The adventurers kept going deeper into the dungeon. Surprisingly, the further they went, the clearer it became because the walls were covered in clusters of blue manacyte crystals, a valuable material. This was one of the top reasons why dungeon crawling was a great investment for adventurers. These crystals on the walls emitted a blue light, making it easy for the adventurers to see and move forward without any visibility concerns.
Their footsteps echoed in the narrow corridors, a constant reminder of the lurking dangers that surrounded them. They have reached a level where they no longer needed a torch, thanks to the blue crystals covering the walls, meaning that they were getting closer and closer to danger.
As they moved forward, they encountered various monsters that called the dungeon home. The clash of steel against scales, the crackling of magic in the air, and the cries of battle echoed through the passages.
Aiden, true to his word, remained in the background during these battles, his focus on providing support rather than direct combat.
_____________________________
[ Inferno Panther ]
Level: 16 (Enhanced)
Race: Animalistic Monster / Elemental Creature
Type: Fire Feline
[Status]
- H.P: 345 / 750
- M.P: 397 / 870
- S.P: 398 / 645
- Defense: 256
- Offense: 420 (170+)
[Skills]
- Claw Mastery: Level 6
- Fire Manipulation: Level 9
- Evasion: Level 5
[Abilities]
- Flame Aura: Unlocked
- Burning Swipe: Unlocked
- Fire Resistance: Unlocked
- Fireball: Unlocked
_____________________________
_____________________________
[Status]
[ Inferno Panther Lvl.15 (Enhanced) ]
- H.P: 345 / 750
- M.P: 397 / 870
- S.P: 398 / 645
- Defense: 256
- Offense: 365 (155+)
_____________________________
_____________________________
[Status]
[ Inferno Panther Lvl.16 (Enhanced) ]
- H.P: 321 / 750
- M.P: 425 / 870
- S.P: 300 / 645
- Defense: 256
- Offense: 420 (170+)
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ Inferno Panther Lvl.15 (Enhanced) ]
- H.P: 367 / 750
- M.P: 401 / 870
- S.P: 399 / 645
- Defense: 256
- Offense: 365 (155+)
_____________________________
"Keep them at bay!" Miss Valentine shouted, thrusting her rapier and unleashing a powerful bullet of wind-elemental attack against the large, four fire-breathing fiery felines that were attacking them.
“What do you think we're doing here?” Simon replied, swinging his warhammer.
Davion, who typically remained in the background among the mage-type adventurers, stood just a few meters away from Aiden. He declared, “We'll prepare a water elemental magic. Get ready to grant us the opportunity to unleash our magical attack.”
“Aye,” Simon replied, his voice resounding mightily off the stone walls. "Did everyone hear that?"
“Yessir!”
Taking cues from the counsel offered by Davion and Simon, Miss Valentine's guidance followed suit. “Stay agile and watch for openings! Despite their size, there are only four of them. We hold numerical superiority, so let's avoid becoming surrounded.” Her actions, harmonizing with the fluidity of her blade's motions, mirrored a lethal ballet of elegance. “Aim to capture their focus, but avoid any overly audacious moves. We'll draw their attention, allowing the mage to deal the brunt of the damage, and ultimately, we'll be the ones to land the finishing blows.”
“Yes, Ma’am!” the adventurers replied in unison.
After spending the equivalent of at least half a dozen days within the dungeon, the raid, consisting of three A-rank adventurer parties, was now more synchronized than ever before. Aiden was there to witness this change.
“I've got its attention!”
“Me too—Oh, crap!”
“Steady the line! Shields up against the fire!”
Arrows whistled through the air, swords clashed against scaly hides, and fireballs erupted, creating a symphony of battle.
“Keep the pressure on!” Miss Valentine called out, her voice cutting through the din of battle. “Remember our strategy!”
From the rear, the mages readied themselves to unleash their water magic. Aiden followed suit with his [Lvl.5 Water Magic], which, like Davion and the other mages, manifested a blue complex magic circle.
