As the party inched towards the massive opened doors. Dokja noticed two large piles just a few feet inside the dungeon. As they got closer a pungent odor filled the team's nostrils. The smell was close to an unholy fusion of rotting food, and liquid garbage. Sara began to gage, Flower covered her nose with a handkerchief, and Dokja tried to swat the smell away. Brite and Grant grimaced, but seemed the least affected.
"What in the Blood river is that awful stench" Flower hissed in disgust.
The party looked around, but couldn't find the source of the foul smell. Dokja approached the two piles cautiously. As he got closer he could smell that the odor was getting stronger the closer he got.
"Hey guys, I think I've figured out the source."
The rest of the party hurried to see the cause, and the answer made them sick. The two piles were what was left of two previous adventurers who'd entered this dungeon. Their once intact limbs were now a pile of red sludge. Crushed bones looked like sprinkles on cherry slushies. Flower trying to walk around the mess step on an eyeball. It exploded like a water balloon.
"What in the Blood River happened to these poor souls?" Flower asked, holding back her urge to vomit.
She wasn't alone Sara looked greener than grass. The party was used to seeing gruesome and unsettling scenes, but this was like nothing they'd experienced. The sheer brutality, and mutilation of the deceased was bad enough. However, when the group looked past the dead. They saw a thick path of dried blood.
"Whoever or whatever did this toyed with these two before killing them." Brite said, holding back his rage as much as he could.
The group congregated around the grim scene for a bit. An air of unease and uncertainty permeated the area. It didn't take a mind reader to see what was written on all their faces. Sara and Flower looked ready to puke and definitely wanted to leave. Grant and Dokja wanted to stop whatever did this, and Brite looked torn between the two camps. The adventurer in him wanted to make sure whatever caused this paid, but the captain part of him couldn't recklessly put his friends in harm's way.
After a long silence Brite asked "Guys, I think we should go back?"
Dokja was the first to speak "The fuck! We need to go and at a minimum and investigate."
Grant nodded in agreement, but his eyes told the facts. Whatever Brite decided he'd go along with.
Brite inhaled deeply before responding. "I know how you feel Dokja, but something strong enough to toy with two platinum adventurers is way above our capabilities." Brite referenced the platinum tags covered in a thick layer of blood laying next to the smoothie of the two men.
Dokja was about to protest, but Grant interjected first. "I'm with you Dokja, and Brite is too. However, look at Flower and Sara." Grant paused to let Dokja look at the girls leaned against the wall trying to hold back their lunches. "Those two can barely stand without vomiting. They're in no shape to continue."
Dokja took a moment to calm down. "You're right, you all should go back and report what's happening."
Dokja didn't wait for anyone to ask for clarification. He began to walk deeper into the dungeon. The party watched for a moment in stunned paralysis. Sara was the first to move and chase after Dokja.
"Hang on Dokja, where are you going?" she asked
Dokja took no time in answering "To find the bastard who did this and kill them."
Sara was frozen by the unwavering determination in Dokja's eyes. He wasn't hesitant or even scared. He was one hundred percent certain in his choice, and would live with the consequences. Sara couldn't help but envy Dokja at that moment. She couldn't think of a single time she'd ever been this resolute.
Hardening her nerves she confidently said "Ok then, I'm coming with you. We came here as a team and we'll leave as a team."
Grant, Brite, and Flower all had different reactions. Grant smiled with pride and followed after. Brite looked a bit concerned, but accepted the group decision and followed as well. Flower was the most affected by this. She'd known Sara for years, and couldn't think of a time Sara was ever confident. Flower took advantage of that to always get her way. If Sara gave no opinion then it was taken as an agreement with Flower's perspective. That's changed since Sara met Dokja. Sara has become more confident and out spoken. This entire quest has been one long series of new sides being shown. Not just from Sara, but Grant and herself as well. She was feeling genuinely happy for Sara growing into a strong and confident woman. Flower took an extra minute, but in the end came and joined the rest of the group.
The first two floors were eerily quiet. Brite kept darting his head around in confusion. He and the rest of the group had been in this dungeon numerous times. It was never overrun with monsters, but you'd be lucky if you had to face less than fifty monsters.
"Guys, not to sound scared, but doesn't this seem way too quiet?" Brite asked
The party stopped taking in the surroundings. Everyone but Dokja would be lying if they said it wasn't weird. Still, none of them were going to complain about conserving their strength. They knew that whatever killed the two men had to be at least Diamond rank if not possibly Obsidian.
