Unaware that Sora's system already compiled the maps and dungeon preparations within its programming, the party simply trusted his lead as he followed Jubelle's guidance. Sora and Brie took the front seats, while Levi, Jubelle, and Sasha settled in the back. The black armored car surged forward, gliding silently at 400 miles per hour. They stayed on the road until they were roughly two miles from the point Jubelle believed marked the Monolith's location. There, Sora brought the vehicle to a stop, and the group stepped out, taking a moment to stretch before moving on.
"Once we cross that barren, 1000 yards west, we will be in demon territory, so be on high alert," Jubelle advised.
Sora equipped everyone in their preferred armor as well as their matching partying gear. Even Sasha decided to wear a SS ranked lightweight chest piece this time. He also equipped their cloaks and masks, just as a precaution.
"The cloaks and masks should reinforce our bond and boost their confidence," Sora thought.
Jubelle started listening to the ground and picked up an object from time to time. He even smelled a rotted tree.
"Are you sure you're not part werewolf?" Sasha joked.
"Sh. Did you hear that?" Levi said. The party quickly ducked down. A raven flew away from another rotted tree, about fifty feet in front of them.
[Congratulations! You have located the secret dungeon, The Monolith! Reward: Instant level up.
You are now level 54. Experience 0/475,000.]
"System, use analyze."
[Dungeon located in the center of the four rotted trees. A blood sacrifice from a human is necessary for it to appear.
Dungeon Rank: SS
Dungeon Limits 25 of each item
Floors: 20
Boss floors: 10. 20.
Current parties in the dungeon: 0.
Error. Unable to further analyze this dungeon.]
"We're here, I analyzed to confirm. It says there's a limit of 25 of each item. Levi, Sasha and Jubelle could you please return these items to the trunk of the armored car? There's a refrigerator for the blood bags in the trunk, so let's not waste any previous materials!"
"Not a problem!" Levi and Jubelle said in unison.
"Can't you just re-load them into your dimensional void?" Sasha asked.
"I'm interested to find that out as well, but we need Brie to use her blood to cause the entrance to appear."
****
Sora and Brie walked toward the demonic sigil located in the center of the four rotted trees. Brie didn't hesitate. She used one of her small daggers, which she kept sheathed on her waist and sliced a deep cut in her hand. Blood started to flow freely from her hand, filling the Demonic Sigil. Once full, the trigram illuminated and disappeared. The ground slowly began to shake.
"System, please use linking magic with Brie."
[Link complete. Brie's lifeforce is bound to you. You are currently losing 5 HP per second. You've already lost a decent amount of blood. Her wounds have healed and her HP is restored.]
A sudden rush of Euphoria overwhelmed Brie. She no longer felt any pain and the headache she experienced from losing blood. She smiled passionately and hugged Sora.
"Is this the Linking magic you explained to us earlier today?" Brie asked excitedly.
"Yes, it is. I thought tonight would be a great time to try it. I need to know how it feels in battle so I can get accustomed to it. I'm sure it will take time to get used to. Unexpectedly receiving damage and feeling pain that the person I'm linked to without any experience is something I do not want to risk," Sora said with a smile.
"Also, I'm glad your wounds instantly healed and your headache is gone."
"Amazing. Thank you. Can we do a little test? She asked.
"Sure, name it," Sora said.
"I want you to start charging toward those trees over there and cast spells like you're engaged in battle with a SS ranked demon, ok?"
"Sounds good!" Sora sprinted toward the trees. "Wind slash, flame pillar, Lockheart dash, Earth..." Sora quickly gasped for air, as a sharp pain pierced through his stomach, right below his chest.
[Administering large potion due to Critical injury. Current HP 30 of 150]
He placed his hand over the injury, cast, "healing aura," and continued forward and screamed, "Lockheart's divine blade!" A white aura illuminated his silver blade, piercing the night sky. He slashed in rapid succession, cutting the lifeless tree into pieces.
[HP fully recovered. Your passive regeneration is active again.]
Sora watched the others stand in shock as Brie pulled one of her Katanas from her stomach.
"Did you stab yourself Brie?!" Sasha asked in horror.
"Ok, that's something you don't see every day," Levi said in shock. "Someone stabs themselves straight in the stomach yet feels no pain and experiences no blood loss. Not even a scratch on her!"
"Look, Sora's coming back. I think they are testing out his newly acquired Linking magic. I'm sure it's difficult to perfect. Great thinking Brie, I wish I would have thought of that!" Jubelle stated.
"Thanks Brie, I didn't anticipate you doing that! I need to keep practicing, so we'll keep this link active, ok?"
Brie hugged Sora and said, "I'm sorry. I had to know you'd be able to fight through it."
[Congratulations Sora. Your Linking Magic has upgraded to level 2.]
The Demonic sigil finally completely disappeared, and out of the giant, gaping hole, a very large, jet black, shiny Monolith emerged rapidly and stopped at around 100 feet tall.
"Well, everyone, let's work together. Who knows what terror lies in this dungeon," Sora said as he led his party into the Monolith.
Levi gave his typical, "Hoo-rah!" victory chant, but for the first time, the girls and Jubelle joined in too.
****
Meanwhile, in Azazel's throne room, Lust appeared.
"It seems they've unlocked our secret. Do you think they'll make it out alive?"
Azazel smirked, "Let's see how they handle one of the Sins. I'm eager to know their strength. Wrath knows not to kill them and only to retreat. That way, our prisoners will die. That's when the dungeon will collapse, and they'll be stuck with nothing but a rumor and no treasure."
"Genius, my Lord Azazel. Always so creative. Are you sure we shouldn't send Pride? You know he'll be angry he didn't get a chance to fight."
"Not yet, the King's orders forbid a war. The time will come, when I am King of this World!"