“What the hell just happened?” Brick asked, his rifle still trained on the darkness ahead.
Jack’s grip on his machete tightened, his expression grim. “Get ready,” he said, his voice low. “That wasn’t the end. It’s just the prelude.”
As the final phantoms dissipated, the group’s momentary relief was short-lived.
A deep, guttural roar echoed from the chamber ahead, shaking the walls and sending a chill down Jessica’s spine. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and from the shadows emerged a towering figure. It was humanoid in shape but grotesquely warped, its body composed of jagged, obsidian-like shards that glinted in the faint light. Its eyes burned with the same crimson glow as the phantoms, and in its hands, it wielded a massive blade that crackled with dark energy.
“Miniboss,” Jack said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. “Stay sharp. It’s stronger, faster, and smarter than anything you’ve faced so far. Target its weak points and keep your distance if you’re not ready to take a hit.”
The creature roared again, raising its blade high before charging toward the group. Big Red stepped forward to meet it, his axe swinging in a powerful arc. The miniboss parried the attack with surprising agility, its blade colliding with the axe in a shower of sparks. Big Red grunted, his muscles straining as he pushed back against the creature’s strength.
“Hold formation!” Jack called, his voice cutting through the growing chaos. He darted to the side, his machete flashing as he tested the creature’s defenses with a quick strike. The runes along his blade flared as it connected, leaving a glowing scar across the miniboss’s armor-like exterior.
“Focus on its legs!” Jack shouted. “It’s fast, but if we slow it down, we can control the fight!”
Big Red and Little John stepped forward, their heavy weapons swinging in tandem as they targeted the creature’s lower limbs. The Obsidian Warden roared, its massive blade sweeping horizontally in retaliation. The brothers barely managed to dodge, the edge of the blade sparking against the stone wall as it passed.
“Jason, Nick - lay down cover fire!” Jack barked. “Brick, keep its attention high so Big Red and John can strike low!”
The brothers complied, their rifles firing in controlled bursts as they aimed for the creature’s glowing weak points. The shots forced the miniboss to shift its stance, creating brief openings for Big Red and John to land heavy blows with their axe and hammer. Brick’s heavier rounds struck the creature’s upper body, drawing its focus upward as intended.
“Flank it!” Jessica shouted, her machete already moving. She darted to the side, aiming for the creature’s exposed leg. Her blade struck true, carving into the joint where the obsidian shards met, but the miniboss barely flinched. It swung its massive blade toward her, and she barely managed to roll out of the way in time.
Jack moved like a shadow, his machete humming with energy as he struck at the creature’s other leg. His movements were fluid and precise, each attack calculated to exploit the miniboss’s weaknesses. The runes along his blade flared with each strike, leaving deep, glowing gashes in the creature’s armor-like skin.
“Keep the pressure on!” Jack barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. “Don’t give it time to recover!”
Molly and Rando worked together to draw the miniboss’s attention, their attacks fast and coordinated. Rando’s dagger slashed at its side while Molly’s knives struck at its back, their combined efforts forcing the creature to split its focus. Little John joined Big Red at the front, their heavy weapons pounding against the miniboss’s blade as they kept it from advancing further.
“Good! Keep it guessing!” Jack shouted, his machete carving into the creature’s side with surgical precision. “Molly - get around to its back! Hit it where it can’t defend!”
Molly darted forward, her twin knives a blur as she struck at the Obsidian Warden’s exposed back. Her blades left glowing gashes, and the creature’s movements became more erratic as it struggled to keep up with the coordinated assault.
Jessica circled wide, her machete ready as she searched for an opening. Her pulse pounded in her ears as she watched Jack move with an almost inhuman grace, his attacks precise and unrelenting. His voice carried over the din of battle, issuing orders with a calm authority that kept the team focused.
“Little Red, take its left flank!” Jack called, his gaze sharp. “It’s leaving itself open when it swings wide. Exploit that!”
Jessica nodded, adrenaline fueling her as she darted to the creature’s side. She waited for the next wide swing, then struck with all her strength, her machete biting deep into the creature’s leg. The Warden roared in pain, its balance faltering as it staggered under the combined assault.
Little Red’s chest burned with exertion as she circled around the creature, looking for another opening. Her gaze flicked to Jack, who moved with a deadly grace that made the chaos around him seem almost effortless. He was relentless, his blade carving into the miniboss with a precision born of experience.
The creature roared in frustration, its movements growing more erratic as the group’s coordinated attacks began to wear it down. Finally, Jack spotted an opportunity. He darted forward.
