Dungeon Rivalry: Monster-Slaying Showdown
The air was thick with tension, the girls exchanging sharp, wary glances as if sizing each other up. Soon, they scanned their surroundings, searching for something. Their expressions were resolute, their eyes keen—like predators tracking prey.
"I'm definitely going to win..."
"No way I'm losing."
"That's exactly what I want."
Each one burned to be the first to act, their gazes alight with fierce rivalry. But in that moment, a sharp cry sliced through the air.
"Grrr—"
A short, menacing growl. At the same time, a heavy presence approached.
"...Woof!"
A beast made of overflowing ghostly flames and ragged flesh. Its charred black skeleton emerged from the shadows. "Grr!" Its massive jaws parted to reveal enormous fangs, like those of a merciless predator, with purple flames flickering inside. No eyes occupied its sockets, but a sinister glow leaked from the empty voids, radiating an icy intimidation.
"That's..."
Lucy muttered through gritted teeth.
Ghost Hound. Far from a mere beast, it was no pushover. Its ferocious speed, relentless tracking, and the curse born from its purple flames could turn deadly in an instant of carelessness.
Yet someone saw not fear, but opportunity.
"Leave this to me."
It was Eily. She brushed down her apron lightly as if tidying it, flashing a relaxed smile. But beyond that smile lurked a faint thrill. It was certainty beyond mere confidence—the poise of a hunter who had already foreseen victory.
"Hya!"
It happened in a flash. She launched herself forward, closing the distance to the monster in one bound. With agile grace, a sword materialized at her fingertips. Her pupils narrowed, tracing a flawless trajectory without a millimeter of error.
Whoosh!
The blade shot out like light itself, piercing the Ghost Hound's scruff precisely.
"Grk, grrrk...!"
Even its scream didn't fully escape before the monster collapsed limply to the ground. Blood seeped into the floor as Eily elegantly sheathed her sword.
"This much? Piece of cake."
Standing tall with confident poise, she swept her gaze around. Noticing the attention, she added a smug smile laced with arrogance.
"If I'm the woman most suited for Master, this is just basic, right?"
Her provocative words made the other two stiffen. Elisha snorted inwardly, clicking her tongue, while Melina lifted her chin defiantly.
"Hmph, you just got lucky."
"Not a big deal. I could handle that easily too."
As their verbal sparring heated up, another presence stirred nearby.
"Wooo..."
This time, it wasn't alone. Multiple red eyes gleamed from the darkness. Dim light cast eerie shadows as they advanced slowly.
"Grooo..."
A horde of undead. Black mist rose from their rotting flesh, teeth and bones occasionally dropping to wet the ground. Though varied in size, they all heaved ragged breaths, exuding a savage, unnatural aura. Individually weak, their pack tactics and encirclement made them a real nuisance.
But as if she'd been waiting, Elisha stepped forward.
"Alright, my turn."
Striding ahead boldly, she traced a magic circle with her fingertips. Brilliant blue light rippled through the air, etching delicate paths. Soon, a cutting energy began to swirl around them. A confident smile curved her lips.
"Watch me wipe them all out."
The magical power at her fingertips churned wildly, intensifying. A massive ice storm surged toward the enemies before her.
"This is the great spirit's icy kiss. It freezes all, lulling foes into eternal slumber within its chilling smile."
"Ice Hurricane!"
As the incantation completed, the dungeon grew bitterly cold. Frigid air sliced through, frost spreading so intensely it hurt to breathe. The icy gale became a blizzard engulfing the chamber—everything it touched froze solid.
"G-grahk..."
"Kr... uh..."
The undead horde slowed dramatically. Their decaying flesh hardened under ice, crystals blooming across their skin as their eyes dimmed. Some struggled to move, but frozen limbs rendered it futile. Jagged icicles thrust up from the swept ground, turning the dungeon into an icy hellscape.
Clang—!
Clang—!
The frozen undead shattered like glass. Cracks spread, bodies crumbling entirely. Fragments from the debris sparkled blue in the air like stardust before settling, as if mourning their end.
Elisha dusted her hands elegantly and exhaled softly.
"Phew... See? A horde like that is nothing to me."
