In the Dark Village City, where the Adventure Guild's headquarters lay cloaked in perpetual shadow, a rare disturbance rippled through the usually serene atmosphere. Lord Draven had just received word from Prince Vergil: the long-awaited dungeon had finally been completed, ready to be explored. His expression shifted between awe and astonishment—the news had arrived far sooner than he had anticipated.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Lord Draven made his decision. Swiftly, he penned a formal letter to Emperor Shiroi, conveying the urgent news.
To His Majesty, Emperor Shiroi,
With this letter, I bring word from Prince Vergil that the dungeon we recently discussed has now been completed. It stands fully constructed and ready for exploration.
I am prepared to issue orders to dispatch a scout or an exploratory team to inspect the location firsthand to verify the prince's claim.
Should Prince Vergil's report prove accurate, I intend to establish an official quest for the exploration of this dungeon.
I await Your Majesty's decision and instructions.
Yours in loyalty,
Lord Draven
Adventure Guild
Lord Draven carefully slid the letter into an envelope, sealing it with the official emblem of the Adventure Guild. Recognizing the gravity of the message, he summoned one of the guild's most trusted couriers and delivered precise instructions: the letter was to reach the Imperial Palace without delay.
The courier, understanding the urgency of the situation, took the letter with solemn respect, bowed, and swiftly departed from the guild's headquarters. He moved with haste toward the imperial palace, ensuring that this crucial news would soon rest in Emperor Shiroi's hands.
******
Emperor Shiroi stood before an expansive map spread across his desk, his gaze intense as he studied the regions where future dungeons might rise. His brow furrowed slightly, each detail scrutinized with care as he weighed strategies and preparations. Every potential site had been meticulously chosen, factoring in natural defenses and accessibility for adventurers—each dungeon a stepping stone to fortify his realm.
Suddenly, his contemplation was interrupted by the quiet creak of the door opening. A royal guard entered, his polished silver armor gleaming under the torchlight, a finely-crafted sword resting at his side. His steps were steady and deliberate, exuding the disciplined grace of one well-versed in the ways of duty and respect.
"Your Majesty, a courier from the Adventure Guild has arrived bearing an urgent message," the guard announced, extending a letter sealed with the guild's emblem.
Without hesitation, Emperor Shiroi took the letter, broke the seal, and began reading. After a few moments, a flicker of satisfaction appeared in his eyes, as though this news aligned with a greater plan he had been carefully crafting.
"Guard, is the courier still here?" Emperor Shiroi asked.
"He awaits your reply, Your Majesty," the guard replied.
"Then inform him that I request they send an explorer to confirm the truth of this claim," commanded Emperor Shiroi.
The guard swiftly relayed the Emperor's message to the waiting courier, who nodded respectfully before departing at once, returning to the Adventure Guild to deliver the Emperor's directive.
*****
In the Adventure Guild's headquarters, Lord Draven stood before a young explorer. The youth, known as Aldi, had jet-black hair streaked with vibrant red and blue, and his striking, amethyst-colored eyes gleamed with curiosity. A small hair clip with a ghostly design perched on his head, adding a unique touch to his appearance. Although he wore standard leather armor, his gear included various exploration tools, even a digital camera—a modern twist in a world of legendary quests.
"So, you're the new explorer, are you, Aldi?" Lord Draven inquired, assessing the young man.
"Yes, Lord Draven. I've just been accepted as an explorer—I want to see the world for myself," Aldi replied eagerly.
At that moment, the courier from earlier slipped into the room and leaned in to whisper something to Lord Draven. With a nod, Draven turned his attention back to Aldi as the courier exited.
"As it happens, I have an assignment for you," Draven began. "I need someone to inspect the Haunting Forest."
"May I ask, Lord Draven, what's there to find in that place?" Aldi asked, curiosity sparking in his violet eyes.
