The ragged breaths of Veil and Alynia echo throughout the room. The sound of their breathing is the only noise, amplified by the echo, making it even more oppressive. The tension in the air remains palpable, as if the room itself is still holding its breath.

Veil (panting): "Are... are we done?"

He looks around, searching for any sign of another enemy. His eyes lock onto the shadow wolves' bodies, which are slowly dissolving into black smoke, leaving behind gems and various objects on the floor.

Alynia (sighing slightly): "Yes. But don’t let your guard down too soon."

Veil slowly lowers his guard, but his dagger remains firmly in his hand. His legs give out, and he falls to his knees, his free hand pressing against the ground to keep from collapsing completely.

Veil (tired voice): "Those things... they move like shadows. No sound. No way to see them coming."

Alynia (steadfast gaze): "Exactly. If you can’t see them, you listen. If you can’t see or hear them, you move."

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She approaches him and crouches to his level.

Alynia (calm but stern): "You listened well, Pup. But you’re still moving too late."

Veil gives a tired smile, his eyes half-closed.

Veil (exhausted smile): "I moved, at least. That’s something, right?"

Alynia (sighing but with a slight smile): "Hmph. Yeah, it’s something."

A low rumble echoes through the room.

Both of them lift their heads, their gazes fixed on the far wall. The engravings on the walls begin to glow, blue lines connecting like veins of energy. The sound of mechanisms engaging fills the air, distant gears turning slowly.

Veil (taking a step back): "Again? What’s happening now?"

Alynia (watching the wall): "Look."

The floor in the center of the room trembles slightly. A stone slab splits in two, revealing a spiral staircase leading deeper underground. A rush of cold, ancient air rises from the depths.

Alynia (frowning): "The way to the second floor."

She stands and extends a hand to Veil.

Alynia (firm gaze): "Get up, Pup. We’re moving on."

Veil stares at Alynia’s hand for a moment. His breathing slowly steadies. He grabs her hand and stands up with a slight effort, his legs still heavy.

Veil (serious look): "Yeah. No rest, huh?"

Alynia (smirking): "Not in a dungeon."

They gather the loot and approach the opening. The cold wind gently blows from the depths below. The darkness beneath them seems endless.

Veil (gazing at the stairs): "Deeper, huh?"

Alynia (soft voice): "Always deeper."

Together, they descend the staircase, step by step, slowly and cautiously. The bluish-black flames cast their flickering silhouettes, which gradually fade into the shadows of the next floor.