“Everyone!” Davion called the attention of the adventurers on the frontline. “Ready to unleash water magic in 5… 3... 2... 1…”
As Davion's countdown reached its final moment, all the adventurers quickly moved out of the way, anticipating what was coming next. A synchronized surge of energy rippled through the frontline. Each mage channeled their abilities, conjuring swirling torrents of water that began to coalesce into a formidable wave. The air crackled with anticipation, and the fiery felines seemed to sense the impending threat.
“Release!” Davion shouted, and in perfect harmony, the mages thrust their hands forward, propelling the mass of water with incredible force. The liquid projectile surged forward like a roaring river, gleaming with the reflection of the flames that surrounded it.
The massive wave crashed into the fiery felines, engulfing them in a torrent of water. Steam hissed and sizzled as the water quenched the blazing fires. The creatures roared in fury and agony, their once-mighty flames reduced to feeble embers struggling against the deluge.
The adventurers on the frontline stood their ground, watching the water subdue the ferocious beasts. As the wave subsided, steam rising into the air, the fiery felines lay weakened and drenched, their threat diminished.
With the fiery felines weakened and drenched, the adventurers seized the opportunity to strike. Miss Valentine's rapier glinted as she and Simon led the charge to deal the final blow upon the monsters.
“Let's finish this!” she cried, her voice carrying the determination of a seasoned leader.
“Aye!!”
Simon's warhammer swung down with tremendous force, each blow driving the creatures further back. “Take that, you fiery bastards!" he bellowed, his booming voice resonating through the cavern.
Using his [Lvl.4 Identification Skill], Aiden watched as, under the joint attack of the adventurers, the creature's Health Point plummeted down to soon 0.
_____________________________
Dungeon Core Interface
System Notification:
[Inferno Panther, Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, Barbarian, Level 14]
_____________________________
“Left flank, watch out!”
“Aye, Boss!”
“Down you go!”
As soon as one of the creatures was slain, the other soon followed.
“Last one standing!”
“One left, everyone!”
_____________________________
Dungeon Core Interface
System Notification:
[Inferno Panther, Level 16, slain by Verdenkind, Monk, Level 13]
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
[Inferno Panther, Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, Swashbuckler, Level 15]
[Inferno Panther, Level 15, slain by Verdenkind, Swashbuckler, Level 15]
_____________________________
Breathing heavily yet victorious, the adventurers stood amidst the aftermath of the battle. The creature's lifeless body slowly withered to dust, leaving behind a small red crystal as loot. A glance was exchanged between herself, her fellow raid leaders, and the adventurers. “Well fought, everyone,” Miss Valentine said, her breath catching as she tried to steady herself. Roars of celebration echoed from everyone.
“Agreed. That coordination paid off big time.”
“Can always count on our little tricks, can't we?”
“Water magic really helped control those fire attacks. Good job, everyone.”
From the backline, Aiden watched as his fellow magic-focused adventurers heaved a sigh of relief, meeting Davion’s eyes, he stepped forward, proposing, “I’ll go heal those who need healing.”
“Wait, Sir Aiden. No need.”
“No need?”
“Yes, I think we're approaching the dungeon's boss room. Everyone needs to use their healing potion from here on out. We'll need your healing magic later on.”
Although Aiden did consider that they would most likely rest long enough for him to recover his used-up magic points, he didn't voice a complaint and went along with it.
With everyone having calmed down, the three raid leaders clapped, and one of them called out, “Alright, everyone, it's great that everyone is rejoicing, but we're close to the heart of the dungeon. If we want to discuss our next strategy, now is the time. Let's do this.”
***
As the adventurers delved deeper into the labyrinthine dungeon, they eventually stood before an imposing door. This particular door stood out from the others they had encountered, being both larger and more intricately adorned. Its surface bore elaborate carvings that depicted scenes of flames and ferocity.
The air surrounding the door seemed to hum with an electric charge, a clear indication of the formidable challenge that lay beyond.
