As the party descended the staircase, the atmosphere grew heavy with an oppressive chill that seemed to seep into their bones. The dungeon's walls on the third floor were lined with ancient murals depicting scenes of battle and despair, each telling a grim tale of past conflicts.
Emberfang, sensing the ominous presence ahead, growled softly, his fur bristling with unease. Serenity walked along cautiously, the gentle glow of her light magic casting eerie shadows on the walls. Blane adjusted his armor, his expression stoic yet alert. Seth, ever confident, cracked his knuckles, a smirk playing on his lips despite the tension in the air.
Noah's senses tingled with a mix of apprehension and determination. "This feels different," he muttered, eyes scanning the corridor ahead.
"It's the aura of undeath," Serenity whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant echoes.
“The map didn’t contain any information past floor one. So, we’re in the dark now. Be ready, everyone,” Noah cautioned.
They pressed forward cautiously, navigating through twisting corridors lined with ancient pillars and flickering torches. The air grew colder with every step, the silence broken only by the faint echoes of their footsteps and the occasional distant moan of spectral winds.
The murals now contained images of a dark knight wielding a big two-handed black sword. His armor was pitch black and reflected the light slightly as if coated in obsidian stone. His eyes gleamed with an otherworldly red glow. He had a long red-haired plume that flowed behind his helm as he moved in the pictures.
Suddenly, Noah swears the images start to move as they watch them. Turning their heads, the images follow them as the party walks further down the corridor.
As they reached a large chamber at the heart of the floor, they faced a massive double door adorned with ominous runes pulsating with dark energy. The room beyond exuded an aura of malevolence, shadows swirling ominously within.
"This is it," Noah murmured, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. “Something terribly powerful is behind this door. Let’s be alert and work together to defeat it and come out alive. All of us together,” Noah said.
Seth cracked a grin, though his eyes betrayed a hint of caution. "About time we get some action. Let's show it what we're made of."
Blane nodded, his grip tightening on his spear. "Stay close. We move as one."
Noah's party pushed open the doors with collective breath, revealing a vast chamber bathed in a sickly green glow. As they entered the black cathedral, they were immediately struck by its dark grandeur. Towering spires and buttresses carved from glistening, jet-black obsidian loomed overhead.
The gothic architecture featured intricate carvings of twisted, anguished figures adorning the exterior, each telling tales of ancient battles and forgotten sorrows. The massive, arched doorway, framed by columns spiraling upward like the claws of some primordial beast, welcomed them into the ominous structure.
At the far end, the dark knight Noah saw in the murals stood atop a raised platform of blackened stone.
Clad in dark obsidian armor that seemed to drink in the light, he turned to face them with glowing eyes that burned with unnatural intensity. His hands rested on his massive great sword as a strong wind blew past the party, slamming the door shut behind them.
“We’re trapped. I’m getting a bad feeling, guys.” Serenity muttered.
“Well damn! Only one way out, huh? I guess I’ll have to show this guy who the real boss is. Look at him glaring at us like he’s a big shot,” Seth remarked arrogantly.
“He’s a Death Knight, guys, and a strong one! Be ready for anything!” Emberfang warned.
Seth began walking to the center of the room, pointing his sword toward the dark knight. He boasted about his skills and mocked the mysterious enemy.
“I’m the strongest of my group. Don’t waste time with them. I’ll finish you with one swing of my sword, buddy. Come on, bring it, with your cheap armor and stupid-looking sword. I bet you can’t even swing that thing. Ha-Ha-Ha!” Seth yelled, feeling full of himself.
“Seth, Stay together! What are you doing!” Noah yelled in concern.
“This is bad,” Serenity said as she readied a buff for Seth, who had decided to act foolishly.
-[ Light Magic Buff Skill: Divine Aura ]- Description: When cast, it grants a holy light buff to the target granting them +15% resistance to dark magic.
“Divine Aura!” she chanted as a bright light rushed to illuminate Seth with an Aura of light magic, buffing his defensive stats.
“He’s moving!” Blane exclaimed as the Death Knight suddenly impelled Seth in a flash of dark magic. His great sword protruded all the way through Seth’s chest. With hardly any strength left, Seth struggled to grip the knight's sword as he murmured something while looking back at his party.
