The Adventurer's Guild buzzed with anticipation under the early morning light. Dawn's first rays filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows and bathing the room in a soft, golden hue. The cool air was filled with the clatter of armor and the rustle of gear as players made their final preparations.
Outside, the streets of Fort Keller began to stir, with vendors setting up their stalls and the distant murmur of the town coming to life.
Inside the guild, the energy was electric, a blend of excitement and nerves as adventurers gathered, ready to face the day's challenge: Defeat the Beginner Dungeon's 15th Floor Boss.
Damien stood alongside Cass, Grizz, and Tyson at the heart of the Adventurer's Guild, encircled by a sea of eager faces. Grizz stepped forward, his voice cutting through the morning buzz.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Grizz, and these are my comrades—Damien, Cass, and Tyson. We've thoroughly explored the Beginner Dungeon and pinpointed the location of the 15th Floor Boss."
He paused, letting the words sink in. "This morning, we'll brief you on what we've learned about its nature and abilities. The more information we share, the better our chances of victory." The crowd hushed, their eyes fixed on Grizz, ready for the crucial details.
Grizz took a deep breath and addressed the gathered players. "The Boss is what's called a Bonewarden," he began. "It's a hulking beast, covered in an exoskeleton of hardened bone—basically walking armor. Its strength lies in its size and its defenses, but that's not all. It's agile. Practically moves like a cat, despite its size. It can also shoot energy bombs straight from its mouth, and if that's not enough, it can summon bone spikes from the ground to trap or impale anyone unlucky enough to get caught."
One player in the back raised his hand. "How do we get through that exoskeleton? Is it weak anywhere?"
Grizz nodded. "Good question. From what we observed, the Bonewarden's armor is thick, but there are gaps between the bone plates along its sides and underbelly. It's not easy to hit, but with enough force or precision, we can break through those weak points."
Another player chimed in, "What about the energy bombs? How do we avoid those?"
Grizz looked over to Damien, who stepped forward. "When it charges up for a blast, its eyes glow brighter for a split second. That's your cue to move. Dodge fast, or you're toast."
Cass added, "And those bone spikes? Keep moving, don't let yourself get cornered. The moment it starts summoning spikes, it's a game of positioning."
A player near the front spoke up, "What about the loot? Who gets the drop after we kill it?"
Damien stepped in. "Good question. With Bosses like the Bonewarden, the system's pretty straightforward. Whoever lands the final blow gets the Drop Crystal, plus any items that come with it. The system handles it automatically, so no fighting over the spoils."
Tyson grinned and added, "But hey, the real treasure is making sure we survive to get that loot in the first place."
Laughter rippled through the group, but the tension remained. The raid was close.
Another voice rose from the crowd, "So, we gotta dodge spikes, break through armor, and avoid getting blown up by energy bombs? No pressure, huh?"
Damien smirked. "Exactly. It's not gonna be easy, but if we work together and play smart, we can take it down."
Grizz glanced at the group, his voice calm but firm. "This isn't just about loot or leveling up our Traits. We take out the Bonewarden, we prove we're ready for whatever this world throws at us. Now, any more questions before we take this thing on?"
A few murmurs spread through the room, but the players were ready.
"Good. Now, we'll break into three main categories: attackers, tankers, and flankers," Grizz continued. "Attackers, step forward if you've been honing offensive skills. Light armor, swords, maces, polearms—if you live for the heat of battle, you're in this group. Damien will be your captain."
The players quickly moved into pairs, scanning the room for someone they could trust. Weapons were compared, and strategies whispered. After a few minutes, the entire group was paired up.
"Good. Now, we'll break into three main categories: attackers, tankers, and flankers," Grizz continued. "Attackers, step forward if you've been honing offensive skills. Light armor, swords, maces, polearms—if you live for the heat of battle, you're in this group. Damien will be your captain. Tankers, you're up next. If you've been training to take hits and keep your team safe, I want you over here. Big guys, Beastmen, greatsword wielders, warhammers—anyone in heavy armor, squad up. I'll be leading us. "Flankers, you're last. Daggers, bows, agility. If you're fast and can strike from the shadows or range, you're with Cass. We'll need you to avoid the Bonewarden's direct attacks and hit its weak spots when the time comes."
A surge of players moved through the room as they organized themselves in their respective groups.
Grizz raised his voice, commanding the room's attention. "Alright, everyone, listen up. This is a team effort, and the key to taking down the Bonewarden is working together. We're splitting into pairs. Find a partner—someone who can cover your weaknesses. You two will be responsible for each other's lives out there."
"Uh, Damien?"
Damien turned at the sound of the voice, coming face-to-face with a Salamander player. She was striking—short, white hair that framed her sharp, determined face, olive skin, black, webbed ears, and the signature black, reptilian tail of her race. Her hands were black and clawed, matching her tail, and yet, she wasn't holding a weapon, which immediately caught Damien's attention.
She's beautiful. The thought pervaded his mind without his permission, but he couldn't argue with it. She was the most attractive person in the room, even objectively.
"Wanna partner up, captain?" she asked with a confident smirk, her sky blue eyes gleaming as if she knew she didn't need a blade to back up her bravado.
Damien raised an eyebrow, scanning her up and down. "No weapon? You planning to take the Bonewarden down with your claws alone?"
