The deeper they ventured into the dungeon, the heavier the air became. The Rising Heroes and the Grand Party pressed on, determined to find and destroy the dungeon core before their rations ran out. Every step forward brought new tension, the overwhelming smell of blood still lingered in the air, thick and suffocating. Yet, the source remained unknown. The Grand Party moved cautiously, surrounding the Rising Heroes to shield them from any sudden attacks. Every sound, every shadow in the dimly lit dungeon walls, felt like a potential threat.
After what felt like hours of walking, they finally reached an opening. Junith, ever alert, raised her hand, signaling everyone to stop. "The smell of blood is stronger than before," she said in a low voice. "We don't know what's beyond this opening, so be prepared for anything." Her eyes scanned the group. "Even if you feel fear, don't show it. Never let your weakness be seen." Cyrus, the leader of the Grand Party, gave a reassuring smile. "No need to worry too much," he said. "I'm here. We're all here. Just don't do anything reckless."
With a deep breath, they stepped forward. The sight that greeted them was enough to make their blood run cold. A massive pile of human corpses lay before them, some barely recognizable, torn apart in ways too gruesome to describe. Blood was splattered everywhere, covering the dungeon floor and walls. The stench was unbearable, suffocating even the strongest among them. Sera staggered backward, her face pale, her legs weak. She almost collapsed, barely holding on. Even Lila, who had been through many battles, couldn't stop her hands from trembling.
Junith's voice was sharp and commanding. "Be alert! Don't let your guard down! We don't know how this happened or what's lurking nearby!" Before the fear could fully take hold, Sylra stepped forward. She closed her eyes and let out a soft melody, her magic flowing through the air. The song carried a strange warmth, calming the group and dulling the overwhelming stench of blood. The Grand Party immediately moved into formation. Cyrus, Darek, and Orin took the front, standing strong like an unbreakable wall. Junith and Sylra positioned themselves behind, ready to guard the Rising Heroes and provide support if needed.
Even with their careful preparation, countless questions filled their minds. What had happened here? Who was responsible for this massacre? And most importantly, what awaited them ahead? The only way to find out was to move forward.
As they stepped closer to the pile of corpses, the silence shattered. Three attacks came from different directions—swift, deadly, and perfectly timed.
Cyrus, Darek, and Orin reacted instantly, countering each attack with expert precision. The sound of clashing weapons and crackling energy echoed through the chamber. And then, out of the shadows, three figures emerged. Their presence was suffocating. Their auras felt unnatural, twisted, and filled with madness. Their eyes burned with a sickening bloodlust.
They were the dungeon's commanders. Before anyone could react further, a sudden force surged through the room. Everything went black.
The moment their eyes opened, they realized the worst had happened. They had been teleported. And worse...they were separated.
Each group found themselves in different sections of the dungeon, cut off from one another. In front of them stood one of the three commanders. And there was no mistaking what would come next.
---
Sera, Doran, Sylra, and Orin vs. Rynx, the Third Commander. The first thing they saw was a towering figure—a massive, red-furred bear standing on two legs. His fur was stained with blood, his muscles bulging with terrifying strength. His claws, long and sharp, glistened under the dim dungeon light, still dripping with the blood of past victims. His teeth, razor-sharp and deadly, curled into a snarl. Rynx. The Third Commander of Karcanis.
Sera swallowed hard. Her grip tightened around her weapon.Doran stepped forward, but even he felt the pressure of the beast before them.Sylra steadied herself, her fingers already tracing the air, preparing her magic. Orin raised his shield. "Stay close," he warned. "This won't be an easy fight." Rynx let out a deep, rumbling growl. Then, he charged.
---
Junith, Darek, Lila, and Fizzle vs. Iyvl, the Second Commander The second group found themselves facing something equally terrifying. A humanoid serpent. Iyvl, the Second Commander of Karcanis, stood before them—tall, elegant, yet undeniably deadly.
Her shimmering scales glowed in shades of green, brown, and purple, reflecting the dim light with an eerie beauty. Her eyes were hypnotic, drawing in anyone who dared to look too long. She held an orb in one hand, crackling with energy.
Lila instinctively gripped her weapon, her breath uneven. Fizzle muttered under his breath, his hands already moving as he prepared a spell. Darek clenched his fists, ready for battle. Junith, however, remained calm. She studied Iyvl, calculating, strategizing.
Iyvl simply smiled. And then, with a flick of her wrist, the orb pulsed with power.
The battle began.
---
Drakar, Cyrus, and Adrian vs. Eefan, the First Commander
The last group faced a figure who exuded an overwhelming presence. Eefan, the First Commander of Karcanis. A deer-like humanoid. But unlike any ordinary deer, his entire being radiated raw, terrifying strength. His rough, battle-worn body was covered in scars from countless battles. His antlers—massive and unbreakable—looked sharp enough to pierce through steel.
His eyes… they were different. Focused. Piercing. Unwavering. He wasn't just a mindless beast. He was a predator. And they were his prey.
Cyrus narrowed his eyes, his magic already beginning to swirl around him. Drakar gripped his axe tightly. He had never faced something like this before, but there was no choice but to fight. Adrian clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm.
There was no room for fear. Eefan took a step forward. And the battle began.
---
The Fight Begins. They all knew one thing—this wasn't going to be an easy fight.
For the Rising Heroes, this was their first time facing dungeon commanders. For the Grand Party, this was a battle they couldn't afford to lose.
And for the Commanders—there was only one goal. Kill.
As the tension reached its peak, the battles began. There was no turning back now.