The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of Mumbai. Aryan Sharma led Meera and Rahul through the narrow alleyways, their destination set: the location of the first dungeon, known as "The Goblin's Den." This dungeon, hidden beneath the old, abandoned metro station, was infamous in Aryan's past life for being the first to manifest in Mumbai.
Aryan's mind raced with memories of the past. He remembered the chaos that ensued when the dungeon first appeared—how unprepared the city was and the loss of lives that followed. This time, he intended to face it head-on before it could cause widespread destruction.
Meera broke the silence, her voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Are you sure about this? We're heading into a place that could be filled with monsters. We're not even fully trained."
Aryan stopped, turning to face them both. "I know what we're walking into. This dungeon is ranked E, and the monsters inside are weaker compared to what will come later. But make no mistake, they are still dangerous. This is our chance to gain experience and Aura Stones early on."
Rahul, though nervous, clenched his fists, his determination evident. "I'm ready, Aryan. I want to prove myself."
Aryan nodded. "Good. Stick close to me, and remember, teamwork is key. We'll go in, assess the situation, and eliminate any threats. But if things get too dangerous, we retreat. Understood?"
Meera and Rahul nodded in agreement.
They reached the entrance of the abandoned metro station, its eerie silence sending shivers down their spines. Aryan led the way, his senses heightened. They descended the crumbling staircase into the darkness, their path illuminated by faint, flickering lights.
As they ventured deeper, the air grew colder, and the sound of distant growls echoed through the tunnels. They approached the dungeon's entrance—a large, ominous door marked with strange runes that glowed faintly.
"Here we are," Aryan whispered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "The Goblin's Den."
The door creaked open as they stepped inside, revealing a vast cavern filled with jagged rocks and eerie green light. The stench of damp earth and decay filled their nostrils. In the distance, the faint sound of guttural chatter and clinking metal could be heard.
Chapter 10: The Clash with the Goblin King
The air in the boss room was thick with tension, the oppressive aura of the Goblin King pressing down on Aryan, Meera, and Rahul as they stood ready, weapons drawn. The Goblin King let out a guttural roar, shaking the very ground beneath them.
"Stick to the plan," Aryan commanded, his voice steady despite the looming threat. "Meera, focus on speed and distractions. Rahul, use your strength to keep its attention divided. I'll go for the critical strikes."
Meera nodded, her daggers gleaming under the dim light, and Rahul tightened his grip on his club, the determination in his eyes clear.
The Goblin King moved first, charging at them with surprising speed for its size. Its massive club smashed into the ground where Aryan had been standing a moment earlier, sending shards of stone flying.
Aryan rolled to the side, already in motion as he slashed at the creature's exposed leg. His sword cut deep, but the Goblin King hardly seemed to notice, its attention snapping to Meera, who darted in and out of its reach, slashing at its arms and legs.
"Rahul, now!" Aryan shouted.
Rahul rushed in from the side, his club swinging in a wide arc to crash against the Goblin King's torso. The beast grunted, more in annoyance than pain, but the attack had served its purpose, diverting its focus from Meera.
The Goblin King roared again, this time in frustration, and swung its massive weapon toward Rahul. Aryan sprinted forward, using the moment to leap onto the creature's back, driving his sword into the thick hide.
The beast howled, shaking its body violently, trying to dislodge Aryan. Meera took advantage of the distraction, her daggers flashing as she targeted the Goblin King's eyes, forcing it to defend its face.
"We're wearing it down!" Aryan called out, hanging on tightly. "Keep it up!"
Rahul landed another heavy blow on the Goblin King's leg, causing it to stumble. The monster's movements became more sluggish, each attack slower than the last.
Aryan seized the opportunity, pulling himself up and driving his sword into the base of the Goblin King's neck. The creature let out a final, deafening roar before collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash.
The room fell silent except for their labored breathing. Aryan pulled his sword free and jumped down, his eyes scanning the fallen beast to ensure it wouldn't rise again.
[Status Window]
Name (Age): Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 3
Class: None
Stats:
Strength: 22
Agility: 25
Aura: 20
Intelligence: 18
Unallocated Stats: 20
Skills:
[Slash] (E Rank)
[Quick Step] (E Rank)
Aryan's status window hovered before him, reminding him of his capabilities and limitations. He glanced at Meera and Rahul, their nervous expressions reflecting the weight of the moment.
"We'll encounter goblins," Aryan explained, his voice steady. "They're small but quick, and they attack in groups. Stick together, and don't let them surround us."
Suddenly, the shadows shifted, and several pairs of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness. The goblins emerged, their grotesque forms illuminated by the green light. They snarled, brandishing crude weapons made of bone and rusted metal.
Rahul's heart pounded in his chest. "Here they come!"
Aryan drew his sword, the blade gleaming in the dim light. "Remember what I said. Stay close, and we'll get through this."
The goblins charged, their shrieks filling the cavern. Aryan moved swiftly, his sword slicing through the first goblin with ease. Meera and Rahul followed his lead, using their newfound strength and agility to fend off the attackers.
Rahul swung a makeshift club, knocking a goblin off its feet, while Meera dodged an incoming blow, countering with a precise kick that sent another goblin sprawling.
Aryan's sword danced through the air, his movements precise and calculated. He could feel the energy of the Aura Stones within the goblins, each strike bringing them closer to claiming their first rewards.
As the last goblin fell, the cavern fell silent once more. The bodies of the defeated creatures disintegrated, leaving behind small, glowing stones.
"Aura Stones," Aryan said, picking one up and holding it out for them to see. "This is what we came for. Collect as many as you can. They'll be crucial for our growth."
Meera and Rahul quickly gathered the stones, their faces lit with a mix of relief and exhilaration. They had survived their first encounter and emerged stronger for it.
But Aryan knew this was only the beginning. The Goblin's Den held more challenges ahead, and beyond it lay even greater threats. As they prepared to delve deeper, Aryan's resolve strengthened. He would not let history repeat itself.