She shrugged casually. "Don't need a weapon when your whole body's built for a fight. Trust me—I've got more firepower than any sword could give me." Her tail flicked behind her, emphasizing her point.
Damien's smirk mirrored hers. "Alright, you've got my attention. Let's see if you can keep up."
"Name's Kiyara," she said, extending a clawed hand.
"Damien," he replied, shaking her hand firmly. "You better be as tough as you look, Kiyara. We're going to need it."
She gave a toothy grin, her sharp Salamander features only making her seem more dangerous. "Oh, I'm tougher."
Grizz locked in with Tauro, a bull Beastman whose sheer size and strength were only matched by his enormous warhammer. Just standing side by side, they looked menacing.
Cass joined forces with Tigressa, a sleek, predatory Tiger Beastman wielding dual, jagged daggers.
Tyson opted for Fang, a mysterious, hooded Wolf Beastman. Fang's wolf ears peeked out from under his hood, his sharp snout and gleaming fangs adding to his menacing look. With a katana in hand, he exuded a lethal grace that set him apart from the rest.
Damien stepped forward. "Remember your roles. Stick with your teams, and watch each other's backs. This is how we win."
••••
At the entrance to the 15th Floor Boss Room, the raid party gathered, anticipation crackling in the air. Grizz stepped forward, his voice steady and filled with confidence.
"Alright, everyone, this is it," he began, his tone both reassuring and commanding. "We've come a long way to get here. We've faced countless enemies, conquered tough floors, and now we stand on the brink of our biggest challenge yet. Remember, we're not just fighting for loot or glory; we're fighting to prove our mettle. Trust in your training, your gear, and your teammates. Stick together, and we'll bring this beast down. Let's show this Boss what we're made of!"
Grizz and Damien stood at the forefront, their faces set with determination.
"Alright, on three," Grizz announced. "One… two… three!"
With a combined heave, the two pushed against the immense weight of the doors. The iron creaked and groaned, scraping against the stone walls as they slowly swung open. A heavy silence fell over the room as the doors revealed the dark, shadowy interior beyond.
One by one, the torches lining the walls erupted into eerie blue flames, casting a ghostly light over the vast room. The shadows danced ominously, but the Boss remained shrouded in darkness. The raid party crept forward, weapons drawn and nerves on edge.
"Everyone, move in with caution. Stay close to your partner," Damien instructed, his voice steady despite the palpable tension.
The silence was unsettling, broken only by the occasional scuffle of boots on stone. Damien's mind raced—could someone have already cleared the dungeon? There was no indication of another organized raid. The thought was cut short as the ground erupted in a sudden onslaught of bone spikes, impaling several players instantly. Panic spread like wildfire as the party scattered.
"Move! Don't get hit by the spikes!" Damien shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Kiyara, running alongside him, shouted, "Where the hell is the Boss!?"
Damien's gaze darted around, and then, by chance, he looked up. There, clinging to the ceiling with its bone claws, was the Bonewarden. Its massive, spiked frame was barely visible in the dim light.
"Look up!" Damien yelled.
The monster's red eyes glowed malevolently as it roared, its grip on the ceiling shifting as it prepared to strike. Damien's HUD flashed with the Boss's red title: Bonewarden. Its health bars were displayed above it, each one a crimson strip, revealing four daunting tiers of health that glowed ominously in the dim light of the dungeon.
A blinding light gathered in the Bonewarden's gaping jaws, swirling into a pulsating energy bomb. Damien and Kiyara dove to the side as the bomb detonated where they had been moments before. The Bonewarden dropped from the ceiling with a bone-jarring thud, its landing sending tremors through the floor.
The creature before them was massive, its hulking form moving on all fours, cloaked in a black hide beneath a hardened, bone-plated exterior. Eight jagged bone spikes jutted down its spine, giving it the appearance of a walking fortress, while a bone-spiked tail swayed ominously behind. Its beak, sharp and angular, clacked together as it breathed, glowing red eyes peering from hollow, shadowed sockets. Every step it took was accompanied by the unsettling sound of bones scraping together, like a crypt coming to life.
It roared once more, blowing back Damien's hair and sending chills down his spine. Nevertheless, he tightened his grip on his sword, and pushed forward.
"Form up!" Damien shouted over the din. "Flankers, get into position! Tankers, hold its attention!"
As the players scrambled into their assigned roles, the Bonewarden's gaze fixed on Grizz and Tauro, who were the first to engage. Grizz, his massive warhammer gleaming, charged forward with a fierce battle cry. His heavy footsteps shook the ground, each step resonating with the thunderous clash of his weapon.
Tauro, the bull Beastman, followed closely, his muscles rippling beneath his fur as he swung his colossal axe. The weapon crashed into the Bonewarden's exoskeleton with a resounding clang, sending shards of bone flying. The beast roared in pain, the sound echoing through the chamber.
Damien dove into the heart of the chaos, his blade gleaming under the flickering torchlight. With a sharp command, he drew the Bonewarden's attention, its red eyes locking onto him with a murderous gleam. The massive beast, still reeling from the combined assault of the raid party, now turned its full fury towards Damien.
With a fierce battle cry, Damien sidestepped a sweeping bone-spiked tail, the air rushing past him as the tail whistled inches from his face. He retaliated with a swift, precise strike, his sword cleaving through the Bonewarden's tough exoskeleton. The blade hissed through the air, embedding itself into a joint with a satisfying thud.
