The group pressed deeper into the dungeon's third floor, the shifting air and ever-changing biomes signaling the increased difficulty. As they entered the sandstorm biome, visibility dropped to almost nothing. Each step was a battle against the coarse winds, and the oppressive atmosphere carried a sense of foreboding.
Seraphina led with quiet resolve, her presence a steadying force for the others. She manipulated lightning to form a crackling dome around the group, shielding them from the storm's worst gusts and keeping any unseen threats at bay. Alongside it, her earth magic provided stability, shaping the loose sands into a hardened path beneath their feet.
The sudden screech of enemies echoed through the storm, announcing their arrival. Out of the sand emerged a group of Anzu, lion-headed and eagle-winged creatures of Mesopotamian mythology. Their sharp talons glinted even in the dim light as they swooped down with predatory grace.
Seraphina responded immediately, bolts of lightning crackling through the storm. The strikes descended with pinpoint precision, moving fast enough to intercept the diving creatures mid-flight. The Anzu shrieked as the bolts coursed through them, but their numbers didn't dwindle fast enough.
Kaelion stepped forward, sword glowing faintly as he met one of the Anzu head-on. His movements carried echoes of mastery, blending his training with sword mana and a technique that mimicked a famed style. The blade arcs sliced through the Anzu's wings, sending it crashing to the ground. Yet, as he prepared to finish it, another creature blindsided him.
The impact sent Kaelion flying backward—straight into Seraphina. Her eyes widened as he crashed into her, his momentum forcing his face squarely into her colossal proportions. Seraphina's cheeks burned bright red as she froze, caught between embarrassment and disbelief.
Kaelion, momentarily stunned, realized where he'd landed and quickly pulled away, his face matching the color of Seraphina's. His mind raced, distracted by the softness and warmth he hadn't expected to encounter in the middle of battle.
Before he could recover, another Anzu seized the opportunity to attack. It lunged for Kaelion, talons outstretched. Seraphina reacted instinctively, her embarrassment forgotten as she raised her hand. A spear of earth erupted from the ground, piercing the Anzu mid-lunge. The creature let out a final screech before collapsing lifelessly onto the sands.
Kaelion muttered his thanks, his tone barely audible over the storm. Seraphina avoided his gaze, her shyness creeping into her posture as she quickly turned her focus back to the battle.
Aria, meanwhile, stood further back, the darkhold hovering near her. She summoned gravity magic to pin several Anzu to the ground, but the strain of the spell was visible. The darkhold pulsed with chaotic energy, and each use of her magic seemed to take a toll on her. Sweat dripped down her brow as she gritted her teeth, forcing herself to maintain control.
Despite her determination, Aria's relative inexperience with dark chaos magic began to show. The darkhold, linked to her heart, refused to let her falter entirely, but the strain on her body was undeniable. Every spell came with a price, and the toll it took on her stamina became increasingly evident.
The spear-wielder also fought valiantly, using his newfound mastery to dispatch the remaining Anzu. His strikes were precise, and the spear's reach allowed him to keep the creatures at bay. Still, even his efficiency couldn't make up for the fact that these enemies were already two levels stronger than the group.
When the last of the Anzu fell, the group barely had time to catch their breath before the dungeon shifted again. The sandstorm subsided, and they found themselves standing at the edge of a massive arena. The air grew colder, the atmosphere oppressive as if announcing the arrival of something far more dangerous.
From the shadows emerged the floor's final guardian—a massive, hulking humanoid wreathed in swirling shadows. Its glowing crimson eyes locked onto the group as it hefted a jagged halberd nearly twice its size. This creature wasn't a god, but it exuded a presence that dwarfed anything they had faced before. Its sheer power was evident, its aura pressing down on them like a tidal wave.
Kaelion and the others hesitated. Even at full strength, this enemy was far beyond them. The disparity in power was glaring, and for a moment, doubt crept into their minds.
Seraphina, however, stepped forward, her expression resolute. While her teammates struggled against enemies two levels stronger, she could face challenges twenty levels above her and still prevail. Her body radiated energy as she summoned both earth and lightning magic, combining the two in a show of raw power.
The guardian charged, its halberd slicing through the air with enough force to split the ground. Seraphina countered with a massive wall of stone, the impact sending shockwaves through the arena. She followed up with a barrage of lightning bolts, each strike aimed to exploit the cracks in the guardian's armor.
The instructors and Eldara watched the battle unfold from their monitoring stations, their expressions ranging from astonishment to disbelief. Seraphina's ability to wield multiple elements with such mastery baffled them. Even seasoned mages rarely achieved such a level of versatility, and yet she made it seem effortless.
Kaelion and the others tried to assist, but the guardian's overwhelming power kept them on the defensive. Aria, in particular, found herself struggling. The darkhold's influence weighed heavily on her, and each spell she cast drained more of her strength. The gravitational fields she created slowed the guardian, but she couldn't maintain them for long.
As the fight dragged on, it became clear that only Seraphina could match the guardian blow for blow. Her lightning struck with pinpoint accuracy, her earth magic disrupted its movements, and her sheer resilience kept her standing even as the guardian unleashed devastating attacks.
Kaelion, still reeling from the earlier incident, tried to focus. Yet every time his eyes drifted toward Seraphina, his thoughts betrayed him. Her unshakable composure, her radiant presence, and her willingness to protect them all left him in awe.
The battle reached its climax as Seraphina unleashed a final, devastating attack. She summoned a massive pillar of earth beneath the guardian, launching it into the air. As it fell, she channeled all her lightning magic into a single, blinding bolt. The strike connected, reducing the guardian to ashes in an explosion of light and energy.
The group stood in stunned silence, the weight of the battle finally lifting. Seraphina turned to her teammates, her cheeks still faintly red as she avoided Kaelion's gaze. The instructors and Eldara exchanged glances, their respect for Seraphina growing with every passing moment.
The journey wasn't over, but the third floor had been conquered. Seraphina and her team pressed forward, their resolve stronger than ever, knowing that the challenges ahead would only grow more daunting.