In the Shadow of the Dragon: Isekai Adventure

Perilous Depths: The Chimera's Lair

The Treacherous Second Floor

After navigating through the slime-infested first level of the Forbidden Abyss, Li Ran, Darkmoon Dragon Princess, and Neo finally set foot on the second floor.

The atmosphere immediately felt different—thicker, heavier. The air was saturated with potent mana, and the walls bore the claw marks of wild beasts and blackened streaks of acid corrosion.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess narrowed her eyes, scanning the shadows with a sharp, moonlit gaze.

"The monsters here… they're clearly on a higher level."

Neo adjusted his glasses, already sketching the structure of the tunnels onto his map.

"No doubt about it. This is a high-risk area—likely a hotspot where monsters congregate."

Suddenly, heavy footsteps rumbled from the tunnel ahead, followed by a low, menacing growl.

From the darkness emerged a massive figure, its silhouette outlined by the dim glow of the dungeon's mana-infused walls.

A Chimera stood before them, blocking their path.

The Chimera's Relentless Assault

This creature was a monstrous fusion—a lion's head, a bear's lower body, and thick, corded muscles that rippled with every movement.

Worst of all, its gaping maw oozed with a searing, corrosive fluid, and as it let out a bloodthirsty roar, it vomited a torrent of acid that hissed against the dungeon walls, eating into the stone and leaving behind a smoking pit of decay.

Li Ran's grip on his Severance Blade tightened as he smirked.

"Stronger than expected… but we've fought these before. We know how to handle them."

The battle erupted instantly—

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess activated "Moonlight Barrier", restricting the Chimera's movements and reducing its attack range.

• The Chimera roared in fury and lunged at Li Ran, its claws sharp as steel, aiming for a fatal strike!

• Li Ran sidestepped at the last second and countered with "Dimensional Rift Slash", sending a dark crescent blade of pure energy slicing through space and slamming into the Chimera's shoulder!

• The Chimera howled in pain but retaliated by spewing another acidic blast, only for Darkmoon Dragon Princess to intercept it with "Shadow Veil," nullifying the attack before the ground could be further corroded.

Within just a few exchanges, Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess had found their rhythm, and with a final, decisive strike—Li Ran severed the Chimera's head, sending it crashing to the ground!

"Whew… If this is just the start, then this is gonna be fun." Li Ran exhaled, excitement evident in his tone.

Neo, still holding his map, stared at them in disbelief.

"These two… the way they fight, they're not just adventurers. They're monsters themselves."

The Frenzied Chimera

After taking down multiple Chimeras, the group reached an uncharted region of the second floor.

The mana concentration in the air became overwhelmingly thick, causing a strange humming sensation in their chests.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess frowned.

"Something's off… This much mana? It's like a magnet for stronger monsters."

And as if answering her suspicions, a deafening roar echoed through the tunnel.

Then, from the darkness, a monstrous presence emerged—far larger, far more terrifying than any Chimera they had seen before.

It had the head of a lion, the body of a bear, but this one was different—it had:

• Demonic wings, allowing it to take flight and launch aerial assaults.

• A venomous serpent's tail, coiling and striking with the speed of lightning.

Li Ran's eyes gleamed with unmistakable battle lust.

"Well, this should be interesting."

The Battle Against the Frenzied Chimera

Unlike the previous fights, this battle was sheer chaos—raw, relentless, and brutal.

• The Frenzied Chimera took to the air, using its wings to maneuver swiftly.

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess cast "Moonlight Barrier", attempting to disrupt its flight path, but the beast forcefully broke through with sheer power!

• Its serpent tail lashed out, striking at Li Ran with lethal precision.

• Li Ran teleported mid-air, countering with "Dimensional Rift Slash," slicing through the tail!

• The Chimera screeched in agony but retaliated with an acid breath attack!

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess conjured "Shadow Veil", shielding the group from the acidic onslaught.

• Li Ran used "Spatial Fracture", slashing at the Chimera's neck!

• The Chimera's wings ignited with black fire, and with a single, mighty flap, it sent a devastating shockwave that shook the entire cavern.

• Neo stumbled backward, struggling to maintain his grip on the map as the sheer force knocked him off balance.

• Darkmoon Dragon Princess cast "Shadow Devour," locking the Chimera in place with dark energy chains.

• Li Ran took this chance and delivered his ultimate move—"Endbringer's Strike!"

• A blade of silver light cut through the shadows, striking the Chimera's core!

• "Moonlight Severance!" Darkmoon Dragon Princess unleashed her finishing move.

• The combined force of their attacks obliterated the Frenzied Chimera in a brilliant burst of energy!

The roar of the dying beast faded into silence.

A Completed Map and the Path Ahead

Neo stood beside the corpse of the Frenzied Chimera, his hands trembling as he adjusted his glasses.

"This… this thing would have wiped out any normal adventuring party!" he muttered, still in disbelief.

Li Ran simply wiped his blade clean, a satisfied grin on his face.

"Well, that was a good warm-up."

Neo gawked at him.

"Warm-up?! Are you even human?"

Darkmoon Dragon Princess chuckled, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.

"You'll get used to it."

As Neo scribbled the final details onto his map, the second floor of the Forbidden Abyss was officially charted.

Looking ahead, he hesitated before asking,

"Should we head back and rest? I mean, we've been fighting non-stop—"

But before he could finish, Li Ran cut him off with a firm, eager voice.

"No way. We keep going!"

Neo stared at him like he had just encountered a madman.

"Is… is this guy a saint or something?! He's pushing forward like he's doing this for the future of the kingdom!"

Darkmoon Dragon Princess smirked.

"Let him dream, Neo. It makes things more interesting."

And so, with laughter and relentless determination, the three adventurers pressed onward, stepping into the third floor of the labyrinth—where even greater perils awaited them.