Chapter 257: The Tenth Floor – Chains of the Damned
The staircase from the ninth floor ended abruptly in a jagged stone landing, cracked and scarred from ancient magic. The air here was thick, heavy with a mix of sulfur, dust, and latent mana. Kael stepped forward, his magisteel sword humming faintly as he scanned the space. Shadows stretched unnaturally across the walls, flickering like living things. "Everyone," he said, voice low but firm, "this floor is going to test our limits again. Stay alert and stick together."
Rogan adjusted his grip on his sword, eyes narrowing at the dim light. Lyria checked her quiver, hands steady and precise. Varik's gaze flickered across the uneven stone, reading every crack for traps. Azhara's mana glimmered around her fingers, her posture tense but ready. Umbra growled, stepping slightly ahead of the group, tail flicking in warning. "We've pushed through worse," Kael said quietly, almost to himself, but the reassurance carried to everyone. "We keep moving, we finish this floor, and we head back before supplies run out."
The floor stretched into multiple chambers, each one a maze of collapsed archways, molten fissures, and skeletal remains of previous adventurers. The team moved carefully, mapping as they went, noting traps, hidden pathways, and weak points in the terrain. Shadows moved in the corners, whispers of the dungeon's chaotic essence brushing at their senses. Kael's hand rested lightly on his sword, ready to ignite the black flames or unleash shadow tendrils at the first sign of danger.
Hours passed. Each chamber brought new hazards: corrupted elementals, massive stone guardians, and swarms of spectral beasts. Kael led the fights with precision, his swordsmanship enhanced by magic, the chaos energy infusing each swing and strike. Rogan and Varik moved in perfect sync with him, cutting through enemies with devastating efficiency. Lyria's arrows flew like streaks of silver, pinning down threats before they could close in, while Azhara's immobilizing pulses slowed the deadliest attacks, turning the battlefield into a controlled chaos orchestrated by Kael's leadership.
At one point, a corrupted stone sentinel slammed its massive fists toward Rogan. Kael reacted instantly, extending shadows to absorb the blow and tossing Rogan clear. Lyria's arrow found the sentinel's eye, shattering the corrupted crystal that powered it. Varik followed through, cutting through its exposed joints, while Azhara sent a wave of mana to destabilize its legs. The sentinel fell in a cloud of shattered rock, leaving the team briefly catching their breath.
Despite the victories, Kael noticed their supplies dwindling. Their rations were half gone, and the healing potions nearly exhausted. "We need to keep this floor mapped and gather as much loot as we can," Kael said, "but we can't stay here longer than we must. Patch up any injuries, and make sure you're ready for the floor boss. This will likely be the deadliest fight yet."
The chambers gave way to a massive central hall. Jagged spires of black obsidian rose from the ground, veins of red-hot lava snaking across the floor. A chilling hum vibrated through the air, resonating with the team's very bones. At the far end, a massive creature awaited: the floor boss, a daemon-infused monstrosity that towered above them, armored in fused stone and molten veins, claws like scythes and eyes glowing with malice.
Kael immediately took point, signaling Rogan and Varik to flank. Lyria found high ground, her arrows poised, while Azhara hovered slightly behind, her mana pulsing in anticipation. The fight began with a deafening roar from the daemon, its massive claws swinging to crush them. Kael's magisteel sword glowed black, shadows snapping out to restrain its limbs as he attacked with precise, violent strikes. Rogan and Varik coordinated their hits, targeting weak points Kael exposed.
The battle pushed them to the edge. Lava spouted from cracks as the daemon swung, forcing leaps and rolls. Kael's chaos magic tore through the creature's defenses, while his sword ignited molten veins along its limbs. Lyria's arrows pierced eyes and joints, Azhara's pulses made its legs buckle and arms sluggish. Every attack, every dodge, every strike was a dance of death, leaving the team battered but resolute.
At one point, the daemon managed a swing that knocked Kael to the ground. A glint of molten steel aimed for his back, but Lyria's dagger met it midair, saving him. Kael rose, rage and focus mingling, black flames enveloping his blade. With a combined effort, Kael, Rogan, and Varik exploited an exposed core of molten energy. A final strike from Kael shattered it, sending a shockwave that knocked the floor boss to the ground.
Breathing heavily, wounds stitched with pain but adrenaline still coursing through their veins, the team approached the aftermath. Behind where the floor boss had fallen, chains glowed faintly, binding a massive figure cloaked in shadow and fire. Its form was humanoid but emanated raw, untamed power. Eyes opened slowly, revealing ancient intelligence and the faint glow of magic beyond comprehension.
Kael stepped forward cautiously, recognizing the potential danger but also the significance. "Everyone… stay alert," he said softly. "This is no ordinary enemy. This… this is something else."
The team gathered around the chained daemon, scanning the magical seals and restraints. Its power radiated through the room, filling every corner with an oppressive weight, yet the chains held it fast. Kael knelt beside the figure, placing a hand near the chains, feeling the hum of magic and the weight of centuries of confinement. "Whatever this is," he whispered, "it's been here a long time… and it could be the key to understanding the dungeon's purpose."
Rogan wiped sweat and ash from his brow. "So we've beaten the floor boss… and found a prisoner of unimaginable power," he said, awe in his voice. "What now?"
Kael's eyes met the chained daemon, his mind already racing with strategies and possibilities. "We secure it for now. We gather our loot, patch up, and ascend. We need rest, supplies, and to plan carefully. The power in front of us… if we don't respect it, it could destroy everything we've fought for."
Lyria placed a hand on Kael's shoulder, a silent gesture of support and understanding. Azhara's mana shimmered around her, protective and steady. Varik and Rogan flanked them, exhausted but vigilant. Even Umbra growled low, sensing the latent threat but trusting the leadership of Kael.
For the first time in days, Kael allowed himself a small smile. The floor had been merciless, brutal, and exhausting, but they had survived. They had gained knowledge, loot, and uncovered a mystery that could change everything. He knew one thing with certainty: this chained daemon was no mere treasure—it was a force that could either protect the Hollow or destroy it. And he would ensure it was the former.
"Let's prepare to ascend," Kael said firmly. "We've earned a moment of respite. But we'll return stronger… and ready for whatever lies deeper."
As they gathered their loot, patched up wounds, and carefully examined the chained figure, a quiet sense of accomplishment settled over the team. The tenth floor had tested them in every way possible, and they had survived, united in strength and purpose. Kael felt the weight of responsibility, yes, but also the unshakable thrill of leadership, the knowledge that his team trusted him completely, and that together… they were unstoppable.