Leaving the guildmaster's office, a heavy silence descended upon the group. The news of the A-class mission hung in the air, a tangible weight pressing down on them, thick with the unspoken fear of the dangers that likely lurked within the newly discovered dungeon.
"An A-class mission so soon," Gregor muttered, his brow furrowed. "This doesn't bode well. I'm afraid I won't be able to join you. My wife is due to give birth today."
A wave of disappointment washed over Amelia. Gregor's combat prowess and experience were invaluable, and his absence would be a significant blow to their team.
"Understood," she replied, her voice firm despite the setback. "Then it seems Lyra, Garath, Gareth and Alex will have to handle this alone."
Lyra, however, shook her head, her expression grim. "I'm afraid I can't accompany you either, Amelia. I have urgent matters to attend to within the city."
Her refusal was unexpected, and Amelia's surprise was evident. "Urgent matters?" she echoed, a hint of suspicion creeping into her voice.
Lyra avoided her gaze. "Indeed. It cannot be delayed. You understand, don't you?"
The sudden change in plans left Amelia with a team of only Garath and Gareth, the twins. While their skills were formidable, the lack of Lyra and Gregor's experience was a cause for concern, especially considering the inherent dangers of A-class dungeons. These were notorious for their lethality, filled with monstrous creatures, deadly traps, and potent magic that could easily overwhelm even the most seasoned adventurers.
"Very well," Amelia finally conceded, her voice laced with disappointment. "Garath, Gareth, you are with me. We leave for the eastern reaches at dawn."
"Sorry captain," one of the twins, Garath, spoke up, his voice apologetic. "We both need to go back to our hometown for a month."
Amelia's frustration mounted. "Both of you? At the same time? With an A-class mission looming?"
Gareth, the other twin, offered a helpless shrug. "Family emergency, captain. We wouldn't miss it unless it was truly urgent. This new dungeon sounds… particularly dangerous, wouldn't you say?"
His words hung heavy in the air, a thinly veiled excuse that only heightened Amelia's suspicion. The near simultaneous defections, right before an A-class mission, felt more like calculated avoidance than genuine emergencies.
Amelia was left staring at them, the initial disappointment morphing into a cold anger. With both Gregor and the twins unavailable, she was left with only Alex.
Her gaze fell upon him, a mix of suspicion and frustration simmering in her eyes. "You wouldn't leave me, right?" she finally asked, her voice clipped.
Alex hesitated, the weight of her question settling on him. He had no reason to stay, no binding obligation to this woman or this world. Yet, as curiosity gnawed at him, the mystery of the dungeon and the secret he held intertwined with Amelia's fate.
"Well," he began, choosing his words carefully, "I have nothing urgent pulling me elsewhere. So, I'll go with you to check out that dungeon."
His response was far from enthusiastic, but it was enough for Amelia. A flicker of relief crossed her features, though the underlying tension remained.
***
Amelia and Alex stood at the city gates, prepared for their journey to the eastern reaches, just as the sun was beginning to set. The joyful bustle of the city waking to a new day was in sharp contrast to the weight of the A-class mission, which hung heavy in the air.
With a firm voice that belied the tension that still lingered between them, Amelia stated, "We should be able to reach the village bordering the discovered area by nightfall." "There, we will gather supplies and information before entering the actual dungeon."
All Alex could do was nod, his eyes locked on the far horizon. They were faced with an enormous vista of undulating hills and thick forests that obscured any potential threats. He knew nothing about this dungeon, no details about the monstrous creatures or deadly traps that might await them.
As they walked, a sense of unease settled over him. The near simultaneous defections of Gregor, Lyra, and the twins still rankled. Their excuses felt hollow, and their avoidance was a stark contrast to the usual unwavering loyalty they displayed towards Amelia. It was as if they knew something about the dungeon—something they weren't willing to share.
"Do you know anything about this new dungeon?" Alex finally asked, breaking the silence that had stretched between them.
Amelia glanced at him, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "Not much," she admitted. "The information we received was scarce. Just the location and the fact that a lone lumberjack who narrowly escaped death discovered it
Then, a memory from the guildmaster's office surfaced in Amelia's mind. Master Eldrin had mentioned something about the dungeon's structure.
