The dungeon loomed over the horizon, its jagged black spires piercing the orange twilight sky. Lucas Ashenvale stood at its entrance, his crimson eyes reflecting the flickering light of the torches carried by the other hunters.
"Listen up, rookies!" barked Garrick Stonefang, the retired S-rank hunter who now served as the guild's trainer, "This is a Rank-E dungeon, Perfect for beginners. like you, But don't let your guard down, Even the weakest dungeon can kill you if you're careless."
Lucas clenched his fists, his white hair catching the light. as the wind blew past. This was his moment-a chance to prove he wasn't just an E-rank nobody. The jeers and insults from his peers still echoed in his mind,
"Don't trip over your own feet, Ashenvale, sneered Darius Blackthorn, one of the guild's rising stars, "Maybe stick to fetching water for the real hunters."
Lucas didn't respond. He wasn't here to argue; he was here to survive,
As the group ventured deeper into the dungeon, the air grew colder, and the faint glow of crystals embedded in the walls cast eerie shadows. The smell of damp earth and something faintly metallic filled Lucas's nostrils.
"Stick close," whispered Kai, his best friend, gripping a battered sword tightly. Despite his nerves, Kai's usual optimism shone through. "We've got this, man. Just stay behind me, okay?"
Lucas gave a small nod. He wasn't about to let kai take all the risks.
A sudden roar shattered the tense silence.
"Ambush!" Garrick's voice thundered. "Form up!"
From the shadows, goblins with twisted faces and jagged weapons emerged. Their eyes glinted with malice as they charged,
"Take out the smaller ones first!" Garrick ordered, his axe already cleaving through the nearest goblin.
Lucas's heart pounded as a goblin lunged at him, its rusty blade aiming for his chest, He barely dodged, stumbling backward, His hand fumbled for his dagger, the only weapon he could afford.
"Focus, Lucas!" Kai yelled, slashing at a goblin that was too close for comfort.
Gritting his teeth, Lucas steadied himself. He dodged another swing, this time countering with a quick jab. His dagger found its mark, plunging into the goblin's neck. Warm blood splattered onto his face as the creature fell.
"One down," he muttered, his confidence growing.
The battle was chaotic but brief. Soon, the floor was littered with goblin corpses, Lucas leaned against the wall, catching his breath.
"Not bad," Garrick said, his gruff voice cutting through the silence, "But don't celebrate yet. That was just the welcoming party."
Lucas wiped the sweat from his brow, His crimson eyes flicked to the other hunters, many of whom looked shaken.
"You're still standing, Ashenvale?" Darius sneered as he approached, "Lucky hit, I'm sure,"
Lucas didn't rise to the bait. Instead, his attention was drawn to a faint glow further down the corridor.
"Hey," he said, pointing. "What's that?"
Garrick followed his gaze, his expression darkening. "A boss room," he said grimly. "And it's glowing, That's never a good sign."
To Be Continued...