PART 9 - The Magmatic Canyon:
“So… what do you think?”
Two days have passed since the meeting, and somehow, I’ve managed to get myself a personal maid—a tall, pink-haired woman, seemingly around my age, with blue-green eyes and a friendly smile.
She stands beside the door to my room before taking calculated steps towards my ornate bedside table.
“Yeah, it’s not bad… I think. But don’t you have cleaning to do or something?”
I glance at the pink-haired maid as she flumps on my comfy bed—without permission, I’ll add.
“You gave me a break, did you not?”
“… True… I’ll give you that.”
“Ah, I emerge victorious once more.”
“We were competing?”
“Of course! You just didn’t know about it.”
With a sly smile, the pink-haired individual carefully retrieves a small pouch of confections from their apron pocket.
… I’ll just call them chocolate; I actually have no idea if they are or not.
“Here, please partake. You deserve this after enduring my presence.”
“… You didn’t, like, poison these or anything, right?”
Besides, I have barely any idea about the food in this world; I’m not sure if what I’ve already eaten is safe. Might have some side effects, perhaps bad luck?
“I assure you, there is no need for concern regarding their safety.”
“We only met yesterday—
“And you’re already this comfortable with me! I promise they’re just regular chocolates. And don’t worry, I’ve been eating them all day with no worry. You can trust me.”
You’re not even human. You’re a wyvern in human form; that alone is hard for my brain to comprehend.
“But if you say they’re safe, I’ll trust you, Murayama—
“As previously mentioned, you may address me as Nanase.”
“—Right. Nanase…”
I half-heartedly take a hefty bite out of the midsized, spherical chocolate, feeling the caramel flavour explode in my mouth. The chocolate tastes surprisingly sweet and delicious—a blend of white and milk chocolate, instantly putting me at ease. Nanase smiles, relieved that I enjoyed it.
“I assume you’re enjoying the chocolate then?” She asks, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “It’s one of my favourite treats.”
“It’s better than I expected, and I’m pleasantly surprised by how good it tastes.”
“Well, I’m glad you do… Anyway, shouldn’t you be heading to the gate now?”
She finally gets off my bed, not that I mind her being there, and twirls to face me.
“You are such a strange maid…”
I mutter under my breath, earning a playful chuckle from Nanase.
“Come now; I reckon Lady Elysia won’t be too thrilled if you show up fashionably late, now, will she?”
Nanase winks at me before heading out the door, leaving me on my own with the armour, gear, and elixirs the guild let me borrow. I sigh and begin to leave my home, feeling a mix of eagerness and apprehension (mostly apprehension) for the upcoming dungeon.
I stroll through the quiet streets of the guild, taking in the towering buildings that line the cobblestone paths. My eyes are drawn to the towering structures, adorned with ornate banners and signs, that boast of the myriad talents and accomplishments of their members.
The sound of my footsteps echoes in the silence, making me feel more alone than ever. Though, if I’m being honest with myself, I’ve never felt more out of place.
Because I’m about to embark on my first dungeon quest, it’s only natural to feel a sense of unease.
As I round a corner, my gaze is drawn to a massive gate looming in the distance, its imposing presence sending a shiver down my spine. A flicker of nervous excitement dances within me, mingling with the trepidation that gnaws at my insides.
“That’s… bigger than expected.”
Its sheer size is staggering, towering over me like a monolithic sentinel guarding the entrance to another world.
The heavy gold-looking bars that compose the gate are shining very brightly. Then suddenly, a window pops up in front of me—a private message from Elysia.
It seems like everyone has been waiting for me this whole time…
Wait, they were?!
Oh god, I feel embarrassed.
I hurry my pace, hoping to salvage whatever little dignity I have left, and sheepishly greet everyone.
Elysia greets me with a warm smile, her jade eyes sparkling in the sunlight.
“Sorry, I’m late!”
“Don’t worry, we’re just glad you could make it.” She replies, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze. “I trust you brought everything you’ll need?”
“He better have!”
“Shut up, Draven.”
I hesitate to say anything when Elysia turns her focus to me, but eventually gather the courage to speak up.
“I’ve got everything I need; I double-checked before coming here.”
I didn’t double-check before coming here.
“Good, because you can only count on yourself once we’re in there.”
Draven adds, his sharp golden eyes narrowing at me.
“Draven, be nice.”
Alden, with a stern expression on his face, scolds Draven, his gaze filled with such intensity that it sends a shiver down Draven’s spine, making him feel a sense of fear.
I take a moment to awkwardly clear my throat, causing the entire group to turn their attention towards me.
“I’ve actually done a few dungeons before; I think I’ll be fine…
I have not done a single dungeon before.
Elysia seems to have noticed my lie but doesn’t press further.
“Very well. If Sora says he’s ready, then I see no reason to delay our departure any longer.”
Everyone nods in agreement, and Elysia puts her hand out to the gate, touching the cold metal.
The gate opens with a single push, revealing a winding path surrounded by lush… purplery, as I guess one would call it.
The lush, purple leaves look like they’re glowing in the dim light coming through the thick trees above. The air is thick with the sounds of unseen creatures, their calls echoing through the dense foliage.
Elysia confidently leads the way, and I walk closely behind, trying to calm my growing fear of creatures suddenly attacking me.
“Hey, how long until we get to this ‘Magmatic Canyon’?”
Violet glances back at me with a reassuring smile.
“About an hour and a half. You’ll know when we’re close.”
Wait, we have to walk for an hour and a half? Oh man, I wish Aurelia could just teleport us there in a snap. it, we have to walk for an hour and a half? Oh man, I wish Aurelia could just teleport us there in a snap.
“Can’t we, like, just teleport there?”
“We could, but you seem like someone who could use a little exercise. Plus, it’ll give us a chance to enjoy the scenery along the way.”
Elysia jokes with a wink, causing most of the group to chuckle as we continue on our journey through the enchanted landscape.
The moonlight shines through the woods, giving a beautiful glow on the route ahead, creating a lovely environment that transforms the journey into an adventure rather than a chore. However, the sky appears to become browner with each minute of walking.
“Hey, is the sky getting darker, or is it just me?”
I ask, seeing the sky’s colour shift gradually as we venture deeper into the woods. More jagged rocks seem to form, the trickling water-looking liquid seems to have evanished, and the purple environment becomes less vibrant as we press on.
“I see you’ve noticed! The sky does get a bit darker down this path. It’s a sign we’re getting closer to our destination.” Elysia turns to me with a reassuring smile.
