against countless foes and successfully avoided the sub-bosses that plagued the area with unshakable strength. Many had awakened one or two powers and had immense battle strength after consuming numerous foes. Given enough time, some would grow to become sub-bosses themselves and perhaps one day even challenge the boss for it’s position in the center of the dungeon. Each and every spirit beast, despite it’s power, felt an impending doom overcome them. The fear they felt shook them to the very soul that was the foundation of their spirit body and their instinct told them only death awaited. A demonic figure would appear in the distance and it’s killing intent could be felt before they could even make out it’s form. The moment they felt the monster’s aura wash over them was the moment they knew it was too late. As soon as he sensed them, sharp weapons made of shadow itself tore apart their bodies. The only fate that could come from going against this demon was to die shaking in fear.

It appeared to outside eyes that John had lost all rationale. His shadow tendrils shot out dicing up all within reach. A steady stream of spiritual energy rushed into him and his power grew stronger yet. While even Arther, the Advance tier adventurer assumed John was no longer in control, that was not completely true. The overwhelming urge to conquer all that stood in his path was not simply uncontrollable, it’s just that John welcomed it wholeheartedly. At the moment, he couldn’t completely recall his previous life before coming to this world but he was certain he had never tasted the power he felt now. The feeling of spiritual energy flooding his body was addicting! Every cell in his body vibrated and he could only focus on how to get more of it. He needed more! John would fight, defeat, and dominate whatever or whoever he had to in order to get more!!

The shrieks and wails of dying spirit beast echoed in the otherwise silent forest that was the dungeon. John’s sprint to the center of the dungeon halted and he stood still as the last of the spirit energy that trailed him flew into his body. For whatever reason, each enemy would dissolve into a different colored light upon death. From observation, the stronger the enemy the brighter the light it would dissolve into. The trail of energy that was absorbed into John now was like a blinding multi-colored iridescent rainbow. John breathed in deeply and savored the sensation. This was but a taste of the power he knew he was within his grasp!

John eventually reached the middle of the dungeon. The densely packed trees that littered the landscape were now absent and the previously grassy forest floor was now dark soil devoid of life. The air was thick with humidity and a thick, brumous fog coated the clearing. Directly in the middle of the dungeon was what looked like a tear in the air. It was colored like static on old televisions and oozed not just spiritual energy, but an unmistakable magic power. From the bottom of John’s heart he knew that this was all he needed or could ever want. If he could just claim it as his own he could end the hunger he felt deep within himself and simply enjoy the power he wielded.

Just as he was about to approach it, a sickening growl shook the very ground he stood on. John jumped back and prepared himself. His aura field hadn’t sensed anything in particular, but the dread that he felt was unmistakable. John took in a single shaky breath. While his awareness was largely being placed on the upcoming fight, he took a moment to reflect on his body's current state. He would only have just one shot, one opportunity and he wasn’t going to let it slip. Under the pressure the hidden boss was excluding, his palms grew sweaty. The worrying sensation of his knees going weak was troubling. Despite the energy he pushed into his arms, he could feel them growing heavier by the moment. The odds were certainly stacked against him but he readied himself. As his resolve hardened, the boss appeared before him... It was a fucking Shabernacky!!!