Chapter 1193 Dangers of the dungeon
Silvaris, his form almost spectral, floated above the group, moving effortlessly through the air as he hovered around them. His movements were graceful yet unnerving, adding to the surreal atmosphere of the situation.
With a chuckle that echoed through the chamber, Silvaris addressed the gathered adventurers. "Well, well, looks like a bunch of chickens heading toward the slaughterhouse," he said, his tone mocking yet playful.
He continued, his voice taking on a more serious note. "Only a true thief can lay hands on my treasures," he proclaimed. "One who knows the art of stealth, cunning, and finesse." Silvaris paused for effect, his eyes scanning the group. "But if you're just a brute who depends on cultivation and spells like common fighters, you're not going to last long in here," he warned, his words carrying a hint of threat and challenge.
Silvaris, with an air of superiority, gestured towards his ethereal form. "Even though this is just a sliver of my soul," he said, emphasizing his ghostly appearance. "I can still see that you're all a bunch of mindless brutes." His laughter echoed around the chamber, mocking and derisive. Unable to contain his resentment, Elrion stepped forward to confront Silvaris. "A thief like you has no right to laugh at anyone," he retorted, his voice firm and challenging. But Silvaris just laughed again, his amusement clear. "You must be a worshipper of Valorius, judging by your cliché words," he said, his tone teasing and provocative.
Hearing Silvaris's words, Elrion's expression hardened, and he growled in response. "Good thing you're in your ethereal form, or I would show you the price of mocking my god," he threatened, his allegiance to Valorius making him quick to defend his god's honor.
Still laughing, Silvaris replied with a taunt. "In this scenario, you're the thieves coveting my treasures." His words were a reminder to the group that, in the context of the dungeon, they were the intruders seeking what belonged to him, reversing the usual dynamics of thief and victim.
Suddenly, Silvaris, who had been floating above the group with an air of arrogance, paused mid-laughter. His expression changed from amusement to something more thoughtful, even slightly nervous. The once mocking laughter faded into a tense silence as he scanned the group below him.
For a moment, his frown deepened, and there was a hint of fear in his eyes as if he had sensed something unexpected among the adventurers. Then, just as quickly, his amusement returned, masking any previous concern. "Seems like some of you are more than just brutes," he said, his voice laced with a newfound intrigue.
Michael and Gaya, standing among the crowd, felt a prickle of awareness at his words. It was as if Silvaris's statement was directed specifically at them. Given their status as gods, they understood they stood out, even among the group. His ability to detect something beyond their mortal facades hinted at the depth of his power, even in his ethereal state.
Growing impatient with Silvaris's cryptic manner, Elrion confronted him directly. "What's your purpose here?" he demanded, his tone firm. "I assume it's for more than just to gloat and mock us."
In response, Silvaris let out another laugh, seemingly unfazed by Elrion's directness. "As much as I know there's no one quite like me," he said, his voice dripping with self-assurance, "I am curious to see if anyone here is worthy."
"I didn't even think you'd find the door to this dungeon, but someone did. So, I'm a bit curious to see what else you all can do," Silvaris continued, revealing a hint of respect for their abilities.
"Once you walk forward, you will be greeted with four paths. Each path is filled with its own traps, challenges, and rewards," said Silvaris. Then, his demeanor became even more playful as he disclosed further details. "Those who survive the paths can then enter the room to meet a dungeon boss," he said with a mischievous grin. "What's a dungeon without a dungeon boss?" he chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. "I've stolen not only valuables but also monsters and beasts, all kinds of villains, and put them here as dungeon bosses."
As the crowd was absorbing Silvaris's words, his playful demeanor shifted as he touched his chin with his finger, snapping his fingers as though he had just remembered something important. "Oh, and there are also some arrays I've placed throughout the dungeon," he said, his tone still light but with a hint of mischief. "These arrays will stop you from using your spells and fancy magic."
The revelation sent a murmur through the crowd, as the adventurers recalled Elder Derelius's earlier warning about such magical restrictions. The confirmation of this detail added a new layer of complexity to the challenge ahead.
Among the onlookers, various reactions began to surface. Some expressed fear and concern through their whispered dialogues.