“Heat is another factor.”
Alden adds, pointing out the increasing warmth in the air as we continue our journey.
A few moments later, our path through the enchanting amethyst forest comes to an end. As we step out of the trees, we are greeted by a desolate and scorched wasteland. The once vibrant landscape has transformed into a blistering brown expanse.
The sky, now a shade of brown, surprisingly reveals a blood-red sun. The intense heat makes me feel as if I am trapped in a blazing oven.
Amidst the jagged volcanic stalagmites and the ominous streams of flowing lava, the air is heavy with the overpowering scent of sulphur. The ground crackles and shifts beneath our feet, as if alive with the fiery energy of the volcano. The once beautiful and alive forest now feels like a distant memory, replaced by a harsh and unforgiving landscape. It’s as if nature itself has been consumed by the wrath of the volcanic eruption, leaving behind only destruction and desolation.
“Are we in hell?!” I ask because the oppressive heat threatens to suffocate me.
“I don’t know what this ‘hell’ is, but I assure you, we’re not in it.”
Alden responds as he wipes sweat from his forehead and shields his eyes from the intense sunlight.
“I don’t like the heat!”
Violet exclaims over the roar of the lava streams as they flow dangerously close to our path. I agree with her sentiment, heat is not my favourite either, especially when it’s coming from a raging volcano.
“Oh, grow up! Softie. If you don’t like the heat, why come in the first place?”
Draven chides pompously as he strides confidently ahead, seemingly unfazed by the scorching temperatures.
“We’re close to the canyon. It’s about 45 minutes away, but we need to be careful navigating through this dangerous terrain.”
forty…five…minutes…?
Alden gestures towards the rocky landscape ahead, indicating the challenging journey that lies ahead. Elysia nods in agreement, her eyes scanning the treacherous path ahead as she mentally prepares for the difficult trek.
“Alright! Let’s get moving!”
Elysia says with determination, showing she’s not giving up even in tough conditions.
After trudging through what felt like forever, we finally stumble upon a path squeezed between imposing cliffs.
The air is scorching, making me sweat buckets; I hear a loud rumble far away; and the sky is full of dark clouds casting a shadow over everything.
I hear the crackling of magma in the distance, along with the occasional rumble under my feet. Tall rock walls loom above us, casting shadows and blocking the light from the dark brown sky above.
Walking deeper into the canyon, the heat becomes unbearable, and my skin starts to itch and burn.
“It’s so hot here…!”
I try speaking up to get everyone’s attention, but my words fall on deaf ears. Trying to call out to someone with bubbling as loud as this as background noise isn’t easy.
We come to a crossroads, with two paths leading off in opposite directions. One path appears to lead deeper into the canyon, while the other appears to lead towards the magma flow.
“So, which way now?”
“The left path goes to the Underground Hell, a tough level 16 catacomb with a boss named Belial. It’s probably too hard for you, Sora. The right path leads to our goal, a level 22 dungeon with Charra, also known as The Sovereign of Molten Fire.”
I nod, slightly confused by Elysia’s explanation.
“So, we’re heading right, yeah?”
“Damn right, weakling!”
Draven confidently walks down the right path without a second thought… Why does he act this way?
I trail behind him, with the rest of the group following along.
After a few more minutes of walking, we stumble upon this huge open space. In the centre of the clearing lies a large lake of magma, with several smaller pools scattered throughout the area.
The large lake seems to be bubbling quite viciously, with a small rumbling sound accompanying it every now and again. There are also a few piles of rocks around, most likely containing minerals that could be used for crafting. The area is filled with ash, which covers the ground like snow, and the sky is still overcast, making the atmosphere quite eerie.
Not to mention, I’ve been hearing immense thuds in the distance, almost like something massive is walking around.
We cautiously approach the lake, making sure to keep our distance from the bubbling magma. And far in the distance is—
“Volcania. The Volcanic Dungeon.”
Ember speaks for the first time since we arrived at the canyon; I had no idea she was even here.
“Volcania?”
With a simple nod, she affirms my question.
“Yes, this dungeon is called Volcania. It contains many dangers, such as lava, fire, heat, and more. Be careful, Sora.”
Elysia moves closer, her gaze sweeping across her surroundings.
“I think we’re good here. Let’s take a breather before we push forward.”
“I’m kinda torn when I see lava right below us.”
I admit, trying to mask my unease as I notice a crack of flowing lava beneath us.
Elysia softly laughs, her eyes sparkling with joy.
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. Stay by my side, and we’ll get through this together.”
“Nah, let him fall into the lava if he’s not careful; it’ll teach him a lesson—
“Draven! Do not ever say something like that again.”
Elysia immediately turns to Draven with a severe expression. Her eyes have a tinge of total blackness about them, as if she is threatening him with death if he does not obey. Knowing that he had gone too far with Elysia—who wasn’t to be taken lightly when it came to her friends’ safety—Draven recoils.
“Draven, please. I know people have taught you that expandability is the key to survival, but we are a team, and we need to stick together no matter what.”
Elysia sighs as her eyes return to normal, her voice softening as she reaches out to reassure Draven that she only wants what’s best for everyone.
But despite all this, I feel uneasy, as if something is definitely watching us from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can’t shake the feeling that danger is lurking just around the corner.
Maybe it’s just my imagination; maybe I’m just paranoid. Nothing bad has happened so far.
“Should we be more careful?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, not wanting to alarm the rest of the team. “I just have a bad feeling about this.”
“Oh… We should be just fi—
A massive thud, reminiscent of a giant’s footstep, echoes through the darkness, causing me to freeze in fear. It’s the same thuds I’ve been hearing this whole journey.
“What the…” I mutter.
I turn back to the canyon we emerged from and see a pair of glowing eyes staring back at us.
“W-what’s that…?”
Alden turns to me as I ask, his eyes narrowing in on the source of the noise.
“I think we might have company…”
“That isn’t helpful, Alden!”
“Oh, come on, Violet, don’t tell me you’re scared of a little company?” Alden teases.
The glowing eyes move closer, revealing a massive, shadowy figure emerging from the darkness.
“…I’ve never seen this creature before?”
Elysia tilts her head, her voice tinged with curiosity.
“Should we be worried?”
I ask, feeling a shiver run down my spine as the creature looms closer, its eyes fixed on us with an intensity that sends a chill through my bones.
“I know what it is…”
Alden declares confidently, stepping forward to confront the creature.
But before he can finish his sentence, the creature lets out a deafening roar as a sizzling sound echoes through the air.
