The hunt had been a grueling, unsatisfying slog. Adam and his companions had scoured the network of tunnels branching from the violet lake, becoming experts in the dry-rot stench and the unnerving, shuffling gait of the Corpse-Eaters. They had eliminated dozens. The battles were quick—the creatures were fragile mimics, not true fighters—but each victory felt hollow.

Adam checked his status with a grumble.

[ Level: 52 -> 53 ]

[ Next Level: 88 / 320 ]

[ Evolution Points: 433 -> 577 ]

[ Crown of the Hollow Glutton - Domineering Will: 34/1000 ]

One level. A meager trickle of EP. But the Crown's soul counter had climbed to thirty-four. It was the only metric that showed any real gain from this purge.

"Is that all of them?" Adam asked, shaking ichor-like dust from his scales. "This feels pointless."

«It is impossible to be certain without scouring every crevice,» Lilith replied, meticulously cleaning a fleck of grey matter from one of her legs. «However, this level of culling will have a significant impact. We have shattered any nascent hive-mind or pack behavior they were developing. The survivors will be terrified, driven deep into hiding. They will become cautious scavengers once more, not the bold hunters they were becoming. It is a good strategic move, even if the immediate rewards are… lacking.»

«Boring!» Ignis declared, plopping down on her haunches with a huff. A small flame of frustration puffed from her nostrils. «They don't fight good, they don't taste good, and they don't give good shiny points! Worst monsters ever!»

«Their numbers were… concerning,» Alice admitted, her regal composure slightly ruffled. She had been forced to use Void Step more than usual to avoid their ambushes from above. «I did not expect an entire ecosystem of such parasites to sprout so quickly. It speaks to how much death and essence has been left lying around since we defeated the Arachnowyrm.»

Adam nodded, the lingering frustration from the Corpse-Eater hunt beginning to fade. "You're right. Let's find some proper food. Something that doesn't taste like forgotten tombs. A good meal will lift everyone's spirits."

«I wanna hunt birds!» Ignis blurted out immediately, bouncing on her claws. «I saw some shiny ones with long tails near the big waterfall tunnel yesterday! Raw bird is kinda chewy, but if we cook it... it'll be super tasty! Let's try it!»

«Birds? Frivolous targets,» Alice commented, though her tail gave a slight, interested flick. «But... they are often plump. And their flight makes them a marginally challenging prey. It would be good agility training for someone.» She glanced meaningfully at Ignis.

«Avian creatures in this strata likely have dense muscle fibers from constant evasion,» Lilith analyzed. «Cooking would indeed break down the connective tissue, potentially yielding a tender, flavorful meal. It seems like it will taste good when it enters the mouth, it's worth a try.»

"Then it's decided," Adam said. "A bird hunt. Ignis, you lead the way to where you saw them. Alice, Lilith, flanking positions. Let's make this quick and clean."

Following Ignis's eager, if slightly chaotic, directions, they navigated upwards through a series of ascending tunnels where the air grew slightly fresher and the sound of rushing water echoed. They emerged into a vast, subterranean forest biome. Giant phosphorescent fungi served as trees, their soft blue and green light filtering through a canopy of broad, rubbery leaves. A mist hung in the air, and the distant roar of an underground waterfall provided a constant backdrop.

And there, flitting between the fungal branches, were the birds. They were Sky-Spark Finches, creatures of stunning beauty even in the dungeon's gloom. They were about the size of eagles, with sleek bodies covered in iridescent feathers that shifted from cobalt blue to emerald green as they moved. Their most striking feature was their two long, ribbon-like tail feathers that trailed behind them, emitting tiny, harmless sparks of static electricity as they flew, creating miniature light shows.

«They're perfect!» Ignis whispered, barely containing her excitement.

The hunt was, as predicted, short but satisfying. The Sky-Spark Finches were fast and agile, but they were no match for a coordinated assault from a Legendary Serpent, a Void Panther, a Solar Drake, and a cunning Spider Queen.

Adam used a subtle pulse of psychic pressure from his skill to startle a small flock, Alice used Void Bind to momentarily tangle two in mid-air, and Lilith's precise Mind Spike disoriented another. Ignis, with a triumphant cry, snatched the largest one from the air with a well-timed pounce.

Back at a clear spot near a thermal vent for easy cooking, Ignis took charge. «My turn! Watch a master at work!» She exhaled a continuous, controlled stream of fire, expertly rotating the catch held in Adam's grip with her claws until every last iridescent feather was singed away, leaving behind plump, glistening skin.

Adam then took over, using his Fire Breath at its gentlest setting to slowly roast the meat, turning it a perfect golden brown. The aroma that filled the cavern was transformative—savory, rich, and utterly mouthwatering, a world away from the scent of rot and ozone.

Ignis was practically vibrating. «It smells amazing! Can we eat it now? Now?!»

Once Adam deemed it cooked, they feasted. The meat was incredible—firm yet succulent, with a clean, slightly gamey flavor that was enhanced by the crisp, fire-kissed skin. It was the best thing any of them had eaten since entering the dungeon.

«MMMMMMMM!» Ignis mumbled through a full mouth, juices running down her chin. «Told you! Best! Idea! Ever!»

«Hmm. The texture is superior to raw fowl. The fire has rendered the fat perfectly,» Alice conceded, eating with a refined pace that couldn't hide her enjoyment.

«The taste of the meat does not disappoint,» Lilith stated, consuming a neatly portioned piece. «The Maillard reaction products on the skin add a complex layer of umami and bitterness that balances the natural sweetness of the muscle. A culinary triumph.»

Adam swallowed a large portion, savoring the taste. "Alright, you were right, Ignis. This was exactly what we needed."

And they enjoyed their meal and ate the meat deliciously, then Adam felt something approaching.

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