"This dungeon seems to have a five-stage level, from the lumberjack's information," Master Eldrin had stated, his voice grave.
"What!?" The shock in the room had been palpable.
"Right… It's a different one, because it's A-level after all," Master had clarified, attempting to ease the tension.
His unease deepened. A lone lumberjack surviving an A-class dungeon was practically unheard of. It hinted at something far more perilous lurking within its depths, something that even seasoned adventurers might struggle to overcome.
"Do you think the others… knew something about the dungeon?" he ventured, voicing the suspicion that had been gnawing at him.
Amelia paused, her brow furrowing in thought. "It's possible," she conceded. "Their sudden unavailability right before an A-class mission is… suspicious, to say the least."
They continued their journey in silence, the weight of unspoken questions and lingering doubts hanging heavy between them. As they ventured deeper into the wilderness, the air grew colder, and the vibrant colours of the city faded into a muted palette of browns and greens. The path ahead led them towards the unknown, towards a dungeon that promised both danger and potential answers.
Alex, felt a surge of a strange mix of trepidation and excitement.
As they continued their journey towards the eastern reaches, Amelia led Alex through a bustling marketplace within a small village bordering the discovered dungeon. The air buzzed with activity, merchants hawking their wares and villagers going about their daily routines.
Suddenly, Amelia stopped in front of a stall overflowing with an assortment of vials and bottles, their vibrant colours hinting at the potent concoctions they contained. A wizened old woman with eyes as sharp as a hawk manned the stall, her weathered hands deftly handling the delicate vials.
"We need supplies," Amelia announced, her voice firm.
The woman's gaze shifted to Alex, a hint of curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Newcomer, are you? Be careful venturing into that dungeon, especially with such a small group."
Alex felt a prickle of unease at the woman's words.
"We'll manage," Amelia interjected, her voice laced with a hint of defiance.
Turning to Alex, she explained, "We need to stock up on potions before heading in. Antidotes, mana restoration… the usual."
Alex nodded, understanding the importance of being prepared. He had no idea what dangers lurked within the dungeon, and having the right potions could be the difference between life and death.
As Amelia began bartering with the merchant, Alex's eyes scanned the various potions on display. With his knowledge from The Old Quest, he recognised the different concoctions and their effects. His gaze lingered on a vial containing a shimmering, golden liquid.
"Instant Healing potion, huh… That's a good choice," he remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
The old woman's sharp eyes narrowed. "You know your potions, newcomer. Not many recognise an Instant Healing potion on first glance."
"I've… dabbled in alchemy," Alex stammered, hoping his fabricated knowledge would suffice.
The woman chuckled, a low rumble that echoed through her chest. "Good. You'll need all the help you can get in that dungeon. Just remember, even the most potent potions have their limits."
Amelia finished her negotiations and turned back to Alex. "Did you need a weapon while we're here?" she inquired, noticing his empty hands.
"Well…" Alex hesitated, caught off guard. He still had the dagger he acquired from The Old Quest, tucked away in his inventory, in a magical space only he could access. However, revealing such an ability would raise unnecessary suspicion.
Thinking quickly, he decided to deflect. "Well, I still have my weapon," he said vaguely, hoping Amelia wouldn't probe further.
Amelia cast a doubtful look over his body, her gaze searching for any sign of a concealed weapon. Finding none, a flicker of concern crossed her features. While she trusted Alex's battle sage claim to a certain extent, his lack of visible weaponry was a cause for unease, especially considering the dangers that lay ahead.
With their supplies secured, Amelia and Alex continued their journey towards the looming silhouette of the dungeon nestled within the dense forest. The weight of the impending exploration hung heavy between them, punctuated only by the rhythmic crunch of their boots on the dirt path.
The passage through the dense forest was a stark contrast to Alex's previous life. Confined to the digital realm of The Old Quest, his existence had been one of pixels and code. Now, he stood on the precipice of a real-life adventure, a thrilling yet terrifying prospect that ignited a spark of adrenaline within him. This was a baptism by fire, a crash course into a world far more vibrant, far more dangerous, than anything he had ever experienced before.
