The next level appeared deceptively inviting, almost friendlier than the one above. Rae couldn't help but wonder, Do the levels really get harder as we descend?
The first creature they encountered was gelatinous and translucent. It looked like some kind of slime monster. Rae frowned, skeptical of its harmless appearance. Is this what we're supposed to face? No… best not to underestimate it. Things aren't always what they seem.
She observed the creature cautiously, waiting for it to attack. When nothing happened, Rae decided to walk past it, though she kept her guard up. The others in her group followed her lead, equally wary but refraining from engaging. Unlike the first level, the path here was straightforward, without the complex twists and turns they'd previously encountered. Rae found herself questioning, Are we even in the same dungeon?
As they ventured deeper, the slimes began to appear more frequently. At first, they were manageable, and punching them seemed sufficient. However, the more slimes they encountered, the more resilient they became. Their elasticity increased, and soon, physical attacks were ineffective. Rae's thoughts raced. Are these creatures… adaptive?
Without warning, Eleanor unleashed a wave of fire magic, instantly melting the slimes surrounding her and creating some breathing room. But as they pushed forward, the slimes not only multiplied but also began to change in color. Eleanor's fire magic, once so effective, soon became useless against them.
"Careful," Rae warned, her voice steady but alert. "These monsters are weak at first, but they adapt quickly. If we keep attacking recklessly, we'll only make them stronger."
Rae considered using her blood compulsion magic to control the slimes or at least understand their nature, but the creatures' ability to adapt so rapidly left her hesitant. The translucent grey slimes from earlier were now shifting into two distinct forms: metallic silver and charring red.
The silver slimes were resistant to physical attacks, their bodies hardening to a metal-like consistency when struck. Meanwhile, the red slimes shrugged off fire magic and retaliated by spewing searing flames. Interestingly, the red ones perished after each fiery attack, but the silver slimes endured, their durability unshaken. Rae couldn't help but think, That's a bit unfair, but I'll take what I can get.
"I think the slimes are learning from our attacks," Rae surmised, her tone thoughtful but commanding. "We'll alternate between fire magic and physical attacks to avoid giving them more information. Eleanor, we'll have to rely on you for this."
Eleanor grinned, her enthusiasm undiminished. "No problem, my queen. I've been waiting for this."
Rae quickly devised a plan. "Silver ones are still weak to fire magic, and red ones are weak to physical attacks. Stick to what we know works. Everyone clear?"
"Yes!" the group replied in unison.
They proceeded cautiously, coordinating their attacks as instructed. Fire magic dispatched the silver slimes, while physical strikes took down the red ones. Eventually, they reached an open chamber that bore the unmistakable signs of a floor guardian's domain: a massive gate loomed in the distance.
A voice echoed through the room, disembodied and chilling. "Welcome, challengers. You've done well to reach this far. To proceed, you must defeat me."
Rae scanned the chamber, searching for the source of the voice. Suddenly, a gigantic slime began to form, growing to the size of a building. Its body shimmered with both metallic silver and fiery red hues.
The creature spawned a torrent of smaller slimes, both red and silver, and Rae's mind raced. Are they all connected? Do they share a hive mind? If so, this battle could quickly spiral out of control if we're not careful. She realized the slimes might absorb any new attacks and grow resistant. The only solution was to strike with something they hadn't encountered yet.
Rae steeled herself. "I'll use my blood compulsion magic on the guardian. If I can immobilize it, even for a moment, I can unleash a light magic attack to finish them all."
She drew a blade across her left palm, letting her blood flow freely. A crimson mist formed around her, charged with magic. But then a thought struck her. Wait… what about the princess? What if she's weak to light magic?
Quickly, Rae tossed her barrier device to Eleanor. "Take this and shield the princess. Just let your mana flow through it."
With that, Rae turned her focus back to the massive slime. She completed her spell, and a radiant burst of light illuminated the chamber. When the blinding brilliance faded, all that remained were remnants: a strange, computer-like device—similar to the one from the previous floor—and a shield crafted from what appeared to be the slimes' hardened skin.
The massive gate began to glow, its surface covered in luminous inscriptions that appeared and disappeared in sequence. Moments later, the gate creaked open, revealing the path to the next level.
A familiar sensation washed over Rae—a surge of power. So it's true… I really do grow stronger with every level.
Eleanor and Cilia followed closely as Rae stepped through the gate into the unknown. For a moment, she felt confident. At this pace, I might actually finish this dungeon in just a few days.
But as Rae took her first glance at the third level, her confidence wavered. I might have spoken too soon.