Jin stumbled out of the collapsing labyrinth, his body aching from the strain of the battle with the Weaver. Behind him, the twisted structure imploded into itself, disappearing into the void as though it had never existed. The faint glow of dawn greeted him, casting a golden hue over the jagged landscape of the dungeon.
The Golden Dragon landed beside him, its breathing heavy but steady.
Golden Dragon: "The Weaver is gone, and the fourth seal is broken. But I fear this victory comes at a cost."
Jin wiped the sweat from his brow, leaning on his sword for support.
Jin (grimly): "The dungeon won't let us keep breaking the seals without a fight. It's getting angrier, isn't it?"
The dragon nodded, its golden eyes scanning the horizon.
Golden Dragon: "Each seal we break weakens its core, but it also strengthens its defenses. The dungeon is alive, Jin, and it's beginning to realize you're a threat."
Before Jin could respond, a sharp pain shot through his chest. He stumbled forward, clutching his heart as a wave of nausea and dizziness overwhelmed him.
Jin (gritting his teeth): "What… is this?"
The dragon's gaze narrowed, concern flashing across its face.
Golden Dragon: "The dungeon's curse. It's trying to mark you. It won't just attack you with monsters—it will invade your mind, your soul."
Jin forced himself to his feet, shaking off the pain.
Jin (firmly): "Let it try. I'll fight whatever it throws at me. We've come too far to stop now."
A sudden flash of light interrupted their conversation. Jin turned to see Kael emerging from a portal, his cloak billowing in the wind. His expression was unusually grim.
Kael: "You've done well, Jin. But the dungeon's retaliation has already begun. Reports are coming in from the outer regions—monsters more powerful than ever before, attacking settlements. The balance is shifting."
Jin's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides.
Jin: "If breaking the seals is making things worse, why are we even doing this? There has to be another way."
Kael approached him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Kael: "The seals are the dungeon's bindings, yes. But they're also its shackles. If we stop now, the dungeon will fully awaken, and nothing will be able to stop it."
The Golden Dragon growled low, its wings folding tightly against its body.
Golden Dragon: "He's right. Stopping now isn't an option. But we must prepare for what's to come. The dungeon is no longer a passive enemy—it's actively hunting us."
Jin glanced between Kael and the dragon, his mind racing.
Jin: "What's the next move?"
Kael gestured to the horizon, where a distant mountain loomed, its peak shrouded in dark clouds.
Kael: "The fifth seal lies within the Hollow Peak. But it's not just the dungeon you'll have to face there. An ancient guardian protects the seal, one unlike any you've fought before."
Jin sheathed his sword, determination hardening his features.
Jin: "Good. I could use the challenge."
Kael smirked, though there was little humor in it.
Kael: "You've proven your strength, Jin, but don't let your arrogance blind you. The Hollow Peak will test not just your power, but your mind and spirit. The guardian will exploit your deepest fears, your darkest memories. If you falter, it will consume you."
Jin met Kael's gaze, unflinching.
Jin: "I've faced my demons before. Whatever it throws at me, I'll deal with it."
Kael sighed, his expression softening.
Kael: "Very well. Rest for now. Gather your strength. The path to the Hollow Peak is treacherous, and once you enter, there's no turning back."
As Kael vanished back into the portal, Jin turned to the Golden Dragon, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Jin: "He really knows how to pep talk, doesn't he?"
The dragon chuckled, its golden scales shimmering in the morning light.
Golden Dragon: "Humans have a way with words. But words won't protect you in the Hollow Peak. Prepare yourself, Jin. This will be unlike anything we've faced so far."
Jin nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant mountain.
Jin (softly): "Whatever's waiting for us up there, I'm ready for it. One way or another, we're breaking that seal."