As they walked through the winding corridors of the dungeon, Zoe couldn't help but ask, "Are these types of rooms common in dungeons?"

Roman thought for a moment before replying, "I've heard of them a few times, but never paid them much attention since I wasn't cursed myself. Dungeons are magical places, though. All sorts of things can happen here."

Zoe nodded thoughtfully and continued, "I'll ask you something."

Roman looked at her expectantly, silently urging her to go on.

"What's going on up there that made you come down and ask for your aunt's help? What kind of mess is there in your family, exactly?"

Roman hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'd rather show you when we get upstairs than tell you. But I can tell you that there's a power conflict at the heart of it."

Zoe could sense the tension in Roman's voice and decided not to push the issue further. Instead, she changed the subject, "I have to wait in a dark room for 30 days for my next card to activate. Is that okay with you? It sounds like you're in a bit of a hurry."

Roman shook his head, "No, that's okay. While we are in a bit of a hurry, the stronger you become, the better it will be for both of us. So don't worry too much about our time here."

With a deep breath, Zoe and Roman entered the next room. The ominous symbol on the door made Zoe's heart race, but she tried to focus on the task at hand. She drew her weapons and braced herself for whatever lay ahead.

 

The room was filled with enemies, humanoid creatures with twisted features, and grotesque figures. Zoe sprang into action, using her shadow-based skills to dart around the room with lightning-fast speed. She didn't feel the need to summon her mimic, she was confident in her abilities to take on the enemies alone.

 

With each strike and dodge, Zoe felt more and more in control of the situation. Her skills were becoming sharper and more precise with each battle. Roman watched with admiration as Zoe fought, feeling interested in her progress.

 

After the battle was over, they searched the room and found a glittering gemstone that pulsed with a light within. Roman recognized it as a philosopher's stone, a rare and valuable item.

 

"I knew these stones were found in the abyss, but I didn't expect to find them in the dungeons. The cards are made with these, right?" Zoe asked.

 

"You know a lot for someone who has lost their memory," Roman laughed. "Of course, cards are made with these, but there are many other things that can be done with these stones, such as weapons, armor, jewelry, and all kinds of magical items you can think of."

 

Zoe smiled, clutching the stone tightly in her hand. "Then it must be something of value."

 

"Yes, it's much more valuable now, especially if you consider that the whole Abyss has been depleted," Roman replied. "If you find a few more, you can get yourself some nice items upstairs."

 

Zoe's eyes widened with excitement. She had a renewed sense of purpose and determination, knowing that the items she found in the dungeon could greatly benefit her in their journey.

 

With the philosopher's stone secured in her pocket, they continued further into the dungeon. As they entered the next room, Zoe's senses heightened, and she immediately knew something was off.

 

She took a few steps forward, but her instincts told her to stop. She noticed that the tiles on the floor were uneven and discolored, and there was an eerie silence that filled the room.

 

"Roman, something isn't right," she said, gesturing to the floor. "The tiles look different. And it's too quiet in here."

 

Roman followed her gaze and quickly realized what was happening. "It's a trap," he said, his voice filled with concern. "Be careful, Zoe."

 

As soon as he spoke, the room began to shake. The sound of stone grinding against stone filled the air, and a section of the wall began to move. Zoe quickly stepped back, sensing that something dangerous was about to happen.

 

Suddenly, a barrage of spears and arrows shot out from hidden alcoves in the walls, but Zoe and Roman were already out of the way. They danced and dodged around the room, avoiding the deadly projectiles as they made their way to the other side.

 

The traps continued to fire, but Zoe's instincts and quick reflexes allowed her to avoid them with ease. Roman was impressed by her agility and ability to stay calm in such a dangerous situation.

 

As they reached the other side of the room, they were relieved to find that the traps had stopped. Zoe let out a sigh of relief, her heart pounding in her chest.

 

"That was too close," she said, looking at Roman. "We need to be more careful."

 

Roman nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. We don't want to take any unnecessary risks."

 

Zoe entered the first room alone, weapons drawn and senses heightened. The room was dimly lit, but she could make out the shadows of several humanoid creatures lurking in the corners.

 

Without hesitation, Zoe launched into action, moving swiftly and silently across the room. She leaped into the air, striking down the nearest enemy with a fierce blow from her weapon.

 

The creatures fought back with equal ferocity, and Zoe found herself dodging and weaving to avoid their razor-sharp claws and teeth. She managed to land several blows, but not without taking a few hits herself.

 

As the battle raged on, Zoe could feel her strength beginning to wane. She knew she couldn't continue fighting like this for much longer. With a quick movement, she reached into her bag and pulled out a health potion, quickly downing it to replenish her energy and mend her wounds.

 

Feeling refreshed and re-energized, Zoe plunged back into the fray, her movements more fluid and precise than before. She struck down her remaining enemies with ease, her shadow-based skills making her a formidable opponent. When she killed the monsters in the room, she noticed two health potions on the floor.

