The beast's growl reverberated through the dungeon, sending shivers down my spine. I tightened my grip on the dagger, my heart racing as the creature lunged at me, claws slashing through the air. I barely had time to dodge, stumbling to the side as its claws scraped against the stone floor, leaving deep gouges in its wake.
It was fast-faster than I had anticipated. My pulse pounded in my ears as I tried to think, tried to find a way to fight back. But this was unlike anything I had ever faced before. This was no ordinary struggle-this was life or death.
The beast growled again, its red eyes glowing with hunger. It crouched low, preparing to strike. I had to do something, and fast. I couldn't outrun it, and with this simple dagger, I didn't stand a chance of overpowering it.
"Come on, Rena," I muttered under my breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Think. There has to be something..."
My mind raced, searching for any clue, any hint of power I hadn't yet tapped into. The goddess had mentioned that we all had hidden abilities tied to the elements of this world. But how could I access mine? I was F-Class, the lowest of the low. Did I even have any real power?
The beast lunged at me again, and I barely managed to roll out of the way. My body screamed in protest, the rough stone scraping against my skin. As I scrambled to my feet, I realized something-the faint glow of runes beneath me seemed to pulse in rhythm with my heartbeat, as if reacting to my presence.
I stared down at the glowing symbols, the realization dawning on me. The goddess had said our abilities were tied to the elements-could that be the key? Could I somehow channel that power through my weapon?
I didn't have time to question it. The beast snarled and lunged again, its claws aimed straight for my head. Acting on pure instinct, I raised the dagger and focused all my energy on it. I pictured the element that ruled my zodiac sign-Taurus, the element of earth. Steadfast, unyielding, powerful.
To my amazement, I felt a surge of warmth in my chest, like a fire igniting within me. The dagger began to glow faintly, a soft green light that pulsed with the rhythm of my heartbeat. I could feel the earth's energy flowing through me, grounding me, making me stronger.
The beast swiped at me, but this time I was ready. I infused my mana into the dagger, willing the earth element to strengthen it. The blade seemed to hum with power as I slashed at the beast's claws, deflecting them with a shower of sparks.
The creature howled in pain and anger, its red eyes blazing with fury. It backed away, circling me, searching for a weakness. But I was no longer afraid. I could feel the power of the earth beneath me, solid and unbreakable. I was connected to it now, and I knew how to use it.
The beast lunged at me one last time, but I was ready. I channeled all my mana into the dagger, and the green glow intensified, wrapping around the blade like a living thing. With a fierce cry, I drove the dagger into the beast's chest, feeling the blade sink deep into its flesh.
The creature let out a deafening roar, its body convulsing as the earth element surged through it, tearing it apart from the inside. The dungeon floor trembled beneath us as the beast's body began to disintegrate, crumbling into dust.
I staggered back, breathing heavily, my heart pounding in my chest. The dagger, now just a simple blade again, fell from my hand and clattered to the ground. I watched in stunned silence as the remains of the beast were swept away by a sudden gust of wind, leaving nothing behind but a faint shimmer in the air.
For a moment, I just stood there, trying to catch my breath, my mind reeling from what had just happened. I had done it-I had defeated the beast. But more than that, I had unlocked something within myself, a power I hadn't even known I possessed.
As I stood there, panting and trembling, a soft chime echoed through the dungeon, and a translucent screen appeared before my eyes. It displayed my stats, glowing softly in the dim light.
---
**Name:** Rena
**Class:** F-Class
**Element:** Earth (Taurus)
**Level:** 1 → 3
**New Abilities Unlocked:**
- **Earthbound Blade:** Imbue your weapon with the power of the earth, increasing its strength and durability.
- **Stone Skin:** Temporarily harden your skin like stone, reducing damage taken from physical attacks.
- **Tremor Strike:** Unleash a shockwave of earth energy, stunning nearby enemies and causing minor tremors.
---
I stared at the screen, barely able to believe what I was seeing. My level had increased, and I had unlocked new abilities-real, tangible power. I wasn't just an F-Class anymore. I was something more.
The thrill of victory surged through me, but it was quickly tempered by a deep, simmering anger. This was what the goddess had tried to keep from me. She had wanted me to fail, to be erased from this world without ever realizing my potential.
But I had survived. I had proven my worth.
I clenched my fists, determination burning in my chest. I wouldn't stop here. I would continue to grow stronger, to unlock more of my power. And when the time came, I would confront the goddess. I would expose her for the cruel manipulator she was, and I would make her pay for what she had done.
"I'll show them all," I whispered to myself, my voice steady and filled with resolve. "I'll show them that I'm more than just an F-Class. I'll show them that I belong in this world-and that I won't be erased."
With newfound strength surging through my veins, I picked up my dagger and started forward, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me in this dungeon. The goddess had made a mistake by underestimating me, and I intended to make her regret it.
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Twisted Fates Threads
General FictionRena gets transported into another world unexpectedly with other people who are from a high-school however she's the only one she isn't a high-school student but a twenty year old who never got the chance to graduate do to her declined health. Once...