“Everyone duck!”
A voice shouts, and we quickly hit the ground as two fiery beams shoot from the creature’s eyes, barely avoiding us as we rush for safety.
We sneak to a rock nearby while the creature is busy attacking. A few seconds pass before the beams dissipate, leaving a smoky haze in their wake.
I turn around to see a massive crater where the beams have struck, the ground still smoking and crackling with heat. The footsteps of the creature can be heard getting closer, causing my heart to race with fear as I realise we are not out of danger yet.
“I’m going to die, aren’t I?”
“Oi, chill out. We won’t die. We’ll just use you as— uh… nevermind.”
“Jeez, you all are too dramatic.”
Violet rolls her eyes and pushes past us towards the enigmatic creature.
“Violet! What are you doing?!”
“Provoking the creature? We don’t need to worry about much, do we?”
Well, I do. Thank you very much!
“Does anyone actually know what the creature is? Is it in anyone’s bestiary”
“Not that I know of.”
“Well, we actually haven’t seen it yet. It could just be another molten golem.”
Molten golem?!
I take a small peek out of the boulder to see an igneous golem emerging from the shadows. Cracks of glowing lava spread across its rocky surface as its jagged form looms closer. Its fiery eyes fixate on Violet, who stands her ground with a mischievous grin.
“Oh, it is a molten golem. Shouldn’t be too hard, then.”
Elysia turns to face us with a slight grin on her face.
“Hold on, did we not just establish a few minutes ago that we didn’t know what the creature is?”
“That was before we took a good look at it.”
“Hey look! It’s charging at me.”
I take a step back from the rock and see the molten golem charging at Violet super fast.
It spits out fireballs at Violet, who skilfully dodges each one with a nimble dance.
Out of nowhere, a shockwave of intense heat emanates from the golem, causing everything within a 67-metre radius to sizzle and burn.
Violet quickly summons a hex-patterned, violet-coloured protective shield around herself, deflecting the intense heat and fireballs with ease.
“We can’t just stand here and do nothing. We have to help Violet.”
Alden quickly summons giant, sharp metallic rods in the air and hurls them towards the molten golem. The golem roars in anger as it turns its attention towards Alden.
Not wanting to die again, I quickly run from all this chaos and run as far away as I can without going too far.
“That brat ran off!”
I hear Draven yell as I sprint through the smoke-filled air, my heart pounding in my chest.
Arriving at a safe distance, I can see Elysia, Draven, Violet, Alden, and the rest of the party continue to battle the molten golem.
The ground shakes with each blow exchanged between the party and the golem, sending debris flying in all directions. I watch in awe as they work together to defeat the formidable foe, hoping they will emerge victorious.
While they don’t seem to be struggling, they don’t appear to have the upper hand either. It’s like they’re holding back for some unknown reason. As I ponder their strategy, a sudden flying rock almost decapitates my head, reminding me to stay alert and not get too comfortable, even from a safe distance.
“Sora!! It’s coming for you!!”
My eyes widen as I recognise Alden’s voice, snapping me out of my thoughts and reminding me that danger could strike at any moment. I quickly dive out of the way, narrowly avoiding the next attack aimed in my direction: a barrage of molten spikes hurtling towards me with deadly precision.
“This is definitely NOT a molten golem!”
“I know what it is!”
Alden’s voice echoes through the landscape as a colossal sphere of pure ice forms above us. Its size is tremendous, like a miniature asteroid aiming to crash down on us.
“Alden! What are you doing? We can’t—
“Don’t worry, we won’t fail in our demand… In fact, doing this will only aid us.”
Demand? What demand are they talking about?
Before I could think of anything else, the ice sphere plummets towards the ground, shattering into a million icy shards upon impact. Every single shard, at least from what I could count, pierced through the golem and slowly began to freeze it from the inside out. Alden’s plan is working, and I can’t help but feel a sense of awe at his power and strategy.
There’s a brief smoke that plunges the surrounding area into a cool blue.
Did we win…? I hope so. I don’t want to see that thing again—
The golem somehow emerges from the dissipating smoke and lunges at me with its gargantuan claws, scraping my entire face and leaving me gasping in pain. I stumble backwards, trying to gather my wits as the golem advances, seemingly unfazed by Alden’s attack. It’s like it’s dead set on getting me, not giving up as it aims another lava beam right at me, about to turn me into dust.
Suddenly, a brief and lurid light blinds me and probably everyone around me. It didn’t take long for me to notice a massive hole in the golem’s head; whatever pierced through it clearly did the job—I can see through its head.
Wha… what just happened? Why is there a hole in its head?
The once menacing golem now oozes a strange substance that seems to be dissolving its body, leaving behind only a grey, metallic goo.
“Sora! Are you okay?”
I look up to see Elysia, her face filled with concern and relief as she rushes over to help me up.
“That was a close call…”
“W-what happened to it…? Why did its head just explode like that?”
I ask, still in shock. Elysia looks at me with a mixture of awe and fear before replying.
“It’s as simple as I killed it.”
What? Elysia did that?
“Sora!!!”
Violet appears out of nowhere and hugs me.
“I thought you were going to die!!”
“Ehh?”
“Violet… You’re being a bit too dramatic. But I’m glad you’re okay, Sora.”
Elysia says with a small smile.
Violet gets off of me, giving me a sheepish smile.
“Sorry, I tend to overreact sometimes.”
Yeah, I can tell.
I limp towards a conveniently placed rock and slouch down, feeling the adrenaline wearing off and the pain starting to set in. Elysia walks over and sits next to me, her expression softening.
“What was that thing?”
I ask as I look at the giant creature lying on the ground, motionless.
A green-haired boy squats beside me as he utters the word “heal.”
Suddenly, all my wounds—well, most of my wounds—recover instantly, and I stand up, wiping away some of the blood dripping down my cheek.
“Uhm… Who are you?”
“I go by the name Sage… It’s surprising how easily I slip under the radar. But hey, now you know. Moving on, that was a Molten Mimic; they’re quite rare and powerful. They usually spawn in volcanic areas like these.”
He explains as I gaze at the motionless creature and activate the skill [Analyse].
« Molten Mimic »
─Level: 18
─Skills: [DEAD]
─Attributes: [DEAD]
“Why is it called a Molten Mimic? Does it copy the look of molten stuff?”
I pose my question, and Elysia looks directly at me.
