As dawn broke, Aryan, Rahul, and Priya stood at the edge of the forest that concealed the entrance to the D-rank dungeon. The air was thick with anticipation, and the forest was alive with the sounds of nature, a stark contrast to the dangers that awaited them inside the dungeon.
Priya, dressed in light armor that allowed for agility, adjusted her daggers. "This dungeon is no joke. We need to stick together and move strategically."
Aryan nodded, gripping his sword. "We'll advance cautiously, taking out any Lizardmen silently if possible. If we get surrounded, it could turn into a disaster."
Rahul, who carried a heavier sword, flexed his fingers around the hilt. "Got it. We need to watch each other's backs."
They entered the dungeon, the light from the entrance quickly fading as they ventured deeper. The walls were damp, and the air was cool, filled with the faint hissing sounds of the Lizardmen lurking in the shadows.
Priya held up a hand, signaling for them to stop. "There's movement ahead," she whispered.
Aryan squinted into the darkness, his enhanced senses picking up the subtle shifts. "Two, maybe three Lizardmen."
Priya smiled, her daggers gleaming in the dim light. "I'll take the one on the left. Rahul, you go right. Aryan, handle the one in the center."
They moved swiftly, each taking their positions. Priya's daggers flew true, embedding into the neck of her target before it could react. Rahul swung his sword in a wide arc, cutting down the Lizardman with sheer strength. Aryan's strike was precise, his blade finding its mark in the creature's heart.
The bodies fell silently to the ground. Aryan approached, checking for any valuable drops. As expected, each Lizardman had left behind an Aura Stone and some basic items.
Item Status Window
Name: Lizardman Scale
Rank: Common
Effect: Can be used to craft basic armor.
Hidden Feature: None.
Item Status Window
Name: Aura Stone
Rank: Common
Effect: Can be used for enhancing weapons and armor or sold for currency.
Hidden Feature: Detected. (Further analysis required.)
"Aura Stones," Aryan murmured, pocketing them. "These will be useful for upgrades and as a revenue source."
Priya nodded, retrieving her daggers. "Let's keep moving. The deeper we go, the stronger the Lizardmen will become."
As they advanced, the encounters grew more challenging. The Lizardmen were more coordinated, attacking in groups and using the terrain to their advantage. Aryan's swordsmanship and Rahul's brute strength kept them at bay, while Priya's agility allowed her to deliver swift, fatal strikes.
After a particularly grueling battle, Aryan checked his status window, noting the increase in his level and the unallocated stat points.
Status Window - Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 5
Class: Warrior
Stats:
Strength: 24
Agility: 20
Aura: 14
Intelligence: 11
Unallocated Stats: 10
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (E)
Aryan allocated the points to Strength and Agility, knowing the importance of balancing power with speed. "I'm increasing my strength and agility again. We need to keep up with these creatures' speed and strength."
Rahul followed suit, adding to his Strength and Aura. "I'll boost my aura too. It might come in handy if we find stronger weapons or techniques."
Status Window - Rahul Patel (22)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 4
Class: Warrior
Stats:
Strength: 24
Agility: 16
Aura: 20
Intelligence: 11
Unallocated Stats: 0
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (E)
Priya adjusted her status as well, ensuring she was well-prepared for the final challenge. "Let's push forward. The Lizardman Chief is near. Once we defeat him, this dungeon will be ours."
As they moved deeper, the dungeon's atmosphere grew more oppressive. They could sense the presence of the Lizardman Chief, a powerful aura that sent chills down their spines.
Finally, they entered a large cavern, the Lizardman Chief standing at its center. It was a towering figure, with scales that shimmered in the dim light and eyes that glowed with a predatory intelligence.
"Get ready," Aryan warned, his grip tightening on his sword. "This is it."
The Lizardman Chief roared, the sound echoing through the cavern as it charged toward them.
The battle for the dungeon had begun.