Chapter 1: Into the Depths
The sun barely touched the horizon as Lu Sheng followed behind his three teammates. Each step he took echoed loudly in the open fields surrounding the dungeon, and with each step, the weight of the supplies on his back felt heavier. His breath was shallow, his legs sore, but still, he followed. He had no choice.
Ahead of him, Ryuusei, Ryouji, and Shinji moved effortlessly, each of them bearing the confident air of cultivators ranked in the 2nd Tier and above. Lu Sheng, however, was stuck at 1st Tier, Sub-Tier 3—the weakest tier of all.
Their laughter filled the air like a constant reminder of his inadequacy.
"Lu Sheng, you're slowing us down again," Ryuusei teased, his silver hair glinting in the morning light. His tone was playful but cutting. "Maybe you should've stayed behind and guarded the entrance. You're not much use to us at the moment."
Lu Sheng gritted his teeth but said nothing. He had learned long ago to keep quiet in moments like this.
"You know, if you weren't here carrying the supplies, I'd say you were just dead weight," Ryouji added with a smirk, his hands casually resting on his swords. "You should be lucky we even let you come along. Just don't get in the way."
"Yeah," Shinji chimed in, laughing as he adjusted his pack. "We wouldn't want to have to babysit you through the dungeon. Though, I can't help but wonder how long you'll last in there."
Lu Sheng's fingers tightened around the straps of his pack. The ridicule never ended, but he had no choice but to endure it. Their mocking words stung, but there was nothing he could do. Not yet.
As they approached the dungeon's entrance, the massive stone archway stood in front of them, dark and foreboding. The air inside felt cool, and the scent of ancient stone filled the air. Ryuusei, as always, was the first to step forward, his eyes scanning the dark interior.
"Let's go," he called, leading the way.
The group descended deeper into the dungeon, moving through narrow corridors and winding passageways. Their footsteps echoed ominously off the walls, but all Lu Sheng could focus on was the weight on his shoulders and the endless mocking words of his companions.
"Lu Sheng, stop dragging your feet," Ryuusei barked. "We don't have all day. You're not here to be a burden."
"I'm going as fast as I can," Lu Sheng muttered, but his voice barely carried over the sound of their steps.
Minutes turned into hours as they navigated through the dungeon's depths. Finally, they reached the entrance to the boss room. The air was thick with tension, and the very ground seemed to hum with energy.
Ryuusei's confident grin widened as he approached the door. "This is it. The Void Crystal Boss. Prepare yourselves."
Shinji cracked his knuckles, his face serious. "Finally. Let's see if this dungeon is worth the effort."
Ryouji adjusted his stance, eyeing the door warily. "Just remember, no one get careless. We need to be on our toes."
Lu Sheng stood behind them, gripping the hilt of his weapon tightly, though doubt gnawed at him. He was no match for them, and even less so for whatever lay beyond that door. But still, he stepped forward, pushing down the fear inside him. He had to try. He had to prove that he wasn't just the burden they saw him as.
As the door slowly creaked open, the temperature dropped, and a dark, swirling mist poured out of the room, engulfing them.
Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath their feet, and a deep growl echoed from within.
The Void Crystal Boss had awoken.
End of Chapter 1