Days blurred into weeks inside the labyrinthine dungeon, the passage of time marked only by the artificial lighting that flickered dimly along the corridors. Kael had lost track of whether it was day or night, immersed in the ceaseless cycle of battling monsters and navigating extended terrains.
The group trudged onward, their stamina and morale slowly wearing thin under the relentless pressure of the dungeon's size.
The wagon they brought with them had become a makeshift treasure trove, filled to the brim with valuable artifacts and mana-infused cores. Despite the storage rings they carried, capable of holding smaller items and coins, space was limited. The weight of their accumulated wealth was a tangible reminder of their progress and the dangers they faced.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching and battling, the group stumbled upon the entrance to the second dungeon boss room. As before, a massive bronze gate stood before them, imposing and foreboding in equal measure. They made camp outside the room, taking the opportunity to rest and replenish their stamina and mana reserves.
The decision was unanimous: this time, they would face the dungeon boss together instead of letting the orc all have the fun
Morning dawned, casting a dim light through the dungeon's artificial illumination. The group gathered, their resolve steeled for the battle ahead. Boran commanded the black orc to open the door once more, but this time, he instructed Kael to stay towards the rear for safety.
As the bronze gate swung open with a groan, revealing the chamber beyond, Boran gestured for the orc to remain behind to protect Kael in case of unexpected danger. The group cautiously entered, their weapons at the ready, prepared to face whatever awaited them.
In the center of the room stood their adversary: a towering figure clad in crimson skin, its muscular form wielding a sword in one hand and a sickle in the other. Boran's expression darkened at the sight.
"A low calamity Crimson Brute Goblin," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with concern.
Walking forward, Boran explained in a low tone what their enemy was, "A Crimson Brute Goblin, a rare variant even among the goblin-kind. Standing six feet tall, they're formidable warriors with fiery red skin. They possess unparalleled agility and lightning-fast reflexes, enabling them to wield dual weapons with deadly precision.
Their affinity for fire makes them even more dangerous, they're capable of harnessing flames in combat to devastating effect."
The group exchanged wary glances, understanding the gravity of their opponent. They had faced challenges before, but the Crimson Brute Goblin represented a new level of threat. Its presence in the dungeon signaled that their journey was far from over, if the dungeon boss of the 20th floor was already a low-calamity rank, is there then a possibility that a demigod is under here?
Boran called out to the team, "Now! All together!"
Kael channeled his remaining energy into a powerful spell, a bolt of pure arcane force that struck the goblin square in the chest. Arin followed with a barrage of ice shards, each one piercing the goblin's skin and sapping its strength further. Selene, moving with blinding speed, delivered a series of rapid strikes, each one finding a weak spot in the goblin's armor.
The black orc raised his axe high, bringing it down with all his might onto the goblin's neck. The goblin's head separated from its body with a sickening crunch, and the room fell silent.
The group stood panting, their weapons still drawn, as they stared at the fallen Crimson Brute Goblin. The flames that had flickered along its weapons slowly died out, leaving only the dim glow of the dungeon's artificial light.
Boran stepped forward, clapping a hand on the black orc's shoulder. "Well done," he said simply, his voice filled with genuine admiration. The orc only nodded.
Kael approached, his eyes scanning the room for any remaining threats. Satisfied that the danger had passed, he turned to the group. "Let's gather what we can from the goblin and continue. This victory is just the beginning."
As the team set to work, harvesting valuable materials from the fallen goblin and preparing for the next leg of their journey, Kael couldn't help but reflect on their situation. The wagons they brought with them were already filled with treasure, their storage rings heavy with the wealth they had accumulated. They had fifteen wagons, each one overflowing with loot from the dungeon.
"We need to make a decision," Kael said, addressing the group as they finished gathering materials. "Our wagons are full. We can either return to the surface now and report our progress or push on to the 30th floor, conquer the dungeon boss, and loot the boss room before heading back."
Boran considered Kael's words, his brow furrowed in thought. "Conquering the 30th floor first makes sense. The boss there will have the most valuable treasures, and it would be a waste to leave now and come back later, the dungeon walls might change again."
The group nodded in agreement. They knew the risks, but they also understood the potential rewards. Kael continued, "Once we defeat the boss and gather everything we can, we'll journey back to the surface. I'll speak with the king and request backup for extraction. With our wagons full, we'll need additional help to transport everything safely."
With their plan set, the group steeled themselves for the challenges ahead. They knew the path to the 30th floor would be fraught with danger, but their determination to see the mission through to the end was unwavering.
They continued their descent, each step bringing them closer to the heart of the dungeon and the formidable foes that awaited them. The journey was far from over.