Fated Paradox (1)

With all my abilities combined, locating and dispatching the Boss Monster on the fourth floor proved to be a seamless endeavor.

As of current situation, I found myself engaged in the somewhat tedious task of hunting down the weaker monsters inhabiting this floor... I need to level up my abilities fast and increase my attributes before going to the next floor.

While admittedly a bit of a hassle, being prepared ahead seemed far more preferable than facing them unprepared.

Oh, I almost forgot! The "Immunity" power granted to me by my previous conquests still remained untouched. I hadn't needed to utilize it since, thankfully, I managed to evade death so far.... Well, the floor one and two really did a great number on me...

...I don't want to experience consecutive deaths again!

After a considerable struggle, I successfully eliminated all the monsters, clearing the floor in the process.

The residual bloodstains gradually dissipated into ethereal light alongside the vanquished bodies. A thought crossed my mind – if a detective were to examine this peculiar scene, not a single fingerprint would be found.

[𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 (Uncommon)] : Fortify and refine the physical form, transforming it into an embodiment of unyielding strength. Muscles become dense as obsidian, rendering the body impervious to ordinary blows, making them a formidable force on the battlefield.

Gazing at the panel with an impassive expression, I released a brief but profound sigh.

"I guess that explains why no matter how hard I hit it, the shell of the Boss earlier wasn't showing signs of breaking..."

Despite its uncommon rarity, this ability proved its worth in defense and frontal assaults. I learned it first-hand after getting almost tackled to death by the [Obsidian Rhino].

...My body is still aching as of till now.

"Ugh...."

As I stretched my arms, the satisfying sound of cracking knuckles echoed in the air, signaling the impending confrontation with the looming Boss Floor. With a nonchalant demeanor, I prompted the system to usher me to the next stage.

[Do you wish to move on to the BOSS FLOOR?]

[Yes/No]

"BOSS FLOOR...? Aren't I already doing that?" I dismissed the query with a light shake of my head, my finger confidently selecting [Yes]. The system's sudden shift in tone went unnoticed, or perhaps intentionally ignored.

[Warning...!]

[If you die in the next floor, you'll—]

"I'll, what...?"

The chilling undertone of the incomplete sentence sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. A premonition of impending doom lingered in the air.

I have a bad feeling about this...

...

..

.

My back slumped against the cold, unforgiving wall, the metallic scent of blood forming a pool at my feet, a macabre offering to the merciless floor.

How did it come to this...? I wondered, my thoughts drowned in the unsettling stillness of imminent demise. Shadows danced eerily across the dimly lit corridor, accentuating the sense of isolation.

Hazy vision blurred the surroundings, the struggle becoming unbearable. The harsh reality and the despair it carried manifested in the labyrinthine walls closing in, suffocating me both physically and metaphorically. Every pulse of pain echoed through the emptiness like a sinister requiem.

It hurts... Every inch of my body screamed in agony, a cacophony of torment that resonated with the unseen horrors lurking in the shadows. The cold embrace of the floor beneath seemed to seep into my very soul, turning the once vibrant echoes of life into haunting whispers of doom.

"Cough...!" A violent cough erupted, blood staining my lips. The metallic taste of mortality mingled with the oppressive atmosphere, and with each convulsion, the abyss seemed to draw closer, as if eager to claim another victim.

The darkness clung to my failing consciousness, wrapping around me like a sinister cloak. In the chilling silence, a distant, otherworldly whisper echoed, sending shivers down my spine.

[You have died.]