the third floor(2)

Dakota stood frozen, his eyes narrowing at the sight in front of him. The cavern echoed with the low growls of massive creatures, their glowing red eyes fixated on the group.

By the time the horde came into full view, fifty hellhounds surrounded them, each radiating a sinister aura.

Dakota took a deep breath, gripping his weapon tightly.

Dakota:

"You have got to be fucking kidding me."

The group was silent for a moment, their expressions ranging from disbelief to sheer terror.

Lucas glanced around, his voice shaky as he broke the silence.

Lucas:

"There's no way. We're supposed to fight fifty of these things?"

Ava clenched her fists, stepping forward as flames began to swirl around her hands.

Ava:

"This isn't just a fight. This is a massacre waiting to happen."

Mia moved closer to Luna, her face pale as she stared at the horde.

Mia:

"We've never faced this many before… What are we supposed to do?"

Liam furrowed his brow, his body tense as he scanned the approaching hellhounds.

Liam:

"If they all attack at once, we're finished. We need a plan."

Jack let out a low whistle, his usual cocky demeanor faltering.

Jack:

"Fifty? Really? Who even thought this was a fair challenge?"

Amelia, her light magic flickering faintly around her, tried to keep her voice calm despite the fear in her eyes.

Amelia:

"We need to stay focused. Panicking will only get us killed."

Before anyone could respond, laughter erupted from Duke and Franklin, echoing through the cavern.

Duke casually stepped forward, a confident smirk on his face as flames danced in his palms.

Duke:

"This is nothing! I was expecting a real challenge."

Franklin stood beside him, arms crossed, his expression amused.

Franklin:

"Look at you all, acting like you've already lost. Where's that fire you've been bragging about?"

Dakota shot them a glare, his jaw tightening.

Dakota:

"Easy for you to say. You have faced this many monster before. The rest of us are still getting used to being alive after the second floor."

Duke shrugged, his smirk widening as his flames grew brighter.

Duke:

"Then consider this your trial by fire. You'll thank us later."

The hellhounds began moving in unison, their growls growing louder as they prepared to pounce.

Dakota took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he activated his transformation.

Flames erupted around his body, engulfing him in a fiery aura. His hair ignited in vibrant orange flames, and his eyes glowed with the intensity of the fire coursing through him.

Dakota:

"No more holding back. Everyone—transform now!"

Henry grinned, the fire within him flaring as he followed Dakota's lead. Flames engulfed his form, radiating an intense heat.

Henry:

"Now we're talking."

Ava's transformation ignited next, her flames wild and untamed as they swirled around her.

Ava:

"Let's see how these mutts handle this."

Lucas took a step forward, ice spreading across his body as his transformation activated. Frost coated his hair, and his breath came out in cold puffs.

Lucas:

"Looks like it's my turn to freeze the competition."

Liam and Jack exchanged a nod before their bodies crackled with electricity. Lightning coursed through them, their eyes sparking with energy.

Liam:

"Alright, let's fry them."

Jack smirked, lightning bolts dancing along his arms.

Jack:

"Time to light this place up."

Amelia's body began to glow with radiant light, her presence illuminating the dark cavern. Her transformation made her look like a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

Amelia:

"Stay together. I'll cover you."

Mia and Luna activated their transformations in unison, their bodies becoming one with the water magic surrounding them. Their hair shimmered with droplets, and their movements grew fluid and graceful.

Mia:

"Let's keep them at bay."

Luna nodded, determination flashing in her eyes.

Luna:

"Stick to the plan, and we'll make it out alive."

The hellhounds charged in unison, their roars shaking the cavern walls.

Dakota dashed forward, flames surging around his blade as he slashed at the first hellhound. The creature howled in pain but quickly retaliated, forcing him to dodge.

Dakota:

"These things are tougher than they look. Aim for their weak points—joints and eyes!"

Henry joined Dakota, his fire magic burning brighter as he clashed with another hellhound.

Henry:

"Got it! Let's turn up the heat!"

Ava unleashed a wave of flames, engulfing several hellhounds at once.

Ava:

"They're fast, but they can't outrun fire."

Lucas froze the ground beneath a group of hellhounds, causing them to stumble.

Lucas:

"Keep them off balance! Don't let them recover!"

Liam and Jack worked together, their lightning magic crackling through the air as they struck down the staggered creatures.

Liam:

"That's three down!"

Jack:

"Only forty-seven to go. No problem, right?"

Amelia used her light magic to create barriers, deflecting the hellhounds' attacks and giving the others room to breathe.

Amelia:

"Focus on one at a time. We can't afford to spread ourselves too thin!"

Mia and Luna unleashed torrents of water, drenching the hellhounds and slowing their movements.

Mia:

"We'll keep them distracted. Do your thing!"

Luna summoned sharp icicles, targeting the creatures' weak spots.

Luna:

"Just don't take too long!"

Despite their combined efforts, the hellhounds continued to press forward, their numbers overwhelming the group.

Dakota gritted his teeth as he blocked another attack, his flames dimming slightly.

Dakota:

"We can't keep this up forever. We need to find a way to thin their numbers!"

Duke, standing at the back with Franklin, chuckled as he incinerated three hellhounds with a single blast.

Duke:

"You're overthinking it. Just burn them to ash."

Franklin shook his head, a smirk on his lips as he watched the group struggle.

Franklin:

"They'll figure it out. Eventually."

As the group fought on, exhaustion began to set in. The hellhounds showed no signs of slowing, their relentless attacks pushing everyone to their limits.

Dakota, his flames flickering weakly, glanced around at his friends. They were battered and bruised but still fighting with everything they had.

Dakota:

"We're not done yet. Keep pushing!"

The hellhounds circled them once more, their glowing eyes locking onto their prey.

Dakota tightened his grip on his blade, flames reigniting around him.

Dakota:

"This isn't over."