Chapter 113: Different Path
I finalized the teams, setting one group to take on Zorx outside the dungeon and another to confront Vorx here. The stakes were as high as they could get, and time was running out. As we began strategizing, I directed Marius, Julius, and Termina to buy us precious minutes by holding off the minor demons Vorx had summoned.
Cain, however, wasn’t having it. His fists were clenched, eyes blazing with frustration.
"What the hell is this?! I’m the one who should be taking down the Dungeon Boss, not you, Naoki! Let me fight Vorx and that boss fusion! You go after Zorx!" His words hit like a thunderclap, and the tension was palpable.
I tightened my grip on my sword hilt, forcing myself to stay calm. Cain had always been headstrong, someone who thrived on competition and couldn’t bear the thought of losing. I needed to steer this conversation carefully.
"Cain, are you sure about that? You didn’t even finish Zorx. He escaped because you hesitated." I let the words linger just long enough to sting.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Cain roared, his sword now pointed directly at me.
It felt like everything was on the verge of shattering. Then—
"STOP IT!" Freya’s voice cut through the storm like a sharp blade. She stepped between us, her hands raised to separate us. "We don’t have time for this! Look!" She pointed to Vorx, who was deep in her incantation, dark energy swirling around her. "She’s summoning more minions. We need to act now!"
Her words were a lifeline. I exhaled slowly and spoke again, this time softer but resolute. "Cain, no one’s doubting your strength. You’re the best choice for Zorx. He uses fire magic that no one else here can endure. You’ve already cut off one of her arms. That means your fire is stronger than hers."
Cain froze for a second before breaking into a wide, cocky grin. "Ha! Damn right my fire’s the strongest! Fine, I’ll take on Zorx. But Naoki..." His grin faded into a dangerous seriousness. "Let’s make this interesting. Whoever beats their target gets Freya. You want to win that, don’t you?"
"This isn’t about that," I said flatly. "This is about doing what’s best for the team. But if you’re still hesitant, here’s the plan: You, Freya, Kael, Leopold, Luna, Erin’s team, Hendrik’s team, and Professor Alden will handle Zorx. With more firepower, you’ll be able to contain her flames and reduce the damage she can cause. Together, you’ll overwhelm her."