Lihan returned to the house he shared with his sisters, Ashe and Rei. The house was silent, a place of warmth and familiarity. It was modest but cozy, with small details that made it unique: shelves full of books about distant lands, a few mementos from past adventures, and Ashe's training equipment in a corner. Lihan smiled with nostalgia, feeling a faint longing for his sisters, but forced himself to push those thoughts aside. He had chosen this path, and he wasn't going to turn back.
Quickly, he began to gather the essentials for his journey. He checked his bag: dried food, potions, a compass, and a map. His sword hung by his side, the worn hilt familiar in his hand. Slinging his pack over his shoulder, he looked at the house. "I'll be back soon," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else, though he felt as if his sisters could somehow hear him. He closed the door and took the first step toward the mission that awaited him.
The first few days of travel passed calmly. Lihan took in the scenery around him: the whisper of the trees, the distant calls of birds, and the hills stretching to the horizon. The peace was almost hypnotic, allowing his mind to relax and enjoy the simplicity of each step.
Lihan looked up at the sky, feeling his heart beat strongly. "So this is what it feels like, huh? Setting out on a mission alone that could be dangerous…" He smiled to himself, though the sound was lost in the open air. "I wonder what Ashe would say if she saw me now. She'd probably be mad at me for doing something reckless, but knowing how soft-hearted she is, she'd forgive me quickly."
Then night fell, and Lihan sighed. Every evening, he found a suitable spot to camp, always near a stream or under a thick canopy of trees for shelter. On the second night, he hunted a deer, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the satisfaction of preparing his meal under the stars. "Not bad, Lihan," he murmured, lying down near his backpack, resting his head on an improvised pillow, and looking up at the sky. "Maybe I am learning how to venture out alone."
Days turned into a week as he ventured down lesser-traveled paths until he finally reached the outskirts of Shadow Mountain. The sky grew darker as the mountain loomed tall before him, casting a long shadow over the valley. He noticed a weathered sign by the road, with barely legible letters: "Warning: Only S-rank adventurers and above may proceed."
He felt something twist in his stomach as he read the warning. Stories of the dangers of Shadow Mountain echoed in his mind—rumors of powerful creatures and dark magic lurking in its depths. S-rank adventurers had lost their lives there, and he, as a B-rank, was far too close to a place full of unknown, high-level dangers. So, he decided to skirt around the base of the mountain. "I'm not here to prove anything," he said aloud as if his own words might give him strength. "I'm just here to help Solvanta… nothing more."
However, as he moved through the dense forest surrounding the mountain, a shadow began moving between the trees: a massive creature with eyes glowing an ominous red. Lihan froze, his hand instinctively moving to his sword. The creature let out a low, threatening growl, its gaze fixed on him. He didn't need to know its rank; his instinct told him everything. This monster was beyond his abilities.
"Okay, Lihan… run. Now." He took off, his heart pounding, every fiber of his being urging him to run faster. Behind him, the creature gave chase, smashing through trees in its path. Lihan weaved and dodged, barely staying ahead as branches broke and the ground shook under the beast's weight. He felt dark energy build up behind him and dove to the side just as a blast of dark magic obliterated the spot he'd just been standing on. "Too close…" he gasped, scrambling to his feet and running again.
The chase led him through rough terrain, narrow gorges, and perilous cliffs. The monster was relentless, its attacks growing faster, its roars louder. Lihan barely had time to think; he moved purely by instinct, relying on his reflexes to guide him.
Another spell whooshed past him, and he ducked, his heart pounding in his ears. "Keep running… don't look back," he murmured, forcing himself to keep his eyes forward. Lihan knew that if any of the creature's attacks hit him, he'd be out of commission—and then dead, if he wasn't killed on the spot. Either way, he'd die.
Finally, he reached the edge of a cliff where a waterfall roared down to a river in the abyss below. The creature closed in, leaving him no escape. He looked down at the turbulent water, his mind racing. "I must be crazy," he whispered, casting one last look at the approaching beast. With a final breath, he leaped off the cliff, plunging into the icy water below.
The impact shocked his system, knocking the air from his lungs. He struggled to the surface, gasping as the current dragged him downstream. Bruised and aching, he finally dragged himself onto the riverbank, shivering but alive. He lay there momentarily, catching his breath and whispering a prayer of thanks to whatever god had been watching over him. "I'm not telling anyone about this," he muttered, letting out a weak laugh despite the pain in his body.
