Just outside the gates of Bravehearts Town was an area bustling with activity. Players of all kinds entered or left the town while others were bartering with other players loudly. Among these players are Alisa, Francis, and the gang, who are waiting for Julian. They have just finished exploring the town and are currently discussing their plans and the future of their operation.
" Big sister Alisa. Do you think Boss Julian is sure about seriously playing this game?" Francis spoke with a questioning face.
" I don't think Boss Julian will gather us this morning to prank us, Franklin. Maybe the boss saw something about this game that we didn't see. " Tammy answered as he looked at the youngest of the gang.
" It doesn't matter if the boss is serious or not; I'll follow the boss's orders no matter what. " Balmond loudly exclaimed.
" Balmond was right. We just need to follow Sir Julian's instructions. " Alisa agreed as she turned to the group with a determined gaze.
"Look! It's Boss Julian." Francis exclaimed while pointing in a particular direction.
Just as they were about to continue their discussion, they saw Julian not far away from them. Julian looked at his gang and took out the potions and equipment he had just bought from his inventory.
" Looks like you guys are having fun. Here you equip these items and take 10 health and mana potions each." Julian said as he handed over the equipment and potions.
" Thanks, Boss."
" Hehehe, we can finally see what this dungeon is all about. " Balmond said while equipping the [Wolf Leather Boots] and [Leather Bag].
" Ohhh, I forgot to tell you guys to only use the potions when needed. That thing cost a dollar each outside the game."
" What!? This single consumable costs one dollar! How is that possible!? This game is a cash grab!" Tammy exclaimed in disbelief.
" Yeah, but it's not bad considering we earned 27 gold coins, or $135 dollars, from our hunt. " Julian smiled as he saw the surprised looks on his teammates' faces.
"We're going to be rich playing this game! Hahaha. " Francis spoke with excitement in his voice.
" We're wealthy enough. You guys better be ready; the dungeon will be our destination."
"Affirmative," Franklin said shortly before staying silent like before.
" Yes, boss. Ummm, boss? What is the name of the place the dungeon will be going to?" Balmond asked.
Julian turned around and looked at each expression on his friends' faces before uttering, " The Cursed Graveyard. "
***
The dark cloud in the sky blocked the sun's warmth and created a feeling of dread as if something ominous was near. Underneath the gloomy shadows of clouds is a land devoid of any signs of life and vitality; the strong freezing winds that clash with a ruined wall create a howl that sounds like a wolf that makes many players shiver in fear.
Looking at the massive gate entrance, players could read " Bravehearts Cementary." at the top of a sign. Julian, Alisa, and the rest of the gang are among the players waiting outside the graveyard's gate.
" We're here, Boss. This game sure can make a spooky place like this. " Francis said as he looked around at his surroundings.
" Don't talk too much, Francis. We're heading inside." Julian replied as he led the gang to the dungeon entrance.
The entrance to the dungeon is located outside the cemetery's gate, where many gamers invite other players to form a party and explore the eerie dungeon with them.
" We need a level 5 magician! Any element is fine! For noobs, don't even bother talking to me. "
" We're lacking a level 5 warrior! We're lacking a level 5 warrior! "
Among the players looking to form a party, An archer class player saw Julian's party about to enter the dungeon. Seeing that the party only consisted of six players, he quickly grabbed the chance and approached Julian.
" Hello friend, Do you need an archer to complete your party? I must say I've already entered 'Cursed Graveyard' several times. " The archer class player said while looking at Julian's masked group before stopping at Alisa's hot figure.
The archer class player was confident that Julian's group would be willing to let him join the party because "The Cursed Graveyard" is a dangerous 7-man dungeon that ordinary players dread entering.
Julian, look at the archer class player before coldly uttering, " There's no need. We handle it by ourselves."
Julian and the gang then continued their way to the dungeon entrance, leaving the confused archer class player. At that moment, a blue hologram appeared in front of Julian.
[Ding! Welcome to the 'Cursed Graveyard' Dungeon! Please choose the difficulty level.]
[Normal Difficulty:] Monsters have normal attributes. No Death Penalty.
[Hard Difficulty:] Monster attributes will increase by 25%. Death Penalty: Exp Point 25%
[Elite Difficulty:] Monster attributes will increase by 50%. Death Penalty: Exp Point 50%
[Nightmare Difficulty:] Monster attributes will increase by 140%. Death Penalty: Exp Point 140%
Julian thought for a bit before choosing Elite Difficulty. Suddenly, a crimson portal appeared in front of Julian and the gang. The crimson portal emits a dangerous aura that intimidates nearby players.
The archer class player exclaimed as his eyes nearly flew out of their sockets upon seeing the red doorway, " Oh, my goodness! Elite Difficulty!? They are insane."
" Let's go." Julian didn't care about the expression of the other player as he led his party into the portal.
" Yes, Boss," Tammy said as he quickly followed Julian into the crimson portal.
" Hahaha, look at their face!" Balmond said this in mockery as he placed his axe on his shoulder and entered the portal.
Alisa, Francis, and Franklin didn't say anything as they followed Julian into the portal. Other players can't help but be stunned at the bravery, or rather, foolishness, of Julian's party.
***
The crescent moon glowed like a shiny claw in the night sky, illuminating the whole graveyard with dim light. The graveyard was filled with gravestones, inscriptions, and strange trees with twigs that looked like witches' fingers that clawed out and overgrown vines that spread through a large portion of the graveyard.
A small murder of crows was resting on the branches of the trees, staring at the numerous skulls that were scattered throughout the graveyard. Suddenly, a crimson portal appeared. Julian, Alisa, and the gang have entered the dungeon.