“Well… It can ‘mimic’ the form of molten things, yes, like you saw it mimicked a molten golem. But it’s much more dangerous than that. Not only can they possess the skills and abilities of the subject it possesses, but they can also manipulate pure magma to their absolute will while having outlandish power. They can also absorb heat energy from their surroundings to increase their power and use it to assail you, and they tend to appear when you least expect them due to their extraordinary skill in camouflage and concealment.”
I can feel my brain melting.
“Why does it look like goo now?”
Alden, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, unexpectedly steps forward and responds to my inquiry, catching me completely off guard.
“… They don’t really have a fixed shape as they’re always mimicking something, so they change their appearance based on what they’re mimicking. However, once defeated, they revert to this form and eventually solidify into pure imitosteel.”
I glance at Alden, then back to the Molten Mimic.
“…Right…”
I can feel sweat trickling down my neck as I watch the defunct Molten Mimic.
Elysia clears her throat and speaks up.
“Anyway, let’s get going. We don’t want to be attacked by sentient lava now, do we?”
“Sentient-what now?”
“Sentient Lava. They usually spawn in volcanic areas like these. They’re basically conscious clumps of magma that can move around freely somehow. And they can shoot out beams of lava at you. But don’t worry too much about them; they aren’t too aggressive unless provoked. And they don’t really attack unless they’re threatened.”
I nod slowly, trying to process the information.
“Sounds pretty scary…”
Elysia laughs lightly as she shakes her head.
“At any rate, encountering one means we’re close to the dungeon.”
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. The heat is intense, making me sweat, never mind the thick armour I’m wearing. Elysia leads the way, her steps confident and sure as she navigates the treacherous terrain.
“Hey, do you think you’re ready for this?”
Violet asks with concern evident in her voice.
“I think so.”
I reply with uncertainty laced in my tone. I look towards Violet, seeing the worry in her eyes; She sighs softly, placing her hand gently on my shoulder.
“Don’t worry, we’ll all be here with you.”
I nod slightly, smiling faintly.
“Thanks…”
We continue walking through the canyon, passing by a few more pools of magma, and eventually arrive at a large, open area.
In the middle of the area sits a colossal volcano, its jagged peak piercing the sky like a fiery spear, emitting a deep rumble that reverberates through our bones. The intense heat radiating from the volcano warms our skin, while the vibrant colours of crimson and orange dance before our eyes, painting the landscape in a mesmerising display.
“So… this is it. Volcania. The Volcanic Dungeon.”
I stare wide-eyed at the closed entrance, unable to comprehend the sheer magnitude of its size.
The gate is huge, way taller than anything around it. Actually, it’s so huge that it makes even the biggest buildings I’ve seen look tiny. The gate is made of a material that I can only describe as smooth and polished obsidian. The way they shine and reflect light is so captivating, almost hypnotic.
The arched ceiling of the gate adds to its grandeur, resembling that of a majestic cathedral. The scorching hot ground is beautified with stalagmites, mirroring the stalactite-covered ceiling and intensifying the area.
Several glowing red cracks run along the walls, giving off a faint glow.
As Elysia approaches me, her gentle touch on my shoulder sends a wave of reassurance through me.
“Are you ready?”
“He better damn be.”
“Draven…”
With a glare from Elysia, Draven immediately stops talking. It’s strange how Draven can switch from being so arrogant and imposing to submissive with just a glare from Elysia, and it makes me wonder why that is.
“Anyway, Sora… Are you ready?”
I nod, my heart pounding with fear as I try to push down the rising panic within me.
This is my first dungeon… and I’m not ready for it.
Not by a long shot.
PART 9.5 - The First Floor:
“Woah… this place looks so cool!”
Violet twirls around as we walk through the rocky hallway. Surprisingly, there’s a soft, velvety carpet beneath our feet; unsurprisingly, it resembles fire and heat. The walls, while jagged and uneven, seem to possess inscriptions on them. Lava flows like a waterfall down the sides of the walls into… wherever it goes, while I’m here hoping it doesn’t turn into Sentient Lava and attack us. The lava seems to be the only light source if we take away the stalactites of solid magma plaguing the arched roof.
“I feel uneasy.”
“We’ve heard that too many times, Sora…”
It’s not like you even gave me a chance to choose if I wanted to go or not.
“Hey Sora, how would you feel if a monster just appeared right now~”
“Violet, please don’t. I’ve already been attacked by a molten mimic.”
“Well, we’re in a dungeon; you’re going to have to expect some creatures to appear.”
“Violet is right Sora, you’re going to have to get used to it.”
Elysia takes further steps into the dungeon, prompting everyone to do the same as we follow closely behind her.
“Oh, and if you’re thinking of turning back and running…” Elysia begins as a sudden creaking sound echoes behind me. I turn around to see the horrific sight of the gate we entered slamming shut.
“…Yeah, you can’t do that anymore.” She adds.
“Wha—”
“Come on! We’ve already gotten this far…”
Unexpectedly, Elysia approaches me and whispers in my ear.
“And it’s not like you have to worry about death…”
What? Does she know? Maybe she analysed me… But why?
My thoughts are interrupted as Elysia grabs my hand and pulls me forward, leading the group deeper into the dungeon with a determined look on her face.
So far, she seems to know more than she's letting on, but I have no choice but to trust her instincts and follow along. I know barely anything about this world, but Elysia seems confident and capable, so I'll just have to rely on her guidance for now.
After all, she did save my life back there, despite my ability to resurrect.
"Hold it."
"What is it?"
Everyone seems to freeze as Elysia abruptly stops in her tracks, her eyes fixed on something up ahead.
"I can sense a lava pit nearby."
Ember can sense lava?
"That's not really why I stopped, but thanks, Ember."
"So, why did you stop?"
"There are pressure plates hidden underneath the carpet." Alden adds.
I take a look down at the carpet and see… absolutely nothing. Maybe Alden was mistaken—
Sharp obsidian spikes suddenly emerge from the ground, reaching up to the roof. Where did those come from?
"Looks like he was right…"
Violet says as she steps back cautiously.
"What just happened?"
"I threw a rock—
—and triggered the pressure plates." Alden finishes.
"Looks like we'll have to find another way around this trap. Thanks a lot, Violet."
"Hmm… Maybe we could wait for them to retract?"
Violet suggests, eyeing the spikes warily.
Looking at the spikes, they seem to be stationary and unmoving, making it clear that they won't retract anytime soon.
"We could just destroy them, you know? It doesn't take a genius to figure that out."
Alden says before placing his bare hand on a spike, which I can only assume is blazing hot, and muttering the words "freeze."