“Now!” Jack shouted, his machete glowing brightly as he moved in for the finishing blow. He leapt onto the creature’s back, his blade carving a deep arc across its neck.
The Obsidian Warden let out one final, shuddering roar before collapsing to the ground, its body dissolving into black mist.
The group stood panting, their weapons heavy in their hands as the oppressive energy of the chamber lifted slightly. There was a stunned silence as the miniboss disintegrated, the oppressive energy of the chamber lifting slightly. A notification flashed in Jessica’s vision, and she let out a shaky breath as she read the words, the message a small comfort after the grueling fight.
System Message: Combat Log
Party Kills:
- Jack: 12
- Jessica: 4
- Big Red: 3
- Molly: 5
- Brick: 1
- Jason: 1
- Nick: 1
- Rando: 1
- Little John: 2
- Madi: 0
XP Gained: 300 per phantom.
Miniboss Defeated
Obsidian Warden Eliminated:
- XP Gained: 2000
Team Contribution:
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
- Jack: 35%
- Jessica: 20%
- Big Red: 15%
- Molly: 10%
- Little John: 10%
- Brick: 5%
- Jason: 3%
- Nick: 2%
- Madi: 0%
Loot Gained: Prismata Obsidian Core (Rare):
- Description: A pulsing shard of obsidian imbued with dark energy. It can be used to craft powerful armor or weapons that resonate with shadow affinity.
- Properties:
- +10% Damage Reduction against shadow-based attacks.
- +5% Critical Hit Chance in low-light environments.
- Can be socketed into existing gear to enhance durability and shadow affinity.
Obsidian Blade Fragment (Uncommon):
- Description: A jagged shard from the Warden’s massive blade. It hums faintly with residual energy.
- Properties:
- Usable in crafting to create a weapon or trap.
- Can be refined into an enchanted dagger with added shadow damage.
Shadow Essence (Rare, x3):
- Description: Concentrated energy from the phantoms and Warden. Essential for high-tier crafting and spell enhancements.
- Properties:
- Ingredient for creating shadow-based consumables or gear.
- Trade value: High in most adventurer guild markets.
Warden’s Rune (Unique):
- Description: A glowing rune etched into the Warden’s core, vibrating with latent power.
- Properties:
- One-time Use: Imbue an item with “Shadow Veil,” granting temporary invisibility (30 seconds) and damage resistance (15%) while active.
- Requires activation by a mage or a character with crafting proficiency.
“Who gets the loot?” Rando asked, his eyes going over the pile of drops they had collected.
“That’s up to you,” Jack said, looking at Little Red. She walked over to the pile and grabbed the Obsidian Core, and tossed it to Jack who caught it with ease.
He pocketed it and nodded in thanks. Then she turned to Big Red. “Same rules. You’re in charge of distribution. But only after the run. Unless something specifically can be used to increase our chances of success.”
“You got it, sis,” he said with a smile and a small salute. She punched his shoulder and turned away, smiling.
Jack sheathed his machete, turning to face the group. “Not bad,” he said, his voice carrying a note of approval. “You held your own. But this was just the beginning. The dungeon’s not done with us yet.”
Jessica met his gaze, her determination unwavering despite the exhaustion in her limbs. “Then we keep moving,” she said, her voice steady. “We’ve come too far to stop now.”
Jack nodded, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Good. Let’s see if you can keep up.”
The group moved cautiously through the dimly lit corridor, their footsteps muffled against the cold stone. The air felt heavier here, pressing down on their lungs with an almost palpable weight. The faint hum of the crystalline veins pulsating along the walls provided the only sound, a rhythmic reminder that the dungeon was alive and watching.
Jack led the way, his machete hanging loosely at his side, the runes along its blade pulsing faintly in harmony with the dungeon veins. He moved with a predator’s grace, his every step fluid and deliberate, his sharp eyes scanning the corridor for signs of danger. Jessica followed close behind, her machete gripped tightly in her hand. She hated relinquishing control, but Jack’s quiet authority left little room for argument. There was something about him - something dangerous yet undeniably reliable.
“Here,” Jack said, stopping abruptly. His voice, though calm, cut through the tension like a blade. He gestured toward a heavy iron door set into the wall, its surface covered in intricate runes that glowed faintly with a sickly green light.
Molly frowned, her twin knives spinning idly in her hands. “We passed this earlier,” she said, her voice skeptical. “Thought it was just another trap.”
Jack chuckled softly, the sound devoid of humor. “Most people would. That’s the point.” He stepped forward, running his hand over the runes. “This is where the resurrection node is hidden. But it’s not a freebie. There’s always a cost.”
