Tobe & Miri

The flickering torches cast long, dancing shadows on the stone walls as Tobe, Miri, Jun, Yuka, and their new friend, Elma descended deeper into the dungeon. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and moss, a stark contrast to the sunlight they had left behind. Their current mission given to them by Chief Dornias, finding the B-ranked adventurers who had vanished five months ago in the dungeon.

"Okay, everyone, remember the plan?" Tobe chirped, his voice echoing against the stone walls. His enthusiasm pierced through the oppressive atmosphere. "Stick together, keep an eye out for loot, and stay sharp, this is a Dungeon after all!"

Miri then adds, "but let's focus on finding those adventurers first."

Jun leaned against a nearby wall, his dagger held firmly. "Do you really think that those B-ranked adventurers are still alive? I mean... 5 months... you know?" Showing concern and also focusing on the safety of his party.

Yuka chimed in, her voice barely above a whisper as she shifted nervously. "I just hope we don't have to fight too many monsters. I can't handle it if something happens to any one of you."

"Don't worry, Yuka. We've got each other's backs," Elma reassured her, adjusting her round glasses and hefting her oversized backpack. "Besides, I've packed plenty of healing potions. We'll be fine!"

With a renewed sense of determination, the group pressed on forward. The dungeons twisted and turned like a maze, the echoes of their footsteps mingling with the distant sounds of dripping water. After navigating a series of narrow corridors, they arrived at their first challenge: a chamber filled with snarling goblins.

"Alright, let's show 'em what we can do!" Tobe declared, stepping forward. "Fall Lightning!" He raised his hand and bringing it down, summoning bolts of electricity that danced across the chamber, striking down several goblins in an instant.

"Nice one, Tobe-senpai!" Miri shouted, charging in with her sword drawn. She swung her blade in a wide arc, cutting down the remaining goblins that dared to approach. "Shield Bash!" The force of her shield sent one goblin sprawling, while another was dispatched by Jun, who darted through the fray, his dagger flashing in the dim light.

Using Silent Step, Jun slipped into the shadows, reappearing behind a straggler to deliver a quick, silent kill.

"Yuka, can you summon Blubby?" Elma asked, watching as one goblin tried to flee.

"Of course!" Yuka nodded, raising her hands. "Blubby, defense form!" The green slime materialized, transforming into a small barrier that blocked the goblin's escape, trapping it within the chamber.

With a final strike, Tobe used Mana String to propel himself towards the goblin and blasted it with Explosion Impact, leaving the chamber silent once more.

"Loot time!" Tobe exclaimed, rummaging through the pockets of the defeated goblins. He collected a handful of 25 bronze coins and an ornate dagger. "Yo, check this out!"

"Looks like we're off to a good start," Jun said, grinning as he pocketed his share of bronze coins. "But let's keep moving. We have a long way to go." Tobe tossed the ornate dagger to Jun, upgrading his weapon from a bronze dagger.

As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, they faced a variety of monsters—giant spiders, skeletal warriors, and even a mischievous imp (who after, had been killed by Jun with a volley of needles) that tried to trick Tobe and Yuka into walking into a pitfall. Each battle tested their teamwork, but they grew stronger with every victory, learning to anticipate each other's moves and combine their skills in new ways.

Finally, after what felt like hours of navigating the labyrinthine depths, they stumbled upon a vast chamber illuminated by a soft blue glow. Towering pillars supported the room, and at the center stood a massive chest, intricately carved with ancient runes.

"Yo! A chest!" Tobe exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Let's not rush in without a plan," Miri cautioned. "We've seen traps before; it could be a decoy."

Before they could approach, a deep growl echoed through the chamber, causing them to freeze in place. From above, a Great Lycan dropped down upon the adventurers, its fur a dark mass against the shimmering light above. The beast snarled, showing its sharp fangs, its right paw resting atop the treasure chest, ready to engage our young adventurers.

"Back! Everyone back!" Miri shouted, stepping protectively in front of Tobe.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of this!" Tobe declared, rushing forward with determination. He used High Jump towards the Great Lycan, casting Mana String and setting the Lycan as the anchor and propelled towards it. "Explosion Impact!" He thrust his hand out, the impact creating a blast of energy that struck the Lycan, but forcing it to only stagger back a bit, surprising Tobe.

The Great Lycan, unfazed by the initial attack, lunged toward Tobe, claws poised to strike. Miri activated Agility Up, reaching Tobe just in time. She raised her shield, using Defense Up to absorb the impact, sending both her and Tobe flying back. "It's strong!" she exclaimed, bracing for the next assault.