Stepping forward, Miss Valentine led the way, her hand resting on her blade's hilt. She turned to her companions, a mixture of determination and caution in her voice. “Here we are, everyone. This is the heart of the dungeon. Our battles so far have been tough, but whatever awaits us behind this door might just be our greatest trial yet.”
Simon chimed in, drawing on their experiences. “Considering the fire-themed adversaries we've faced, it's probable that we'll encounter another fire-type creature. Let's not take any chances – we need to be ready for anything. This dungeon guardian won't be defeated easily.”
Davion nodded in agreement, his focus on the door ahead. “No matter what lies beyond, we can rely on our water magic or any other types of magic to provide support from a distance.”
Miss Valentine's smile radiated confidence as she addressed her team. “Count on my folks, Simon and his folks to finish off the guardian and buy you the opportunity to properly cast your spells.” Turning her attention to the healers, she continued, “Healers, we're entrusting our well-being to you. Keep a watchful eye on our health – we can't leave all the work to our guests.”
The other healers of the raid responded in unison, their commitment evident. “Yes, Ma’am.”
“Sir Aiden, we know we shouldn't, but we'll rely on you and your healing magic when we're inside.”
“Understood,” Aiden nodded, summoning out from his spacial ring his Staff of Impotence. “I’ll do my best.”
“Let's do this, everyone!” Satisfied with his answer, Miss Valentine nodded.
A resounding chorus of agreement followed. “Aye!”
----------------------------------------
The immense doors swung open with a creak, revealing the vast expanse of the boss room. The chamber was bathed in an eerie, pulsating light, casting dancing shadows across the walls adorned with intricate designs.
As they stepped across the threshold, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The ground beneath their feet felt charged, the very essence of magic tingling against their skin.
___________________________
Dungeon Core Interface
System Notification:
[ Guardian Room Invasion Detected ]
Average Level: 14
Average Race: Verdenkind
Party Members: 17 + [1]
Party Composition: Paladin, Mage, Archer, Healer, Swashbuckler, Monk, Barbarian
Warning: Boss room integrity compromised. Dungeon core defenses activated.
Defensive Countermeasures:
- Spawn Guardian
- Strengthened environmental hazards
- Enhanced Guardian abilities
Current Threat Assessment: High
Objectives:
- Ensure the survival of the dungeon core to prevent permanent damage.
- Ensure the safety of acquired G.P
- Gather enough G.P to reach [Vessel of Godhood]
Confirm the invasion as an existencial threat [Sign Contract]:
[ACCEPT] [DECLINE]
Countdown to Combat Initiation: 30 seconds
____________________________
Miss Valentine and Simon, both seasoned leaders, exchanged a quick but meaningful glance. Wordlessly, they warned the others to be on guard. It was a subtle yet powerful reminder of the imminent battle that awaited them.
As the echoes of their footsteps reverberated through the chamber, the air grew heavy with anticipation. Suddenly, a black fog seemed to materialize, swirling and coalescing in the center of the room. A palpable silence fell over the adventurers as they watched, their senses sharpened, and their hearts raced.
From within the billowing fog emerged an enormous figure. A gigantic golden lion, its form engulfed in flames that danced and writhed, casting an eerie glow across the chamber. Its eyes glowed with an inner fire, fixated on the intruders who had dared to challenge its domain. The ground beneath its paws seemed to smolder, and the very air around it radiated an intense heat.
____________________________
[ Inferno Lion ]
Level: 23
Type: Monster
Race: Animalistic Monster / Elemental Creature
Type: Fire Feline
[Status]
- H.P: 2800 / 2800 (+700)
- M.P: 2500 / 2500 (+700)
- S.P: 2740 / 2740 (+700)
- Defense: 1120
- Offense: 1380
[Skills]
- Claw Mastery: Level 12
- Fire Manipulation: Level 10
- Evasion: Level 5
- Summon Fiends: Level 5
- Fire Resistance: Level 9
[Abilities]
- Flame Aura: Unlocked
- Burning Swipe: Unlocked
- Mantle of Fire: Unlocked
- Fire Resistance: Unlocked
- Fire Rain: Unlocked
- Fiery Floor: Unlocked
- Summon Fire Fiend: Unlocked
- Dungeon’s Guardian Blessing
____________________________
“Appraiser?! What's the verdict?”