The spike freezes instantly, allowing Alden to break it off easily.
"Now we can pass."
Alden begins walking through the icy corridor confidently, with us following closely behind, stepping over the frozen spikes without hesitation.
"Now about the lava pools. Ember, where exactly are they?"
Ember points to three positions in the hallway, prompting us to avoid them at all costs.
As we continue walking, my mind heads back to when Alden froze the spike with just a touch of his hand. It makes me wonder how I can actually get more skills, like his, to help us navigate through this dangerous dungeon more efficiently. Perhaps from rewards? Or gifts?
Well, if I wanna become strong in this world, it's definitely something I should look into.
"Oh, hey, it's another gate!"
I'm interrupted by my thoughts, and I look up to see a large gate, similar to the entrance to this dungeon, blocking our path.
"There're too many damn gates in this dungeon."
"Draven, this is only the second one. And you should be used to this by now."
"Well, I don't remember asking, Elysia. And it's still too many for my liking."
Elysia sighs, shaking her head at Draven's impatience.
"At any rate, this might be our first room."
She pushes the door open with ease, revealing a large, molten room. It's covered in magma, igneous rock, and lava. Further ahead are two paths; both seem to be blocked off by some sort of barrier, though.
Oh, wait, yeah, there's also floating bodies of fire that seem to be readying an attack on us. Not to mention the gate behind us also slammed shut when the last person entered.
"Fire spirits…"
Elysia mutters under her breath, eyeing the floating bodies of fire warily.
Before I have a chance to respond, one of the fire spirits launches a fiery projectile towards us, narrowly missing my armoured head. Seriously, why is it always me?
Another projectile flies towards me at high speeds as another fire spirit tries sneaking up behind me, its fiery hands reaching out to grab me. I barely manage to dodge both of them as I ask.
"What level are they?"
"Eighteen." Alden responds.
Well, I'm screwed.
Elysia, who had been silently preparing an attack, suddenly unleashes a powerful burst of light, engulfing the fire spirits in a blinding glow. They still live, however, and one of them ignites my arm as I try battering it with [Swift Strike]. I wince in pain but manage to land a critical hit of 45 DMG, yet it has no effect at all.
I'm really screwed. Why do they keep attacking me specifically?
Sage, who has been observing the battle from a distance, steps forward and casts a protective barrier around me, extinguishing the fire on my arm.
"They must sense your potential as a threat. Not that I know what potential you have."
Did he read my mind?
"Indeed, I did. It's clear that they see something in you that they fear."
"Like what?"
"Dunno, but behaviour like this is abnormal."
"The boy probably did something stupid."
"Violet, use your illusion to distract them for a counterattack." Alden calls out, ignoring Draven's remark.
"You know, shouting our plan out loud isn't the best of ideas."
"They don't speak Ardenian, so it doesn't matter."
"Fair point." Violet nods, focusing on creating a dazzling illusion to divert the enemy's attention.
To my surprise, it kinda worked. The spirits manipulated the lava, slowing and melting the clones, as Draven used his colossal battleaxe to cleave through the distracted enemies like butter.
How does an axe cleave through spirits… especially ones made of fire…? I guess I shouldn't question it, as long as it's working in our favour.
Most of the enemies are taken care of, but there's still the fire-ray vomiting rocks that no one has decided to take care of.
"Why hasn't anyone dealt with those fire-ray-vomiting rocks yet?"
"Because they're not worth our time?"
"But what about Sora? Surely he's having a hard time dealing with them."
"Sora can handle himself, let's focus on finishing off the remaining enemies first." Draven says, his eyes scanning the battlefield for any other threats. "We'll deal with the rocks after we secure the area."
He declares, determination in his voice. With a nod of agreement, the group turns their attention back to the enemies at hand, ready to finish the fight.
Meanwhile, I'm here trying to figure out how to avoid getting hit by those fire-ray-vomiting rocks.
I glance around, searching for any possible cover or escape route. The heat from the flames radiates towards me, making me sweat despite the cool night air. As the rocks continue to hurl their fiery projectiles, I realise that I need to come up with a plan quickly if I want to survive this onslaught. With a deep breath, I steel myself and prepare to make my move, determined to outsmart these dangerous foes.
I activate [Swift Strike] once more, hoping to do at least some damage to the rocks before they can hit me. As I dodge and weave through the chaos, I keep my eyes peeled for any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in their defences.
"Take this!"
I shout as I launch a counterattack with all my might, aiming for the weakest point in one of the rocks. With each strike, I feel a surge of adrenaline as I inch closer to victory against this formidable enemy.
Or maybe I'm just delusional. Using [Analyse], I see that I'm doing barely anything to these creatures.
« Magma Spire »
─Level: 17
─Skills: Fire Burst, Lava Ray, Self Destruct, Magma Barrage
─Attributes: HP: 7,472 / 7,634 | MP: 800 / 950 | DEF: 75 | M DEF: 120 | STR: 60 | M STR: 60 | SPD: 0
It has way too much HP and DEF for me to make a significant impact with my current attacks.
"Guys, I think I need help!"
"Violet comes to the rescue!"
Before I can realise it, Violet swoops in with an intaginable-looking, black and purple scythe. With a swift motion, she unleashes a powerful slash attack downward that deals massive damage to the Magma Spire, significantly weakening it.
It's HP went from 7,472 to 68 with that one attack.
"Thanks for the HP fire-ray-vomiting rocks! Sora, you finish the job; you'll get EXP if you do~"
I nod slightly before unleashing a barrage of punches at the weakened Magma Spire, causing it to crumble into pieces with a satisfying crash.
« 2,250 ASSIST EXP GAINED »
« Progress To Next Level: 3,863 / 6,200 EXP] »
Turning around, I notice that the rest of the enemies have already been defeated. The battlefield is now quiet, with only the sound of crackling flames and bubbling lava in the distance.
"Soo… What do we do now?"
How did I not die?
"Look around. The barriers have vanished, so we can now proceed further into the dungeon."
Please no.
"Just tell us which way to go already, I don't have all day."
"Alright, Draven, if you don't have all day, why don't you choose?"
"Fine, I'll take the lead. Let's head towards the left." Draven says confidently, as we follow him deeper into the dungeon.
Ahead were more traps, like terrifying lava geysers and more obsidian spikes. I somehow made it through two rooms, unsure of how. Now, we're having a debate about which way to go, our voices bouncing off the old stone walls.
One choice is a treasure-looking room, another is a room full of even more magma monsters, and the third: there's a corridor going up to who knows where.