"Jun, flank it!" Tobe yelled, focusing on another spell. "Aqua Control!" He shaped the water into a Pressurized Jet Shot and aimed it at the beast, but the Lycan swiftly dodged, its reflexes sharp and agile.

Jun then darted around, using Silent Step to move unnoticed. He struck at the Lycan's flanks, delivering quick, precise slashes and stabs with his dagger. "We can't let it get close!" he shouted, evading multiple swipes from the beast's claws.

Yuka, heart pounding, summoned Blubby in turret form. "Blubby, shoot!" she commanded, and Blubby began firing Slime Shots at the beast, hitting against its body.

Elma prepared a healing potion, ready to assist Miri and Tobe if needed. "Stay focused!" she encouraged, watching her friends fight with determination.

The battle intensified as Yuka used Blubby as a turret, firing at the swift beast, while Jun and Miri battled the Great Lycan in close quarters, slowly exhausting their stamina. Elma tossed healing potions to her comrades and, fortunately, found a chance to slow the Great Lycan with a slowness potion. As soon as he saw Elma hit the Lycan with her potion, Tobe seized the opportunity. "Fall Lightning!" he cried, summoning bolts of electricity from the cavern's ceiling. The lightning struck the Lycan, causing it to howl in pain.

"Let's finish this!" Miri shouted, her voice a rallying cry. "Shield Rush!" She charged at the Lycan, her shield raised, knocking the beast back against the chamber wall.

With a final surge of strength, Tobe leaped high, using High Jump. As support, Yuka Half-Summoned Scale's head right behind Tobe, commanding Scale to use Wind Cannon to blast Tobe rocketing towards the Great Lycan at high speeds. "Explosion Impact!" He slammed down onto the Lycan, sending shockwaves through the ground.

The Lycan let out a final roar before collapsing, defeated. The chamber fell silent, save for their heavy breathing.

"Is it over?" Yuka asked, looking around cautiously.

Tobe then just said, recovered from being used as a cannon ball "Oh yeah! I'm t- totally fine by the way! I definitely didnt just s- slam my whole body down on the damn beast."

"For now," Jun replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "We need to keep moving."

Tobe then just remarked in a sarcastic but comedic tone "So you're just gonna ignore me, ok"

Miri reached out her hand to help up Tobe, and Tobe flashed a quick smile and accepted her helping hand.

With the Great Lycan defeated, they finally looted the chest at the center of the chamber. They found 30 silver coins, 20 bronze coins, equally disributing it among the group, and even found a white cloak that passively increased the strength and performance of summoners. Naturally, Tobe handed it to Yuka, their party's summoner.

As they caught their breath and gathered their bearings, they continued onward, deeper into the dungeon. The twisting paths eventually led them to a hanging bridge suspended over a dark abyss. At the far end stood a towering Rock Golem, its body made of jagged stones.

"We need to get past that thing," Tobe said, staring at the Golem's imposing form.

Miri stepped forward, sword and shield at the ready. "I'll distract it. Tobe, Yuka—get ready to attack when I do."

"Got it!" Tobe nodded, focusing on his magic while Jun prepared his dagger and Rope Hook.

As Miri called out to the Golem, it turned, its glowing eyes fixated on her. "Hey! Over here!"

The Golem charged, massive fists swinging, hurling sharp rocks towards them. "Now!" Miri shouted, bracing herself for incoming impact.

Jun launched his needles, aiming for the Golem's joints and openings to slow it down. With his newly learned Race Ability, "Danger Sense," he felt the air shift as the Golem swung. He ducked and dodged, staying light on his feet.

"Blubby, defense form!" Yuka commanded, creating a barrier around Miri and Jun for extra defense.

Tobe gathered his mana, ready for the perfect moment. "Fall Lightning!" The lightning struck the Golem, illuminating the chamber as it staggered.

"Reconstruct!" Tobe shouted, focusing on the bridge. He transformed part of it into a sturdy barrier, slowing the Golem's advance.

"Let's end it!" Miri yelled, charging forward, Tobe then dropped the reconstructed bridge barrier, and filled with determination and successfully dodging its swiping rock arm. She spun and "Shield Bash!" towards it's head.

As the Golem reeled, Tobe took a deep breath, channeling all his energy into one final spell. "Aqua Control, Spear!"

With a massive surge of energy, the spell pierced through the Golem, sending pieces of rock flying, but not killing the Rock Golem but ultimately weakening it, Tobe squatted down in front of the weakened Golem, he then faced Yuka then recommended Yuka to make the Rock Golem one of her summons, and Yuka complied, she made a Summon Contract with the Golem, and named it Balboa1.

"That was close," Elma said, glancing around cautiously.

"Is everyone alright?" Miri asked, her gaze sweeping over her friends.

"Yeah, just tired," Tobe replied, his cheerfulness returning.

