Eagerly — yet cautiously — I began making my way inside. Flying would generate too much noise, and if there was any threat lurking within, drawing attention would be the last thing I'd want.
The grey rocky walls of the cave were slowly being overtaken by roots. They looked like contortions — vine-like, twisted and embedded within the stone, making the cave feel almost… alive.
Maybe I should turn back?
No. No risk, no reward.
I tiptoed forward, the cave growing darker with each step. It became harder and harder to see.
[ Abnormal sensory information detected. Analyzing… The cave has a high concentration of magicules, naturally carrying malice. This, alongside the dim lighting, has formed an illusory maze. Working on dispelling the illusion. ]
An illusion? Is this a dungeon? Or a labyrinth? I guess that's the term.
[ Due to prolonged exposure to large concentrations of violent and malicious magicules, 'Survivor' has activated proactive adaptation… Resist Skill: Mental Wall acquired. ]
[ Due to prolonged exposure to large concentrations of violent and malicious magicules, 'Survivor' has activated proactive adaptation… Extra Skill: Haki acquired. Cognitus has provided additional environmental analysis — Extra Skill: Haki has combined into Extra Skill: Mortal Fear. ]
Huh? Haki? What is this — One Piece? Wait, no — Tensura had something like that too. What was it? Hero's Haki… Demon Lord Haki… I think there were others. Whatever.
But if the magicules here are dangerous enough for Survivor to activate… that means my life was just in mortal danger?
[ Affirmative. Your will is too weak, and with prolonged exposure to these malicious magicules, your body would begin breaking down. ]
Good to know… I guess?
[ Illusion dispelled through Resist Skill: Mental Wall at maximum capacity. ]
As Cognitus finished its notification, the overwhelming pressure in the cave suddenly lifted. The oppressive darkness faded — now just the natural dimness one would expect deep inside a cave at night. No longer unnatural.
The path led deeper, large roots lining the sloped walls as I descended. The tunnel widened dramatically.
Soon, I entered a vast chamber, still dim and heavy with a thick coppery taste — as if each breath carried chunks of metallic mud.
At the chamber's center, the roots all gathered — twisting together around a large, fleshy orb. It pulsed faintly, a soft glow emanating from within.
"Wh-what is that?"