Chapter 33: Dungeon (7)
The mansion stirred Blake's sense of adventure too. He believed he could encounter tougher enemies and reap richer rewards. Even Sol's eyes gleamed like pearls.
'I won't die easily, even if there are unknown boss mechanics,' Blake thought, eyeing his teammates. 'But these guys are more likely to die. If that happens, can they resurrect within the dungeon and still get any rewards?'
It was his first time using the matchmaking system. He hadn't investigated the details thoroughly because his emotions had weighed him down; he'd only read enough about the dungeon before logging out.
"Let's go!" Silver Dash shouted, prompting everyone to rush the mansion's grand doors. Following behind them, Blake kept watch for potential ambushes. He was unlike those who would complain about surprise attacks only after they'd suffered the consequences.
Strangely, no enemies appeared, and soon, all six party members stood at the massive doors. Cold mist swirled around them, and elongated icicles formed a sort of ice gate—perhaps an extra magical defense. The ice that coated the ornate doors looked like malevolent magic intended to freeze anyone who touched them. Undoubtedly, these grand doors constituted the dungeon's first boss-like obstacle.
"I can melt it with my fire magic," the mage said.
Silver Dash nodded. "Great idea!"
The mage extended his staff between two icicles and unleashed a volley of fire bolts over the icy surface. Drops of water trickled down, but it appeared it would take hours to melt an entrance.
"What if Superbia's little friend helps him?" asked the ax-wielding woman, clearly finding Sol adorable.
"He'd like to be part of the team," Blake said with a friendly smile.
But Sol whined and refused to budge from Blake's helmet. Just as he did when napping on Blake, the little apple clung to him.
Blake simply shook his head.
"Guess he's tired!" the woman said.
In truth, Sol disliked the rest of the party. Unable to communicate that, he stayed perched on Blake, keeping him warm in the blizzard.
Silver Dash laughed aloud. "Looks like we've all got our flaws!"
He stressed the word "flaws" in a tone Blake couldn't decipher, lacking good social instincts. The others, though, rolled their eyes and chuckled.
Rubbing his hands together, Silver Dash proposed, "Let's break those icicles with our weapons. Maybe they're weakening the fire magic!"
"That could be it!"
"So smart!"
Although Blake disliked Silver Dash's attitude, he had to admit the reasoning made sense: shattering the icicles might help.
Silver Dash raised his hand. "I'll go first. I'll thrust at the same spot and destroy it in no time!"
Striking a pose as if wielding a rapier, he hopped forward and thrust his sword. He repeated this three times, missing the target each attempt. Even so, cracks spread across the dense icicle, hiding his poor aim from everyone but Blake.
A surge of irritation rose in Blake's chest, tempting him to bluntly call the swordsman trash, but he held back. He'd chosen the name Superbia so he'd never forget his old self.
At last, the icicle broke, and its lower section rolled onto the floor. The team's cheers were cut short by a flurry of heavy footsteps inside the mansion. Suddenly, the doors burst open, and a massive shape slammed into Silver Dash, sending him flying like a ragdoll. A few teeth scattered through the air.
No one had time to watch his dramatic tumble. Their gaze locked on a two-legged creature standing on hooves, somehow balancing a massive, fur-lined torso on slender limbs. Its bull-like head growled and thrashed, each horn dripping with Silver Dash's blood.
'A minotaur…' Blake thought.
Although five players encircled the minotaur, it ignored them. Its crimson eyes fixated on Silver Dash, who was on his back, struggling to recover. He was stunned, trembling where he'd landed, looking pitiful. He might survive another charge or two, but if the minotaur grabbed him, any follow-up skill would almost certainly kill him.
"What are you doing?!" Blake roared. "Heal him and get in front! Hurry!"
This time, the healer and tank leapt into action at his thunderous command. Blake dashed toward Silver Dash. 'I'm not sure if I need their keys… but I need them alive at least until we reach the graveyard!'