The Bonewarden roared, its bony armor rattling with the effort.
"HAAH!"
Damien sprang forward, launching himself into a series of rapid, spinning attacks. His sword flashed in the dim light, a blur of silver as he carved through the air. Each strike was a carefully calculated move, targeting the vulnerable points where the Bonewarden's armor was weakest. The beast roared in frustration, its massive claws swiping wildly in an attempt to swat him away.
Suddenly, the Bonewarden reared back, its jaws glowing with the telltale sign of an incoming energy bomb. Damien's eyes widened as the beast gathered its energy, the swirling light growing more intense by the second. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, racing towards the beast with a burst of speed.
As the energy bomb shot forth, Damien leaped into the air, his sword held high. He twisted in mid-air, narrowly avoiding the explosion as it blasted the ground beneath him. The force of the blast sent a shockwave through the chamber, but Damien landed smoothly, his landing barely disturbed by the impact.
Cass darted in with her longsword, the blade slicing through the air with a whistle before it met the Bonewarden's hide, sending sparks flying as she cleaved through a section of its exposed armor. Tyson followed immediately, his mace crashing down with earth-shattering force, the impact so heavy that the ground trembled. The Bonewarden let out a shriek as bones splintered under Tyson's strike. Fang was a blur, his katana flashing like lightning as he weaved through the chaos. Every time the Bonewarden shifted, Fang was there, slashing at joints and vulnerable spots with deadly precision.
As the Bonewarden staggered from the relentless onslaught of Cass, Tyson, Fang, and the flankers, Damien seized the opportunity to add his own firepower to the mix. He took a few quick steps back, his breath coming in sharp bursts as he prepared for the next phase of their strategy.
With a determined look, Damien pulled a cluster of explosive bombs from his inventory, their sleek, metallic surfaces catching the dim, flickering light of the room. Each bomb was imbued with a faint, pulsating glow, hinting at the potent energy contained within. He hurled the first bomb with a practiced flick of his wrist, the device spinning through the air in an elegant arc.
The bomb struck the Bonewarden with pinpoint accuracy, exploding in a burst of fire and shrapnel that rocked the beast and sent debris scattering. The Bonewarden roared in pain as the explosion shattered more of its exposed bone armor, sending cracks spiderwebbing across its surface.
Damien didn't wait for the dust to settle. He quickly grabbed another bomb and tossed it, this time aiming for a spot where the Bonewarden's armor was already weakened. The second bomb detonated with a thunderous crack, creating a massive burst of flame that engulfed the creature's side. The fire blazed hot and fierce, further breaking down the Bonewarden's defenses and causing it to thrash wildly in an attempt to escape the flames.
As the flames from Damien's last bomb flickered and died, the Bonewarden's rage intensified. The beast let out a guttural roar, its red eyes burning with an unrelenting fury. The once-wounded creature, now seething with anger, turned its full attention toward Damien. With a bone-chilling screech, it charged forward, its massive frame pounding the ground with each step.
Damien's eyes widened as the Bonewarden barreled toward him, its beak snapping ferociously. He barely had time to react, his instincts screaming at him to move. But before he could make a move, Kiyara leaped into action.
With swift precision, she darted between Damien and the rampaging beast. Her fists clenched, she met the Bonewarden's charge head-on, using her agility to parry the beast's snapping beak with a perfectly timed block. The clash of bone against bone echoed through the room as Kiyara's strength held firm, the force of the impact sending a shockwave through her arms.
She gritted her teeth, her eyes locked on the Bonewarden as it snarled in frustration. "I've got this!" Kiyara shouted, her voice resolute despite the strain. With a powerful shove, she pushed against the Bonewarden's beak, forcing it back.
Damien quickly recovered from the near-miss, his heart racing as he took in the sight of Kiyara defending him. He refocused, his mind racing through their strategy. "Thanks, Kiyara!" he called out, his voice filled with relief.
Kiyara pivoted, using her momentum to deliver a series of rapid, powerful punches to the Bonewarden's head. Each strike landed with precision, her fists moving like blurs of motion. The beast staggered under the assault, its eyes flashing with pain and confusion.
The Bonewarden, visibly shaken by Kiyara's relentless barrage of punches, snarled in frustration before retreating to attack another group of players. Damien's stomach churned as he watched the beast's brutal assault—players were devoured and ripped apart, their screams swallowed by the monster's ravenous maw. Blood and entrails sprayed across the room.
Getting caught in that thing's mouth is pretty much instant death, no matter how much HP you have, Damien thought. I need to step in, they're getting destroyed.
Damien took advantage of the distraction. He moved in close, his sword flashing as he sliced at the Bonewarden's exposed sides. The blade cut through the weakened armor, sending splinters of bone flying with each swing.
"Keep the pressure on!" Damien yelled, coordinating their attacks. "We can't let it recover!"
As Damien darted in, his blade flashing in a series of precise cuts, Kiyara dashed forward beside him, her fists ready to deliver a powerful punch. She leaped into the air, her right fist connecting with the Bonewarden's jaw in a resounding impact. The beast staggered, its jaw snapping shut as it recoiled from the blow.
Kiyara landed nimbly, rolling back to Damien's side. "Heads up, Damien!" she called, her eyes sparkling with determination. As Damien spun to face the Bonewarden, Kiyara took advantage of the opening. She leaped off Damien's shoulders with a powerful thrust, her feet propelling her high into the air.
