The group of hunters continued to progress further into the depths of the dungeon. The stone walls seemed to close in, narrowing as they moved forward, while the ambient humidity thickened oppressively. Enemy encounters became increasingly infrequent, and finally, they reached the terminus of the corridor, without encountering the anticipated boss chamber.
Mi Ra halted midway, her gaze sweeping across the surroundings. Everything suggested they had reached the dungeon's conclusion, yet the boss chamber—a critical endpoint—remained conspicuously absent. The group exchanged puzzled glances.
Lee Chan Min: "This is peculiar. We've cleared out every single monster, but there's still no sign of the boss."
Oh Hyo Joo (archer): "Maybe the dungeon is just smaller than we anticipated?"
Mi Ra (calmly): "No, I don't believe so. Dungeons like these invariably culminate in a final confrontation. There has to be a boss chamber somewhere."
Her statement lingered in the air, instilling a growing sense of uncertainty among the hunters. None of them had precise knowledge of the dungeon's dimensions or layout, allowing doubt to gradually take root in their minds.
After a few moments, Mi Ra raised her hand, signaling the group to pause.
Mi Ra: "We're taking a break. It's 10:13. Let's rest and regain our strength."
Her directive was received with visible relief. Each of the hunters found a spot on the cold, uneven stone ground and began attending to their needs. Some drank from their flasks, others checked their weapons, while a few sat silently, lost in thought.
Hyun Woo settled near a wall, meticulously wiping the blade of his sword. Mi Ra sat nearby, absently leafing through her spellbook. The focused intensity of her expression indicated that her thoughts were not solely occupied with spells, but also with the situation confronting the group.
After a few minutes, Kang Seung Joon, a tall and powerfully built tank, approached Mi Ra. He lowered himself beside her, resting his massive weapon against his shoulder.
Kang Seung Joon: "Mi Ra, could I have a word with you?"
She glanced up, nodding slightly.
Mi Ra: "Of course. Is something bothering you?"
He lowered his voice to ensure their conversation remained private.
Kang Seung Joon: "The team is exhausted. You saw how much combat we've already endured. If there's truly a boss awaiting us, that fight could be exceptionally demanding. I'm concerned that they might not have the stamina to withstand it."
Mi Ra sighed, her gaze sweeping over the other members. Fatigue was written across each face. Even Hyun Woo, who made a consistent effort to appear composed, looked notably worn.
Mi Ra (calmly): "I understand, but our options are limited. The Gate won't close until we defeat the boss. At worst, it will shut automatically 24 hours after it initially opened."
Her voice carried an air of confidence, but a glimmer of uncertainty betrayed her eyes. She was striving to project strength, if only for the sake of her team.
Kang Seung Joon (gently): "I know, and as a leader, you've been doing an excellent job. I just wanted you to know that if things become too overwhelming, we will persevere. We'll find a way to make it through."
Mi Ra offered a small, grateful smile, her expression softening.
Mi Ra: "Thank you, Seung Joon. I appreciate that."
He nodded before rising and returning to his position, leaving Mi Ra alone with her thoughts. She glanced once more at her watch. The minutes ticked by inexorably, and the sense of uncertainty loomed ever larger.
A tense silence enveloped the chamber, interrupted only by the rhythmic sound of water dripping from the ceiling onto the stone floor. The hunters sat, each immersed in their own reflections. Even Lee Chan Min, typically boisterous and full of humor, remained silent, methodically inspecting his blades.
Hyun Woo, leaning against the wall, ran his fingers along the edge of his sword, contemplating his emotions. This mission marked his first real experience as an integrated member of a team. Yet, with that camaraderie came the weight of responsibility—not only for his own survival but for the safety of others as well.
The hour of respite had ended. Mi Ra rose from the cold, stone floor, brushing off the dust and small fragments that clung to her clothes. Her expression remained composed, though a wary glint flickered in her eyes.Mi Ra: "Time to move. We've rested long enough."
The hunters rose one by one. Some appeared noticeably reinvigorated after the brief rest, while others still bore the marks of lingering exhaustion. They formed into their respective combat formations, and at Mi Ra's signal, began progressing through the shadowy corridors of the dungeon.
