The harsh reality of the level cap had hit them like a lead weight. No more XP, no more progression possible on this floor. Level 5 was all the Abyss would grant them before forcing them to face the guardian. The initial frustration and worry gave way to a grim, inescapable resolve.

  “So... it’s time.”Kenta said, his voice deeper than usual. He tested the edge of his short sword against his thumb.

  “Looks like it.”Junichi replied, his gaze sweeping one st time over the phosphorescent forest that had been their hunting ground and forced training area.“No point wandering around anymore. Let’s go back to the door.”

  The group nodded in silence. They left the alcove that had served as their temporary refuge and took the familiar path back to the central clearing. The journey was made in tense silence, each member lost in their own thoughts, their own fears. Their new weapons suddenly seemed pitifully inadequate against the persistent image of the Rokurokubi and her deadly neck.

  They emerged into the clearing again. The obsidian door stood before them, massive, silent, like a tombstone awaiting its next occupants. The glowing red inscription still floated, mocking:

  BOSS DOOR - FLOOR 1Guardian: Rokurokubi, the Smiling NightmareRecommended Level: 5Attempts Remaining: 2 / 3

  Two attempts. If they failed again, they would be trapped forever with the monster. The pressure was immense.

  “Alright.”Junichi began, breaking the silence once they were all gathered before the menacing portal.“Before we go in, let’s review what everyone can do. Our level 5 skills. No confusion once inside. Kenta?”

  “Warrior, level 5. I have ‘Offensive Stance’ and ‘Power Strike’. I can hit hard, but my defense drops if I use the first, and I’m slower with the second.”

  “Goro?”

  “Padin, level 5. I have ‘Defensive Stance’ and ‘Provoke’. I can tank and force enemies to attack me.”

  “Haru?”

  “Thief, level 5. ‘Keen Perception’ and ‘Quick Dodge’. I see details better and dodge more easily.”

  “Renji?”

  “Assassin, level 5. ‘Minor Stealth’ and ‘Sneak Attack’. I can move discreetly and hit harder by surprise.”

  “Misaki?”

  “Shaman, level 5. ‘Spiritual Soothing’ and ‘Light Heal’. I can calm a bit and heal slightly.”Her voice trembled less than before when speaking of her abilities.

  “Aiko?”

  “Mage, level 5. ‘Guiding Light’ and ‘Arcane Bolt’. I can provide light and unch a magic attack.”

  “Me?”Junichi indicated his bow.“Hunter, level 5. ‘Steady Aim’ and ‘Precise Shot’. I can improve the accuracy of my shots.”

  He turned to Daichi, level 2.“Daichi, Nervous Alchemist, ‘Basic Identification’. You stay near Misaki. Keep your eyes open.”Daichi nodded nervously, saying nothing.Then, Junichi’s gaze fell on Yuki, still level 2. His expression hardened slightly.“Yuki. We need to know. For the strategy. To survive. Your css and skill. Now.”The silence stretched, heavy. Yuki met Junichi’s gaze for a long moment, her face still a bnk canvas. Finally, she replied in a monotone voice, devoid of emotion.“Warlock. Minor Affliction.”She added nothing more.

  Junichi stared at her for another second, then sighed inwardly. It was better than nothing, but far from sufficient. He then looked at Daichi and Yuki.“You two... you’re still level 2. Ideally, you should reach level 5 before we go in. Every stat point, every skill counts against a boss.”Daichi quickly looked away, fear evident on his face at the thought of having to go back to fighting. Yuki, however, simply seemed to ignore the remark, her attention already turned back to the obsidian door.

  Nothing to be done with those two for now. We'll make do with what we have.Junichi thought with a hint of annoyance and resignation.“Alright.”Junichi resumed aloud.“Now, the pn. We can’t afford to panic like st time. Goro, as soon as we enter, use your ‘Provoke’. You absolutely must keep its attention on you. Use your ‘Defensive Stance’ and your buckler to block that... neck. That’s your top priority.”Goro nodded, looking determined.

  “Kenta, Haru, you are our main attackers. As soon as Goro has aggro, you strike. Aim for the main body, not the head at the end of the neck, it’s too mobile. Kenta, use your ‘Power Strike’ when you see a clear opening, but be careful not to get caught off guard. Haru, use your agility and ‘Quick Dodge’ to slip in and hit weak points if you see any.”The two nodded.

  “Renji, you stay mobile. Look for an opportunity to use your ‘Sneak Attack’. If the boss focuses too much on Goro, try to get behind it. Otherwise, help Kenta and Haru on the fnks.”Renji nodded silently.

  “Aiko, you stay at a distance with Misaki and Daichi. Use your ‘Arcane Bolt’ as soon as possible. Aim for the body. I’ll do the same with my bow and ‘Precise Shot’. We’ll try to deal consistent damage from afar.”Aiko gripped her staff, looking focused.

  “Misaki, your role is crucial. Keep an eye mainly on Goro’s HP, but also the others'. Use your ‘Light Heal’ as soon as someone takes a serious hit. Don’t waste your MP, but don’t hesitate if it’s necessary. Daichi, you help Misaki keep watch, shout if you see anything unusual. Yuki... do your best.”Misaki took a deep breath, seeming to accept her vital role.

  “And one st thing.”Junichi added.“Renji, Kenta, me... we can see the boss’s HP. Announce clearly when it reaches three-quarters, half, and the st quarter of its life. That will help us know where we stand and if we need to change tactics.”The three nodded.

  “We know it has a long neck and can strangle.”Junichi continued, his gaze hardening.“Goro, if it grabs you, we must react immediately to force it to let go. Kenta, Haru, Renji, be ready to strike the neck or body if that happens. We can’t lose our tank.”He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.“We also saw it had a... disturbing smile. It could be linked to a mental ability. Stay focused, don’t let its appearance distract or frighten you.”

  He looked at each of them.“Any questions?”No one spoke. The pn was clear, the situation desperate.“Good. Check your equipment. Make sure everything is secure.”

  There were a few moments of feverish preparation. Kenta checked his sword's edge. Goro adjusted his buckler. Junichi strung his bow. Misaki took out a few bandages from her kit, just in case. The tension was palpable, the air vibrating with fear mixed with adrenaline.

  “This is our second attempt.”Junichi reminded them grimly.“We only have one left after this. We don’t retreat. We don’t panic. We follow the pn. We survive. Understood?”

  Muttered "Understood" or determined nods answered him.

  Junichi took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the bck door. He nodded to Goro, who positioned himself right in front, ready to take the first hit.“Let’s go.”

  Junichi stepped forward, pced his hand on the cold, smooth obsidian, and pushed. The door didn't budge an inch. It felt incredibly heavy, as if sealed by an invisible force.“Is... is it stuck?”Kenta gasped.

  “No... just heavy.”Junichi grunted, pushing with all his might, his muscles straining.“Goro, lend a hand!”

  The Padin stepped up and added his considerable strength to Junichi's. Slowly, with a horrible grinding sound of stone against stone that echoed throughout the clearing, the obsidian door began to pivot inward, revealing a deep darkness and the familiar, sickening smell of the boss room.