We all gathered at the training grounds for a rematch, the energy in the air practically crackling with excitement.
Dakota: "Alright, is everyone ready?"
In unison, everyone shouted back, "Yeah, we're ready!"
Dakota smiled, confident as ever. "Good. Let's begin."
Everyone shifted into their positions, sizing each other up with intensity. Some were grinning, others narrowing their eyes, ready for the challenge.
Jack smirked and looked over at Liam. "Let's do this, you're going down, Liam."
Liam raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "You sure talk a lot for someone who lost last time."
Luna adjusted her stance, her eyes locked onto Mia. "This time, I'm not going to lose."
Mia laughed lightly. "Yeah, that's what they all say."
Meanwhile, Amelia and Ava exchanged a determined nod.
Amelia: "Let's do this!"
Ava: "Yeah! Let's show them what we've got!"
Dakota turned to Henry, giving him a challenging look. "Henry, you ready to get defeated again?"
Henry chuckled, shrugging. "Not really, no, but we'll see about that."
With that, the battle began, the air filled with the sounds of spells being cast, swords clashing, and the fierce cries of students determined to give it their all. After an intense bout, the dust finally settled, revealing the Irregulars standing victorious once again.
Dakota crossed his arms with a smug smile. "See? I told you, your group can't win against ours."
Henry sighed, looking away with a slight smile. "Yeah, okay. I admit that your group is stronger than ours… for now. But don't get too comfortable. In the future, we'll be the ones winning."
Dakota laughed, a bit of a friendly challenge in his tone. "Ha! I'd like to see you try."
Henry paused, then looked up with a thoughtful expression. "Hey, actually… I have a question for you."
Dakota raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what would you like to ask me?"
Henry took a deep breath before speaking. "What if we all did a mission together?"
The group fell silent, stunned by the suggestion. Everyone exchanged shocked glances, wondering if they had heard Henry correctly—except for Dakota, who seemed intrigued.
Dakota gave Henry a nod, a slight smile forming. "You know what? Why not? Let's do it."
Liam blinked, snapping out of his surprise. "Huh? Why, Dakota? Why should we team up with them?"
Jack crossed his arms, looking unimpressed. "Yeah, Henry, why should we team up with those guys? We don't need them."
Dakota looked between the two, his voice calm but commanding. "Look here, both of you. I'm the strongest in our group, and Henry is the strongest in his. Naturally, it's up to the leaders to decide what to do."
Jack scowled, clearly not pleased, but he eventually relented. "Tch, I guess you're right."
Liam sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Fine, I'll team up with them, but only because you want us to, Dakota. You did help me with my training, after all."
Henry grinned. "Good! So, that means both our groups have teamed up, right?"
Dakota nodded. "Yeah, both our groups are teamed up now. So, what mission are we going to tackle?"
Henry scratched his head sheepishly. "Actually… I don't know."
Ava raised an eyebrow. "You don't know? Then why did you ask us to team up?"
Henry chuckled awkwardly. "Um… I thought we could decide on the mission after we agreed to team up."
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Wow, genius move, Henry."
Dakota chuckled, patting Henry on the shoulder. "That's so like you. Alright, let's go find a mission to do together."
Henry perked up, excited. "Okay, let's go!"
The group made their way to the academy office, where their teacher was organizing files behind the desk.
Teacher: "Oh? You all want a mission?"
Henry stepped forward. "Yes! We decided to team up and complete one together."
Teacher looked up, a glint of interest in their eyes. "A mission for the strongest students at the academy, huh? Alright, I think I have just the thing."
Henry's eyes lit up with excitement. "What is it?"
Teacher: "How about… clearing a labyrinth?"
Dakota's eyes widened slightly, his tone surprised. "Wow, a labyrinth mission?"
Teacher nodded. "Yes, a recently discovered labyrinth. It's classified as C-rank, which should be an ideal challenge for your first labyrinth."