"I've just received word from the palace that something strange stirs in that forest. I'm sending you to investigate. According to recent information, there's a cave hidden within the Haunting Forest, and I need you to confirm if it leads to a dungeon. You don't need to go too far inside—just enough to bring back proof that the dungeon exists. Head out at once, and I'll await your report here."
"Understood, Lord Draven," Aldi replied, a mix of excitement and determination in his voice.
Aldi meticulously packed his gear, ensuring he was well-prepared for the journey ahead. Nestled inside his backpack were his trusty pocket camera and camcorder, essential tools to document his exploration. He also added a selection of medicinal supplies, anticipating the possibility of treating himself should he face any dangers within the eerie forest.
Once everything was ready, Aldi approached a farmer who was steering a cart filled with fresh harvests. "Excuse me, sir. Could you give me a ride to the Haunting Forest?" he asked hopefully.
The farmer looked at him, a flicker of concern in his eyes, then gave a slow nod. "I can, lad. But be careful there. Folks say that place is haunted."
Aldi's curiosity deepened as he frowned slightly. "Why do they call it the Haunting Forest?"
The farmer took a deep breath, his gaze turning somber. "For the past few months, strange sounds have come from the forest. Rustling noises, distant screams, and sometimes... laughter that seems to drift from nowhere. People in the village are too spooked to go near it anymore." He patted Aldi's shoulder with a knowing look. "But if you're set on it, may luck be with you."
As the journey wore on, the forest loomed closer, its dense canopy casting long shadows over the road ahead. Aldi steeled himself, silently vowing to record every sound, every sight that might reveal the truth behind the Haunting Forest.
After a long ride, he finally reached the forest's edge. The atmosphere was as foreboding as he'd heard—towering trees stretched high above, their thick leaves weaving a dark embrace over the winding path. A soft breeze rustled through the branches, carrying faint, unplaceable whispers from deep within the woods. Despite its chilling presence, past explorers had noted that the forest posed little true danger, inhabited mainly by creatures like deer, rabbits, and foxes.
Pausing for a moment, Aldi pondered if the forest's unsettling reputation was simply due to the nocturnal sounds of these harmless animals. A deer bounding through the underbrush, or a fox darting under the moon's glow—such sounds, echoing in the quiet night, could easily spark the eerie tales told by the villagers.
Rechecking his equipment, Aldi followed the directions given by the Guild Master and ventured deeper into the forest, heading toward the hidden cave at its heart. He switched on his flashlight and raised his camcorder, ready to capture each detail of the mysterious landscape. The beam of light illuminated the rocky, uneven path, guiding him toward the mouth of a vast, shadowy cave that awaited him ahead.
As Aldi stepped into the cave, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. This was far more than an empty, dark hollow. On the first level, he found himself in what looked like an ancient underground chamber, dimly lit by an unknown source, casting a soft glow over the stone floors. It was as if a lost civilization had left its traces here. Massive stone pillars lined the path, and sturdy stone walls loomed on either side, lending a silent, solemn air to the place. The cool air within carried an almost reverent stillness, amplifying the cave's mysterious allure.
Moving cautiously, Aldi held his camera steady, recording every corner of the chamber. Though he was prepared for trouble, he encountered only non-aggressive creatures along the way. They observed him from a distance, seemingly curious but disinterested in hindering his progress. With relative ease, Aldi navigated through the first floor (B1), then proceeded to levels B2 and B3 without any serious obstacles.
Yet, the deeper he ventured, the more a strange sensation began to creep into his mind. It was as though something far greater lay in wait, hidden within the cave's depths. The chambers grew larger and more refined, suggesting that this was no ordinary underground ruin but rather the remnants of a long-forgotten civilization. Aldi pressed forward, staying focused even as tension prickled through his body, each step drawing him closer to whatever secret the cave held.
As Aldi entered the next level, he paused to take in his surroundings. "What secrets lie hidden in this place?" he wondered. Though he had yet to encounter anything truly terrifying, an unsettling feeling lingered in the depths of his mind, suggesting that something more awaited him in the dungeon's shadows.