"Uh, which way do we go now?"
"To the stairs, obviously." Alden states, pointing to the corridor leading upwards. "It'll take us to the second floor… Where things will start getting interesting…"
That doesn't sound fun—
"There's no need to be scared, Sora, we'll protect you." He adds, looking at me with a confident yet slightly indifferent expression.
Elysia rolls her eyes, clearly not impressed with Alden's attempt at reassurance.
"I'll take the lead; just follow me and stay close." She says, stepping forward confidently towards the corridor. As we follow her, I can't help but wonder what challenges await us on the second floor.
I just hope it doesn't get harder from here.
PART 10 - Against the Scorching Serpent:
At the top of the staircase lies a spacious chamber featuring four orangey-red-hued pillars arranged in a square formation at the centre. The floor is reflective and looks like it has a lava-related magic circle design in the middle.
Another two paths, which are closed off by more barriers, lie ahead of where we came in and to the left. Though the left one seems to be walled off this time.
As Sage crosses through the threshold to this imposing room, the arched gate we used to get in slams shut once more.
The torches on the walls light up the room, causing shadows to dance around the pillars. The air smells like sulphur, making the room feel even more unsettling.
I glance around and spot intriguing carvings on the walls showing battles and ceremonies. The sound of bubbling lava echoes in the chamber, creating an eerie ambience that sends shivers down my spine.
“What is this place…?” I ask.
Alden and Teris turn to me, along with the rest of the group.
“This place… is where things start to get harder, especially for you.”
Oh. So things do get worse. That’s a bit unsettling for me.
Violet’s playful visage doesn’t change as she runs around the room like a child in a playground, seemingly unfazed by the ominous surroundings.
“This place is so huuuuge!”
As she twirls around, her laughter fills the chamber, providing a severe contrast to the tension in the air.
“Why hasn’t anything happened yet?”
“Something has to be activated… And I assume Violet is going to be the one to do it.”
We all turn to Violet, who’s looking down on a glowing inscription on the floor, with a curious expression on her face.
“Guys, I just stepped on this weird inscription; what do you think it means?” Violet asks, her voice echoing in the chamber.
Suddenly, a low, rumbling noise fills the chamber, causing the walls to shake. The inscription beneath Violet’s feet starts glowing even brighter in response to her 'unintentional' activation.
The barrier blocking the path ahead of us is starting to fade away, revealing perpetual darkness.
“Oh? Did I start the battle~?” Her voice echoes with a suggestive tone as she teases with a mischievous grin, clearly enjoying the chaos she’s caused.
“Violet… You’re likely to get Sora killed at this rate…” Elysia warns, her eyes narrowing in concern as she looks at Violet.
“Everyone get as far away from the gate as possible!”
Why am I hearing boss music all of a sudden?
The ground trembles beneath our feet, and like a train barrelling down the tracks, a massive serpent-like creature emerges from the darkness. Its snake-eyes lock onto us with a hunger that sends shivers down my spine.
Save for the bulges of lava leaking from its pores, it's made of igneous rock, firey scales that are a deep shade of orange, and molten magma
“What in the world is that!?” I yell, my heart pounding in my chest as I realise the danger we are facing.
I hear Elysia’s voice cutting through the chaos.
“It’s a scorching serpent, the first boss of this dungeon.”
Why am I in such a high-level dungeon? I feel so unprepared for this.
The ground shakes as the fiery serpent roars, getting ready to attack.
“Get ready, it’s going to attack!”
A blinding beam of searing light erupts from its gaping maw, its scorching heat singeing the air as it hurtles towards me. It’s way too fast for me to dodge. I brace myself for impact, hoping my armour will protect me from the scorching heat.
Instead of feeling searing pain, I gather my courage to watch in amazement as Ember effortlessly splits the beam with her bare hand.
“You’re weak, Sora.”
Ember’s voice resonates with unwavering calmness, her gaze unwaveringly locked onto the serpentine menace.
“Sora, do what you were made for.”
“What I'm made for?”
“Offer yourself as bait.”
…Eh?
The beam vanishes, and Ember eases her shoulders slightly, but her determined gaze remains locked on the serpent, a silent dare in her eyes.
As it charges at her, a fireball suddenly materialises in her hand, directly aimed at the serpent’s head. With a swift motion, she hurls it towards the creature, causing it to recoil in pain.
The serpent hisses angrily, but Ember stands her ground, ready for whatever comes next.
As I use [Analyse], I realise I’m not ready for this dungeon. I should have tried to persuade the party to choose an easier dungeon.
« Serpent of Molten Fire »
─Level: 17
─Skills: Siren Screech, Lava Ray, Magma Bomb… [TOO ADVANCED FOR CURRENT SKILL LEVEL]
─Attributes: HP: 30,330 / 32,000 | MP: 9980 / 10000 | DEF: 325 | M DEF: 225| STR: 230 | M STR: 360 | SPD: 56
“Draven! Now would be the best time to strike it while it’s on Ember!” Elysia says as she forms a weapon of pure light in her hand. The serpent lunges forward, its fangs bared, and Ember braces herself for the impending attack.
“You don’t have to tell me twice!”
Draven responds, raising his colossal battleaxe and charging towards the serpent with determination.
Sage comes in and places a healing aura on Ember, boosting her HP and providing protection against the serpent’s attack.
Then there’s me, the weak one amongst them, trying to find a way to contribute to the battle despite my limited abilities.
I really wish I were stronger…
Draven’s battle cry echoes through the clearing as he swings his axe with incredible force, striking the serpent’s vulnerable underbelly. The serpent recoils in pain, giving Elysia an opening to deliver a powerful blow with her weapon of light.
When checking out my status, I noticed earlier that I retain information from Analyse indefinitely. This seems to be true, as I notice the health change from 30,330 to 25,237.
Suddenly, I feel a bit of hope that I won’t perish again, at least not so soon.
“Violet—
“I know what to do!”
That’s mildly concerning, but I trust her instincts.
“Umbral Barrage!” She shouts as she unleashes a flurry of dark energy beams at the serpent, weakening its defences.
The creature groans in pain but quickly strikes back with a fierce counterattack. In a flash, Alden leaps ahead of me, using a metallic wall to shield me from the attack.
“You alright?” He asks, his concern clear in his tone. I nod, genuinely grateful for his protection.
And just when I think things couldn’t get any worse, the ground beneath us begins shaking violently. The floor cracks slowly, with small chunks of the ground breaking off from the rest of the ground.
