CHAPTER 3

Kevin found himself looking at a ton of strange objects and relics. There were all aligned on pillars in a circular room. He was holding a crystal ball in his hands and was about to put it on the last pillar. As he was about to. He heard a strange voice. “Collecting the relics can gain you great power”, the voice said. “It all starts with the crystal ball and your power,” said the voice. As Kevin put the crystal ball on the last pillar the room began to shake and crumble… “Only your friends and you can stop world destruction,” said the voice. The room began to turn bright and dissolved before his very eyes. Kevin closed his eyes as a bright flash erupted from the center of the room…

Kevin woke up with a jolt. He began to panic a little as the last thing he remembered was being attacked by goblins in an alleyway on his way home. Instead, he found himself in a hospital room. He was wearing a hospital gown and was in a bed. His panic slowed when he saw Maria wake up from her sleep after he accidentally spooked her with noise. Maria then asked. “How do you feel.” In a worried tone. Kevin then replied. “A bit stiff and sore, otherwise not too bad.” Maria sighed with relief. “I’m glad you’re okay.” She replied. While Kevin began to look over himself. He had bandages on his right hand, left shoulder, and right leg. He had an IV pump in his left hand. He was about to take it off. Maria told him not to touch it. “I’ll deal with that,” she said. She helped him get the machinery off him and feel more comfortable. She went ahead a told a passing doctor to alert the hospital he had woken up. Maria told Kevin was most likely going to be in the hospital for a few weeks. His injuries were severe due to all the blood loss he had suffered. “I must go back to the Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters.” She told Kevin. “I’m needed for an emergency assignment that I’ve put on hold,” she replied with a sigh. “I’ll bring my crew by after we finish our assignment.” She said and with that, she departed to the Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters.

All Kevin could do was just lie and rest. He thought back to the dream he had. “What was that all about?” he thought. Unsure he went back to sleep. About four hours later. Maria came in with the group she was running with. Three other people were standing behind her. Two males and another female. She began introducing her teammates.

“This is Cory,” she replied. Pointing to a muscular man. “Nice to meet you” he replied. Cory was in a white T-shirt, with grey sweatpants, and had white tennis shoes. He also had a whistle around his neck.

“This is Brad,” she next introduced. “HI.” He replied with a smile. Kevin looked up Brad over. Brad was about Kevin’s own height at 5, 11. He could tell the man did a lot of physical exercise the way his muscles were built. He was wearing a white T-shirt along with blue jeans.

“…And last but not least Samantha”. Said Maria who looked at Samantha who greeted Kevin. “Greetings, Hope you’re not hurting too bad.” She replied. She was wearing a white mini dress, with black leggings. That were paired with blue high heels. She wore square rimless glasses. She carried in her left arm a notebook. She had a pen in her right ear.

Kevin couldn’t respond, he felt like a loser for almost dying. Maria had to encourage Kevin to talk to them. He stammered. “Nice to meet…you guys.” He said in a soft tone. Maria talked to her teammates about Kevin but didn’t go into much detail about his past. She only gave basic information that he was shy and never had many friends growing up. When her friends tried to ask questions, she said it is better not to know what occurred. After the brief introduction of her teammates, the trio left Maria and Keviin alone. She then dropped a bombshell of news on Kevin. “I told the Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters. I would quit if you couldn’t join my team.” She said frustrated. “After you were attacked by goblins, I couldn’t stand to see you run into something like that again and possibly die. So, I went to Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters to plead with letting you join my team.” Kevin felt depressed at that statement. “Why do you look so down?” she said. “Honestly, I’d thought this would cheer you up. Being with me on our missions and around me I can protect you better,” she replied.

Two weeks passed and Kevin was cleared to be discharged from the hospital. Maria came immediately to pick him up to head over to Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters. Maria was very excited to see Kevin. “Let’s get going.” She said eagerly. Kevin didn’t feel too contemptuous to go with her. He looked at his injuries which were still bandaged. “At least if we can get into a dungeon, I can cast HEAL II on those wounds of yours.” Said Maria with a smile. “Well at least that is a positive,” sighed Kevin. “When we get there, you’re probably going to have a ton of questions,” said Maria. “I’ll answer them for you the best I can,” she said.

