Chapter 14: Into the Dungeon
The morning sun had barely risen, casting long shadows across the town as Akira and Ren prepared for their journey into the goblin dungeon. Akira was already suited up, his blood ruby katanas resting comfortably at his sides, their weight reassuring. Ren, on the other hand, was adjusting his twin daggers, their sleek black blades reflecting the early light. Ren had always favored agility over brute strength, making him the perfect complement to Akira’s more direct fighting style.
“Alright, let’s keep it tight,” Ren said, twirling one of his daggers between his fingers. “We stay close, stick to the plan. We clear out the goblins, level up, and get out. Simple, right?”
Akira smirked, his gaze steely. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s do this.”
The two headed toward the outskirts of the forest, following a narrow trail that led into the dungeon’s entrance. The path grew increasingly overgrown with thick vines and moss, signs of the dungeon’s isolation from the outside world. When they reached the entrance, the dark, gaping maw of the cave yawned in front of them. Akira could feel the air shift, the temperature dropping as they stepped closer.
“This place feels… off,” Ren muttered, scanning the surroundings with sharp eyes. His assassin instincts were always on edge in unfamiliar territory.
“It’s just a dungeon. We’ve fought goblins before, right?” Akira reassured him, though even he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that crept up his spine.
Ren nodded but didn’t seem convinced. He took a deep breath, adjusting his daggers in his hands, ready for whatever came next.
The two descended into the depths of the dungeon, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the hollow halls. As they ventured deeper, the walls narrowed, and the scent of damp earth filled the air. Goblin sounds—laughter, snarling, and clinking metal—grew louder.
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Akira gripped the hilt of his swords, feeling the familiar hum of mana in the air. He activated Blazing Slash in his mind, ready to channel fire into his left-hand katana. Ren, ever the shadow, moved ahead silently, scanning for any signs of movement.
They didn’t have to wait long. From around the corner, a small group of goblins appeared—three of them, armed with crude spears and looking ready for a fight.
“Looks like we’re up,” Ren whispered, his voice barely audible.
Without a word, Ren darted forward, using his twin daggers to slash at the first goblin’s throat, quick and efficient. It dropped without a sound, and the remaining two turned to face him.
Akira moved in just as swiftly. With a single motion, he unsheathed both of his katanas and engaged the closest goblin. The goblin’s spear clashed with his right-hand sword, but Akira’s strength overpowered the monster’s attack. He swung his left katana, the Flame Fang, sending a burst of fiery magic into the blade.
“Blazing Slash!” Akira shouted, and the blade ignited, cutting through the goblin’s chest with a searing strike. The creature screamed in pain as the flames spread across its body. It fell to the ground, writhing in agony before it turned to ash.
Ren moved with eerie precision, his twin daggers flashing in the dim light. He had already dispatched the second goblin with a swift stab to its heart, vanishing into the shadows before the final goblin could even react.
Akira felt his heart race, the adrenaline of battle coursing through him. He hadn’t even noticed the notifications that had popped up during the fight.
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Goblin Killed (x2)
Experience Gained: 15
Flame Fang Proficiency Increased: 2 → 3
Fire Magic Proficiency Increased: 3 → 4
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Akira couldn’t help but grin. "This is it. We keep going like this, and we’ll be Level 50 in no time."
Ren smirked but didn’t reply. He was already moving ahead, his daggers flashing as he took out another group of goblins. Akira followed, cutting down any goblins that crossed their path. They made quick work of the dungeon’s first floor, Akira’s katanas burning bright with fire and Ren’s blades striking like shadows.
As they descended to the next floor, the air grew heavier, and the sounds of goblins became more frequent. They were getting closer to the dungeon’s core.
But unbeknownst to them, deeper within the dungeon, the Goblin Lord waited. Its massive, hulking form had been stirring as it sensed the intruders drawing closer. It stood silently in the shadows of its lair, watching the duo as they approached, unaware of the true danger lurking beneath the surface.
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Current Levels:
Akira: Level 14
Ren: Level 12
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They ventured deeper into the dungeon, unaware that they had crossed the point of no return. The goblins they faced became more organized, and the traps more dangerous. Despite their growing confidence and strength, the final confrontation was waiting for them at the heart of the dungeon—the Goblin Lord, a level 50 boss that would test everything they had learned so far.
And it was watching them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.