Rei will kill me if she ever finds out about the stupidity I just pulled off.
Looking around, he realized he'd reached a new part of the forest, a place he'd only ever heard of in tales. Giant oaks towered above him, their emerald leaves casting dappled shadows over the forest floor. Everything was bathed in a warm, gentle light, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth, moss, and wildflowers. The Forest of Eternal Oaks.
Lihan slowly stood, taking in the beauty around him. The trees seemed to hum with an ancient, silent magic as if they guarded secrets from centuries past. "It's… incredible," he whispered, awe filling his voice. After the terrifying escape, this place felt like a refuge, a reminder of the wonder and mystery the world still held.
He stayed there a moment, breathing in the serenity of the forest, feeling at peace again. Although his journey was only beginning, he felt he'd crossed a threshold, one from which he could never truly return.
------------------------------------
Lihan advanced cautiously through the Forest of Eternal Oaks, with all his senses alert, even to the faintest sounds. The dense canopy above allowed only a few rays of sunlight to pass through, casting the forest floor in shades of green and gold. The shadows seemed to shift with every step, giving the impression that the forest was alive and watching him. The air was thick with the smell of moss and damp earth, mixed with a subtle sweetness from wildflowers blooming in hidden corners.
Every few steps, Lihan would stop to get his bearings, but the forest had other plans for him. As he moved forward, he soon realized he was being led in circles. The same distinctive tree, with a scar he had carved into its bark earlier, kept reappearing again and again. Frustration gripped him by the shoulders as he murmured, "This tree again? This forest is mocking me…" The echo of his own voice seemed to linger a moment longer than it should as if the trees were enjoying his predicament.
He took a deep breath and remembered his sister Rei's teachings. "When you're lost, don't just rely on the path. Look for signs in nature," she had once told him while teaching him the basics of hunting. Rei's words calmed him, and he took a moment to quiet his racing thoughts and tune into his surroundings.
Looking carefully at the landscape, he noticed that a group of smaller trees and underbrush were slightly leaning toward the east. It was a subtle shift, but their orientation suggested a natural slope in the land, which probably led to a water source. "Follow the water, and maybe it'll take me somewhere," he thought, feeling a flicker of renewed hope.
He hadn't walked much further when the forest revealed its next surprise. A cluster of thick, thorny vines erupted from beneath the underbrush and coiled around his legs at an astonishing speed. With a gasp, he drew his sword and cut the plants, slicing through the vines with a swift, expert motion. The sticky green sap oozed out, splattering his boots and the forest floor. It clung stubbornly to his sword, and the smell that rose from it was earthy and sour, lingering unpleasantly in the damp air.
"Disgusting," Lihan muttered, shaking the green residue off his boots and sword as best he could. As he pushed forward, he could feel more vines creeping toward him from all directions, a subtle reminder that this forest should not be taken lightly. For a moment, he marveled at the pure determination of these plants, growing with an odd sense of purpose, as though they were alive. Their leaves had small, thorn-like ridges that gleamed threateningly in the gloom, and he realized they had evolved to ward off far more than just animals.
He had barely freed himself from the vines' grip when he encountered another hostile force. This time, an enormous beetle emerged from behind a tree, its gleaming shell reflecting the scant light that filtered through the trees. It was the size of a wolf, with mandibles that looked almost metallic in their sharpness. Its small, bright eyes glimmered as it fixed its gaze on him, and Lihan had only a fraction of a second to react when it spat a glob of viscous, yellow-green acid directly at him. He leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the burning fluid, which landed on a nearby rock with a loud hiss, leaving a dark, smoking pit where it had landed.
"Really?" Lihan murmured, wiping the sweat from his brow. He gripped his sword tightly, watching as the creature's mandibles snapped open and closed with a threatening click, echoing through the trees. With a fierce battle cry, he charged forward, dodging another spray of acid as he closed the gap. The beetle recoiled in response, raising its front legs in a defensive posture, but Lihan was faster. His sword found its mark, plunging through the beetle's tough exoskeleton with a satisfying crunch. Thick, greenish blood oozed from the wound, and he twisted his sword to ensure the blow was fatal before stepping back.
