Reincarnated With The Degenerate System

We crossed the threshold one by one, the invisible barrier brushing against our skin—vibrating, as if it were counting us like livestock.

Suddenly, anyone outside found the entrance sealed—no one could get in.

Nobody said a word. They didn't need to. The pressure was thick enough to taste—bitter, metallic, settling on the tongue like the aftertaste of blood.

Some rubbed their arms, others exchanged grim looks. Adam's jaw clenched.

Even the veteran Seekers stared at the glowing number carved into the wall with resignation.

The number didn't lie. A floor that demanded a hundred combatants wasn't built for beginners. At the very least, this put us somewhere above the fifth floor—and knowing our luck, probably way past the comfort zone of anyone without a death wish.

All my earlier motivational speeches vanished on the spot.

"Don't overthink it," I let my voice echo. "With me here, we'll manage."

A few eyes flicked toward me, needing something solid to hold onto.

So I planted the butt of my spear on the ground.

"I'm carrying a Celestial Weapon," I lifted it just enough that the glow reflected on their faces. "And I'm not exactly your average S-Rank. You'll understand soon enough."

That did it. Not a roar of morale or triumphant applause—they weren't that dramatic—but their faces steadied. Backs straightened. Breathing eased.

Even Adam let out a deep breath, like he has been holding it the entire time since he saw the '100.'

Good. Panic kills more than monsters ever do.

"Watch your steps. We descend together."

The stairs were steep and narrow, carved from dark stone that looked wet even though it was bone-dry.

Each step carried the faint smell of scorched charcoal, like something had burned here a long time ago and the scent never quite left.

Adam walked beside me.

"This place doesn't feel right," he whispered.

"Nothing is," I answered.

We followed the stairs until they opened into a wide corridor. The stone here was smooth, like something huge had walked over it again and again.

The moment my boot touched the floor, a torch on the wall suddenly lit up with a whoosh.

We all paused.

One by one, flames burst to life ahead of us, lighting up the hallway in a line. The torches behind us dimmed slightly, almost like they were giving a small bow before going quiet.

We kept walking until we reached a giant metal gate.

But calling it a gate didn't feel right. It stood as tall as a four-story building—huge slabs of metal and stone pressed together. Deep dents were carved into the surface, shaped like giant fingers had squeezed the metal when it was still hot.

Everyone stopped without needing an order. Some stared up with their mouths open. Others took small steps back. Even I felt my stomach tighten a little.

"Yeah…" Adam said quietly. "We're fighting something big."

No kidding.

I gripped my spear and stepped forward.

"Listen up. This is where it starts. Stick to the plan, and everything will be fine."

Relief and courage spread through the group after I spoke. Taking advantage of that, I stepped forward and pushed the huge gate open.

Even from a distance, the chamber was huge, its high ceiling swallowed by shadows, and jagged stone pillars scattered like bones across the floor. The faint flicker of torches on the walls provided just enough light to make out the space, but not enough to get a better view.

Although in my case, I could see in the darkness just as easily as in the daytime—probably even better.

At first, the chamber appeared empty. The jagged rock formations lining the walls suggested some sort of natural cavern, though their size and arrangement were too deliberate to be entirely natural.

Then we saw it.

At the far end , a shadow moved. At first, it looked like a massive mound stones, a formation of rocks protruding from the floor and walls. But as we got closer, the shape straightened, and the outline of a creature became undeniable.

It was ape-like. Towering. three stories tall without standing, its massive arms resting on the ground like pillars. Its skin was a rough, earthen gray, blending almost perfectly with the jagged rocks protruding from its back.

"FORMATION!" I commanded.

The tanks moved instinctively, planting themselves at the front. Armor clanged, shields raised, bracing for impact, while others lifted their hands, preparing to cast barriers.

"Explosives ready," I called. A few Seekers nodded, checking their gear, making sure everything was secure.

"I'm opening with a big and powerful attack," I lifted my spear high enough for everyone in the back to see it glint. "No matter what happens, your job is simple—stay alive while I recover."

Adam nodded hard, jaw clenched. "We'll hold the line."

"Damn right you will,"

I planted my feet firmly. Closing my eyes, I let the Qi in my body flow, merging with my shadow energy.

For the first time, I would attempt my experimental technique—entirely my own, not borrowed from any acting card.

My aura hissed outward—not a simple explosion this time, but concentrated, refined. The effort to keep it contained pushed it to another level.

"Asura Gear" My skin darkened—not from evil Qi, but from the shadow energy fusing with my Figments. Mist-like smoke curled from my body, growing hotter with every second, searing the sweat from my skin.

'Not yet… I have to keep it contained until the very last moment.'

Even the stone floor beneath my boots started to crack under the pressure. Dust lifted into the air, swirling around me.

Then, I drew in a breath, opened my mouth, and let it all loose."

"Moon Cycle Extended Strike—Shadow Overload!" I roared with all my might, and hurled my weapon.

BOOOOM!

The attack hit, causing an explosion strong enough to demolished a ten story building.

Dust and rubble covered the chamber, making it hard to see. For a brief moment, even I thought I had one-shot the boss.

But then a low groaning sound rose from the dust. The ground trembled beneath our feet, quaking slightly.

Next, the air around us grew hotter and hotter—already spiking past forty degrees Celsius at a distance. I could only imagine how scorching it would be up close.

"RAWWWR!"

The volcanic ape's roar split the air. I didn't even need to see its face to know it was furious.

Behind me, the group tried to focus, forcing themselves to act brave against the monster that now towered six stories high.

The ape's molten eyes locked onto me. Its massive arms and jagged back made it clear that it was strong enough to crush anything in its path.

Its roar came again, shaking the chamber and rattling everyone's armor. Even the biggest, toughest Seekers staggered under the sound.

Still holding some energy, I summoned my spear and struck again, weaker than before since I couldn't fully charge it.

"Hold it back!" I shouted, leaping to the rear to recover my Qi.

The monster limped, massive wounds streaking its stomach and shoulders. Its faltering steps were proof that my surprise attack had done serious damage.

"Watch out for powerful attacks. It's been severely weakened by my strikes, but it's still a boss."