The Test of the Dungeon

1. Entering the darkness

The air was heavy, almost suffocating. A dark mist crawled over the damp stone floor, and the echo of water droplets falling from the ceiling echoed in the eerie silence of the dungeon.

Dune walked at the head of the group, her imposing silhouette barely visible in the darkness. Behind her, six adventurers from the 'Blade of Destiny' guild advanced cautiously, their weapons ready.

Ragnar, a rank A swordsman with short hair and a growing beard, carried a huge bastard sword on his back. He was the leader of the group.

Lyara, an A-rank mage with silver hair and piercing eyes, specialising in elemental magic.

Garran, a B-rank tank, tall and massive, wearing black armour and carrying an enchanted shield of impressive diameter.

Felix, a C-rank thief, slender and agile, wielding two poison-soaked daggers.

Mira, a C-rank archer with long hair tied back in a ponytail, whose arrows were imbued with mana.

Kael, a young but powerful C-rank warrior, armed with a warhammer engraved with runes.

Dune was content to observe. Her aim was simple: to gauge their strength.

- Don't lose your concentration," she said calmly.

The atmosphere was unhealthy. Something was lurking in the shadows.

2. The Ogres and Hobgoblins Assault

A bestial roar split the air.

Two huge ogres emerged from a side tunnel, their clubs raised, followed by a pack of hobgoblins with eyes shining with malice.

- Defensive formation!" shouted Ragnar.

Garran leapt forward, raising his shield and activating [Iron Wall], a crackling barrier of mana that absorbed the first impact.

Ragnar immediately retaliated, activating [Skull-Shattering Blade], a devastating technique that sliced one of the ogres from torso to shoulder.

Lyara held out her hands and incanted [Lightning Spear]. A bolt of lightning shot from her fingers and pierced several hobgoblins, striking them instantly.

Felix disappeared into the shadows and reappeared behind a goblin, activating [Silent Blow], cutting its throat without a sound.

Mira bent her bow, activating [Piercing Shot], and shot a mana arrow straight into the eye of the second ogre, who howled in pain.

Kael brought down her hammer with [Seismic Wave], cracking the ground and throwing the enemies off balance.

Dune, standing back, watched with a slight smile.

They're competent... but not fast enough.

A wounded ogre swept his massive arm across the floor, throwing Felix against a wall.

Garran lunged to protect him, raising his shield, but the ogre prepared a second blow.

- Enough," whispered Dune.

She raised a hand and activated [Song of Extermination].

An invisible pressure crushed the ogre. His body imploded with a horrific noise, leaving nothing but a pool of flesh and blood.

The adventurers stared in horror.

- Continue. It was only a test," she declared with an amused smile.

3. Approaching Danger

Silence fell.

The adventurers, still in shock, resumed their walk. The further they advanced, the more oppressive the air became.

Mira looked at the walls.

- These markings... They're not normal."

Lyara placed a hand on the stone, sensing an ancient energy.

- It's a sealing enchantment," she said.

- "Meaning?" asked Garran.

- That this dungeon contains something... dangerous."

Dune smiled.

Interesting.

4. Facing the Giant

They arrived in a vast underground chamber.

Blue torches lit up, revealing a colossal statue at the far end of the room.

Except it wasn't a statue.

The stone giant slowly opened its eyes, illuminating the room with a golden glow.

It stood six metres tall, its body sculpted from black rock and adorned with brilliant runes.

With menacing slowness, he raised a massive fist and struck the ground.

The impact caused a tremor, throwing Mira and Felix to the ground.

- Prepare for battle!" shouted Ragnar.

Garran activated [Steel Bastion], increasing his resistance. He positioned himself at the front of the line.

Lyara held out her hands and threw [Devouring Flames], but the giant swept the air and scattered the flames.

- "Elemental magic won't be enough!"

Mira unleashed a series of [Spectral Rain] arrows, but they ricocheted off the giant's skin.

Kael lunged forward and brought his hammer down on the monster's foot, activating [Seismic Blow], but the creature didn't even flinch.

- Its body is too strong!" shouted Ragnar.

The giant raised his fist, ready to crush Garran.

Dune sighed.

- "You're too slow."

She disappeared and reappeared on the giant's shoulder.

She placed a hand on his skull and whispered:

- "[Judgement of the Divine]".

The giant trembled. A golden light exploded from his body, shattering rock like glass.

With a howl of shattered stone, the colossus crumbled to dust.

Silence fell again.

The adventurers looked at Dune, motionless.

She jumped to the ground and cracked her knuckles.

- I told you it was just a test.

The real dungeon had not yet begun.