She lifted her chin smugly. Her long silver hair fluttered in the icy wind, enhancing her cool, mystical aura. Pride gleamed in her eyes, reflecting her honed skill and confidence.
"Unlike some who get thrilled over a single mutt."
Her gaze flicked sideways—a blatant jab at Eily. Her tone was leisurely and haughty, laced with sly mockery and rivalry.
Eily's eyes darkened instantly.
"Grr... Mine was way more threatening!"
She glared at Elisha with defiant provocation.
"Nothing's more threatening than swarm tactics."
Elisha crossed her arms arrogantly, firing back sharply. Tension crackled between them.
"......"
"Hmph..."
But then, another presence emerged from the shadows.
"......"
Clank—This time, a massive figure clad in black iron armor appeared. Dragging a heavy greatsword chained with rusted links, it advanced slowly but with crushing weight. Where a head should be was empty, yet a blue soul-flame flickered softly in the void, emanating a life-stealing chill that wavered faintly.
A Wraith Knight—a threat with ironclad durability and devastating strikes.
"That thing...!"
Elisha ground her teeth irritably.
The Wraith Knight's steel armor shrugged off most physical attacks, and even magic needed overwhelming power to crack it.
"It looks incredibly tough..."
Eily hesitated, scanning warily. Normally she'd draw her sword without pause, but this time she held back.
"Fine, I'll handle this one."
Melina stepped forward with a light laugh, brushing past them. Elisha frowned slightly.
"You think you can do it alone?"
"Just watch."
Melina sighed casually, nocking an arrow. Her fingers glided along the string, attuning her senses as her gaze locked on the foe.
Clank—clank—!!
Suddenly, the Wraith Knight raised its sword with a roar and charged. The clash of armor boomed, radiating menace.
But Melina didn't flinch, steadily drawing her bow. Green magic gathered at the arrowhead, shaping into a vivid shaft. Winds swirled around her, green energy flowing along her arm.
"Hmm..."
She steadied her breath. The string taut with tension, the arrow perfectly aimed.
And—clank!
The knight exploded forward in a burst of speed, swinging its massive blade right at her. Lucy cried out reflexively.
"Danger—!"
Melina ignored her, whispering sharply.
"Now."
Twang!
The string released, and the green arrow streaked like lightning, piercing the knight's chest dead-center.
Clang—!!
Fissures spiderwebbed across the armor, spreading instantly.
"...What?"
Elisha's eyes widened. The knight staggered, grinding metal. Cracks flared brighter, the inner flame destabilizing.
Then—boom—!!
A thunderous crash like a cauldron shattering. The knight exploded into fragments. Chains snapped, iron shards flying everywhere. Only fading blue flames remained.
Melina lowered her bow with a satisfied smile.
"Not a big deal."
She shook out her fingers nonchalantly and turned back. Elisha and Eily watched in stunned silence.
Finally, Elisha tsked irritably.
"...Annoying."
But she quickly turned to me, masking her displeasure with a bright smile.
"See that, Arnold? I smashed that ugly armor in one shot!"
Pride filled her voice. Playfully tapping her bow, she added,
"Piercing solid steel—not just flesh—in a single strike? Doesn't that make me the most capable?"
Her intent was crystal clear: 'I'm better than those two!'
Elisha and Eily scowled in unison.
In the brief silence, subtle emotions swirled. Elisha smirked coldly.
"Then you can handle the next one solo too, right?"
Melina narrowed her eyes in response. Eily sighed wordlessly but bit her lip, clearly irked.
"You're all doing great, but isn't this a bit too hostile among allies?"
Lucy looked worried by the vibe, but Varis seemed unfazed.
"It'll be fine. Those three... get strongest when competing..."
Lucy gave him an exasperated look but held her tongue.
"Well... they are taking down dangerous monsters in one go..."
She had plenty to say but swallowed it, eyeing the deepening shadows and threats ahead in the long expedition.
"Arnold's really popular, huh...?"
"Yeah... I'm used to it by now."
Same here. Clearing this dungeon—especially Lucy's event—would be tough enough without their lack of unity. It was enough to make anyone sigh.