Jessica stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “What kind of cost?” she asked, her tone edged with suspicion.
Jack didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he reached into his jacket and pulled out the Prismata Obsidian Core they had looted from the miniboss. The shard pulsed with dark energy, its glow sharp against the dim corridor. Placing it against the runes, Jack pressed firmly. The runes flared to life, the sickly green light intensifying as a low, resonant hum filled the air.
The iron door dissolved into motes of dust, revealing a small, simple chamber beyond. The air inside felt different - warmer, almost sacred.
Jack stepped into the chamber, his footsteps measured. “Come on,” he said, motioning for the group to follow.
Jessica hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the far wall, where a shrine stood in stark contrast to the rough-hewn stone around it. The shrine was a bas-relief of a shrouded woman, her features obscured by her veil. Carved from pale white stone, the figure exuded an air of solemnity and reverence. In her outstretched hands, she held a small chalice, its surface smooth and polished, as if untouched by time.
Molly crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she studied the shrine. “Creepy,” she muttered under her breath.
Jack ignored her, his attention fixed on Madi. He motioned for the medic to step forward. “She needs an offering,” he said simply, his tone carrying an unspoken weight.
Madi’s brow furrowed, and she glanced at Jack, her uncertainty clear. “What kind of offering?” she asked quietly. There was a reverence in her voice that surprised even her.
Jessica, noticing the change in Madi’s demeanor, started to step forward, but Jack’s hand on her shoulder stopped her. He shook his head, his gaze firm. “This is between her and the shrine,” he said softly, turning his attention back to Madi.
Madi approached the shrine slowly, the glow from the veins reflecting off her pale face. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached into her satchel, pulling out a small knife. She stared at it for a long moment, her mind racing with doubts and questions. Then, with quiet resolve, she drew the blade across her palm. Blood pooled in her cupped hand, and she tipped it carefully into the chalice, watching as the crimson liquid trickled down the smooth surface.
The shrine reacted immediately. A wave of warm light pulsed outward, washing over the chamber and momentarily pushing back the oppressive hum of the dungeon. The air grew lighter, charged with a strange, comforting energy. A soft voice echoed in the chamber, but only Madi, Jack, and Jessica could hear it.
“Thank you for your offering, child,” the voice whispered, gentle yet resonant with power. “I am Ostara, and I offer you a choice.”
System Notification: Class Choice Available
Ostara’s voice continued, speaking directly to Madi. “You are at a crossroads, child. Three paths lie before you. Choose wisely.”
Lightweaver
- Description: A healer who channels radiant energy to mend wounds and bolster allies. Lightweavers excel in creating protective shields and purifying harmful effects.
- Core Abilities:
- Radiant Mend: Instantly heals an ally for a significant amount of health.
- Shield of Solace: Creates a glowing barrier around an ally, absorbing damage for a limited time.
- Purifying Light: Removes debuffs and weakens shadow-affiliated enemies.
- Specialty: Defensive Support.
Bloodbound Healer
- Description: A healer who sacrifices their own vitality to heal and empower allies. Bloodbound Healers thrive in high-stakes situations where the risk-reward balance is critical.
- Core Abilities:
- Crimson Pact: Transfers health from the caster to an ally, providing a burst of healing.
- Sanguine Bond: Links the caster’s life force with an ally, sharing damage taken.
- Vital Surge: Converts a portion of the caster’s health into a temporary damage boost for the entire team.
- Specialty: High-risk, high-reward healing.
Shadowmender
- Description: A healer who manipulates shadow energy to heal and harm. Shadowmenders blur the line between support and offense, making them versatile in combat.
- Core Abilities:
- Veil of Shadows: Heals allies in an area while cloaking them in shadow, reducing incoming damage.
- Umbral Surge: A dual-purpose ability that heals allies and damages enemies in its path.
- Warding Darkness: Creates a zone of shadow energy that weakens enemies and restores health to allies within it.
- Specialty: Balanced healing and utility.
The voice faded, leaving Madi staring at the shrine, her wounded hand clutched to her chest. The warm light from the chalice flickered softly, as though waiting for her decision.
“Madi?” Jessica’s voice broke the silence, her tone gentle but filled with curiosity.
Madi turned, her expression unreadable. “I have a choice,” she said, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment. “Three paths. I just… need a second to decide.”
Jack nodded approvingly, stepping back to give her space. “Take your time,” he said. “But remember -the dungeon isn’t waiting.”
Jessica shot him a sharp look but said nothing, her gaze shifting back to Madi. For the first time, she saw something new in the medic’s eyes: purpose.