The beetle's acidic blood had splattered onto his sword, and he instinctively shook the weapon, watching as the thick, sticky liquid dripped away. Fortunately, the acid wasn't strong enough to damage his sword. "Small mercies," he thought, wiping his brow. The smell of the creature's remains filled the air, sharp and metallic, and he fought against a wave of nausea as he continued, leaving the dead beetle behind.
For five days, Lihan ventured through the forest, battling hostile plants, fending off insects that emerged from the shadows, and relying on dried food to survive. At one point, he was forced to face a bear that lunged at him from a nearby thicket. The ensuing struggle left him with a fresh set of bruises and a much-needed meal of bear meat, which he cooked beneath the cover of a rocky ledge. As he sat by the weak, crackling fire, he could almost hear Rei's voice reminding him to keep his fire discreet, a lesson she had drilled into him over many long nights.
"No matter how far away I am... they're always with me," Lihan murmured to himself, feeling a pang of nostalgia as he thought of Ashe and Rei. The memory of Ashe's sweet smile flickered in his mind, and he allowed himself a brief moment of warmth before refocusing on his mission. "Calm down, Lihan," he muttered, clearing his throat as he extinguished the small fire.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the oppressive density of the forest began to thin. The towering trees gave way to an open meadow, and in the distance, he saw the faint outline of buildings—the village of Solvanta. Relief washed over him, dispelling the exhaustion that had built up over the journey. He had made it.
As he entered the village, a wave of intense heat struck him. The air was stifling, much hotter than anywhere else he had traveled. He could see it in the fields—the plants were dry and withered, the ground cracked and thirsty. The mysterious heat plaguing Solvanta was clearly no ordinary phenomenon.
Lihan wiped the sweat from his brow and surveyed the surroundings. The sun seemed to fall with a supernatural intensity, making the entire village feel as though it were slowly being baked. He watched as the villagers struggled to keep their remaining crops alive, their faces marked by worry and fatigue. Lihan felt a growing sense of urgency. This wasn't just a routine task; whatever was causing this heat threatened to destroy the livelihoods of everyone here.
"Who could survive this heat?" he murmured, squinting as the sunlight bounced off the dry earth and reflected in a dazzling glare. Yet, as he moved deeper into Solvanta, his determination only grew stronger. He was determined to uncover the truth behind this unnatural phenomenon and bring relief to the people of Solvanta, no matter the cost.
---------------------------------------------------
Lihan walked through the streets of the village, taking note of every detail of Solvanta as he made his way to the mayor's office. The houses, humble and tidy in appearance, formed a picturesque landscape under the blazing sky. The villagers walked slowly, visibly exhausted by the unbearable heat that dried the air and darkened the atmosphere. The sun beat down relentlessly, and Lihan felt the sweat running down his forehead as he tried to control his breathing. His red scarf, a symbol of his travels and his family's affection, weighed heavily on his neck. Finally, he decided to remove it and stow it in his backpack.
After asking a couple of guards about the mayor's location, he was led to Lord Aldren's residence, a robust and simple stone building, fitting with the nature of Solvanta. Despite the situation, the guards showed respect and kindness toward the young adventurer, and Lihan felt momentarily more at ease in their company, appreciating their good manners.
When he arrived at the entrance of the residence, he was greeted by an assistant who, after a brief introduction, led him to the office where the mayor awaited him. Upon entering, Lihan sensed a serious, business-like atmosphere. The office, though simple, was meticulously organized, and the mayor, a man with a tired appearance but with unwavering determination in his eyes, stood up from his seat to greet him.
"Welcome to Solvanta, young adventurer. My name is Lord Aldren. On behalf of the village, I want to thank you for accepting this challenging mission," the mayor said, extending his hand in gratitude.
Lihan responded with a slight bow and a firm handshake. "It's an honor to help in any way I can, Lord Aldren. My name is Lihan. I've come to put an end to this situation... Could you tell me more about what's happening and how this heat started?"
Lord Aldren nodded, inviting him to sit. "Of course, Lihan. As you've likely noticed, this abnormal heat is affecting every corner of Solvanta, and it has gotten worse over the days. At first, we thought it was just a temporary weather change, then we considered that it might have been caused by a magical artifact, but then we discovered something far more dangerous."
