Cold, neverending darkness stretched onward into the unknown, the only visible light in the corridor being the flow of cyan energy that shone through the walls. Ash could barely see what lay ahead of him. His body was shrieking in fear, begging him to flee. The two pairs of footsteps echoed like a beating heart, sending shivers down the spines of the two boys.
Ash understood that the special quests were Draegan's way of luring him into a situation that benefited the Shadow. He could offer rewards that were unobtainable anywhere else and force his host to take his desired path. Even so, Ash knew he had no other choice, and refusing to partake in a quest could kill him for all he knew.
They continued down the gigantic path of squarial stairs, unable to keep track of how far they had already descended. The eeriness of the path gave the illusion that time was ticking at a quarter of its usual rate.
"Still no Shadows…" muttered Ash. Simply mentioning the enemies that Ash and his partner would potentially have to face made him want to vomit. Nobody knew what they were. Nobody knew where they came from.
People only knew two things: the Shadows lived inside the Dungeon, and that they relentlessly slaughtered any adventurer they came across. Julius finally mustered the courage to open his mouth as he addressed himself to Ash's previous remark:
"A-Are we even able to touch them?"
"Do you mean whether or not our swords will kill them?"
"Y-Yeah. If they're made of pure darkness… our swords might slash right through them."
Ash's head was too concentrated on the chilling surroundings and the endless flight of stairs that he was unable to think of an answer. That being said, if Zane had managed to take down Draegan, then it meant they could at least be hurt, right?
"I think so…" he answered unconvincingly.
Julius gulped down his terror and continued. He wanted to turn back, but another feeling pushed him forward: a deep curiosity to witness the most horrific beings of the Dungeon in the flesh.
A sudden sensation crawled its way up Julius's entire body, poisoning his mind with pure fear. He recognized the feeling immediately, as do all creatures who go through it. He was being stalked.
At that moment, he realized the exact situation he found himself in. He and Ash were prey that was being hunted by the predators, concealed in the surrounding darkness known as the shadow.
"Ash… w-we're being watched…"
Julius's eyes widened in horror at the sight of his companion. Ash dropped his weapon as he stared ahead, the metallic bang of his blade causing Julius to wince.
"Ash!"
The boy snapped back as adrenaline rushed through his body, reawakening him. He crouched and picked up his sword, readying it.
"Here it comes, Julius," he whispered, "a Shadow is coming."
——
"Zane Naso? Why are you here? How did you even get in here?!" exclaimed the princess of Elyon, the calm ambiance atop her balcony shattered instantly by the arrival of what she considered to be one of the most infuriating adventurers alive.
"Hey, Violet! Did you miss me?" grinned Zane, waving his hand nonchalantly.
"It's Princess to you, and no. Why are you in my room?"
"I've come to call in a favor from you! Oh, and I don't think I need to answer your other question, right? I mean it's pretty self-explanatory with the whole lightning speed and all…"
Violet let out a long sigh. If only she were a bit stronger, maybe she'd be able to put this guy in his place, but for now, that had to wait.
"Since when do I owe you a favor?" she grunted. The princess entered the room, putting on a slightly oversized black hoodie to protect herself against the cool breeze. What had once felt pleasant was now uncomfortable.
The Princess ruffled her black hair after she put on her clothing, letting it fall naturally to her shoulders. She glared at Zane, her indigo purple eyes uncannily similar to his.
"Now, now, Violet. Do you remember, uh, 8 years ago, I brought you a piece of bread? I recall you saying you owed me one," explained Zane in full seriousness. He had truly dug through his memory to find his example.
"You can't be serious… How am I supposed to remember what happened 8 years ago?"
"Oh, come on. I remember when your father asked me to train you and then you started crying because I looked…what was it? 'Scaewy'. I'm sure you can remember what happened 8 years ago."
"Shut up," muttered Violet, putting her hand to her forehead. How was a man able to create a headache in another individual so easily? Was that the gift Zane Naso inherited from the Gods?
"So… when are you ready to go help me?"
"I get it!" screamed Violet in a defeated tone, "what do you want me to do? Just so you know I'm prohibited from entering the lower floors of the Dungeon. Anything below 20 is off-bounds for now due to the recent events."
"Perfect! I just need you to go to the 3rd floor!" said Zane with an overjoyed expression. Violet was unable to hide her disgust at the request.
"You came all the way here… to ask me… the Princess of Elyon... to go to the 3rd floor of the Dungeon? Why don't you just go yourself?!"
"Can't do it," stated Zane, putting his hand up, "I'm currently on vacation."
"No, you're fucking not!"
A pillow went flying at the white-haired adventurer. His silhouette suddenly vanished in a brisk flash of lightning, reappearing on the balcony.
"Thanks, Violet! Remember, the 3rd floor. Oh, and you're looking for two boys, a red-haired one and a dark-haired one, both roughly your age. If you see an eagle, follow it!"
Zane's instructions rang in the princess's ears as he disappeared anew. She grumbled, heading over to the exit of her bedroom.
"So he wants me to save two newbies? What a ridiculous request…"
Violet put her hands in the front pocket of her hoodie and covered her head. She could sense the position of every guard in the palace, allowing her to avoid them with ease.
She was allowed to go outside freely, but she didn't want to cause any unnecessary suspicion. Her sudden disappearances had become a common occurrence within the castle, and everyone would assume she was out taking another stroll.
Violet had always enjoyed her time alone in the streets. Taking time away from the royal family, from the castle, and herself, was something that she needed greatly. This time, though, she could only feel annoyed.
Any individual above E-rank can comfortably enter the third floor, and yet Zane had come to her, a Guardian.
Guardians represented the epitome of power across the world. It was a title that lay beyond A-rank and was something that could only be obtained after joining expeditions that ventured deeper than the 30th floor.
Unless there was a reason behind his actions. Zane never took any action without planning, and while he always played it off casually, it was never a baseless choice.
Was there something on the 3rd floor that only a Guardian could take care of?
"Yeah, right…" muttered Violet as she slipped through the crowd and arrived at the main plaza. She looked up at the glimmering building with discontent. There was still so much that was unknown about this place, and yet countless people from all races lost their lives every day in its jaw.
What a cruel world, she thought as she made her way into the depths of the Dungeon.