A doorway to another dimension… That was a dungeon.
Most people that cleared dungeons saw them more as a game where one could kill monsters, level up and get unique loot.
Some others thought otherwise.
They said that the dungeon wasn't just some game, not at all.
It was just as it was, another dimension.
One similar to the universe they inhabited.
But in that world, chaos reigned supreme causing most of it's inhabitants to turn into monsters.
It sounded crazy, heck, not a lot of people bought the idea but the thought always lingered, after all, not all dungeons confirmed to the many rules made with regards to clearing one.
Just like the dungeon Felix and Nathan entered, there were several others like these universally.
It was a wonder that such a rule breaking dungeon would appear on Earth.
The familiar sense of foreboding couldn't help but intensify within Felix as he stared at Morgoth.
It's flickering green eyes caused his heart to tighten as he tried to make eye contact.
This was a being with their consciousness intact and what's more, their aura was greater than even Nathan and the giant chimera from earlier put together.
Of course, the fact that he was terrified didn't stop him from wanting to challenge the monster.
It only caused his fighting spirit to soar.
Thus, as he calmed his breathing, Felix took a step forward.
Before he could take another though, Nathan reached out and pulled him back.
"What?"
Nathan glared at him. "I understand you sometimes act before you think but right now… think!"
Felix blinked a couple of times before turning to face Morgoth.
"The longer we stay here, the worse it would be for us."
Nathan pursed his lips, unable to respond to Felix.
He was well aware of what had to be done but Morgoth's presence was too much for him to rush forward.
Without a need to probe, he could tell from a glance that Morgoth was strong.
Stronger than anything he would be able to handle alone.
Just what was such a monster doing in a Red dungeon?
Amongst dungeon bosses, Demir records had assigned a ranking which measured how much chaotic energy the boss's held.
Comparing them to the five rankings available to an Awakened, the rankings were like this; Bronze, Platinum, Silver, Gold and Diamond.
Based on previous experiences, a Red dungeon most times had a Bronze level boss at the end.
There were a few exceptions with Platinum level bosses but that was it.
Based on what his system was showing him, Morgoth was a Semi-Silver level boss.
That was a step above Nathan's rank!
He wanted to curse but knew it was pointless.
How to proceed was what was most important.
He wasn't willing to throw his life away, especially not in some backwater dungeon.
'They' were waiting for him back home.
Sighing helplessly, Nathan took the decisive step forward.
Have you made your choice?
Each of Morgoth's words, spoken directly into their heads carried a faint hint of the power he held.
Nathan clicked his tongue as he addressed Felix. "I will face him, stay back and don't do anything stupid. Try me and you will regret it."
"You…"
"This is no longer me carrying you. You can't handle that guy and I can barely manage. I am not about to worry about both of us so do me a favor and stay back!" Nathan remarked without mincing words at which point his eyes flashed white.
[Master of Lightning equipped]
[Descent of the Lightning God activated]
Suddenly, there was a flash overhead after which a lightning bolt struck Nathan without reserve.
By the time it cleared, Nathan was covered in white lightning while holding a lightning bolt that crackled without pause.
Morgoth's eyes flashed.
Your power has potential… alas, it isn't enough. I advise you attack together.
"Shut it." Nathan replied. "Don't tell me what to do."
Silence ensued for a moment before Morgoth nodded and slowly got to his feet.
He looked Nathan over before reaching out to grab his sword.
A faint screeching sound was heard as it was pulled from the ground.
Brandishing the great sword, Morgoth remarked in a chilling tone.
As… you… wish
Boom
Nathan turned wide eyed as Morgoth moved fast enough to stun him.
Despite it's huge body, it was actually that fast!
He immediately moved forward as well, unwilling to get Felix involved and knowing him, Felix would very much intervene if the fight was that close to him.
"I need to finish this quickly." Nathan muttered as he met with Morgoth in the middle.
Both swung their weapons and a resounding explosion occurred with shockwaves powerful enough to create a massive crater around them.
Lightning and Shadow collided as Nathan and Morgoth didn't waste any second, quickly trading several more blows.
Clang… clang… clang
From a left slash to a right slash while also simultaneously attacking with thunderbolts, Nathan tried to strike at even one of Morgoth's weakness using superior speed but Morgoth didn't allow it, constantly blocking each attack and then countering with his own.
At a glance it was a stalemate, on closer inspection however, one could tell Morgoth was slowly gaining the upper hand as his greatsword came crashing down on Nathan.
Bam
Each attack was heavy enough to widen the crater beneath them, causing the earth to sink in.
If was truly a battle between masters.
Felix instinctively gulped as he found it hard to follow the fight.
But from what he could make out, there was only one word he could use to describe the scene.
Incredible!
"And here I thought I had gotten somewhere." Felix shook his head self deprecatingly as he realized just how much further he had to go before he could be considered a strongman.
But that didn't mean he would stand and watch those two fight.
An opportunity to learn and evolve to reach new heights were not easy to come by.
Also, how many times would he get the opportunity to kill a being so far above his grade?
So a thought came to mind and Felix acted based on it.
He retrieved his sword and channeled Ordena into it.
At some point, the sword began to glow a faint green, a testament to how much energy was flowing through it.
A smile formed at the corner of Felix's lips as he heard the familiar ding.
Ding
[Festival of Blades: Third Dance- Reconciliation activated]