The chamber was silent except for Raze's labored breathing, the aftermath of violence leaving destruction that exceeded anything the dungeon's previous floors had produced. Stone walls bore cracks spreading like spider webs, the floor was cratered in patterns suggesting impacts that transcended normal combat forces, and the air itself felt heavy with residual energy that made his skin prickle.

Raze stood amid the wreckage, his body protesting every movement despite having apparently healed during the blank period. Expert Peak now, his cultivation base humming with power that felt simultaneously natural and alien, as if the advancement had occurred through methods his conscious mind couldn't fully process.

The Bephemoth Heartstring rested safely in his Inventory alongside the other loot, the engagement gift secured through trials that should have killed him repeatedly. Mission accomplished, objective achieved, nothing remaining except the long climb back to the surface.

He turned toward the stairs leading to the fourth floor, ready to collect his unconscious companions and begin the ascent.

Then something caught his attention.

A pulse.

Not sound exactly, more like pressure wave that made the ambient mana fluctuate in rhythm suggesting a heartbeat. The sensation originated from the chamber's center, from a location he was certain had been empty moments before.

Raze's enhanced perception focused on the disturbance, blue eyes tracking toward where the pulse seemed strongest. The space appeared empty initially, just more destroyed floor and scattered debris.

Then light flickered into existence.

Faint at first, barely visible against the bioluminescent glow from remaining fungi. But it intensified gradually, building from dim spark into radiance that illuminated the entire chamber with colors that shifted through spectrum in ways that hurt to observe directly.

Something was manifesting, emerging from wherever dungeon mechanics stored their core components.

Raze approached cautiously, every instinct screaming warnings about investigating unknown magical phenomena in hostile environments. But curiosity overrode caution, the pull of wanting to understand what was happening proving stronger than tactical awareness suggesting he should flee immediately.

The light coalesced, condensing from diffuse glow into concentrated sphere. The manifestation process took perhaps thirty seconds, reality bending around the formation as something transitioned from abstract concept into physical presence.

When the light stabilized, a core floated at waist height above the chamber floor.

The object was roughly head-sized, perfectly spherical despite appearing to be composed of crystallized energy rather than solid matter. Colors swirled within its depths, patterns suggesting complexity that existed across multiple dimensions rather than just the three his eyes could properly perceive. Power radiated from it in waves, concentration of mana so dense it made the surrounding air shimmer.

Raze's breath caught as recognition crashed through him, game knowledge providing context for what he was witnessing.

A dungeon core.

The metaphysical heart of Titan Heart itself, the object that sustained the pocket dimension and maintained the prehistoric creatures preserved within. This was what powered the dungeon's existence, what kept the floors stable and the boss encounters functional across unknown spans of time.

Memory surfaced unbidden, recalling the first and only other dungeon core he'd encountered in this new life. That had been shortly after coming to the capital, the core had appeared after he and Julius somehow managed to clear all floors, emerging in similar fashion to this one.

He'd absorbed it then, touching the crystallized essence and accepting whatever power it contained. The result had been disappointing, no noticeable increase to any statistic or capability. The core had simply dissolved into his body without producing any measurable effect, leaving him confused about what dungeon cores were actually supposed to do.

But standing before this second core, something felt different. The power radiating from it was quantitatively greater, the energy density suggesting this represented far more significant magical construct than that first minor dungeon had produced.

Maybe this one would actually do something.

Raze extended his hand slowly, fingers approaching the floating sphere with caution born from uncertainty about what contact would trigger. The core pulsed in response to proximity, light intensifying as if recognizing potential interaction.

His fingertips brushed the surface.

The core erupted with brilliance that forced his eyes closed, radiance becoming painful to observe even through shielded lids. Energy surged up his arm, racing through pathways and flooding his cultivation base with foreign power that his system struggled to categorize.

Then a familiar notification sound chimed.

Ding.

A system message materialized before his closed eyes, text appearing in that distinctive interface he'd learned to recognize as communication from whatever game-derived mechanics governed certain aspects of this world.

