Arcane drifters

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Arcane Drifters – Chapter 86: "The Forbidden Beast Temple – A Bond is Born"

Location: Dungeon Floor 3 – The Forbidden Beast Temple

The doors creaked open.

A wave of hot air, thick with the scent of ashes and dust, blasted through. Beyond it, they saw enormous statues of mythical animals — dragons, wolves, lions — each carved with glowing red eyes.

Aeris (Sky Elf):

"...This isn't just a floor. It's a graveyard."

Mira (Snow Witch):

"No. It's worse. It's where cursed beasts are kept alive."

Shen stepped inside first. He seemed… curious. Not afraid, not cautious — just strangely thoughtful.

He touched the stone of a broken lion statue.

Shen (softly):

"This lion… it was real once. I can feel the rage in its bones."

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The First Trap – Beast Awakening!

Suddenly—

The lion statue growled.

It came alive, glowing with ancient fire! Not just one — ALL the statues came alive.

Grunt (excited):

"Finally! Something to punch!"

Taren:

"Focus. These aren't normal beasts."

A massive snake made of shadows launched toward Mira!

Shen (instantly):

"Duck!"

He appeared beside her, slicing the serpent in one motion.

Mira (shaken):

"…Th-thanks…"

They fought together for a few minutes — Mira freezing monsters while Shen shattered them with glowing twin swords.

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After the Battle – A Quiet Moment

After defeating the last beast, the group rested by an old temple pillar.

Mira sat near Shen, quietly healing a cut on her arm.

Mira:

"I thought you were just some overconfident drifter when I met you."

Shen (grinning):

"I am. I'm also rich, amazing, and extremely handsome."

Mira (laughing softly):

"You're also kind. You saved me twice now…"

There was a pause.

Shen looked at her for a moment, then tossed her a wrapped rice ball.

Shen:

"Eat. It's spicy. And magical."

Mira (smiling):

"…Thanks."

For a brief second, Shen felt something warm in his chest. Not fire magic. Something else.

Maybe… trust?

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Deep Inside the Temple

As they walked toward the next gate, the ground shook.

A giant red beast, half-tiger, half-phoenix, stood up from the floor ahead.

Its roar shattered a pillar.

It was the Flame Guardian — the mini-boss of Floor 3.

But Shen just cracked his neck.

Shen (grinning):

"Finally. Something fun."

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Chapter End