The dungeon did not look and feel like your typical game "dungeon." Instead, it looked like a very impressive cathedral built underground. The earth had been dug out by something large and powerful…giving way to a hollowed-out world beneath the mountain. Immediately upon entering, the raid team was greeted by a vast chamber with curved ceilings high above the ground. The air felt oddly warm and slightly humid.
"Are we in an abandoned mine?" Brad asked as he looked up in amazement. The dome ceiling and towering cathedral pillars appeared to be carved with a purpose.
It truly was a spectacle to behold. Thin shafts of light filtered down through the chambers revealing a network of large tunnels carved into the earth.
"No…I don't think so. Look at the walls and ceiling. This looks like it was carved by giant ants…or digging creatures…you can even see claw marks if you look closely." Wain explained.
"Hmm…stay sharp…we have no idea what we will encounter here." Cliff ordered.
SHRIIIKK!!!
A large ant roughly the size of a donkey came running toward the group shrieking and screeching. Without a command issued, the raid team attacked and easily killed the insect.
"Hmm…take a look at this…this ant was missing a leg from before. My guess is…I think it wasn't attacking us…I think it was running away from something." Wain said as he observed the dead ant.
GGRRR!!!
It let out a giant roar as it stood up on its hind legs…completely covering the tunnel passage up ahead. It's thick and course coat shimmered as if it had taken a nap in glitter. It shifted its weight to all four legs and proceeded to charge at the group like a raging rhinoceros. Its bulky form made a "thump" sound every time it stepped.
"Ah shit! It's a bear!" Daniel cried out.
Wain unleashed a series of fireballs…which only served to anger the bear as they appeared to do little damage.
Cliff and Kristan moved forward standing side by side with their shields equipped. Arthos, Brad, and Daniel assumed positions next to the tanks while Wain and Hector stood behind the group.
!ALERT!
[Galeforce has been applied to party from Hector]
[Galeforce increased Speed and Reflexes by 25%}
[Turtle Buff has been applied to party from Hector]
[Turtle Buff increases Defense and Resistance by 25%]
[Vantage Buff has been applied to party from Hector]
[Vantage increases Attack Power by 25%]
The bear crashed into the two tanks, knocking Cliff down. Kristan, however, applied an ANCHOR buff on herself which allowed her to reflect the force back at the bear which managed to knock it back…like a ball hitting a wall. The bear stood on two feet, shuffling as it struggled to regain its balance. Having fought together for over two months, Arthos had anticipated this opening move and was ready for his opening.
[SKY PIERCE skill activated]
[SKY PIERCE increases attack by 200% and increase defense penetration by 50% for 10 seconds]
With the skill activated, Arthos started to glow bright yellow…the glowing light condensed into the tip of his sword as he thrusted his sword in a quick pierce through the bear's chest.
The bear groaned loudly then collapsed.
!ALERT!
[YOU LEVELED UP!]
"Hold on a second…what the hell was that? You killed the glass bear with one hit? No way you are level 20…you lied to us." Cliff said angerly as his right hand dropped down to the hilt of his sword.
"You lied first…there is no way this dungeon is a D-rank…that bear was level 42." Arthos replied with equal force as he rested both hands on his sword.
The two squads grew still as they stood-off against one another…hands poised on their weapons, eyes locked on each other, and their breathing slow and controlled…both waiting for the other to make a move.
"Well, it seems we reached an impasse…shame." Cliff said as his two companions closed the gap between them.