This triple drabble (exactly 300 words) was written for C-chan (1001 paperboxes) for the Seasons of Drabbles - Fall Round 2024 exchange.
Party of Zero
The deceptively cute elf's eyes...those of an experienced assassin...gleamed with bloodlust and greed as she pulled out two daggers.
"Oh no! Not again!" muttered the swordsman as the suddenly berserk elf dove headfirst into the pack of monsters with a battle screech.
"Be careful, Naru!" called out the mage...who wore yet another sexy new outfit that was definitely not free...and who was supposed to back up her party's physical attack with magic.
Unfortunately, Hanako had no MP left since she had already exhausted her supply during one of her many squabbles with the swordsman.
"Be quiet, you ugly hag!" Kabakura growled in frustration before he desperately added, "Where the hell is Nifuji?"
"Here I am!" a cheerful voice replied as an adorably furry werewolf bounded into view. "Kou-kun has an exam, though."
Kabakura groaned at the sight of the wrong brother...and his unwelcome news...right before the werewolf tripped and was immediately killed by one of the mutant creatures they faced.
"Oops! I died...again. Sorry, everyone!" Naoya muttered sadly before his avatar disappeared as he was sent back to the lobby to wait for the rest of his party.
The defenseless, but extremely stylish, mage went down next...cursing loudly all the while.
Suddenly, the elf...completely drained of HP and with no reviving potions left...staggered out of the monster horde.
"Hi...ro...ta...ka?" she cried for the archer. When her call went unanswered, she whimpered instead. "Senpai...help!"
Kabakura reached for her in concern, but it was too late. Narumi's avatar blinked out, as well.
The lone swordsman was then defeated, too...despite his best effort to stall for their game otaku savior.
Their party was down to zero.
Meanwhile, only a faint snoring sound could be heard from Hirotaka's mic.