Chapter 6: The Eastern Dungeon's Trials

  The ancient stone doorway loomed before them, covered in moss and vines that had spent centuries attempting to reclaim the structure. Inscriptions in a language long forgotten by most decorated the archway, their meanings obscured by time.

  "This is it," Aoi said, his voice solemn as he traced one of the symbols with his fingertip. "The Eastern Dungeon. Once we enter, there's no turning back until we either conquer it or..." He left the alternative unspoken.

  Billy adjusted his gunbelt, the familiar weight of his revolver at his hip complemented by the new Tommy gun slung across his back. "Ain't no 'or' about it. We're walking out of this place victorious."

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  Zen stood silently for a moment, his heightened senses extending beyond normal perception as he assessed the magic emanating from the structure. "The energy patterns are different from the Western Dungeon," he observed. "More... primal. Older." A slight smile curved his lips. "More challenging."

  With a shared nod of determination, the unlikely trio stepped through the doorway and into the dimly lit corridor beyond. The entrance sealed behind them with an ominous rumble, the sound echoing through the ancient hallway.

  "Well," Billy drawled, "guess we're committed now."