the first floor(3)

The cave loomed before them, its dark entrance exuding a sinister chill. The group stood at the threshold, their breaths visible in the frigid air. Franklin glanced back at the group, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Franklin: "Well, kids, ready to see what nightmares live in the dark?"

Duke: sternly "Keep your focus. We don't know what's waiting inside."

Dakota stepped forward, his flames casting an eerie light into the mouth of the cave. The shadows seemed to writhe and retreat, as if afraid of the fire.

Dakota: "Let's just get this over with. I'm not spending more time in this place than we need to."

The group exchanged wary glances before following Dakota and the two strongest humans into the depths of the cave. The walls were jagged, glistening with moisture, and the air carried an oppressive weight, as though the cave itself were alive. Their footsteps echoed ominously as they moved deeper, the light from Dakota's flames the only thing keeping the darkness at bay.

After what felt like hours of navigating narrow, twisting passages, a low growl echoed through the cave. The group halted, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. Dakota narrowed his eyes, flames flaring brighter in his palms.

Ava: whispering "Did anyone else hear that?"

Lucas: nervously "Yeah, and I don't think it's friendly."

From the shadows, a pack of monsters emerged—gnarled, hulking creatures with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp claws. Their movements were unnatural, as if their limbs were being pulled by invisible strings.

Liam: sarcastically "Great. More monsters. Just what I needed."

Duke: stepping forward "Stand back. Franklin and I will handle this."

Before anyone could argue, Duke unsheathed his blade, its edge gleaming with fire magic. Franklin raised his hands, twin orbs of flame materializing in his palms. The monsters let out guttural roars and charged, their claws scraping against the stone floor.

The battle was over almost as quickly as it began.

Duke moved like a whirlwind, his blade cutting through the air with precision. Each swing unleashed a wave of fire that engulfed the charging creatures, reducing them to ash in seconds. Franklin, on the other hand, fought with an almost casual ease. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured massive firestorms that consumed the remaining monsters, leaving only scorched marks on the cavern floor.

Franklin: grinning "Well, that was underwhelming. I was hoping for more of a challenge."

Duke: flatly "Don't get complacent. This is likely just the beginning."

The group stared in awe, the overwhelming strength of the two men a stark reminder of just how far they still had to go.

Mia: muttering "How are we even supposed to keep up with that?"

Dakota: coldly "By watching. That's all we need to do for now."

They pressed on, the cave growing darker and colder with each step. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing through the passages. As they ventured deeper, the group's tension grew, each of them acutely aware that danger could strike at any moment.

A sudden rumble stopped them in their tracks. The ground beneath them trembled, and from the walls and ceiling, more creatures emerged. These were different from the previous ones—larger, faster, and radiating a menacing energy.

Amelia: "They're stronger this time."

Ava: summoning her flames "Guess we're not getting a break."

Dakota stepped forward, his flames roaring to life.

Dakota: "No. We're staying out of this one. Let them handle it."

The group reluctantly stepped back as Duke and Franklin took the lead once again. This time, the monsters attacked in a coordinated frenzy, their claws and fangs gleaming as they swarmed the two men.

Duke's blade became a blur of motion, each swing carving through multiple enemies at once. His movements were calculated, efficient, and deadly. Franklin, meanwhile, unleashed a torrent of fire so intense it illuminated the entire cave. The monsters stood no chance. Within moments, the horde lay defeated, their bodies disintegrating into ash.

Lucas: shaking his head "They make it look so easy."

Liam: chuckling "Yeah, remind me never to piss those two off."

Franklin turned back to the group, a cocky grin plastered on his face.

Franklin: "You all enjoying the show, or do you want to take a crack at the next wave?"

Mia: dryly "I think we're good, thanks."

As they ventured further, the air grew thicker, almost suffocating. The cave opened into a massive chamber, its walls lined with glowing runes. At the center of the chamber sat a pedestal, and atop it rested an ancient scroll, pulsing with a faint, golden light.

Ava: awestruck "What is that?"

Duke: stepping forward cautiously "It's an ability scroll. A rare one, by the looks of it."

Franklin: inspecting the pedestal "This one's unique. It holds the power to reset your injuries—like they never happened. But it's a one-time use."

The group exchanged glances, the weight of the discovery sinking in.

Lucas: "That could save someone's life."

Amelia: "But who gets it?"

Dakota folded his arms, his expression unreadable.

Dakota: "We're not wasting time arguing. Rock, paper, scissors. Fair and square."

The group groaned but agreed. They formed a circle, each preparing themselves for the high-stakes game. Duke and Franklin stepped back, amused by the spectacle.

---

The first round was chaotic, with half the group eliminated immediately. By the second round, it was down to Dakota, Ava, and Lucas.

Ava: narrowing her eyes "You're going down, Dakota."

Lucas: grinning "Not if I have anything to say about it."

The final match was tense. Dakota threw rock, Ava scissors, and Lucas paper. With a triumphant smirk, Dakota claimed victory.

Dakota: stepping forward "Looks like it's mine."

He reached out, taking the scroll from the pedestal. The moment his fingers touched it, the golden light flared, and the scroll disintegrated into sparks of energy that flowed into Dakota. He closed his eyes as the knowledge of the ability embedded itself in his mind.

Mia: crossing her arms "Well, at least it's in good hands."

Franklin: nodding approvingly "Not bad, kid. You'll make good use of it."

With the scroll claimed, the group took a moment to rest. The chamber offered a rare reprieve from the dangers of the cave, but they knew it wouldn't last.

Duke: "We move out soon. There's still more ahead."

Dakota: looking ahead "And it's only going to get harder."

As they prepared to leave the chamber, a distant roar echoed through the cave, a chilling reminder that their journey was far from over. Together, they steeled themselves, ready to face whatever awaited them in the depths.