The night in Libentium was calm, the dim streetlights accompanying the silence, interrupted only occasionally by the footsteps of night guards. But inside a modest inn, the stillness of the night was quickly broken. A firm yet flat voice echoed in the minds of Catherine, Virginia, and Thomas, waking them from their sleep.
"This is an emergency. Wake up now," the navigator's voice commanded with undeniable authority.
Catherine slowly opened her eyes, blinking to adjust to the darkness of the room. Her expression quickly turned sour. "That voice again. Can't even get a peaceful night's sleep," she grumbled irritably. Sitting up in bed, she lazily but elegantly tidied her disheveled hair. "What now? Does he not understand that human bodies need rest?" Yet, despite her complaints, Catherine got up, understanding the gravity of the message. Her sense of responsibility, hidden behind her grumbles, compelled her to act.
In another room, Virginia woke up with a slightly startled breath. She immediately sat upright in bed, clutching the small cross she always carried. "Emergency," she murmured, taking a deep breath. Her eyes radiated sharp alertness. "What do you mean, Navigator? If this is another one of your foolish tests of our patience, I won't hesitate to push back."
"It's not a joke. This is serious!" the navigator's voice rang out in their minds again.
In yet another room, Thomas woke slowly. He let out a long sigh, sitting on the edge of his bed with a calm yet contemplative expression. "The navigator wouldn't disturb us without reason," he thought. As someone who viewed the world with cold pragmatism, Thomas understood this might require quick decision-making. Yet, rather than rushing, he took a moment to gather his thoughts and prepare for the situation.
The three soon gathered in the inn's hallway, exchanging glances. Catherine broke the silence with her trademark complaint. "The navigator really needs to learn some manners. Stealing away precious sleep like this."
Virginia looked firmly at Catherine. "Whatever the reason, if we've been summoned, it means there's something important to do. We don't have time to complain."
Thomas gave a light nod. "So, what's the issue that's so urgent it couldn't wait until morning?"
The navigator's voice cut through their minds again, firmer this time. "No time for debates. You need to leave the inn immediately. I just received a distress call from another player nearby whose combat units are trapped in a domain."
Catherine, standing at the front with arms crossed, eyed the screen with a sharp expression. "Another player? What does that mean? Aren't we the only ones caught up in this madness?" Her tone carried suspicion.
Virginia, on the other hand, focused intently on the map displayed before them. "If they're truly in danger, we can't just stand here questioning it. If God has given us this task, then there's a reason for it." She clutched her small cross tightly, ready for whatever was to come.
Thomas stood with a hand on his chin, thinking deeply. "Another player... So there's a chance we're not alone in this world. Are they allies or potential threats?" He glanced at the screen, examining the domain details with a cold gaze. "More importantly, what assurance do we have that this isn't a trap?"
The navigator, clearly running out of patience, interrupted. "No time for explanations. I've already checked your status. Your skill points, HP, and MP are fully replenished. Get ready and move out immediately."
Catherine let out a soft scoff, stepping closer to the screen with graceful yet authoritative movements. "Don't think I'll jump into the fire just because some voice in my head orders me to."
Virginia glanced at Catherine with a firm look but said nothing. She focused on the system display, then bowed her head slightly in prayer. "If this is Divine will, then I'll follow without hesitation. But I still hope for clearer explanations after this is over."
Thomas, as usual, remained calm. "The decision is made. But don't let your guard down. If this is a trap, we need to be ready. Efficiency and preparedness are key to survival." He looked toward the navigator through the screen. "Ensure the domain's information is accurate. I don't want us wasting effort on faulty intel."
The navigator didn't bother with a lengthy reply, merely stating, "You have the coordinates. I've ensured all preparations are in place. Move now."
Catherine took a deep breath and glanced at her companions. "Alright, then. But after this, I want to know who this other player is and what their intentions are. I don't like fighting for strangers without reason."
Virginia nodded, clutching her small cross tightly before tucking it into her cloak. "May God bless our steps. Let's go."
Thomas gave a brief nod, then began walking toward the exit, keeping his position slightly behind the two women to observe the situation.
***
Catherine, Virginia, and Thomas stood before a massive stone door, its surface adorned with ancient reliefs that had nearly faded with time. The quiet of the area was palpable, broken only by the soft whisper of the night wind. Catherine crossed her arms, her face a picture of disbelief.