Upon reaching level B4, the atmosphere shifted further into a realm of dread. Gone was the ease he felt on the earlier floors; now, he sensed the need for heightened caution. He began to ready his weapon, flashlight in one hand, while diligently documenting every detail with his camcorder.
Venturing deeper, something unusual caught his eye. Here, the undead roamed freely. Figures of skeletons, clad in tattered, rusted robes, wielded swords and shields, moving with stiff yet determined strides. Their numbers were plentiful, spread throughout the corridors and chambers. A wave of unease washed over Aldi, making him hesitate. "Should I press on?" he thought. Yet, his curiosity and the burning desire to unravel the mysteries of the dungeon propelled him forward.
Aldi began observing the patrol patterns of the skeletal warriors. Their movements appeared methodical and repetitive. He decided to rely on his keen eye and exploit the gaps in their patrols. With careful precision, he navigated past groups of undead, moving swiftly and with just a touch of recklessness.
After successfully evading several skeleton squads, Aldi stumbled upon a chamber that felt larger and distinctly different from the others. In the center of the room, something caused his heart to race. A treasure chest, glowing faintly beneath the dim cave light, seemed to beckon him, waiting to be opened.
This is… this is a real dungeon, Aldi thought, a mix of awe and caution flooding his senses. Such a place was every adventurer's dream, brimming with challenges and treasures hidden deep within.
However, as he stepped closer to inspect the chest, an unsettling sensation washed over him. A chilling touch grazed his shoulder, and fear surged through him like a tidal wave. Slowly, he turned around to find a towering skeleton standing before him, its eyes glowing red with a deadly emptiness.
For a brief moment, Aldi froze, paralyzed by terror. But the instinct of an explorer kicked in. He spun around and sprinted from the room, leaving the tantalizing treasure chest behind. Echoing in the cavern walls, the sound of the skeletal army closing in grew louder, their bony footsteps thundering as they sought to encircle him.
With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Aldi dashed through the dimly lit corridors, navigating the twists and turns with frantic determination. He could hear the clattering of bones behind him, the relentless pursuit of the undead drawing ever closer. Every corner he rounded, every shadow he passed, heightened his sense of urgency. He needed to escape, to survive, and to share what he had discovered before it was too late.
With his heart racing, Aldi pressed on, his breath coming in quick gasps. Several skeletons attempted to block his path, but he leaped over their outstretched limbs, narrowly dodging a sword swipe that whizzed just past him. Cold sweat trickled down his brow as he quickened his pace, desperate to distance himself from the looming threat. He knew that if he were caught, his fate could be dire.
Amid the encroaching darkness of the cave, one thought consumed him: escape this level before the undead captured him.
Aldi sprinted with all his might, sweat pouring down his face and neck. Panic surged within him, but he clung tightly to his camcorder, documenting every frantic moment as he fled from the skeletal horde. The heavy footfalls of the undead drew nearer, the sound of clattering bones echoing through the corridors, amplifying the pressure that bore down on him.
Each heartbeat felt like a countdown, and as he rounded a corner, he could see the flickering light of the exit ahead. But the skeletal soldiers were relentless, their numbers swelling in the dim light, and he could hear their chilling whispers—a haunting chorus of the damned. Aldi pushed himself harder, summoning every ounce of strength, determination surging through him. The exit was within reach, but he had to outpace the darkness that chased him.
Aldi did not stop running; his gaze fixated on a singular goal: the stairs leading to the upper level. That was his only escape from the horrors that pursued him. Breathless, he finally spotted the stone staircase that ascended into the unknown. Without a moment's hesitation, he began to climb, each step heavy with tension and fear that clung to him like a second skin.
"I must reach B3... I need to get out of here." He murmured to himself, hoping the floor above would offer a semblance of safety.
However, as he finally reached the top of the stairs, the sight that greeted him left him stunned and bewildered. Instead of returning to B3 as he had anticipated, Aldi found himself outside the cave, at what should have been the entrance to the dungeon. A cool breeze washed over his face, offering a fleeting moment of relief after the harrowing escape. The sky loomed overhead, bright and open, the sunlight streaming down, mingling with the refreshing wind that caressed his weary features.