The Bonewarden, still reeling from Damien's attacks, looked up just in time to see Kiyara coming down like a comet. She brought her fists down in a wind-up punch, the force of her strike magnified by the momentum. Her attack crashed into the Bonewarden's back with a thunderous impact. The sound of shattering bone echoed through the chamber as the beast's exoskeleton cracked and splintered under the force.
The Bonewarden let out a deafening roar, its body collapsing to the ground with a mighty thud. The once-formidable armor was shattered, the bone spikes that lined its back reduced to fragments. The beast lay sprawled on the floor, its once-proud stance now a crumpled heap of shattered bone and defeated fury.
Now's my chance, Damien thought.
He seized the opportunity as the Bonewarden reeled from the relentless assault. With a roar of determination, he lunged forward, driving his sword deep into the gaping wound exposed on the creature's side. The blade sank into the exposed flesh with a satisfying crunch.
The Bonewarden let out a guttural, enraged roar, thrashing wildly as if trying to shake off the final blow. Damien watched, adrenaline pumping, as the creature's fourth and final HP bar dwindled to 0. The once-intimidating red bar vanished, leaving only the remnants of the Bonewarden's furious struggle.
With a bone-rattling groan, the colossal beast crumpled to the ground, its eyes dimming to a lifeless glow. The impact of its fall sent a tremor through the room. Damien yanked his sword free, sweat mingling with the dust and grime of battle.
The room erupted in triumphant cheers as the Bonewarden lay defeated, its monstrous form now just a hulking heap on the floor. The raiders celebrated their victory, the tension and fear replaced by exhilaration and relief. The clamor of victory echoed through the dungeon.
A dark crystal materialized from the Bonewarden's remains—the Eclipse's Shadow (Legendary). It pulsed with an eerie, captivating light before slipping into Damien's inventory.
This'll fetch a good amount of credits back at the Guild, he thought.
From the remnants of the Bonewarden, another item shimmered into existence—a Tear of Daemora.
He bent down and picked up the item—a perfectly smooth, translucent teardrop that pulsed with a faint, ethereal light. Its surface shimmered with shifting colors, like an oil slick, casting faint reflections of blues, purples, and blacks. It felt almost weightless in his hand, yet there was a palpable sense of power humming within, though its purpose remained completely unknown to him.
The Tear of Daemora vanished from Damien's hand in a flash of light, its crystalline form dissolving into particles as it automatically transferred into his inventory. A small icon of the teardrop now glowed softly in the corner of his HUD, marked with a gold border. He stared at it for a moment, curious and clueless of its meaning.
Notifications began to pop up on his HUD, each one signaling the results of the intense battle.
Swordsmanship: Upgraded. You are becoming a skilled swordsman.
Damien's precise strikes and tactical maneuvers had sharpened his skills. His proficiency with swords had increased significantly, granting him enhanced attack speed and precision. The HUD displayed a new message: +10% Damage Output.
Tactical Awareness: Enhanced - The constant shifting of positions, coordinating with Kiyara, and making split-second decisions during the battle had honed Damien's tactical instincts. His ability to read and react to the battlefield had improved. +5% Evasion and +7% Accuracy.
Leadership: Boosted - Leading the raid, issuing commands, and keeping morale high under pressure had bolstered Damien's leadership skills. The HUD flashed: +8% Morale Boost to Team Members.
Kiyara patted Damien on the back, her grin wide with satisfaction. "Nice moves out there. That was some teamwork."
Damien, catching his breath, gave a weary but satisfied smile. "Couldn't have done it without you. Great job."
He wiped the sweat from his brow, his heart still racing from the intensity of the fight.
Grizz clapped Damien on the back, his grin wide despite the exhaustion in his beady, bear eyes. "Hell of a fight, kid. We did it."
Tyson leaned against his mace, breathing heavily but with a satisfied grin. "That was wild. I've never seen a boss go down like that before."
Cass, usually calm and composed, let out a laugh that surprised even herself. "We actually pulled it off."
Damien, still gripping his sword, felt a wave of relief wash over him. They'd done it. Together. He looked at his friends. "Yeah," he finally said, cracking a smile. "We did."
Grizz nudged Damien with his elbow. "You almost had me worried back there with that reckless dive."
Damien shrugged, smirking. "You say reckless, I say calculated risk."
Tauro, the massive bull Beastman, rolled his shoulders, the ground nearly trembling under his steps as he approached. "You fight like a mouse with a death wish," he rumbled, a grin barely tugging at his lips. "Next time, let someone bigger take the hits."
"Noted," Damien replied, eyeing the warhammer resting on Tauro's shoulder. "But then who would be left to pull off the cool stunts?"
Cass sheathed her sword with a nod toward Fang. "You and that katana—you move quiet. I didn't even see half your strikes."
Fang's wolf ears twitched beneath his hood, his yellow eyes glancing at her. "I like to keep it that way."
Tyson laughed, the sound rough and full of energy. "Fang's a ghost when he wants to be. I swear, one second he's there, the next, nothing. And don't get me started on you, Cass," he added, pointing at Cass. "You were going off."
Cass snorted. "Yeah, well, thank goodness I had Tigressa backing me up."