"Look, it doesn't matter if it's odd or not. We have a job to do and we can't stop no matter what." Dokja said firmly
Flower began to wonder who the leader of this party was. In the end they'd already come this far. So, it was probably too late to back out now. Flower was concerned about Dokja's temperament though. He'd been so even keeled, and now he was being so aggressive. She understood his wanting to avenge the fallen adventurers, but this was the type of anger that leads to mistakes. She'd known Brite longer than any of them, and she knew how unqualified for leadership he was. Brite's the type of guy who doesn't just want everyone to like. He needs everyone to like him. Hence why their party decides everything by vote. That way he can avoid making the hard calls, and thus having people hate him. When it came to the hard calls she always had to take point. She hated this role, but for her and the rest of the group's survival she bears the responsibility.
"Hey, I know I was team keep moving forward, but this is starting to feel wrong. I think we need to leave." Grant said from the vanguard.
This was enough to make even Dokja pause for a minute. Though without any words he began to walk again. His pace increased almost like he was trying to leave them. Sara began to chase after with Flower hot on her heels. Grant looked at Brite for an order, and Brite gave him one.
"We've cast our die, and now we have to live with it." Brite ran after the group with Grant slightly trailing.
The party stood at the top of the stone stairs peering into the black abyss leading to Floor 3. They could sense the erupting mass of magical energy. They knew that once they descended the stairs it would be all out war.
"Well boys and girls, let's get to it then." Brite said, trying to muster up all the confidence he had.
"Flower behind you!!!"
"Brite stay still I'll heal you!!!"
"Dokja! Sara's surrounded, go help her!!!"
"This is hell!!!"
Every inch, foot, and floor was a nonstop fight for their life. Flower was so busy healing, and defending the injured. That she couldn't track or assist in the fighting. Brite got impaled and was fortunate to have Flower right next to him. Grant was soaked in so much blood he couldn't tell what was his, what was monsters, and what was his friends. Sara was literally crying as she summoned undead warriors. Dokja was the only one seeming to thrive in this environment. He'd let go his thoughts and was just running on rage and instincts. He mowed down wave after wave. At one point he was literally fighting a massive wave single handedly.
When the group found a secret door with no enemies, the party unanimously decided to rest.
"What floor are we on?" Brite asked wheezing
Flower exhaustedly answered "Floor 7"
Everyone's heads fell at the realization that for all the fighting and pain they've endured. They've only made it down four levels. Dokja sat at the entrance keeping watch. His eyes narrowed with determination. He was barely listening, but did hear Flower. That news only enraged him more.
"Four fucking floors? That's all we can do? This is fucking pathetic!"
The party looked at him with a mix of confusion and anger. They couldn't believe his callous attitude. They wondered how he'd gone from this kind and caring person into this heartless fiend. Brite was about to say something when Dokja shushed him and pointed outside.
Walking down the corridor was a purple Orc. Dokja had read about purple Orc's, but the details were always vague. This one was easily eight feet tall and as wide as double doors. It carried a giant two sided battle axe. Dokja also noticed that the axe wasn't the only weapon he had on him. The Orc wore no clothes, and thus his giant club that would have made any man feel inferior. Swung triumphantly and freely like an anaconda in the trees.
"Oh shit a Rapeing Orc!!!" Grant whisper shouted
Dokja hadn't ever read that name or nickname in any records. For just a moment the old Dokja came to the surface.
"The hell did you just call that thing?" he asked
The party looked at him as if he was the odd one. They figured any adventurer trained even a little bit knew about Rapeing Orc's.
Brite quickly filled Dokja in, and tried to be as subtle as he could. "That is a Rapeing Orc. They are found primarily in the lowest parts of Dungeons, but have been known to roam the surface. They live on every continent, except maybe the Divine Island. Adult ones like this one are considered Platinum ranked. Younger ones fall more in the Silver to Gold rank. Females are to run on sight no matter what age the Orc is. I'm truly hoping I don't need to explain why."
There are five continents Jougten, Mantanica, Tamilent, Amainem, and Blacklund where they currently reside. In the middle of these continents is a massive island known as the Divine island or Forbidden island called Celestria. Celestria is believed to be where the Gods and Goddesses live, but nobody knows for sure. Only that nobody who's gone to the island has returned.
Dokja sat with that for a minute looking at Sara and Flower. He imagined they must be terrified of this thing. Hell if he was them he'd be shitting bricks, but still they needed to kill this thing and keep moving forward. Dokja could tell that this guy didn't kill the adventurers. His aura was that of slaughtering any man immediately and toy with the females. Which meant they needed to go deeper.
Dokja, having made up his mind, said "Fine, Grant and Brite stay here and guard the girls. I'll go and kill this pervert."
