Era of Players: Death God

With his camp secured, Noah ventured deeper into the snow-covered forest, following the deep claw marks and massive footprints that marred the otherwise pristine landscape. The tracks were fresh—whatever left them was nearby.

His Presence Detection skill pulsed in his mind, forming a three-dimensional map of his surroundings. In the distance, he sensed movement—a large creature, alone, waiting. It wasn't rushing toward him like an ambush; it was watching.

Noah crouched low, slipping between the thick-trunked evergreens, his breath coming out in misty puffs. His heartbeat was steady, controlled. He approached silently, each step calculated. As he reached a clearing, his golden eyes locked onto his target.

The creature was massive—a towering beast covered in white and silver fur, with crystalline ice spikes protruding from its back. Its head resembled that of a wolf, but its body was more like a bear's, its muscles thick and built for power. Cold mist curled from its maw, freezing the air around it with every breath.

[Icefang Behemoth – Rank A]

A formidable monster. Far stronger than the Ice Ogres from the previous floor. Noah grinned—this was exactly what he was looking for.

The moment his presence was fully registered, the Icefang Behemoth snarled, its glowing blue eyes locking onto him. The air around it crackled as frost surged from its paws, freezing the ground beneath it. In a blur of speed that belied its massive frame, it lunged.

Noah dodged at the last second, his enhanced dexterity allowing him to slide across the snow like a shadow. The beast crashed into the spot where he had stood, sending ice shards flying in all directions.

He retaliated immediately—shadowy tendrils erupted from beneath him as he activated Shadow Steps, weaving between the creature's strikes. His black sword, Nemesis, slashed outward, aiming for the Behemoth's flank.

Clang!

Instead of cutting through flesh, his blade scraped against hardened ice armor. The beast whirled around, swiping at him with a claw coated in frost.

Noah ducked, rolling under the strike, and countered with Splitting Ripple Slash. His sword vibrated as it cut forward, sending a ripple of energy that shattered part of the beast's frozen plating.

The Icefang Behemoth roared in pain, its exposed flesh bleeding a thick, frost-covered liquid. It retaliated with a powerful stomp—the ground beneath them cracked, and spikes of ice shot upward, aiming to impale him.

Shadow Steps.

Noah blurred, appearing on the creature's back in an instant. He activated Gigantification on his arm, his muscles surging with mana, and drove his fist into the exposed wound. The impact sent a shockwave through the Behemoth's body, causing it to stagger forward.

But it wasn't done.

A pulse of icy mana erupted from the creature's core, sending Noah flying backward. He flipped mid-air, landing on his feet, but frost had already begun creeping up his arm.

"Tch… ice mana infusion?" He flexed his fingers, breaking the thin layer of ice forming over his skin. This beast was more than just brute strength—it was a natural-born wielder of ice magic.

The Icefang Behemoth snarled, lowering itself for another charge. Noah narrowed his eyes—this was his chance.

As the creature lunged, he activated Hellfire.

Flames as black as the abyss erupted around him, clashing violently against the cold. The moment the beast got close, he dodged once more, appearing beneath it.

"Seal of Death."

A dark sigil flared to life beneath the Icefang Behemoth, locking it in place for a split second—just enough time.

Noah swung Nemesis in a wide arc, activating Splitting Ripple Slash one last time. His blade cleaved through the exposed wound on the creature's side, cutting deep into its heart.

The Behemoth let out a final, agonized howl before collapsing, its massive frame sending snow flying in every direction. Its blue eyes dimmed, and its frosted breath faded into silence.

[You have slain Icefang Behemoth – Rank A]

[Experience Gained]

[Soul Ascension Activated – Strength +3, Intelligence +2]

Noah exhaled slowly, his body still pulsing with battle energy. He wiped his blade clean before sheathing it.

"That was a good fight."

He stepped away from the corpse and glanced toward the horizon. Night was approaching. It was time to return to his camp.

By the time Noah made it back to his secluded alcove, the sky had darkened. He rekindled his fire and prepared a meal—roasting some preserved meat over the flames, seasoning it lightly with salt and dried herbs he had collected. The aroma filled the air, mixing with the crisp scent of snow.

As he ate, he reflected on the fight. This floor was proving to be more challenging, but that only made him more excited. His strength was growing, his skills sharpening.

After finishing his meal, he stretched out his limbs and decided to rest. Tomorrow, he would explore further—deeper into the white forest, closer to the twin mountains.

For now, he let the crackling fire and the soft whisper of the wind lull him into a well-earned sleep.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and frost as Noah stirred awake. His body felt light, well-rested from the previous day's battle. As usual, he began his morning routine—a series of stretches and exercises to wake up his muscles.

Fifty push-ups.

Fifty squats.

Shadowboxing against an imaginary enemy, incorporating both martial arts and sword techniques.

His breath came out in even puffs, mist curling in the cold air. By the time he was finished, his body was warm despite the freezing temperatures.

Satisfied with his warm-up, he stripped off his shirt and made his way toward the frozen lake nearby. The water was still and clear, a perfect mirror reflecting the snow-covered trees and the pale blue sky above.

Without hesitation, Noah plunged into the icy depths. The freezing water sent a shock through his system, but he quickly adapted, using his mana control to regulate his body temperature. He sank to the bottom, where he sat cross-legged, focusing on refining his mana flow in the extreme cold.

After ten minutes of meditation, he resurfaced, water streaming down his toned frame. He exhaled, feeling rejuvenated. The ice bath was more than just a way to clean himself—it was another method of honing his control, refining both body and mind.

Once dried and dressed in fresh clothes, he returned to his camp and set about preparing breakfast.

He took out some dried meat, grains, and foraged herbs, setting up a small fire. The meal was simple but nourishing—a hot stew with tender meat and fragrant spices, accompanied by a side of roasted nuts and dried fruit.

As the fire crackled, he ate slowly, enjoying the quiet of the morning. Today would be another day of conquest.

"Hehehe! I wonder where the others are ? Lilith must be probably on the second of third floor." Noah speculated, feeling pressure he decided to accelerate his dungeon conquest. He must not fail. Hopefully from the fifth floor onward the system would generate missions like in the previous dungeon.