I Ascend Alone-Chapter 41: C-rank Dungeon

I stepped down into the living room, where Leon was already waiting near the entrance. He was checking his gear—strapping a dagger to his waist and adjusting his gauntlets.

He looked up when he saw me.

"Took you long enough."

I shrugged. "Had to make sure I was ready."

Leon eyed me for a second before shaking his head. "Whatever. Let's move."

As we walked out of his residence, the cityscape of Veridion in City A stretched before us—hunters moving in and out of guild buildings, merchants hawking supplies, and transport gates lighting up as adventurers traveled to various dungeons.

"So, where to?" I asked casually.

Leon crossed his arms. "Figured we'd start with something simple—a C-Rank dungeon."

A C-Rank dungeon?

I nearly scoffed, but I kept my expression neutral. After everything I had gone through—facing the Abyssal Arbiter, evolving my abilities, becoming the Abyss Monarch—this barely counted as a warm-up. But Leon didn't know that.

"Sounds good," I said casually, stuffing my hands into my pockets as we walked through the bustling streets of City A's Veridion District.

Leon gave me a glance. "You sure? You looked pretty out of it yesterday. If you're still tired, we can go later."

I shook my head. "Nah, I'm fine. Let's just get this over with."

Leon smirked. "Confident, huh? Hope you're not planning to slack off and let me carry you."

I nearly laughed at that. If only he knew how things had flipped.

—

We arrived at a secluded facility near the outskirts of Veridion. Unlike public dungeon gates, which were heavily monitored by the Hunter's Association, this one was tucked away behind reinforced barriers, only accessible to its owner and authorized individuals.

Leon stepped forward, pulling out a silver-engraved keycard before tapping it against the terminal.

[ Access Granted – Welcome, Guildmaster Leon Vael. ]

The air in front of us rippled, and a swirling vortex of crimson energy formed—a private dungeon gate.

I raised an eyebrow. "Didn't know you had your own dungeon."

Leon smirked. "S-Ranks don't just hunt in public dungeons like everyone else. We buy our own."

I glanced at the swirling gate. "How many do you own?"

He crossed his arms. "Three."

Three private dungeons? No wonder he wasn't fazed by the idea of running through another one.

Leon continued. "S-Ranks and guildmasters tend to secure personal dungeons from the Hunter's Association or directly through their guild connections. I also have this one under my guild's name."

"Your guild?" I asked, pretending I didn't already suspect it.

Leon smirked. "Yeah. You ever heard of Black Valor?"

I narrowed my eyes.

Black Valor.

One of the top elite S-Rank guilds known for taking on high-risk, high-reward dungeon raids. Unlike the major faction guilds, Black Valor wasn't interested in politics or fame—only results.

Leon, being a guildmaster, meant he wasn't just an S-Rank hunter. He was a leader.

He studied my reaction before adding, "This dungeon isn't one of the higher-level ones, but it's good for testing out new recruits."

"So you're testing me?" I asked, feigning curiosity.

"Something like that." He smirked. "That simulation you did yesterday? This is for real. No safety nets. No respawns. If you die here, you stay dead."

I nodded, stepping forward. "Fine by me."

Leon's gaze flickered for a moment, as if he was assessing my confidence.

"Alright then." He extended his hand toward the gate. "Let's see if you can survive in my domain."

With that, we stepped into the private dungeon—where true strength would be tested.

—

The world shifted as we stepped through the swirling crimson gate.

A moment later, we emerged into a vast rocky expanse, surrounded by jagged cliffs and scattered ruins. A dull blue glow pulsed from the walls, marking the dungeon's mana-rich environment.

The air was thick with an ominous presence. I could already sense movement in the distance.

Leon cracked his neck and stretched before giving me a lazy glance. "Alright, listen up."

I turned toward him, waiting for his instructions.

"I won't interfere." He crossed his arms. "I'll support you if things get too dangerous, but this is your fight."

I raised an eyebrow. "Even though I'm just a D-Rank?"

Leon smirked. "You should be able to manage a C-Rank dungeon on your own—at least until the boss. That's where things get serious."

He turned, surveying the area as if confirming something.

"This dungeon has three sub-sections before we reach the final chamber. Monsters will get stronger the deeper we go. If you can't handle this, you might as well give up now."

His words were meant to provoke me, but I simply smiled.

I cracked my knuckles. "I'll handle it."

Leon grinned. "Good. Then show me what you've got."

I turned away from him and focused on the dungeon ahead.

—

I stepped forward, feeling the uneven stone beneath my boots as the dungeon's air grew colder. The dim glow from the mana-infused rocks barely illuminated the path ahead. Jagged formations lined the area, some resembling the remnants of a long-forgotten battlefield.

A low growl echoed from the shadows.

Something was watching.

Leon stood back, leaning against a boulder with his arms crossed. "Go on. Let's see how you handle this."

I didn't respond. Instead, I activated Predator's Instinct.

A rush of awareness flooded my senses.

Hostile intent—five enemies.

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Their presence flickered in the darkness, their movements cautious yet predatory.

***

[ Identification: Ravager Wolves (C-Rank) ]

Highly aggressive pack monsters known for overwhelming prey through coordinated strikes.

Enhanced senses allow them to track movements and attack weak points.

***

The five Ravager Wolves circled me, their low growls reverberating through the cave walls. Their glowing red eyes locked onto me, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Leon stood back, leaning against a boulder, arms crossed. He wasn't interfering, just watching.

I cracked my knuckles, inhaling deeply.

And then, the first wolf came in from the side, fangs gleaming, claws extended as it aimed straight for my throat.

I stepped forward.

A sharp pivot. My left hand shot out, gripping the wolf's snout mid-air. Its eyes widened in shock.

Before it could react, I slammed it into the ground.