[Dungeon Core Detected]

[Titan Heart Core - Grandmaster Rank]

[Absorption Available]

[Warning: Process is irreversible. Accept?]

[Yes / No]

Raze's finger moved toward the affirmative option without hesitation. No reason to refuse, even if the result proved as underwhelming as the first core had been. At worst nothing would happen, at best he'd gain some mysterious benefit that would justify the mild discomfort.

He selected Yes.

The world exploded.

Light consumed everything, brilliant radiance that transcended simple visual phenomenon to become pure energy made manifest. The chamber disappeared, the dungeon disappeared, reality itself seemed to dissolve into luminescence that existed beyond what mortal senses could properly process.

Raze's body went rigid as the core's essence flooded into him, power pouring through channels designed for cultivation rather than direct magical infusion. His pathways screamed protests about flow rates exceeding safe tolerances, his enhanced Endurance the only thing preventing immediate catastrophic failure.

The absorption process felt like it lasted hours despite objectively occupying perhaps thirty seconds. Energy raced through every cell, every organ, every fragment of his being as the dungeon core integrated with his existence at fundamental level.

Then it was complete.

The light faded abruptly, leaving him gasping for breath in chamber that looked unchanged despite what he'd just experienced. The core was gone, dissolved completely into whatever transformation had occurred.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Multiple notification sounds chimed in rapid succession, system messages queuing faster than he could read them individually.

[Dungeon Core Absorption Complete]

[Processing Integration...]

[Will: A → S]

[New Skill Acquired: Berserker State]

[Skill Analysis: Berserker State (Bephemoth's Authority) - Multiplies physical capabilities at cost of rational thought. Duration and intensity scale with user's Will statistic.]

Raze's mind reeled as he processed the first messages. His Will had jumped two full grades, leaping from A rank to S rank in single absorption. That was a massive increase, elevating mental resistance and spiritual fortitude to levels that approached the absolute peak of what mortals could achieve.

And he'd gained Berserker State, the exact technique Bephemoth had used during their confrontation. The apex predator's signature ability, copied somehow through the dungeon core's integration.

But the notifications weren't finished.

Ding.

[Milestone Achievement Detected]

[Dungeons Cleared: 2]

[Special Condition Met: Multiple Dungeon Cores Absorbed]

[Rare Talent Unlock Available]

[Congratulations! You have earned the right to select a second Talent!]

Raze's breathing stopped completely as that message registered. A second talent. That was supposed to be impossible, everyone in this world was born with single talent that defined their capabilities. Having two would elevate him beyond what normal progression allowed.

The interface expanded, displaying information about what was being offered.

[Talent Available: Dungeon Master]

[Rarity: Legendary]

[Description: Grants authority over dungeon mechanics and absorbed dungeon essences. Abilities scale with number of cores integrated.]

[Current Abilities (Titan Heart Integration):]

[1. Summon & Tame: Command three creatures from Titan Heart dungeon. Creatures maintain their original capabilities and respond to mental commands. Current available summons: Any three boss-level or regular creatures encountered during Titan Heart raid.]

[2. [Select from available options]]

[3. [Select from available options]]

[Available Additional Abilities:]

[- Pocket Dimension: Create personal storage space equivalent to cleared dungeon's first floor. Living creatures cannot be stored.]

[- Monster Integration: Absorb defeated dungeon creature's core trait as permanent passive enhancement.]

[- Dungeon Sense: Detect dungeon entrances within fifty-mile radius. Perception includes basic difficulty assessment.]

[- Core Resonance: Dungeon cores become visible and accessible in any dungeon you clear personally.]

Please select two additional abilities to complete Dungeon Master talent configuration.

Raze stared at the options, mind racing through implications faster than conscious thought could organize properly. Each ability offered significant advantages, combinations that would reshape how he approached future challenges.

Pocket Dimension was immediately appealing, personal storage that exceeded his current Inventory's limitations. The size equivalent to Titan Heart's first floor meant enormous capacity, space sufficient for equipment, supplies, even housing if properly developed.