The mayor took a deep breath and continued: "As we investigated, magma monsters began appearing in the surrounding areas. Our guards have managed to keep them at bay, but it's becoming increasingly difficult. Recently, our mages were able to locate the source of the problem, and... it's much worse than we anticipated."
Lihan listened intently, trying to absorb every word. He recalled Ashe's advice: "Information is key. Listen carefully before you act."
"What exactly did you find?" Lihan asked, trying to keep his tone respectful but direct. Aldren looked at him and sighed before responding, as if unsure how to explain the severity of the situation.
"We discovered a dungeon of absolute rules," he finally said, watching Lihan's reaction.
Lihan froze, absorbing the name he had just heard. Dungeons of absolute rules were not common, especially not for an adventurer at his level. They were unique places, created by creatures with such high intelligence that they could alter the very environment with their will, not to mention that some creatures within them were incredibly powerful. The rules of these dungeons were literally absolute; once inside, no one could break them, not even the most powerful adventurers, unless they were at the highest ranks, like SS or SSS.
"Is it a dungeon of absolute rules?" he repeated, trying to remain calm, but his nervousness betrayed him.
Lord Aldren nodded slowly. "That's correct. We tried to figure out what the rules might be, but we don't know yet. And the worst part is... it seems this is not an ordinary dungeon of absolute rules. It's a trap dungeon."
Lihan furrowed his brow, repeating softly, "Trap dungeon?" He tried to recall any information about it, but they had no details on that. Ashe and Rei had never mentioned such a thing. And by the way, the mayor spoke, Lihan doubted it was a common trap, like those set for mice or bears.
Aldren leaned forward, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "Yes, trap dungeons don't allow exit until the challenges are completed. That is, once you enter, you can't leave until you overcome all the obstacles. A few days ago, we sent one of our most experienced explorers to investigate... and he hasn't returned."
Lihan felt a chill run down his spine. The scale of what he was facing surpassed any mission he had taken on before. A glance at the mayor's face was enough for him to understand that there was no exaggeration in his words.
"So, to free the village from the heat, I would have to... complete the dungeon?" he asked quietly, processing what that entailed.
"Exactly, young Lihan. I wouldn't blame you if you decide to withdraw from the mission now. We know not all adventurers would be willing to face a challenge like this. However, if you choose to continue, I promise that the village of Solvanta will do everything in its power to support you," Mayor Aldren said in a serious tone. He wouldn't hold it against the young man if he decided the dungeon was too dangerous.
Lihan thought deeply. Every instinct inside him told him that this mission was undoubtedly a monumental risk. He remembered Trent's arrogant smile and the way he had mockingly implied that he would "protect" his sisters far better than Lihan ever could, and it made his heart burn.
He couldn't return to the guild without at least trying. Also, if he didn't face this challenge, he felt like he would be betraying everything he had worked for so far, not to mention that he wouldn't be able to look Rei and Ashe in the face without shame.
Finally, Lihan looked up and replied firmly, "I will continue, Lord Aldren. I can't leave Solvanta like this, and... I need to be able to surpass my own limits." He said, remembering the feeling of déjà vu that gave him an uneasy feeling.
The mayor looked at him with admiration and relief. "You are a brave young man, Lihan. You won't leave without the help of the village. We have some health and energy recovery potions, made by the local sorcerer. They're quite effective, and I hope they help you on your journey."
Lihan looked at the potions, surprised and grateful, as the assistant brought them on a silver tray. The vials gleamed with a light that indicated the quality of the local alchemy. Lord Aldren smiled slightly when he saw Lihan's grateful expression.
"It's the least we can do," Aldren said with a sigh of sadness. "It wasn't mentioned in the mission's poster that there was a dungeon, let alone a trap dungeon. Even if it was due to not having the exact information, this unintentional omission is our fault."
Lihan took the potions, bowing his head in respect. "Thank you, Lord Aldren. I promise to do everything I can to free the village."
Aldren made a gesture of farewell, his eyes reflecting a mix of respect and concern. "May the gods be with you, Lihan. The entrance to the dungeon is to the west of the village, near where the magma monsters have appeared. The guards will take you there when you're ready. Just... be careful."
