Leon turned away from the stunned guards, his focus entirely on the hundreds of armored figures before him. The smell of leather and oiled metal hung heavy in the air, mixing with the sharp ozone scent emanating from the dungeon portal.
"You stand before your opportunity," Leon said, his voice cutting through the nervous shuffling of feet and quiet clinking of armor. "The awakening dungeon is right in front of you."
He didn't mention the dangers—they knew. Their faces showed it all: excitement barely contained, fear acknowledged but pushed aside, determination etched into every line. These people had come too far to need warnings now.
"This is it..." Rudy whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the humming of the portal. The blue light reflected in his wide eyes, making them appear almost luminescent. His hand kept moving to his sword hilt, then away, a nervous habit he couldn't control.
"Can't believe we're actually here," Mia murmured to Lisa beside her.