"I can't decide what's more unsettling—the eerie architecture of this ancient place or the fact that we're supposed to enter a dungeon already pillaged by someone else," she sighed, glancing at the system display hovering near Virginia.
Virginia, her hand resting on the cold stone surface of the door, carefully studied the information on the system screen.
---
Dungeon: Forgotten Temple
Enemy Details:
Rock Golem x1 (Level 27)
Stalker Scorpion x2 (Level 24)
---
Thomas narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the listed levels. "Level 24 and 27? That's way beyond our current level. We're only at level 10. This isn't a gap we can take lightly."
The navigator's voice interjected in their minds. "Relax, Thomas. You'll be fine. There aren't many enemies left, and most of the monsters—and likely the dungeon boss—have already been defeated by another team. Your task is simply to finish the domain and rescue them."
Catherine scoffed, arms still folded. "You always say, 'You'll be fine.' But I distinctly remember how that meant us nearly dying in the last dungeon. You're lucky we made it out alive."
The navigator chuckled lightly. "That's because you're all exceptionally capable, Catherine. Besides, this time is different. Focus on the mission."
Virginia, standing closest to the door, ran her fingers over its surface, examining the faded carvings that seemed to be prayers or incantations. "Ancient relics like this usually harbor dark secrets. If others entered before us, they must've been reckless." She paused, turning to Catherine and Thomas. "We don't know what's truly inside. Are we sure these are the only enemies left?"
Thomas nodded slightly, though his expression remained wary. "The navigator could be wrong. This intel might be incomplete. But given the situation, we have no choice but to enter. If there's a domain inside, the only way to save them is to complete it ourselves."
Catherine rolled her eyes and stepped forward. "Then let's get on with it. I'm tired of standing around listening to endless debates. If we die, we'll blame the navigator. That's the plan, right?" she said sarcastically, though her tone carried determination.
The navigator smirked in their minds. "Good, Catherine. That's the spirit of a true leader. You'll be fine. I'll guide you every step of the way."
Thomas crouched, examining fresh footprints in the damp soil near the door. "These tracks are recent. Whoever entered hasn't been inside long. But a door this massive… they must've had a way to open it. Otherwise, how could they have gotten through?"
The navigator answered promptly. "The door likely opened automatically for them as the first team. Dungeon systems often reseal entrances after others enter. Don't worry, I can unlock it for you."
A system interface suddenly appeared before them, displaying the text: "Enter Dungeon?" with two large buttons: [Yes] and [No]. Without hesitation, Thomas pressed [Yes].
The enormous door creaked open slowly, its rumble echoing through the still night. A cold, damp air wafted out, causing Virginia to step back slightly and clutch her small cross.
"Let's finish this," Thomas said, stepping through the doorway first. "The sooner we complete the domain, the sooner we get out of here."
Catherine followed with a calm but cautious stride, while Virginia brought up the rear, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings.
As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, the musty scent of dust and damp earth filled the air. The dark stone corridor, faintly illuminated by the eerie green glow of bioluminescent moss, led them into a larger chamber. The remnants of a recent battle made all three pause.
"These stone fragments…" Thomas murmured, crouching to touch jagged shards of crystal scattered across the floor. "They're from a Rock Golem. Their attacks are powerful but slow. Whoever defeated them must've been precise in their counterattacks."
Virginia examined the remains of a massive scorpion in a corner of the room. Some of the corpses were crushed with brute force, while others bore clean, precise cuts. "This looks like the result of a combination of raw power and individual skill. If this was done by just two units, I'm impressed." Her tone was even, though curiosity gleamed in her eyes.
"Don't be too impressed," Catherine interjected sharply, scanning the room. "We're here to finish what they couldn't. If they're so strong, why are they trapped in this domain?"
The navigator, monitoring their thoughts, answered. "Because the domain is more than just combat. Dungeon systems are designed to trap anyone who fails a logic challenge or runs out of time. They may be strong in battle, but that doesn't make them infallible."
Catherine scoffed. "Of course. There's always another trap. Classic." She stepped closer to Virginia, inspecting one of the smaller scorpion corpses. "Navigator, you said there are three enemies left. How do we know one of them isn't faking death among these?"
"That's why I told you to stay alert. Pay attention to the rocks around you. A Rock Golem might be camouflaged, blending into its surroundings before striking," the navigator warned.
