(17 Hours before dungeon opening)
In the last few hours, we haven’t suffered any attacks. But our peace was short-lived as we heard commotion outside, the faint sound of voices and footsteps approaching. We knew immediately that this group's intentions were the keys. Despite our remote location, we were still at risk of being found by others.
With a sense of resignation, we armed ourselves and prepared to confront them.
I cautiously stepped outside.
Jack followed behind
"Looks like we've got company, Teron. Time to show them what we're made of."
Jack's voice cut through the silence, laced with a hint of anticipation.
The tension in the air was thick as the two groups locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. Their team had 1 high rank , the leader, and 4 middle ranks. This was going to be the hardest party we had fought so far.
“Well, well, looks like we've got some high ranks here. It won’t be easy to defeat you. But we will be able to. Just hand over the keys and we won't have to shed any blood.” His voice was smooth and confident.
I stepped forward, a smirk on my face. “You really think your four middle ranks can take us out? That's funny.”
He narrowed his eyes on me. “Last chance. Surrender now or face certain death.”
Jack chuckled, unfazed by the threat. “I'll pass, thanks for the offer though.” The man's calm demeanor suddenly shifted.
The leader's eyes narrowed dangerously, but before he could respond, one of his middle-ranked members stepped forward nervously. "Sir, maybe we should reconsider this. They are high ranks."
The leader's gaze turned cold as he looked back at his comrade. "We didn't come all this way to back down now," he spat. With a sharp gesture, he signaled for the attack to begin.
My tone darkening. “So be it then.” And with that, the fight began.
—————————
(Third POV)
Teron glanced at Jack, his expression firm as he outlined their strategy. "Jack, focus on dealing with the middle ranks. I'll handle the high-rank opponent."
Jack hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Fine, I guess. But, I’ll choose first next time."
Teron smirked confidently. "Thanks"
Teron and his high-ranking opponent prepared to battle with fierce determination. The air crackled with tension as Teron unleashed a blazing fire towards the man, only to have it countered by a torrent of water.
‘He is an Aquarius’
Waves of water surged forward, manipulated with deadly precision and skill.
He dodged and weaved through the watery onslaught, his mind racing with calculated strategies.
Teron's movements were like poetry in motion, fluid and precise. As the water crashed around him, he spun and twisted, his body a blur of agility. With a swift motion, he called upon fire to rise and shield him from the onslaught, forming a protective barrier of stone.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
He looked at his mana gauge on his interface.
(62/89)
There was plenty left. However, it depleted really fast, so he needed to finish it quickly. The Aquarius sneered as he saw Teron's defensive tactics. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted, grabbing his double axe from his back, before preparing to send another barrage of water towards Teron.
But Teron was ready. With an intense focus, he channeled all his mana into the ground beneath his opponent's feet. Suddenly, fiery rows erupted from the ground, catching the man off guard and throwing him off balance.
“What!”
Taking advantage of this opening, Teron launched himself forward with incredible speed, his hands covered with blazing fire, illuminating the dim area. The high-ranking opponent tried to retaliate, but Teron's movements were too swift and precise. Like a phantom in the night, he evaded and counterattacked with calculated strikes and maneuvers.
And then, with one final masterful flourish of his sword, Teron sliced his opponent and brought him to the ground.
"It’s over," Teron declared in a firm yet quiet voice.
The defeated Aquarius gazed into the void, his consciousness slowly fading away. It was a fatal blow.
The Aquarius gasped for air, blood seeping from the wound inflicted by Teron. His eyes, once filled with arrogance and malice, now held a glimmer of realization and regret.
“F*ck” he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper.
‘I wonder how those five are doing’
He thought, his mind recalling the five middle ranks who had followed him despite his attempts to shoo them.
"Can't believe I'm still thinking about it."
As Teron started walking away, trying to leave the dying man’s last moments in peace.
The man screamed, "If any of them are still breathing...please spare them."
"I'll try," Teron responded.
"Damn it." he muttered under his breath, almost inaudibly.
—————————————
As Teron arrived at Jack's location, the scene that awaited him was one of ruthless destruction. The ground was a patchwork of bodies, twisted and broken, their lifeless eyes staring blankly into the sky. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air, mixing with the sickening stench of death.
In the midst of this carnage stood Jack, his face a mask of cold determination. One man knelt before him,
“Please! mer-”
Jack raised his weapon without hesitation. A chilling smile spread across Jack's face as he swiftly ended the man's life.
Turning to Teron, Jack's smile remained unyielding.
“You’re here”
Jack said
Teron nodded and asked, "Did you finish off all of them?"
"Yes, I did. should I not have?"
"It's fine," Teron reassured.
Teron wasn’t bothered by the news. He had only said he would try, so there were no promises. Plus, they were the ones who invaded them, so their death was ultimately their own fault. If Teron and Jack hadn’t killed them, they might’ve had the possibility of getting revenge.
—--------------------
(7 Hours until dungeon opening)
There wasn’t anyone coming here looking for trouble in the past 10 hours.
Right now, they had gathered their supplies and equipment, ready to set out towards the dungeon.
It wasn't too far from their current location. After all, another reason they chose this spot was for its proximity to the center of the map.
Before leaving, Teron decided to take another look at his statistics.
[Status]
Taron WiIdlesmit
Age: 18
Zodiac: Aries (fire)
Rank: Shard {Upper rank} (98%)
Strength: 9.1
Agility: 6.4
Mana: 9.7 (109/109)
Advanced element: None
—--------------------
his stats had gone up a lot. The constant absorption of mana and defeating a high-ranking opponent had greatly boosted his stats, he almost reached peak rank.
Besides that, they had gotten a few notable loot. Another sword, which they just discarded as they had no space to carry it. A twin axe which the high rank wielded. It wasn’t bad, but they didn’t have space for it either. There were few others, but the only ones they kept was a chest-late which Teron was wearing, a pair of boots, and 3-1000 points tickets-. It was a good haul.
“Teron! let’s go” Jack yelled from outside
“Coming!”
Teron slung his backpack over his shoulder and took a moment to glance back at the place they had called home. With a deep breath, he caught up to Jack, who was already walking down the path.
They were heading to the dungeon.