Lihan nodded, filled with determination, but with a shadow of doubt within him. As he turned and left the mayor's house, his thoughts returned to Ashe and Rei. He knew his sisters would worry deeply if they knew the danger he was about to face. I hope I don't disappoint them... or fail them, he thought, clenching his fists.
With each step, the weight of the mission grew heavier on his shoulders, and one single question lingered in his mind as he moved toward the destiny that would define his strength and courage: Will I survive what awaits me?
---------------------------------------------------
Lihan moved westward, where the land seemed to distort from the heat of the nearby dungeon. As he approached, he could see the guards in the midst of fighting against elusive magma monsters. These were small creatures, made of igneous rock and glowing lava, quickly moving across the fiery terrain and attacking with shards of magma. Several of these monsters surrounded the guards, who were trying to defend the dungeon's entrance.
Determined, Lihan drew his sword and joined the fray. Immediately, one of the magma creatures noticed him and shot a burst of shards in his direction. Lihan leaped backward, dodging the incandescent stones that sizzled when they hit the ground. He watched the creatures' movements: fast but somewhat predictable. They zigzagged, trying to flank their opponents and attack from unexpected angles.
"They're faster than they look!" Lihan muttered, frowning as he assessed his options.
The open terrain made it difficult to keep the magma creatures at bay. Every time one of the guards tried to flank one, another appeared from an unexpected angle and fired another barrage of fiery shards, forcing them to retreat. Lihan soon realized that individual attacks were ineffective. These monsters used the open space to move without obstruction.
Using his quick adaptability to unexpected situations, Lihan came up with a swift plan when he began noticing something in the creatures' movements. He quickly began directing the guards to surround the monsters, cutting off their access to the magma pools scattered across the area.
"Try to keep them away from the magma!" Lihan shouted, sensing that the creatures seemed to depend on these heat sources to stay active.
As they surrounded the monsters, Lihan observed that after each attack, the magma creatures seemed to slow down momentarily, as if they needed to recharge their energy in the fiery zones. Each time one tried to return to the magma, he and the guards blocked its path, cornering it.
"Now!" Lihan shouted, seizing the opportunity to strike one of the creatures that had been isolated. With a quick and precise movement, he drove his sword into its core, shattering it in an explosion of rocks and sparks.
The battle dragged on as they continued trying to separate the monsters from their recharge zones. Though they seemed countless, each one eventually fell under the coordinated attacks of Lihan and the guards, until only a few remained. Panting heavily, with beads of sweat rolling down his face, Lihan watched as the last magma creature fell to the ground, turning into a small pile of stones and ash.
"That was... intense," Lihan murmured, wiping the light sweat from his forehead, though feeling proud of what he had done while wondering with a satisfied smile what Rei and Ashe would think of his performance against these magma monsters. One of the guards approached with a grateful smile on his face, giving him a pat on the shoulder.
"Good job, kid. By the way, the mayor asked me to give you some extra supplies," said the guard, handing him some water bottles and several heat resistance potions. "They won't do much against direct burns, so be careful in there kid."
"I will, thank you," Lihan replied, stowing the bottles in his backpack and casting a glance at the remains of the creatures. His intuition had been useful in this battle, but he knew things would be more dangerous inside the dungeon.
Though the situation was perilous, he felt a wave of gratitude toward the mayor and the guards for their kindness and support. "It's good to know I'm not alone in this," he thought, as he looked at the magma creature's remains and prepared for what lay ahead inside the dungeon.
He turned toward the dungeon's entrance, which seemed to await him with a menacing feeling. The opening was dark and intimidating, and Lihan felt a shiver run down his spine despite the heat of the surroundings. The ancient runes inscribed around the threshold seemed to pulse with nearly alive energy as if each symbol were watching him, judging him.
Fear began to creep into his mind, and his heart raced. He imagined the possibility of facing something unknown, maybe too strong for him, something that could end his life. He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to calm his breath, remembering his sisters' words. He knew that if they were here, Rei and Ashe would have told him to be careful, that he didn't have to prove anything if it felt too much for him. But they would also have encouraged him, giving him the strength to trust himself and move forward.