Kiyara sidled up next to Damien, giving him a sideways glance. "So, Captain. Think you've earned your stripes after that mess?"
He chuckled, eyeing the Tear of Daemora in his inventory—a crystalline teardrop, shimmering faintly like it held a storm inside. "I don't even know what this thing does, but I've got a feeling it's pretty important. It's called a Tear of Daemora, and Daemora is the Goddess of this world, after all."
"Probably," she said, with a smirk. "Who knows? It could just be a souvenir."
"Fair point," Damien replied, glancing around at the ragtag team they had formed. "Drinks on Tyson when we get back?"
Tyson, already grinning, raised his mace. "Damn right. Everyone's earned it."
Grizz nodded. "Let's enjoy this while it lasts. Tomorrow's another day."
With that, they began to gather their gear, no grand speeches, no over-the-top celebration—just the subtle, shared sense that they'd walked away from something big. And somehow, that felt better than any victory cry.
••••
When the raid party returned to the Adventurer's Guild, the atmosphere was electric. The place buzzed with life, the din of clinking glasses and raucous laughter filling the room. Lanterns hanging from the rafters cast a warm, golden glow over the jubilant crowd. Tyson, never one to shy away from celebration, slapped a stack of coins on the bar and called out, "Drinks on me!"
The bartender, a burly dwarf with a bushy beard, grinned and began serving up frothy ales and colorful concoctions with impressive speed. A cheer erupted from the crowd, and soon, the whole guild was joining in, their voices mingling with the music from a lively bard strumming his lute on a makeshift stage.
Damien approached the guild's reward counter, where an NPC attendant awaited with an expectant smile. He placed the Eclipse's Shadow on the counter, its inky black surface shimmering faintly in the dim light. It looked almost like a piece of the night sky, swirling with dark energy within its crystalline form.
The attendant nodded, inspecting the rare drop with a keen eye before offering a respectful bow. "A fine find, indeed," he said. With a wave of his hand, a window popped up in Damien's HUD, displaying the item exchange options. He navigated through the menus, his eyes flicking over the choices, some offering high-tier gear, others unique abilities, and potions he had never even heard of.
After a moment's hesitation, Damien confirmed the trade. The Eclipse's Shadow dissolved into particles of light, transferring into his account as a significant sum of guild currency, along with a new item in his inventory: a sleek black cloak, imbued with shadowy properties.
He inspected the cloak in his inventory—"Cloak of the Nightstalker." It provided boosts to agility and evasion, with a special passive skill that allowed the wearer to blend into shadows seamlessly. A grin crept across Damien's face; this was a game-changer. He equipped it immediately, feeling the fabric mold to his form like a second skin. The edges of the cloak seemed to ripple and fade into the dim lighting of the guild hall, already proving its worth.
Turning away from the counter, he spotted his team scattered throughout the hall, still immersed in celebration. Kiyara, catching sight of him, raised an eyebrow at the new cloak. "Looking slick," she remarked, clearly impressed.
Damien's heart thumped loudly in his chest as Kiyara approached. He had faced down dungeon bosses, but the sight of her walking toward him made his pulse quicken in a way he wasn't ready for. Her sky-blue eyes locked onto his, and he felt like they could see right through to the core of him, igniting something warm in his chest.
"Thanks," he managed to say, keeping his voice steady despite the sudden rush of nerves.
Kiyara's Salamander tail flicked behind her, a subtle sign of her own energy. "We should add each other to our friends list," she suggested, her voice carrying an easy confidence.
"Yeah, sure." He nodded, trying not to sound too eager. The friend request popped up on his HUD, and he accepted it with a quick tap. A moment passed between them, a silent exchange that felt charged with something unspoken. Kiyara took a small step closer, her presence like an electric current in the air.
"So, Captain," she said softly, her eyes not leaving his, "what are your plans now?"
He smirked, trying to play it cool. "Keep playing the game, of course. As for specifics... I haven't really worked out the details yet. Figured I'd just see how things go."
Kiyara placed a reptilian hand on his arm, her touch both warm and firm. "Well, I wish you all the best on your journey. It was a pleasure fighting alongside you today."
"The pleasure was all mine," Damien replied, his voice dropping slightly, the words coming out more sincere than he'd intended.
Kiyara's lips curled into a smile. Without warning, she leaned in, her breath warm against his skin, and gave him a light peck on the cheek. Before he could even process what had happened, she turned on her heel and slipped back into the crowd, her tail swaying behind her.
Damien stood there, utterly stunned. His brain felt like it had hit a reset button.
Did she just… kiss me?
She kissed me!
The thought looped in his mind as he touched his cheek, half-expecting it to be burning with the same heat that was now spreading across his face.
His heart hammered against his ribcage, the guild hall's noise slowly filtering back into his awareness. For a guy who always had a plan, this one moment had left him completely unarmed.
"So, uh, you planning on standing there all night, or what?"
Tyson stepped in, breaking Damien's daze with a firm pat on the back. "You look like you just got hit by a stun spell," he chuckled, his voice carrying that no-nonsense tone he always had, but with a hint of amusement.
Damien blinked, turning to see Tyson standing there, one eyebrow cocked, his mace resting casually on his shoulder. Grizz, his battle axe resting on his back, stood beside him. The corners of Tyson's mouth quirked up in a smirk as he glanced between Damien and Kiyara, who had moved on to chat with others across the room.
