In the Dungeon Core Room of the Forsaken Crypt, Eddie 'Bones' Malone and his demonic assistant Argenti were poring over a collection of papers and maps. These were not just any documents; they were detailed reports from the adventurers' guild – information about nearby dungeons, their difficulty levels, and notable adventurers.

"Okay, let's see what we've got here," Eddie mumbled, his eye sockets scanning the pages. "A dungeon with shifting walls, another that's basically a giant icebox... Interesting."

Argenti pointed to a map, highlighting the location of these dungeons in relation to their own. "It appears we have quite a variety of neighbors. Some of these dungeons are quite advanced."

Eddie leaned closer, examining the map. "Hmm, Big Guy, what do you think? Any of these dungeons we should be particularly worried about?"

The Bone Giant, Big Guy, stood silently beside them, his towering form casting an ominous shadow.

[Status Screen: Big Guy]

Name: Big Guy

Type: Bone Giant

Rank: Elite Guardian

Special Abilities: Intimidating Presence, Unbreakable Guard

Loyalty: Undying (Literally)

Conversation Skills: Nonexistent

"You're right, Big Guy. Keep an eye on them, but focus on our own defenses," Eddie nodded, interpreting the silence as sage advice.

Argenti smirked slightly at Eddie's one-sided conversation with the giant but continued with the task at hand. "There's also a list of adventurers who've recently gained notoriety. Some of them might attempt to challenge our crypt."

Eddie picked up a sheet listing various adventurers' names, their skills, and their last known conquests. "Hmm, this one claims to be a 'Master of Shadows.' Sounds like a sneaky fellow. And here's a 'Dragon Slayer.' Overcompensating much?"

As they sifted through the information, Eddie couldn't help but occasionally seek Big Guy's 'input.' "And what about this Dragon Slayer, Big Guy? Should we be worried?"

Big Guy, as always, remained stoically silent.

"Good point, we've handled worse," Eddie nodded seriously while Argenti laughed amused by his antics.

Eddie pointed at a particularly challenging dungeon on the map. "These guys seem to be upping their game. We need to step up ours. What's your take, Big Guy?"

Big Guy, in his typical silent manner, said nothing.

"Right, right, play it close to the chest. I like your style," Eddie nodded, appreciating the giant's 'discretion'. He turned to Argenti. "Looks like it's on us then. But we gotta problem – credits are tight."

Argenti flipped through a ledger. "We're running low, Eddie. We need to get creative with our resources."

Eddie rubbed his jaw thoughtfully and looked back at Big Guy. "So, Big Guy, you think recycling some of our older traps is the way to go?"

Big Guy remained still and silent, an imposing figure of bones.

"Good thinking. Keep 'em guessing with the classics. It's settled then," Eddie agreed, assuming consensus.

Argenti hid a smile and began listing possible traps to revamp. "We can start with the spike pits – a little adjustment there, maybe a new twist."

Eddie chuckled. "Yeah, good idea. Make 'em think twice about taking another step.”

As they continued to plan, Eddie frequently sought affirmation from Big Guy, interpreting his silence as sage wisdom. Together, with Argenti's logistical support and Eddie's creative flair (and Big Guy's 'guidance'), they set about ensuring The Forsaken Crypt remained a formidable and surprising challenge for any who dared to enter.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

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The morning mist still hung low as Koga and his group made their way through the Darkwood Forest. The path, a narrow trail fringed with wild ferns and ancient trees, had a tranquil yet eerie quality. Koga led the group with a map in hand, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of alertness and awe.

“So, Koga, think this relic will really be there?” Mara asked, her staff tapping rhythmically against the forest floor. Her eyes, sharp and perceptive, scanned the arcane symbols on the map.

Koga grinned, adjusting his dagger belt. “If it’s there, we’ll find it. And if not, at least we get a good story out of it, right?”

Torvald, armored and stoic, kept his gaze forward. “Stories don’t pay for ale,” he grumbled, though the hint of a smile tugged at his weathered face.