Between each crevice is molten lava, and it seems to be rising.
“Uhh, guys?” I stammer, pointing to the growing pool of lava. I notice Alden’s eyes narrowing as he evaluates the situation.
“It would be wise for us to get on a platform before it’s too late.”
He scans the room, noticing the fragmented ground, before swiftly leaping onto one of the pieces. We all do the same, but on different platforms. And like an idiot, I choose a vacant one, only to realise I don’t have any protection.
The serpent roars loudly as it rises from the lava, its scales glinting in the dim chamber light. In that split second, panic surges through me like a tidal wave. I scramble desperately, searching for something—anything—to shield myself from the impending doom. But the ground beneath me is crumbling, and there’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
The serpent’s fiery maw comes crashing down towards me, and I can feel the heat radiating off its scaly skin. Panic surges through me as I realise I’m about to be flattened into a pancake and then tossed into a lava bath.
But just when it seems like all hope is lost, Elysia swoops in like a guardian angel, her weapon of light gleaming as she intercepts the serpent’s attack, blinding it for a brief moment before releasing a beam of red darkness at its core.
With a deft movement, she redirects the creature’s momentum, sparing me from becoming serpent sushi.
“It’s on the walls—
“Elysia, watch out!” I yell, as the serpent’s tail whips towards her with alarming speed. She barely manages to dodge it, but the force of the impact sends her stumbling dangerously close to the edge of her platform.
“Thanks for the heads up.” She says, her voice strained with effort as she regains her balance. “We need to stay focused and work together to take this thing down.”
I nod, trying to keep my fear in check as I watch the serpent’s movements, searching for any opportunity to strike back.
Meanwhile, Draven charges forward, his battleaxe raised high, as he prepares to deliver a crushing blow to the serpent’s head.
“Here it comes!”
He shouts as he swings his weapon with all his might.
The serpent hisses angrily, but before it can retaliate, Alden steps in, conjuring a barrier of ice to deflect its attack.
However, the effect doesn’t last long as the Serpent breaks free and releases a barrage of searing hot embers from its scales, showering the battlefield with fiery projectiles that explode on impact. But it doesn’t stop there; an orange protective barrier cocoons it like cloth over a fragile vase, shielding it from Alden's attacks.
"Watch out! The embers are highly volatile and can cause serious burns." Alden warns.
But Ember simply stops their movements and absorbs them like it's nothing, leaving me surprised at her incredible control over fire.
Teris, the archer who's been watching from another platform, quickly takes aim and fires a precise shot at the serpent, but the arrow is deflected by the protective barrier, bouncing harmlessly off its shimmering surface.
"But how will we deal with its shield?"
"Doesn't Violet have a shield-penetrating skill?"
"Oh? You mean [Shatterstrike]?"
"Exactly, that should do the trick."
The serpent charges at Violet, who places her hand out in front of her, channelling her energy into the [Shatterstrike] skill.
With a powerful thrust, the shield around the serpent shatters, and Violet's attack pierces its eye, possibly even going straight to its brain.
"Critical hit!"
She celebrates for a moment before quickly dodging the serpent's retaliatory strike as it lets out a deafening screech while it writhes in pain, its movements becoming more erratic as it slowly weakens.
It slithers against the walls, occasionally biting at us with its vicious fangs while also using what I can assume is its [Lava Ray] skill. We all (besides Ember, who's currently bathing in the rising lava for some reason) try to evade its attack while trying to stay on the platforms.
"It's almost dead!" I call out, hoping to be free of this mess as soon as possible.
With less than 1,000 HP left in its health, it is now open to a last-minute attack. Knowing that one more well-placed blow will finally take down the snake, Violet gets ready for the final move.
Violet inhales deeply and discharges obsidian shards from her fingertips at the serpent's head, knowing that this will be the finishing blow. Elysia further immobilises the serpent by encircling its body with light spikes, preventing any chance of escape.
The snake lets out one final, feeble attempt at striking back before finally succumbing to the combined attacks of Violet and Elysia.
The serpent glows a vibrant gold and green hue as an innumerable number of tiny orbs take its place as it vanishes into thin air.
EXP! I can level up with this!
The orbs dance around all of us, shimmering and pulsating with energy, before merging with our hearts in a mystical display. A medolic 'ding' rings out as text floats in front of me; I assume only I can see it, as I can't see the others.
« 10,000 SHARED EXP GAINED »
« +1 LEVEL GAINED [Prog. To Next: 7,763 / 9,600 EXP] »
« +1 SKILL POINT GAINED, +2 ATTRIBUTE POINTS GAINED »
Huh… Only one level… And shared EXP? Is it split amongst everyone? Considering there are eight people here, the original amount would be 80,000 if I'm right...
…
I was robbed of 80,000 EXP?!
… Actually I didn't do much, so that's fair.
I'm torn between feeling relieved and a bit disappointed that I almost died a lot and didn't really do much to help.
The lava in the space sinks and recedes into the inscriptions that started this whole battle, and I turn to see a nude Ember standing there, licking the back of her hand, as if she doesn't care at all about her current state of undress. I quickly avert my eyes, feeling a bit awkward at the unexpected sight.
"Hey… Sora?" Draven takes a few menacing strides forward. "Your weakness is despicable; I'm annoyed that Elysia hasn't abandoned you to wither away. I guess I'll tell you this now: for someone as low of a level as you, joining this guild will be your biggest mistake."
I look up at Draven with an expression of fear as his words cut through me like a knife. The realisation that my own guild member sees me as weak and useless is a harsh blow to my confidence.
But then I remember Ember's words: "You're weak, Sora."
This cycle of doubt and fear is toxic, and I need to break free from it. But how can I if I'm so weak and useless in the eyes of my own guild members?
"Sora, Alden would like to speak to you." Sage's voice interrupts my thoughts, and I nod.
As I step towards Alden in the chamber, I notice Elysia watching me with a curious expression, perhaps wondering what will transpire between Alden and me. But my mind also ponders over Draven's words: "for someone as low of a level as you, joining this guild will be your biggest mistake."
What could Draven possibly mean by that? Is there some truth to his words, or is he just trying to sow doubt in my mind? Either way, I must stay strong and prove myself worthy of being a member of this guild.
Once I reach Alden, Sage appears to be accompanying him, and I can feel my anxiety rising. I take a deep breath and prepare myself for whatever conversation is about to take place.
"Sora, Sage talked to me about the monsters targeting you specifically, which is a strange and rare occurrence. We have decided to task Sage with increasing your protection and providing additional support to ensure your safety."
