"Dimensional Dungeon: An Otherworld Adventure from Scratch" (Continued)
The awakening of the Frost Dragon was as earth-shattering as an avalanche, causing the entire Frozen Throne to tremble. A biting chill swept through the air, and Lin Xiu felt as though his very blood was freezing over.
"Stick to the plan!" Lu Chen roared, raising his greatsword as he charged toward the Frost Dragon.
Su Yu retreated swiftly, drawing her longbow to its limit. A flaming arrow tore through the air, striking the dragon's wing with pinpoint precision. Bai Zhi began chanting an incantation, and a warm barrier of light enveloped the group, holding back the onslaught of the bitter cold.
Lin Xiu activated Stealth, circling around to the back of the dragon. His target was the core on the dragon's back—its absolute weak point. However, just as he prepared to launch his attack, the ice beneath his feet suddenly shattered, and a freezing gust burst forth!
"Watch out!" Bai Zhi's warning rang out, accompanied by a Heal that landed on Lin Xiu, neutralizing a portion of the damage.
Lin Xiu scrambled back in a clumsy roll, his forehead beaded with cold sweat. He looked at Bai Zhi and noticed her complexion was somewhat pale; clearly, casting spells back-to-back took a massive toll on her.
"I'm fine," Bai Zhi managed a faint smile. "Focus on the fight."
A wave of warmth washed over Lin Xiu. He knew Bai Zhi had been quietly supporting everyone all along. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and activated Stealth once more, approaching the dragon with even greater caution.
The battle was fiercely intense. Lu Chen's armor was already encrusted with frost, yet he stubbornly held his ground against the dragon's assault. Su Yu had barely any arrows left, but she maintained her flawless accuracy. Bai Zhi's Heal spells came one after another, her mana nearly depleted.
Lin Xiu finally found the ideal opening. Holding his breath, he channeled all his strength into his dagger and drove it viciously into the dragon's core!
"Boom!"
With a deafening crash, the Frost Dragon's body began to shatter. Frigid shards scattered in all directions, and the entire throne room shook violently.
[Experience points gained: 8000]
[Level increased to 15]
[Rare material acquired: Frost Heart]
Lin Xiu slumped onto the ground, gasping for breath. He had never experienced a battle so thrilling and terrifying.
"Great job!" Bai Zhi hurried over, excitement in her eyes, though her steps were slightly unsteady.
Lin Xiu quickly got to his feet and rushed to steady her. "Are you alright?"
Bai Zhi shook her head, though her face remained pale. "Just a bit tired. A short rest will do."
Lu Chen walked over and patted Lin Xiu on the shoulder. "Not bad, rookie. You've proven your worth."
Su Yu put away her longbow, a hint of approval flashing in her heterochromatic eyes. "Stronger than I expected."
Upon returning to Dawn City, Lin Xiu found his emotions somewhat tangled. He realized he was paying more and more attention to Bai Zhi's every move; her smile and her concern both filled him with warmth.
One evening, Lin Xiu mustered the courage to invite Bai Zhi for a walk by the lake outside the city. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled across the water, reflecting ripples of golden light.
"Thank you for looking out for me all this time," Lin Xiu said softly. "Without you, I probably would have..."
Bai Zhi shook her head with a smile. "We're teammates. Looking out for each other is only natural."
Lin Xiu took a deep breath, building up his courage. "It's more than that. I... I like you, Bai Zhi."
Bai Zhi was momentarily stunned, a blush spreading across her cheeks. She lowered her gaze and spoke softly. "Actually... I like you too."
A wave of joy surged in Lin Xiu's heart. Just as he was about to speak, he heard a flurry of hurried footsteps approaching.
"This is bad!" Lu Chen panted as he ran up. "Xiao Xian's party ran into trouble in the Shadow Valley!"
Bai Zhi immediately regained her serious expression. "What happened?"
"They ran into an unprecedentedly powerful boss, and the whole party is in a desperate fight," Lu Chen said. "The guild sent out an emergency distress signal."
Lin Xiu clenched his fists. "Let's go help."
Bai Zhi nodded. "Even though Xiao Xian isn't a great person, we're all adventurers—we can't just stand by and let them die."
The four of them set off immediately, rushing toward Shadow Valley. When they arrived, the scene before them made them catch their breath in horror.
Xiao Xian's party had been completely routed. Their opponent was a massive Shadow Creature, entirely cloaked in black mist and exuding a suffocating, oppressive aura.
"Prepare for battle!" Lu Chen shouted.
Lin Xiu activated Stealth, quietly creeping toward the Shadow Creature. He could feel that this enemy was stronger than any he had faced before. But he knew that with Bai Zhi by his side, he had nothing to fear.
The combat was fiercely intense. The Shadow Creature's attacks were bizarre and unpredictable, every strike imbued with destructive power. Lu Chen's greatsword carved dazzling arcs through the darkness, Su Yu's arrows streaked across the night sky like shooting stars, and Bai Zhi's Heal fell like warm sunlight, driving away the encroaching shadows.
Seizing the moment, Lin Xiu launched Shadow Strike. His figure materialized like a phantom behind the Shadow Creature, driving his dagger deep into its core.
"Boom!"
The Shadow Creature let out a piercing shriek as its body began to disintegrate. The black mist gradually dissipated, revealing Xiao Xian and the others in their disheveled state.
Xiao Xian looked at Lin Xiu, a flicker of complicated emotion in his eyes. "Thank... thank you."
Lin Xiu shook his head. "Don't mention it. We're companions."
Bai Zhi walked over to Lin Xiu and gently took his hand. A warmth bloomed in Lin Xiu's chest; he knew that no matter how many challenges lay ahead, as long as she was by his side, he could face them bravely.
The afterglow of the setting sun washed over them, stretching their shadows long. Lin Xiu knew this otherworldly journey had not only granted him strength, but had also blessed him with a precious love.
(To be continued)