Brite grabbed his arm quickly. "Are you fucking crazy? Even as a group I'm not sure we could beat that thing. The best course is to hide here and hope he doesn't see us. When he leaves we make a run for the exit." Brite had genuine fear in his eyes. He was done trying to act brave. He was afraid and felt that there was no shame in admitting it.
As leader he had to always put on a brave face no matter the situation. He was the party leader, and he took that responsibility seriously. He hated making hard calls, and was grateful for Flower. He wasn't blind to the fact that she would make the hard calls and take the heat so he didn't have to. He always meant to thank her more for it, but couldn't find a good time. Before coming into this dungeon he decided that if they made it out alive he'd tell her how much she means to him. This included thanking her for her sacrifices. However, this would not be a call she'd need to make for him.
Dokja looked at Brite with disgust. "And you call yourself a leader? Seems to me you're just a coward that forces your team to cover for your shortcomings… Look, do you want, but I'm killing this bastard and heading deeper." Dokja ran out to face the Orc alone. Brite sat stunned with the rest of the party. This wasn't the Dokja they'd come to know and trust.
Dokja ran out, and before saying anything agro'd the Orc. Dokja wasn't afraid of the monster. He was too focused on his anger to be afraid. Still, he wasn't dumb, and he could tell this monster was on a whole nother level. He'd faced some Gold monsters already in this very Dungeon. They were tough, but this was going to be his toughest fight to date.
The orc looked Dokja up and down studying him. Dokja stood firm waiting to see what the Orc's first move might be. The adversaries stayed locked in place for several minutes before the Orc charged Dokja. Dokja jumped into the air, skimming the ceiling and landing behind the Orc. Dokja activated his Void magic casting "Rock Nails." He compressed and molded the rocks he was storing into nails. Then releasing them at blinding speeds. The Orc staggered back, but was able to keep his balance.
"Damn this pig is tough." Dokja grunted
Dokja tried to get closer and launch a point blank attack. The Orc read the plan and countered by swinging the giant axe. Dokja dropped to his knees and slid inches from the blade. He slid past the Orc and lunged to get even further separation. The Orc swung the axe like it was made of paper, but the force it generated told Dokja that the axe had to weigh hundreds of pounds.
Dokja released flame arrows, giant boulders, and ice blades shaped like feathers. It was certainly hurting the monster, but nothing that was causing lasting damage. Dokja knew that if they kept going at this rate. He'd be the one dying, and his friends would probably be close behind him.
"Ok, fine then let's try going balls to the wall." Dokja said to himself
He spread his arms out wide, and twenty voids opened around the Orc. the Orc swung his axe, but as soon as it touched one of the voids it was ripped from his hands. The sound of grinding and crushing metal echoed through the corridor. The Orc wailed in anger. The monster tried to pound his way out, but learned a painful lesson when the voids ripped his hands out. Blood erupted from the stumbs, and even that was absorbed by the voids. Dokja had this won, but for Dokja he needed it to be absolute.
"Nothing shall remain… COLLAPSE!!!"
The voids crashed into the center where the Orc stood. The voids ripped him limb from limb. His screams wailed and echoed through the floor. Despite the brutal nature of the attack. Not a drop of blood or fragment of skin, organ, or bone left the area of attack. It was nothing short of a massacre.
Grant, Brite, Flower, and Sara watched in stunned silence as Dokja just did alone something they couldn't have done as a team. Each one had their own reactions. Grant was in awe and joy. Sara was shocked, but proud of Dokja for proving what she'd always known. He's a total badass who just needed an opportunity. Brite was trying to hide the jealousy, but the hardness of eyes told the truth. Flower was the only one to vocalize their reaction.
"Well shit, remind me not to piss him off again."
Brite through gritted teeth asked "How the hell can he grow like this. I could tell he was special, but this is just… impossible. Nobody should be able to get this strong this quickly."
Flower had the answer, but she doubted it would bring any solace. "In actuality you're correct Brite. He isn't actually this strong… at least not consciously. He's running on pure instinct. I can guarantee he hasn't realized what he's been doing. Therein lies the key. As long as he doesn't question or lose focus he can use power beyond our abilities. However, the moment he calms down, he'll revert back to the level we've known him at."
Confused Grant asked "So, basically he is actively using his true potential? Though it's only a temporary boost?"