“I-I’m s-sorry, guys. I m-messed up b-big time…” he fought to say as he was kicked by the knight, sending Seth flying into the wall behind his party.
“Seth!” Blane shouted as he ran over to help him.
“Serenity! Help him, please! Emberfang and I will hold back the Death Knight as long as we can,” Noah exclaimed, readying his sword as he looked at Emberfang. “Let’s do this, partner!”
“Let’s do this, Noah!” Emberfang roared as he stood by Noah, baring his teeth, his eyes filled with rage and determination.
“I’ll do my best! Stay safe, you two!” Serenity shouted.
The Death Knight stood tall, clanking his sword on his shoulder in a relaxed pose as he locked onto Noah and Emberfang.
Noah finally made out his HUD.
-[ Death Knight ]- Level: 40 Gender: ? Race: Undead Class: Death Knight Location: Mysterious Dungeon, Floor 3, The Dark Cathedral.
“Level: 40, he’s six levels above me. Even with one level gained by defeating the Revenant, this isn’t going to be easy,” Noah said, looking at Emberfang. “You’re a level: 40 as well, so this could be an even match for you, Emberfang.”
“All we can do is try our best,” Emberfang commented as he readied himself.
“Okay, let’s go!” Noah exclaimed, activating his buff skill. “Agile Essence!”
Suddenly, the Death Knight changed stances, swinging his great sword downward as he got ready to charge.
“Noah, watch out!” Serenity’s voice echoed as she cast a protective barrier around Noah. “Divine Aura!”
Emberfang lunged first, his powerful jaws aiming for the Death Knight's throat. The dark warrior parried with his sword, deflecting Emberfang's attack with a forceful swing that sent the dire wolf skidding across the chamber. Emberfang recovered quickly, circling back with a low growl, ready for the next assault.
"Flame Burst!" Noah shouted, sending a searing ball of fire toward the Death Knight. The flames struck the dark warrior's armor, causing it to glow red-hot, but the attack barely slowed him down.
The Death Knight retaliated, closing the distance with terrifying speed. His great sword swung toward Noah, who narrowly dodged to the side, feeling the rush of air as the blade sliced past him. Noah countered with a swift slash of his own, aiming for the joints in the Death Knight's armor. The blow connected but seemed to scratch the surface barely.
Focusing on the Death Knights HUD, Noah noticed a health gauge.
-[ Death Knight ]- [ 370 / 375 ] HP
“He’s so tough, and his speed is Insane!” Noah yelled out to Emberfang as he dodged another incoming swing.
“This will take some effort and strategy!” he shouted.
Emberfang took advantage of the distraction, leaping onto the Death Knight's back and sinking his teeth into the dark armor. The Death Knight roared in fury, twisting and turning to shake off the dire wolf. With a powerful heave, he threw Emberfang off, but not before the wolf tore a piece of armor away, exposing a vulnerable spot.
"Noah, I created an opening in his armor! He’s vulnerable on his back now!" Emberfang growled, landing gracefully and charging back into the fray.
“Good job!” Noah shouted as he saw the opening casting two spells as he planned an attack. “Winter’s Wrath!” “Aegis Ward!” enveloping himself in a shimmering barrier and seven magic swords glimmering with frost magic.
With renewed determination, he lunged towards the Death Knight.
I will try something, Emberfang! Hang back and back me up when I need you!” Noah Ordered, planning a strategic attack.
“Yes, Noah, as you wish!” Emberfang shouted.
Charging in, Noah Unleashed one of the seven magic swords, flinging it toward the knight as he leaped into the air, slashing at the knight simultaneously.
The Death Knight met his attack with a clash of steel, the sound echoing through the chamber. The magic blade embedded itself into the weak spot under the knight's pauldron and solidly froze his arm.
Noah looked into the knight's glaring eyes as he smiled.
"I'd tell you to chill out, but I see you've already got a head start,” Noah smirked.
“So, it’s going to work then. Let’s do this!” Noah thought to himself.
The death knight pushed harder against Noah’s blade, and he began overpowering him with one arm.
“You’re a strong one, all right. But I’ve got an idea to level the playing field,” Noah said as he looked at Emberfang.
