The world inside the portal was a nightmare of silk and shadow.
[Dungeon: The Spider's Nest (Rank C)]
[Environment: High Humidity / Sticky Terrain]
Thick, white webs draped over the stalactites like funeral shrouds. The air smelled of wet mold and something sweet—the scent of rotting flesh preserved in silk.
Gorgon stepped out of the portal, his massive boots crushing a small spider underfoot.
"Alright, ladies. Move out. We head to the central chamber."
The squad moved in a loose formation. They were relaxed. Too relaxed.
To them, this wasn't a raid. It was a disposal job.
Kai walked in the middle, his backpack empty and light. He kept his head down, but his eyes were darting everywhere.
Structure: Limestone cave. High ceilings.
Lighting: Dim bio-luminescence.
Perfect for Fang to climb. Perfect for Jack to hide.
They walked for ten minutes, descending deeper into the earth. The sound of the portal humming faded away, replaced by the dripping of water and the distant chittering of Arachnids.
They reached a wide, circular cavern. The floor was covered in bones—goblin, beast, and human.
"Stop," Gorgon commanded.
The squad stopped.
Gorgon turned around slowly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Return Crystal—the item used to create an emergency exit portal.
Kai watched silently.
Gorgon held the blue crystal between his thumb and forefinger. He grinned at Kai.
"Oops."
CRUNCH.
He crushed the crystal into blue dust.
The magic dissipated into the air.
"Looks like the equipment malfunctioned," Gorgon laughed, wiping the dust on his apron. "Now we're stuck here until we clear the boss. Or... until one of us dies."
The other six hunters chuckled. They spread out, forming a circle around Kai.
The Healer leaned against a rock, lighting a cigarette. The Rangers unslung their bows, not aiming at monsters, but at Kai's legs.
"Alright, rat," Gorgon unslung the massive meat cleaver from his back. It slammed into the ground with a heavy thud. "The act is over."
He stepped closer, his shadow looming over Kai.
"Lady Elena is very upset. She thinks you stole something from Jack. Maybe a skill book? A rare core? Or maybe you just saw something you shouldn't have."
Gorgon poked Kai's chest with a finger the size of a sausage.
"I'm a reasonable man. You give me the goods, tell me who you sold the info to, and I'll make it quick. I'll even let you keep your fingernails."
Kai looked at the circle of hunters.
Seven enemies.
All D+ or C Rank.
In the outside world, this force could wipe out a police station.
"You broke the Return Crystal," Kai said, his voice quiet.
"Yeah. Scared?" One of the Rangers mocked. "Mommy can't save you now."
"No," Kai looked up. He pushed his hood back, revealing his face.
There was no fear. No panic.
His eyes were burning with a cold, blue mana light.
"I just wanted to make sure," Kai said, a terrifying smile spreading across his face. "That none of you could run away."
Gorgon frowned. "What did you say?"
Kai took a step back. He spread his arms wide, as if welcoming an old friend.
"You brought me to a place with no cameras."
"You destroyed the only exit."
"And you gathered all your elite members in one tight little circle."
Kai's shadow began to boil. It expanded, spreading across the bone-covered floor like an oil spill. The temperature in the cavern plummeted.
"Gorgon," Kai whispered. "Thank you for the meal."
"COME FORTH."