However, his mind drifted further, and in his imagination, Ashe appeared before him, with her usual warm smile. In this fantasy, Ashe came close and wrapped him in a firm embrace, her strong arms, yet fragile and soft, surrounding him in a comforting gesture that filled him with peace.
"Ashe..." he murmured, feeling a blush rise to his face as he perceived the softness of her arms and how his head rested against her large chest. Then Ashe gave him a beautiful smile, an image so intense that Lihan felt his face completely flush, stammering to himself.
He shook his head, returning to reality.
"T-the heat must be affecting me!" Lihan murmured nervously to himself before nodding anxiously. "That must be it. The heat is making me imagine crazy things," Lihan nodded again, trying to regain his composure. Though, if he was honest, he wouldn't mind feeling Ashe's chest.
Seeing that the guards were looking at him confused by his internal outburst, he felt embarrassed by the amused and curious glances from the local guards.
He shook his head and smiled, regaining his focus. "No time for silly distractions," he thought, trying to calm his heart.
Determined, he took a step toward the dungeon entrance, his mind focused on facing whatever was hidden inside. As soon as his foot crossed the threshold, a wave of light enveloped him, and in the blink of an eye, the surroundings changed abruptly. Where there had once been a rocky path, now he found himself in a vast lava landscape, with jets of magma splashing around him and a heat that made the air shimmer.
Disconcerted, Lihan looked back, but the entrance had vanished.
"Great... just me and a dungeon that doesn't want me to leave," he muttered to himself with a sigh.
.
.
.
Important information confirmed:
Absolute Rules of the Lava and Fire Dungeon
1. Limited Resistance to Healing Magic: Within the dungeon, the use of healing magic is limited. Each attempt to use healing magic only restores a small fraction of health, and its effectiveness decreases with each use. This forces adventurers to use potions sparingly and avoid taking continuous damage.
2. Movement Restrictions in Lava Areas: In areas where the ground is covered in lava or near magma pools, movements are slower and more clumsy, as if the lava exerts an invisible pressure that hampers agility. This reduces the ability to dodge attacks and requires careful planning of each move to avoid getting stuck in the terrain.
Dungeon Description:
Upon entering the dungeon, adventurers are immediately transported to the monster boss's native domain, where the ground is covered in volcanic rocks and bubbling magma pools. The walls emit a faint reddish glow, and the air seems to vibrate due to the temperature. Though the environment is hot, the heat does not reach lethal levels, but it requires adventurers to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exertion. The constant burning sensation and environmental threats make concentration difficult and increase fatigue.
Magma Monsters of Dungeon:
1. Magma Sliders: Small creatures made of igneous rock and lava, Magma Sliders quickly glide across burning surfaces and can shoot small magma shards at a distance. While not very resilient, their speed and numbers present a constant threat, especially in narrow dungeon areas.
2. Fire Turtles: Large and tough, Fire Turtles have shells reinforced with volcanic minerals, making them extremely difficult to damage with physical attacks. These creatures often launch small lava explosions when they feel threatened, forcing adventurers to keep their distance or find a blind spot on their shells.
3. Magma Guards: Humanoid creatures made of volcanic rock and magma, Magma Guards are slow but incredibly strong. They protect the areas closest to the boss and often patrol around lava pools. They can strike the ground to generate heat waves that stun opponents.
Dungeon Boss: The Fire Colossus
The dungeon boss is a titanic creature known as the Fire Colossus, a B-rank monster with moderate intelligence that allows it to manipulate the lava around it.
Fire Colossus Characteristics:
Appearance: This creature is a mix between a golem and a living volcano. Its body, made of solid rock, has cracks from which liquid magma emerges, giving it the appearance of having been carved from pure lava. Its head resembles a helmet or expressionless mask, with eyes that emit a fiery glow.
Powers:
Lava Control: It can lift and manipulate lava around it to create barriers or launch fiery projectiles at its enemies.Fiery Blast: When on the defensive, the Colossus can launch a burst of liquid magma that quickly solidifies, trapping nearby opponents.
Magma Regeneration: As long as it is near a magma pool, the Colossus can absorb it to heal its wounds, though this has a usage limit.
Weak Point: Although its structure is tough, its head and chest are more vulnerable when it is in the process of using its abilities. Its eyes also have visible weak points when fully open, but accessing them requires skill and speed.