After clearing the goblins and hobgoblin at the entrance, Aiden turned to Marius. "Secure the entrance and make sure the path back is clear. I don't want any surprises when we return."
Marius saluted sharply. "Understood. We'll hold this position. My lord."
Aiden nodded, then motioned for his group to follow him as they entered the dungeon. The air was damp and cold, and the dim, flickering light from their torches cast eerie shadows on the walls. It was classified as an E-class dungeon, though Aiden tried to exude confidence, the unfamiliar surroundings unsettled him, and his discomfort was hard to conceal..
"Durek!" Aiden called out, singling out one of the soldiers in his group. Durek, a self-proclaimed F-class adventurer, stepped forward.
"You were an adventurer once, right?" he asked, his gaze darting nervously between Durek and the unfamiliar path ahead. "Could you guide us through? I... I've never been to places like this before, and honestly, it's making me kind of anxious."
"Lucky for you, my Lord!" Durek said, with a cocky grin. "You've got someone of my caliber in your unit. You'd be lost without me."
Aiden chuckled awkwardly. "I'll rely on your expertise, then." He gestured for Durek to take the lead.
Durek nodded smugly and began guiding them deeper into the dungeon. Soon, they encountered a group of skeletons—low-level undead with brittle bones and slow movements. Aiden rallied his soldiers and charged forward, sword in hand, cutting down the skeletons with precise strikes. The other soldiers followed his lead, except for Durek, who stayed back, watching.
After the last skeleton fell, Aiden turned to Durek, frowning. "Why didn't you join the fight?"
Durek leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "My job is to keep you from getting lost, my Lord. If something happened to me, how would you find your way through this dungeon?"
Aiden's lips twitched in a forced smile. "Fair point. I'll count on you to guide us."
As they ventured deeper, Aiden began to notice a change in the soldiers' behavior. Some were sluggish in combat, barely contributing, while others outright ignored his instructions. When he confronted them, they exchanged knowing glances and cold smirks, offering no explanation.
Durek spoke up, his tone patronizing. "You can't push your soldiers too hard, my Lord. They're here to keep me safe, after all. If I get hurt, what will you do?And it is his Lordship's duty to keep his men safe."
Aiden's laugh was hollow. "Of course. Let's keep moving."
Eventually, the group reached a fork with three diverging paths. The soldiers murmured amongst themselves, unsure which route to take.
Aiden began to suggest a plan, but Durek cut him off. "Don't worry, my Lord. I've got this. We'll split into three groups and explore each path simultaneously. It's the fastest way to clear the dungeon."
"That's too dangerous!!" Aiden protested. "We should stick together."
Durek waved him off. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing. Just do as I say."
Aiden sighed and relented. "Fine. Everyone, follow Durek's orders."
The groups were quickly formed, but Aiden noticed his group had fewer soldiers than the others. "Why is my group so small?"
Durek smirked. "You're here, my Lord. You don't need more soldiers."
Aiden nodded, with a smile. "Right! Let's move out."
As they proceeded down their chosen path, Aiden's group encountered more undead, which they dispatched with increasing difficulty. The soldiers' lack of enthusiasm was evident, and Aiden couldn't shake the feeling of being judged. When he tried to rally them, he was met with disdainful glares and muttered remarks.
Finally, they entered a larger chamber, where a banshee—a spirit-type monster—hovered, its wails echoing through the dungeon. Aiden quickly instructed his group to form a defensive formation. He charged the banshee first, blade raised, determined to inspire his soldiers.
As he struck the banshee, a sharp pain erupted in his back. Blood dripped down his armor, and he staggered forward, barely able to stand. Turning his head, he saw Durek, his sword dripping with Aiden's blood, wearing a menacing smile.
"What… why?" Aiden gasped, his vision blurring.
Durek chuckled darkly. "Ah! my Lord!!" he said, his tone a mockery of reverence, dripping with arrogance.