The dungeon was unnervingly silent. The stone passageways seemed to expand as they advanced deeper, yet there was no sight or sound of monsters or any indication of resources. The hunters exchanged glances filled with uncertainty, and hushed whispers of confusion and anxiety grew increasingly frequent.
One of the hunters (softly, in a whisper): "Where are all the monsters? This doesn't feel right."
Lee Chan Min, walking alongside Hyun Woo, leaned in to share his thoughts.
Lee Chan Min (in a whisper): "Do you sense it too? It's too quiet here. Suspiciously so."
Hyun Woo surveyed their surroundings, his gaze meticulous as he slowly nodded.
Hyun Woo: "Yeah. But maybe it means we're getting closer to the boss chamber."
Lee Chan Min gave a disbelieving grunt, clearly unconvinced, but chose not to pursue the argument further. Instead, he refocused on the path ahead.
The group's footsteps echoed down the corridor. Suddenly, Hyun Woo felt an anomalous draft—a cold breeze brushed against his back, prompting him to turn abruptly. He halted, trying to identify a noise that was previously absent.
Hyun Woo: "Hold on... Does anyone else feel that?"
Mi Ra, leading from the front, froze mid-step and turned to look back. She too perceived the faint current of air flowing through the corridor behind them.
Mi Ra (in a serious tone): "There shouldn't be any wind in a sealed dungeon. This is highly unusual."
She quickly shifted her gaze to Lee Chan Min, who was now at the forefront.
Mi Ra: "Lee Chan Min, take the lead. Guide the group forward."
Lee Chan Min nodded, repositioning himself at the front of the formation. Meanwhile, Mi Ra turned to Kang Seung Joon.
Mi Ra: "We'll cover the rear. We need to figure out what's happening back there."
Hyun Woo stepped forward, his eyes resolute as he addressed Mi Ra.
Hyun Woo: "I'm coming with you."
Mi Ra hesitated briefly, then gave a curt nod.
Mi Ra: "Alright. Stay close."
The group pressed onward, with Lee Chan Min leading with focused, silent vigilance. The remaining hunters followed, occasionally whispering to one another. Mi Ra, Kang Seung Joon, and Hyun Woo took up the rear, remaining alert to the sounds behind them.
They trekked through winding passageways for about an hour. The corridors continued to widen and darken, but no monsters, resources, or signs of the anticipated boss chamber appeared. Anxiety began to build among the hunters.
One of the hunters (irritated): "How much longer are we going to wander around like this? Does this dungeon even end?"
Mi Ra remained silent, striving to conceal her own rising unease. Eventually, the group reached what appeared to be a dead end. The corridor terminated at a blank wall, scarred with ancient cracks and partially overgrown with moss.
One of the hunters: "Is this some kind of joke? We've hit a dead end?"
Voices of frustration rose, as hunters began bickering amongst themselves, some blaming others for what seemed to be a pointless effort. Lee Chan Min turned to Mi Ra, attempting to calm the rising tensions.
Lee Chan Min: "Everyone, take a deep breath. It could just be another part of the dungeon's structure."
Mi Ra stepped forward, ready to address the group, when suddenly the walls around them began to shift.
A loud rumble reverberated through the passage, causing the hunters to freeze in their tracks. The walls behind them started to move, splitting into two sections, as though enormous stone doors were slowly opening. From deep within, a low, guttural roar echoed, causing everyone to instinctively step back.
Kang Seung Joon (tense): "What the hell is going on?"
Mi Ra swiftly grabbed Lee Chan Min by the shoulder, halting his forward movement.
Mi Ra: "Everyone, prepare yourselves! This is a trap."
The hunters began drawing their weapons, adopting defensive stances. Hyun Woo, tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword, watched the widening gap between the stone doors, cold sweat trickling down his spine.
Lee Chan Min (in a whisper): "Looks like we've finally found the boss chamber."
The massive doors opened completely, revealing a dark passageway from which an icy, foreboding wind swept out. The group stood on edge, the tension palpable, as they peered into the ominous darkness beyond the threshold.