The forest had grown denser the farther they walked. Branches scraped against armor, leaves rustled beneath cautious boots, and the sun above was filtered into streaks of gold through the thick canopy. Jin's breath was ragged. The bag slung over his shoulders was heavy too heavy for someone without even a set of light armor. Every step made his muscles burn, but he said nothing.
They moved past a narrow path flanked by moss-covered stones and emerged at the base of a looming mountain range. Shadows fell heavily over them as they reached a wide cave entrance tucked between two ridges. Cold air whispered from its depths.
"Alright, this is it!" the team leader barked. He was a burly man clad in dark metal armor, his presence alone enough to draw attention. "Settle down. We'll rest briefly before entering the dungeon."
Jin blinked in confusion.
Dungeon?
The notice had said forest hunting, not dungeon raiding. But no one else seemed surprised, and Jin wasn't about to be the one to question it. He kept silent and dropped his bag to the ground with a dull thud, rotating his sore shoulders.
Sarah walked over, brushing stray leaves from her cloak.
"You doing okay?" she asked, glancing at his pale face. "We're about to enter the dungeon. First time?"
"Yeah," Jin nodded, straightening up. "But I'm ready."
She noticed the lack of armor on him, the worn sandals, the plain clothes. But what caught her attention more was the look in his eyes determined, focused, unshakable.
"Stay close to me then," she said gently. "Don't try to be a hero. Let us handle the fighting."
"I won't get in your way."
Moments later, they ventured into the cave. It was damp and dim, the only light provided by faint glowing moss and enchanted lanterns carried by the team. The stench of beasts lingered in the air.
After a short descent, the first danger revealed itself.
A low growl echoed from the tunnel ahead, followed by several sets of glowing yellow eyes.
[Enemy Detected]
Name: Wind Wolf (x6)
Level: 1
Talent: Speed
Element: Wind (Level 1)
Then the ground rumbled slightly, and from deeper within the cave, a larger shadow emerged a massive wolf with a mane of rippling white fur and piercing green eyes.
[Enemy Detected: Wolf King]
Level: 3
Skill: Roar (Level 1)
Passive: King's Aura (Level 1)
Element: Wind (Level 2)
The leader raised his hand.
"Battle formation! I'll take aggro. Sarah, keep healing. Fire Mage, don't hold back. Archers aim for their legs. Let's go!"
He slammed his foot into the ground and roared:
"Taunt: Iron Pulse Roar!"
A ripple of energy blasted from him, drawing the wolves' attention instantly. They snarled and lunged toward him.
Sarah began to chant softly, green energy weaving around her fingertips.
"Blessing of the Grove…" she whispered, as soft green light coated the leader's armor.
The Fire Mage stepped forward, a crimson glow building between his palms.
"Raging Fireball!"
With a loud hiss, the blazing orb slammed into a charging wolf. The beast yelped, skidding back with a scorched flank. Two wind archers flanked the sides.
"Take the shot," one of them muttered.
With fluid precision, they loosed arrows sharp and fast. Two wolves dropped, pierced cleanly through their chests.
"Earth Defender!" the leader growled, slamming his hands to the ground. A thick wall of stone erupted between the party and the remaining wolves, forcing them into a narrow choke.
The wolves charged, only to be met with steel, flame, and arrows.
The regular wolves were quickly slain. Then… silence. Only the sound of panting and dripping water remained.
But the Wolf King stood unmoved, its aura heavy and oppressive. It took a step forward, growling low, its muscles tense and tail raised like a flag of challenge.
A bone-deep chill ran down Jin's spine. He could feel it the bloodlust. And then
[System Notification]
Party of Host has killed: Wind Wolf (x6)
+250 EXP
Obtained: 6 Wind Element Fragment
[Level Up]
Current Level: 2
Jin's heart pounded. His first EXP. His first level-up. He was part of this now truly.
But there was no time to celebrate. The Wolf King raised its head, howled, and leapt into the air, fangs bared.
The real battle was just beginning.