"I see, thank you for this."
"You're welcome… We don't want you getting hurt, that'll be bad for us…"
Us?
The mention of "us" piques my curiosity, but I decide not to press further at the moment. Instead, I focus on the reassurance that Alden and Sage are taking steps to keep me safe.
"Guys, the path hasn't opened!" exclaimed Violet.
"What?!"
Alden, Elysia, Draven, and I quickly gather around the sealed route, exchanging concerned glances and fidgeting with their gear in frustration. Draven attempts to force it open, but it remains stubbornly shut.
"Why won't the damn thing budge?!"
"It's probably because we haven't actually deactivated the barrier."
"That actually makes… sense… Ember? Where are your clothes?"
Sage, Alden, Draven—surprisingly—and I all look away in embarrassment. Well, I'm not entirely sure about Draven's reaction.
"They burned in the lava."
"How exactly? Isn't your armour resistant to extreme temperatures?"
"You're right. I took them off to bathe."
A heavy, uncomfortable silence fell over the group, the only sound being the crackling of the nearby fire. She bathes in lava? That's unbelievable, even for her.
"Why did you feel the need to do it now, of all times, especially after such a stressful battle?" I hear Violet asking.
"I felt the need too."
I'm not sure if she's being serious or sarcastic. Either way, I don't think I want to know the answer.
"Well, at least put some clothes on."
There's a brief silence before the sound of some sort of fabric and steel clinking together, followed by a heavy sighs, reaches my ears.
"Is this good enough for you?"
We turn around to see Ember back in her usual fiery attire. I question if she will ever fully understand the concept of modesty, but then again, it's not like we have time to worry about that now.
"Yeah. I think we can continue our predicament now… You said it's because we haven't deactivated the barrier, right?" Elysia steps closer to Ember.
Ember nods, her expression serious.
"Yes, that's correct."
"I activated it!"
Can Violet teleport? How did she get to the centre so quickly without any of us realising it?
All of a sudden, the ground shakes, and a loud, rumbling noise echoes through the room. We all turn to the walled-off route, watching as the wall begins to open.
"Finally, we're gonna be out of this room…" I mutter to myself.
As the wall slowly opens, revealing a new path ahead, we all breathe a sigh of relief.
I linger behind the group, my eyes fixated on a bunch of glittering, orange crystals scattered across the chamber floor, particularly around where the serpent perished. As everyone starts to move towards the newly revealed path, I quickly scoop up as many crystals as possible, not minding the extreme temperature, and stuff them into my pockets.
With my pockets filled with blazing hot crystals, I finally tear my gaze away from the ground and hurry to catch up with the group. As I approach them, I can't shake off the feeling of guilt weighing heavily on my chest. They probably think I'm useless; honestly, I can't blame them.
Eventually, I catch up with the rest of the group, who are waiting for me with patient smiles on their faces.
"Sorry for being useless back there." I mumble, feeling guilty for not contributing much to the battle.
"Nonsense, Sora." Elysia says with a reassuring smile. "You did your best, and that's all anyone can ask for."
"Yeah, it's not like any of us expected you to be a pro on your first dungeon run."
I nod, attempting to shake off the persistent feeling of inadequacy eating away at me. They're just being nice because they feel sorry for me, I tell myself. They don't really think I'm capable of anything.
But deep down, I know that's not true. They wouldn't have let me join their guild if they didn't believe in me, right?
After a few moments of walking, we finally arrive at a moderately sized chest perched beside a jagged rocky wall. It's sturdy-looking, adorned with intricate carvings, and glowing faintly with a soft, warm light.
As we get closer to the chest, I feel excitement building up inside me like bubbles in a soda can. We’ve been through so much already, and now, finally, it’s time to reap the rewards of our hard-fought victory.
I share a glance with Alden, receiving a comforting nod from him. It's weird how he often knows what I'm thinking, like he can see right through me.
"Ready to see what we've earned?" He asks.
I nod, my pulse pumping with anticipation. We all gather around the chest, eager to uncover its contents.
Violet extends her hand and cautiously raises the lid, unveiling the contents within. There are a few items inside: moonstones, sunstones, elixirs, and a strange tome-like object.
Beneath them all rests a golden, scale-covered sphere enveloped in fiery shards and topped with a golden crown.
"No way… is that what I think it is?" She asks, barely able to contain her excitement.
A collective gasp fills the air as everyone, in genuine surprise and awe, beholds the ornate ball before us.
"What exactly is that?"
"That's an Emberic Serpentine Core." Alden says, his voice filled with awe. "It's an incredibly rare and valuable item."
My eyes widen in disbelief.
"Wait, seriously? How rare are we talking here?"
"According to the dungeon's drop rates, it has a 0.013% chance of appearing." Elysia explains, her tone tinged with amazement.
Alden nods, confirming the rarity of the Emberic Serpentine Core.
"It's also extremely valuable, as here is one of the only places you can find it. People pay a fortune for it in the market." The realisation of the item's worth sinks in, making me appreciate its presence even more.
I see Violet's eyes light up with greed as she looks at the Emberic Serpentine Core, already thinking about the money she could make. Not just Violet, but Draven and Teris too.
"Guys, hold up." Draven interjects, his voice tinged with eagerness. "Shouldn't we, like, pause our progress or something? I mean, we've hit the jackpot here."
Violet nods in agreement, her mind already calculating the potential profit.
"He's got a point. This could set us up for a long time."
"I agree; maybe we should—" I try speaking up, but Elysia shakes her head as she interrupts me.
"I understand where you're coming from, but I think we should keep moving forward. We can't let this distract us from our main goal."
"I agree with Elysia. We've come this far, and we shouldn't let a lucky find derail our plans. Let's keep pushing forward." Alden steps in, his voice calm and steady.
I can feel the group starting to sway towards Elysia and Alden's side, but there's still some hesitation lingering in the air.
"But think about it, guys. With this core, we could—"
"I understand your point, Violet, but let's focus on the task at hand. We can discuss what to do with the core once we've completed our mission."
Violet pouts but ultimately nods in agreement, knowing when to pick her battles.
Elyisa takes the core and presumably stores it in her inventory.
"Alright then, now that that's settled, let's get moving!"
I sigh as I walk behind the group, still thinking about the choice we just made. Why do I have to keep going further into this dungeon? Why can't I just say I don't want to go on?
We keep moving through the dungeon. I'm not ready for what the next miniboss may be; I don't think I will ever be ready for it.