"What? No," Damien stammered, feeling his cheeks flush again. He dropped his hand from his cheek, trying to act like nothing had just happened. "I was just... thinking."
"Thinking, huh?" Grizz teased, crossing his arms. 'Looked more like you were short-circuiting. What's the matter, Captain? Kiyara got you tongue-tied?'
Damien groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not you too, Grizz. It was just a kiss on the cheek."
"Oh, sure,' Grizz said, dragging out the words. "Just a friendly little kiss in front of everyone, right? No big deal at all." He clapped Damien on the back with a burly paw, almost knocking the wind out of him. "You're practically a legend already. Conqueror of dungeons and hearts alike."
Damien sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Hey, someone's gotta keep you grounded," Grizz laughed heartily. "Besides, it's nice to see you knocked off your game for once."
"She got you good," Tyson teased, crossing his arms. "Didn't think I'd ever see the fearless Damien at a loss for words."
Damien huffed out a breath, rubbing his neck in a futile attempt to play it cool. "It's not like that," he muttered. "She was just... being friendly."
"Right," Tyson nodded slowly, sarcasm dripping from every syllable. "Because we all go around giving each other 'friendly' kisses in the middle of the guildhall. Totally normal."
Damien rolled his eyes. "You done?"
"Not even close," Tyson grinned, leaning in a bit. "Look, I get it. She's tough, she's got those eyes that look like they could see right through you, and let's not even get started on that tail." He glanced back at Kiyara, then back at Damien. "But if you keep standing here like a lovesick pup, someone's gonna snatch her up."
Damien opened his mouth to argue, but Tyson cut him off, his expression turning serious for a moment. "All I'm saying is, don't overthink it. You like her, she clearly likes you—so maybe stop acting like you're about to fight another boss and just talk to her."
Damien stared at Tyson, taken aback by his straightforwardness. "You know, for a guy who smashes things with a mace, you sure have a way with words."
Tyson shrugged, a small, almost imperceptible smile on his lips. "I have my moments." He gave Damien another pat on the back, this one more encouraging than teasing. "Now, go grab a drink before Cass drinks the place dry."
Damien glanced over at Kiyara once more, a mix of nerves and excitement churning in his gut. Tyson was right. Maybe he was overcomplicating things. "Alright," he said, a determined glint in his eyes. "But first, I need that drink."
"Atta boy," Tyson laughed, guiding Damien toward the bar. "And hey, if you need a wingman, you know where to find me."
The clinking of mugs echoed through the lively guildhall as drinks were passed around, the air thick with laughter and the smell of roasting meat. At a corner table, Grizz, Tyson, and Damien gathered around a haphazard stack of empty mugs, the spoils of the evening's celebrations piling up. Tyson raised his current drink—something frothy and potent that smelled vaguely of burnt caramel—and hollered over the noise, "To the Bonewarden! May it never haunt our nightmares again!"
"Cheers!" Grizz boomed, his massive frame making the wooden chair beneath him groan in protest. His paws, more accustomed to wielding a warhammer than holding delicate glassware, grasped a mug comically small in his claws. Despite his attempt to be delicate, he accidentally squeezed the mug too hard, shattering it in his grasp. "Oops," he muttered, then let out a roaring laugh. "Barkeep, another! Make it a barrel this time!"
Damien chuckled, nursing his own drink—a mild ale that he was carefully sipping. He glanced over at Kiyara across the room and quickly looked away, feeling his cheeks warm. He wasn't about to make a fool of himself tonight. Tyson, however, had no such reservations.
"Damien," Tyson slurred, his voice thick with drink and enthusiasm. "Y'know… you're my best friend. You and... and Grizz here!" He slung an arm around Grizz's furry shoulders, nearly knocking himself off the bench in the process. Grizz, unphased, wrapped a paw around Tyson to steady him, which only resulted in Tyson hanging half off the bench, his feet dangling above the floor. "We... we're like a team! No, a brotherhood!" Tyson continued, gesturing wildly with his free hand. "The Brotherhood of... Something Cool!"
Grizz nodded sagely. "The Brotherhood of Brawn and Brains!" he declared. "Me, brawn. Damien, brains. Tyson... somewhere in between!" He let out a booming laugh that made several nearby patrons jump in surprise.
Tyson swayed a little and squinted at Grizz. "Wait, wait... so you're saying... I'm like... the balance?" He grinned, clearly thrilled with this newfound title. "I'm the balance! The perfect blend of brawn and brains!" He raised his mug to toast his own revelation, spilling half of it in the process.
Damien covered his face with his hand, trying not to laugh too hard. "Yeah, sure, Ty. You're the balance. Just... try not to fall off the bench again, okay?"
Grizz reached over and patted Damien on the back with enough force to almost send him face-first into the table. "Damien," Grizz rumbled, "you're being too serious. Drink up! We're celebrating! You can woo the lady another time."
Damien coughed, feeling his face heat up again. "I'm not—this isn't about—"
"Shhh," Tyson interjected, pressing a finger to Damien's lips with all the grace of a toddler. "It's okay, Damien. She totally digs you. We all saw it. Except for Grizz, 'cause he's... well, he's Grizz."
"I saw it!" Grizz protested. "I have... bear instincts." He sniffed the air as if to prove a point, then frowned. "Actually, I think that's just the smell of ale. But still! Bear instincts!"
