As the final bell echoed through the corridors of New Haven Academy, signaling the end of the school day, Eli found himself caught in a maelstrom of anticipation and apprehension. The prospect of heading straight home, to a house that felt increasingly foreign with each passing day, was unappealing. Instead, his thoughts drifted to the untested power that lay within him, a beacon urging him towards adventure.
With a resolve bolstered by the day's earlier revelations, Eli made a decision that could alter the course of his life. He would venture into the Spider Nest, a low-class dungeon notorious among the residents of Veloria City for its abundance of spiders. The potential rewards outweighed the risks in Eli's mind, especially since the dungeon's occupants, from their silk to their poison sacs, were valuable commodities in Veloria's bustling market.
The Spider Nest, located in an area colloquially known as The Nest, was infamous for its concentration of insect-themed dungeons. The diversity of challenges it offered, ranging from low to extreme difficulty, made it a hub for adventurers and merchants alike.
As Eli approached the entrance, guarded by city-commissioned soldiers tasked with preventing any potential dungeon breaks, he was met with inquisitive stares.
"Hey, kid, what brings you to The Nest?" one of the guards asked, eyeing Eli's unassuming appearance.
Eli, with a mix of nervousness and excitement, responded, "I—I want to enter the Spider Nest. I'm here to... try my hand at dungeon exploring."
The guard raised an eyebrow, then exchanged a look with his colleague. "You got a registration card? Can't let anyone in without one. It's for your own safety and for record-keeping."
Eli's heart sank. In his eagerness, he had forgotten about the necessity of a registration card, a basic requirement for any dungeon explorer. "I... I don't have one," he admitted, his disappointment palpable.
The guards, sensing his dismay, softened their demeanor. "Don't worry, kid. There's a center just down the street where you can get registered. They'll issue you a card, and you can also sell whatever you manage to find in the dungeons there," one guard explained, pointing towards a sturdy building adorned with the emblem of Veloria City.
Gratitude washed over Eli, and with a renewed sense of purpose, he headed towards the registration center.
Eli's footsteps echoed through the registration center, a modern edifice that served as the gateway for all aspiring dungeon explorers in Veloria City. The interior was bustling with activity, adventurers of all ranks milling about, their conversations a blend of excitement and strategy. Eli navigated through the crowd, his heart racing with anticipation, until he reached the registration desk, where a young woman greeted him with a warm smile.
"Hi there! Welcome to the Veloria City Dungeon Exploration Center. How can I assist you today?" she asked, her demeanor friendly and professional.
Eli, slightly taken aback by the kindness in her voice, hesitated for a moment before responding. "I'm here to register for a dungeon card. It's my first time," he admitted, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement.
"Of course! We'll need to register your power type as part of the process. Could you let me know what ability you possess?" she inquired, her fingers poised over the keyboard, ready to enter his information.
Eli's mind raced. The truth about his unique system-based ability was something he wasn't ready to disclose. Opting for a simpler explanation, he said, "I have a strength-based ability." It was a common enough claim that he hoped it wouldn't raise any eyebrows.
The registration officer nodded, typing away. "Strength-based, very common but always useful in dungeons. There you go," she said, issuing Eli a low-class dungeon exploration card. "Since this is your first card, you'll be starting with access to low-class dungeons. As you gain experience and prove your capabilities, you can apply for access to higher-class dungeons."
Eli accepted the card, a tangible symbol of his new status as a dungeon explorer. His excitement was palpable, a feeling that was only heightened by the officer's next words.
"Oh, and you picked a great day to start your adventure. Today, we're offering a special promotion for explorers. Any items sold to the center today will receive a 10% sale increase. It's our way of encouraging new explorers and supporting the community," she explained, her smile broadening.
Eli's heart leaped at the news. Not only was he embarking on a new chapter in his life, but he also stood to gain even more from his first foray into the dungeons. "Thank you so much," he said, his gratitude genuine. "I really appreciate it."
With his registration complete and his spirits lifted by the unexpected bonus, Eli stepped out of the center, his card clutched tightly in hand. The Spider Nest awaited, and with it, the opportunity to test his abilities, earn credits, and perhaps, begin to carve out a place for himself in this post-Cataclysm world. The adventure was just beginning, and Eli couldn't wait to dive in.
With the card securely in his pocket, Eli returned to the entrance of the Spider Nest. The guards, now recognizing him, nodded in approval as he presented his newly acquired card.
"Good luck in there," one of the guards remarked, a hint of respect in his voice.
Eli nodded, his determination unwavering. The Spider Nest loomed before him, a gateway to the unknown. As he stepped into the darkness, he couldn't help but feel that his life was about to change in ways he could never have imagined. The spiders awaited, and with them, the chance to prove his worth and perhaps, to find his place in this new, chaotic world