James found it intriguing to think back on Frank's life—a life so different from his own, yet deeply intertwined now. Frank's existence had been strange, but also largely peaceful. Most of his challenges had been mundane compared to the constant danger of this new world. There were only a few moments that were truly life and death, and the clearest was the one that led to Frank's untimely end. Frank had always been someone who approached situations with a calculated mind, not used to the raw, unpredictable dangers of combat. It was during times like this, facing real danger, that James was reminded of an old adage Frank knew well: "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face."
The phrase had a bitter truth to it, and James felt that sting now. This was exactly what went through his mind as he was slammed by the salamander. The creature might not have been the biggest one he had faced, but it was a reminder of how far he still had to go. James still didn’t have the instincts that true warriors developed—the split-second decision-making that could mean the difference between life and death. He had his weapon, the trident, but lacked the experience to wield it as effectively as it needed to be. And that showed.
Luckily for James, the beast didn’t capitalize on his mistake. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because of his recently enhanced stats. His body felt different since he had received his status—like it was trying to respond to dangers on its own. He found himself recovering more quickly, moving with a speed he didn’t fully understand yet. The thought flickered in his mind: was this part of the System enhancing him? It was something to think about another day, though—a day that wasn't rife with immediate threats and the looming shadow of death.
James forced himself back to his feet as the salamander let out a strange, unsettling hiss. The sound echoed in the cavern, its harshness bouncing off the damp stone walls, making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. The salamander's eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity, reminding James just how out of place and dangerous these creatures were. The salamander moved faster than he expected, and James felt a jolt of urgency. He had to make a decision, and he had to do it fast.
Before the creature charged him again, James decided to rely on something simple but effective—a maneuver tried and true. He set the trident in the ground, angling it to brace for impact, hoping the creature would ram into it. It was the best he could think of given his limited experience. He knelt down, setting the trident and steeling himself for what would come. It was only after the trident was in place that a terrifying thought occurred to him: Joey was behind him. If this plan failed, if the creature broke through his line of defense, Joey, still sleeping soundly, would be the next target. The weight of that realization settled in his chest like a stone.
Something clicked in James then—an echo of Frank’s spirit and determination. He had always felt a responsibility to protect others, and that resolve sparked to life again. James clenched his teeth, his heart pounding as he gripped the trident tightly. He couldn’t afford to fail—not now, not with Joey’s life on the line.
The salamander hissed again, its strange, jerky shuffle transitioning into a full-blown charge. James focused, gripping the trident until his knuckles turned white. He could almost feel the weapon guiding his hands, like it had some intrinsic will of its own. It felt like the trident was alive, like it wanted to protect too. James could have resisted it—forced his own way—but deep down, he trusted it. He let the weapon adjust in his grip, allowed it to find its path. He trusted his instincts and the trident's strange sense of purpose, and waited as the creature hurtled towards him.
The impact came in a rush of power. The salamander collided with the trident, impaling itself with a force that nearly knocked James off balance. He skidded backward, struggling to maintain his footing. The trident held firm, though, the weight of the salamander impaled upon it dragging it down. The creature let out a guttural screech, thrashing in its death throes, but after a few agonizing moments, it fell silent and limp.
James let out a long breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. Huffing from fear more than exhaustion, he watched as the salamander’s body began to dissolve into the familiar dark mist of the rift. He could feel his heartbeat still racing, the adrenaline fading slowly. There was something mesmerizing about the way the body transformed—swirling darkness condensing into something new. Thanks to his title, James knew it would eventually coalesce into an item. He watched the process silently, feeling a strange mix of emotions—relief that he had survived, pride in the fact that he had protected Joey, and a growing sense of excitement at the potential reward. There was something almost addictive about it—this thrill of earning a prize after a hard-fought victory.
The silence in the cavern was interrupted by a slow clap from behind him. Joey had woken up and was now sitting up, his hair sticking up at odd angles and a lazy grin on his face. “Well, that looked way easier than my way of killing them!” he said, his voice raspy as he let out a small burp.
James turned, a smile tugging at his lips. Joey, despite still looking a little rough, seemed to be recovering. He held his stomach but his eyes were bright, full of mischief. “What level was that one?” Joey asked, glancing over at the swirling mass of energy that had now fully condensed, leaving behind a small piece of paper on the ground.
