Introduction
Broke awoke with a start, her body drenched in cold sweat. The remnants of the nightmare still lingered in her mind like persistent shadows. She took a few moments to catch her breath and compose herself, trying to erase the vision of the dark knight and the wretched figures crying out for help.
"It's getting worse..."
She got up from the straw bed in the cheap inn where she had spent the night and dressed quickly, putting on her light armor and adjusting her worn cloak. It was better not to prolong her stay; the less time she spent in one place, the better.
Stepping out into the streets of the city, Broke was greeted by the usual bustle of daily life. Haventusk, the city surrounding one of the great Abysses, never slept, always teeming with activity. Merchants shouted their wares, blacksmiths hammered hot metal, and groups of Adventurers discussed their next missions.
As she walked along the cobblestone street, she felt a familiar presence approaching. Before she could react, a sarcastic voice echoed in her ears.
"Well, if it isn't our strongest Hunter, always so lost in dark thoughts."
She turned slowly, her eyes meeting the hooded figure of Vorgue. He was a mysterious man, always wrapped in a long, black, dirty, and worn coat. His face was hidden in the shadows of the hood, but Broke knew well the irritating tone of his voice.
"Vorgue." she responded with a curt nod.
"What do you want?"
He took a step forward, his low, guttural laugh resonating in the busy street. "Straight to the point, as always. I have a commission for you. Another mapping job in the Abyss. It seems they've found a new, unknown path down there."
Broke frowned, crossing her arms. "And why should I care?"
"Because..." he said, leaning slightly towards her,
"It's a rare and very lucrative opportunity. But you'll need a group of Adventurers and an Explorer. You can't do it alone; you're not an Explorer. You couldn't manage it."
She considered the proposal for a moment. Hunting in the Abyss was always dangerous, but the rewards were usually worth it. And she needed the money. Finally, she nodded.
"Who will be in the group?" she asked, her voice neutral.
Vorgue shrugged, a barely perceptible gesture under his cloak. "They're a local group of Adventurers. Experienced enough. They'll meet you at the Screaming Boar tavern at nightfall. They'll be waiting."
Broke paused briefly, looking at the mysterious man. "You're not plotting anything, right?"
He laughed again, a sound that made Broke stay alert. "Oh, of course not, dear Broke. I have nothing against you, you know. But I'll take a cut of the money, as always."
Without further words, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Broke alone.
Part 1
As the sun began to set, casting long, reddish shadows along the cobbled streets of Haventusk, Broke walked toward the tavern. The city was vibrant, a mixture of energy and tension. The torches were already lit, casting a flickering light that danced on the stone walls of the old buildings. The smell of hot metal and burning coal came from the blacksmiths' forges, while the aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread emanated from the food stalls. Merchants announced their products in loud voices, trying to attract the attention of the Hunters and Adventurers who roamed the streets.
Broke walked quickly, her cloak swaying gently around her. She didn't like crowds, but the need for money and resources was imperative. Finally, the tavern emerged before her, a sturdy building of wood and stone, with lit windows and double doors that swung with the constant coming and going of patrons.
She pushed the door open, greeted by a wave of heat, laughter, and lively conversation. The tavern's interior was crowded, tables full of workers, mercenaries, and Adventurers. Barrels of beer were stacked behind the counter, where the innkeeper and his assistants served drinks non-stop. The atmosphere was charged with a spirit of camaraderie and competition, a place where alliances were formed and broken just as quickly.
Instead of heading directly to a table, Broke went to the counter. A beautiful blonde woman ran the place with efficiency and charm, attending to orders with a smile. Broke approached and waited patiently for the woman to finish serving a customer before speaking.
"I'm looking for a group of Adventurers," said Broke, her voice direct and unhesitating.
The blonde woman smiled and looked around. "You must be talking about the group over there in the corner," she said, discreetly pointing to a table where several figures were gathered.
"They're waiting for someone."
Before Broke could move, one of the group members, an elf archer, heard the conversation and approached. He had a keen look and a curious smile.
"Are you Broke?" he asked, his voice full of interest.