Monster Integration caught his attention next, the ability to absorb traits from defeated creatures promising continuous growth through conquest. Every dungeon boss, every significant enemy would become an opportunity for permanent enhancement rather than just temporary loot.

Dungeon Sense was more subtle but strategically valuable, allowing him to locate dungeons that most people would never find. Hidden opportunities, forgotten pocket dimensions, all accessible through passive perception most cultivators lacked entirely.

Core Resonance felt almost mandatory, ensuring he could repeat this absorption process in every dungeon he cleared. The first core's disappointing result made more sense now, understanding that multiple integrations were required before significant effects manifested.

He needed to choose two that would provide maximum strategic advantage.

Core Resonance was non-negotiable. Without it, finding additional cores would be pure luck rather than reliable progression. The ability to see and access dungeon hearts after clearing them was foundational to exploiting this new talent properly.

The second choice was harder. All three remaining options offered compelling benefits.

After several seconds of consideration, Raze selected Monster Integration. The ability to absorb defeated creatures' core traits promised geometric growth, each dungeon providing not just loot but permanent enhancements that would accumulate across his cultivation journey.

He confirmed his selections.

Ding.

[Dungeon Master Talent Configured]

[Abilities Locked:]

[1. Summon & Tame (3 Titan Heart creatures)]

[2. Core Resonance]

[3. Monster Integration]

[Warning: Talent configuration is permanent. Additional abilities can only be gained through absorbing more dungeon cores.]

Raze dismissed the interface, his mind already churning with possibilities about how to exploit what he'd just gained. Three summonable creatures from Titan Heart, the ability to find and absorb cores from other dungeons, and permanent enhancements from defeated monsters.

This was transformative, capability that would accelerate his growth beyond what normal cultivation provided.

Then the chamber shook.

Rumble.

Not an earthquake exactly, more like the dungeon itself was groaning under sudden stress. Stone walls cracked further, the damage spreading with concerning speed. Dust fell from the ceiling in streams that suggested structural integrity was failing rapidly.

Raze's enhanced perception registered what was happening immediately, game knowledge providing context for the phenomenon.

The dungeon was collapsing.

Removing the core had eliminated whatever magic sustained Titan Heart's existence. The pocket dimension was unraveling, reality reasserting itself against space that shouldn't exist without constant power source maintaining it. Minutes remained, perhaps less, before the entire structure imploded into nothing.

He needed to leave. Now.

Raze sprinted toward the stairs leading to the fourth floor, his newly advanced body responding with speed that exceeded what he'd been capable of before the core absorption. Expert Peak cultivation combined with S-rank Will made him faster and more coordinated than he'd ever been.

The stairs were crumbling as he ascended, stone deteriorating beneath his feet before he could fully commit weight to each step. He activated Scarlet Leap repeatedly, body blurring through space to clear sections that were collapsing entirely.

The fourth floor was even worse, the hellish savanna environment literally dissolving around him. The red sky overhead was fragmenting, pieces of it simply ceasing to exist as the pocket dimension failed. Skeletal structures that had stood as monuments to prehistoric times were crumbling into dust, erosion compressed into seconds.

Oziel and Mariabel were visible near the passage to the third floor, both conscious now but clearly injured and disoriented. They turned as Raze emerged from the fifth floor passage at full sprint, confusion evident in their expressions.

"Run!" Raze shouted, not slowing as he approached them.

Oziel's combat instincts activated immediately, the Grandmaster recognizing urgency even without understanding the cause. He grabbed Mariabel despite his own injuries, half-carrying her toward the ascending stairs.

"What's happening?" Mariabel called, her voice nearly lost beneath the increasing rumble.

"Dungeon's collapsing!" Raze replied, reaching them and helping support Mariabel's weight. "Core's gone, whole place is unraveling!"

They ran together, movements hampered by accumulated injuries but driven by survival instinct that overrode pain. The stairs to the third floor were shaking violently, entire sections breaking away to fall into expanding void beneath.

Crash!