“One second,” James replied, quickly glancing at the notification that appeared before him.
{Level Three Dark Salamander Defeated}
{Bonus EXP for fighting an enemy higher level than you}
{60 EXP Awarded}
{Congratulations! From your efforts, you are rewarded:}
{One Note to My Wife}
“It was level three, and we got… a note to our wife?” James said, his brows furrowing in confusion as he picked up the paper.
Joey blinked. “You’re married?” His incredulous expression made James laugh.
“No, obviously not. But that’s what the paper says. Here, listen to this.” James cleared his throat and began to read aloud.
“Dearest wife Beatrice,
The things I would say sweetly to you if only we were together,
alas, this message will have to do for I cannot leave this Rift.
I know now it was foolish of me to come here and I can only hope
that this truly will reach you as the mob drop said it would.
Give my love to Arcanus and a good pet to my dear Scratch.
If I should never leave this place, then maybe someday this will find you.
I love you,
Arnold Silversmith”
James paused after reading, a heavy silence hanging in the cavern. He could feel the weight of the message—a man who had come into a place like this, perhaps full of hope, only to find himself trapped. It was haunting. Joey finally broke the silence, scratching his head. "who's Arnold?"
a slight buzzing in James head as he came to reason “I don’t think this guy is anyone we know. But because Arnold thought it was valuable, it ended up in the reward pool, and we got it,” James said, a thoughtful look on his face.
It made him wonder about the nature of the SYSTEM—how it determined value. It wasn’t just about practical usefulness; it was about meaning. James reasoned that the SYSTEM must respond to the emotional weight people placed on items, even if they lacked obvious utility. This note, to Arnold, was priceless, and somehow the SYSTEM’s magic recognized that. It was a fascinating, almost chilling glimpse into how the mechanics of this world worked, as if the magic behind the SYSTEM could somehow understand what mattered most to those trapped within it.
“Whoa, I didn’t even think about the randomness of the rewards like that. I would have just thought it was a dumb reward.” Joey peered at the piece of paper, his eyes squinting, as if trying to decipher something hidden in the ink.
James nodded. “Yeah, it doesn’t seem to have any practical value to us, but to Arnold and his wife, it must have been worth everything. I wonder if she ever got it.”
“Well, we definitely didn’t get anything useful from it,” Joey sighed, shaking his head.
James watched Joey for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he tried to gauge his friend's mood. He knew Joey could be a bit unpredictable, but there was something different today—a certain energy that James couldn't quite place. Joey seemed almost restless, a coiled spring ready to unleash, and it made James curious about what was driving that change.
“So, where are you at now, Joey? You’re level two, right?” James asked, his tone casual, as if he was simply asking about the weather. He wanted to ease into the conversation without losing the newfound spark in Joey's eyes.
Joey grinned, a hint of pride tugging at his lips. “Yeah, I’m level two now. But nothing too exciting. Just got a couple more points in endurance and strength, and of course the usual three attribute points you get before picking a class.” Joey shrugged, though the excitement in his eyes betrayed his nonchalance. “I think fighting monsters gives us some boosts here and there, but nothing as big as that first power up. Still, it’s something, right?”
“It’s progress,” James agreed, nodding. “I actually got sixty EXP from that last fight. If we keep this up, I think we can gain some levels pretty quickly.” His eyes lit up with a gleam of excitement, a sense of adventure taking hold. The idea of getting stronger made the dangers seem worthwhile, and James found himself leaning into that thought. It wasn't just about surviving anymore—there was something exhilarating about pushing his limits, testing himself in ways he had only dreamed of before. The loot was an alluring factor aswell, the inner loot goblin rearing it's head.
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“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Joey said, his grin widening as he punched his fists together. “A good fight is exactly what I my stomach needs right now. I mean, seriously, we’re in this magical place with monsters and glowing mushrooms—how could we not get pumped up?”
James blinked, raising an eyebrow as he let out a laugh. “Who even says that? A fight is what your stomach needs? Joey, what happened to you while I was out for those four days?”
