Chapter 21: Ascending the Supreme Dungeon

Chapter 21: Ascending the Supreme Dungeon

The morning sun filtered through the academy windows, casting a warm glow across the training grounds. Vaelrith stood with Elysia, Aric, Lyra, and Seraphina, their faces resolute as they prepared for the next steps in their journey. The weight of Vaelrith's new role as the goddess's successor hung heavily on his shoulders, but the support of his friends gave him strength.

Vaelrith turned to the group, his expression serious. "We should start heading up the Supreme Dungeon. We're currently far behind compared to other students."

Elysia nodded in agreement. "Vaelrith is right. We should get going."

The rest of the party quickly checked their gear, ensuring they had everything they needed for the journey ahead. Once satisfied, they climbed onto Vaelrith's back. With a powerful leap, Vaelrith took to the skies, his wings beating rhythmically as they ascended into the air.

As they soared towards the Supreme Dungeon, the vast landscape of Eldoria stretched out beneath them. The wind rushed past, carrying with it the promise of new challenges and adventures.

Meanwhile, back at the academy, Professor Elara made her way to the dean's office. Her expression was serious, and her thoughts were consumed with the recent events surrounding Vaelrith. She knew the gravity of his new role and the dangers that lay ahead.

Knocking softly on the door, she waited for the headmaster's response.

"Come in," a voice called from inside.

Elara entered, finding Headmaster Thalorin seated behind his large, ornate desk. His piercing blue eyes met hers with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"What brings you here?" Headmaster Thalorin asked, his tone serious. He had only been away from the academy for a couple of days, and now there was already a problem.

"Headmaster Thalorin, I have urgent news," Elara said, her voice trembling as she recounted everything that had happened with Vaelrith.

The headmaster's eyes widened in surprise as he listened. "This is indeed significant. You may go now."

After Elara left the room, Headmaster Thalorin began to worry. The appearance of a Hero would be extraordinary, but the fact that Vaelrith was a monster complicated matters. "Oh well," he sighed, "let the members of the World Council ponder about this."

The World Council, a governing body comprised of the most powerful and wise leaders from all realms, was responsible for maintaining balance and order. They would have to decide the best course of action regarding this unprecedented situation.

-----

Supreme Dungeon: Floor 3

The Supreme Dungeon loomed before them, an imposing structure of dark stone etched with ancient runes. Vaelrith and his companions stood at the entrance, the air thick with anticipation. They had traversed the first two floors with relative ease, battling weak monsters, dodging traps, and navigating the labyrinthine corridors. Now, they faced the third floor, where the challenges would only become more difficult.

According to their information, the monsters from Floor 1 to Floor 20 were common-tier, with only the floor bosses reaching elite-tier. The primary threats were the traps and the maze-like layout of the dungeon. Fortunately, they had acquired a map of the Supreme Dungeon up to Floor 20 from the adventurers' guild, giving them a crucial advantage.

Elysia glanced at his teammates, their faces determined and focused. "Remember, stay close and watch each other's backs."

The group nodded, their resolve unwavering. As they stepped into the dungeon's floor 3, the air grew colder, and the faint glow of the runes illuminated the path ahead.

They moved cautiously through the dimly lit corridors, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The atmosphere was tense, and every shadow seemed to conceal a potential threat. Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the hallway, and a group of goblins emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing with malevolence.

Vaelrith stepped forward, his presence commanding and powerful. "This will be easy!"

The battle was swift and fierce. Vaelrith's claws and fangs tore through the goblins with ease, rendering his skills unnecessary. The others watched from behind, feeling increasingly worthless as they realized Vaelrith alone might be enough to reach Floor 20.

Aric tightened his grip on his sword. "We need to step up our game," he muttered.

Lyra nodded. "We can't let Vaelrith do all the work. We have to contribute."

After the battle, Elysia approached Vaelrith, concern etched on her face. "Vaelrith, we're a team. You don't have to do everything alone."

Vaelrith looked at her, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I know, Elysia. It's just… these monsters are so weak. I can handle them without breaking a sweat."

"Vaelrith is right, the monsters here are too weak. Remember, we didn't come here just to complete the task but also to train," Aric said.

Vaelrith nodded in agreement. "We should speed-run this dungeon. We're still on the third floor, and the higher we go, the stronger the monsters will be."

Elysia nodded, his expression determined. "You're right. Let's pick up the pace and push ourselves. But we still need to be careful and stay aware."

The team's morale lifted, they continued through the dungeon, their bond strengthening with every step. The map guided them through the maze-like corridors, avoiding traps and finding the quickest routes. The space inside the Supreme Dungeon was vast, far larger than its exterior suggested, as if it existed in a different dimension.

Hours passed, and they finally reached the staircase leading to Floor 4. Elysia paused, turning to his friends. "We've made good progress, but we can't let our guard down. The deeper we go, the more dangerous it will become."

Elysia stepped forward, determination burning in her eyes. "We're ready. Let's keep moving."

As they descended to Floor 4, the air grew even colder, and the shadows seemed to deepen. They encountered more monsters, each battle a testament to Vaelrith's strength and the growing resolve of his companions.

-----

Back at the academy, Headmaster Thalorin paced in his office. The news of Vaelrith's transformation and the potential implications weighed heavily on his mind. He knew the World Council needed to be informed, but he also understood the delicate nature of the situation.

"Vaelrith's presence as a Hero could either unite us or divide us," he mused. "The World Council must approach this wisely."

He sat down at his desk, preparing a detailed report for the World Council, outlining the events and the potential ramifications. The fate of Eldoria hung in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming days would shape the future of their world.