The dungeon seemed endless. The strike team trudged forward, cutting through waves of volcanic monsters, their grotesque forms varying wildly. Some were towering humanoids wreathed in flames, others were quadrupeds with jagged, molten rock spines, and a few were smaller, scurrying creatures with claws sharp enough to rend steel. The heat, ash, and constant combat wore them down, but they pressed on, their sights set on the boss.
Xavier stayed in the back, his role little more than a shadow, calling out warnings when he noticed a lurking monster or a dangerous patch of molten rock. Brandon ignored him outright, not even acknowledging his presence. The others, though weary, occasionally spared him a glance or nodded in thanks. Still, he felt like a burden, a walking liability in a dungeon that seemed eager to claim them all.
Finally, the scout returned, their face pale and sweat-soaked. "I've found the boss room," they said, their voice tight with unease.
Brandon gathered the team, urging them to rest briefly while the scout described what they had seen.
"It's huge," the scout began, their voice trembling. "Easily twenty feet tall, its body is a mass of molten rock and fire, constantly shifting. It's humanoid, but its arms are disproportionately long, with one holding a massive molten blade that glows white-hot. Its head… it doesn't have eyes, just a wide, jagged mouth full of magma teeth. And it's fast. Too fast for something that size."
Brandon frowned, processing the information. "Sounds like brute force is its main advantage. It's probably not intelligent. If we can use its size and speed against it, we can win. Stick to the plan."
He looked over the team. "Ellis, your arrows won't do much here, so keep to the back and focus on spotting any patterns or weaknesses. Everyone else, be ready for coordinated strikes. We don't have room for mistakes."
Then he turned to Xavier. "You're staying out of this."
Xavier blinked. "W-what? You're leaving me behind?"
"Yes," Brandon said bluntly. "You'll stay here and keep out of our way."
The team exchanged uneasy glances. Marcus spoke up. "That's cruel, Brandon. This dungeon's unpredictable, and those monsters could attack him while we're gone."
"And if he dies," Dana added, "we lose all the materials and cores we've collected. He's not exactly irreplaceable, but our loot is."
Brandon sighed. "You think I don't know that? But bringing him into the boss room is worse. He'll just be extra baggage we have to protect, and this boss is unlike anything we've faced. I'm not taking that risk."
Ellis stepped forward. "Then I'll stay with him."
Brandon scowled. "Ellis, I need you in there. You're crucial to—"
"Not this time," Ellis interrupted, crossing her arms. "If the scout's right, my arrows won't make much of a difference against that thing's armor. Besides, someone needs to make sure Xavier doesn't get himself killed out here."
The others murmured, some nodding in agreement. Brandon glared at Ellis, but he couldn't argue. "Fine," he growled, "but you better not regret it."
Ellis gave Xavier a small smile as the team moved out toward the boss room. He lowered his head, muttering, "Thank you."
"Don't mention it," she said lightly. "I owe you for the serpent."
…..
Time passed slowly as Xavier and Ellis waited. The oppressive heat made every breath a challenge. Xavier wiped his brow repeatedly, the sweat pouring down his face. Ellis wasn't faring much better, her gear soaked through.
She caught Xavier glancing at her, his eyes darting to the sweat dripping down her neck and chest before he quickly turned away, his face flushing.
"You okay?" she asked, teasingly raising an eyebrow.
"I-it's just the heat," Xavier stammered, avoiding her gaze.
Ellis chuckled. "Yeah, it's brutal. I've been in a few C-rank dungeons, but this one takes the cake. Still…" She looked around, a faint glint of excitement in her eyes. "It's kind of thrilling. Being the first to explore a place like this, finding materials and mana stones—it's not all bad."
Xavier nodded, hesitant. "I guess. But this is my first time in anything above E-rank. Honestly, I've avoided D-rank dungeons because… well, I'm not exactly cut out for this. I've barely survived fights with monsters my own rank."
Ellis placed a hand on his shoulder. "But you did survive. That's what matters. Even if you think you're weak, you've made it this far. That says something."
"A survivor's instinct, huh?" Xavier muttered, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Exactly," Ellis said with a grin. "The hunter with the best survivor's instinct."
He laughed softly. "Thanks for humoring me."
She leaned closer, her face inches from his. Before Xavier could react, she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"You're Welcome," she said, her voice teasing yet sincere.
Xavier froze, his face burning brighter than the lava around them. Ellis laughed, calling him "cute" before they both stood as a loud roar echoed through the dungeon.
However their tender moment would soon be cut short, due to the sudden shouting cry of Brandon. "Ellis!…"
Ellis and Xavier stood to their feet lookin gin the direction of where the strike team had went, only to see Brandon emerge alone.
Brandon stumbled toward them, his condition horrifying. His armor was half-melted, his shield gone. Burned flesh peeked through torn fabric, and his face bore a deep scorch mark. Blood dripped from his wounds, staining the hot ground.
"Brandon!" Ellis yelled, rushing to support him. Xavier quickly followed.
"They're all dead," Brandon croaked, his voice heavy with pain. "The others… sacrificed themselves so I could escape."
Ellis's face paled. "What happened?"
Before Brandon could answer, a deafening roar came from the boss room, followed by heavy, earth-shaking footsteps.
"We need to run!" Brandon barked. "Head for the exit now!"
Ellis hesitated, her gaze darting between Brandon and the direction of the roar.
"No time!" Brandon snapped. "Move!"
Ellis and Xavier helped Brandon toward the portal. The dungeon trembled violently, molten debris raining from above. As they neared the exit, Brandon stopped suddenly.
"Xavier, grab the materials," he ordered. "They're more valuable than you."
Xavier hesitated, then obeyed, slinging the bag over his shoulder. As he rejoined them, Brandon made his move.
With a sudden elbow to Xavier's gut, he sent the younger hunter sprawling backward. Xavier gasped for air, his vision swimming as Ellis screamed his name.
Brandon shoved Ellis through the portal, silencing her protests. Turning back, he sneered at Xavier. "Thanks for being useful for once."
The dungeon's ceiling cracked, molten rock crashing down, sealing the exit. Xavier was alone.
The roaring footsteps grew louder. The boss was coming.