He stood frozen for a moment, struggling to comprehend what had just transpired. "How is this possible...?" he whispered, attempting to calm his racing mind. Aldi couldn't fathom how he had ended up outside the cave merely by climbing a staircase that was supposed to lead him back to B3.
Confusion gripped him, but the urgency of his situation rekindled his instincts. Looking back at the dark maw of the dungeon, he realized he couldn't linger. What secrets lay within? What had he escaped? The unease settled in his stomach as he contemplated his next move, aware that whatever forces were at play, they were far from over.
Aldi turned to look back, his heart still pounding, but the panic was starting to fade. It seemed the skeletal army had not pursued him any further. They appeared tethered to something in B4, likely connected to the treasure they guarded. Aldi surmised that the primary threat of this dungeon was centered there.
Taking a deep breath, Aldi sat for a moment on the cool ground outside the cave, feeling the gentle warmth of the sunlight on his face. A sense of relief began to wash over him. He quickly pulled out his camcorder and reviewed the footage he had captured. Every moment of his escape, from encounters with the skeletons to the discovery of the treasure, was recorded clearly. Not a single detail was lost. A wave of satisfaction filled him as he watched the playback, a validation of his efforts.
As he became engrossed in reviewing the footage, a small horse-drawn cart, piloted by a familiar farmer, passed along the road nearby. Recognizing Aldi's weary face, the farmer slowed his horse and called out, "Hey there, lad! Are you all right? You look exhausted. Do you need a ride? I'm heading to Dark Village, not far from here."
Aldi, still feeling the weariness from his thrilling escapade in the dungeon, didn't hesitate. He gratefully accepted the farmer's offer. "Thank you, sir," he replied, climbing onto the cart.
As they traveled, Aldi attempted to share a glimpse of what he had discovered in the cave—about the skeletal army, the treasure, and the unresolved mysteries that lingered. However, the farmer merely nodded calmly, seemingly unfazed. "There are many strange tales around Haunting Forest, but I've never known for certain what lies within," the farmer said with a wise smile.
After some time, they arrived at Dark Village, a bustling town nestled among lush trees. Aldi quickly dismounted the cart and thanked the farmer once again. His next destination was the Adventure Guild headquarters, where he needed to report everything he had found.
Upon arriving at the Adventure Guild, Aldi was greeted by a friendly yet formal receptionist. His breath still hadn't fully returned to normal after the exhausting journey, but the urgency within him propelled him to convey his purpose immediately.
"I need to speak with Lord Draven," Aldi stated firmly, his voice laden with seriousness. "I have vital information regarding Haunting Forest and the dungeon located there.
The receptionist seemed to understand Aldi's seriousness. Without much questioning, she immediately headed to Lord Draven's office, leaving Aldi in the rather quiet lobby that night. A few moments later, the receptionist returned with the awaited news.
"Lord Draven is waiting for you, Mr. Aldi. You may go in," she said, gesturing toward a large door at the end of the corridor.
Aldi nodded, thanking her, and promptly walked toward the room. As he moved down the corridor, his mind was filled with thoughts of what he had just experienced in the dungeon. He hoped Lord Draven could provide more insight into what was truly happening in that mysterious place.
Upon reaching the large wooden door adorned with ancient carvings, Aldi heard a voice from within the room, "Enter, Aldi." It was Lord Draven's voice, the leader of the Adventure Guild, renowned for his intelligence and vast experience in exploring various dangerous locations.
Aldi quickly opened the door and stepped into a spacious, neatly arranged room.
"What did you find there?" Lord Draven asked bluntly, his voice full of curiosity. "I heard you explored Haunting Forest, and something unusual is happening in that place."
