Adventurers are individuals endowed with unique powers who embark on expeditions to explore and neutralize dungeons. These dungeons harbor formidable creatures from other realms. The only way to eliminate a dungeon is by destroying the heart crystal at its center.
Despite the extreme dangers, millions of adventurers explore these dungeons daily, driven primarily by the prospect of substantial financial gain. Money earned from such ventures can bestow power, respect, authority, and a multitude of other benefits. While there are alternative ways to earn a living, none compare to the wealth and strength gained through adventuring.
Adventurers are classified into seven ranks: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Mithril, Emerald, and Ruby. These ranks determine the level of dungeon an adventurer may access. Dungeons themselves are ranked from F, E, D, C, B, A, S, and X.
To safeguard adventurers, the Adventurer Guild has instituted a rule that restricts lower-ranked adventurers from entering higher ranked dungeons, thereby minimizing the risk of fatalities.
Vitcyth, the largest and most renowned city for adventurers, is celebrated for its abundance of dungeons. Aspiring adventurers flock to Vitcyth, as it offers ample opportunities to join groups for dungeon expeditions and find dungeons to conquer.
Vitcyth was surrounded by high stone walls with huge gates that regulate the flow of people and goods.
Inside, narrow, winding cobblestone streets weave through dense collections of buildings, each with distinct characteristics. At the heart of the city stands a formidable castle, home to the local lord, its tall towers and thick walls dominating the skyline.
The central marketplace is a lively area filled with merchants selling fresh produce, meats, exotic spices, and textiles. Stalls and shops line the square, and the air is filled with the sounds of haggling and the scents of food cooked by street vendors.
Various guilds, such as blacksmiths, cobblers, and carpenters, have workshops scattered throughout the city, marked by signs displaying their emblems.
Homes are typically made of timber and wattle and daub, with thatched or tiled roofs, while wealthier districts feature stone houses with more elaborate designs.
A grand church serves as the spiritual center, its soaring spires and stained glass windows visible from afar. Taverns and inns offer food, drink, and lodging, acting as social hubs for adventures where news and stories are exchanged.
Public squares, adorned with the three statues the adventure kings, title given to the strongest adventure of the generation, host festivals, and announcements. The city is typically surrounded by fertile farmland, supplying it with resources, and roads frequented by traders and travelers.
Vitcyth is a city of constant activity, from the clatter of horse drawn carts to the chatter of townsfolk and the distant toll of church bells.
Walking down the road were five adventurers: April, the healer and support of the team; Bruen, the tank; Dex, the bowman; Vril, the damage dealer and tracker; and Brian, another damage dealer and the leader of the group.
"Hey April, what are you doing after this? How about we grab a drink?" Dex said, sidling up to April and attempting to put his arm around her shoulder.
April deflected his arm with her staff. "Why even bother asking? You always get the same answer," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Dex, quit it. You know she's got her eyes on someone special," Vril teased, nudging Dex with his elbow.
"W-What! Stop talking nonsense!" April stammered, her cheeks turning pink.
"Haha! You guys are so mean! Come on, be mean to me too!" Bruen laughed, trying to join in on the fun.
"Bruen, nobody wants to mess with you. You're a guy, not a girl. Plus, you'd accidentally squash one of us with that massive body of yours and not even notice," Vril retorted, earning nods from April and Dex.
As the group bantered and joked, Brian suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"What's up, Brian?" April asked.
"I just remembered I have something to take care of today. I need to head out," Brian replied.
"Aw, really? I was looking forward to having a drink or two. But we can reschedule. Just don't bail on us next time, okay?" April said with a mock stern look.
"I promise," Brian said with a smile before saying his goodbyes and heading to the Adventurer Guild.
The adventurer's guild is an impressive, fortified structure made of stone and timber. Its exterior is adorned with flags and banners displaying the guild's emblem, and heavy wooden doors lead into the main hall.
Inside, the hall is spacious and lively, filled with long wooden tables and benches where adventurers gather for different purposes.
A large fireplace casts a warm glow, and the walls are decorated with trophies from destroying high ranked dungeons.
At one end, a massive quest board is covered with notices and contracts, while the opposite side features a well stocked armory and workshop where weapons and armor are crafted and maintained.
An adjoining library is filled with maps and ancient tomes, providing a quiet space for study and research.
Brian approached the front counter where he was greeted by an elf woman.
"Hello, how may I assist you today?"
"I'd like to exchange some monster parts," Brian replied, placing fangs, claws, and fur from the monster he hunted in his last dungeon on the counter.
"Metal wolf parts. For this amount, you'll receive fifteen silver coins."
Brian nodded and exchanged the monster parts for the silver coins. He then left and made his way to a dark and ominous alley.
At the end of the alley stood a shadowy figure. As Brian approached, he saw an old man in ragged clothing with a thin, frail body.
"Old Krul, did you miss me?" Brian asked with a cheerful smile.
"Of course I did! You still owe me money!" Krul replied jokingly.
Brian laughed and sat down beside him. "Did you raise your rank yet?" Krul asked.
"Yes," Brian lied blatantly.
Krul sighed. "You need to forget about this group you're with. You have potential, and they're holding you back."
"You know I can't do that. They're my friends. We've been through life and death together. Without them, I'd be alone."
"It'll be worth it," Krul insisted.
"Are you sure? Look what happened to you. I'm the only person you have left."
The mood grew somber, and they sat in silence for a moment before Krul broke it. "Whatever, just give me my money."
Brian handed Krul fourteen silver coins. "I'll see you soon," he said.
"Don't come back unless you bring food along with my payment!" Krul shouted as Brian walked away.
As Brian strolled through the streets of Vitcyth, he spotted a familiar face: a brown haired, green eyed guy with a bow on his back.
"Hey, Dex. What are you doing out here alone?"
Dex turned to see Brian approaching. "When you left, everyone else went back to the inn. I was craving a drink, so that's where I'm heading. Come join me."
"I can't. We wake up early for a dungeon mission, so I want to be at peak performance," Brian said, preparing to leave, but Dex grabbed his arm and dragged him toward his favorite tavern.
"Stop being so uptight. We raid these dungeons all the time. We know them like the back of our hands."
Brian sighed, knowing he wouldn't be able to escape once Dex had made up his mind.