The Chimera lunged one last time, its three heads snapping and roaring in a desperate attempt to finish them off. JC, standing at the forefront, raised his hands, light and storm magic swirling around him in a dazzling display of power.
"Now!" JC shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Mark, Jackson, Angel, and Lissy combined their attacks, coordinating perfectly. Mark unleashed a massive lightning bolt, its crackling energy surging toward the Chimera. Jackson followed with a powerful gust of wind that amplified the bolt, forcing the Chimera to stumble. Angel's shadows snaked up its legs, holding it in place as Lissy summoned a roaring inferno, her flames engulfing the creature.
JC took a deep breath and raised his pendant, channeling the mana from the core chamber into his attack. A blinding beam of light and electricity surged forward, striking the Chimera directly in its chest. The creature let out a deafening roar, its heads thrashing wildly as the combined assault overwhelmed it.
With one final, anguished cry, the Chimera collapsed, its massive body dissolving into motes of mana that floated upward and disappeared into the ceiling.
---
The group collapsed to the ground, panting heavily as the adrenaline began to fade.
"We… we did it," Lissy said, her voice trembling with exhaustion.
Mark let out a shaky laugh, leaning against a rock for support. "I can't believe we actually beat that thing."
Angel smirked, though her shadows flickered weakly around her. "Not bad for our first dungeon, huh?"
JC stood silently, his gaze fixed on the large double doors that had appeared at the far end of the chamber. They were ornate, carved with intricate patterns that pulsed with a faint, ominous light.
"That's the boss room," he said, his voice low.
Jackson looked up, his face pale. "The boss? After all that, there's still more?"
JC nodded. "This is just the beginning. Dungeons are designed to test you. The boss is the final challenge—and the strongest enemy here."
Mark groaned. "Great. And how are we supposed to fight it when we're barely standing?"
"You're not," JC said, turning to face the group.
The others stared at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?" Angel asked, narrowing her eyes.
JC stepped forward, his pendant glowing faintly. "I'm going in alone."
"What?!" Lissy exclaimed, pushing herself to her feet. "Are you crazy? You can't take on the boss by yourself!"
"You don't have to," Mark said, his voice firm. "We've got your back."
JC shook his head. "This isn't your fight. You've proven yourselves today—more than I could have hoped. But this… this is something I need to do alone."
Jackson frowned. "Why? What aren't you telling us?"
JC hesitated, his gaze distant. "The boss of this dungeon… it's connected to my family. The Logia family. It's a test of our lineage—our strength. If I fail, it'll mean more than just my life. It'll mean dishonor to my family and my people."
The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in.
Angel crossed her arms, her expression conflicted. "You're sure about this?"
JC nodded. "I have to do this. But I need you to trust me—and to be ready. If I don't come back…"
"You will come back," Lissy interrupted, her voice fierce. "We're not losing you."
JC smiled faintly. "Thanks. But just in case… be prepared for anything."
---
He turned and approached the doors, placing his hands on the cool, glowing surface. The runes on the doors flared brightly, and with a deep rumble, they began to open. A wave of oppressive mana washed over the room, making the air feel heavy and suffocating.
JC stepped inside, the doors closing behind him with an echoing thud.
---
The boss room was massive, its walls lined with glowing veins of mana that pulsed like a heartbeat. At the center of the room stood a towering figure—a humanoid creature clad in black and gold armor, its eyes glowing with an intense, otherworldly light.
The creature held a massive sword, its blade crackling with raw energy. It turned to face JC, its presence radiating power and authority.
"So, you've come," the creature said, its voice deep and resonant. "A descendant of the Logia family. Let us see if you are worthy of your name."
JC took a deep breath, his pendant glowing brighter as he readied himself for the fight of his life.
"I won't let you down," he whispered, gripping his dagger tightly.
And with that, the battle began.