the second floor(1)

The group stood at the edge of the crimson-streaked plains, the second floor of the labyrinth stretching endlessly before them. The ground shimmered faintly with magical energy, the air humming with the tension of untold dangers lurking just beyond sight. Dakota surveyed the vast expanse with sharp, calculating eyes, taking in the distant ridges, dense forests, and scattered hills. The labyrinth's second floor was unforgiving, but it was also teeming with opportunities to grow stronger.

Dakota: "Alright, everyone, listen up. This floor is vast, and if we want to get stronger, we need to split up to cover more ground. It's the fastest way to find caves and uncover abilities or skills."

The group exchanged uneasy glances. The idea of splitting up was risky, but Dakota's calm demeanor and sharp strategy had never led them astray before.

Duke's frown deepened, his arms crossing tightly over his chest as he stepped forward.

Duke: "What? Dakota, you're my son. I can't leave you alone."

Dakota turned to face his father, his expression calm but resolute. A small, confident smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Dakota: "Father, don't worry. No monster on this floor will be able to kill me."

Duke's brow furrowed, his protective instincts warring with his trust in Dakota.

Duke: "No. I can't. I won't."

Dakota placed a firm hand on his father's shoulder, his voice steady but laced with a rare softness.

Dakota: "Father, please. Trust me. I've come this far, and I need to prove to myself—and to you—that I can handle this."

Duke's shoulders sagged slightly, his stance relaxing as he let out a heavy sigh.

Duke: "Fine… but be careful, son."

Dakota nodded, gratitude flickering in his eyes.

Dakota: "Always."

With Duke's reluctant agreement, Dakota began organizing the teams.

Dakota: "Here's how we'll split up: Henry, you're with me. Ava, you'll go with Lucas and Franklin. Father, you'll be with Liam and Jack. Mia, Luna, and Amelia, you three will form the last group."

Ava crossed her arms, her fiery determination clear.

Ava: "We'll cover as much ground as we can. If we find anything, we'll regroup."

Lucas: "And if we run into trouble, we handle it like we always do."

Duke still looked uneasy but finally nodded in agreement.

Duke: "Just don't do anything reckless, all of you."

The teams exchanged final glances before setting off in their respective directions, each group venturing into the unknown to face the trials that awaited them.

---

Dakota and Henry made their way westward, the crimson plains giving way to the dense canopy of a sprawling forest. The air here was cooler, and the light that filtered through the trees carried an eerie green hue. The forest seemed alive, its energy thrumming faintly beneath their feet.

For a time, the two walked in silence, their footsteps muffled by the soft undergrowth.

Henry: "So, do you really think splitting up was the best choice?"

Dakota: "Yeah. If we want to cover more ground and find anything worth our time, it's the only way. Besides, everyone can handle themselves."

Henry chuckled softly, shaking his head.

Henry: "You're always so calm, even when things could go horribly wrong."

Dakota smirked, his hand brushing against the hilt of his blade.

Dakota: "It's not about staying calm—it's about trusting the people I fight alongside. And I trust all of you."

The conversation was cut short by a low, guttural growl. Both men stopped in their tracks, their senses on high alert. The growling grew louder, and from the shadows of the trees, three creatures emerged. They resembled large lizards, but their eyes glowed with an otherworldly red, and their jagged scales pulsed with dark energy.

Dakota: "Forest Raptors. Not the most creative name, but these things are fast and vicious."

The lead raptor let out a shrill screech before darting toward Dakota with blinding speed.

Dakota sidestepped the raptor's charge with practiced ease, flames flickering to life in his hands.

Dakota: "Henry, take the two on the left. I've got this one."

Henry summoned his sword, its blade igniting with fiery magic as he rushed to meet the other two raptors. The creatures snapped at him with razor-sharp jaws, but he parried their strikes with precision, his blade carving through their tough scales.

Meanwhile, Dakota squared off with the lead raptor. The creature lunged at him, its claws slicing through the air. Dakota dodged and retaliated with a fiery punch that exploded against the raptor's chest. The creature shrieked in pain but quickly recovered, its tail whipping toward Dakota's legs.

Dakota: "Persistent, aren't you?"

He jumped over the tail swipe and landed a spinning kick to the raptor's head, flames erupting on impact. The creature crumpled to the ground, motionless.

Henry, meanwhile, dispatched the second raptor with a powerful downward slash that cleaved through its neck. The third raptor lunged at him from behind, but Dakota hurled a fireball that struck it mid-air, sending it crashing into a tree.

Henry: "Thanks for the assist."

Dakota: "Don't mention it."

After their battle, the two pressed deeper into the forest, the trees growing denser and the air heavier. Hours passed as they navigated the labyrinthine paths, their vigilance never wavering.

Eventually, they came upon a rocky hillside. At its base, a dark, jagged opening caught Dakota's attention. A faint, ominous hum emanated from the cave, sending a shiver down Henry's spine.

Henry: "That's definitely a cave."

Dakota: "Not just any cave."

Dakota approached the entrance cautiously, his flames illuminating the darkness within. The hum grew louder as they stepped inside, the air growing colder and denser.

Henry: "You feel that? This energy is intense."

Dakota: "Yeah. This is exactly what we're looking for."

Henry tightened his grip on his sword, the fiery aura around it reigniting.

Henry: "Let's not waste time. Who knows what's waiting for us in there?"

Dakota nodded, his own flames flaring to life as they ventured deeper into the cave, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. And the rewards would definitely be worth it.