It had been a few days since Kerich and I had set out on our journey towards Sirocco, the vibrant golden leaves of the aspen groves and meadows quickly transitioning into deep green tones of sparsely-wooded marshlands. Thankfully, even as thick pools of mud and lily-covered bogs surrounded us, the road ahead was well traveled and decently maintained, so we kept up the pace.
As the sun crossed over its apex, I was shaken from my idle musing of the environment by Kerich suddenly running forwards and crouching down behind a shrub on the side of the road. After a moment of confused hesitation I moved over to join him at the bush, giving him a puzzled look. He turned to me and held a finger over his lips, urging me not to speak. I nodded silently, simply crouching down beside him. I followed his gaze, peering through the dense foliage to see what had caught his attention.
To my surprise, I spotted a group of ducks waddling along the edge of a nearby pond, their colorful feathers gleaming in the midday sun. They seemed completely unaware of our presence, happily pecking at the ground as they went about their business.
Kerich’s face be me into a wide excited grin as he reached for the sling at his hip. Without a word, he carefully loaded a smooth lead ball into the pouch of the sling and took careful aim at one of the unsuspecting ducks.
In one fluid motion, he stood up and swung the sling around, sending the ball hurting through the air with deadly accuracy. The duck let out a startled squawk as it was struck, tumbling to the ground with a soft thud.
The rest of the ducks scattered and took flight, but Kerich swiftly loaded another ball into the sling and took aim. As he did, his eyes caught the sunlight and shone a brilliant, ethereal golden hue before he launched it into the air with impossible accuracy, striking down another duck in mid-flight.
I watched in awe as his skill was put on full display, his movements were smooth and practiced. It was a display of marksmanship unlike anything I had ever seen before. As the last of the ducks flew off into the distance, Kerich turned to me with a satisfied grin, his eyes twinkling with pride.
“Looks like dinner is sorted!” he said with a chuckle, gesturing towards the fallen birds. ”Care to help with plucking and cleaning?”
A laugh burst forth from me at the sheer absurdity of his response, stepping out into the marsh to retrieve the unlucky fowl.
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We continued pressing onwards down the road to Sirocco, the sun slowly drifting downwards to our right. Suddenly, Kerich and I noticed a small group of people in the distance, walking down the path towards us. As they came closer, I could make them out more clearly, seeing that they were all clad in sturdy armor, armed with all manner of weapons. In an instant, Kerich placed a arm over my chest and stepped in front of me.
My mind eased slightly upon taking a closer look at their uniforms, seeing the golden star of the Auster Empire emblazoned on their gear, signifying that they were not mere bandits roaming the wilds but licensed dungeon raiders.Even still, we watched warily as the group approached, their leader’s gaze bearing down on us..
Kerich stood tall, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The group came to a stop a few paces away, their plate-clad leader regarded Kerich with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
“Who goes there?”
Kerich took another step forwards. “I am Kerich, Guardsman of the Auster Empire. and this is Arin, a Junior Inspector.”
The man eyed us both for a moment with squinted eyes before turning back to another member of his raiding party. “Is Sirocco due for another Guardsman and Inspector, Lieutenant?”
The man to his side responded quickly. “We did receive word that they would be getting a new Inspector, though there was nothing about a Guardsman being sent our way.”
Kerich cleared his throat loudly. “Excuse me, Sir, but I believe it’s appropriate to introduce yourself as well.”
The man turned his attention back to us, his expression shifting from suspicion to annoyance. “Very well then. I am Captain Renald, leader of this raiding party.” They spoke, their voice tinted with an air of self-importance. “We are responsible for continuous subjugation of mid-level dungeons under the purview of the Southern Inspection Center.”
Kerich nodded. "A noble pursuit indeed, Captain Renald. And how has your expedition fared thus far?"
The captain's gaze flickered briefly to his companions before returning to us. "We have encountered some resistance from the creatures that inhabit the dungeons, but nothing we couldn't handle. Our progress has been steady, and we expect to meet our quotas before the end of the quarter.”
“Good to hear, we wish you luck on your efforts Captain. Stay safe on your journeys.” Kerich replied with another nod.
Captain Renald's expression hardened, a glint of determination in his eyes. "We are well aware of the dangers, Guardsman. Rest assured, we will not falter in our duty to the Empire."
With a curt nod of farewell, Kerich stepped to the side as the party walked around, continuing down the path behind us.. “Seems like they’ve got their work cut out for them,” he remarked in a whisper, leaning over to me. I simple shrugged my shoulders and began walking again, sparing a quick glance back at Captain Renald and his crew as they matched into the distance.
I couldn't help but notice the stripe of vibrant gold that weaved through his auburn hair, shining brightly in the sun.
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As the sun finally dived downwards past the horizon, we stopped to the side of the road and set up camp for the night. Kerich skillfully began the process of plucking and cleaning the ducks, his hands working deftly as he defeathered them, revealing the sleek mottled skin beneath.
