Dungeons
Dungeons comes in a lot of variety. But the basic structure for it to be called a dungeon is-
One: The dungeon has to have monsters guarding whatever their is in the end of a dungeon
Two: All the creatures inside the dungeon survive through the mana that produced by the dungeon.
Three: All the monsters inside the dungeon do not have a magic stone which essentially acts as a life source for magical beast and monsters alike.
These three criteria are always present to designate a location as a dungeon.
The dungeon Selene and Theo were in fit the three main criteria for a dungeon.
This certain, however was a special dungeon which was expecially made for Theo and companions that he was meant to bring.
Lisa, the old lady or prophet, wanted to introduce Theo to dungeons, which was a great item to learn more about the game.
Normally, Theo would tackle this dungeon later in the game, gathering at least three companions he had requested from his father upon returning to Virtus. It marked the beginning of the dungeon tutorial for new players, making it a breeze for Theo and his three other companions.
The items, however get worse in quality the more people there were to tackle the dungeon, so veterans usually strenghten Theo as much as possible and tackle the dungeon solo back in Virtus.
Selene and Theo, however, required the items from the dungeon earlier than originally planned, as they will be required for the Red Beast Subjugation.
....
"Hehehehe, gimme my rewards"Selene chorting in excitement while she rubbed her hands together like a deranged merchant
"Don't worry princess, this is just the start"
Theo sniggered with gold coins in his eyes.
Both were eager to get their rewards or maybe even too eager.
The stone door in front of them opened and creaked.
Two large chest revealed themselves inside, the one on the left was yellow and the other one the right was purple
"Hehehe, gimme!" Selene couldn't help herself anymore and ran straight in, a complete 180° from her exhausted demeanor a minute ago.
"Haha.. The real Selene would never"
Theo commented while he scratched the back of his head in resignation at the drooling Selene opening the large wooden purple chest.
"Yes! Mine!"
Selene raised the dark purplish gem, the size of a melon like a deranged worshipper.
"Hehehe, A rank 5 magic stone, hehehe" Selene said loudly with shining eyes.
Magic stones are seperated by ranks depending on what tier the monster was. an Beginner tier monster would drop a rank one magic stone, an astute tier monster would drop a rank 4 magic stone and etc.
Tiers are numbered one to nine so are magic stones, just in Ranks.
What is wrong with her? Theo was genuinely worried for Selene's greediness that might affect him in the future.
"Guhehehe... precious"
Theo walked to his designated chest, passing Selene who was rubbing the magic stone on her soft cheeks.
She looks exactly like that one Lord of the rings character.
Theo opened his chest and took the white pill inside.
A Sunstone pill
The Sunstone pill is crafted from a Solar flower, which seldom blooms on volcanoes every twenty years and is typically blended with other sacred ingredients.
Highly coveted by many Holy knights of the Expert tier, it significantly enhances growth and boosts affinity with Holy mana.
Individuals of Expert rank or higher would only experience minimal effects upon consuming this pill.
Different rewards also differ depending on the amount and different characters you bring in the dungeon book as mentioned before.
If Theo were to solo this, he'd get a more potent sunstone pill, which would help him breakthrough another tier in a fast pace instead of improving his general growth over all.
If he brought more then he'll only get half the effect of a normal sunstone pill and another half if a fourth accompanied.
The improved Sunstone pill was usually then used to get to Expert as fast as possible, but this was impossible to do now as Theo and Selene decided for both of them to conquer the dungeon
With this, I'll be at most at the peak of Adept tier before the Red beast early subjugation plan.
Theo tossed the pill to his mouth and gulped it. A burning sensation rose from his belly and spread throughout his body, washing some of the fatigue from the previous battle away.
Now, I just have to trained hard and I'll make it.
"Hurry it up, Dimwit. Secret room is next." Selene commandingly said to Theo as she walked towards the end of the room
".... Seriously?" Theo with a deadpan face.
Rude...
Selene, ignoring Theo, touched the wall at the end of the room
"Strenght, Trust, Soul and Bonds" Selene chanted
RUMBLE
The wall that Selene was touching started to shake. She backed off and the wall split into two, openening a pathway for them to go through.