“Inferno Lion. A title holder. It’s our final boss. Level 23. Offense in the four digits, same for defense. Abilities include an aura-type flame attack, mantle-type ability, and high-level fire resistance.”
“I see.”
“Nothing we can’t win against then.”
Miss Valentine's voice cut through the charged atmosphere, her command resonating with authority. “Form up, everyone! We've trained for this. Let's execute our strategy flawlessly.”
The adventurers swiftly obeyed, their movements synchronized as they assumed their positions. The frontliners, armed with shields and blades, formed a protective barrier, while the ranged attackers positioned themselves strategically to unleash their spells and arrows.
Continuing as it had been, Aiden stayed close to Davion, and amidst the adventurers, he planned to, as per agreement between him and the adventurers, focus on healing and magic-casting. Clutching his [Staff of Impotence], he prepared himself to unleash healing magic or any other spells. Meanwhile, Miss Valentine and Simon led the charge toward the Inferno Lion, spearheading the assault.
As Miss Valentine and Simon led the charge toward the Inferno Lion, Davion and the mages raised their staffs and initiated the hostilities with [Lightning Magic]. Aiden desired to follow suit, but lacking such elemental magic, Aiden waited for a better opportunity to be useful.
Hit by a torrent of lightning attacks, the gigantic creature roared, causing the ground and the room itself to tremble.
In the midst of the chaos, a moment presented itself, and the adventurer seized it.
With a swift and graceful flourish, Miss Valentine lunged forward, her blade dancing through the air with deadly accuracy. The lion countered with a burst of flames, but she deftly sidestepped the attack, her footwork impeccable.
Beside her, Simon's battle cry resonated as he swung his weapon in a powerful arc. The lion's fiery maw closed in, but Simon's timing was impeccable. He leaped aside at the last moment, avoiding the flames by a hair's breadth, and struck the lion's flank with a resounding blow.
Their combined efforts bore fruit as Miss Valentine's blade grazed the lion's hide, leaving behind a trail of sparks. Simon's strike landed true, the impact sending shockwaves through the fiery creature's form.
As the lion recoiled from the onslaught, the adventurers seized the opportunity to regroup, their eyes meeting in a shared moment of understanding.
“Good hit, Simon!” Miss Valentine's voice cut through the battle's din, a note of satisfaction in her tone.
Simon grinned, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. “That's just the beginning, Miss V. Let's keep this up!”
The Inferno Lion roared in response, its fiery mane aglow with renewed fury. But the adventurers stood ready, undeterred by the beast's ferocity.
With both their first magical and physical attacks having landed, their confidence surged, and the battle continued with an intensified fervor.
“Watch out everyone, it's coming up with something.”
“Yessir!”
“Mages, interrupt it!"
“Right away!”
Another salvo of lightning attacks was launched at the Inferno Lion, recoiling the gigantic creature.
“Great, everyone follows our lead.”
“Roger that!”
_____________________________
Dungeon Core Interface
System Notification:
Guardian: Inferno Lion
Health: 67%
Status: In Combat
_____________________________
“Keep the pressure on! Watch for its patterns!” Miss Valentine's command rang out, guiding the party's movements.
Simon's voice boomed over the chaos. “Distract it, and I'll go for another opening!"
"Okay but—wait, careful, it's raining fire.”
"Everyone take cover!”
"Wait, watch out for the lion!”
"Graaah!"
Half of dozens of adventurers were sent flying by the Inferno Lion.
“Tsk, protect the injured from the fiery rain and fall back for healing. Simon, Hyrince, André, and I will get the Boss’s attention on us. Davion, cover us!”
