The fall of rain is often described as a gentle, rhythmic cascade, with each drop descending from the sky and wind adding a delicate dance.

    As the raindrops hit various surfaces, they create a soothing, continuous patter or drumming sound. On a rooftop, this sound can be a soft, persistent tapping, while on a windowpane, it might produce a calming, irregular rhythm. The sound of rain can evoke a sense of tranquillity and cosiness, often amplified by the surrounding quiet or the occasional rumble of distant thunder.

    All of this can be said to be calming however the conquering spell added to the storm made the enemy''s senses clouded. And each sound made by the rain created a noise that almost left them unconscious. The water that continuously touched them was like an acid that burned deep within their skin.

    Potions were used and pills were swallowed however that didn''t work, and nothing worked. They could still feel the itch and the agonizing pain that left them almost insane.

    In the dance of the deathly rhythm, groups of shadows can be seen lurking around and despite the heavy fall of rain, their black robes remain lively.

    The chant for the dead continues and the melody from the flute remains plastered on the rhythm, creating waves of images on the listener''s mind.

    Mages in black robes run through the storm, while on their chest are the symbols of a tower and eagle, the insignia of the Mage tower and Mage Association.

    "Head Hunter''s Funny Parade"

    Chant one of the mages and a black creepy ragged man emerged, scythe in hand.

    "Guard!"

    "Damn it I can use my aura!"

    "I can''t see!"

    The massive conquering spell clouded their minds, and even when they tried to break the spell they failed to do so since multiple people cast it.

    This entire scenario started because they made a single mistake.

    They underestimated the mages of the empire and the people who gathered information for them.

    [Notification Alert!

    A massive amount of death has been detected!

    Calculating essences extraction!]

    [Creator should I use one of the system''s gears to elevate the pain you are feeling]

    "No, I am okay"

    I said while holding my arm, the numbness was still there while the pain spread until it reached my head.

    "I told you it''s sinister" I heard Alya say making me groan in pain.

    "You never put specifics"

    "Still you should have listened to me"

    I could only sigh at her words while we continued to move under the veil of our hood. What we are wearing right now are robes commissioned by the Mage Tower.

    We are now moving as a member of the tower, not just random children aiming to kill someone. The crest on our chest solidifies that fact.

    {Apollo there are 3 strong ones running in your direction immediately neutralize them}

    "Got it" I replied though I already sensed them, so I looked at my side and was about to speak when someone spoke first.

    "Something is coming!" Alya shouted while pointing towards our side.

    "How many?" asked Aaron to which she replied with "Three"

    [She is really impressive despite her age, I mean even you won''t be able to find them either if it weren''t for the fact I am here]

    "Yes perhaps you are right" I answered while my staff was already raised to attack. And as my vision finally took a glimpse of the three fleeing enemies I gave a command.

    "Arron"

    "On it!"

    Golden sparks of light slowly dance on the rainy alley, until it turns into cracks in space.

    "Pico stop!"

    Teleportation complete!

    Awaiting the Creator''s next command!]

    My eyes crept into a smile while I hurriedly sent a message to Sir Arthur.

    "Are you guys going in or what?"

    {We are going in, are you joining the hunt?}

    "Of course I am"

    And so the real hunt finally starts.

    .

    .

    .

    "Jeremiah"

    [Yes?]

    "What kind of old artifact did they use?"

    [Based on the magic wavelength I analyzed a while ago, it should be a dagger that has a stealth ability for assassination. As for the mini earthquake, it was the impact caused by a sudden blunt attack from below. I believe a war hammer was used]

    "How many people are we up against?"

    [The artifact is currently blocking my sensors so I can''t tell, and it also seems spells won''t work either]

    "So we are blind right now?"

    [Not exactly, remember the bead before?]

    "Yes my arm still felt numb due to it"

    [It might become helpful, since it is not a bead but a stone instead. A death stone, you can use it to track down anyone who has killed someone. After all, to counter an old artifact from lost dungeons, you had to use one as well]

    "You mean this thing is an old artifact as well?"

    [Yes and I have no idea how did it get here]

    Lost dungeons are labyrinths that are either man-made or created by a chaotic turbulence of magic. In each dungeon lies many artifacts that are very unfamiliar to many, since the material where it was made is unknown and its usage often goes bizarre.

    "So this thing is from a lost dungeon, no wonder I couldn''t understand it"

    [Take it out Creator I already mend it, it won''t attack you again]

    "Okay"

    I did as he told me and as my hand touched the smooth surface of the stone I felt a sudden surge of awareness. The complete darkness that I am currently in slowly felt insignificant since I could see everything.

    [The stone becomes even more powerful the more people are killed by its user. And considering it''s you, the power of that artifact should be at its highest point]

    "Yeah I can actually feel it, wait what if I do this!"

    I said as my body became clad in corrupted energy.

    [I shall put a barrier to make sure no one can sense you]

    I closed my eyes and let the skill demonize take over.

    My mana turns black ominous, while my body begins to morph similar to a devil yet my aura is that of a demon.

    Holding the stone in my hand I slowly removed the debris that fell on top of me.

    "Let''s go and find our targets"

    My vision was clear despite the darkens created by the dagger artifact, I should be able to finish everything before the sun went down.