 

After taking a moment to catch her breath and assess her surroundings, Zoe moved on to the next room. This time, she was greeted by a group of heavily armored monsters, their weapons glinting in the dim light.

 

This battle was even more intense than the last, and Zoe found herself taking even more hits than before. She could feel her energy is dropping rapidly, and knew she needed to act fast.

 

With a quick movement, she reached into her bag and pulled out another health potion, quickly downing it to replenish her energy and mend her wounds.

 

Feeling invigorated once again, Zoe launched into action, using her shadow skills to dart around the room with lightning-fast speed. She managed to land several blows on her enemies, dodging their attacks with ease.

 

Finally, after what felt like hours, Zoe emerged victorious once again, her body bruised and battered but her spirit strong and unbroken. She searched the room and found three health potions and another philosopher's stone, which she added to her growing collection.

 

With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Zoe and Roman moved on to the final room. As they approached, Zoe could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that whatever lay ahead would be their greatest challenge yet.

 

Zoe took a deep breath and looked at the door in front of her. It was ornate and imposing, covered in ancient runes and symbols that seemed to glow with an otherworldly light.

 

She knew that this was the boss room, the final challenge that lay between her and the treasure and glory that awaited her. But before she could enter, she needed to take a break. The battles leading up to this point had taken a toll on her, and she needed to wait for some of her spells cooldowns, before she could enter the room with full strength.

 

Roman joined her as she rested, and they discussed Zoe's progress so far. Roman complimented her on her skills and abilities, noting that she had become a fierce warrior and a force to be reckoned with.

 

Zoe smiled at the praise, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. But then, she decided to ask Roman about Cain, wanting to know more about the conflict that had brought them to this place.

 

Zoe confronted Roman with a question that had been weighing heavily on her mind. "I feel like you had something to do with me being thrown into the Abyss, am I wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

 

Roman wasn't entirely surprised that Zoe had come to this conclusion. He had been hesitant to reveal anything about her past, especially given her reputation as the Noble Slayer. But after spending time with her, he found himself growing sympathetic to her and decided to come clean.

 

"Well, yes. I do have a little to do with it," he admitted.

 

Zoe's heart sank as her fears were confirmed. "I understood that much already. Supposedly, the entire Abyss belongs to your family. My main question is, do you know someone named Cain?" she asked, getting straight to the point.

 

Roman nodded solemnly. "Yes. He was the one who came to me and said he was going to throw you in here."

 

Zoe's heart raced as the full gravity of the situation sank in. "And did he say why?" she asked, hoping for some explanation.

 

"No. I immediately agreed because I thought I'd get rid of a threat like you. But I also told him not to dismantle your cyberdeck. I have my own evil plans, you know," Roman explained, his voice tinged with a hint of regret.

 

Zoe couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Didn't you ask why? Don't you know anything else about this Cain?" she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

 

"I didn't ask. Cain was a nobody when he came to me. Although if I knew who he would become as a result of these events, I would never have approved of this deal. After seeing the chaos it caused, I think maybe that's why he betrayed you," Roman replied, his voice heavy with regret.

 

Zoe couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and confusion. "What do you mean? Are you talking about the card he stole from me? What kind of chaos is he causing?" she asked, her voice shaking with emotion.

 

"Yeah, he took your card and caused a lot of chaos. I wish I'd asked for your card in return when I let him throw you here, but you didn't use it that often. Maybe you were hiding how strong you were?" Roman said with a hint of sarcasm.

 

Zoe felt a pang of frustration at Roman's attitude. "What exactly is this card? I've been wondering that for a long time too. Is this card really that powerful, enough to betray someone?" she asked, hoping for a straight answer.

 

"It is a legendary metal bending card. Now Cain has the power to lay this whole cybernetic world at his feet," Roman explained, his voice grave.

 

Zoe's mind raced as she tried to wrap her head around the implications of Roman's words. "Metal bending? That's what my card does?" she asked, trying to understand the full extent of her own power.

 

Roman nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, it's a very rare and powerful ability. And now, with Cain in possession of it, who knows what he's capable of?"

 

Zoe clenched her fists, feeling a surge of determination rising within her. "I need to get that card back. I can't let him use it, and he will also pay for what he did to me" she said, her voice firm.

 

Zoe's spells had fully recharged, and the adrenaline was pumping through her veins as she rose to her feet. The memory of Cain's betrayal fueled her anger, and she was eager to face the Boss and claim the treasure that lay beyond it.

 

"Let me take care of that boss as soon as possible. I have work to do upstairs," she said, her voice laced with determination.

 

Roman laughed in approval, admiring Zoe's spirit. "That's the spirit," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

 

Zoe felt a small sense of satisfaction at the praise, but her mind was focused on the task ahead. She summoned her katana and tightened her grip on it, and with a fierce battle cry, charged into the room to face the Boss.