I Can Extract Game Items

[ System Notification: Welcome to the Ancient Swordking Dungeon. Proceed with caution. Recommended Level: 35. ]

The message lingered in their line of sight for a while, showing how under-leveled August was compared to the rest of the group.

"Wow," Aria breathed as her eyes scanned the grand hallway ahead. "This place is incredible."

"\'Incredible\' is one way to put it," Drask muttered, hefting his axe onto his shoulder. "Also screams death trap."

"Stay sharp," Gareth voiced as he unsheathed his sword. "We\'re not alone in here."

True enough, other players could be seen moving deeper into the dungeon through different pathways. Explore stories at empire

Some parties were clearly stronger and their gear glowed with enchanted effects, while others seemed hastily thrown together.

"Looks like the chaos outside only stays outside," Torin remarked as his eyes tracked a group of players entering a corridor to the left.

It looked like no one who managed to get in was trying to start up a fight. Everyone inside knew it would slow them down when the goal was to get to the lower floors.

"Good," Viora said. "Fewer idiots to slow us down."

Aria studied the multiple paths branching out before them and pointed to the one on the far right. "We\'re taking that route. It\'s narrow, which means fewer ambushes, and the mana flow feels stronger there. Might lead to better loot."

The group nodded and followed her lead.

The atmosphere grew heavier, the deeper they ventured. The walls were lined with carvings depicting battles between humanoid warriors and massive beasts.

[ System Notification: You feel an ancient presence watching you. ]

"Well, that\'s not ominous at all," August muttered.

Aria smirked. "It\'s a dungeon, Aleman. Did you expect a warm welcome and a gift basket?"

"Would\'ve been nice," he replied dryly.

"Quiet," Gareth snapped. "Something\'s ahead."

The group halted as the sound of heavy breathing and the clinking of metal reached their ears.

Around the corner, three burly, minotaur-like creatures with massive axes paced back and forth. Their dark fur was matted, and their red eyes gleamed with hostility.

[ System Notification: Minotaur Sentinels (Level 15) detected. ]

"Level 15? That\'s it?" Drask scoffed. "This\'ll be easy."

Aria frowned. "Don\'t underestimate them. Look at their muscles—they\'re clearly built for strength. Viora, keep your healing ready."

"Always," the cleric replied while gripping her staff tightly.

"Let\'s go," Aria commanded.

Drask charged first, letting out a battle cry as he swung his axe at the nearest minotaur.

The creature blocked with its own weapon causing the force of the clash to send vibrations through the air.

Gareth quickly followed, slashing at the second minotaur\'s legs to hinder its movement.

The third minotaur let out a guttural roar and rushed toward the group with its axe raised high.

Torin fired a barrage of arrows, aiming for its eyes, but the creature raised its arm to block, deflecting most of the shots.

"Damn it, these things are tough!" Torin yelled.

Aria launched a fireball at the creature and the explosion caused it to stagger momentarily. "Focus on the legs! Bring them down!"

August darted around the battlefield activating his Dash.

With a single step, he turned into a blur and circled the third minotaur. While the others kept it distracted, he slipped behind it and drove his dagger into the back of its knee.

[ Hidden Strike Activated! ]

[ Critical Hit! Wounding Effect Applied! ]

[ -650HP ]

The creature howled in pain and stumbled, dropping to one knee. "One down!" August called.

Multiple glowing arrows came from up ahead and pierced into the creature\'s face while it was down, taking out a big chunk of its HP.

"Behind you!" Viora shouted.

August spun just in time to see the second minotaur charging at him while swinging its axe in a powerful arc. He barely managed to roll out of the way but the blade grazed his arm and took a chunk of his HP.

[ System Notification: - 250HP ]

"Thanks for the heads-up," he said, giving Viora a quick nod.

"You\'re welcome. Try not to die."

The second minotaur raised its axe again, but August was faster.

Using Dash, he circled behind it and slashed at its exposed back with his dagger.

[ - 420HP ]

The creature roared in pain, and Gareth seized the opportunity to deliver a crushing blow to its head, finishing it off.

[ -820HP ]

"Nice teamwork," Gareth said with a smirk.

The last minotaur, now cornered, swung its axe wildly, forcing everyone to back off.

Drask, however, charged head-on, taking the brunt of the attack with his shield before driving his axe into the creature\'s chest.

It collapsed with a final grunt, and the room fell silent.

[ System Notification: Minotaur Sentinels defeated. ]

[ EXP gained: 11,500. ]

[ System Notification: Dash skill proficiency increased. ]

"Not bad," Drask voiced while wiping sweat from his brow. "Tougher than I expected."

"You\'re welcome for the assist," August\'s voice dripped with sarcasm.

Drask narrowed his eyes. "What assist? You just ran around stabbing ankles."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Those ankle stabs saved your life," August shot back.

Before Drask could retort, Aria stepped between them. "Enough. We don\'t have time for this. Everyone, check for loot."

The group began searching the area, uncovering a few treasures hidden in plain sight.

August found a small chest containing gold coins and a low-tier health potion. Torin discovered a set of enchanted arrows, while Aria pocketed a glowing mana crystal.

"Well, this makes it worth the effort," Torin voiced while admiring his new arrows.

As they prepared to move on, Viora approached August. "Hey… you were pretty impressive back there. That move of yours saved Gareth\'s flank."

August raised an eyebrow. "Was that a compliment? You\'ve seen me do more at the Ogres dungeon."

"Don\'t let it go to your head," she replied with a smirk before walking away.

"Noted," August smiled back.

Aria clapped her hands to get everyone\'s attention. "Let\'s keep moving. There\'s a lot more to this dungeon. We\'re only on the first floor and the loot is already this good... Imagine how much better the lower floors would be."

"Then, we better increase the pace," Gareth stated with a low tone.