“Emberfang! Take his frozen arm off with your scorching fang attack,” he ordered.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
They exchanged blows with blinding speed, Noah's agility, and the Death Knight's raw power, creating a fierce, mesmerizing duel. Sparks flew as their swords clashed, the force of each impact reverberating through the stone floor.
"I’ll pin him in place! Then you attack Emberfang!” Noah exclaimed as he kept the knight busy.
“You’ve got it!” Emberfang confirmed.
As he clashed with the knight one last time, Noah sent another magic blade flying towards the knight's left knee. It pierced it, freezing his joint and keeping the rest of his leg in place.
“Now!” Noah shouted! As he pushed the knight down with all his might.
Emberfang joined the fight, darting in as he activated his fire-element physical skill. “Scorching Fangs!” he roared.
As Emberfang bit the death knight, his fiery fangs ablaze, he clamped down on the frozen armor encasing the knight's arm. The intense heat from Emberfang's flames rapidly contrasted with the frigid ice, causing the metal to warp and crack under the extreme temperature change. With a resounding crunch, the armor shattered, pieces of metal flying in all directions, revealing the skeletal, charred remains of the knight's arm beneath.
Emberfang chomped down further, snapping the knight's arm off in his mouth as he leaped back, flinging the decayed arm against the wall behind them.
The death knight let out a guttural snarl, momentarily stunned by the sudden destruction of his once-impenetrable armor and now missing arm.
-[ Death Knight ]- [ 300 / 375 ] HP
After glancing at the Knight’s HUD, Noah glared into the Knight's eyes again.
“I told you I’d level the playing field. You’re going to pay for what you did to my friend!” Noah shouted as he launched two more magic swords at the knight and leaped back to join Emberfang.
The knight Yelled as he swung, deflecting the two frozen blades as they sunk into the ground on each side of him. Holding his sword in his right hand, the knight began to emanate a red glow, and the lights in his eyes showed a brighter red as if filled with rage.
“Here he comes!” Noah warned.
The Death Knight dashed in a flash of dark red as he fought back with relentless fury, his great sword swinging in wide arcs that forced Noah and Emberfang to stay on their toes.
“My buff is about to give out, we’ve got to finish him quickly!” Noah shouted as his ward disappeared.
Noah clashed rapidly with the Knight as sparks and sweat flew from his face in a heated attempt to keep up.
“I must use the remaining blades before they disappear. I have three. I can make it work,” Noah muttered as he launched the three remaining magic blades behind him.
All three blades smashed into the knight's chest plate simultaneously, throwing him out of balance.
Emberfang took the opportunity to attack from the side, his jaws closing around the Death Knight's sword arm. He further disrupted the knight's balance with a mighty tug, giving Noah a chance to strike.
“This is it! It’s now or never!” Noah yelled as his buff disappeared.
Feeling the weight of the situation, he knew if he didn’t finish things now, he wouldn’t be able to keep up with the knight's attacks until he regained the buff, which had a small cool down.
Noah activated his physical skill, “Blade Strike!” as he yelled, putting all his effort into every movement.
Moving with haste, his blade a blur as he targeted the Death Knight's exposed neck. The knight parried using what was left of his left arm, but the force of Noah's attack broke through his defense, sending the rest of the knight's left arm clanging to the ground after being severed.
The Knight dropped his sword as it clanked off the ground. Emberfang, still holding his right arm, biting down fiercely.
Enraged, the Death Knight unleashed a burst of dark magic, and the gem on the center of his chest piece gleamed with a malevolent aura. It sent Noah and Emberfang flying across the chamber. They hit the ground hard but quickly scrambled to their feet, refusing to give up.
-[ Noah Blackwell ]- [ 170 / 210 ] HP [ 110 / 250 ] MP [ 160 / 180 ] STA
"This isn't over," Noah panted, his eyes locked on the Death Knight as his grip tightened on his sword.
"Agreed," Emberfang growled, his eyes blazing with determination.
They charged together, a coordinated assault of blade and fangs. The Death Knight fought back with everything he had, but the relentless attacks from Noah and Emberfang began to take their toll. Each strike and bite chipped away at his armor and strength.
“Don’t stop! Keep going! He’s weakening slowly!” Noah shouted.
As the battle raged on, Blane and Serenity watched in awe as the two were starting to overpower the death knight.
