The sun hung low over Duskhaven as the group made their way back from the training fields, exhaustion settling in their limbs. Their clothes were damp with sweat, their weapons dulled from repeated use, and yet… something felt good about it. Like they had taken a step forward, even if it was a small one.
Arlan rolled his shoulders, the lingering hum of magic still tingling in his fingers. He wasn't sure if he was getting stronger, but he was starting to get used to his power. That counted for something, right?
Bones, perched on his shoulder, was behaving—for now. No random transformations, no sudden bursts of unstable magic. Just a small, rattling skeleton rat enjoying the breeze.
For now.
The Guild's Bounty
The guild hall was quieter than usual when they arrived. A few adventurers sat around drinking, but there was an underlying tension in the air.
Something had changed.
Gareth, ever the overworked and underpaid guild clerk, looked up as they approached the counter. "You're back."
"Disappointed?" Tomas grinned.
Gareth sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I swear, every time you lot leave, something explodes, burns down, or goes missing."
Leila smirked. "You love us."
"Not even remotely."
Mira cleared her throat. "Any news?"
Gareth exhaled. "Actually, yeah." He pulled out a stack of parchment, rifling through them before handing one over.
Bounty Issued: Missing Adventurers
Arlan frowned, scanning the paper.
"Three adventurers have gone missing in the Duskhaven dungeon. Last seen entering the second floor. No confirmed traces found."
Tomas groaned. "Great. More missing people."
Beren's expression darkened. "Second floor, huh?"
Mira was already thinking, her eyes sharp. "This… could be something. If people are disappearing, it's not random."
Leila hesitated. "You think it's connected to the crypt?"
Arlan clenched his jaw. He didn't know. But his gut told him something was wrong.
Very wrong.
"Regardless," Mira continued, "this means two things." She looked at the group. "One—we need to go back into the dungeon. And two—we need better gear."
Tomas grinned. "Finally. I'm getting real armor."
Beren nodded approvingly. "About time."
Arlan exhaled. "So, we're shopping first?"
Mira smirked. "Looks like it."
Gold & Steel – The Armory Visit
The Duskhaven armory was one of the busiest places in town, catering to adventurers of all ranks. The shop was run by an old, grumpy blacksmith named Master Grell, who had a permanent scowl and arms thick as tree trunks.
The moment they walked in, Grell grunted. "You again."
Tomas grinned. "You missed us."
"I wish I had." Grell crossed his arms. "What do you want?"
Mira stepped forward. "We're heading to the second floor of the dungeon. We need proper gear."
Grell snorted. "About damn time."
The next hour was filled with trying on armor, testing weapons, and arguing over prices.
Tomas eventually settled on a reinforced steel chestplate—heavier than what he was used to but sturdy. "I feel indestructible."
"You look heavier," Leila teased.
Beren found a new double-edged axe, the grip reinforced with leather. He nodded approvingly, swinging it once. "This will do."
Leila picked up a quiver of enchanted arrows, perfect for piercing through tougher armor. "Finally, something with bite."
Mira, ever practical, upgraded her arcane focus, a small crystal embedded in her staff to enhance her spells.
And Arlan?
Arlan hesitated. He had no weapon. No real armor. His power wasn't something he could hold in his hands.
Then Grell eyed him. "You."
Arlan blinked. "Uh. Yes?"
The old blacksmith studied him. "You don't use weapons."
"…Not really."
Grell grunted. "Then you need something to keep you alive." He turned, rummaging through a crate before tossing something at Arlan.
A dark leather cloak—light but reinforced with hidden protective layers.
"Wear that," Grell muttered. "Good against blades. Might save your skin."
Arlan ran a hand over the fabric. It felt… right.
He nodded. "Thanks."
Grell grunted. "Don't die."
The Second Floor Beckons
With their new gear, the group made their way back to the guild, turning in their next quest request.
They were going back into the dungeon.
Back to the second floor.
Tomas stretched. "So, what are we expecting?"
Mira sighed. "More monsters. Stronger ones."
Leila grinned. "Think we'll find something cool?"
Beren adjusted his axe. "Or something dangerous."
Arlan stayed quiet, adjusting the cloak around his shoulders.
He had a bad feeling about this.
And he knew, deep down…
Whatever they found on the second floor wouldn't just be monsters.
Something was waiting.
Something tied to the crypt.
Something watching.
And this time… they might not come back.