Dakota grinned. "That sounds perfect for this team. We'll take the mission."
Teacher nodded approvingly. "Alright, then. I'll give you the location of the labyrinth and inform the staff in charge to ensure only your group can enter."
Dakota: "Thank you, teacher."
Teacher: "No problem. Now, go home and prepare. You'll tackle the labyrinth tomorrow."
They all replied with a quick "Okay" before heading off.
Later that evening, Dakota went home and shared the news with his parents.
Mother: "What? You're going to clear a labyrinth? And with the strongest students in the academy, no less?"
Dakota gave a nod. "Yep."
Father chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "That's incredible, son! Clearing a labyrinth at your age is no small feat."
Dakota smiled. "I know, but it's only a C-rank labyrinth. Please, can I go?"
Mother sighed, looking concerned. "Alright, fine. But if things get dangerous, promise me you'll run away."
Dakota's smile softened. "I promise, Mom."
Mother watched him walk away, sighing to herself. "He's not really going to listen to that advice, is he?"
Father chuckled, shaking his head. "No, probably not."
The next morning, they all gathered at the labyrinth's entrance, buzzing with excitement and nerves.
Teacher: "Okay, are you all ready?"
They all shouted, "Yes!"
Teacher: "Alright. Just remember, if things get too dangerous, get out of there."
Dakota chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, yeah, we know, teacher."
Teacher sighed. "Fine, just be careful. Now, go on."
Dakota looked at the group, his eyes full of determination. "Alright, everyone, let's enter our first labyrinth!"
Together, they entered the portal, feeling the strange pull of magic as they were transported to the labyrinth's first floor.
Henry looked around, his eyes wide. "Ah, we're finally inside."
Dakota nodded, taking in the surroundings. The walls sparkled with shimmering crystals embedded in the stone, casting a gentle glow throughout the space. "Yeah, it's beautiful."
Liam looked around in awe. "It sure is something."
Lucas cleared his throat. "Okay, guys, enough admiring the view. We've got a labyrinth to clear."
Jack nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's stay focused."
Dakota glanced at Lucas. "This labyrinth has 15 floors, right?"
Ava nodded. "Yeah, and the last floor is the boss. We should save our energy for that."
Dakota looked around the group. "Good point. How about this? The rest of you handle the initial monsters, and Henry and I will conserve our energy."
Luna frowned, crossing her arms. "And why should you two get to save your energy while we fight?"
Dakota gave a confident smile. "Because Henry and I are the strongest. Makes sense, right?"
Luna rolled her eyes, but she had to admit it was a fair point. "Fine."
Lucas pointed ahead. "Look, goblins. Don't worry; I'll take care of them."
With a wave of his hand, Lucas cast an ice spell, sending spikes of ice toward the goblins, swiftly eliminating them.
Dakota grinned. "With Lucas here, we should be able to reach the last floor without Henry and me having to lift a finger."
Lucas chuckled. "Let's keep moving."
The group fought their way through the labyrinth, each level presenting new challenges and tougher monsters. After what felt like hours of battling, they finally reached the last floor.
Dakota took a deep breath, looking at the group. "Alright, everyone. Are you all ready to fight the boss?"
Henry nodded. "I'm ready."
Mia looked around at the others, clearly exhausted. "You two might be ready, but we're tired from all the fighting."
Dakota smirked. "That's fine. Henry and I should be enough for the boss."
Jack crossed his arms, looking skeptical. "Alright then. Show us what you two can do."
Dakota shared a nod with Henry. "Let's do this."
They pushed open the massive doors and stepped into the final chamber. In the center of the room lay a giant serpent, but something was strange—it appeared lifeless.
Dakota narrowed his eyes, sensing something was off. "Wait… what is that?"
Then, they noticed a figure crouched beside the serpent, consuming its flesh.
Dakota's heart skipped a beat. "No… don't tell me… is that a Djinn?"