the second floor(8)

Dakota's fingers swiped across his phone, his sharp eyes scanning the screen. The bright glow illuminated his calm face, but his mind wasn't as tranquil. He paused and scrolled back to re-read the grim headline:

> Mass Casualties in the most dangerous Dungeon: Tens of Thousands of Heroes Dead on the Second and Fourth Floors.

The Deadliest Dungeon Ever Recorded Continues to Claim Lives.

He let out a quiet breath, his expression unchanging, and passed the phone to Henry.

Henry: "What's this now?"

The nonchalant smirk faded from Henry's face as he read the text. His brows knitted together as he absorbed the report, shaking his head in disbelief.

Henry: "Tens of thousands? Already? What floor are we even on?"

Dakota: "The second floor."

Henry's hand froze mid-gesture, his gaze snapping to Dakota.

Henry: "Wait. Just the second floor? You're telling me all those people were wiped out this early?"

Dakota: (thinking) "Exactly. I wrote it this way. The Hellspire Dungeon was always meant to be a test of ultimate strength. But that doesn't stop people from underestimating it, rushing in like fools, thinking they're invincible. Most don't make it out."

Henry handed the phone back with a raised brow.

Henry: "Are they weak? Or are we just that strong?"

Dakota: (calmly) "Neither. They're strong, but they're disorganized and too reliant on their ranks. We've trained ourselves to handle this kind of hell. But trust me, Henry—it gets worse. The third floor will make this look like a warm-up."

Henry leaned back with a wry grin.

Henry: "Great. More fun for us then."

Dakota: (smirking) "If that's how you want to look at it. Now, let's not waste time. The others are waiting."

Under the pale light of the stars, the group convened near a jagged rock formation that marked the edge of the dungeon's territory. Dakota and Henry were the first to arrive, leaning casually against a boulder as they waited. Soon, faint footsteps crunched over the gravel.

Ava emerged, her golden hair shimmering like moonlight, her flame sword strapped neatly across her back.

Ava: "You called us here in the middle of the night for a reason, I hope?"

Dakota: "You'll see."

Amelia was next, twirling her light dagger idly as her smile appeared out of the darkness.

Amelia: "What's this? A party? Did you bring snacks, or are we just here to kill things?"

Liam trailed not far behind, his lightning aura lighting up his surroundings. He looked like he'd already been itching for a fight.

Liam: "So, what's the plan? You wouldn't call us all together just for small talk."

Dakota: "Patience. We're waiting for the rest."

Moments later, more figures approached—Duke, with his broad shoulders and imposing armor, looked like he could take on a battalion alone. Franklin followed with his trademark scowl, a faint aura of flame magic curling around his fingers.

Duke: "Took you long enough. Thought I'd have to start without you."

Franklin: (dryly) "I wouldn't have minded."

Behind them, Jack's lightning-charged steps crackled faintly with energy, and Luna appeared at his side, her sharp eyes scanning the group. Mia was the last to arrive, her hands glowing faintly in the darkness as she joined the circle.

Mia: "Well, we're all here. What's this about, Dakota?"

Dakota waited until everyone had gathered before addressing them.

Dakota: "I called you here because we're going to tackle the ticket cave together. It's the only way to reach the third floor, and as you all know, that's where things get serious."

Duke crossed his arms, his voice gruff but steady.

Duke: "And the ticket cave? What are we looking at?"

Dakota: "Nothing we can't handle, but it won't be easy. The monsters there are some of the toughest we've faced so far. And the traps? Let's just say they'll keep us on our toes."

Liam: (grinning) "Sounds like my kind of fight."

Ava: "Do we know what kind of monsters we're dealing with?"

Dakota: "Not specifically. The dungeon changes depending on how many people enter and how powerful they are. But we're prepared for whatever it throws at us."

Amelia: (smirking) "I like the sound of that. Let's get started."

Dakota held up a hand.

Dakota: "Not yet. We're moving as a group this time. Everyone needs to be ready. No rushing ahead, no lone-wolf stunts."

Jack: "You're looking at me, but I'm not the only one guilty of that."

Luna: (dryly) "You're the only one always guilty of it."

The group chuckled, but Dakota's voice cut through their banter.

Dakota: "I'm serious. This cave is different. We don't take risks here. We move as a unit, or we don't move at all."

The group fell silent as Dakota pulled out his phone again, showing them the news. The stark headlines sent a ripple of tension through the team.

Ava: "Tens of thousands? That's... insane."

Mia: "Even S-ranks and academies couldn't handle it?"

Franklin: (quietly) "The most dangerous dungeon doesn't care how powerful you are."

Liam: "What about us? What makes us so special?"

Henry: "You're looking at it wrong. It's not about strength; it's about synergy. These guys went in blind, trusting their ranks and their egos. We're different. We've been through worse together."

Dakota: (nodding) "Exactly. We don't rely on titles or flashy techniques. We rely on each other. That's why we've survived this far. But that doesn't mean we're invincible. One mistake, and we'll end up like the rest of them."

Luna: (softly) "Then let's make sure we don't make one."

Dakota slipped his phone back into his pocket and turned toward the looming silhouette of the ticket cave in the distance.

Dakota: "Alright. It's time."

The group stood as one, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation.

The ticket cave's entrance loomed before them like the gaping maw of a beast. Shadows danced across the rocky facade, and a faint hum of magical energy radiated from within.

Amelia: "Creepy. I love it."

Liam: "This is it, huh? Doesn't look like much."

Dakota: "Looks can be deceiving. Once we step inside, it's all or nothing. Make sure you're ready."

Jack summoned a flicker of lightning, his excitement barely contained.

Jack: "I've been ready since we got here."

Dakota turned to the group, his voice steady but commanding.

Dakota: "Remember what I said. We move as one. No one goes off alone. If anyone falls behind, we wait for them. This isn't just about reaching the third floor—it's about making sure we all get there alive."

Ava: "Understood. Let's get this done."

The group exchanged nods, their resolve clear. As they stepped closer to the cave, Dakota's hand brushed against his pocket, where his phone rested. The image of the headline lingered in his mind, a grim reminder of what lay ahead.

Dakota: (quietly, to himself) "The dungeon of wish and terror doesn't play fair. But neither do we."

As they stood at the entrance, Dakota raised his hand, signaling the team to pause.

Dakota: "We go in together. Stay focused. Stay alive."