At other side was a stone pedestel with a glowing white orb akin to a pearl.
Theo and Selene approached the the orb and placed their hands on top.
Theo placed his hand first on top of the white orb then Selene followed suit.
Grip*
Selene gripped Theo's hand hard, enough to notice that Selene was about to tell him something.
Selene took a deep breath and stared at Theo, he felt as if she was glaring directly at his very existence.
"Theo, I saw you earlier playing around with that Kobold Chief. You stupid fool. You could've died there dumba*s. What do you have to say to me and yourself? Haa?" Selene said as he glared furiously at Theo.
Theo trembled slightly in response at Selene's show of clear disappointment.
Selene's comments made Theo look back at his foolish actions.
Selene was right, he tried to confront an Astute tier monster with just his basic stats and overconfidently believed he would win... Like in the game where he set a record beating it without his unique skill.
What did he get in return?
He almost had his a*s beat and maybe even die.
He knew if he kept playing like this, it won't just affect himself, but also the person who was glaring at him.
It wasn't a solo mission like in the game anymore, it was a co-op, and in hardcore at that, no more second chances, it was now Theo and Selene in bare bones reality.
They only had one chance to pull everything off. No more pauses or saves.
Having fun was fine and all, but Theo had to draw a line, ensuring that his fun won't get in the way of their survival.
Him dying may very well lead to Selene's death as well.
After a brief contemplation and reflection, Theo spoke in a rare sincere voice.
"I'm sorry, I put our lives in danger by playing around. I'll do better from now on. I swear." Theo placing his other hand on his chest while slightly bowing his head
Selene became wide eyed at the sudden honesty Theo spouted.
She was also surprised that the prideful Theo would actual admit to his mistakes.
A wave of relief and joy filled Selene, now that her worries were somewhat resolved.
"Good! You better do that!" Selene smug as she placed her free hand on her hip haughtily.
Selene and Theo then placed their attention on the orb
"Now, let's get to it, From now on-"
Selene glanced at Theo, signalling him to finish the famous line Selene and Theo said in-game during a certain event.
"-It'll be you and me against all odds" Theo followed after Selene
Both Selene and Theo closed their eyes and spoke.
"We, solemnly swear to uphold righteousness,
to not turn a blind eye of each others injustice,
to work together in moments of despair
to care for each other when the other is in need
and finally-"
Theo and Selene opened their eyes and gazed at each other as the the white orb shone in white light as they continued chanting.
"- to death do our bonds and vows part!"
The white orb blasted an intense white light, blinding both Selene and Theo.
....
A hooded old lady was sitting down on a rock somewhere in an unknown forest in the continent, she was gazing at the stars when suddenly, two shone undeniably brighter than the rest.
"Hoo, this is rather unexpected."
The old lady, Lisa, the prophet, smiled gleefully and stretched her hand towards the two shining stars.
"May their union be rejoiced by the whole world. Hehehe" The old lady giggled in delight.
...
"Hey, Theo, is it me or the Union of bonds seemed to be different from usual." Selene staring at Theo's right hand
"Your... right. I never experienced this with any other character combination in game, even when pairing up with Selene." Theo also staring at Selene's left hand.
The hands both were staring showed a sigil, that seemed to be shaped like a heart, but only the outline of it was drawn.
Selene had a golden heart on her left hand, while Theo had a black one on his right hand.
Many could only assume one thing in mind when they see the pairing sigils.
Theo and Selene were dumbfounded. They couldn't help but look at the heart sigil and at each other consecutively.
There was silience for about a minute.
"Cookie!" Selene was the first to break the silence.
She summoned Cookie who sat beside her, awaiting her orders.
"Bite my hand off!"
Selene commanded with desperation in her voice as she stretched her hand towards her undead wolf.
Woof!
"What the f*ck-!" Theo exclaimed and before he could react, cookie bit Selene's whole left hand.
Chomp
" Are you crazy!!!???" Theo shouted