The second floor's layout was sprawling and filled with challenges. The discovery of the scroll and the realization that four mid-bosses stood between us and the floor boss had been a blow to my enthusiasm. Still, there was no other choice but to take them down one by one.
"Alright," I said, studying the map displayed by the system. "The next mid-boss is located east of here. Looks like a cavern."
"Understood, My Lord," Tsuki said, her tone steady. She had recovered quickly from the previous battle, her eyes sharp and focused.
Wogg adjusted his stone axe, his presence reassuring as ever. "Lead the way, Master. These mid-bosses will fall like the last one."
---
The Cavern of the Stonefang
The journey to the eastern cavern was uneventful at first. The terrain shifted from swampy ground to rocky outcrops as we approached. The air grew colder, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed in the distance.
When we finally reached the cavern's entrance, the system chimed in.
[Location: Stonefang Cavern]
[Mid-Boss: Rockjaw Troll – Rank C+]
Description: A troll imbued with earth magic. Its body is as hard as stone, and it wields massive boulders as weapons. Weakness: Slow movement and lack of agility.
"Another brute," I muttered, stepping inside.
The cavern was dimly lit, with patches of glowing moss providing just enough light to see. Small rock creatures, likely minions of the mid-boss, scuttled toward us.
[Species: Pebblelings – Rank C]
Description: Small but sturdy creatures that attack in groups. They are highly resistant to physical damage but weak to magic.
"Looks like I'll have to rely on you two for this one," I said, glancing at Tsuki and Wogg.
"My Lord, leave them to me," Tsuki said, leaping forward with her claws glowing faintly. She struck with precision, aiming for the weak points identified by the system.
Wogg followed, his heavy axe smashing through clusters of Pebblelings in single swings. The creatures were persistent, but their attacks were clumsy and predictable.
As we pushed deeper into the cavern, the Rockjaw Troll emerged from the shadows. It was massive, its body seemingly carved from stone, and it carried a boulder in each hand.
"Stay alert!" I called, gripping my weapon tightly.
The troll roared, hurling a boulder directly at me. I dodged, the massive rock shattering against the cavern wall behind me. Tsuki darted around its legs, slashing at its joints, while Wogg distracted it with heavy strikes to its torso.
I waited for an opening, observing its slow movements. Finally, as it turned to swing at Wogg, I lunged forward, my blade glowing with energy as I aimed for its exposed back.
The strike landed, and cracks spread across its stony skin. With a final coordinated effort, Tsuki severed its leg, Wogg smashed its arm, and I delivered the finishing blow to its head.
The troll crumbled into dust, leaving behind a glowing core and a few low-tier potions.
---
The Lake of Whispers
Our next target was located to the south, near a body of water. The journey took longer this time, the swampy terrain slowing our progress.
When we finally arrived, the area was eerily quiet. The lake's surface was unnaturally still, reflecting the gray sky above.
[Location: Lake of Whispers]
[Mid-Boss: Siren Queen – Rank C+]
Description: A water-elemental creature that uses illusions and sound-based attacks to disorient its enemies. Weakness: Vulnerable to physical attacks when its illusions are disrupted.
The system also identified smaller creatures around the lake.
[Species: Water Wisps – Rank C]
Description: Ethereal beings that support the Siren Queen by healing her and creating barriers.
"Looks like this one will be tricky," I said, scanning the lake.
"My Lord, I will take care of the Wisps," Tsuki said. "Their healing will make this fight drag on otherwise."
Wogg nodded. "And I'll focus on protecting you both from her illusions."
We stepped cautiously onto a narrow path leading to the center of the lake, where the Siren Queen floated. Her form shimmered, beautiful yet haunting, with an ethereal glow surrounding her.
The battle began as her voice filled the air, a haunting melody that made my vision blur. I stumbled, gripping my head as the illusions took hold. Around me, the lake seemed to twist and shift, and shadows danced in the corners of my vision.
"Focus, My Lord!" Tsuki's voice cut through the haze.
I steadied myself and charged at the Siren Queen, swinging my blade at her shimmering form. My first strike passed through an illusion, but the second connected, sending her reeling.
Meanwhile, Tsuki darted around the battlefield, tearing through the Water Wisps with ease. Each Wisp she destroyed weakened the Siren Queen's defenses, making her illusions flicker and fade.
Wogg stayed close, his massive frame shielding me from the Queen's ranged attacks. When she conjured a wave to knock us back, he planted his feet firmly and absorbed the impact.
With her illusions disrupted and her Wisps gone, the Siren Queen was vulnerable. I closed the distance, dodging her desperate strikes, and delivered a powerful slash to her core.
Her form shattered, and the lake returned to its still, quiet state. Among the remains, we found more potions and another piece of glowing text, which the system stored for later.
---
The Forest of Shadows
The final mid-boss was located to the west, in a dense, overgrown forest. The air here felt heavier, and the shadows seemed to move on their own.
[Location: Forest of Shadows]
[Mid-Boss: Shadow Stalker – Rank C+]
Description: A stealth-based predator that uses darkness to conceal its movements and strike from the shadows. Weakness: Bright light can expose its location.
The forest was filled with smaller creatures that attacked in packs.
[Species: Shadowlings – Rank C]
Description: Small, fast creatures that use their speed to overwhelm enemies. Weak to light-based attacks.
"We're at a disadvantage here," I admitted. "None of us have light-based abilities."
"My Lord, your instincts have carried us this far. They will not fail you now," Tsuki said, her voice steady.
Wogg hefted his axe. "We'll adapt, Master. We always do."
The Shadowlings were relentless, darting in and out of the trees to attack. Tsuki and Wogg took the lead, their movements synchronized as they defended against the ambushes. I focused on finding patterns in their attacks, predicting where they would strike next.
Finally, we reached a clearing where the Shadow Stalker awaited. It was a massive, wolf-like creature with black fur that seemed to blend into the darkness around it.
The fight was chaotic. The Shadow Stalker moved with incredible speed, striking from all directions. I barely managed to block its claws as it lunged at me, its glowing red eyes the only indicator of its position.
"Focus on its eyes!" I shouted, swinging my blade toward the faint red glow.
Wogg swung his axe, forcing the creature to retreat. Tsuki darted after it, her claws slashing through the shadows and drawing a pained howl.
Despite its speed, the Shadow Stalker couldn't maintain its stealth forever. With each strike, we forced it into the open, where it became vulnerable.
Finally, as it lunged at Tsuki, I intercepted it with a powerful strike to its chest. The creature howled one last time before collapsing, its body dissolving into black mist.
Among its remains, we found more potions and another piece of glowing text.
---
The Path Forward
With all four mid-bosses defeated, the system updated the map, marking the location of the floor boss's chamber.
"Finally," I muttered, my body aching from the back-to-back battles.
Tsuki and Wogg stood beside me, both looking equally worn but determined.
"My Lord, we've done well," Tsuki said, her voice filled with quiet pride.
Wogg nodded. "The floor boss is all that remains. Let us rest and prepare for the final battle."
I glanced at the glowing marker on the map. "One more fight," I said softly. "Then we'll see what's waiting for us."
Together, we turned and began the journey back to our camp.