Ethan stood at the entrance of the dungeon, the jagged rocks forming an ominous maw leading into darkness. The Silver Fang Guild members gathered around him, their expressions a mix of anticipation and confidence. Captain Mira Lang, ever the vigilant leader, stepped forward, her eyes scanning the group.
"Before we enter," Mira announced, her voice echoing in the cavernous space, "everyone should review their attribute panels. This will help us gauge our strengths and plan our strategies accordingly."
Ethan's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and apprehension. This would be his first official raid with the guild. As Mira spoke, a translucent blue panel materialized before him, hovering in the air.
Name: Ethan Draven
Rank: Unranked
Level: 10
Attributes:
Strength (STR): 15
Agility (AGI): 20
Intelligence (INT): 12
Endurance (END): 14
Vitality (VIT): 18
Skills:
Shadow Step (A Rank): Allows the user to move swiftly and silently, evading attacks or approaching enemies unseen.
Energy Burst (B Rank): Releases a concentrated burst of energy to deal significant damage to a single target.
Healing Touch (C Rank): Provides moderate healing to self or allies.
Overall Power Rank: C
Ethan's eyes widened as he absorbed the information. The attribute panel was a new feature for him, something he hadn't seen during his solo ventures. He glanced around, noticing the other guild members examining their panels with practiced ease.
"Ethan," Mira's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Take note of your strengths and weaknesses. The panel is your guide, but your instincts and strategy will carry you through."
He nodded, determination settling in his chest. "Understood, Captain."
Beside him, Darius, who had faced him in the previous trial, smirked. "Not bad for a beginner," he commented, his own panel flickering beside him. "Let's see how you handle yourself in a real fight."
Mira raised her hand, signaling the group to prepare. "We'll move in formation. Stick to your roles and watch each other's backs. Our goal is to clear the dungeon and return safely. Now, let's move out."
The guild members fell into formation, with Mira leading the charge. Ethan found himself near the middle, flanked by seasoned hunters who eyed him with curiosity and a hint of skepticism. As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, the air grew colder, and the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi cast eerie shadows on the walls.
The first wave of creatures emerged from the darkness—hulking, twisted forms with razor-sharp claws and glowing red eyes. Mira's voice cut through the tension. "Engage!"
Ethan's instincts kicked in as the guild surged forward. He activated Shadow Step, his form blurring as he darted past the front lines, positioning himself behind one of the creatures. With a swift motion, he unleashed Energy Burst, the concentrated blast striking the monster's back and sending it crashing to the ground.
"Nice one, rookie!" Darius shouted, his own fists glowing as he pummeled another creature. "Keep up the pressure!"
The battle raged on, with the guild members moving like a well-oiled machine. Ethan's movements grew more fluid with each engagement, his confidence building. He noticed the spectators' reactions, their shouts of encouragement and surprise at his abilities.
"Did you see that?" one hunter exclaimed. "The unranked kid's got some serious moves!"
"Yeah, but he's still green," another muttered. "Let's see how he handles the big ones."
Ethan's focus remained sharp. As more creatures poured from the shadows, he switched tactics, using Healing Touch to support an injured ally before reengaging the enemy. The panel's data flashed in his mind, guiding his actions but never replacing his instincts.
A particularly large beast, covered in spiked armor, charged toward the group, roaring with ferocity. Mira called out, "Form up! Focus fire on its legs!"
Ethan nodded, activating Shadow Step once more to reposition. As the guild concentrated their attacks on the creature's legs, he aimed for a critical strike, channeling every ounce of energy into a precise blow. The monster's leg buckled under the assault, and it toppled with a ground-shaking thud.
Breathing heavily, Ethan turned to find Mira watching him, a hint of approval in her gaze. "Good work, Draven," she said. "But the raid isn't over yet. Stay sharp."
The group pressed on, the tension never letting up. Each skirmish tested Ethan's limits, pushing him to adapt and grow. The attribute panel was a tool, but his true strength lay in his ability to think on his feet and fight with everything he had.
As they reached a deeper chamber, Mira signaled for a halt. "We'll rest here briefly. Check your panels and regroup. The final challenge lies ahead."
Ethan sat down, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He reviewed his panel, noting slight increases in his attributes. The raid was far from over, but he felt a surge of confidence. This was just the beginning of his journey, and he was ready to face whatever came next.
The quiet was broken by the murmurs of the guild members as they discussed the battles so far. Darius leaned against a rock, grinning. "Not bad, huh? The kid's got potential."
"He's holding his own," one of the older hunters agreed. "But the real test is ahead. The boss of this dungeon isn't just some mindless beast."
Mira nodded, her expression serious. "The dungeon boss will require all of us to work together. Keep your heads, and remember your training."
Ethan listened intently, absorbing every word. He knew the importance of teamwork, but he also felt the pressure to prove himself. The panel's glowing numbers were a reminder of his current limits, but they didn't define him. He was determined to surpass them.
As the group rose to their feet, ready to move on, Ethan caught Darius's eye. "Let's finish this," he said, his voice steady.
Darius chuckled. "That's the spirit. Just don't get cocky, kid. These dungeons have a way of humbling even the best of us."
The guild advanced, the air growing heavier with each step. The final chamber loomed ahead, its entrance marked by ancient runes glowing faintly in the dim light. Mira held up a hand, signaling for silence. "This is it," she whispered. "Everyone, be ready. Stick to the plan, and we'll get through this."
Ethan took a deep breath, steeling himself. The door to the final challenge stood before them, and beyond it, the ultimate test of their strength and resolve awaited.