The morning sun barely broke over the horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain as the tribe's warriors gathered at the edge of the dungeon. The entrance loomed before them—an ancient stone archway carved into the earth, half-buried by time and creeping roots. A cool breeze drifted from within, carrying the scent of damp stone and something older, untouched by the light of day. A faint hum echoed from below, as if the dungeon itself was breathing.

  Chase adjusted his gauntlets, his fingers flexing instinctively. His heart beats with the thrill of the unknown, a mix of anticipation and caution settling in his chest. He had faced monsters before, ventured into the depths of ruins, but this was different. This wasn’t just an adventure—it was Selena’s home turf, a piece of her past. That alone made him tread carefully.

  Standing beside him, Selena exuded her usual confidence, her golden fur catching the first hints of morning light. To her, this place was familiar, but Chase could sense something beneath her composed exterior. Was it nostalgia? Or just the instinctive readiness of a seasoned warrior returning to a battlefield?

  Their group consisted of two seasoned warriors, their sharp gazes sweeping the entrance, and a young apprentice priestess, barely past her first rites, assigned to observe Selena’s progress. The girl fidgeted with the hem of her robes, clearly eager yet nervous. Chase wondered if she saw Selena as a mentor or a legend to live up to.

  As they waited for the signal to enter, Chase turned to Selena, grinning.

  Chase: First raid. Should I be nervous, or do you have some survival tips for me?

  Selena: I’ve been through this place more times than I can count. It’s a maze, but I think you can handle it—so long as you stick close to me.

  Chase: Always looking out for me, huh?

  Selena: (Smirk) Lucky you, I do.

  With a low rumble of laughter between them, the signal was given, and their group descended into the dungeon’s depths. The air grew heavier as the sunlight faded behind them, swallowed by the ancient corridors of stone. And with every step, Chase prepared himself—not just for the monsters ahead, but for the deeper understanding of Selena that this journey might bring.

  The Journey

  The dungeon was a labyrinth of jagged stone corridors, dimly illuminated by patches of glowing fungi and the eerie pulse of enchanted crystals embedded in the walls. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and something more sinister—a lingering trace of monsters lurking just beyond sight. Every few minutes, the distant echoes of shifting rock signaled the maze’s ever-changing structure, keeping even the most seasoned warriors on edge.

  Moving cautiously, the group gathered rare herbs and ores where they could, all while fending off relentless ambushes. Giant spiders with venomous fangs descended from above, their silk barely visible in the dim light. Shadowy wraiths flickered unnaturally fast through the corridors, their chilling whispers pressing against the mind like a creeping fog.

  Chase’s Weapon Enhance cut clean through thick carapaces, his strikes leaving trails of shimmering energy as he adjusted to each enemy’s weaknesses. Selena, on the other hand, fought with raw precision, her claws carving deep gashes into even the most resilient creatures. At one point, a monstrous, armor-plated centipede lunged at Chase from the side, its mandibles snapping inches from his arm—only for Selena to intercept, raking her claws through its exposed underbelly with a powerful, fluid motion.

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  The two warriors held the front line, their movements instinctively complementing each other. The apprentice priestess observed intently, offering minor healing when wounds became too severe, her magic a quiet but crucial lifeline.

  After hours of navigating the twisting maze, the group finally arrived at the boss room. Before them stood massive double doors, adorned with glowing sigils that pulsed with an ancient, unfathomable energy. The air was heavy here, charged with the presence of whatever waited beyond.

  The Dungeon Owner’s Room

  Selena: What do we have here? (Grin) Looks like the owner’s still home.

  Chase: And we’re the first ones knocking. Think we can handle it?

  Selena stretches hers claws.

  Selena: If it’s the same creature I remember, this’ll be over quick.

  Apprentice Priestess: A-Are you sure rushing in is a good idea?

  Selena: Relax. (Gesturing to the Warriors) These two can hold their own. Just stay back, and you’ll be fine.

  Apprentice Priestess: O-Okay…

  Selena pushed open the towering doors. Inside, a thunderous crash shook the chamber as the dungeon owner emerged—a monstrous crab-like beast, its iron-hard carapace glinting in the dim light. Its massive pincers snapped with bone-crushing force, swirling with crackling energy.

  The battle erupted in chaos. The warriors worked to hold the creature’s attention, their strikes chipping away at its defenses, while Chase and Selena darted in for precise attacks. The beast retaliated with devastating force—arcane blasts searing through the air, pincers sweeping with enough power to shatter stone.

  Selena struck first, claws slashing deep into one of its legs, slowing its movements. Chase’s Weapon Enhance surged as his sword cut through the monster’s hardened shell, forcing it to stagger back. But it wasn’t enough—the beast roared, its pincers crashing down, forcing the group to scatter.

  Then, disaster struck. One of the warriors was caught off guard—a massive blow sent him flying against the far wall. The apprentice priestess gasped and rushed toward him.

  Selena: Wait… Don’t!

  Too late. The monster shifted its attention, its pincer swinging straight for the priestess. She froze, eyes wide in terror.

  Selena lunged, intercepting the strike. Her claws clashed against the thick iron shell, muscles straining as she held the pincer in place. The ground cracked beneath her from the sheer force. She grits her teeth as she holds the dungeon owner in place.

  Selena: I’ve got this… MOVE!

  But the beast wasn’t done. Its other pincer pulsed with energy, preparing to fire a point-blank magical blast—directly at Selena.

  Chase moved before he could think. With a burst of speed, he leapt in front of her, sword glowing with raw energy. The attack struck—his blade barely managing to deflect the blast before it sent him hurtling backward, slamming into the cold stone wall. The redirected energy exploded harmlessly behind him, but Selena’s heart clenched at the sight.

  Selena: Chase!

  Her hesitation vanished. With a feral roar, she drove forward, her claws piercing straight through the beast’s carapace, ripping into its core with one final, decisive blow. The monster let out a deafening screech before collapsing in a heap.

  Silence fell.

  Selena spun around, heart pounding, her eyes locking onto Chase. He was slumped against the wall, bruised, coughing weakly.

  For a split second, she wasn’t in the dungeon anymore. She was back in Solthar Keep. Watching him collapse after taking an attack meant for her. Watching the life nearly drain from him.

  Fear clawed at her chest as she rushes over.

  Selena: Chase! Are you insane?! Again?! You’re pulling this reckless stunt again?!

  Chase still feeling dazed, grins weakly.

  Chase: Sorry… Must have been a habit. But hey! I’m okay this time.

  Selena: Don’t make me worry like that!!!

  Chase, still unsteady, forced himself up, flashing a reassuring smile.

  Chase: You know, I’ll always cover for you.

  Selena’s tail flicked sharply. She opened her mouth, then hesitated, exhaling as she sat back. Her ears twitched, her expression caught between frustration and relief.

  Selena: Idiot…

  The walk back to the tribe was quieter than usual. After handing over their gathered materials and the apprentice priest delivering her report to Yalara, Selena and Chase were instructed to wait at the inn while the priestess made her assessment.