Looking back to Seth, whose breaths were fading slowly, Serenity looked up at Blane, a grim expression overtaking her.
“You don’t have to say anything; I already know Serenity,” Blane said as tears began to run down his face, landing on Seth’s chest.
“I’m so sorry, I’ve done everything in my power. He needs a real doctor,” Serenity said as her voice trembled with sadness.
Back in the fray, Noah and Emberfang were overpowering the death knight, blow after hard-won blow.
In a final, desperate move, the Death Knight raised his hand, summoning a massive wave of dark energy. "Noah, look out!" Emberfang shouted.
Noah reacted instinctively. "Aegis Ward!" he cast, creating a protective barrier that absorbed the brunt of the dark energy. The shield flickered and threatened to shatter, but it held just long enough for Noah to make his move.
-[ Death Knight ]- [ 180 / 375 ] HP
Noticing the Knight's low health, Noah knew the victory was sealed.
"Now, Emberfang!" Noah yelled.
With a final, powerful leap, Emberfang sank his teeth into the Death Knight's throat, tearing through the exposed flesh. The dark warrior let out a guttural roar, his body trembling as the life drained from him.
Noah rushed forward, his sword’s runes glowing with a brilliant red light.
"This ends now!" he cried, plunging his blade into the Death Knight's chest, shattering the evil gem and impaling him through his battle-worn armor as the blade's enchantment set the knight ablaze.
The dark warrior's eyes widened in shock, and with a final, echoing scream, he disintegrated into a cloud of dark energy that dissipated into the air.
The interface reappeared with a new notification. “Item drop acquired,” it said as it faded away.
Panting heavily, Noah lowered his sword, his body trembling with exhaustion. Emberfang stood beside him, equally worn but victorious.
"We did it," Noah breathed, his eyes meeting Emberfang's. "We actually did it."
Emberfang nodded, his expression a mix of pride and relief. "Yes, we did."
Serenity and Blane approached, their faces filled with a mixture of concern and relief. "Seth's gone," Blane said quietly, his voice heavy with sorrow.
Noah closed his eyes, taking a moment to honor their fallen comrade. "We'll make sure his sacrifice wasn't in vain."
Standing in silence, Serenity began to cry hysterically as Noah rushed to comfort her.
Noah pulled Serenity close, feeling her body shake with sobs. His own heart ached, but he knew he had to be strong. "Serenity," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I know it hurts. Seth... he wasn't perfect. He was cocky and arrogant, but he was still our comrade."
Serenity's sobs grew quieter, her tears streaming down her face. "I didn't know him that well, but we fought together. He didn't deserve this."
Noah's eyes filled with tears as he stroked her hair gently. "He didn't. Seth may have had his flaws, but he was part of our team. He fought bravely, and he gave his life so we could have a chance. We can't let that sacrifice be in vain."
Serenity looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen. "I just... I can't believe he's gone. It feels so wrong."
Noah swallowed hard, his voice breaking. "It does. It is. But we must honor him by finishing what we started. Seth believed in our mission, even if he didn't always show it correctly."
Blane stepped forward, his own eyes wet with unshed tears. "Seth had his moments, but he was one of us. We owe it to him to keep going."
Emberfang let out a soft whine, nuzzling Serenity's hand. "We stand together," he said, his voice low and fierce. "For Seth. For each other."
Noah took a deep breath, holding Serenity tighter. "We'll get through this, Serenity. We'll make Seth proud. We'll finish what he started and do it together."
The four stood in a circle, united in their grief and determination. Ready to face whatever came next, Seth's memory filled their hearts with determination.
The party stood in the eerie glow of the chamber, victorious yet mindful of the dangers that still lay ahead. As they caught their breath, they knew their journey was far from over.
As the party stood in the chamber's eerie glow, their breaths finally steadying, Noah knew they had to keep moving. They had one more floor to conquer, one final confrontation awaiting them.
"We need to keep going," Noah said, his voice firm but gentle. "Seth wouldn't want us to stop now."
Serenity wiped her eyes, nodding. "You're right. Let's finish this."
Blane hefted his weapon, determination replacing sorrow in his eyes. "For Seth."
Emberfang growled softly, his amber eyes flickering with resolve. "For all of us."
