The eerie silence of the dungeon weighed heavily on James and his group as they descended the cold stone staircase leading them to the third level. Their battle with the dark minotaur had left them exhausted, and the oppressive darkness that filled the air made every step feel like they were marching toward some unseen doom.
James glanced back at his companions, their faces drawn and tense. Emilia was wiping the sweat from her brow, her bow still drawn and ready. Sasha and Yori, bruised but determined, kept their weapons close. Pippy stayed silent, her sharp eyes scanning every shadow for potential threats.
"Everyone alright?" James asked, his voice low, but it echoed in the narrow stairwell.
"As good as can be after nearly getting crushed by a minotaur," Pippy muttered, her ears twitching as she glanced behind them. "But something about this next level feels… different."
