Chapter 2: Into the Dungeon
The brothers stood at the edge of the forest, where the jagged mouth of the dungeon loomed before them. It was like a wound in the earth, black mist pouring out in silent waves, carrying the stench of rot and blood. The cries of distant monsters echoed faintly from within, sending a shiver down Akane's spine.
"This is it," Adewan said, his voice steady but quiet. He glanced at Kane, who was sharpening his sword, and then at Akane, whose fingers tapped nervously on the hilt of his blade. "Stay focused. Stick to the plan. Don't let fear cloud your judgment."
"I'm not scared," Akane muttered, his jaw tightening. He hated that Adewan always seemed to read his emotions so easily.
"Good," Kane said simply, sliding his sword into its sheath. "Because scared soldiers die first."
The group of recruits gathered behind them was a mix of seasoned fighters and wide-eyed newcomers. Some clutched their weapons with confidence, while others gripped them like lifelines. The air was tense, and even the sunlight seemed hesitant to reach the dungeon's entrance.
A senior officer approached, his armor gleaming with runes that marked him as an experienced dungeon raider. He carried a halberd that looked heavy enough to split boulders.
"Listen up!" the officer barked. "The dungeon is unpredictable. The layout shifts, the monsters evolve, and traps are everywhere. Your squad's survival depends on teamwork. No heroics. If you wander off alone, you're dead. Understood?"
A chorus of affirmations rose from the recruits, though a few voices wavered.
"You'll have a map," the officer continued, holding up a glowing scroll. "But it's only partially accurate. The deeper you go, the more the dungeon changes. Your goal is simple: clear the first level and return alive."
Adewan stepped forward, his usual calm composure making him stand out among the recruits. "And if we encounter a boss monster?"
The officer's gaze narrowed. "Pray it doesn't see you."
With that, the squads were divided, and the brothers found themselves in a group of ten. Adewan, naturally, was placed as the leader. Kane took a position near the front, his sword ready, while Akane lingered near the middle, his hand never leaving his weapon.
The descent into the dungeon was a chilling experience. The air grew colder with every step, and the walls seemed to close in, glowing faintly with eerie, pulsating light. The sound of dripping water echoed through the narrow tunnels, mingling with the distant growls of unseen creatures.
"Stay alert," Adewan whispered.
The first attack came without warning. A pack of shadow hounds burst from the darkness, their glowing red eyes and razor-sharp fangs sending the recruits into chaos.
"Formation!" Adewan shouted, his voice cutting through the panic. "Frontline, hold them back! Archers, support fire!"
Kane was the first to react, his blade flashing in the dim light as he cut down one of the hounds. Another lunged at him, but he sidestepped with practiced precision, driving his sword through its neck.
Akane wasn't far behind. A hound leaped toward him, and though his hands trembled, he managed to deflect its attack and counter with a quick slash. The creature let out a pained yelp before collapsing.
"Akane, focus!" Adewan called, slicing through two hounds with a single, precise strike. "Don't let them overwhelm you!"
The battle was over as quickly as it began. The ground was littered with the bodies of the shadow hounds, their dark forms dissolving into mist. The recruits were shaken but unharmed, though a few bore minor scratches from close calls.
"They're testing us," Adewan muttered, wiping his blade clean. "The dungeon sends weaker monsters first to gauge our strength. It'll only get harder from here."
"Let it," Kane said, his voice steady but cold. "I'll cut down whatever comes next."
Akane didn't say anything, his hands still trembling as he stared at the blood on his blade.
"Don't lose focus," Adewan said, placing a hand on Akane's shoulder. "This is just the beginning. Stay sharp."
The group pressed on, the atmosphere growing heavier with each step. The dungeon's corridors twisted and turned, forcing them to rely on the glowing map, which flickered ominously.
Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet rumbled, and the walls seemed to shift.
"A trap!" someone shouted, but it was too late. The floor collapsed beneath them, and the brothers found themselves falling into the darkness.
They landed hard in a cavern filled with glowing crystals and the sound of chittering creatures. Adewan pushed himself to his feet, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Everyone, regroup!" he commanded.
From the shadows, a new threat emerged—giant, insect-like monsters with razor-sharp pincers and glowing green eyes. Their movements were swift, their claws clicking ominously against the stone floor.
"Get ready," Adewan said, raising his sword. His voice was calm, but there was a fire in his eyes. "This is where we prove ourselves."
The brothers took their positions, their weapons at the ready. The battle for survival had only just begun.