"I found a dungeon, Lord Draven," Aldi said, his voice trembling slightly
Aldi, still feeling the weight of his adventure, quickly pulled out his Camcorder and presented the footage he had recorded during his time in the dungeon. He began explaining everything he experienced, from the empty initial floors to B4, where he encountered the army of skeletons guarding what appeared to be a highly valuable treasure.
Lord Draven listened intently, not once diverting his gaze from Aldi. His eyes narrowed further as Aldi recounted the strange staircase that led him outside the cave, as if jumping between spaces and time.
Once Aldi finished his story, Lord Draven fell silent for a moment, seemingly contemplating something very important. He then spoke, his voice calmer yet deeper. "What you found there, Aldi, is not trivial. Haunting Forest has long been a mystery, and it seems there is something bigger than we anticipated behind that dungeon."
"Lord Draven, I would like to relax for a bit at the Adventure Guild tavern," Aldi said.
"If you can, please inform the adventurers there; I will make an important announcement later," Lord Draven replied.
"Very well, Lord Draven," Aldi said as he left the room.
Aldi quickly made his way down and sat at one of the tables, ordering a non-alcoholic drink from the tavern menu. A few adventurers who recognized Aldi and were already friends with him soon joined him.
"What's wrong, Aldi? You look like you've just seen a ghost," said a concerned female mage.
"I just got back from Haunting Forest on a mission from Lord Draven. What I found there is much more than just ghosts," Aldi replied seriously.
"What is it then?" asked a swordsman sitting across from Aldi, looking intrigued.
"A dungeon. I actually saw a treasure chest in there, and I only made it to level B4," Aldi said, his voice filled with excitement.
"But Kainaldia is quite rare for dungeons. Besides, it's really hard to find a new dungeon," a thief chimed in skeptically.
"I'm serious this time. I already gave the proof to Lord Draven," Aldi insisted, not wanting to be dismissed.
"Come on, you could be pulling our leg. If there was news about a new dungeon, Lord Draven would definitely announce it," the swordsman said, adding to the doubt among them.
Just as the swordsman finished dismissing Aldi's story, the door to Lord Draven's office swung open with a heavy thud. Lord Draven, who had previously seemed calm and calculating, now descended from his room holding a very important Quest sheet. His face was stern, showing just how serious the task he was about to announce was.
Without saying much, Lord Draven approached the large board in the Guild Hall, where all the Quests were posted for the adventurers who came each day. With a swift motion, he pinned the Quest sheet with his signature at the bottom, indicating that this was not an ordinary mission—this was a task of high urgency, directly from the Guild leader.
Next to him, the receptionist quickly took a copy of the Quest sheet, preparing it for registration for the brave adventurers willing to take on the challenge. Aldi caught a glimpse of the Quest description: "Further Exploration of Haunting Forest Dungeon and Investigation of Hidden Treasures," with recommendations for beginner levels and a warning about the gradually increasing danger within.
Lord Draven turned and walked toward the tavern connected to the Guild Hall. This place usually served as the gathering spot for adventurers after a long day in the field. News of this Quest would surely spread quickly, but Draven seemed to have other plans in mind.
As he entered the tavern, all conversation momentarily halted. Lord Draven was not someone who frequently appeared in this place, especially not to deliver an announcement. He stood in the center of the room, raising his hand slightly to capture everyone's attention. His gaze was serious, but there was a flicker of enthusiasm rarely seen.
"Adventurers," Draven began with a steady voice, "a significant discovery has been made in the Haunting Forest. An explorer has uncovered a Dungeon located within the Haunting Forest, holding secrets deeper than we anticipated. Long-forgotten treasures and an army of undead await to be unveiled. Initial exploration suggests it is not too dangerous, but the deeper you go, the more perilous it becomes. I will name this Dungeon Arudi Dungeon, in honor of the explorer who found it, Aldi Arudi. For those adventurers eager to explore, registration is now open at the Adventure Guild." Lord Draven spoke with conviction.
"Wow, it turns out it was you who discovered that Dungeon," said the swordsman.
"Then let's go register right away," said the mage.