Chapter 14: Into the Abyss

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John stood panting over the corpse of the Dark Drake. The battle had been brutal, testing the limits of his newfound strength, but he had come out victorious. The thrill of the fight still coursed through his veins, but he knew this was only the beginning. Deeper in the forest, even more dangerous creatures awaited him—monsters that could test him in ways he couldn't yet imagine.

[**Experience: 315,000/100,000**]

[**Next Level: 60,000 Experience Needed**]

[**Current Level: 18**]

John glanced at the exp bar, a sense of satisfaction swelling within him. He was making progress, but the road to **Tier 6** was still a long one. Each level brought him closer to evolution, and each fight further hardened his skills and instincts.

"System, show my stats," he commanded, curious to see the growth he'd undergone after the fight with the Dark Drake.

A familiar window appeared before his eyes:

**Name:** John Davis

**Species:** Black Dragon

**Age:** Hatchling

**Level:** 18

**Tier:** 5

**Strength:** 30

**Dexterity:** 25

**Endurance:** 35

**Mana:** 30

**Skills:**

- **Flame Breath (Level 2)**

- **Claw Strike (Level 3)**

- **Dragon Roar (Level 2)**

- **Dark Flame (Level 2)**

- **Shadow Cloak (Level 2)**

John's power had increased dramatically since his early days in the forest. The battles had sharpened his abilities, his claws growing deadlier, his flame hotter. He flexed his wings, which now spanned an impressive ten meters. His body had grown significantly, now standing at nearly seven meters in length. His muscles rippled with power, each movement carrying the weight of his strength.

But despite his growth, John knew he had only scratched the surface of his potential. The Tier system was vast, and each tier represented a quantum leap in power. He was a **Tier 5** dragon now, but his ambition reached far beyond that. He dreamed of reaching **Tier 6** and beyond, to become one of the most powerful beings in the world. But for that, he needed to level up—he needed to evolve.

As he began to fly deeper into the forest, memories of his near-death encounter flashed before his eyes. Months ago, he had ventured too far, too quickly, and almost paid the price. The creature that had attacked him had been a **Tier 7** monstrosity—a nightmarish behemoth of claws and shadows that had torn through the forest like a storm. John had barely escaped with his life, and the experience had haunted him since.

But now, he was stronger. He had learned, adapted, and grown. He knew he had to be cautious, but he also knew that the greatest rewards lay beyond the reach of safety.

His thoughts were interrupted as a loud crash echoed through the forest, followed by a guttural roar that sent shivers down his spine. John's eyes narrowed as he scanned the area. Something was coming—and it wasn't friendly.

Emerging from the dense trees came a creature unlike any John had faced before. It towered over the trees, its massive body covered in thick, spiked armor. It had six legs, each one crashing into the ground with enough force to leave craters in the earth. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent red light, and its jaws dripped with venomous saliva.

[**Terror Basilisk – Tier 6**]

[Strength: 1,500]

[Agility: 900]

[Endurance: 2,000]

[Abilities: Petrifying Gaze, Venomous Bite, Earthquake Stomp]

John's heart raced. A **Tier 6** monster. This was no ordinary creature—it was a predator of the highest order. The Terror Basilisk's power radiated from it, a tangible force that seemed to press down on the forest itself. The air grew heavy, and John felt a twinge of doubt flicker in the back of his mind.

"Focus," he muttered to himself, spreading his wings and bracing for the fight. He had to be smart about this. Charging in recklessly would get him killed.

The basilisk roared, its petrifying gaze locking onto John. He immediately activated **Shadow Cloak**, disappearing into the darkness of the trees. The monster's gaze swept over the forest, but John remained hidden, watching as the beast searched for him.

He had to strike first. He couldn't afford to let the basilisk gain the upper hand.

From the shadows, John launched himself into the air, his wings carrying him silently above the basilisk. He circled, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The creature's massive body lumbered below him, unaware of his presence.

"**Flame Breath!**" John unleashed a torrent of dark fire, raining down on the basilisk. The flames licked at its armor, but the creature hardly seemed to notice. Its thick scales absorbed the attack, and the basilisk turned its head, its eyes narrowing as it sensed John's presence.

The ground shook as the basilisk let out a deafening roar. It reared back on its hind legs, preparing to unleash its **Earthquake Stomp**. John dove to the side just in time, avoiding the massive shockwave that rippled through the ground, uprooting trees and sending debris flying in all directions.

This was going to be tougher than he thought.

John circled back, trying to find a weak point in the basilisk's armor. His claws would have a hard time breaking through its thick scales, and his flames seemed ineffective against its natural defenses. He needed to find a way to disable it.

The basilisk lunged at him, jaws snapping. John dodged, barely avoiding the venomous fangs that glistened with deadly poison. He retaliated with a **Claw Strike**, slashing at the creature's exposed underbelly, but the attack only left shallow cuts.

The basilisk's eyes flashed, and John felt a wave of energy wash over him as the **Petrifying Gaze** took hold. His limbs began to stiffen, his movements slowing. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to break free of the creature's influence. He couldn't afford to get caught by that ability—not with this monster.

He needed to outsmart it.

As the basilisk prepared another attack, John activated **Shadow Cloak** again, disappearing into the darkness. The creature roared in frustration, its head snapping back and forth as it tried to locate him. John used the opportunity to position himself behind the basilisk, aiming for its legs.

He lunged, claws extended, and slashed at the joints of the creature's hind legs. This time, his attack found purchase. The basilisk let out a pained roar as John's claws cut through the tendons, causing the creature to stumble.

"Got you," John muttered, darting back before the creature could retaliate.

The basilisk's movements became slower, more sluggish. It was injured now, vulnerable. John circled again, looking for another opening. He couldn't let up—he had to keep the pressure on.

The basilisk turned, its gaze locking onto him again, but this time John was ready. He dove low, avoiding the creature's gaze, and aimed for its throat. With a powerful swipe of his claws, he tore into the soft flesh beneath the creature's jaw, causing blood to spill onto the forest floor.

The basilisk thrashed, its tail whipping through the air, but John was relentless. He unleashed a final **Flame Breath**, the dark fire searing through the creature's exposed wounds. The basilisk let out one last roar before collapsing, its massive body hitting the ground with a thunderous crash.

[**Terror Basilisk defeated.**]

[**Experience Gained: 100,000**]

[**Experience: 415,000/100,000**]

[**Level Up! Current Level: 19.**]

John landed, panting heavily. His body ached from the battle, but the rush of victory filled him with renewed energy. He had done it—he had taken down a **Tier 6** monster. He was one step closer to evolution, one step closer to becoming the dragon he was destined to be.

But as he looked deeper into the forest, he knew that the real challenges were still ahead.

**To be continued...**

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