"The famous Hunter known for being unbeatable?"
She nodded, maintaining eye contact with the elf. "Yes, that's me."
The elf smiled more broadly and gestured for her to follow. "Come, we're waiting for you."
Broke followed the elf to the table where the group awaited. The elf archer introduced himself first. "I'm Lirian, and this is our group. We're ready to descend into the abyss together."
The human mage, who seemed to be in the middle of some notation in his journal, looked up and smiled. "I'm Thalon. It will be a pleasure to have you with us, Broke."
"Name's Garen..." said the warrior, extending his hand.
"We need someone else on the front line for this mission."
The Terian rogue introduced herself last, with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "And I'm Ellen. Welcome to the group."
Before Broke could respond, the tavern's kitchen door burst open with a crash. A broad-shouldered, muscular dwarf woman, carrying an enormous roasted Screaming Boar, crossed the hall with heavy steps. She approached the table and, with a brusque movement, slammed the boar onto the table, making the wood tremble.
"Eat up, you weaklings!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the hall.
Everyone at the table was startled by the sudden aggression but soon laughed, realizing it was just the dwarf's way. They began to serve themselves, voraciously eating the succulent boar.
"That's Bruni," said Lirian, still laughing.
"She's one of the tavern's owners and an excellent cook."
Broke took a piece of meat and began to eat, keeping silent. She observed the group, trying to understand their dynamics. She felt a slight sense of comfort in the normalcy of the situation, but she couldn't let herself feel that.
As the night advanced and conversations flowed, Broke felt increasingly relaxed. She didn't lower her guard completely, but she allowed herself a small breath before the great mission that awaited them in the abyss.
"So, Broke..." said Thalon, after taking a long drink of beer.
"Ready to explore the abyss with us?"
She looked at him, with determination. "Always."
Part 2
The next morning, the sun had barely risen over the horizon when Broke and the group of Adventurers gathered at the agreed meeting point. The air was still fresh, and the city of Haventusk was just beginning to wake up. They were ready to depart, all in silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the mission ahead.
While they waited for the cart that would take them to the edge of the abyss, a man approached them. He was the Explorer, who hadn't shown up at the tavern the previous night. He had a confident posture, wearing a long cloak and carrying a backpack full of mapping equipment.
"Sorry for the delay," he said with a sarcastic smile.
"I had some last-minute preparations. I'm Ethan, and I'll be your guide on this expedition."
The Adventurers greeted Ethan, and Lirian, the elf archer, waved to the approaching cart. "Let's get going then; we have a long journey ahead."
The cart was large enough to accommodate the entire group and their equipment. Pulled by two sturdy horses, it seemed well-equipped for the journey to the edge of the abyss. They boarded, adjusting their weapons and backpacks around them. The driver, a silent man, nodded and soon they were on their way.
As the cart bounced along the uneven roads leading to the Abyss, Ethan began to explain the mission's details. "Our main objective is to map an unknown detour on the southern side of Kevin Abyss. This detour is not recorded on any existing maps, and we need to know what's there. You are here to support me and ensure my safety while I do the mapping."
He looked at each of the adventurers, including Broke, who remained silent, just listening attentively. "If we encounter creatures or any kind of threat, you deal with them. My job is to chart the path and document everything."
The group nodded, understanding the mission's gravity. They all knew the Abysses were dangerous places, full of mysteries and deadly creatures.
After several hours of travel, the cart finally arrived at a sort of outpost. The outpost was a sturdy structure of metal and stone, surrounded by a high palisade to protect against any danger coming from the Abyss. Several other Adventurers and Hunters were present, preparing for their own expeditions.
Ethan was the first to get off the cart, followed by the others. They presented their official documents to the guards at the outpost, who inspected them carefully before allowing their entry.
"Welcome to Southern Outpost 3 of Kevin Abyss," one of the guards said, returning their documents.
"Be careful down there. Many enter the abyss, but not all come back."
Broke just nodded, used to such warnings. They proceeded toward the entrance to the abyss, a giant door opening before them. Stone-carved stairs led down into the heart of the abyss and to the unknown depths below.