Cave Battle

The cave swallowed them in shadows. Faint red light pulsed from the veins of crystal embedded in the jagged walls, casting flickering patterns across the stone. The deeper they went, the hotter it became—like the floor itself was alive and angry.

Monsters emerged almost immediately. Pale, bone-plated hounds with split jaws and glowing red eyes lunged from behind stalagmites, their screeches echoing in the confined space. Chosa didn't hesitate. His dagger gleamed in his grip, and his body moved on instinct. One of the hounds leapt at him—he sidestepped, slashing its neck with practiced precision.

Another charged. Chosa activated his speed burst, his body blurring as he dashed to the side and came around the creature's flank. In a flash, he plunged his dagger into its ribcage and twisted. The beast collapsed with a wheeze.

Kaisel, a few steps behind, remained eerily calm. When a trio of creatures swarmed toward him, his blade was already in motion. He moved like smoke—fluid, quiet, lethal. One clean arc of his katana, and the creatures dropped mid-pounce, their bodies bisected in a blur of steel and silence.

But even as Kaisel fought, his eyes flicked to Chosa.

He watched as Chosa moved with impossible agility, darting between enemies, always staying one step ahead. At one point, a clawed beast raked Chosa's side, drawing blood. But the wound closed rapidly before Kaisel's eyes, the flesh knitting back together as Chosa used his healing ability.

The battle slowed. The last monster fell with a crunch beneath Chosa's blade. He stood there, panting lightly, scanning the area for more threats.

That's when Kaisel spoke.

"Those weren't all your skills, were they?"

Chosa blinked. His heart skipped.

"What do you mean?"

Kaisel sheathed his katana, stepping closer. "You moved too fast. Healed too quickly. Most raiders specialize in one path—speed, healing, offense. You're using multiple categories. That's not normal."

Chosa tensed. He'd let his guard down. Again.

"It's... a secret," Chosa said carefully, wiping blood from his blade. "I can't really talk about it."

Kaisel studied him. For a moment, the silence stretched uncomfortably long. Then—he smiled. A subtle, knowing expression.

"I knew following you was the right choice," Kaisel said. "Whatever your reason is, I get it. Some powers aren't meant to be explained so easily. But I'll get it out of you eventually."

Chosa stiffened, not sure if that was a threat or a promise.

Kaisel turned and began walking again. "Until then, I'll just stay close. Help where I can. And maybe watch your back."

Chosa remained still for a moment, watching the swordsman disappear deeper into the cave. He couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability.

Luna's voice whispered gently in his mind. "I've been scanning him this entire time. His emotional spectrum is becoming clearer. There's no intent to harm you. No malice. No bloodlust."

"You sure?" Chosa whispered back.

"Positive. In fact... I think he admires you."

Chosa scoffed under his breath, sheathing his dagger. "That's even more dangerous."

"Possibly," Luna replied. "But with your current power level, keeping someone like Kaisel close could mean the difference between surviving this floor—or dying alone."

Chosa nodded once and started walking.

"Fine," he said. "But if he tries anything..."

"I'll alert you before he even breathes wrong," Luna said with soft confidence.

Together, Chosa and Kaisel pressed on, deeper into the crimson-lit maze.

And the real test was still waiting for them.