the beginning after the end perfect duo

Lucas Wykes

Jasmine's voice cut through the air with unwavering confidence. "I'll be the leader for today's raid if you don't mind," she declared firmly, leaving no room for argument. Her words hung heavy in the silence that followed, cutting through the hushed murmurs of the group. As expected, Lucas's expression shifted almost immediately—a flicker of resistance sparking in his eyes, tension building palpably in the air.

Before Lucas could voice his objection, however, a distracted murmur from one of the guards drew his attention. Whatever the guard had said was lost on me, but I noticed how Lucas's posture stiffened, his focus narrowing sharply. His fleeting annoyance transformed into something far more dangerous as he turned toward the guard, his sharp words slicing through the atmosphere like a blade. Figures, I thought to myself, rolling my eyes inwardly. Lucas really can't let anything slide.

As we ventured deeper into the dungeon, the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive. There was an undeniable difference about this place. The air felt thick, damp, and almost suffocating. Beads of condensation clung to the stone walls, dripping steadily like tears. Even the ground beneath us was wet, seeping moisture into our boots. At first, it seemed insignificant, but as we pressed forward, the water level began rising slowly, soaking our legs. Though none of us acknowledged it outright yet, the sensation was unmistakable.

"This dungeon feels... odd," I mused quietly, my thoughts drifting as I maintained my pace. Compared to the other dungeons I'd explored, this one stood out—particularly because of the abundance of water. It wasn't merely a hazard; it seemed intrinsic to the very design of the place. This world truly held more surprises than I'd anticipated.

I glanced briefly at the others. Lilia walked beside me, calm and collected as ever, her presence steadying my nerves. Arthur trailed just behind us, his watchful gaze scanning the shadows with practiced vigilance. Up ahead, Jasmine, Mira, and Sylvia led confidently, their determination cutting through the encroaching darkness effortlessly. Yet, despite their assurance, the unsettling nature of our surroundings lingered in my mind. The constant trickling sound of water and faint echoes of distant splashes only heightened the unease gnawing at me.

"Are you alright?" Lilia asked suddenly, breaking through my reverie. I blinked, momentarily startled. "Just... thinking," I admitted hesitantly, unsure how to articulate what weighed on my mind. "It's just a little strange, that's all."

"Strange?" Lilia tilted her head curiously, raising an eyebrow. "How so?"

I looked down at the rising water now lapping at our ankles and shook my head. "It's nothing. Just... not like the dungeons I've been in before. This water—it's everywhere. It feels like it's more than just a hazard. Like it's part of the place itself."

"Well, yeah," Lilia replied with a soft chuckle, seemingly unfazed by my concerns. "A dungeon's never really the same. You get used to the surprises eventually."

I nodded absently but couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something wasn't right. The way the water seemed to rise faster the deeper we went unsettled me. Was this merely part of the dungeon's challenge, or did it signify something else entirely?

The conversation shifted as we moved forward, but the lingering doubt refused to dissipate. That was when I noticed it—a faint flicker in the distance. Movement rippled across the surface of the water behind us, subtle yet unmistakable. A ripple, then another. Though initially imperceptible, I couldn't ignore the disturbance any longer.

Something's moving down there... I thought, though the ongoing discussion ahead prevented me from giving it full attention. My thoughts kept drifting back to the sight, unable to fully engage with the present moment.

No, stop. Focus, I told myself sternly. Now wasn't the time to lose myself in speculation.

As we continued down the corridor, the water's pull became insistent, lapping against our calves with growing intensity. The trickling sounds grew louder, the humidity making the air feel heavier, as though it were closing in around us. Glancing down again, I realized the water was rising faster than it should have been.