The Dungeon’s Second Floor

The group ventured deeper into the dungeon, their footsteps echoing against the cavernous stone walls. The air grew colder, the moisture in the air thickening as they descended further. The first floor had been manageable—despite their own self-inflicted chaos.

Now, the second floor awaited them.

Beren adjusted his grip on his axe. "I swear, if another centipede jumps out at me, I'm setting the dungeon on fire."

Mira arched an eyebrow. "That's my thing."

Beren shrugged. "Then I'll help."

Tomas grunted. "Let's just try not to embarrass ourselves again."

Leila smirked. "No promises."

Arlan walked slightly behind the group, still adjusting to the lingering effects of Eclipsing Maw. His body had returned to normal, but there was still a strange familiarity with Bones inside him. Like their connection had deepened.

Bones clicked his teeth. "Master… stronger now."

Shade flickered beside them. "Still… weak."

Arlan sighed. "Do you guys ever stop arguing?"

Bones and Shade both hissed at each other.

Leila turned her head slightly. "Are they fighting again?"

Arlan exhaled. "Always."

Mira smirked. "Your summons reflect their master."

Arlan shot her a look. "So, what? I'm annoying?"

Mira didn't answer. Just smiled way too smugly.

The Second Floor

The stairwell ended at the entrance of a cavern far larger than the previous ones. Crystalline formations jutted out of the walls, reflecting dim blue light. The ground was smoother, less damp, but the air was thick with an odd, unnatural stillness.

Tomas narrowed his eyes. "Something's off."

Leila crouched near the edge of the path. "Tracks. Something big has been moving through here."

Mira conjured a tiny flame between her fingers. "Any guesses?"

Before anyone could answer—

A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the cavern.

Then another.

And another.

Arlan's stomach dropped.

From the darkness, three sets of glowing red eyes appeared.

Then—out of the shadows—they emerged.

The Dungeon Stalkers

Sleek, furred bodies, moving in eerie silence. Their limbs were long and sinewy, with talon-like claws that scraped against the stone. Their heads were narrow, wolf-like, but their mouths split open too wide, filled with rows of jagged, needle-like teeth.

Mira swore. "Stalkers."

Beren adjusted his axe. "Never fought one before."

Tomas lifted his shield. "You're in for a treat, then."

The creatures moved with unsettling speed, circling.

Arlan clenched his fists. "Leila, can you—"

But the moment he turned—Leila was gone.

A flicker of movement above them.

Leila reappeared in mid-air, bow drawn, releasing an arrow before she even landed.

The arrow slammed into one of the creatures' backs—

It barely flinched.

Instead, it whipped around faster than expected, lunging toward her.

Leila cursed, vanishing again.

Tomas slammed his shield into another, trying to knock it back—

But the creature climbed up the wall mid-attack, using the momentum to swipe at Tomas from above.

Tomas barely raised his shield in time, the impact sending him skidding backward.

Beren roared, swinging his axe—his [Frenzy] activating. His movements became relentless, heavy strikes forcing the stalkers to keep their distance.

Mira unleashed a burst of fire, the flames roaring toward the creatures—

But they dodged it.

Effortlessly.

Arlan cursed. These things were fast.

He extended a hand, shadowy energy forming—[Shadow Bolt] launched toward one of them—

The Stalker jumped to the side, dodging it.

Arlan's eyes widened.

These things weren't just fast.

They were intelligent.

"Alright, Time for Something New."

Arlan took a deep breath. He couldn't keep fighting like this—if they were too fast for his magic, then he needed something more.

He clenched his fist.

"Eclipsing Maw."

The cold surged through him again.

His vision blurred.

Bones' essence merged into him.

His fingers curved into claws. His muscles felt tighter, stronger.

The moment the skill activated, one of the Stalkers hesitated.

It recognized the shift in him.

Then—Arlan moved.

Faster than before.

He lunged forward, closing the gap in an instant.

The Stalker reacted—but too late.

Arlan's clawed hand slashed across its side, dark energy crackling with the impact. The creature howled, stumbling.

For the first time—it felt pain.

Tomas capitalized on the moment, [Shield Bash] activating as he slammed his shield into the creature's side, sending it sprawling.

Beren roared, bringing his axe down in a crushing arc.

The Stalker didn't get back up.

Leila reappeared behind another, shooting a arrow cleanly into its leg. It staggered—just long enough for Mira to ignite it with a blast of flame.

The third one, now alone, hesitated.

It growled, backing away—

Then fled.

Tomas exhaled, shaking his shield. "Well. That was better."

Leila dusted herself off. "Could've been even better."

Beren grunted. "One got away."

Mira crossed her arms. "Which means it's warning the others."

Arlan let out a slow breath, feeling the last remnants of Eclipsing Maw fade from his body. His hands returned to normal, his muscles relaxing.

Bones chittered inside his mind. "Good… kill…"

Shade clicked his claws. "Hmph. Lucky."

Arlan exhaled. "They're gonna come back with more, aren't they?"

Leila nodded. "Absolutely."

Tomas groaned. "I hate smart monsters."

The group pressed forward, deeper into the second floor—knowing full well the worst was yet to come.