Thomas stood, his magic tome open in his hands. "Then we'll move forward in formation. I'll take point, Catherine in the middle, and Virginia at the rear. If there's a sudden attack, we'll be better positioned."
Virginia nodded, though her sharp gaze remained fixed on the path ahead. "This formation works well if the Rock Golem attacks first. But if the Stalker Scorpions strike, we'll need to adapt quickly."
"I know," Thomas replied briskly. "We have to be flexible, but there's no point in overthinking. Let's move."
They continued down the narrow corridor, the walls adorned with ancient symbols. The faint green glow of the moss dimmed further, casting the surroundings into deeper shadows. Catherine gazed sharply ahead, her hand ready on the hilt of her sword.
"Maybe I should say this now," Catherine muttered in a low tone. "If we end up trapped in this domain too, Navigator, I won't forgive you."
"Don't worry," Navigator replied curtly. "I won't let that happen. Just focus on the mission."
Suddenly, Virginia halted their progress. "Wait," she whispered, pointing toward a massive pile of rocks ahead. "Did that… move?"
Thomas immediately raised his sword, positioning himself in front of the others. "Get ready. I think we just found one of the remaining enemies."
The large pile of rocks began to shift, accompanied by a low rumbling sound. Crimson crystal eyes glowed to life at its center as the Rock Golem rose, its massive frame dominating the narrow space. From behind Virginia came a sinister rustling, the unmistakable sound of the two remaining Stalker Scorpions emerging.
"Perfect," Catherine said with a slight smirk. "Finally, something to hit."
The battle against the Rock Golem and two Stalker Scorpions was intense. Thomas held the front line, using his water magic to repel attacks. High-pressure streams of water blasted the Rock Golem, keeping it at bay. "This golem is powerful but slow," he said, catching his breath. "The problem is those scorpions—they're too fast."
Virginia stood at the rear, monitoring their health while gripping her magic tome. "I can keep you all alive, but if they keep targeting me, we won't last long," she said firmly, tension evident in her voice. Her role as a healer made her an obvious target.
Catherine was positioned beside Thomas, her sharp eyes locked on the Rock Golem. "My poison magic is enough to take down the scorpions, but this golem is another story. It'll take much longer for the poison to work on something this solid," she remarked, deftly dodging a massive stone the golem hurled at her.
Navigator's voice rang sharply in their minds. "Don't use your skills recklessly! Save them for later. The team we're rescuing might be in worse shape."
Catherine clicked her tongue in annoyance. "You're serious? Things are already bad enough here. If we lose now, who's going to save them?"
Thomas growled, still concentrating on his magic. "Navigator, I hope you know what you're doing, but we won't hold out much longer without a better strategy."
Suddenly, the two Stalker Scorpions charged from behind, one aiming its sharp tail directly at Virginia. Catherine tried to intercept it with her poison magic, but the creature's speed made it difficult to hit accurately. Thomas redirected his water magic, shoving the scorpion back from Virginia, but the second one's tail came dangerously close to striking her.
"Watch out!" Catherine shouted, rushing forward to protect Virginia. But she knew she wouldn't make it in time.
Out of nowhere, a long sword flew through the air from the dungeon's entrance, impaling one of the Stalker Scorpions and pinning it to the ground. The creature stopped moving, lifeless. All three turned toward the source of the sword.
From the shadowy corridor emerged a young knight, his confident smile illuminated by the faint light. His polished, though slightly dusty, armor gleamed faintly. "Am I late?" he asked lightly.
Catherine glared at him suspiciously. "And who are you?" she demanded, still on guard.
The knight gave a small bow. "I was sent by Navigator to assist you. I assume you're the team on the rescue mission?"
Thomas lowered his sword slightly but remained wary. "If Navigator sent you, why are you only showing up now?"
The knight chuckled softly. "Apologies. I had to catch up with you after traveling from Esverita Kingdom. But don't worry—I'm here now. We can handle this together."
He approached Catherine, retrieved his sword from the scorpion's body, and then turned to face the still-active Rock Golem.
Virginia spoke for the first time since the knight's arrival. "If Navigator truly sent you, prove what you can do. We don't have time to question your intentions."
The knight nodded, raising his sword. "Understood. Leave the rest to me."
Catherine narrowed her eyes, still skeptical. "You'd better prove yourself quickly. We don't have time for pleasantries."
***