Chapter 12
Ian, Ralph, and Asha continued their journey, battling monsters that grew more numerous with each passing day. After several days of fighting side by side, they had grown accustomed to one another's rhythms, their teamwork sharper and smoother than before.
Just as the last pack of Black Wolves collapsed at their feet, they found themselves standing before a massive stone door. Ian and Ralph stared at it in surprise, when Asha suddenly noticed something beside it. She crouched down and discovered a stone tablet half-buried in the ground.
"Guys! Come here… I found something," Asha called out.
Ian and Ralph rushed to her side as she began to read the inscriptions etched into the stone:
"Congratulations on making it this far. Beyond this door lies a beast far stronger than any you have faced thus far. This is the first Boss monster you must overcome. Prepare yourselves well, for once the door is opened, there will be no escape. Good luck."
The three exchanged glances. In their eyes was both worry and determination. Without another word, they stepped forward together and pushed open the heavy stone door.
A suffocating darkness awaited them inside. The chamber beyond was vast and silent, lit only by the faint flicker of torches along the walls. They moved cautiously, each footstep echoing through the cavernous space. Then, from deep within the shadows, came a rumbling growl.
A massive silhouette shifted. The sound of claws scraping stone filled the air. Slowly, a giant crimson paw stepped into the light, followed by the rest of the beast.
When the wavering firelight finally revealed its form, their breaths caught in their throats. Standing before them was a colossal Red Wolf, three times larger than any Black Wolf they had fought. Its burning eyes glowed like molten embers, and every breath it exhaled released smoke and sparks of flame.
Asha's face paled as she whispered,
"I… I know this creature. I've read about it in my family's records. This is a Volcanic Wolf! They only dwell within deadly volcanoes… it has the power to control fire and monstrous physical strength. No one has seen one for generations. I don't know how they managed to bring it here, but this beast is classified as an Epic-rank monster. Be careful… this fight won't be easy."
Ian tightened his grip on his sword, Ralph cracked his knuckles and clenched his fists, while Asha raised her long spear.
The three warriors stood their ground, their hearts pounding. One mistake could end everything.
The battle that would decide their survival… had just begun.
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