"This place feels… off," Alex muttered, his voice barely a whisper.
Amelia nodded grimly. "It does. Like the very air is holding its breath."
The unease gnawing at Alex intensified. The sudden defections of their companions, the cryptic warnings of the villagers, and the oppressive atmosphere of the forest all coalesced into a sense of foreboding. He stole a glance at Amelia, her determined expression etched with a hint of worry.
"We should be cautious," Alex suggested, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's something… different about this dungeon."
Amelia met his gaze, her eyes reflecting the same trepidation. "Agreed. We need to be prepared for anything."
They continued their trek, their senses on high alert. Only their soft whispers and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot broke the silence. As they approached the dungeon's entrance, a colossal, moss-covered archway carved into the side of a towering cliff, the air grew thick with oppressive magic. An unnatural chill settled over them, sending shivers down their spines.
Taking a deep breath, Amelia drew her sword, its polished surface glinting faintly in the dim light filtering through the trees. "Ready?" she asked, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands.
Alex summoned his dagger, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He had no idea what awaited them within the depths of the dungeon, but he knew there was no turning back. With a silent nod, he followed Amelia through the archway, stepping into the unknown.
As they crossed the threshold, the world around them shifted. The oppressive magic intensified, and the air was thick with an otherworldly energy. A vast hall with grotesque carvings and an unsettling luminescence stood in place of the vibrant forest.
In the centre of the hall, a swirling vortex of shimmering energy pulsed with an ominous power. It was the entrance to the first level of the dungeon, the gateway to a perilous journey that would test their courage, their skills, and the very fabric of their reality.
As they ventured deeper into the cavernous hall, the air grew thick with an oppressive magic, the silence broken only by the rhythmic crunch of their boots on the stone floor. The flickering luminescence from the walls cast long, grotesque shadows that danced across the uneven ground.
Suddenly, the earth trembled, and a bone-chilling groan echoed through the chamber. Amelia spun around, her sword drawn and eyes narrowed, searching for the source of the disturbance.
Before them, the ground split open, and a skeletal figure clawed its way out, its empty sockets glowing with an eerie green light. Above its head, a translucent symbol materialised, a stark white [Level 1] emblazoned against the darkness.
This was it. The first test.
Alex, however, stood frozen, a surge of recognition coursing through him. This wasn't just any skeleton. It was a common enemy, a low-level foe he knew intimately from The Old Quest. The [Level 1] symbol, a constant reminder of their power hierarchy, was a detail etched into his very being.
Panic threatened to consume him. How was this possible? Was this some twisted echo of his past life, a manifestation of his memories bleeding into reality? Or was there something far more sinister at play—a connection between The Old Quest and this world that he hadn't even begun to fathom?
His thoughts were cut short as Amelia charged forward, her sword flashing in the dim light. The skeleton lunged at her, its bony claws snapping at the air. The clash of steel against bone echoed through the cavern, the clang a stark reminder of the very real danger they faced.
Instinct, honed from countless hours in The Old Quest, took over. Alex knew exactly how this fight would play out. The skeleton's attacks were slow, predictable. Its only defence was its meager health pool.
With a newfound resolve, he reached into his inventory, the only weapon he possessed—the dagger he'd acquired from the Nightmare Goblin mission. Its familiar weight settled comfortably in his hand. He moved with a practiced grace, years of virtual battles translating into a surprising degree of physical prowess.
The fight was a blur of parries and strikes. Amelia, a seasoned warrior, danced around the lumbering skeleton, her attacks precise and deadly. Alex, fueled by a mix of fear and a strange sense of familiarity, fought with an almost mechanical efficiency, his movements mirroring the countless battles he'd fought in the digital realm.
Within moments, the skeleton lay shattered on the ground, its spectral form dissipating into nothingness. The [Level 1] symbol flickered and vanished, leaving behind an unsettling silence.
Amelia turned to Alex, her eyes wide with surprise. "You… you fought like a seasoned warrior," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
Alex could only nod, his mind reeling from the implications of what had just transpired. This wasn't just a coincidence. This was a confirmation, a terrifying echo of his past life bleeding into this strange new reality. He was no longer just a Battle Sage from The Old Quest. He was a living embodiment of the game, thrust into a world where the lines between virtual and real were dangerously blurred.
