The Dragon Lord System
S2 - Dungeons

Several hours had passed since they entered the Elysian Forest, but there had been no sign of the pack of beetle monsters they had heard in the rumors. One of the members of Phantom Nemesis was confused, "Hmm, we've been here for a few hours, but we don't see a bunch of beetle monsters at all."

The other friend also nodded in agreement, "Hmm, That's right, we were only attacked by a few ferocious monsters. Are the sightings of many monster beetles just a rumor?"

Viona spoke up, "We've walked this far, and it's exhausting, you know? Are you sure there's a bunch of beetles like a lot of rumors say? I only saw the Blue Dragon Enclave."

Rio also thought similarly to them. It was a bit strange, based on the rumors circulating, beetle monsters should be quite a lot in this forest. However, during their journey, there had been no signs of their existence.

"By the way, this is the first time we've all seen the Blue Dragon Enclave Stormrider" Rio said as he looked at the sky. In fact, they were scared when they saw the dragon, but tried to show courage.

As they heard from the stories, the Blue Enclave Dragon turned out to be docile and only flew past them without showing any signs of aggression. Maybe that's why they didn't find many beetle monsters around here.

"But according to intel and many witnesses who saw a group of beetles from small to large in this forest, there were even some small beetles seen in the surveillance fort earlier, I don't think this is a rumor," rio said steadily, wanting to make sure that his comrades understood the importance of the information. Then, he continued, "...Okay, how about this. Let's explore further and if we still don't find it, then we're back. Agreed?"

Everyone firmly nodded as a sign of agreement.

They realize that if there is really danger waiting, they must find the collection of beetles to deal with it better.

However, if it still finds nothing, it means that there may be something wrong with the information they receive.

And one of them, pointing towards the trees. "Hey, look! I think I saw something!" said Tigris, one of their party members who has a CLASS Tank. All eyes immediately turned toward the Tigris, including Rio.

They saw several sets of insects of varying sizes moving between towering and dense trees. Some beetles were seen flying agilely, while others walked leisurely while carrying something.

"Are they the beetles we're looking for?" viona asked, a curious expression emanating from her face.

"I guess, yes" reply, rio.

Tigris looked at the pile of skin carried by the beetles in astonishment. "What did they bring?" tanyakanya.

"That's their victim, isn't it? Wait, that's weird. Is there a monster here that is weak so that the big beetle can take it?" alex, as their party leader, tried to find an explanation.

Lara, the Elf woman of the Ranger class, spoke confidently, "It doesn't look like a prey, does it? Looks like it's some kind of.. skin." Thanks to having the class as a Ranger and an Elf, his eyesight was much better than the others, and he could clearly see what the beetles were carrying.

"A lot. They were much bigger than usual, and I had never seen such a skin type before. Maybe from the Blue Enclave?" viona said with a confused face.

However, Rio quickly rejected her, "It seems that it is impossible. The Blue Enclave Dragon was a type of dragon that resided in the sky, and according to the knowledge records of the royal library, it experienced a unique skin change. They had to eat all of their molting skin to be able to experience the perfect dragon skin change or scales."

All the party members listened seriously to Rio's explanation. They realize that what they see is not that simple.

Viona nodded in understanding, while the Tigris simply scratched her head with a face full of question marks.

"Now the question is, what monster did this skin come from?" alex said seriously, pondering the possibilities.

"Then, what skin is that? Look, that skin looks terrible, and what kind of skin is that from that race? Is that a new species monster's skin? And it doesn't look like the Blue Enclave dragon skin in the sky, either" Alex said, pointing their eyes at the Blue Enclave dragon seen in the sky.

Rio only nodded in response, not knowing for sure about the origin of the skin.

"Is that dragon skin? However, many dragons had gone extinct thousands of years ago, and there were only a few dragons left in this world. Is there some kind of ancient dragon species here?" muttered Rio, looking at the Blue Enclave dragon with skepticism and confusion.

"But, it looks from the size and thickness of his skin... This seems like a dragon scales," Rio said to all his friends.

Hearing Rio's explanation, the others seemed to believe. However, as if to deny its logic, the huge beetle carried a kind of dragon skin that was very striking.

"It's really weird. Is there any possibility that there is a species of dragon that has been unknown in this forest?" ask Lara with curiosity.

"We have to be careful and stay alert. Don't take anything we meet here lightly. The Elysian forest is full of mystery and danger" Alex said seriously.

"hm"

"Let's go after them, secretly!" alex said quickly to all his party members.

Quickly, they all obeyed the words of their leader, Alex, and carefully followed the creature undetected.

A few minutes later, they saw a large group of beetles enter a large hole under the trees.

After lurking from their hideout, the six party members came out from the trees and stood in front of a large hole with a diameter of about 5 meters.

"Is this big hole their nest?" ask Alex seriously.

"Looks like yes," Rio replied thoughtfully.