"I'm fine, just a bit sore," Jun added, brushing off his clothes.

"Good job, everyone" Yuka smiled, relief washing over her.

With the recent threat they faced now as one of their allies, the way forward lay open. The group took a moment to collect themselves before venturing further into the depths of the dungeon, their hearts filled with resolve as they continued their quest to find the lost adventurers.

As they walked through many floors, facing various types of monsters like skeletons, spiders, and goblins, they meticulously checked every single space and area for the lost adventurers. Jun eventually learned a new skill, "Smoke Bomb Drop1," which, as the name suggests, drops a smoke bomb when critically receiving damage. They walked through a corridor and down some steps, their footsteps echoing through the halls.

They arrived at floor 20, where the dungeon boss was supposed to be. The party took a turn and saw the entrance of the Dungeon Boss's Room. At the entrance, they finally found the lost adventurers, so they rushed forward to check on them. Elma started to bring out her healing potions.

The B-ranked adventurer party consisted of 10 members. Unfortunately, 5 of them had met their end at the hands of the Dungeon Boss. Three were severely injured (who were now being carefully treated by Elma), and only 2 survivors remained, both weakened and tired. One of the survivors, a katana swordsman named Cal1, explained why they couldn't head back to the surface to retreat. It was because of the three injured, and one of the survivors, a sorceress named Melida2, was the only one protecting them from the monsters that were about to attack while looking after their three injured comrades. One of the reasons they couldn't leave was that their baggage carrier, a brawler, was carrying the collected loot and treasure. Unfortunately, during their fight against the dungeon boss, he had fallen, and the treasure they collected was still inside the Dungeon Boss's Room. They decided they wouldn't leave the dungeon until they retrieved the treasure and at least one belonging from each of their fallen comrades as grave tributes, to recognize that their deaths were not in vain.

Tobe then made a good point: "If you guys entered the dungeon 5 months ago, reached this area 3 months ago, and have been stuck here for those 3 months, how have you fared with your hunger?"

Cal replied, "We eat the beasts that try to attack us—anything to survive, you know? Fortunately, Melida has a water creation spell, so we don't really get thirsty that often."

Jun then remarked, "Okay, so let me get this straight: you need to get back the treasure and loot you collected that is still stuck inside the Dungeon Boss's Room, and you need to retrieve one important item from each of your fallen comrades as tribute. Am I right?"

Cal responded, "Yeah, precisely that."

Jun exclaimed, "It's a drag, but leave that part all to me! You four focus on defeating the Dungeon Boss."

Tobe replied with a cocky, playful smirk, "Finally showing some spine, huh?"

Jun shot back, "Shut up, shortstack!"

Tobe exclaimed, "I AM YOUR DAMN SENIOR!"

Cal asked, with a bit of hope in his voice, "Wait, really? You would be willing to help us?"

Tobe and Jun faced Cal, and Tobe replied with a cheerful but smug grin, pointing his thumb toward himself. "Oh, heck yeah! Your reasons are respectable, and we would definitely help you carry it out! Just let us handle it!"

Elma remarked that she needed to stay with them to help with the recovery of the three injured B-ranked adventurers. Before they left to face the Dungeon Boss, she handed out 5 healing potions, 1 confusion potion, and 1 slowness potion.

They received Elma's potions and began quick preparations before entering the Dungeon Boss's Room. Jun restocked his needles and drew out his dagger and rope hook. Yuka summoned Blubby and her new friend Balboa the Rock Golem and then used Encouragement to enhance Balboa and Blubby's performance. Miri drew out her sword and shield, using Strength Up, Defense Up, and Agility Up. Tobe flashed his usual smile, started warm-up stretches, and then poured mana into his fingerless gloves, trying to control the mana output.

Once they were all fully prepared, Cal stopped them, saying he wanted to join their battle to avenge his fallen comrades. Tobe and Jun found respect in his determination. Now, the five of them faced the Dungeon Boss's room entrance and walked through, ready to confront the threat that lay ahead.

End of Chapter Stats of our Young Adventurers:

Tobe Lvl 37 - (Spells: Mana String, Explosion Impact, Fall Lighting, Space Space, Aqua Control, Reconstruct)

Miri Lvl 32 - (Skills: Strength Up, Defense Up, Agility Up, Slash, Penetrate, Block, Bash, Rush)

Yuka Lvl 25 - (Skills: Contract, Summon, Half-Summon, Encouragement. Summons: Blubby Lvl 35, Scale Lvl 37, Balboa Lvl 40)

Jun Lvl 27 - (Skills: Disguise, Silent Step, Smoke Bomb Drop, Snatch, Stab, Slice, Pull, Needles)