Joey huffed, shaking his head in mock exasperation. “James, you don’t get it. I had _nothing_ to do for four whole days while you were recovering! I’ve been thinking—like, a lot. You know I always wanted to be an adventurer. And so did you. This is it, man. This is what adventurers do! I mean, sure, it would’ve been better if we had come in with a proper team or at least with our parents, and, well, maybe a lower-level rift,” Joey paused, the grin faltering for a second, “but we can’t leave until we clear it. So we might as well make the best of it—might as well enjoy it.” There was a mix of determination and excitement on Joey's face, and James could see how much he meant it. Joey’s eyes were alight with a fervor that made James remember their shared dreams when they were younger—sneaking off to listen to adventurers' stories at the hall, imagining themselves as heroes.
James couldn’t help but smile. Joey’s enthusiasm was infectious. He had to admit—despite the danger, despite the pain that still lingered from his injuries, there was something thrilling about it. The idea of adventure, of proving himself, of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Joey—it called to him. Maybe it was just a childish urge, or maybe it was the primal part of him, something his life as Frank had never fully understood. The raw need to challenge himself, to take a risk and come out stronger for it.
“You’re right, Joey. This is our adventure. I just hope our parents aren’t too worried.” James’s voice held a hint of homesickness, his thoughts briefly drifting to his mother’s comforting smile and his father’s stern but caring gaze. He knew they were likely beside themselves with worry, but he had to believe they also knew he would be okay. It was what they had raised him for, after all, to take on challenges and come out victorious.
Joey waved it off with a chuckle. “Nah, don’t go getting all sentimental now. My parents would probably just tell me, ‘Joey, don’t fight the salamander! Joey, don’t swim in the creepy lake! Joey, don’t eat the weird donut!’” He shook his head, laughing. “Honestly, it’s kinda nice being free from all of that, y’know? Just us, doing what we want, making our own decisions. No one to tell us we’re doing it wrong.” Joey’s voice carried a mix of defiance and wistfulness. It was clear that part of him missed home, but another part relished the freedom they had now.
James snorted, shaking his head. “For the record, I’d also tell you not to eat the weird donut or swim in the creepy lake. But yeah, I get it.” He grinned at Joey. “Let’s just be smart about it, alright? No rushing in blindly. Especially with those salamanders—they’re tougher than they look.” James's mind went back to the close call they had with the last salamander they fought. They couldn't afford to underestimate anything in here.
“No worries, no diving into creepy lakes for me,” Joey said with a thumbs-up, a twinkle of humor in his eyes. “And as for the donut… yeah, that’s a mistake I’m not making again.” He paused, his voice softening just a bit, a shadow of sadness slipping through. “But you’re right. We’ve got this. We’re free, so let’s make the most of it.” Joey’s eyes seemed to momentarily lose focus, as if he was thinking back to something, maybe a memory that stung a little too much. Then he shook his head, as if dispelling the thoughts, his grin returning. “Besides, there’s loot to be had, levels to be gained—we’d be fools not to take this opportunity.”
James took a deep breath, nodding as he considered their situation. They couldn’t afford to be reckless—not with their lives on the line. Joey’s excitement was important, but they also needed strategy, discipline. Every step they took in this place was a step into the unknown, and that meant they had to stay sharp. There was no room for careless mistakes.
“Alright, let’s focus on being smart then,” James said, wanting to set the tone. “You’re the front line. I’ll stay back with the trident. But are you sure you’re okay being in the thick of things? You don’t have a way to heal yourself. You’ve got {Bronze Skin}, but… still.” James frowned, a crease forming between his brows. The thought of Joey getting seriously hurt gnawed at him, and he wanted to make sure his friend understood the risks.
Joey nodded firmly. “Yeah, I’m okay with it. I don’t like getting hurt—who does?—but that’s our best bet right now. Besides, I’ve been thinking about how to get a healing spell. How did your mom manage it, anyway?” Joey’s curiosity seemed genuine, and James knew Joey had always admired his mother’s skills.
James leaned back, trying to remember. “Her innate talent… something about mending or healing? It made learning healing spells easier for her. We never got to use the talent revealer, remember? The guild left town before we turned ten.” He paused, watching Joey’s face. “But, have you felt anything—like a pull or instinct toward something? Maybe that’s where your talent lies.” James remembered his mother explaining how talents often manifested as subtle urges or instincts, almost like an itch that needed scratching.
Joey frowned, his expression turning contemplative. “No, not really. I’ve tried, y’know. My parents took me to different places, had me try different things… but nothing clicked. My dad was even talking about taking me on a hunt, just before… well, just before everything happened.” His voice trailed off, frustration evident in his furrowed brows. Joey clenched his jaw, clearly upset that he still hadn’t found his place. It was something James understood well; they were both used to waiting for that moment when everything would make sense.