Lila, walking beside Mara, watched the flora with a mix of curiosity and caution. “Just be careful, everyone. These woods are riddled with monsters, don’t get distracted!”

Their journey was marked by light banter and the occasional sound of wildlife. Koga often took the lead, scouting ahead for signs of the crypt or any potential dangers. Mara would occasionally stop to examine a peculiar plant or to decipher the map’s more cryptic symbols.

As the sun climbed higher, the forest grew denser, the canopy above weaving a tapestry of light and shadow. The path twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the heart of Darkwood.

Suddenly, the sound of voices up ahead caused the group to halt. Peering through the trees, they spotted another band of adventurers, gathered around what looked like a makeshift camp.

Koga motioned for quiet and led his group closer. The other adventurers were engaged in a loud discussion, their gear scattered haphazardly around them.

“Well, well, look who we have here,” a voice called out as they approached. It belonged to a tall, smirking adventurer, his eyes fixed on Koga’s group.

“Looks like the little birds have lost their way,” another jeered, a bulky man with a scar across his cheek.

Mara bristled at the comment, her hand tightening around her staff. “We know exactly where we are, thank you,” she retorted, her gaze icy.

Torvald stepped forward, his presence commanding. “We have no quarrel with you. We’re just passing through.”

The rival group’s leader, a woman with a sly grin, eyed them up and down. “Heading to the crypt, are you? Rumor has it there’s treasure to be found. But it’s no place for amateurs.”

Koga stepped up, meeting her gaze. “We can handle ourselves. Besides, everyone knows the best treasures are often guarded by the biggest challenges.”

Lila, ever the peacekeeper, gently tugged at Koga’s sleeve. “Let’s just keep moving. We have a relic to find.”

With a final exchange of wary glances, Koga’s group moved past the rival adventurers, the taunts and jeers fading behind them.

Torvald muttered, “Arrogant lot. But they might be right about the challenges ahead.”

As they continued, the air was suddenly pierced by a mocking call from behind them. "Hey, Koga! Running away like you did from your old crew, huh?" jeered one of the adventurers, his voice dripping with contempt.

The words hit Koga like a physical blow. Memories of a past he wanted to forget, of betrayal and a narrow escape, flashed through his mind. His hand instinctively went to his dagger, a rush of anger flooding his senses.

Mara glanced at Koga, her eyes filled with concern. "Don't listen to them, Koga. They're just trying to get under your skin."

But the taunts continued, each word sharpened to wound. "Yeah, Koga, how does it feel to be a deserter? Bet your old pals don't miss you one bit! Oh wait… What happened to them, little Koga?"

Koga's grip on his dagger tightened, his knuckles whitening. The old anger, the feeling of loss, the struggle to start anew – it all came rushing back. "I'm not running," he muttered under his breath, taking a step back towards the mocking voices.

Lila, sensing the rising tension, quickly stepped in front of Koga, her hand gently resting on his chest. "Koga, look at me," she said softly, her voice a calming balm. "This isn't the way. We're better than this."

Koga's eyes, burning with a mix of hurt and fury, met Lila's. Her gaze was steady, unwavering, a reminder of the new life he had built with this group – a life of respect and camaraderie.

Taking a deep breath, Koga slowly released his grip on the dagger. The anger didn't vanish, but Lila's presence helped him regain control. "You're right, Lila. They're not worth it."

With a final glare at the taunting adventurers, Koga turned away, his group following closely. As they walked away, the mocking calls faded into the background, swallowed by the forest's whispering canopy.

Torvald, walking beside Koga, gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You made the right choice. Let's focus on what lies ahead."

Mara nodded in agreement. "We're here for the relic, not petty squabbles."

Koga took a moment to steady his breathing, his thoughts still swirling. Now following in the back of the group behind the others. Memories flashed before him as he shook them away, Lila giving a concerned look before continuing ahead. The group’s cheery mood turned downtrodden.