Returning to the main city of Dawn City, Lin Xiu was stunned by the scene before him. Towering city walls made of pure white stone gleamed with a golden light in the setting sun. Fully armed guards stood on both sides of the city gates, their armor engraved with intricate magical patterns that emitted a faint halo.
The streets bustled with coming and going players of various classes. There were mages in magnificent robes, rangers carrying longbows, and knights riding warhorses. Shops dazzling with goods lined both sides of the street, their hawkers' shouts rising one after another.
"Let's go to the equipment shop first," Lu Chen said, taking the lead and walking into a rather imposing-looking shop.
Inside, all kinds of weapons and armor were on display. Lin Xiu's gaze was caught by a dagger emitting a dim glow. Complex runes were engraved on the blade, and a deep purple gemstone was embedded in the hilt.
"Good eye," said the shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a handlebar mustache. "This is the Shadow Fang. It comes with an armor-piercing effect, making it most suitable for assassins."
Lin Xiu checked the price and gasped, "500 gold coins?!"
"You really can't afford it during the newbie stage," Bai Zhi said with a smile. "Still, we can go check out the Auction House. They often have cost-effective equipment there."
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the shop. The three of them walked out and saw a crowd gathered around the bulletin board.
"What's going on?" Lin Xiu asked curiously.
A passing player said excitedly, "You guys don't know yet? A hidden boss has appeared in the Lava Cave dungeon! Word is it drops the rare material Flame Heart Crystal, which can be used to forge top-tier fire-attribute equipment!"
Lu Chen and Bai Zhi exchanged a glance, both seeing excitement in each other's eyes.
"Looks like our plan needs to be moved up," Lu Chen said.
Bai Zhi nodded, "Though with our current strength, I'm afraid it's not enough. We need to find a few more teammates."
"I can recommend someone," Lu Chen said. "An archer, and quite skilled."
"What are we waiting for, then?" Lin Xiu was already eager to try. "When do we set out?"
"Don't rush," Bai Zhi said, pressing down on his shoulder. "Let's get you some basic equipment first, and then go practice coordination at the training grounds. A hidden boss is no joke."
Over the next few days, Lin Xiu began intensive training. Under Lu Chen's guidance, his combat skills improved by leaps and bounds. Bai Zhi taught him many practical dungeon tips, such as how to dodge traps and how to read a boss's skill wind-up.
On the evening of the third day, they finally waited for their fourth teammate.
"This is Su Yu, a level 18 ranger," Lu Chen introduced.
Lin Xiu looked up and saw a tall woman walking toward them. She wore light leather armor and carried a uniquely shaped longbow on her back. Most striking of all were her eyes—a rare pair of heterochromia, one blue and one gold, as if they could see right through a person's heart.
"I hear you're going after the hidden boss?" Su Yu's voice was cold. "I hope you aren't just going there to throw your lives away."
Before Lin Xiu could speak, Bai Zhi had already stepped forward with a smile, "With you around, our chances of winning will be much higher. I heard you soloed the Serpent Swamp last time?"
Su Yu gave a slight nod, "Just good luck."
Just like that, the four-person team was officially formed. Early the next morning, they embarked on their journey to the Lava Cave.
Passing through a scorching desert, they arrived at their destination. Heat billowed endlessly from the cave entrance, and the air was thick with the smell of sulfur.
"Remember," Lu Chen said seriously, "the difficult part of the Lava Cave is the environmental damage. You must constantly watch out for the magma under your feet, and also..."
Before he could finish, a deafening roar came from deep within the cave. The entire cavern began to tremble, and rubble rained down continuously from the ceiling.
"Looks like our arrival has disturbed some big guy." Su Yu had already nocked an arrow to her string, a hint of excitement flashing in her heterochromatic eyes.
Lin Xiu tightened his grip on his newly bought dagger, feeling the warmth radiating from his palm. He knew the real challenge was only just beginning.
The four of them cautiously entered the cave, and a wave of scorching heat rushed to meet them. The interior of the cave was intricate and complex, with flowing magma everywhere. From time to time, fire elemental creatures emerged from the lava, but Su Yu's precise archery took care of them all.
Suddenly, an unusual sound came from ahead. Lin Xiu activated Stealth and quietly crept forward. The sight before him made him gasp: a huge Lava Giant was slumbering away, its entire body composed of boiling magma, surrounded by dozens of smaller fire elementals.
"Is this the hidden boss?" Lin Xiu returned to the group, describing what he saw in a low voice.
Lu Chen frowned, "Even trickier than anticipated. We need a flawless plan..."
At that moment, the Lava Giant abruptly opened its eyes, firing two scorching beams straight at them!
"Scatter!" Lu Chen shouted.
The battle was on the verge of breaking out!