The demon lay slain.
Its twisted body slowly dissolved into shadows, leaving behind a suffocating silence. We were battered, bruised, and running on empty, but one final task remained—our reward.
"Let's check the reward and get out of this hell," I muttered, my voice hoarse. The others silently nodded, following me with weary steps.
As we moved toward the demon's remains, a chest revealed itself—dark and silver, pulsing with a sickly, corrupted light. Veins of shadow twisted around its surface, and it oozed a sinister aura.
"Purification," I said, casting the spell to cleanse it just enough for safe contact.
The chest clicked open with a reluctant groan. Inside was a gruesome collection of powerful artifacts:
– A black, pulsating heart-like crystal.
– Several dark orbs emitting low whispers.
– A handful of tainted mana crystals.
– And a massive axe-hammer, brimming with dark energy.
"The heart… this thing's dangerous," I muttered, inspecting it carefully. "These crystals aren't pure, but with purification, I can make them usable... heh."
I turned to the others. "We should take this axe-hammer too. No one can wield it, but we could melt it down to forge something better. Lyra, you still don't have a proper weapon, right?"
"I can manage just fine," she replied, summoning an icy lance in her hand.
"No, you can't. That thing drains too much mana to maintain, and you know it," I replied. "A real weapon will strengthen your magic even further."
"She's right, Lyra," Scarlett chimed in gently.
"Ugh, just take it already. I wanna go home," Layla grumbled, stretching.
"…Fine," Lyra said, reluctantly.
I turned my attention back to the dark heart. Its tendrils coiled and hissed as I held it.
'Eva, show me its information.'
[Corrupted Heart Core]
Type: Core Artifact
Rarity: A-Rank (Sealed)
Appearance: A pulsating black-and-purple crystal, shaped like a heart. It emits faint whispers and a chilling aura. Shadowy mist coils around it, dimming nearby light.
Effect:
– Corruption Affinity: Grants user passive affinity to Corruption element.
– Skill Unlocked – "Touch of Decay": Attacks erode enemy defenses over time.
– Corruption Resistance: Strong resistance to dark/corruptive forces.
– Whispering Will (Passive): Semi-sentient. Warns of danger but may influence weak minds.
– Restriction: Can only bond once. Requires either Darkness Affinity or a strong Willpower to resist madness.
"I knew it…" I exhaled slowly, closing the system window. "Alright, who wants it? This thing's powerful—but not easy to handle."
"I have Wind and Shadow. Not interested," Scarlett said.
"Ice and Snow for me. Pass," Lyra added with a shake of her head.
Layla, however, remained silent.
Layla (POV):
From the moment I laid eyes on it, something deep inside stirred.
Take it.
It'll make you stronger.
You'll protect him better…
The voice echoed within me. I didn't know where it came from, but it was like a part of me was reacting—resonating. As if this black heart... was meant for me.
I bit my lip. The thought of growing strong enough to protect him, truly protect him, consumed me.
Even if it's darkness… if it's for him—I'll accept it.
"Noah," I said softly, stepping forward. "Can I take it? I have cursed power, so... wouldn't it pair well with this?"
He raised a brow, likely surprised by my delayed response, but after a pause, he nodded.
"…You're right. Among us, you're the only one who can truly handle this. Your Will is strong. You won't lose yourself." He extended the heart to me. "Here."
As I took it, a chill spread through my arm. But before I could step away, he gently caught my wrist.
I looked back, heart skipping. Did he notice something?
"Take these too." He handed me the dark orbs. "They contain Corruption essence. After bonding with the heart, you'll be able to absorb them."
"…Ah. Okay."
"Layla," he said more seriously, "If you feel anything—anything at all—different, you tell me. Immediately."
I nodded. "Yes."
Noah (POV):
She was acting... off. Not in a dangerous way. Just—different. I filed it away for later. I could always ask the system for answers.
For now, we had one last thing to deal with.
"The dungeon's clear, but the corruption is still spreading. I'm going to destroy its source."
At the far end of the room sat a black crystal embedded in the throne, radiating corruption like a festering wound. I approached it carefully, casting Light Barrier to shield myself from the searing dark waves.
Once in range, I placed my hand on it.
"Purification."
A blinding light engulfed the crystal. It trembled, cracked, then turned white... before crumbling into dust.
The dungeon began to shift. Its walls faded from black rot to natural stone. The corruption lifted.
It was over.
[Dungeon Cleared – Corruption Source Eliminated]
[Quest Complete]
Rewards:
– Skill Upgrade: Purification → SS+
– Trait Gained: Corruption Resistance
– 5000 CP
[You have leveled up level 33]
[30 SP gained]
"Let's go back," I said.
"Yes," they echoed together, voices tired but relieved.
Everyone was drained. I used Nature's Embrace to restore their energy a little. Then we left the cursed dungeon behind—now nothing more than a hollow cave.
That night, we stayed at a nearby safe camp.
Everyone slept like the dead, clinging to me in exhaustion. Layla especially tightened her grip around my neck, muttering in her sleep.
"Noah is mine… mine…"
I sighed, carefully shifting. She'd definitely claimed her spot for the night.
Just to be safe, I used Revive on myself to keep watch. I wanted to observe if there were any signs of change in Layla after she took the heart. But thankfully, there were none… yet.
I yawned, finally laying back.
"Eva, keep watch and wake me if anything changes."
[This damn Host is using me as a guard dog and an alarm clock. Sigh…]
"…Did you say something?"
[Good night, Host.]
"Heh… yeah. Good night."
[Tsk…]
To be continued…
A/N:
Corruption and purity are often seen as opposites—one taints, the other cleanses. But in truth, purity cannot exist without corruption.
When someone embraces corruption for a noble cause—like Layla choosing darkness to protect Noah—it doesn't erase their purity. It elevates it. Because they didn't fall for power's sake—they made a conscious choice to suffer, to change, for love. That is a purity forged in flame.
See you all in next chapter..
-Author...