The portal's light faded, leaving Kojima Ren and his companions standing in a vast, ancient ruin that floated in a dark void. The air felt thick and heavy with magic. Strange glowing runes covered the stone walls, pulsing like living veins, while distant roars echoed through the long corridors. The ground beneath their feet seemed unstable, as if the entire dungeon could shift at any moment.
Kojima scanned the surroundings, his heart beating faster. This was Nightmare difficulty — the hardest choice he could have made. He knew the risks were high, but the rewards could change everything for his kingdom.
Kojima: Everyone stay alert. This place feels dangerous. We move together, no one goes alone.
Sylphira stayed glued to his side, her long red hair glowing faintly as she prepared her flames. Her golden eyes were focused, but her voice remained gentle when she spoke to him.
Sylphira: Master… I'm right here. I won't let anything reach you.
Mira moved like a shadow on his other side, her violet eyes sharp and excited. She cracked her knuckles, ready for action.
Mira: Master~ This looks like fun. Let me handle the next group of monsters. I'll make it quick and satisfying.
Vaelor's shadows stretched ahead, scouting the path. His crimson eyes gleamed as he spoke.
Vaelor: Master, I detect movement ahead. Multiple signatures. Shall I prepare a dramatic greeting?
They turned a corner and entered a large chamber. The floor was covered in black mist, and six Shadow Beasts — twisted wolf-like creatures made of darkness — lunged at them from the shadows.
Enemy Status — Shadow Beasts (Level 18)
HP: 620/620
Strength: 42
Agility: 55
Skills: Shadow Pounce, Dark Bite, Pack Coordination
The fight erupted instantly.
Vaelor's shadows exploded outward, binding two beasts mid-leap and slicing through them with razor-sharp blades. His voice was cold and efficient.
Vaelor: Too slow.
Mira darted forward with blinding speed, her Pleasure Aura twisted into a paralyzing strike. She touched one beast, making it convulse in agony before she finished it with a precise strike.
Mira: These things are annoying. Let's end this quickly.
Sylphira stayed right beside Kojima, her flames forming a burning barrier around him while she launched precise fire bolts at the remaining beasts. Her voice stayed gentle when she glanced at him.
Sylphira: Master, stay behind me. I won't let them touch you.
Kojima channeled his Thunderheart Resistance Mantle and fired a counter-blast of lightning that struck two beasts at once, weakening them. The group worked together perfectly, and the chamber fell silent within minutes.
Kojima: Good work. Keep moving.
They continued deeper. The ruins grew darker and more twisted. Strange illusions appeared — fake paths that led to traps, and ghostly images of their own fears. One illusion showed Kojima's old life in Tokyo, the train accident playing out again. He pushed through it, but it left a heavy feeling in his chest.
Sylphira noticed and stayed even closer, her hand finding his.
Sylphira: Master… I'm here. We're together now.
Mira squeezed his other hand, her voice softer than usual.
Mira: We've got you, Master. Let's keep going.
Vaelor led the way, his shadows lighting the path while he made light remarks to keep morale up.
Vaelor: Master, if these illusions get too dramatic, I can create even better ones. Mine are much more stylish.
They reached another large chamber. In the center stood a massive Shadow Guardian — the same type they had fought earlier, but stronger.
Enemy Status — Greater Shadow Guardian (Level 22)
HP: 1,450/1,450
Strength: 68
Agility: 52
Skills: Shadow Slam, Dark Regeneration, Void Shield
The fight was harder. The guardian slammed its fists, creating shockwaves that cracked the floor. Vaelor used his boosted shadows to bind its arms, Mira distracted it with her aura, and Sylphira poured flames into its chest. Kojima supported with lightning blasts from his mantle.
After a tough struggle, they defeated the guardian. The chest in the center opened, revealing a rare material and a large amount of System Points.
The group rested for a moment, breathing hard but victorious.
Kojima: We're doing well. But this is only the beginning. The Nightmare difficulty is living up to its name.
Sylphira nodded, staying close to him.
Sylphira: Master… we'll keep going. Together.
Mira wiped sweat from her brow and gave him a teasing smile.
Mira: Master, after this, I think we deserve a very nice reward.
Vaelor bowed with a faint smile.
Vaelor: Indeed. The show must go on, Master.