Cero and his team continued their journey deeper into the dungeon. Every step took them further into the darkness, yet closer to the core of the dungeon's secrets. The light from their helmets and the glowing symbols etched on the walls provided just enough illumination to see, though the oppressive atmosphere pressed heavily on them.
The narrow passage finally opened into a vast chamber. At its center was a new structure—a large platform adorned with intricate geometric patterns that led to a spiraling staircase descending into an immeasurable void.
"Sistem, what is this?" Cero asked, activating the analysis.
[Mechanism detected. This structure provides access to the lower floors of the dungeon. Based on previous symbolic data, the lowest floor contains the core seal's key: the primary mechanism to unlock the Core housed above.]
[Warning: The key is guarded by a primary defensive entity. Threat level: high.]
Cero furrowed his brow, rereading the data displayed on the small interface on his wrist. He glanced at the structure, then at his team. "So, the final boss is at the bottom floor, guarding this seal key," he muttered.
Robert, standing beside him with arms crossed, frowned. "In that case, we know what we're up against. But the lowest floor? How deep does this go?"
"No idea," Cero replied with a small grin. "But that doesn't mean we'll stop here."
Before deciding to proceed, Cero called his team to gather around the platform. He knew the next steps would require thorough preparation and a clear strategy. The special forces, technicians, and key officers formed a tight circle, all eyes on Cero.
"All right," Cero began, opening the briefing. "Based on the system's intel, we're heading toward the dungeon's core. There's a key on the lowest floor that will unlock the seal above, and its main guardian is likely stationed there. This will be our toughest challenge yet."
Robert nodded slightly. "If we know there's a significant threat below, we should prepare for the worst. What does your system say about this guardian?"
Cero summoned the system's data and read the results aloud. "High-threat level, defensive entity. No specific physical description, but judging by the patterns we've seen so far, it's likely something built for brutal combat."
One of the technicians spoke up. "Director, if the guardian is as strong as we think, how can we ensure we don't get trapped down there?"
Cero stared at the technician for a moment before answering. "We don't go in without a plan. That's the purpose of this briefing." He turned to Robert. "What are your recommendations?"
Robert rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "First, we need to ensure a secure route back up. If something forces us to retreat, we'll need quick access to this level. Setting up safety points along the path is essential."
He continued, "Second, we need heavy equipment. If the guardian is stronger than anything we've faced so far, standard weapons might not cut it. I recommend high-powered energy weapons and plasma grenades to minimize close-contact combat."
Cero nodded in agreement. "And the troops?"
"We keep the team split," Robert replied. "One team descends with you to face the guardian, while the other remains above to secure the route. If anything goes wrong, they can act as an extraction team or provide long-range support."
A younger marine, who had spoken out earlier, cautiously raised his hand again. "Director, if we manage to retrieve the key, what happens to the seal above? Will the Core activate immediately?"
Cero glanced at the marine, then back at his system. He carefully read the data before answering. "According to the analysis, the seal won't unlock on its own. We'll need to manually use the key to activate the Core. That means, even if we take the key, we'll retain full control."
"So, there's no need to rush," Robert murmured. "We can retrieve the key and decide our next steps carefully."
"Exactly," Cero confirmed. "But we still need to be prepared for any consequences when taking the key. This place is full of surprises."
After hearing input from everyone, Cero stood at the center of the circle and raised his voice. "Here's the plan. The main team will descend with me, armed with heavy equipment. The secondary team will stay here to secure the route back. We won't take unnecessary risks, but we won't back down from this challenge either."
The team nodded, their faces a mixture of determination and caution. Robert gave a crisp salute. "We're ready, Director."
Cero didn't respond immediately. He glanced toward the spiral structure that loomed above the descending darkness. Slowly, he activated the system in his mind.
'Sistem, I need heavy equipment. Display recommended items from the store. Match prices with my current resources.'
[Processing…]
[Recommendations:
CX-89 Plasma Grenade Launcher: High-impact plasma grenades for confined areas. Cost: 150G.
LRX-74 Railgun Rifle: High-precision magnetic rifle effective against armored enemies. Cost: 300G.
Guard-Class 5 Automated Turret: Stationary defense system with automatic sensors. Cost: 500G.]
Cero reviewed the list carefully, weighing the situation below. He selected two pieces of equipment that seemed most suited for the task.
