The final echoes of the battle faded as Rocky and his team stood amidst the ruins of the Dark Phoenixes.
Their victory had been hard-won, with each member pushing their limits to defeat the unexpected dual threat.
However, with victory now secured, they panted and caught their breaths as the oppressive darkness in the room slowly lifted, revealing a hidden passage behind where the phoenixes had fallen.
"What is this? Another challenge or the path towards the exit?" Kronos inquired, as Rocky looked at Erin's face for confirmation before replying.
"Neither ..... it should be the path leading to the treasure room before the exit, but we can't be sure" Rocky said, as Erin nodded in acknowledgement.
With cautious steps, the team moved forward, the air around them shifting from the chaos of battle to an aura of mystery and anticipation.
As they approached the end of the passage, a faint glow illuminated the path ahead, revealing a grand entrance adorned with intricate runes and symbols.
"Thank the Gemini Gods! Looks like we've found the treasure room and there is no unexpected trap" Erin observed, his voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and excitement as the team exchanged glances, a shared sense of accomplishment evident in their eyes.
Stepping through the ornate doorway, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight.
A vast treasure room sprawled before them, filled with glistening treasures, piles of gold coins, and artifacts exuding potent magic. It was a trove befitting their triumph, a reward for their courage and skill.
Rocky paused at the threshold, taking in the magnitude of their victory. "We've earned this," he said, his voice steady and filled with pride. "Let's see what we've got."
Following Rocky's lead, the team moved deeper into the room, their eyes drawn to the wealth and magical items displayed prominently.
The first item that caught the team's eye was a massive chest overflowing with coins, the gleam of over 500,000 Tower Gold Coins (TG), reflected in the light.
"Wohoo we are rich! What are we going to do with so much money?" Kronos asked excitedly as he had never seen such wealth ever in his life before.
Erin received the [Spell Scroll] (Epic), [ Orb Of Illusions ] a share of the high-grade mana stones which were best for his profession as a support mage.
Buhara was given a share of the high-grade mana stones to bolster his formidable magic, his grin wide as he accepted the resources, while Kronos took the [Skill Scroll] (Rare) and the [Amulet of Darkness] (Rare), knowing their potential to enhance his abilities in combat.
For himself, Rocky chose the [Robes of Shadows] (Epic), recognizing it's strategic value for future encounters.
He explained that any unclaimed items could be liquidated for additional gold, ensuring fair distribution among the team.
"Anything we don't take will be converted to gold for all of us," he said, ensuring everyone benefited from their find.
As the team began admiring their new gear and began contemplating how this would increase their strength as a warrior, Rocky interrupted the pleasant atmosphere for a moment.
"Guys.... While we have proven ourselves victorious today and have gained new items.... We have to keep this intensity up every single week.
This is just one dungeon, and we have to complete 19 more before our challenge is done.
Are you guys sure you want to follow me for 19 more weeks of this madness?" Rocky asked, as if it were up to him, he would not follow a team who was on such a suicidal mission.
However, contrary to his expectations his team held strong and waved off his worries as unfounded.
"Of course we will follow you Sir Rocky, we will follow you till eternity, 19 weeks is a short time" Erin said.
"I mean if we can do it once we can do it twice and also 19 times" Kronos said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Buhara is not afraid of a challenge–" said Buhara, as the team expressed their willingness to stick with Rocky through this hell, even after experiencing their very dangerous first dungeon run.
"Thanks guys, you are really the best" Rocky said, as he truly felt warm in his heart.