NOVEL NEXT Chapter 124: WORLD EATER
Raito forced himself upright, aura flaring, and sprinted forward, speed beyond human limits, along the elevated path suspended over the dungeon abyss. The path stretched 700 feet tall and 500 feet wide, each step echoing against the cavern walls.
And then he saw it.
A World Eater Dragon, absolutely colossal. 390 feet tall, scales larger than a grown man, each one shimmering with a metallic sheen that reflected the dungeon light. Its wings spanned wider than a city block, its gaze alone pressed down like the weight of a planet.
Raito froze.
"Unbelievable. This is the final boss?" he muttered.
[Notification]: Dungeon Final Boss Detected. SS-Rank Monster
[Notification]: Warning! User must not engage in battle unless prepared. Probability of death: 95%
The raw power of the dragon surged outward and Raito's legs buckled under the invisible force. He fell to the ground, chest pressed against the dungeon floor.
"This is insane," he muttered, brushing himself off. "If the dungeon guardian itself was not controlling this, I would be dead instantly."
The dragon shifted its massive body. Despite the sheer aura, it did not attack. There was no hostility, no malice, only overwhelming presence.
Raito's smile widened. This was the kind of fight he craved, the kind that could push him beyond every limit.
The World Eater Dragon had noticed him. With terrifying grace, it leapt from the cliffside, descending through the air like a comet.
Raito's dagger materialized in his hand. He adjusted his stance, feeling the oppressive might of an SS-rank being pressing down on him.
The dragon's massive hand stretched outward, a gesture that made the dungeon itself tremble.
Raito then jumped down. He flew high, hovering above the cliff, staring down at the World Eater Dragon. Its body stretched over 390 feet, scales as big as grown humans, wings wide enough to blot out the sun. The aura alone pushed him to his knees.
[System Alert]: SS-Rank Monster Detected. World Eater Dragon
[System Alert]: Estimated Probability of Victory: 5%
[System Alert]: Estimated Probability of Death: 95%
Raito tightened his grip on the Inferno Demon Claw, blue energy swirling around his body.
"So this is the dungeon's final boss," he muttered. "SS-rank. Its pressure alone can knock me down. But I do not care. Let's see if your actions match your reputation."
The dragon's eyes fixed on him. Its roar rattled the dungeon, sending shockwaves across the cliff.
"Human," it boomed, voice echoing like mountains collapsing. "Do you truly think you can survive? No one has ever reached me and lived. Your chance of winning is minimal."
Raito smirked. [Status Box Activated]
[Skills Active]: Inferno Demon Claw, Blood Manipulation, Telekinesis, Flight
"Talk all you want," Raito said, activating Flight. [System Alert]: Flight Activated. User can now move freely in three-dimensional space.
He soared forward, dagger ready, aura blazing like a comet.
The dragon tilted its massive head, wings slicing the air, creating hurricane-force gusts. "This dungeon exists because someone strong enough has finally appeared. That someone is you. But strength alone will not save you. One strike and you die."
Raito's eyes narrowed. "Then let's see if your strike can match my speed."
He launched forward at star speed, the air cracking beneath him. His dagger swung through the air, a red blur aimed at the dragon's massive head.
[Combat Alert]: Monster Reaction Detected. Evasive Maneuver Initiated
The dragon dived into the air, its massive body moving with impossible speed. Water and rock exploded around its claws as it shifted.
Raito thought quickly. "I could end this with Blood Manipulation, but no. This fight deserves to test my limits."
[System Alert]: User Combat Readiness: Maximum
[System Notification]: Blood Manipulation Ready
[System Notification]: Inferno Demon Claw Damage Potential: Extreme
The World Eater Dragon's tail lashed like a battering ram, sending debris flying. Raito twisted in midair, dagger slicing a narrow path. His aura flared brighter, his muscles straining, adrenaline surging.
"Notifications, probabilities, SS-rank threats are all meaningless if I move fast enough," he muttered. "Let's go."
With a burst of speed, Raito closed the distance. [Combat Alert]: Impact Zone. Dragon's Chest
His dagger glowed dark red, tearing through the air like a comet. The dragon's golden eyes widened.
Raito shot forward through the air, teleporting around the World Eater Dragon, striking continuously. Each blow landed with precision, slamming the dragon relentlessly.
[System Notification]: +100 LP Gained
[System Notification]: +300 HP Recovered
[System Notification]: Critical Damage Achieved
The dragon roared, its massive form shaking the dungeon. "In this form, I could kill you anytime I wanted," it bellowed.
Suddenly, its massive body began glowing with golden light, shrinking rapidly. The intensity of the light forced Raito to shield his eyes. When it faded, standing before him was a human-shaped figure, long hair flowing, wearing ornate armor.
[System Notification]: World Eater Dragon. Human Form Activated
[System Alert]: Monster retains full SS-Rank Strength and Combat Potential
Raito's grin widened. "Good. This is perfect. Now we are on the same scale. Height, weight, human-sized. But I do not care. I'll still win."
The dragon, now human, narrowed its eyes. "Well, that does not change anything. Let's see how fast you really are."
Before Raito could blink, the human dragon vanished from sight.
[System Alert]: Monster Speed Extreme
[System Alert]: Teleportation Detected
Raito felt the movement before he saw it. In an instant, the dragon appeared right in front of him, its hand aiming for his chest. Raito twisted, narrowly dodging.
"Impossible," he muttered. "Its speed is keeping up with mine. This human is extremely dangerous."
Yet a rush of adrenaline surged through him. Excitement, anticipation, the thrill of a true fight. He smiled under his mask of focus.
"You do not have a sword, right? No armor, no shield?" he said, letting his dagger vanish from his hand. "Good. Then punches it is."
The dragon's human eyes narrowed. "You really think that will be enough?"
Raito's grin did not falter. "I will find a way."
Even in human form, the World Eater Dragon radiated SS-Rank pressure. But Raito's instincts were sharp. He had fought beings far beyond human comprehension, and his body was pumped, ready, hungry for combat.