I helped where I could, which mostly involved gathering kindling for the fire. As I did, I could see Kerich skewer the plucked birds and placing them atop a makeshift rotisserie. The anticipation of enjoying freshly roasted duck fuelled our efforts, and before long the savory aroma of cooking meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the marshes.
I sat by the fire, seeing Kerich idly rotating the spit across from me, the fire below sizzling and crackling as the melting fat drips into it. Leaning forwards, I decided to ask him a question that had been lingering in my mind since our encounter with Captain Renald.
“Kerich, can I ask you about being a Guardsman?”
Kerich glanced up from the spit, his expression thoughtful. "Of course. What would you like to know?"
"Well, you asked me why I became an Inspector, so I'm curious: why did you become a Guardsman?"
Kerich's demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features "Well, my journey to becoming a Guardsman is somewhat similar to yours in becoming an Inspector, though my path took a different turn a few years ago."
His words piqued my interest further. "Wait, really? What were you before becoming a Guardsman, then?" I pressed.
A hint of unease flashed across Kerich's face, and he shifted uncomfortably. "Before becoming a Guardsman, I was a Dungeon Warden."
I blinked in surprise. “A Dungeon Warden? how’s that different from being a Guardsman?”
“Well, Wardens are a subset of The Guard. They’re responsible for controlling and maintaining Dungeons. It’s a Warden’s duty to keep a Dungeon’s monsters from coming to the surface, and posing a risk to the local populace. They’re the ones whom your inspection reports are sent out to first. Though, some Wardens do also have inspector licenses themselves.”
“Do you?” I asked curiously.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
He shook his head with a smirk. "Nah. Couldn't pass the damn test. People can complain all they want about you paper-pushers, but you're something special, alright."
His response made me chuckle, but my curiosity continued to prod at me, wanting more. “Well, why’d you stop being a warden?”
Kerich's smirk washed away, looking away with a solemn expression. "As a Warden, I had to fight monsters day-in and day-out. As you can imagine, that's not terribly good for ya’. Takes a toll on a person. I'm lucky to have gotten out of that game with as little corruption as I did."
“What do you mean? couldn’t you get cleansed?” I asked. surely the Empire would provide for them… right?
He sighed. “To be cleansed requires gold. And while they always told us just how important Wardens are to the protection and security of the Empire, the pay never seemed to reflect that. As such, we couldn't afford to get a cleansing after every single shift…”
His face took on a pained expression as he fell silent, just staring into the crackling fire as the spit turns. I opted to remain silent as well, looking down at my empty hands lost in thought trying to come to terms with his words, feeling the realization of just how serious the path forward would truly be tugging at my chest.
Not long after, he pulled the skewered birds from the fire and set them aside to rest, before expertly carving them with his belt knife. I reached over to one of the duck legs already cut away and took a bite, savoring in the crispy, smoky flavor that filled my mouth. A second bite, and I glanced back over to Kerich hoping to strike up another, more lighthearted conversation with him.
But the words quickly died in my throat as I watched him begin dumping heaps of carved meat onto his metal shield with reckless abandon. He looked up, seeing my absolutely bewildered and slightly disgusted expression, and just gave a lighthearted shrug before throwing more meat onto the pile.
I just shook my head and took another bite.
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The two of us eventually finished our meals, myself still feeling awed watching Kerich devour the massive feast he prepared for himself. Where in the seven hells did he even put it all?
The campfire still casting its warm glow between us as the last vestiges of daylight slid away, we both slid into our bedrolls and laid down for the night. I once again stared up at the countless stars dangling above me as I drifted to sleep, still eager to see what awaits us tomorrow.
Although this time, I did not rest for long. An overwhelming sense of unease stirred me from my slumber and I sat upright, seeing that Kerich had awoken as well, seeming just as troubled as I. Wordlessly, we stood and scanned the landscape around us, the once roaring fire at the center of the camp now barely more than embers. Suddenly, a terrible sense of vertigo washed over me in waves, causing my head to spin and my stomach to churn with unease.
The flickering flames of the campfire and the dim lamplights around us were suddenly extinguished in an instant, plunging us into an inexplicable darkness. The air grew still for a fleeting moment, pregnant with anticipation, before a powerful gust of sickly warm wind slammed into us, nearly knocking me off my feet.
The earth began to rumble as the pungent stench of brimstone filled my nose and stung my eyes. A thick, unnatural fog began to surround us, spilling out across the bogs between the sparse trees. Wide cracks began to split the earth open, streams of purple light pouring out from them as the ground began to flex and undulate, as if breathing..
Slowly growing up from the marshland in front of us, a tall, foreboding tower began to emerge, it's silhouette cutting across the sky. . The very space around us began to tear asunder, acres of land peeling apart and unfolding in ways that should not be possible. .
