Chapter 18: Forming a Party

Chapter 18: Forming a Party

A month into their second year, the students of the Grand Academy were given a daunting task.

The announcement of the Supreme Dungeon Challenge sent waves of excitement and apprehension through the academy. The mission was formidable: reach the 30th floor of the infamous dungeon by the end of the school year. This challenge tested not only individual skills but also teamwork and strategy, requiring students to form groups of five.

The Supreme Dungeon had 100 floors, each more difficult than the last. The highest floor ever reached was the 79th, a record that stood as a testament to the dungeon's formidable difficulty.

Vaelrith and Elysia stood in the central courtyard, surrounded by their fellow second-year students. The air buzzed with anticipation as students discussed potential team members and strategies.

"We need to form a strong team," Elysia said, her eyes scanning the crowd. "With our new abilities, we should look for members who complement our skills."

Vaelrith nodded in agreement. "We need a balanced group. Someone with healing skills, a mage for additional magical firepower, and a warrior for close combat."

As they discussed, a familiar face approached them. It was Aric, a skilled Swordsman known for his expertise in swordsmanship. "Hey, Vaelrith, Elysia," Aric greeted them. "I heard about your trial in the Cave of Growth.

Impressive stuff. Are you two looking for team members?"

"Yes," Vaelrith replied. "We're putting together a team for the Supreme Dungeon challenge. Interested?"

Aric grinned. "Absolutely. I've been working on my mastery of swordsmanship, so I can provide some versatility in our physical offense."

Elysia nodded approvingly. "That sounds perfect. Welcome to the team, Aric."

As they continued their search, they spotted Lyra, a skilled Water Mage, speaking with Brann, a powerful Earth Mage known for his unmatched defensive capabilities.

Elysia approached them. "Lyra, Brann, we're forming a team for the Supreme Dungeon challenge. Would you both be interested in joining us?"

Lyra smiled warmly. "I'd be happy to join. My abilities will keep us in control of the battlefield."

Brann nodded. "And I can provide strong defenses. Together, we should be able to handle whatever the dungeon throws at us."

With their team almost complete, they still needed a healer. Just then, they spotted Seraphina, a mage known for her dual mastery of Holy and Fire magic.

Elysia called out to her. "Seraphina, we're forming a team for the Supreme Dungeon challenge. We could really use your healing and offensive skills."

Seraphina approached with a bright smile. "I'd love to join. My Holy magic can heal and protect, while my Fire magic can add to our offensive capabilities."

With their team assembled, the five of them gathered in one of the Academy's training rooms to discuss their abilities and plan their strategies.

"Let's start by explaining our new skills and how they can help us in the dungeon," Elysia began. "Vaelrith and I gained some unique abilities during our trial in the Cave of Growth."

Vaelrith nodded. "My new skill, 'Leadership Aura,' boosts the morale and combat effectiveness of our entire team. It enhances everyone's physical and magical abilities when we fight together."

Elysia continued, "I gained 'Nature's Harmony' and 'Storm Calmer.' 'Nature's Harmony' allows me to synchronize our team's movements and actions with the environment, giving us an advantage in natural settings. 'Storm Calmer' helps control chaotic elemental energies, which can be crucial in unpredictable dungeon scenarios."

Aric spoke next. "I've developed a new technique called 'Blade Dance.' It allows me to strike multiple enemies with incredible speed and precision. It's especially useful in clearing groups of weaker foes."

Lyra added, "My new skill, 'Aqua Shield,' creates a barrier of water that can absorb both physical and magical attacks. It will be useful for defending our team against unexpected threats."

Brann followed, "I have 'Earth Fortress,' which fortifies our defenses and can create temporary shelters. It can also trap or slow down enemies, giving us control over the battlefield."

Finally, Seraphina spoke. "I've learned 'Purifying Flames,' which combines my Holy and Fire magic. It can heal our wounds and cleanse any curses or negative effects while simultaneously dealing damage to enemies. It's a versatile skill that can turn the tide of battle."

With their new abilities discussed and their roles defined, the team felt more confident in their ability to tackle the Supreme Dungeon challenge. They spent the following days training together, honing their coordination and perfecting their strategies.

However, their preparations were not complete. They still needed to stock up on essential equipment such as potions, enchanted gear, and other supplies for the journey.

Elysia led the group to the Academy's marketplace, where vendors sold a variety of magical items and provisions. "Let's divide the tasks," she suggested. "Vaelrith and I will handle the potions and elixirs. Aric and Seraphina can look for enchanted gear, and Lyra and Brann can gather any additional supplies we might need."

Once they had purchased their supplies, the group headed to the faculty office to register their party for the Supreme Dungeon challenge.

Professor Elara, a stern but fair teacher known for her rigorous standards, greeted them as they entered the office. "Ah, Elysia. I see you're ready to register your party for the supreme dungeon."