"Precisly! The only thing I'd change is this is his true potential at his current level. As he grows he'll unlock more power till he eventually hits his peak." Flower added
Grant and Sara were genuinely impressed by Dokja's power, but Brite was having a much harder time accepting all this. It wasn't that it was his strength or confidence or any one thing. He was jealous of everything about Dokja. In less than a month Dokja has proven to be better than Brite at everything. Brite has been an adventurer since he was fifteen, and in twelve years he has barely been able to make it Gold. He has Flower make all the hard choices, and he can't even look himself in the mirror. He feels nothing but shame and regret, but he has to pretend to be alive when he's dying inside.
Dokja walked over to the group, nodding ahead he headed towards the stairs to Floor 8. The party quickly packed up and followed. Once again Brite felt the venom of envy sting him. No words and everyone follows him. Brite knew he could never do that.
Floors 8-14 were just as hellish, but with Dokja's power it was manageable. The party got to the stairs and decided to try and take a small break. They wanted to face the Mid-Boss with as much strength as possible. Dokja again took lookout, and Sara began to worry about Dokja's stamina. Since they entered this Dungeon he's been running at full speed with no breaks.
Sara went to sit with Dokja, but just as she was about to tap his shoulder. She felt her body get heavy, the world began to spin and everything went black.
"Sara!!!" Everyone screamed.
They all quickly rushed to check on Sara. Flower looked her over and concluded it was ordinary exhaustion. None of them were surprised. They'd been fighting nonstop for over twelve hours. Even having rested for a bit they all were still breathing heavily. Their eyes weighed a ton, but they couldn't afford to rest. Not while stuck in the heart of an abnormal Dungeon. Dokja seemed the freshest, but Flower guessed he was probably running on empty like the rest of them. He's just so focused he isn't noticing.
Dokja initially checked on Sara, but once he saw she was breathing he went back to keeping watch. This did not go unnoticed by Brite. Seeing how little Dokja cared was finally too much for him and he confronted Dokja.
"A little glance? That's all you spare for her? She has been your biggest supporter. She stood up to Flower for you. Do you get how hard that was for her? Of course you don't. Ever since we arrived you haven't cared about any of our well beings. It's only you, you, you. Well look what your selfishness got her. Hell all of us are barely staying up right. Let me guess though, you couldn't care less."
Dokja didn't look at Brite, and just coldly responded. "Show me on the doll where I asked?" Nothing more was said for a couple hours till Sara woke up.
"Ugh, what happened? Is Dokja alright?" Sara said groggly sitting up.
Brite felt his blood boil all over again. Even after everything Dokja has done. Her first concern is Dokja and his health. Brite wanted to scream, throw something, punch Dokja. He couldn't understand why Sara cared so much about someone who wasn't caring about her.
"Hey Brite, mind helping me over here real quick?" Grant said a little too sweetly.
Brite followed Grant a bit away from the group. Grant sat down and motioned for Brite to join him. Brite sat and with his raised eyebrows asked what Grant wanted.
Grant took a deep breath before starting. "Look boss man, level with me for a sec. What's got you in such a funk? You hate confrontation, hell you make Flower do it all for you. So, what's up man? Talk to me."
Brite took a long moment to gather his thoughts. After a long breath he spoke. "It's… it's Dokja, and his fuck you aditude. He's single handedly gotten us into a position were we're totally fucked. Sara passed out, Flower's at the end of her rope, and you can't tell me you're not spent as well. Even if you won't, I'll say it. I'm barely keeping it together. We're about to take on a dungeon boss, and most of us are about to pass out from exhaustion."
Grant sat there for a moment processing his friend's words. He wanted to disagree, but everything Brite said was right on the money. He'd been feeling that Dokja was pushing the team too far, and after Sara passed out regretted not saying something earlier.
"Ok, so then what do you want to do? Don't forget you're the party leader. You have the final say, and we'll all follow your choice." Grant offered
Brite's head lowered a bit as he said "Even if we wanted to turn back. We're too exhausted to run another gauntlet. I doubt it will be the endless waves like before, but even a small group might be too much. Plus I can't leave Dokja behind and he isn't going to retreat. I guess we'll just have to press on and hope for the best."
Grant was disappointed about Brite's call, but like he said he'd follow the order. The pair got up and returned to the group. Brite looked at his exhausted team. Flower's had exhaustion rings under her eyes. Sara's eyes looked glossy and out of focus. Dokja's breathing was deep and heavy, but he was still tuning it out.
"We'll wait another half hour then we enter the boss room. Try to rest up as much as possible till then."
The party nodded in agreement, and Sara and Flower decided a power nap would be the best option. Dokja just kept looking for enemies, and Brite and Grant rehydrated and had a snack. Thirty minutes would fly like a flash, and their final mission would conclude in less than one hour.