A portion of the stairwell simply vanished, leaving a gap fifteen feet wide. Oziel leaped across without hesitation, his Grandmaster capabilities making the distance trivial despite being wounded. Raze and Mariabel followed together, Raze activating Instant Transmission to bridge the gap since Mariabel couldn't generate the necessary force.

They emerged onto the third floor to find the bizarre forest environment was burning, spontaneous combustion consuming vegetation that shouldn't be flammable. The massive trees were toppling, trunks that had stood for centuries falling in slow motion as their roots lost connection to whatever magic had sustained them.

The ground beneath their feet was cracking, fissures spreading like lightning through stone that was reverting from constructed architecture into raw geological material. They ran along narrowing safe paths, jumping across gaps that opened without warning.

"This is insane!" Mariabel shouted, flames erupting around them as the forest's self-immolation intensified.

"Welcome to dungeon delving!" Raze replied, recognizing the absurdity even as terror drove him forward.

They reached the second floor passage, diving through just as the third floor's ceiling began collapsing entirely. The aquatic chamber beyond was draining, water disappearing into cracks that led nowhere as pocket dimension physics failed completely.

The surface that had been slick with moisture was now dry and crumbling, the underground pool having vanished to leave behind empty depression. They ran across the former lakebed, their footsteps kicking up clouds of dust that had been water moments before.

"Where did the lake go?" Mariabel asked breathlessly.

"Same place everything else is going!" Oziel answered, his tone suggesting he'd accepted the impossibility and was focused entirely on escaping.

The first floor was the worst, the familiar chambers they'd fought through mere hours ago now unrecognizable. Walls were dissolving into particle streams, the bioluminescent fungi was releasing final bursts of light before dying, and the very air felt thin as the atmosphere was consumed by whatever void claimed failed pocket dimensions.

The entrance was visible ahead, that vertical slash in reality still present but flickering ominously. They sprinted toward it with everything remaining, bodies pushed beyond sustainable limits by pure desperation.

They dove through the portal simultaneously just as it began collapsing, reality sealing behind them with finality that left no doubt about timing.

Thump.

They hit solid ground, actual ground that existed in normal reality rather than pocket dimension. The impact was jarring after the surreal environment they'd been fleeing, normal physics reasserting themselves with force that made breathing feel strange.

Raze lay on his back staring at blue sky overhead, lungs burning from the sprint and body protesting every movement. But they were out, had escaped before the dungeon's complete collapse.

"That," Mariabel gasped from nearby, "was way too close."

"Agreed," Oziel replied, the Grandmaster sounding more exhausted than he probably had in years.

Raze pushed himself to a sitting position, looking back toward where the dungeon entrance had been. The stone circle remained but the portal was gone, the vertical slash having sealed completely. Titan Heart no longer existed, the pocket dimension having unraveled into whatever void claimed destroyed dungeons.

They'd survived. Against overwhelming odds, through challenges that exceeded their capabilities, with assistance from forces Raze didn't understand, they'd cleared the entire dungeon and escaped with their lives.

"Did we get what we came for?" Mariabel asked eventually.

"We did," he confirmed, satisfaction mixing with exhaustion in his voice. "Everything we risked our lives for is secured."

The three of them lay there in the forest clearing for several minutes, catching breath and processing everything that had occurred. The sun was setting, painting the sky in colors that seemed almost mundane after the surreal environments they'd just fled.

Finally Oziel pushed himself upright, his durability having recovered enough to permit movement.

"We should return to CastleTown," he said, offering hands to help the others stand. "We need proper medical attention despite the healing salves."

They began the journey back slowly, walking rather than running now that immediate danger had passed. The forest seemed almost peaceful after the chaos, normal trees and standard wildlife providing comfort through their complete mundanity.

Raze's mind was already working through everything he'd gained during the raid. Expert Peak cultivation, S-rank Will, Berserker State, and most significantly the Dungeon Master talent that would reshape how he approached future challenges.

The engagement gift was secured, Fedora would receive something worthy of a princess.

But more than that, he'd discovered new paths to power, advantages that would compound across time if properly exploited.

The future was looking considerably more manageable despite mysteries that remained unsolved.

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