The six of them looked at each other, engaged in discussions about their next steps.

The Tigris hesitated and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Hahahaha, you cowardly man! Are you afraid of entering the beetle's nest with that low threat level? How humiliating!" teased Viona in a joking tone.

"Hey! not like that little chest!" reply Tigris with a smile.

However, quick to respond as usual, Viona kicked the Tigris in the head. As a result, the two of them were involved in a dispute.

Meanwhile, Lara, Alex, and the other members looked towards Rio, waiting for rio's decision.

"What should we do, Rio? We will follow your instructions" Alex told rio.

Rio felt doubtful when he saw the beetle nest. He had no idea how dangerous the monsters within were and how King Theovilus' orders could be a huge burden to him. However, he decided to talk to his former party members.

"My old friends, to be honest, I'm not sure I want to enter that nest, and if you want to go home now, I'll risk this alone. I don't want to harm you guys," Rio said with a worried tone.

All the party members, Phantom Nemesis, glanced at and listened seriously to what Rio said. The atmosphere was silent and tense, and even the spat between Viona and Tigris subsided.

Suddenly, Viona approached Rio and yelled at him, "Hey Rio! Are you crazy to tell us to come home after walking so long here? And are you afraid of those weak insects? RIO HEY! DON'TBE STUPID! Do you realize we are all rank adventurer masters? What should you fear from that weak beetle? And lastly, we accepted this dangerous mission because of you! Being adventurous with you is enough for us, so don't worry about us, fool!" viona said with a tone of emotion and warm.

Rio smiled deeply moved, feeling grateful to have friends like them. He knew that under any circumstances, they would always be there for him.

Zay excitedly tried to convince Rio, "After all, Rio, Rio, who knows we can find the rare item drop from that strange beetle and we can take the dragon scales and sell the dragon scales at a high price!" zay said enthusiastically.

The Tigris were no less excited, "In that case, for money! Let's take back the mysterious big scales!" yells.

With a long sigh, Rio finally rounded up his decision, "Alright, let's go!"

Alex gave instructions, "Yosh! Hurry in and jump!" All the party members agreed and immediately entered the nest.

However, Viona and Rio were still standing outside. Viona stared and held back, Rio. right before he jumped into the beetle's nest. Viona's face flushed red, and she seemed hesitant to say anything.

"What's up, Viona?" rio asked confusedly.

"Actually, there's something I have to tell you. I. still... Cin.t.." Viona stammered and stopped, seemingly hesitant to continue.

Rio scratched his head, confused by Viona's attitude.

"...It's okay, Rio. Forget it," said Viona.

However, Viona looked excited and gained courage. "No, actually I wanted to tell you... Its alright. I just think it's been a long time since we had a drink together, and I'd like to take you for a drink after we get back from this mission. Just the two of you." Viona's face turned red.

"Eh? Okay, but why is it suddenly like this?" rio asked confusedly.

"Actually, I. want to tell you something," said Viona hesitated, then she gave an excuse, "But it's okay. I just feel like we need to celebrate the success of this mission in the Deathly Forest by drinking together after 10 years of no meeting."

"Hahaha, alright, it seems like I can take it," Rio replied with his trademark laugh.

The hand of Viona holding Rio back was trembling slightly from nervousness. He feels happy to be able to express his feelings, even if only in the form of an invitation to drink together.

Quickly, all the party members who were already inside the beetle nest shouted to Viona and Rio who had yet to enter. The Tigris, who had always been fond of flirting with Viona, cheerfully said, "Hey you two! Hurry up and jump in here!"

Viona and Rio immediately responded and jumped into the beetle nest nimbly. They managed to land safely, without any injuries.

The Tigris quickly mocked Viona, "Hehehe, there seems to be a cast here," referring to Rio and Viona's mutual being. However, Viona did not stay silent and directly looked at Rio, and fortunately, Rio, did not seem to hear her.

in an annoyed tone, "Shut up STUPID!! Don't talk anymore or I'll cut your little bird!!!" Viona showed a serious expression as she threatened the Tigris while fretting at her ears tightly.

A moment after Viona clenched her Tigris ears in an annoyed tone, the entire party members burst into laughter. Rio who was initially confused then joined in with their laughter. The laughter eased a bit of their tension in a dangerous situation.

The Tigris, with a slightly red face in embarrassment, tried to defend themselves, "Hey, sorry, sorry, it was just a joke! I'm not serious, Viona!"

"All right, that's it, enough guyonan. We have to focus on our task" Alex said with a smile on his face. "Let's go deeper into this beetle's nest and find out what's really going on."

All the party members agreed and began to move forward in a dark and mysterious beetle nest.

They stepped forward carefully, step by step, like walking on a thin bound that was ready to break up at any moment.

The nest was dark and gripping, and they slowly stepped into the nightmare.

The nightmare of a dungeon that they would never wake up from there again.