Fate's Reversal: The Divines Return

The moment Kaiden and Snow Bunny entered the Secret Dungeon they understood vaguely why the name was Subterranean Molten Morphing. The ambient temperature of this dungeon—or rather cave—was extremely high. In fact, the atmosphere was being affected by the heat—visual heatwaves were clashing against each other causing a sweltering heat.

As a result, Snow Bunny frowned as the temperature was extremely uncomfortable. "Just what did we walk into?"

"Seems more like a volcano more than anything else. I can't think of any other situation producing such heat." responded Kaiden.

That guess was not far off as the name entailed; they were currently inside a subterranean structure that presented extreme amounts of heat—hence, Molten Morphing.

Touching the wall with his finger, a -10 appeared over his head as Kaiden pondered further. 'What's the purpose of this dungeon?'

Unlike a normal dungeon, Kaiden didn't sense any presence of monsters for quite a distance. And that was saying something as his perception was constantly improving—especially his senses. However, Kaiden attributed this to the extreme amounts of heat interfering with his perception.

"This heat…" panting, Snow Bunny unequipped the cloak she usually wore—once again her heavenly body was present. However, this time Kaiden was more focused on his surroundings. He wasn't sure if it was correct but he felt the ambient temperature was rising albeit minuscule at the moment.

Following the cave walls, Kaiden and Snow Bunny cautiously advanced throughout the volcanic cave. However, as they advanced the increasing temperature seemed to be gaining sentience. The heatwaves seemed to be pooling together and confronting the duo. Not much later, the heat waves coagulated into lifeforms.

Within those lifeforms, one seemed to be completely made of flames. Their eyes were a coagulation of flame essence that looked similar to a ruby or alexandrite depending on the reflection of this light present in the cave. The other type seemed to be a golem type monster. However, their exterior was completely molten—emitting a barrier of heat.

Lv.55 [Lesser Flame Elemental] (Rare Elite)

Health: 1,795,000/1,795,000 (100%)

Lv.56 [Moltems] (Special Elite)

Health: 2,050,000/2,050,000 (100%)

"These monsters… they're a new type. They also seem to focus completely on the fire element. Be on your guard. This environment is their specialty." instructed Kaiden as he drew his sword. However, before he confronted the monsters—a system notification sounded.

[Quest Alert! Flame Tempering of the Physique (Unique Task)

Complete the first chamber of the Subterranean Molten Morphing Trial - Preliminary stage.

Kill 500 Primary Flame Elementals - 0/500

Kill 500 Moltems - 0/500

Reward: +50 Vitality, +50 Endurance and 5% Critical Damage Increase.

"It seems this dungeon is more like a training one? Seeing as the rewards are only stat increases. However, it seems we're going to have to work for it." concluded Kaiden.

"Mn, this will provide boosts that we weren't expecting. It seems there are many opportunities hidden within this game." added Snow Bunny.

Aside from the normal Dungeons. There existed a stand-alone entity—Secret Dungeon. Unlike other dungeons which provided drops, this type of dungeon was strictly for character growth. Meaning, this dungeon focused solely on levels, stats, and/or skill growth. In light of this, due to the absence of equipment, the monsters in these types of dungeons boasted enormous experience gain.

Additionally, there were also chances to receive obscure blessings in many different forms upon clearance of the dungeons. Of course, because of this, the monsters located in the secret dungeons usually consisted of a singular special type of monster. For this type of dungeon, that would be Fire and Earth-type monsters. With Secret Dungeons, the names usually dropped hints about the basis of the dungeon.

Slicing his sword at a Moltem, Kaiden dealt over 10,000 damage. In turn, he received 45 damage when a portion of the Moltems' body landed on Kaiden. In fact, when in close proximity, Kaiden began losing 10 Health per second.

