The platoons continued moving forward until they finally reached open spaces within the dungeon.
But they weren't alone.
Waiting for every platoon... were Chimera Beasts.
Every platoon from across the world was now about to face an adversary they needed to overcome, no matter what.
For Platoon A-1... Eight Chimera Beasts were waiting.
The members quickly took their positions, carefully organising themselves to fight the Chimeras as efficiently as possible.
And within that massive open space... Eight separate battles were about to begin.
---
The first Chimera had the body of a lion, the head of a rhinoceros, and the tail of a crocodile.
Standing against it were Adrian, Sera, and another member of the Golden Paradox.
They prepared themselves as the Chimera stared back at them.
---
The second Chimera had the body of a wolf, eagle wings, antler-like horns, and the tail of a serpent.
Standing against it was Lila.
Alongside her was the Fifth Captain of the Golden Paradox. She was known as Artillery. Her name was Cherry. She carried a slingshot as her weapon and possessed the ability to use the lava element.
One more member of the Golden Paradox stood alongside them.
The three prepared themselves to face the Chimera.
---
The third line-up consisted of Drakar and the Third Captain of the Golden Paradox.
He was known as Bronzed. His name was Carter. He had a massive body and wore bronze armour covered in patterns imbued with magic. He looked eager to begin the fight.
Two more members of the Golden Paradox stood alongside them.
Together, they faced a Chimera with the body of a bear, the head of a boar, sabertooth fangs, and the tail of a scorpion.
---
The fourth Chimera possessed the body of a panther, dragon wings, and the tail of a lizard.
Standing against it were Arak and two other members of the Golden Paradox.
Arak held his broad sword tightly.
The Fury of the Akari Volcano looked ready for battle.
---
The fifth Chimera had the body of a gorilla, the head of an elk, and the quills of a porcupine.
Standing against it was the First Captain of the Golden Paradox. He was known simply as Hex. His actual name wasn't known. Everyone simply referred to him as Hex. He wore a white and green cloak and carried a bardiche as his weapon. A mysterious greenish magic floated around him.
Two other members of the Golden Paradox stood alongside him.
Together, they prepared to face the Chimera.
---
Doran stood against the sixth Chimera.
He was accompanied by the Second Captain of the Golden Paradox, known as Loop. His actual name was Brian. He possessed a strange ability that allowed him to repeat his actions multiple times.
Two other members of the Golden Paradox joined them.
Their opponent had the body of a horse, the head of a griffin, and the wings of a bat.
---
The seventh Chimera was perhaps one of the strangest. It had the body of a dragon, the head of a hyena, spider-like legs, and the hood of a cobra.
Standing against it was the Fourth Captain of the Golden Paradox. He was known as Abyss. His name was Pierre. He wielded a machete in each hand and possessed the ability to use the shadow element. He wore a long black coat and a mask that concealed his face.
Beside him stood the Sixth Captain of the Golden Paradox. She was known as Piercer. Her name was Alisha. She carried a rapier and possessed the ability to use the thunder element. Her serious expression never changed as she stared at the Chimera.
Two more members of the Golden Paradox stood alongside them.
The four prepared for battle.
---
The final Chimera had the body of a polar bear, the head of an owl, lynx-like ears, and an ice-coated wolf's tail.
Standing against it was Indigo.
Two other members of the Golden Paradox accompanied her.
The large grimoire floated beside her as she prepared herself.
And just like that... The matchups were clear.
Similar situations were taking place throughout every dungeon.
Every platoon, whether from the Kingdom of Cero or from another kingdom, had been forced to take a similar approach.
Each of them now stood against Chimera Beasts.
The first true battles of the Dungeon War were about to begin.
---
Far Away in the Darkness
Zalthar sat alone on his throne.
He watched everything happening throughout the Dungeon War.
For now... He remained patient.
His goal was simple.
To reduce their numbers as quickly as possible.
He was eager to watch his own commanders enter the battle.
But for now, he had to wait.
He continued observing the fights against the Chimera Beasts.
Then, he communicated with his commanders.
"Stage One has begun. I hope none of you disappoint me in the next stages. They should not feel even a moment of ease. Make sure you make them regret ever going against us."
Vorath's voice responded.
"Don't worry. My creations aren't dolls. They will accomplish their mission. And so will every one of us."
He paused for a moment.
"Then you'll praise us, won't you?"
Zalthar remained silent.
Vorath received no answer.
For now... All they could do was wait.
Wait for the armies to clear the first stage.
---
Back in the Dungeon War... The fighting had already begun throughout the dungeons.
And inside the dungeon of the Kingdom of Cero...
Platoon A-1 stood face to face with eight Chimera Beasts.
Everyone had their targets.
Everyone had taken their positions.
The moment of preparation was over.
The battle against the eight Chimera Beasts... was about to begin.