Chapter 38

"Ray, that was incredible," she commended, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You've tapped into a power that surpasses mere strength. Your mana manipulation has truly elevated your combat prowess."

Ray nodded, a sense of fulfilment coursing through him. He had pushed past his limits, embracing his connection to mana, and harnessing its power. He knew that this was only the beginning, that there were still greater heights to reach, whilst he had beat the vampire, he was nowhere near the end, he hadn't even started refining his mana core let alone absorbing external mana. But in this moment, surrounded by his fellow Silver Fangs, he felt a sense of belonging and purpose.

The Silver Fangs, their bodies weary from the intense battle, gathered near the chamber's exit. As they caught their breath, their eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of further danger. It was then that Amelia's sharp gaze fell upon an unexplored passageway concealed by shadows.

"Wait," she called out, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution. "There's another chamber. It shouldn't be here according to the dungeon's supposed rank."

The team exchanged puzzled glances, their thoughts mirroring Amelia's words. How could there be an additional chamber in a supposed D-rank dungeon?

"Though in all fairness, this dungeon isn't operating how it's supposed to be at all anyway." Felix sighed.

The mystery deepened, fuelling their determination to uncover the truth lurking within these treacherous depths.

As the Silver Fangs cautiously approached the entrance of the fourth chamber, a chilling aura filled the air, causing their skin to prickle with unease. The doors loomed before them, seemingly impenetrable, waiting to reveal the horrors that lay within.

Amelia, her voice laced with determination, addressed her team, "Prepare yourselves. We don't know what awaits us in there, but we've come this far. We won't back down now. Going off this dungeon so far, it could be something B rank, or even A rank."

With a collective nod, the Silver Fangs steeled their resolve and pushed open the doors, revealing a chamber shrouded in darkness. A cold breeze sent a shiver down their spines, as if whispering secrets of the horrors that lay in wait.

As their eyes adjusted to the dim light, they spotted a figure standing in the centre of the chamber—a towering figure cloaked in darkness, its eyes burning with an oppressive presence. It was a B-rank vampire, a master of darkness and manipulation.

Ray's heart sank as he felt an overwhelming pressure pressing against his body, as if the very air had thickened around him. The vampire's oppressive mana radiated throughout the chamber, making it difficult for Ray to move with his usual agility.

Struggling against the suffocating weight of the vampire's mana, Ray fought to maintain his focus. He desperately sought to find a way to break through the suffocating barrier and contribute to the battle.

"Ray are you alright?" Lucia asked, noticing his struggle.

"The mana…is suffocating" Ray said as he dropped to one knee.

"Ray, stay back and try to adapt, we will take it on without you." Amelia said as she gestured for everyone else to move forward and attack.

The Silver Fangs, undeterred by the vampire's oppressive aura, charged forward with a mix of weapons and magic. Blades clashed against the vampire's dark shield, spells exploded in bursts of light, but the vampire seemed unfazed by their onslaught.

"This is a high level B ranked vampire!" Amelia shouted "Wear it down as quickly as possible or we won't even be able to match its regeneration speed and defence.

Ray watched as his comrades valiantly fought, their determination shining through their battle-worn faces. He felt a surge of frustration welling up within him, the urge to break free from the suffocating grip of the vampire's mana intensifying.

Drawing upon his inner strength, Ray desperately tried to push through the oppressive barrier. He focused his mind, his thoughts focusing on the energy coursing through his veins.

As he delved deeper into his mana manipulation, Ray felt a glimmer of progress. The suffocating weight began to lighten, but he knew he still had a long way to go.

The battle raged on, each clash bringing forth a storm of blood, sweat, and desperation. The vampire's attacks were relentless, its dark magic weaving through the air, striking down the Silver Fangs one by one.

Ray gritted his teeth, a surge of determination coursing through him. He refused to let his comrades fall without a fight. With every ounce of his being, he channelled his mana, pushing beyond his limits.

But it wasn't enough.

"Ray!" James shouted as he gave his all to combat the vampire. "Don't push through it, just relax and do what you can to get stronger"

Ray, relaxed his body taking James' advice. His body dropped to the ground completely. He allowed the vampire' mana push his body against the wall meanwhile he began to meditate.