“Aye!”
“Healing spells coming!” Aiden declared, rushing forth to the injured, exchanging a nod with Davion. Both left the backline to advance.
Through [Healing Magic,] a Golden light emanated from Aiden’s palms, weaving a delicate web of energy that enveloped the injured adventurers. Their groans of pain gave way to sighs of relief as their wounds began to mend, the restorative magic working its soothing effect.
It was in that moment, as he knelt to tend to the adventurers' injuries and the charging duo was making their way toward the Inferno Lion, that Aiden noticed the floor changing color. Having seen the available abilities himself, he understood what was coming next.
“Careful, [Fire Floor] incoming—”
He'd yet to finish his sentence when fire shot up from the ground, engulfing the area as a whole and along the adventurer.
“Argh!”
“ARRGH!”
The fire wasn't all that powerful; it was at least just enough to qualify as average, akin to a level 1 fire magic spell. So, no, it wouldn't instantly kill an adventurer full of life, but it could be a different story for an already injured one.
_____________________________
[ Guardian has slain Verdenkind Intruder, Monk, Level 13]
[ Guardian has slain Verdenkind Intruder, Swashbuckler, Level 12]
_____________________________
“Shit,” Aiden cursed. “I should’ve cast a large healing spell, instead of tending onto them one after the other.” clenching his [Staff of Impotence] before summoning his [Water Magic Lvl.5]. Although it was the lowest-tiered elemental magic in his possession, he had enough M.P to offset, to some extent, the difference.
The water surged forth, a cleansing wave that swallowed the fiery obstacle. Hissing and sizzling, the flames were quenched by the torrent, steam rising in their wake.
The room crackled with the clash of elements as water met fire, an elemental showdown that shifted the dynamics of the battle.
“Well done, Aiden,” Davion praised. He himself wasn’t spared by the flames, half of his priestly outfit burnt to crisp.
Seeing his state and that of the adventurers, Aiden announced, “I’ll perform a Level 7 Healing Magic. Gather around me.”
“You’ve all heard that, fall back,” Miss Valentine ordered.
As Aiden's voice rang out, the adventurers quickly shifted their positions, forming a protective circle around him.
The intensity of the battle had taken its toll, leaving them battered and weary, that included Miss Valentine. Yet, in that moment with little to no hesitation, they put their unwavering trust in Aiden's healing magic.
Aiden closed his eyes and extended his hands. His [Staff of Impotence] glowed with a soft light as he channeled his magic, summoning the magical energy that resided within him and manifesting it into a large-scale healing magic. The air seemed to hum with power as a magic circle formed on the floor and light particles floated around, light which the warmth enveloping the adventurers in a soothing embrace.
Aiden closed his eyes for a moment, his hands raised and palms glowing with healing energy. The air around them seemed to shimmer as his magic enveloped the group. Warmth radiated from his indirect touch, soothing their fatigue and revitalizing their spirits.
The injured adventurers felt the magic's effects almost instantly. Their aches and wounds began to fade, replaced by a surge of energy that reinvigorated them. Aiden's healing magic was a lifeline, a moment of respite in the midst of the battle's chaos.
“Thanks for the healing, Aiden, and well played,” Miss Valentine praised. “Now, Appraiser, what's your prognosis?”
The Appraiser stepped forward, her gaze focused and analytical.
“We've lost two of our own, but we managed to bring the Boss's health down to at least 67%. We can win this, as long as we don't make the same mistake again.”
“We adapt and overcome. Let's learn from our missteps and push forward,” Miss Valentine declared. “We've come too far to back down now.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
Simon's voice boomed with agreement. “We've got the upper hand now. Let's show that beast what we're capable of.”
“Yesssir!”
"I still have most of my M.P available. If that creature tries its floor stunt again, you guys can count on me to extinguish its flames," Aiden assured.
“Let’s defeat this beast and clear this dungeon.”