'I'll take the CX-89 Plasma Grenade Launcher and the LRX-74 Railgun Rifle.'
[Confirmed. Processing purchase…]
[Items delivered.]
In seconds, a bright blue light materialized several meters in front of Cero. Before their eyes, two metal crates bearing the system's signature symbols appeared out of thin air. As the light faded, the crates opened automatically, revealing the plasma grenades and the sleek railgun rifle, both looking pristine and battle-ready.
Cero walked forward without hesitation, picked up the railgun with his right hand, and inspected the plasma grenades neatly arranged inside the crate. He gave a faint smile as he glanced at Robert.
"Our arsenal just leveled up," he said casually.
Robert, ever composed, merely nodded. "Impressive gear, Director," he remarked tersely, immediately signaling the team to prepare the new weapons. Marines quickly lifted the crate of plasma grenades, attaching them to their automated launch systems.
"Director! Safety protocols for handling are now in place," one of the technicians reported.
Cero nodded, hoisting the railgun that felt heavy yet perfectly balanced in his grip. He expertly checked the mechanisms before slinging it over his shoulder. "Good. Let's move out."
The spiral staircase leading to the lower floor grew darker and colder with every step. The light from their helmets barely illuminated a few meters ahead, while the faint glow of symbols on the walls provided minimal guidance.
"Sistem, notify me if there are traps," Cero whispered in his thoughts.
[Detected. Four active trap mechanisms along this route. Recommendation: Avoid red-lit floor panels. Do not touch the sections of the wall with small spiral carvings.]
"Listen," Cero said to his team. "Avoid stepping on red-lit floor panels and don't touch the walls with small spiral symbols. They're traps."
The team moved carefully, following Cero's instructions without hesitation. As they ventured deeper, red-lit panels appeared on the floor. One of the technicians nearly stepped on one before Robert yanked him back.
"Focus," Robert ordered in a low voice.
"Thank you, Sir," the technician stammered, his voice shaky.
Minutes later, the corridor widened into a vast chamber lined with towering stone pillars. From within the shadows, a deep rumble echoed, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps.
"Visual contact!" one of the marines shouted. "Large entity ahead!"
Emerging from the darkness, a massive creature revealed itself. Its body appeared to be made of stone, its glowing red eyes radiating menace. Its arms ended in axe-like formations, each movement accompanied by the grinding sound of rock. Every step shook the ground beneath them.
"Target locked," Cero said, lifting his railgun. "Aim for the symbol on its chest. That's the weak point."
The team quickly formed a defensive formation. The marines opened fire, their energy rounds striking the creature's rocky exterior but leaving only minor scratches. Cero pulled the trigger on his railgun. A thunderous crack resounded as the magnetic projectile tore through the air, smashing directly into the glowing symbol on the creature's chest.
The impact caused the creature to halt abruptly. Cracks spread across its body until it collapsed into a heap of rubble.
"Director, additional contacts above!" Robert called out, pointing to the ceiling. Agile, smaller creatures were leaping from one pillar to another, their sharp claws glinting in the dim light.
Cero swiftly pulled a plasma grenade from his belt. "Clear them."
He hurled the grenade toward the pillars. It detonated in a brilliant blue explosion, disintegrating several creatures in its radius. The team quickly picked off the remaining enemies with precise shots.
With the threats neutralized, they pressed onward, navigating through traps and adversaries. At last, they reached the lowest floor. A vast chamber sprawled before them, its walls adorned with complex, glowing blue symbols that pulsed with an otherworldly energy. At the center stood a massive door, sealed tightly with the same intricate patterns as the one on the upper floor.
"Sistem, analyze," Cero commanded.
[This structure is the primary key chamber. The seal is directly connected to the Core. The key is required to unlock the seal.]
Cero gazed at the door, his icy blue eyes narrowing. He turned to Robert. "Secure the perimeter. Whatever happens next, we need to retrieve that key."
Robert nodded and immediately issued orders to the team. They spread out, forming a defensive line around the chamber.
Cero stepped closer to the door, placing his hand on its surface. A chill spread through his fingers as the symbols on the door glowed brighter in response to his touch. This was the heart of their mission, the culmination of their efforts.
And Cero knew—their greatest challenge had just begun.