James placed a hand on Joey’s shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. “We’ll figure it out. You’re strong without it. You don’t need a talent to be amazing, Joey. Just… stay safe, alright? You’re not alone in this.” He squeezed Joey’s shoulder, trying to convey just how much his friend meant to him. They had been through so much together already, and James wasn’t about to let anything happen to Joey if he could help it.
Joey managed a grin, trying to lighten the mood. “Got it. No getting hurt. Easy enough, right?” His voice carried an exaggerated bravado that made James laugh. Joey always had a way of making things seem less daunting, his humor cutting through the tension like a knife.
“Alright,” James said, shaking his head as he opened up his status screen, “let me just check my stats real quick. I feel pretty good after those donut crumbs.”
Name - Jameson Castellio Age - 10 Titles - | Dungeon Marauder (Crimson) |
| Convergent Soul (Crimson) |
| Mana Harmonization (Cobalt) | Achievements - First Kill Race - Human (Ashen Rank One) Level - 1 (60/100) Class - N/A HP - 195/195 +15 MP - 265/265 +15 Stamina - 195/195 +15 Strength -
5
Dexterity - 5 Agility - 4 Intelligence - 9 Endurance - 4 Charisma - 5 Wisdom - 6 Fate - 12 Innate skill Level 1
******
Level 50 Locked Level 100 Locked Active Skills Passive Skills | Trident Proficiency (Ashen Rank One)| Affinities ********
“Hey, I think I’m right,” James said, a triumphant smile forming. “After eating that donut, I gained some health, and it even gave me temporary boosts in health, stamina, and mana.” He pointed at the indicators on his screen.
“Oh, I see it too,” Joey said, checking his own status. “Fifteen extra on all my stats… neat. How’d you figure that out? You don’t have {Identify}, do you?” He eyed James curiously.
James shook his head. “Nah, just a feeling and a little deduction.” He looked up at Joey, a playful smile on his lips. “I mean, sometimes you don’t need magic to figure things out. Just a bit of common sense, you know?”
Joey raised an eyebrow. “Deduction?”
James smiled. “It means figuring things out based on the clues around you. Miss Clara never taught you that?” He teased, remembering their teacher who had always been patient with Joey, despite his tendency to zone out during lessons.
Joey frowned. “Maybe I wasn’t paying attention,” he muttered, trying to recall any such lessons. He scratched the back of his head, clearly frustrated with himself. “I just remember her talking about geography and stuff… nothing about deduction.”
James laughed, waving it off. “Alright, well, I think we should stick near the lake and this cave for now. It’s a good spot to retreat to if things get dicey. We’re probably still in the starting area—that’s why the monsters have been somewhat manageable. But they’ll definitely get tougher as we move deeper in.” He paused, the weight of his words hanging in the air. The rift was bound to get more dangerous, and they needed to be ready for whatever lay ahead.
“Sounds like a plan,” Joey agreed, nodding with enthusiasm. “Are you sure you’re good to go, though? After that last fight, I mean.” Joey eyed James with a hint of concern. He had seen how drained James had looked after taking on the salamander, and while James was putting on a brave face, Joey wanted to be certain his friend was ready.
James took a deep breath, pushing himself up slowly to test his strength. He still felt sore, but the adrenaline and determination coursing through him made him feel ready. The aches were still there though more a memory of them lingering then the actual ache—something to push through rather than fear. “Yeah, I’m ready. Four days of sitting around—I need some action.” James’s eyes held a fierce determination, the kind that came from knowing that they had no other choice but to press forward.
“That’s the spirit!” Joey said, pumping a fist into the air. “Let’s get going—I’ll lead!” His confidence was unshakable, and it gave James a sense of comfort knowing that Joey was at his side.
James couldn’t help but smile at his friend's unwavering enthusiasm. He gripped his trident a little tighter, and together, they stepped out of the alcove. The glowing mushrooms that lined the cave walls cast an ethereal light around them as they moved forward into the unknown. The air was cool and damp, the faint rustling of unseen creatures echoing through the cave. James took it all in, every sound, every flicker of movement, knowing they needed to stay sharp.