“Wicket,” Kerich shouted over the rumbling. “Wicket, we have to go now!”
My heart pounding in my chest, I reached down to my bag and began to run, seeing Kerich sprint out beside me. Glancing behind, I saw as stones tore through the ground, pavers pushing up from the depths replacing the dirt road.
I felt my lungs burning as we ran, watching in horror as the landscape around me changed with unnatural speed. What was once a tranquil marshland now twisted and contorted, morphing into a labyrinth of stone corridors and ominous structures. Another violent tremble in the ground nearly made me trip, as if the earth itself were protesting from this otherworldly intrusion.
Kerich and I dashed through the shifting terrain, our breaths ragged and hearts pounding with adrenaline-fueled urgency. The purple glow emanating from the towers behind us grew ever brighter, casting eerie shadows across the landscape. A gnawing sence of dread tore at my insides as we spirited away, feeling the arcane energy crackling in the air.
"We need to find shelter!" Kerich shouted over the din, his voice barely audible above the cacophony of shifting stone and roaring winds.
My head snapped around, desperately searching for anything to grant us safety. “Over there!” I shouted, spotting a cluster of rocky outcropping along the side of a nearby hill.
The two of us swiftly dive into the the safety of the rocks, a deafening roar echoed through the air behind us as we escaped.. I glanced back towards what was once our campsite, my heart sinking as I beheld the full extent of the monstrous form before me.
A dark castle stood tall and foreboding, its spires reaching towards the darkened sky like the claws of some ancient beast. Sickly purple fog continued to bellow out from its gates and poured over the twisted landscape.
“Kerich…” I spoke quietly, my breathing still ragged in shock. “Kerich, what's going on?”
“...A Dungeon Bloom…” he whispered breathlessly, his eyes wide and shell-shocked. “Gods above…”
Before I can even speak, my attention is drawn back to the castle in the distance as even more purple lights appear along the battlements and gates. Heaps of bones begin floating up from the ground and piecing themselves together, tendrils of sinewy flesh wrapping over their form loosely as dark steel warps and bends into menacing armor and weapons of war.
For a chilling moment, all was silent again as the skeletal figures stood motionless in place. Then, all at once, every single one snapped to attention, their empty eye sockets glowing red with malice.
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Auster Empire Gilt Services Division
[Confidential - Employee Evaluation Sheet]
Employee Name: Arin Wicket
Position: Junior Inspector
Evaluation Period: Training
Performance Summary: Arin has exhibited consistently strong dedication to his studies. His knowledge of dungeon classification, creature identification, and inspection procedures exceeds expectations for a trainee at his level. While demonstrating strong potential, certain areas still require refinement to ensure he meets the Empire's rigorous standards.
Key Strengths:
* Intellectual Drive: Arin actively seeks opportunities to deepen his understanding of dungeons and the challenges they present. His natural curiosity and willingness to challenge himself will serve him well as he encounters progressively complex scenarios.
* Composure: Even during high-stakes mock inspections, Arin remains remarkably composed. This steady resolve under pressure ensures that he will be a reliable asset in demanding situations and supports effective team dynamics.
* Collaborative Spirit: Arin fosters a positive, proactive working atmosphere by offering support and sharing knowledge. His enthusiasm for his duties and team-oriented focus enhance overall morale.
Areas for Development:
* Professional Punctuality: Arin must address his tendency for tardiness. Timeliness is of the essence in the Dungeon Inspection Corps. Strict adherence to schedules and deadlines reflects upon his personal commitment as well as negatively impacting the team's ability to meet inspection mandates.
* Meticulous Observation: While Arin successfully completes assignments, refining his attention to detail is crucial. Missed information could put colleagues and himself at risk during future inspections. Emphasizing precision and diligence will yield more comprehensive and reliable reports.
* Proactive Initiative: Arin should strive to anticipate obstacles and think strategically, taking action to overcome potential issues before they become problematic. Encouraging greater ownership of problems and greater foresight in risk evaluation will help him achieve a higher level of professional success.
*
Recommendations for Development:
* Accountability Training: A structured program dedicated to improving time management and reinforcing the critical importance of meeting deadlines should address Arin's occasional tardiness.
* Specialized Coursework: Additional training, specifically focusing on the complexities of undead identification and their unique weaknesses, will give Arin an edge when facing this common dungeon type.
* Mentorship Program: Pairing Arin with a seasoned Senior Inspector within the South Dungeon Center will provide invaluable practical guidance in the field and ensure that he effectively integrates theoretical knowledge into his work.
Overall Assessment: Arin Wicket demonstrates undeniable aptitude for the demanding requirements of a Junior Inspector. With consistent professional development and reinforcement of specific skills, he possesses the potential for valuable contributions to the Empire's dungeon inspection teams.
[End of Evaluation]
Evaluation Completion Date: 35th of Cuprifluer, 450 D.E.
Evaluation By: Cardinal Dondetto of Notus