Delivering precise slashes, Kaiden weaved before the mass of monsters, many small damage values appearing above his head. Because he was between many monsters at once, the damages began superimposing. Becoming serious, Kaiden's grip tightened on Angurvadal and Nightfall Blade. As a sign of him being completely serious, Kaiden ground both the blades against each other creating metallic sparks.

Dashing, Kaiden initiated his onslaught with Sonic Thrust.

-15,100 [-5,285]

Fl.i.c.k.i.n.g his wrist, Kaiden sprinted forward as he executed the 4th Tempest Style - Brewing Storm's Destruction. As a result, in an instant Kaiden dealt over 260,000 damage to the surrounding monsters. Following up with a hit and run playstyle, Snow Bunny zoomed around the battlefield. In short, these two classes had good synergy due to their high movement speeds.

Stabbing forth, Kaiden used an enhanced version of Origin Piercing Light. One by one, the monsters were being knocked back. Once his Strength broke through 1,000 points—his attacks carried a new type of weight. Kaiden was able to easily send opponents lesser or slightly similar Strength conditions.

Staring at the monsters, Kaiden tried to mix his skills however, he realized the requirement on his Concentration was too much to perform at the moment. As a result, he resorted to simply launching Twin Tornado Drills.

-44,000! (Critical) [-15,400], -43,750! (Critical) [-15,313]

Kaiden relied heavily upon skill for two reasons. One, because of the structure of the attack it provided a clearing utility creating needed space for himself. Secondly, it was a surefire critical skill now that he held 2 swords. Nothing else needed to be said, this one of his bread and butter skills.

This segment of the Secret Dungeon was proving to be physically challenging. Kaiden was beginning to realize why the rewards of this quest were the increase of Vitality and Endurance—they were 2 of the basic components needed to continue advancing in this Secret Dungeon.

"I think another name from a Secret Dungeon should be called a Training Dungeon… don't you feel like the way these monsters attack requires us to move in more reserved fashions? Not to mention, the rewards are purely stats." said Kaiden to Snow Bunny.

"Mn, now that you mention it. I think the reasoning behind this dungeon is to teach us how to conserve stamina. I mean, look at the environment. Extreme conditions that already cause a detriment to our stamina as well as a mass of monsters...What?"

Looking at her, Kaiden shot a surprised glance at Snow Bunny.

"Oh nothing, just surprised you talked so much and I was thinking the exact thing." shrugged Kaiden as he turned to place his back against Snow Bunny.

"Well you asked a question so…" unable to think of a reason, Snow Bunny stopped and just slightly shrugged.

"Let's try and work together more closely, your speed is slightly lower; so move at a pace that is optimal for you and I'll complement it." said Kaiden as he changed the topic, wary of her mood.

"Mn." Nodding, Snow Bunny brandished her twin swords as she focused on one enemy. Following up, Kaiden delivered quick precise slashes that didn't diminish Snow Bunny's momentum one bit which surprised her.

'He really does match tempo effortlessly, it's as if he's spent years in battle—training to perfect this technique.'

Moreover, while they attacked in such a manner whenever a mass of enemies encroached upon the area of activity due to the effect of Angurvadal—Kaiden would execute a skill that sent the monsters flying. Battling in this fashion reduced their need for movement around the battlefield.

Additionally, because of his high defense not only did Kaiden maintain the dealer position—he also acted as the tank. In light of this, with her class and combat style, Snow Bunny played 2 roles also; a dealer and support—mostly being CC (Crowd Control).

With their complementary battle rhythm, the fights became easier and less of a toll on their bodies. Correspondingly, due to this style of battle—Kaiden and Snow Bunny were understanding more optimal ways to execute attacks which promoted the decreased consumption of stamina. In fact, they were confronted by system messages that described exactly what was happening.

[System: Training in the environment of the Subterranean Molten Morphing Trial has provided better effects on the consumption of your moves. Consumption of stamina due to movement reduced by 2%.]

