Thorne POV
The musty air of the dungeon clung to my skin as I moved cautiously through the narrow passageways. Torchlight flickered across the cracked stone walls, casting long, dancing shadows. Every sense was on high alert. This mission wasn't just another routine clearance—something felt off.
I adjusted my grip on my sword, listening to the subtle creaks and whispers of the dungeon. Normally, I could sense approaching monsters with ease, but tonight… the tension was unnatural. Too quiet.
"Stay sharp, Thorne," I muttered to myself. "No room for mistakes."
---
The Ambush
A sudden, sharp whistle echoed from the corridor ahead. Before I could react, four figures emerged from the shadows—cloaked, moving with lethal precision. My instincts screamed danger.
"Cloaked men," I said under my breath, eyes narrowing. Their movements were coordinated, like a single organism with four heads.
I sprang forward, blade flashing. My warrior training took over—strike, parry, evade. But they were using poison. A thin, green mist hovered around their weapons. Every slash, every stab carried danger.
One cut through my arm, burning with the telltale sting of toxin. I hissed in pain but held my ground, blocking another attack. My vision blurred slightly. Poison. These men weren't here to fight honorably—they wanted me dead.
I gritted my teeth, using warrior reflex to anticipate their next moves. But the toxins were fast-acting. My movements slowed, and I knew I couldn't hold out for long.
---
The Distress Signal
"Kael… if I—" My fingers brushed the small device Lyra had given me for emergencies. A faint glow signaled that the distress signal was active.
I could feel it pulse through the system—a call for help. And I knew Lyra and Pallas wouldn't ignore it.
"Not today," I muttered, forcing myself to stay upright, backing toward a safer corridor. "I'm not going down here."
The lead cloaked man lunged, blade glinting. I sidestepped, using momentum to sweep his legs out from under him. The others reacted instantly, splitting to surround me. Poison still coursed through my veins. My strength waned.
---
Rescue Arrival
A sudden gust of wind and shimmering light filled the corridor.
"Thorne!" Lyra's voice rang out as she appeared, her hands glowing with healing mana. She slammed her palms onto the ground, releasing a wave that staggered the cloaked men.
"Lyra!" I gasped, feeling the poison begin to fade under her healing touch. Strength returned to my limbs.
From above, Pallas swooped down, wings wide, claws ready. "Had enough fun with him?" she called, talons slicing the air.
I laughed despite myself. "You could say that."
The cloaked men regrouped, but it was too late. Lyra's healing wards amplified our resistance, Pallas' attacks disrupted their formations, and the corridor's walls echoed with the clash of steel.
I pushed forward, attacking with renewed vigor. Each strike precise, each movement faster than before. The cloaked men faltered under the combined assault.
Finally, they attempted a retreat, but Arden emerged from the shadows, daggers gleaming. With silent efficiency, he cut off their escape. One by one, the ambushers fell or fled, leaving the dungeon in relative silence.
---
Aftermath
I leaned against the wall, catching my breath. Lyra wiped sweat from her brow, smiling faintly. "You need to be more careful, Thorne. You can't always handle everything alone."
I chuckled, rubbing my arm. "I know. But I didn't expect four poisoned attackers in a standard dungeon run."
Pallas perched nearby, her tail flicking. "Seems someone's testing the adventurers. I'll bet the Pinus Picea or Cedrus Semper families are behind this—trying to destabilize us."
I frowned. "They're getting bolder. And the fact that they're using poison… indicates planning. They want me out of the way."
Lyra nodded. "And Kael is busy in other realms. That's why you need us."
I straightened, gripping my sword. "Then we'll stop them. Together. No one threatens REF or our team without facing the consequences."
---
Reflection and Resolve
As we exited the dungeon, I looked at the fading sunlight streaming through the entrance. REF's city, far away, was under constant threat. Political unrest, rogue mages, sea monsters, and now coordinated ambushes.
But I wasn't afraid. I had allies—strong, capable, and loyal. Kael was out there fighting in other worlds, Brown was evolving with his undead legions, and we—the team on the ground—were holding the line.
I glanced at Lyra. "Thanks for responding so quickly. I owe you one."
She smiled softly. "You'd do the same for me."
Pallas spread her wings. "Next time, let's hope ambushes aren't part of dungeon clearance."
I chuckled. "Agreed. But we'll be ready. No matter what comes, REF and our friends will survive. And any who think to attack us again will regret it."
As we made our way back to the city, I felt a surge of determination. Ambushes, poison, or cunning enemies—they would all learn the same lesson: Thorne and his friends do not fall easily.
And if REF needed me, I would always be ready to step into the shadows, into danger, and protect what mattered most.