After defeating the wyverns, the group resumed their quest to deliver the package. They had been fortunate enough to encounter minimal trouble on their journey so far, but this good fortune didn''t lead to anycency within the group as they knew well that at any moment, their luck could take a turn for the worse.
Remaining fully aware of this possibility, they made the most of every moment where danger didn''t loom over them.
Pressing on with determined steps, they aimed to cover as much ground as possible while the sun still shone brightly as they knew that in a few hours, night would fall, bringing with it a new set of challenges.
As they continued, the terrain proved no less treacherous than what they had just crossed. Over the next twelve hours, the team faced a relentless series of challenges that tested their physical endurance and mental resilience.
Their path led them across dangerous structures: rickety bridges that swayed with every step and narrow walkways nked by deep chasms on both sides, where a single misstep could spell disaster.
Crossing these structures required extra caution, and the team moved carefully, their senses heightened to the dangers around them.
Yet, despite the risks, they knew they couldn''t afford to slow down as time was as much an enemy for them on this floor as the monsters that they faced.
Eventually, their journey brought them to a region where they had to climb steep cliffs and navigate narrow ledges. This was a dangerous area, where the rocky surfaces often crumbled beneath their feet.
Here, every crossing was a gamble, but with Rocky leading the way, the team managed to traverse each obstacle, although they had a few close calls.
Along the way, they also encountered more wyverns and centipedes from time to time—though not in the overwhelming numbers that they had faced earlier.
The wyverns, while still dangerous, were swiftly dealt with by Kronos''s precise sword projections, while the centipedes, despite having their armored bodies and menacing mandibles, stood little chance against Rocky''s dual swords and Buhara''s devastating spells.
These battles, though frequent, were short-lived as thanks to the team''s effective coordination and the enhanced power Kronos brought to the table, they didn''t run into much trouble.
However, as night fell and the fatigue set in, the constant threats and treacherous terrain began to take a toll on them, both physically and mentally.
Each fight left them more weary, with the umted fatigue weighing heavily on their shoulders.
Erin, who had worked tirelessly to maintain protective spells and buffs throughout the day, felt the exhaustion most keenly. His magic was a constant lifeline, keeping the group''s strength up and their wounds at bay, but there was no one to support him.
Despite these challenges, the group pushed forward, their determination unwavering as the thought of whaty ahead—possibly a dragon, far more powerful than anything they had faced so far—kept them on edge, driving them to make the most of every peaceful moment.
As the hours passed and the night grew darker, thendscape around them began to change.
The wide chasms and towering cliffs gave way to more open, but still dangerous, terrain and the ground beneath them became more stable. However, with this stability came a new danger as the monster that they dreaded facing the most finally made its first appearance.
*ROARRRR*
A terrifying green dragon who was flying in the night sky looking for prey, seemed to have taken an interest in the group.
It roared loudly when it spotted its prey, with his powerful roar sending a shiver down the spines of the team.
Its massive wings beat the air with a sound like rolling thunder, creating gusts of wind that swept across the open terrain forcing the team to halt, as their eyes scanned the dark skies, searching for the source of the ominous noise.
"There it is," Kronos whispered, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of the green dragon''s silhouette against the darkened sky.
The dragon circled above them, its massive form blotting out the stars as it flew lower, clearly observing the four adventurers.
Rocky''s grip tightened on his swords as he stepped forward, his gaze never leaving the beast.
"Stay focused. We don''t know what it''s nning... also Erin start preparing your strongest defensive spell, I feel like it can attack us at any point" Rocky instructed, as he anticipated the dragons next move before it ever made one.
Erin, responding to Rocky''s instructions, immediately began to weave a defensive spell, his hands moving in practiced motions as the rest of the team formed a protective stance around him, ready for whatever the dragon might unleash.
Then, without a warning, just as Rocky had expected, the dragon stopped circling and hovered in ce, high above them. Its chest swelling as it took in a deep breath, and a momentter, a stream of bright green fire shot downwards, aimed directly at the group.
[Dragon''s Breath]
*Sizzle*
The mes roared as they descended, their heat palpable even from a distance.
"Erin, now!" Rockymanded, his voice steady despite the impending danger, as immediately Erin released the energy he had gathered.
Soon, a shimmering barrier of green light erupted around the group just as the dragon''s breath reached them, protecting them against the dragon''s mes.
*SPLASH*
The mes collided with the barrier, sshing against it like a wave against a cliff.
The ground around them sizzled and ckened from the intense heat, but the barrier held strong.
Seconds passed, however the dragon''s breath attack continued, testing the strength of Erin''s magic, as soon sweat started to bead on his forehead.
Despite his fatigue, Erin continued to pour more of his energy into maintaining the barrier, with the strain on his body evident from his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes.
However, through sheer will, Erin managed to pull through the attack until the mes ceased, and the dragon pulled back, seemingly surprised that its attack had been thwarted.