They went to the ancient stone staircase leading down to the fourth and final floor with renewed purpose. The air grew colder and thicker with each step, the darkness more oppressive. Noah could feel the weight of the dungeon's magic pressing down on them.
At the bottom of the stairs, a massive door covered in intricate runes and symbols loomed before them. Noah approached it cautiously.
“This is it. The boss we’ve come so far to face. Everyone heal up and regain your stamina and magic power,” Noah said as he drank a health potion followed by a magic potion.
-[ Noah Blackwell ]- [ 210 / 210 ] HP [ 250 / 250 ] MP [ 180 / 180 ] STA
Noah remembered he had received two drops from the recent battles he'd won. Scrolling to the drop menu he examined the items.
"Phantasmal Ring," rare item, grants the wearer +50 Health and +20 Magic Resistance. "Nice," he said, equipping the ring. Scrolling to the second item he read. "Grimoire of Eternal Darkness," Grants the user the following dark magic skills, "Void Step," Allows the user to teleport short distances, moving through the shadows undetected. Also the magic skill "Dark Pulse," This dark magic skill conjures a formidable wave of shadowy energy that erupts from the caster's body in a violent burst. The pulse surges outward in all directions, creating a tangible shock wave of darkness. Enemies caught within its radius are staggered and propelled backward, tumbling through the air from the sheer force. The dark energy pulses with an ominous, almost palpable weight, leaving an unsettling chill in its wake.
"Hell yeah, I'm adding those skills for sure," Noah said, activating the grimoire.
"Skills acquired, Void step, and Dark Pulse, added to skills list," The interface said as it closed.
Scrolling back to see his current level, he noticed he'd reached Level: 36. He took a minute to set his new points before continuing.
"Okay," Noah said as he looked back to his party. “Everyone ready?”
They all gave a confirming nod as he turned back to face the door, taking a deep breath.
“This is it. Here we go, guys.”
Noah reached out his hand to trace the glowing patterns. The runes flared with a blinding light as his fingers made contact, and the door slowly creaked open.
Beyond the door lay a vast chamber, the air crackling with dark energy. At the center stood a towering figure shrouded in shadow. Its eyes glowed a sinister red, and its presence radiated malevolence. This was the boss of the mysterious dungeon, the source of the darkness they had fought so hard to reach.
"No turning back now," Noah said, gripping his sword tightly.
The creature let out a bone-chilling roar, its form becoming more defined as it stepped forward. It was a monstrous demonic entity shrouded in a dark hood, its body covered in jagged armor, and its black decaying wings unfurled menacingly behind it as it held a blackened staff in the shape of a spinal column with the skulls of humans hanging from it.
Emberfang snarled, his fur bristling. "Be ready, everyone."
Serenity raised her hands, her light magic already gathering around her. "We can do this. Together."
Blane took a step forward, positioning himself to protect the others. "Let's show this monster what we're made of."
As Noah made out its HUD, he felt a wave of panic surge through his body.
-[ Dungeon Boss: Arch-Lich Necroxus ]- Level: 48 Gender: ? Race: Undead Class: Arch-Lich Location: Mysterious Dungeon, Floor 4, Obsidian Throne room.
“It’s an Arch-lich!” Be ready, everyone! He’s extremely powerful!” Noah warned.
The malevolent lich let out a chilling laugh, its voice echoing through the cavernous chamber. "You think you can defy me?" it hissed. "I will show you the true meaning of despair."
“It talks?” Noah questioned in surprise.
With a flick of its wrist, the Arch-lich slammed its staff into the ground. The dark energy swirled around it, seeping into the cracks as fissures spread outwards. Moments later, the earth split open, and a massive horde of zombies clawed their way to the surface, their rotting forms reaching for the living.
“This isn’t good at all!” Serenity muttered as she prepared herself.
“I’ll take point! Blane to my left, Emberfang to my right, and Serenity, you cover us with support skills from behind!” Noah ordered.
“Right!” the party yelled out.
"For our fallen comrades!” Noah yelled out as he led the charge confronting the undead as they poured out of the fissures.
With a burning Determination to avenge their fallen comrades, the party pushed on to clear the mysterious dungeon, only one more obstacle stood in their way…