Tyson nodded sagely, looking very serious. "Bear instincts... they're... they're like people instincts, but hairier." He gave a hiccup and a belch in quick succession. "See, this is why we're the balance, Damien. You need us."
Damien snorted, shaking his head. "Yeah, I don't know what I'd do without you two."
Grizz suddenly stood up, nearly flipping the table in his excitement. "Tyson!" he roared, his eyes alight with a drunken idea. "Let us wrestle!"
Tyson's eyes widened, but not in fear—in sheer, unfounded confidence. "Yes!" he shouted back, stumbling to his feet. "I shall... wrestle the bear! For honor!"
The entire guildhall turned to watch as the two stumbled to the open space in the center of the room, patrons cheering and laughing. Grizz crouched down, his massive arms outstretched, while Tyson, already regretting his decision, squared his shoulders and tried to look intimidating.
"Ready?" Grizz growled playfully.
Tyson wobbled, then nodded. "Bring it... furball."
With a dramatic roar, Grizz lunged forward. Tyson yelped and attempted to sidestep, but the ale had slowed his reflexes. Grizz's paws caught him around the waist, hoisting him into the air. Tyson flailed like a ragdoll, limbs akimbo, as the crowd roared with laughter.
Damien watched, half in horror and half in amusement, as Grizz spun Tyson around in a slow circle, clearly holding back his true strength. Tyson, to his credit, managed to wave to the crowd while upside down. "Behold... the balance...!" he slurred, before Grizz set him down gently on the ground, where he promptly collapsed in a fit of laughter.
Grizz turned to the crowd, raising his arms triumphantly. "The Brotherhood of Brawn and Brains!" he bellowed, and the hall erupted into cheers.
Damien clapped slowly, shaking his head with a grin. This was his team: a giant bear warrior who didn't know his own strength and a human wrecking ball who had no concept of restraint. And somehow, it all worked.
He raised his mug and took a long sip, feeling the warm buzz of camaraderie. Tonight, they were champions, and tomorrow—well, tomorrow they'd worry about the hangovers. But for now, they reveled in the sheer, ridiculous joy of victory and the bonds forged in the heat of battle... and in the absurdity of whatever this was.
Grizz helped Tyson back to his feet, and the three of them stumbled back to their table, where more drinks awaited them. Tyson slumped into his seat, giggling like a fool. "Damien," he said, leaning over with a conspiratorial whisper that was loud enough for everyone to hear, "I think... I think Grizz let me win."
Grizz roared with laughter. "Sure, Tyson. Sure."
Damien leaned back against the bar, his fingers tapping absently against the rim of his mug. He watched the crowded dance floor, the swirl of bodies moving to the beat, laughter and shouts filling the air. His eyes settled on Cass and Kiyara, who had claimed the center of the floor. They moved with a kind of effortless grace that only seemed to come naturally to them.
Cass was all energy, her movements quick and sharp as she led Kiyara through a series of spins and turns. Kiyara matched her, moving fluidly, her Salamander tail flicking behind her in time with the music. Damien couldn't help but watch, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. They were... pretty damn impressive, to say the least.
Cass dipped Kiyara low, and for a second, he thought she might lose her balance. But Kiyara let out a laugh—bright and carefree—and Damien found himself grinning like an idiot. When was the last time he saw her so at ease? Kiyara was usually all business, just like him—focused, determined, with that edge that came from countless battles. But here, now, she looked... different. Relaxed.
The music picked up, and Cass spun Kiyara around again. The movement was quick, a blur of motion. And then, suddenly, Kiyara was stumbling right toward him.
Damien blinked, his brain lagging a second behind as his body moved instinctively. His hands shot out to catch her, one gripping her arm, the other finding her waist. The contact sent a jolt through him, and for a heartbeat, they were just staring at each other. Her sky-blue eyes were wide, a mix of surprise and something else he couldn't quite place.
Cass's voice echoed in his head, some snide comment he knew she'd make if she were close enough to hear his thoughts. She'd probably say he looked like a deer caught in headlights. He glanced up in time to catch Cass giving him a sly wink from the edge of the floor. Then she was gone, disappearing back into the crowd like the master tactician she was.
Damien realized Kiyara was still in his arms. He cleared his throat, loosening his grip just enough to let her step back if she wanted. But she didn't. She held his gaze, her lips quirking into a small smile.
"Looks like Cass had other plans," Kiyara said, her voice light.
"Yeah, she's got a knack for that," Damien replied, trying to sound casual. His heart, however, was anything but. It thudded in his chest like he'd just been dropped into the middle of a boss fight. But this... this was different. This wasn't something he could just charge into with his sword drawn.
The music shifted, a new rhythm taking over, and Damien realized they were still standing there, not really dancing, not really talking—just... there. He swallowed, trying to gather his thoughts. "So, uh," he started, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, "you wanna...?"
Kiyara's eyes softened, a hint of amusement flickering in them. "Lead the way, Captain," she teased.
Captain. She always called him that, usually with a hint of sarcasm. But now it felt different. Less of a joke, more of... something else. Damien didn't have time to analyze it because, before he knew it, he was guiding her into a simple step, his hands moving to her waist. Kiyara followed his lead, her movements graceful and fluid as if they had done this a hundred times before.