Kevin and Maria left the hospital and headed to the Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters. Maria helped Kevin to her car. Kevin went wide-eyed as he saw the car. “My parents gave it to me as a gift.” She smirked. “I told them I wasn’t looking into dating just yet.” She sighed. “Plus, my dad likes to collect muscle cars.” She added. Sitting in a private parking garage in the hospital for employees was a neon green 1969 Dodge Daytona. Kevin whistled at the beauty of a ride. She helped Kevin into the passenger seat. She then got into the driver’s seat and left the parking garage at the hospital. She then made her was for Dungeon Dwellers GO! HQ. Maria drove them as fast as she could. While they were driving Maria lectured Kevin more about what she did. “The first thing I want to let you know is the company has hired all the best gamers of Dungeon Dwellers GO! for a reason. As you recall from the incident with the quantum computer falling victim to a technical issue. Mobs have been spawning into the real world from the game.” She stated. “My group is tasked with clearing the limited-time dungeons when they appear.” She stated. “I can’t give more info than that,” she said.

They arrived at Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters a bit later. Maria drove up to the building and parked out front. She went out with Kevin. “Follow me Kevin and just stay with me,” said Maria. “Security is very tight here” she replied. As they both arrived at the entrance to the building, alarms began to blare. “Don’t panic” she said to Kevin. Guards came running out and surrounded them. Maria quickly pulled out her ID and slowly talked to the guards. “Sorry for causing a ruckus, but he is not affiliated with Shadow Corps.” She spoke. “She told the guards he was a close friend of hers. The guards were not so determined to let him go with her. “You’ll have to come with us for questioning then,” said one of the guards. “I’m not leaving him with you guys, so I’ll join,” said Maria. Kevin and Maria both were led to the interrogation room. “I’m sorry I forgot to mention security was up tight to newcomers.” Said Maria. They weren’t in the interrogation room for long. Maria was about to explain the situation. When the head of the command for Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters barged in. “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS”. Jeremy yelled. Maria apologized profusely. He then escorted them both up to Dungeon Dwellers GO! Headquarters.

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Jeremy wanted to know who Kevin was. Maria began to talk to Jeremy. “He is the one I wanted to join up with my teammates. Jeremy sighed. “Well, we will have to catch him up to everything about what is going on around here. I can see he is already a registered player.” Said Jeremy as he was looking at Kevin’s stats.

His stats were mediocre at best. All his base stats were at default of 5 with his. HP, mana, and stamina, at 150. His def and protection were just as bad around 20 in each. As well as his magic def and magic protection. Kevin never put effort into plugging his stats. Since he was never sure what class he wanted to do.

“Unfortunately, he has yet to even gain a class from not reaching rank E status. All his skills are Rank F and novice at most, But I suppose we can work around that. You are responsible for him though.” Said Jeremy. “We will explain everything in time. We need to go over the basics first though of what your assigned duties will be.” He continued.

“Your friend’s group oversees clearing in new limited-time dungeons the AI decides to create. They are tasked with retrieving an object from the final boss of each dungeon.” He explained. Kevin was about to speak but was interrupted by Jeremy. “Further details on assignments and background are classified for now.” “For now, your friend will get you up to date with training and the know-how of what needs to be done to move forward.” He stated. “I also can’t let him use any new gear until he has proven himself as an alley and not a spy.” He spoke. “Maria protested.” He is very weak and needs some protection.”

“I can’t do much on that since he hasn’t reached a higher rank. The best I can do is give him some stat buff potions.” Jeremy spoke with frustration.

Buff stat potions were ultra rare. They gave a player an increase in stats, these were originally limited to GMs testing the game, but could now be used by players working for the game company. “Remember the buff stat potion can only be used in one room per dungeon. So only use it in a dire situation.” Said Jeremy. I’ll entrust the potion to you, Maria.” He said.” Before finally dismissing them.

After they both were dismissed, Maria began to lecture Kevin on her team’s tasks and what they were assigned. “Let me get you caught up on the basics.” She spoke. “First of all, we get more privileges than other players. We also get the best equipment possible too.” She gloated.

