Huff... puff... Why are these goblins so strong? And there are so many of them...

  His thoughts: How did these monsters get stronger? They even managed to defeat level 2 adventurers. For mere goblins, that’s not normal.

  Oh no! There’s a pit! I have nowhere else to go... I’m trapped! So, is this how my life is going to end, huh?

  He heard a noise; someone was chanting a spell.

  "Flamma ignis, Ignite, by the spark, burn bright, set the world aflame!"

  What just happened?!

  He thought to himself, Who is this guy? He killed all those goblins alone. Wait, was that a mid-level spell he just cast?

  Walking toward the boy, Theodore curiously asked,

  "What happened? Are you alright, boy? What are you doing here alone on the 9th floor?"

  His eyes drooped, weighed down by sorrow.

  "M-my party was ambushed by goblins, and I’m the only one who managed to survive."

  "How many people were in your party?"

  His voice cracked as he sobbed, "There were seven of us... and three of them were level 2. The goblins were stronger than before."

  Nigel scratched his head, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Seven of you, huh? And three level 2s? And you got almost wiped out by those silly goblins?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "You call yourselves adventurers?"

  "Enough, Nigel," Theodore snapped, his voice firm but tinged with concern. "Look at what happened to them. This is something unusual. The goblins we faced earlier were far stronger than before. I think they were enhanced. Even with three level 2s in their party, they were still overwhelmed in that ambush. And the monster they faced was stronger than usual."

  Edith’s eyes narrowed as she glared at Nigel and muttered, "This dog is really getting on my nerves..."

  Nigel raised his eyebrows and smirked, then walked towards Edith. "Got a problem, missy?"

  Theodore, standing between them, let out a long sigh. "That’s enough, both of you." He turned to Edith. "We don’t have time for this. I don’t know why those monsters are suddenly getting stronger, but we need to report this to the guild as soon as possible."

  Edith hesitated, then walked away. "Fine. But I don’t like being babysat."

  Nigel chuckled. "And I don’t like being bossed around."

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Theodore commanded, "Now, everyone, prepare. We need to leave this place fast."

  Nigel grunted. "Uh, why do we need to run? We're already close to the surface."

  Edith nodded. "I will scan the surroundings."

  Enzo nodded quickly. "I'll try my best to keep up."

  Others: "Yes."

  Theodore called out, "Everyone to your formation, get ready. We’re moving out now—stay sharp."

  Nigel grunted. "Finally, let’s get out of here. I’m done with this place."

  Edith nodded. "Stay close, and keep your guard up."

  Enzo, with determination, said, "Got it, I’m ready."

  Others: "Yes."

  Whoa... They’re wiping out those monsters effortlessly.

  His thoughts: So, this is the power of a first-class adventurer party. Not to mention that Nigel Von Bartholomew—Title: Sword Beast, and Edith De Valois—Title: Bullseye are here, and both of them are level 5. If I were only strong like them, my friends wouldn’t have died because of me.

  Edith shouted, "Heads up! Seven Hobgoblins to the east, and six Goblin Riders to the northwest!"

  Nigel scowled. "Huh? Aren’t those supposed to be on the 8th floor and above? What are they doing here on the 4th? Whatever, I’ll deal with those pests."

  Theodore, with urgency, warned, "Nigel, hold back! Don’t rush in!"

  Nigel smirked, and in a flash, he unleashed his sword skill: Run Wild Gazelle—the swift strike cutting clean through the Hobgoblins in an instant.

  Edith drew her bow, activating her skill. "Guide my arrow, grant me accuracy." The arrow flew, piercing through all of the Goblin Riders.

  Enzo, feeling relief, said, "Phew, all of them are gone."

  Edith's voice rang out, urgent and sharp. "Orcs—no, wolf riders, coming in from the southeast. They’re not the usual pack."

  Nigel’s grip tightened on his sword. "What the hell? They should be deeper in the dungeon!" His eyes flickered to Theodore, but the mage was already preparing a spell.

  "Get back, everyone," Theodore’s voice was steady. "This will be a bit different."

  With a deep breath, Theodore raised his staff. "Blaze of fury, from burning grief, hear my cries!" The air around them shimmered with heat as the ground quaked beneath their feet. A wave of flames surged outward, engulfing the Wolf Riders, turning them into dust.

  Enzo blinked in awe, mesmerized. Theodore wasn’t just strong—he was... precise. He could turn the tide of any battle.

  Edith: "The coast is clear, everyone. Let's move out."

  Theodore: "We’ve made it back to the surface, everyone. Enzo, it’s time for us to part ways. We need to report this incident to the guild immediately." He handed Enzo a potion. "Take this as a parting gift. Stay vigilant from now on. Dungeons are unpredictable, and you never know what dangers might be lurking around the next corner."

  As Theodore’s party made their way out of the dungeon, Enzo remained at the entrance, his chest heavy with sorrow. If only I were stronger...

  He clenched his fists tightly. I should have been able to do something! I should have fought harder. My friends... they’re gone because of me. He wanted to scream, to punch something—anything to release the pressure building in his chest. Damn it! If I hadn’t hesitated... if I were as strong as them, I could’ve... I could’ve protected them!

  His thoughts swirled in frustration, but no matter how much he beat himself up, it didn’t bring his friends back. I’ll become stronger. Strong enough to protect others... so that no one else has to die because of me.