He tried to focus on the steps, to keep his eyes on where they were going, but he kept finding his gaze drawn back to her. Her eyes, the way they sparkled when she smiled, how her tail swayed behind her with the music. Damn it, he was getting distracted. In a dungeon, he had no problem keeping his head clear, his mind focused on the objective. But here? With Kiyara this close, her scent—something warm, like embers and spice—filling his senses? Yeah, not so much.
She laughed softly as he spun her out and pulled her back in, and that sound... It did things to him. Made his chest feel tight in a way he wasn't used to. When she looked up at him, there was a gleam in her eyes that sent his thoughts scattering.
"You're not bad," she said, her tone light and teasing. "For a swordsman."
He smirked, trying to keep his cool. "I aim to please," he shot back, spinning her again. Her laughter was like a victory chime, and he couldn't help but grin. They moved together, finding a rhythm, a connection that felt oddly... right.
Damien didn't know how much time passed—minutes? Hours?—as they danced. He wasn't keeping track. For once, he didn't care. The world around them blurred, fading into a wash of colors and sounds that didn't matter. All that mattered was the feel of her in his arms, the way they moved together in perfect sync.
He caught sight of Cass at the edge of the floor, Tyson standing beside her. They were watching, Cass with a self-satisfied smirk and Tyson with an eyebrow raised. Cass leaned in to say something to Tyson, and Damien could only imagine the teasing remarks that would come later. But right now, he found that he didn't mind. Not at all.
Kiyara's gaze met his again, softer this time, a silent question in her eyes. He didn't know the answer, not really. He was just as lost in this as she was. But as the music swelled around them, and they continued to dance, he found that maybe... maybe being lost wasn't such a bad thing.
The celebration gradually wound down as the night grew deeper. Players drifted away in twos and threes, laughing and swaying, saying their farewells with tired grins and clumsy waves. The Adventurer's Guild, once roaring with energy and life, now settled into a quiet hum. Empty mugs and plates littered the tables, remnants of the feast they'd all enjoyed, and the floor was littered with confetti and streamers from the night's chaos.
Damien stood near the entrance, hands stuffed in his pockets, watching as his friends began to filter out. Grizz was practically holding Tyson upright as they staggered towards the door, each of them belting out half-remembered lyrics to some battle chant they'd heard who-knows-where. Cass followed behind, rolling her eyes but with a faint smile on her lips. She paused, catching Damien's eye.
"Don't go getting all sentimental now," Cass teased, her smirk cutting through the fatigue in her voice. "It's just one raid. We'll do this again."
Damien chuckled. "Sure, if Tyson makes it through tomorrow without a hangover."
Tyson gave a loud, slurred cheer. "Hangover? Never heard of 'em!" He promptly stumbled, nearly taking Grizz down with him. The big bear-man just laughed, effortlessly holding his friend upright.
"Take care of yourself, Damien," Grizz rumbled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "We'll see you around."
"Yeah," Damien replied, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "Catch you all later."
Cass gave him a parting salute, then followed Grizz and Tyson out into the cool night air. The guild hall felt bigger with each departure, quieter. Damien turned back to the room, his eyes scanning the dwindling crowd, searching for one person in particular.
Kiyara was by the bar, finishing a conversation with a few other Salamanders. She glanced up and caught his gaze, a small smile forming as she excused herself and made her way over to him. As she approached, Damien felt that familiar flutter in his chest, that irritating yet exhilarating sense of nervousness that had no place in a game. But here it was, plain as day.
"So," she began, her voice softer than it had been all night. "Guess this is it, huh?"
"Yeah," he nodded, not really trusting his voice to say more. He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, feeling suddenly awkward now that they were alone.
Kiyara chuckled lightly, her sky-blue eyes reflecting the dim lights of the guild hall. "You know," she said, tilting her head, "I had fun tonight. And not just the raid... all of it."
"Me too," he admitted, the words coming out more honest than he'd planned. "It was... nice. Different."
"Different?" She arched an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You mean not getting mauled by a dungeon boss every five minutes?"
He laughed. "Yeah, something like that."
For a moment, they just stood there, the space between them filled with unspoken words and the fading echoes of the party around them. It was strange, how the night could go from raucous celebration to this quiet, intimate pause. Damien felt like there was more to say, something he should do or express, but the words escaped him. Kiyara seemed to sense it too, her gaze flickering to the side before returning to his.
"Well," she said, stepping forward and closing the distance between them. She reached out, her hand brushing against his arm, sending a warm shiver down his spine. "I guess I'll see you around, Captain."
"Yeah," he managed to say, his voice rougher than he intended. "See you around, Kiyara."
She held his gaze for a beat longer, her eyes searching his. Then, with a small, soft smile, she leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. The contact was brief but left a burning warmth in its wake. Before he could even process what had happened, she had stepped back, her tail flicking behind her playfully.
"Take care, Damien," she said, her voice carrying a hint of something deeper, something that promised more than just another raid together.
"You too," he replied, his face undoubtedly flushing again. She turned and walked away, joining the few remaining players who were making their way out. He watched her go, his mind a jumble of thoughts and emotions that made no sense, even to him.
He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his hand absently touching the spot on his cheek where she'd kissed him. Damn. This game was something else. He shook his head, a crooked smile spreading across his face. Whatever happened next, one thing was certain—it was going to be one hell of an adventure.