With John's recent accomplishments, Irene, Marik, and Amel's trust in his abbility had solidified, giving them confidence to take on the Dungeon's second level. Despite their caution of taking the second level of a Dungeon, they felt that with John's skill and the aid of his Beasts, they could manage whatever threats lay ahead. But they still need to remained careful.As the heavy door creaked open, a faint breeze swept out, carrying with it the scent of stale air and faint traces of something long forgotten.Beyond the threshold, the Dungeon expanded into a larger chamber. It was an ancient and ruined structure with intact pillars and stonework far more preserved than anything they'd seen on the first level.Vines snaked along the walls, thick roots bursting from cracks in the floor, but the craftsmanship of the stone still looked very clear showing intricately carved walls, faintly glinting metal fixtures, and weathered statues lining the room's edges.John took a deep breath and with a simple gesture, he summoned Inky and Miki. Inky materialized at his side while Miki stood alert and ready, his gaze darting around as if sensing something in the shadows.John knelt down, resting a hand on Miki's shoulder. "Scout ahead, Miki," he sait through his mind, and the rat Beast immediately run off, disappearing into the dim light.They waited in silence, their breaths slow as they strained to hear any sign of what lay deeper within. After a few tense minutes, Miki returned, bounding toward them with urgency in his steps.Though Miki couldn't speak, John felt a strange sense of understanding wash over him, almost as if he could hear the creature's thoughts. There were Beasts ahead, lurking in the darkness.He turned to the others, his expression serious. "There's something waiting for us," he said quietly. "Beasts, just up ahead."John took a steadying breath and focused, closing his eyes as he reached out to Miki's mind, seeking more details.Images and sensations filled his thoughts, vague but intense. Through Miki's eyes, he glimpsed a sinuous, red-scaled creature coiled in the shadows. The snake Beast was long, its body stretching down the corridor like a living muscular whip.Its scales glimmered like blood, and along its spine, sharp protrusions jutted out, forming a serrated ridge."Damn, that Beast looked strong," John thought, bitterly.Opening his eyes, John glanced at his friends, who were all poised and ready. He gave a nod then conveying what he sensed to them.They look somewhat worried, but then John's presence make them more confident now.Marik took position at the front, his massive turtle companion - Snappy - solidifying beside him in its true form, its shell look like an imposing shield.Marik's own shield was raised and they both prepared to bear the brunt of whatever came.Irene moved next to Marik, her grip steady as she prepared her weapon. Meanwhile, John and Amel stayed close, John positioning himself protectively at her side.Inky and Miki were stationed beside Marik and Irene, their bodies tense and prepared to strike at a moment's notice from John.They advanced cautiously. The dim light from the fungi flickered, casting strange shadows that danced along the dungeon walls.Suddenly, the snake Beast emerged from the darkness, its red eyes gleaming with a chilling intelligence as it raised its head, tongue flicking as it sensed its prey."Hold," John whispered calmly. He activated his Beast Insight Vision, and a faint, translucent line of texts appeared around in his eyes, displaying its stats.-----You activate Beast Insight Vision (Novice stage 9/100).Species: Bladed Spine ViperRank: Common BeastElemental Affinity: FireStrength: LowAgility: HighEndurance: LowWeakness: Eyes, underbelly, mouthSpecial Abilities: Venom Shot, FireboltTaming Method: Dominance, Soul-Synchronization-----John's gaze remained steady as he relayed the details from his Beast Insight Vision."The Viper's weak points are its eyes, underbelly, and mouth, I guess then it opened we can attack it. It has a couple of abilities we need to watch for: Venom Shot and Firebolt. But we've got the advantage now cause we know it, just focus on those weak spots and keep your guard up."Hearing John's calm analysis and reassurance, Marik, Irene, and Amel visibly relaxed. His words grounded them, turning their earlier anxiety into a sharper focus. With a quiet nod from each, they prepared to launch into the fight."Alright, let's take it down," John said.The Bladed Spine Viper coiled up and, with a sudden hiss, lunged forward. Its mouth opened and a sphere of fire formed at the back of its throat before it spat a blazing Firebolt directly at them.Marik was already braced. He raised his shield just in time. The firebolt struck it with a crackling impact, sending a hot wave over them, but Marik held firm, grunting as the heat singed his armor's edges. But he is fine."Now!" John called, seizing the moment. With a mind order, he directed Inky and Miki to attack.Miki darted forward, zigzagging across the stone floor to evade the viper's line of sight. Inky took a different route, slipping into the shadows with fluid grace, his form nearly invisible as he stalked around to flank the Beast.Both Beasts honed in on the Viper, positioning themselves for the assault.Inky and Miki responded to John's commands with an intuitive understanding that defied their short time together. Most tamers spent years training their Beasts to this level of coordination, yet John's Beasts moved as if they'd been by his side for ages, flawlessly anticipating his needs and adapting mid-battle.This silent communication was unusual, almost uncanny, but John still didn't know anything of how unique this bond truly was.Seizing the moment, Irene dashed forward, moving through the shadows with swift and near-silent steps."HAAAAA!!!"Marik let out a fierce shout, drawing the Viper's attention toward him as Irene slipped closer to its side, preparing to strike.The Bladed Spine Viper snapped its gaze back to Marik, coiling its body with terrifying speed.With a sudden lunge, it slammed against Marik's shield, driving him backward a few steps. However, he held his ground.John's eyes widened as he witnessed Marik's strength; the impact had barely moved him, though he sure that the force was enough to stagger most men.But then, with a swift flick of its tail, the Viper struck low and catching Marik's leg in a harsh whip.He grunted, his stance faltering as he lost balance and drop to the stone floor.The Viper reared its head back, jaws spreading wide as it prepared to sink its fangs into Marik.---