The Abyss roared to life. The moment the players entered, Riko felt their presence as if the dungeon itself whispered to him. The system displayed their stats:
Intruders Detected:
Player 1: Asuka (Level 4500, Class: Mystic Archer)
Player 2: Kaito (Level 4800, Class: Blade Sentinel)
Player 3: Reina (Level 4700, Class: Divine Paladin)
Riko chuckled. Compared to his current power, these players were nothing more than insects. Yet, something about their determination piqued his interest. Through the Abyss's omniscience, he observed their every move as they cautiously explored the dungeon.
"Let them reach the seventh floor," Riko commanded. His voice reverberated through the hall, and Thaz nodded in acknowledgment.
The players fought valiantly, cutting through the lower-level monsters with precision and teamwork. Their skills were formidable, but the Abyss wasn't about to make things easy. As they progressed, Riko's minions grew stronger and more aggressive. By the fourth floor, the trio began to show signs of wear.
"Reina, heal!" Kaito shouted as a horde of shadow hounds lunged at them.
"I'm running low on mana!" Reina replied, her voice strained.
"Just a little more. We're almost to the safe zone," Asuka reassured them, firing a volley of enchanted arrows that exploded upon impact.
From his throne, Riko observed with mild amusement. "Interesting. They've lasted longer than I thought."
By the time the group reached the seventh floor, their exhaustion was palpable. The air around them grew heavier, suffused with an oppressive energy. At the center of the vast chamber stood a figure clad in jagged black armor: Thaz.
"Welcome to your end," Thaz intoned, his voice cold and menacing.
The players hesitated but then steeled themselves. They attacked with everything they had, coordinating their moves with precision. Yet, Thaz's overwhelming power rendered their efforts futile. One by one, their HP bars dropped dangerously low.
Just as Thaz prepared to deliver the final blow, Riko appeared. His presence alone sent a wave of terror through the players. The system issued a warning to them:
Abyss King has entered the battlefield. Survival chances: 0%.
Riko grinned. "You've done well to make it this far. But this is where your journey ends."