**Chapter 4: Dungeon's Crucible – The Healer's Ascent**
**Location: The Abyssal Maw Dungeon**
Luis groaned as he pushed himself up from the cold stone floor. The last thing he remembered was falling—**plunging into darkness** after the village elders betrayed him, pushing him into the dungeon's gaping entrance as a "sacrifice" to appease the monsters.
*"Healers are cursed,"* they had hissed. *"You steal power. You don't belong among us."*
Now, trapped in the depths of the Abyssal Maw, Luis clenched his fists.
**"Fine. If they want me to be a monster… I'll survive like one."**
---
### **The Dungeon's First Trial: Survival**
The dungeon was a living nightmare—**pulsating walls, eerie whispers, and the distant screeches of creatures lurking in the dark.** Luis had no weapons, no armor—just his **Healer's Capture** ability.
And then, he heard it.
**Skittering. Claws on stone.**
A **Giant Venomfang Spider** dropped from the ceiling, its eight glowing eyes locking onto him.
Luis' instincts screamed to run—but he stood his ground.
**"Heal."**
He thrust his palm forward, and golden light **seared the spider's flesh.** It shrieked, recoiling as its exoskeleton cracked under the purifying energy.
But Luis didn't stop.
He **grabbed the wounded spider** and channeled his power again—this time, **not to heal, but to TAKE.**
**[Skill Acquired: Venom Synthesis – Master Level]**
**[Trait Absorbed: Poison Immunity]**
His veins burned as the spider's essence merged with his own. **He could now produce venom at will—and no poison could touch him.**
---
### **The Turning Point: Monster or Savior?**
As Luis ventured deeper, he found **other prisoners**—adventurers left to die, their bodies broken.
A **swordswoman with a shattered leg.**
A **mage coughing up black blood from a curse.**
A **scout paralyzed by a serpent's bite.**
Each time, he healed them.
Each time, **he grew stronger.**
- From the swordswoman, he gained **Blade Mastery.**
- From the mage, **Basic Dark Magic Resistance.**
- From the scout, **Enhanced Reflexes.**
But the dungeon wasn't done with him.
---
### **The Boss Chamber: A Choice of Wrath or Mercy**
At the heart of the dungeon, Luis faced the **Dungeon Core Guardian**—a **half-human, half-beast monstrosity** chained to a glowing crystal.
*"Healer…"* it rasped. *"You are like me. Cursed. Feared. Will you kill me… or free me?"*
Luis hesitated.
If he killed it, he could take its power.
If he healed it… **what would he gain?**
---
### **The Aftermath: A Healer's Resolve**
Luis chose **mercy.**
Placing his hands on the guardian's chest, he **purified its corruption**, breaking the dungeon's control over it.
And in return…
**[Unique Trait Acquired: Dungeon's Blessing]**
**Effect: Can sense dungeon layouts, manipulate weak traps, and command low-level dungeon creatures.**
The guardian collapsed, whispering one last warning:
*"They will call you a monster… but you are the only one who can stop the* **true darkness.***"*
---
### **Meanwhile: The Hero's Desperation**
Aboveground, the **Hero Aldric**—once Luis' arrogant rival—was **losing the war.**
The Demon Lord's forces were advancing, and without a healer, Aldric's party was **falling apart.**
Then, a rumor reached him:
*"There's a man in the Abyssal Maw… a healer who* **devours monsters.***"*
Aldric gritted his teeth.
**"Find him. Bring him to me."**