"How are we supposed to survive without our magic?" one person fretted, their voice tinged with anxiety.
"I didn't spend a fortune in spells to have it taken away in a place like this," another complained, the frustration clear in their tone.
However, others saw this as an equalizing factor. "This will level the playing field with those rich noble brats," one adventurer said with a hint of satisfaction, pleased at the thought of a challenge that relied more on wit and physical skill than on magical prowess.
"Yeah, let's see how they fare without their fancy spells to hide behind," another chimed in, echoing the sentiment.
"Oh, and expect more surprises along the way," he said with a sly grin. "What's the thrill if I tell you everything?"
His laughter lingered in the air, a reminder of the cunning and unpredictable nature of the dungeon's creator. As he spoke, Silvaris's figure began to fade, becoming more and more transparent until it was barely visible.
Just as his form disappeared completely, several torches around the hall flickered to life. The sudden illumination revealed the spacious hall in its entirety, casting light on the rough stone walls and the hard floor. Most importantly, it revealed the existence of four doors at the far end of the hall, each one distinct and foreboding, beckoning the adventurers to choose their path.
Taking on the role of informal leaders due to their stature and confidence, Elrion and Lysandra walked in front of the crowd towards the four doors. The adventurers followed closely behind, their steps echoing in the now well-lit hall.
As they all stood before the four identical stone doors, each adorned with glowing runes, a sense of uncertainty filled the air. The doors were indistinguishable from one another, each one promising a unique but unknown challenge.
Elrion, Lysandra, Shar, and Jin huddled together, discussing their options. "Which door do we choose?" Elrion asked, his eyes scanning the runes.
Lysandra responded thoughtfully, "Each door is likely to lead to a drastically different path. We can't know for sure what lies beyond any of them."
Shar, her voice calm and measured, added, "It's a gamble, no matter which we choose. But we must make a decision."
Jin, who had been silent until then, spoke up, "Perhaps splitting up might give us a better chance. Cover more ground."
Meanwhile, Gaya leaned in and whispered to Michael, "Which door should we choose?"
"There's no right answer. It's obvious that each path these doors lead to is filled with dangers and traps. We'll need to rely on our instincts and adapt as we go." Michael replied softly.
After a moment of contemplation, Shar proposed a bold strategy. "We should each take one door," she suggested, her tone indicating that she believed dividing their forces might increase their chances of success.
Elrion, usually at odds with Shar, couldn't help but agree this time. "This might be the only time I agree with this old woman," he scoffed, albeit with a begrudging respect for the plan's logic.
"So be it," she said, after assessing the situation.
Subsequently, each of the four leaders – Elrion, Lysandra, Shar, and Jin – pushed open one of the doors and stepped through, each choosing their own path into the unknown.
As they departed, Gaya turned to Michael and asked, "Which door should we take?"
Michael scanned the four doors, contemplating their decision. His gaze settled on the door Jin had walked through. Remembering the invitation he had received from the Assassin's Guild, Michael decided that following Jin could be advantageous. It might give him an opportunity to forge an alliance within the guild or at least learn more about the God of Death and the guild's inner workings.
"We'll take the door Jin went through," Michael decided, believing that aligning with Jin could offer them strategic insights and potential allies in the challenges ahead.
Michael and Gaya, along with a group of adventurers who had chosen to follow Jin, entered the doorway, stepping into the unknown. As the last of them crossed the threshold, the sound of the stone doors grinding shut echoed behind them, sealing them inside.
They found themselves enveloped in darkness, the only sound being the soft footsteps of their group on the ancient stone floor. After a moment, torches along the walls flickered to life, one by one, casting a dim, eerie light on the narrow path that lay before them.
The group proceeded cautiously, their eyes adjusting to the limited light. The torches revealed a corridor that seemed to stretch endlessly ahead, its walls lined with shadows that danced with the flickering flames.
As they followed Jin deeper into the dungeon, a dark chuckle suddenly echoed through the hall, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. Then, a childish voice, both eerie and playful, reverberated around them. "Time for me to eat," it said, its tone gleefully sinister.
Th𝓮 most uptodate nov𝑒ls are published on freew(e)bnove(l).𝓬𝓸𝓶