Chapter 39 - 39 - Gift of Loyalty

Chapter 39: Chapter 39 - Gift of Loyalty

Eventually, Bong successfully cleared the heart of the Dungeon, eliminating all the monsters within. Eclipse, however, found himself engulfed in a sense of shame, unable to keep up with the astonishing speed at which Bong killed the monsters.

[ALERT]

[LEVEL UP]

[LEVEL UP]

.. x3

Using his sonic senses, Bong attempted to locate the main boss room hidden deep within the heart of the Dungeon. As he delved further into its depths, a lingering question tugged at his mind.

"It's been a considerable amount of time, and yet this Dungeon remains uncleared. There must be a reason behind it," Bong mused to himself, his curiosity piqued by the mystery that shrouded the unexplored depths of the Dungeon.

As they ventured deeper on their path towards the Boss room, a sudden revelation struck Bong.

"Ah! The reason behind this Boss room remaining uncleared for such an extended period has become apparent to me now," Bong exclaimed.

"To the four individuals concealed in hiding-there's no need to remain concealed any longer. Come forth and reveal yourselves!" Addressing an unseen presence, he continued.

"Seems like your senses aren't all that dull, adventurers. Your guess is spot on. It was us who've been enjoying the thrill of hindering every attempt at clearing this dungeon," Smirked one of the concealed figures, his arrogance evident in his demeanor as he openly acknowledged their role in maintaining the dungeon's unconquered status.

"My, My, Such a cruel endeavor. I wonder, are you eager to unravel your entire scheme now?" His tone hinted at a desire to understand the motivations behind their actions, tinged with a touch of mockery.

They exchanged glances before bursting into a wicked laughter directed at Bong. The echoes of their sinister mirth filled the dungeon's depths.

"Do you truly believe we'd unveil our secrets to you, you foolish adventurers? " Their words dripped with arrogance and defiance, a collective taunt aimed at Bong's attempt to unravel their intentions.

"But you see, there are two of us and four of you. Obviously, my companion and I might meet our end at your hands. Wouldn't it be wiser to share this secret with a man who's on the brink of death?" Bong remarked, his voice remarkably calm. His eyes seemed to dance with a glint of amusement, as if he were savoring a hidden truth amidst the chaos.

"So, this is your final wish from a dying man. You have a point - a man on the brink of death has little reason to withhold secrets."

"Very well, you know, it is the order of Baron Valerian to not let the Dungeon clear. You see, the Dungeon boost the economy of our territory, and there is only one Dungeon currently in Crestwood territory." The unknown assassin's tone carried a sinister grin, as if mocking the situation and reveling in their own perceived power.

"Ah, I see. So this is all the doing of Baron Valerian. What a vicious man he is. Killing all the adventurers who finally reach the final boss room, you guys lurk in the shadows, snuffing them out without them even realizing anything." Bong's tone carried a mix of understanding and disdain, as he pieced together the sinister plot that had kept the Dungeon uncleared for so long.

"You do possess a certain sharpness, I'll give you that. But alas, even your keen senses won't be enough to spare you from meeting your end at our hands here," One of the sinister assassins retorted with a condescending smirk.

"Eclipse, remember what I told you about humans and their pride? They're like a pack of stray dogs, finding safety in numbers. And just like dogs, they bark when they're in a group, thinking they're invincible," Bong remarked with a knowing smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of wisdom and amusement.

"Eclipse, do you understand your role clearly?" Bong commanded after revealing the plot.

"Yes, master. Rest assured, I shall perform impeccably. Please, take your seat and relish the spectacle," Eclipse replied, his voice brimming with unwavering loyalty.

Bong's expression remained composed, a mixture of anticipation and confidence, as he settled into his seat to witness the forthcoming events.

"Wait, what the hell are you guys doing? Do you th....." One of the assassins' voice trailed off as Eclipse swiftly beheaded him. The shock was evident on his face as his head fell from his neck, a sudden and unexpected end.

After witnessing the fate of their comrade, shock filled the eyes of the remaining assassins, their gazes widened with disbelief. Yet, despite the horror, they steeled themselves to confront Eclipse.

With lightning speed and unwavering precision, Eclipse seamlessly melded with the shadows, his form becoming one with the darkness and moved among the assassins. His movements were swift and deadly, his strikes finding their marks with chilling accuracy. His dagger flashed as he emerged from shadow. One by one, the assassins met their end, their heads rolling to the ground in quick succession. Eclipse's actions were cold and ruthless, a stark reminder of his lethal capabilities.

[ALERT]

[LEVEL UP]

[LEVEL UP]

[Unique Skill Acquired : 'Eternaforge']

[Desc : Skill that enables you to manipulate shadows into tangible and lasting weapons, utilizing the essence of the Eternal Smith, a legendary figure said to forge weapons of timeless power]

[Eternaforge weapons can create a deep bond between themselves and their wielder, allowing them to summon or dismiss the weapon at will]

[This skill doesn't require proficiency but relies on the bond between the wielder and the weapon] n-.O.)v(-E).l()B.)I..n

"Marvelous indeed. You didn't even grant him the opportunity to make a move. Your mastery over the shadows is undeniably formidable. You've demonstrated the essence of an assassin who thrives in darkness - a true master of shadows." Bong exclaimed, rising from his seat with a round of applause.

"Master, your praise is quite overwhelming. I feel like a fledgling bird that has just discovered how to take flight," Eclipse humbly replied, bowing and kneeling before Bong.

"Ah, Eclipse, my loyal servant, I must admit I haven't properly recognized your dedication to the Twilight Sanctum," Bong said, a mixture of appreciation and contemplation in his expression.

Bong felt a surge of happiness and joy, grateful for the loyal and dedicated servant he had in Eclipse. The unwavering loyalty of a servant to his master was a precious bond.

Bong's thoughts drifted to the dagger he had acquired from the village, realizing that it was a humble item compared to the dedication of his servant.

With a thoughtful expression, Bong decided to offer something truly precious to Eclipse, a gift that would symbolize the unbreakable bond between a master and his devoted servant.

"Eternaforge," Bong commanded, channeling his newfound skill to shape a weapon from the very essence of shadows. The display that followed was both captivating and eerie, as the shadows seemed to come alive, dancing and weaving at his command.

Writhing and merging in his palm, they formed a swirling vortex of darkness that seemed to feed on the very essence of fear. From this abyssal void, a dagger materialized, its form twisted and contorted as if forged from the nightmares themselves. The blade exuded an unsettling aura, an eternal darkness that seemed to devour the very light around it.

[ALERT]

[Abyssal Slicer Dagger Forged]

[Rank: EX]

[Type: Growth]

[Passive Skill of Dagger Unlocked]

[Shadowmeld Mastery : This skill would allow the dagger to absorb the shadows and darkness around it, enhancing its power and granting the wielder temporary agility and stealth whenever they are enveloped by darkness or in dimly lit areas]

"Here, accept this gift. I perceive that your current dagger is nothing short of rusted metal, and for my loyal servant to brandish such a feeble weapon would be an affront to my regal stature. Thus, to uphold the magnificence of my position as your master, I bestow upon you this dagger. Crafted from the eternal depths of darkness itself, let it be an emblem of your allegiance," Bong declared, his voice resonating with an air of magnificence. He extended the sinister dagger towards Eclipse, his eyes gleaming with a mix of authority and pride.

[ALERT]

[Do you want to bond it with your Servant Eclipse Y/N]

"Yes, " Bong commanded the System.