“Although we get the best treatment in the game, we have our roles. Like you were told my group oversees clearing limited-time dungeons.” She said. “It used to be when a limited-time dungeon appeared somewhere in the world, players with the VIP teleport collars would get first dips on running the dungeon. Since the malfunctioning AI incident occurred. The company had to block off that service and recruit the best players of the game to clear the limited-time dungeons. They originally started letting anyone with an S rank or higher clear the limited-time dungeons. Unfortunately, a mishap in one of those had occurred so they had to rethink twice on how they were going to pick candidates. They decided to have a dungeon event in an S-rank dungeon. The top clearing teams all had to be SS rank or higher to participate.” She stopped to breathe.

“So what exactly happened with the AI?” Kevin asked. Maria ignored the question telling him she couldn’t say more. She wasn’t in a position to tell him. Until the company proved he could be trust worthy. Kevin just sighed.

“My team was one of those teams picked for the job. The teams that cleared the dungeon were picked up for work hire now by the company.” She said. “I had plans to become a doctor, but after I was chosen by the company I honestly couldn’t refuse. The pay and benefit are very good. It makes me a little sad though knowing my parents are not okay with my decision. One day I decided not to run with my group as it was an optional decision. I soon regretted that decision after I found out what had happened in the dungeon. I chose to help my parents at the hospital, and I found out later that we ended up losing to the final boss. So, after that, I had to be committed to every limited-time dungeon appearance.” She said regretfully. “There are other teams of players who specialize in eradicating spawns like the ones who attacked you and so on with other assignments.” She said.

“My group is planning to participate in an upcoming limited-time dungeon.” She said. “My team is at our base of operations in the building right now. I introduced you to them at the hospital.” She said. Kevin and Maria both arrived at her group’s hangout area. Maria began to show Kevin around the room. “If you are curious about what this machine does, it lets our group go to the entrance of the limited-time dungeon without having to use the VIP teleport collars.” She explained. “We just hop onto the teleporter, and it takes us right to the entrance of the limited-time dungeon. We don’t need any other people to get involved or figure out where we are.” Said Maria. She then took him to a room that was big and white. “This area is where we practice sparring in the VR world to the real world simulated. In case any mobs we encounter in the dungeon happen to break free into the real world.” She said. They came over to the room that had weapons next. “This place is neat. Weapons that we had gathered outside of the game that came from drops are put in here for study.” She said. “We already have the best weapons the game can muster at this point.” She replied. Kevin mostly just stood silent taking it all in. Kevin was about to speak up when her teammates came into the room. As they did, he fell silent.

“Awesome work yesterday, Maria,” said Cory. “I couldn’t have done more in practice without the buff.”

“You’re Welcome”. Said Maria. “Anyways, really didn’t get to introduce you to Kevin more”. She started to hug and kiss him. Kevin’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

The big man walked over to Kevin and introduced himself. “My name is Cory; I am the team’s tank. I am also a fitness instructor. If you ever need workout training, you can give me a call. Here is my card.” Cory told me and handed a business card over to Kevin. “Than-ks”, Kevin stammered.

Behind Cory was Samantha “Glad to see you are doing much better. Maria sure knows a lot about healing and medical treatment.” Said Samantha. “Well, I am also a doctor as well you know.” Maria said.” Kevin looked back over at Samantha who began to speak again. “I’m a journalist and a researcher in the gaming community. I help put together strategy guides for games and whatnot.” She finished as Brad then walked up.

“I do this a side gig, but ever since the whole issue with the game. I had to quit my job as a contractor full time.” Brad replied. They all spent the next few minutes talking about game life before they went to due their own things.

“I’ve already got Kevin up to date on what we do and our roles.” Said Maria. “We should practice some while we are on standby. I hate to sit around and do nothing,” she stated. Just as Maria was talking an alarm in the facility went off. “Whelp guess that is our queue.” Said Maria. The whole VR HQ was in a frenzy as everyone was getting to their tasks and positions. Maria’s group was getting geared up and heading for the teleporter. Kevin was hesitant but followed Maria over to the teleporter. Everyone in the center wished them luck and they teleported in bright white light.