After retrieving Aqua from his vigil at the outer defenses, Thorian led the ensemble towards the Verdant Labyrinth with deliberate haste. Upon nearing the portal, he paused, casting a backward glance at his companions. "Given our numerous ventures into this dungeon, I shall be succinct. Exercise caution and resist the urge to hasten unduly. A lapse in vigilance might see one of the boys ensnared by the quicksand."
At his words, Little Roo and James visibly tensed, whereas Robert offered a light chuckle in response.
Aqua, ever the stoic, replied with a gravity that belied the lightness of their journey. "Do not worry, my king. I am ever diligent in such matters."
Thorian offered a nod of acknowledgment, his trust in Aqua unwavering. Then, turning to Nox and Tristan, he beckoned them closer. Tristan's expression, a tableau of confusion, prompted an explanation. "In these dungeons, our bond must be tangible, lest we find ourselves cast adrift in disparate realms."
"Realms?" Tristan's skepticism was palpable, his brow arching in curiosity.
Thorian's laughter, light and knowing, filled the air. "Words will not be enough to explain this matter. Come, see for yourselves."
Thus, with Nox clasped in his right hand and Tristan in his left, Thorian led them through the ancient tree's embrace, emerging within the verdant embrace of the Labyrinth. Tristan, confronted with the alien flora and undulating terrain, could only utter a breath of astonishment. "What sorcery is this? We stand worlds apart from where we began."
“This is a dungeon,” Nox said with a chuckle. “I don’t really understand it well myself, but it’s like a different world. The moment you step into the entrance, you are magically transported.”
"How fascinating," Tristan remarked, his attention captivated by the new surroundings. The terrain's bioluminescence, along with the vibrant fungi and flora, left him utterly mesmerized.
Rousing Tristan from his stupor, Thorian outlined his strategy. "As we stand at the first layer of the dungeon, I'll assume a supportive stance. This presents an excellent chance for you to refine your abilities," he directed, his gaze locking onto Tristan. Turning to Nox, he added, "And for you, it's an opportunity to shake off any rust."
"I've been itching for this. Don't even think of stepping in," Nox retorted with a smirk, his confidence palpable. "It's been too long since I've had a proper fight."
"I'll leave you to your enjoyment," Thorian said with a laugh.
With that, the trio ventured swiftly through the dungeon. Nox, having advanced his class and mastered his shadow manipulation technique, found the first layer's monsters no match for his prowess. His new short sword easily penetrated the armored beetles' shells, and his agility allowed him to evade the fungi traps with ease.
Tristan, too, displayed commendable skill. His movements, both deliberate and fluid, enabled him to vanquish each monster he encountered, ensuring he was no burden to the shadowstalker kobold.
Thorian, meanwhile, offered support from the rear, utilizing his Earth Spikes and Water Prison. Although this expedition served primarily as practice for Nox and Tristan, he seized the opportunity to enhance his mastery of these two abilities.
Soon, they arrived at the first layer's guardian—a seemingly simple fungal bear. As the creature roared defiantly, Thorian offered his companions calm directives. "Nox, you know what to do. Tristan, exercise caution. That beast can hurl poisonous spores. You'll regret their touch. Wait for the right moment to strike."
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"Don't worry, I've got this," Tristan replied, brandishing his sword with a confident smile. His eyes sparkled with resolve as he fixed his gaze on the adversary.
Meanwhile, Nox charged towards the guardian with astonishing velocity. As he approached, the Fungal Bear released a cloud of spores in a defensive reflex. Unperturbed, Nox grinned, seamlessly melding into the shadows at his feet.
Simultaneously, Tristan seized his chance, employing his charge skill to materialize beside the Fungal Bear. His blade emanated a radiant blue aura. With a swift, elegant motion, he delivered three consecutive strikes, each blow forcing spores and fungi to erupt from the guardian's grievous wounds.
The Fungal Bear's agony-filled roar echoed as Nox reemerged behind it. His shadows morphed into lethal barbed tendrils, which he then drove through the guardian's body, ensuring a swift and decisive end.
"Congratulations, adventurers," the familiar voice intoned, "You have vanquished the Guardian of the First Layer, the Fungal Bear. You've shown strength, courage, and exceptional teamwork. The treasure of this layer is yours to claim."
As the Fungal Bear's form dissolved into a myriad of colorful particles, a treasure chest materialized in its place. Tristan's eyebrows arched in wonder at the sight. "How magical," he exclaimed.
"Well done," Thorian praised, clapping his hands as he joined them. He turned to Tristan, "You've successfully navigated your first dungeon. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Tristan replied with a light laugh. "Defeating such formidable foes is exhilarating. The goblins and monsters that were back in Locksley pale in comparison."
"We're only just beginning," Nox said with a chuckle. "The guardian of the next layer is even stronger. It's larger than a house!"
"I'm eager to face it," Tristan said, smiling.
With that, the party distributed the rewards between Nox and Tristan, acknowledging their significant contributions. After exiting the dungeon, they ventured forth into the second layer. This new phase mirrored the first in many ways, with slightly stronger monsters that posed no real challenge to Nox and Tristan. Thorian continued to offer support, focusing on refining his mastery of two particular skills.
Upon reaching the entrance to the golden grotto, Thorian chose to address the group. "We are about to confront the guardian of this layer," he announced. "Given its formidable power, I'll bolster you with my defensive skill."
Activating his Lord Aegis ability, Thorian enveloped Nox and Tristan in a protective golden barrier. "This skill is most effective against elemental attacks, but it will still offer substantial protection against a foe of this caliber."
"Thank you, Thorian," Tristan said, examining the shield encasing him with awe. "Having this skill safeguarding me truly boosts my confidence."
"Do not be reckless," Thorian cautioned. "That creature secretes acid. It would be prudent to avoid contact."
"I'll bear that in mind," Tristan confirmed with a nod.
Returning Tristan's nod, Thorian directed his attention to Nox. "Aim for its joints and neck; those areas are less armored. And make sure to leverage your weapon's passive skill effectively."
"Don't worry, I've got this," Nox assured, his smile confident as he brandished his short sword.
With those final instructions, Nox and Tristan charged into the grotto, confronting the awakened gilded spiketail. The guardian, with a terrifying hiss, charged at them, its hundred legs propelling it forward and steel-like mandibles gaping.
Nox, unfazed, vanished into his shadow to evade the attack, while Tristan met the charge with his swordsmanship. Despite his efforts, Tristan's strikes couldn't halt the guardian's advance, but Thorian's shield held strong against the spiketail's mandibles.
In a blink, Nox reappeared behind the spiketail, his sword poised for attack. He delivered swift, precise slashes to its armored neck, burrowing into the creature's flesh.
The guardian's roars of agony echoed as Nox intensified his onslaught, his blade now shrouded in shadows, relentlessly striking the flailing spiketail.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Tristan stepped up his attack. His sword, glowing with a blue aura, landed three forceful strikes beneath the beast's mandibles.
Under the relentless barrage from both front and back, the gilded spiketail's strength waned until its body stilled, dissolving into luminous specks as the dungeon's voice heralded their triumph.