The air trembled under the dragon's roar — molten heat rippling across the dungeon walls.Lior's vision blurred as shockwaves slammed into him, hurling him against the stone. He crashed beside Aqua, the Summoned Spirit of Water and Light, both groaning as dust filled the air.
"Damn… its strength is unreal," Aqua muttered, gripping her glowing sea staff as droplets of mana shimmered around her.
Lior pushed himself up, blood dripping down his cheek. "We're not done yet."
Across the battlefield, Terra, Sylph, and Ignis stood firm — their bodies glowing with their elemental power.Terra's frame pulsed with earthen might, his stone fists radiating molten energy.Ignis burned brighter than ever, his flames crackling with fierce intensity.Sylph floated lightly above, her form wreathed in cutting gusts of wind.
"Go!" Lior commanded.
The three elementals surged forward.
Terra roared, slamming his massive fists into the dragon's chest, pinning it back with brute force as the ground beneath him cracked apart.Sylph dashed upward in a blur of wind, slicing through the dragon's wings with razor-sharp air blades.Ignis followed, unleashing a torrent of blazing fire that wrapped the beast in heat so fierce the dungeon air shimmered.
The dragon roared in fury, its fiery breath scattering molten debris across the stone walls.
Lior and Aqua exchanged a determined look — no words needed.They dashed together, weaving through the inferno. Aqua's staff glowed, forming a barrier of spiraling water that shielded them as Lior leaped forward, slashing at the dragon's underbelly.
"Now!" Lior shouted. "All of you — full power!"
The dragon drew in a deep, earth-shaking breath — its mouth glowing with deadly fire. But before it could release the blast, Terra lunged forward, locking his arms around the dragon's neck."GRAAAHHH!" Terra bellowed, molten cracks running across his rocky skin as he restrained the beast with sheer might.
High above, Sylph and Ignis combined their power.Wind fueled flame.Flame devoured air.A vortex of searing light and heat spiraled to life — a storm of elemental fury.
Lior's eyes widened in awe."Combined Technique… 🔥 Infernal Cyclone!"
The storm crashed down like a meteor, engulfing the dragon in an explosion of fire and wind so intense that the dungeon itself trembled.
When the light faded, only ash and glowing scales remained.
The Ancient Dragon lay motionless — its colossal body disintegrating into golden embers.Lior fell to one knee, his body trembling, his sword cracked, yet a victorious smile crossed his face.
[System Notice]Dungeon Boss: ✅ DefeatedRewards Obtained: 🔥 Dragon Fire Essence | 🐉 Dragon ScalesSummoner's Core: ExpandedNew Skill Unlocked: Dragon Resonance
He raised his hand, gazing at the glowing flame floating in his palm — the pure essence of dragon fire, swirling like living magma."This power…" he whispered. "We're getting stronger."
Aqua stepped forward, her water-blue armor reflecting the dim light. "You've come far, Summoner," she said softly. "But your journey is far from over."
Lior smiled faintly, turning toward his loyal companions — Terra, Ignis, Sylph, and Aqua — all bruised, battered, but still standing tall.
Their bond wasn't just formed by mana.It was built through trust, courage, and the fires of battle.
As the dungeon walls began to crumble, the exit portal flickered in the distance, glowing like a star amidst the ruin.
"Let's go home," Lior said quietly.
And together, they stepped into the light.
✅ Next Chapter:Chapter 4 — The Awakening Flame: Power of the Dragon Core