"It was just a level 1 Skeleton," Alex replied, wiping sweat from his brow despite the cool air of the cavern.
"Level 1…? What's that?" Amelia's confusion was evident. The concept of levels and numerical representations of power was completely foreign to her in this world.
Alex hesitated, unsure how to explain. The very existence of the [Level 1] symbol was a bridge between his past life in The Old Quest and this new reality, a connection he wasn't entirely comfortable revealing.
He decided to downplay it, offering a vague explanation. "It's… a way to measure strength. Low-level creatures like that Skeleton are the weakest, the most basic enemies you can encounter."
Amelia frowned, still not fully comprehending. "But how do you know that? How can you tell its strength just by looking at it?"
Alex took a deep breath. He couldn't explain the years of experience battling Skeletons in The Old Quest, the countless times he'd seen that symbol flash above their heads. Instead, he opted for a simpler answer.
"It's… a Battle Sage thing," he said, hoping the fabricated title would suffice. "We have ways of sensing an enemy's power."
Amelia, though still skeptical, seemed to accept his explanation for now. They had more pressing concerns. The dungeon was far from conquered.
They continued deeper into the cavernous hall, the air thick with an oppressive magic. The flickering luminescence from the walls cast long, grotesque shadows that danced across the uneven ground. Every few steps, the earth would tremble, and another skeletal figure would rise from the ground, its empty sockets glowing with an eerie green light. Above each one, the translucent symbol materialized, a stark white [Level 1] emblazoned against the darkness.
For Alex, these encounters were a grim echo of his past. Each lumbering skeleton, each predictable attack, was a memory ripped straight from The Old Quest. He dispatched them with practiced ease, his dagger a blur of precise strikes, and his movements a testament to the countless hours spent battling these very enemies in the digital realm.
"It's just another Level 1," Alex muttered, effortlessly deflecting a clumsy claw swipe from a newly risen skeleton before delivering a swift counterstrike that shattered its bony form. The [Level 1] symbol flickered and vanished.
Amelia, meanwhile, fought with the practiced grace of a seasoned warrior. Her sword danced a deadly ballet, each swing precise and lethal. Yet, she couldn't help but be surprised by Alex's almost unnatural efficiency.
"You handle these things… strangely well," she observed, her voice barely a whisper over the clang of steel against bone.
Alex wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, his heart still pounding from the adrenaline rush. "Like I said, it's a Battle Sage thing. We have ways of dealing with… lesser creatures."
"Lesser creatures?" Amelia scoffed, sending a particularly aggressive skeleton flying with a powerful swing of her sword. "They may be weak, but they still come in numbers. And this place… it feels wrong. There's something more to this than just a few skeletons."
Alex couldn't disagree. The oppressive atmosphere, the cryptic warnings, and the unsettling presence of the level indicators all pointed to something far more sinister lurking within the depths of the dungeon.
They continued their trek, dispatching the occasional skeleton with practiced ease. The rhythmic clangs of their weapons echoed through the cavern, a grim counterpoint to their hushed conversation.
"Honestly," Amelia admitted, watching Alex dismantle another skeleton with almost inhuman speed, "you fight more like a seasoned warrior than a Battle Sage."
Alex chuckled, a humourless sound that bounced off the cavern walls. "Looks can be deceiving, Amelia. Sometimes, knowledge is best gained through experience, even if that experience comes from… unconventional sources."
He left the rest unsaid, the spectre of The Old Quest hanging heavy in the air between them. The line between his fabricated identity and his unsettling past was becoming increasingly blurred, a truth he wasn't entirely ready to confront.
As they ventured deeper, the air grew colder, and the oppressive magic intensified. The once scattered skeletons began appearing in larger groups, their mindless attacks a relentless tide. But even these "hordes" posed little threat. Alex and Amelia's movement's a well-rehearsed dance of steel and shadow, cut through them with practiced efficiency.
Yet, amidst the carnage, a single thought echoed in Alex's mind: how long would these Level 1 encounters last? What awaited them further within the dungeon's depths, beyond the realm of the weakest enemies?
< Chapter 6 > Fin.