However, this stamina and Inner Energy was slightly different. This was the stamina of his body and not a stat. The stamina pertained to the functions of his muscles. Additionally, because Kaiden wasn't well versed with Energy he couldn't yet combine the principles.

Think of this as when your mind is tired compared to when your body is tired. If your body is tired, and your mind isn't you would need physical rest. If your mind is tired, but your body isn't then you'd need sleep. Additionally, think of Inner Energy as an incomplete counter of Concentration at this point.

Slashing downward with a Force Chop, Kaiden bisected a Lesser Flame Elemental. At this point, they were slightly over halfway done with the chamber that was littered with monsters. However, Kaiden took note of Snow Bunny's waning stamina due to her heavy pants.

Acting upon her conditions, Kaiden gently pulled her behind him.

"Mn? What's this for?" asked Snow Bunny.

"Rest. Your stamina is almost depleted judging by your condition. I'll handle this quickly."

Closing his eyes, Kaiden opened his arms wide as if he was being crucified which made Snow Bunny gaze at him quizzically. However, in the next moment, Kaiden began slowly drawing the ample Fire Energy surrounding him inside his body. As a result, his Sword Force and Inner Energy both began to shift towards a light red tint.

[System: You have received the Contact Ignition buff due to the absorption of Energy.]

[Contact Ignition (Buff) - Upon contact, your attacks cause burning damage equal to 10% of Attack Power for 5 seconds every .5 seconds. Stackable up to 20 times. Effects are halved on Flame type monsters. Duration: Equal to the time your Energy lasts.]

'Ah, just what I need.'

Activating Sword Wind on top of his Sword Force, a small fiery wind engulfed his sword. As a result, Kaiden smiled. This was what he was aiming for when he thought of the combination of these effects.

Using the buffs he could receive by absorbing different types of energy, Kaiden thought of recreating the Blazing Tornado chain move he taught MagicsSlave; the only difference being this miniature blazing tornado was confined to his swords.

[System: Due to the synchronization between Contact Ignition, Sword Wind, and Sword Force—the additional effect: Contact Force Explosion is created.]

[Contact Force Explosion: Upon a successful hit, a small explosion is created that deals 5% of Strength x Agility. Duration: 42 seconds. (Sword Wind's current duration)].

Rooted in the same spot, Kaiden stood Snow Bunny as only his arms moved. Flailing his arms, Kaiden sent flaming sword waves that exploded upon contact of the monsters as well as produced a prolonged burning effect. As he waved his arms faster in varying angles, the traveling sword waves collided with each other producing attacks at awkward angles. Additionally, this awkward collision caused tight-knit placed enemies to receive damages together. In turn, this increased the burning stacks at an exponential pace.

Consequently, every tick of damage that appeared in a .5 second interval now dealt over 5,000 damage; because this wasn't damage from a sword skill—Kaiden's modifiers didn't apply to the burning damage. Moreover, the 'additional damage' stat only applied to direct attacks made by Kaiden. Therefore, prolonged effects were unaffected by the 'additional damage' stat. As for the damage of the small explosions, they dealt nearly 67,000 damage.

Within the duration of Contact Force Explosion, Kaiden mowed down more than ½ of the present. However, before Kaiden could continue as if previously agreed upon—the remaining Lesser Flame Elementals opened their mouths. Before their mouths, bits of Fire Energy began condensing into bright red orbs. With the slow creation of this bright red orb, the atmosphere's temperature began rising temporarily.

Due to the appearance of these orbs, Kaiden had a slight premonition of danger. With that being so, Kaiden activated a skill he hadn't used in a while—Weapon Defend.

"Don't move from behind me. Those red balls seem dangerous. So take cover behind me."

"Mn." nodding Snow Bunny fixated herself behind Kaiden and for the moment, she felt his broad shoulders were relatively reliable. His back seeming to be enough to protect her from any unforeseen events.

However, what happened next appalled Kaiden as he couldn't wrap his mind around this situation.