Elysia stepped forward, confident and composed. "Yes, Professor Elara. Our team is ready."

Professor Elara nodded, taking out a ledger. "Very well. Elysia, as the party leader, I will register your team under your name. Please list your team members and their roles."

Elysia began, "Elysia, Beast Tamer and Archer. Aric, Swordsman and front-line attacker. Lyra, Water Mage and battlefield control. Brann, Earth Mage and defender. Seraphina, Holy and Fire Mage, our healer and secondary attacker."

Professor Elara wrote down their names and roles. "Excellent. Remember, this challenge will test your teamwork and strategic thinking as much as your combat skills. Make sure to stay coordinated and support each other. Good luck, and may you reach the 30th floor safely."

She paused for a moment, then added, "This task might be daunting for many, but I have high expectations for your team. Your trial in the Cave of Growth has significantly bolstered your strength and abilities beyond those of your peers. Use that advantage wisely."

The team nodded in unison, their determination evident. With their party officially registered, they were one step closer to facing the Supreme Dungeon.

-----Elysia's Party-----

-----STATUS-----

[Name: Elysia (Leader)]

[Title: Beast Tamer]

[Job Class: Beast Tamer (Linked with Vaelrith)]

[Race: High Elf] [Tier 5]

[Level: 48/79]

[HP: 100%] [MP: 1600/1600]

[Strength: 100] [Defense: 90]

[Agility: 95] [Intelligence: 120]

[Vitality: 100] [Element Affinity: Nature, Wind]

-----SKILLS-----

[Racial Skills: Night Vision, Enhanced Senses, Nature Affinity.]

[Basic Skills: Improved Accuracy, Stealth, Healing Touch]

[Advance Skill: Nature Magic (Advance), Advanced Archery Techniques]

[Job Skills: Bonding, Empathy, Shared Experience, Share Eye Sight, Beast Summon]

[Unique Skill: Elven Sovereignty (Locked) Spirit Magic (Locked), Nature's Harmony, Storm Calmer]

-----END-----

-----Status-----

[Name: Aric (Member)]

[Title: Sword Master]

[Job Class: Swordsman]

[Race: Human] [Tier 4]

[Level: 37/69]

[HP: 100%] [MP: 900/900]

[Strength: 88] [Defense: 90]

[Agility: 90] [Intelligence: 80]

[Vitality: 87] [Element Affinity: Wind]

-----SKILLS-----

[Racial Skills: Adaptability]

[Basic Skills: Swordsmanship, Quick Step, Defensive Stance]

[Advanced Skills: Wind Slash, Cyclone Spin, Blade Dance]

[Job Skills: Parry, Sword Aura, Combat Mastery]

-----END-----

-----Status-----

[Name: Lyra (Member)]

[Title: Water Mage]

[Job Class: Mage]

[Race: Elf] [Tier 4]

[Level: 36/72]

[HP: 100%] [MP: 1100/1100]

[Strength: 70] [Defense: 75]

[Agility: 85] [Intelligence: 100]

[Vitality: 80] [Element Affinity: Water]

-----SKILLS-----

[Racial Skills: Enhanced Water Affinity, Night Vision]

[Basic Skills: Water Bolt, Healing Water, Aqua Shield, Tidal Surge]

[Advanced Skills: Water Wave, Ice Spear]

[Job Skills: Mana Control, Elemental Mastery, Spell Weaving]

-----END-----

-----Status-----

[Name: Brann (Member)]

[Title: Earth Guardian]

[Job Class: Mage]

[Race: Dwarf] [Tier 4]

[Level: 39/75]

[HP: 100%] [MP: 950/950]

[Strength: 80] [Defense: 100]

[Agility: 70] [Intelligence: 100]

[Vitality: 95] [Free Attributes: 0]

[Element Affinity: Earth]

-----SKILLS-----

[Racial Skills: Stone Skin, Enhanced Endurance]

[Basic Skills: Earth Spike, Stone Shield, Ground Tremor]

[Advanced Skills: Earthquake, Rock Armor]

[Job Skills: Mana Reinforcement, Elemental Shield, Geomancy]

[Unique Skill: Mountain's Resolve]

-----END-----

-----Status-----

[Name: Seraphina (Member)]

[Title: Flame Healer]

[Job Class: Saint]

[Race: Half - Elf] [Tier 4]

[Level: 38/79]

[HP: 100%] [MP: 1000/1000]

[Strength: 75] [Defense: 80]

[Agility: 85] [Intelligence: 95]

[Vitality: 82] [Element Affinity: Holy, Fire]

-----SKILLS-----

[Racial Skills: Enhanced Healing, Adaptability]

[Basic Skills: Fireball, Holy Light, Cure Wounds, Fire Resistance]

[Advanced Skills: Flame Burst, Purify]

[Job Skills: Healing Touch, Sacred Flame, Divine Protection]

[Unique Skill: Phoenix's Blessing]

-----END-----