“My name is Haxks,” Daisuke said politely, a sense of reassurance washing over him as he realized he was no longer in danger. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kaizyreus. If you don’t mind my asking, what brings you to this place when you have a home and a family? Is there really no way to leave?”
The reptilian turned his gaze toward a large skeleton that was reminiscent of a long-dead dinosaur, his eyes gleaming as a memory stirred within his mind. “A demon, wielding the might of a vast army, laid siege to my home.”
Daisuke’s lips pressed to a thin line.
“While the lesser demons fought tirelessly to subdue my kin, their general and a sorcerer were occupied etching a sinister magic circle at the heart of the village. I sensed their dark intentions and launched an assault, yet the mysterious spell activated just as I struck down the mage.
In that moment, both the general and I were whisked away to this wretched realm. The desolation you see before you are but the aftermath of our clash. Since that fateful day, I have been ensnared in this place—days, weeks, years blur together, for time has lost all meaning in this unchanging void.
To survive, I was compelled to feast upon the enemy,” he confessed, gesturing mournfully to the vast skeleton, like a samurai revealing a shameful truth. “After the demon, I turned my hunger upon the other souls birthed from this accursed place.”
Souls? Daisuke pondered quizzically. Oh, he must be referring to the mobs he absolutely destroyed earlier—that also explains the mountains of bones that could probably fill a football field.
“Any idea why the demons attacked?”
Kaizyreus shook his head slowly, his expression somber. “We are but a humble and nomadic tribe, tending to our own affairs. I cannot fathom why we would draw the ire of such a calculated invasion.”
Daisuke cupped his elbow and chin in deliberation. “In that case, can you recall anything specific prior to being teleported? It could be anything at all, no matter how trivial.”
The tip of Kaizyreus’ tail flicked with agitation as he rifled through the pages of his mental journal. “…I do recall, albeit faintly, the mage casting a wary glance at the magic circle when the demon general and I first clashed.”
“…Do you think the circle might have been damaged in that instant?” Daisuke speculated, his gaze shifting to the patch of land where Kaizyreus had sought shelter. “Perhaps that disrupted the spell’s inner workings and led to you being trapped here.”
“Mmm. That seems a sound conclusion.”
Daisuke frowned, his thoughts refusing to end there. Those damned demons… what exactly were they really up to? Were they maybe attempting to teleport the entire village here? But if so, why? How could they possibly benefit from doing something so extreme?
“Regardless of the circumstances,” Kaizyreus continued, his tone heavy with concern, “I fear for my kinsmen and my family. As the leader of my tribe and the head of my household, it is paramount that I return to my home. I must ensure my legacy is passed on to my son so that the knowledge and techniques do not fade into obscurity with the passage of time.”
Legacy? Daisuke thought inwardly. Does that maybe have something to do with his Weapons Master title? “Don’t get your hopes up too much, but I might be able to get us out of here.”
“What? Truly?!” Kaizyreus exclaimed, bounding toward Daisuke, his tail wagging like that of an eager hound, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Daisuke’s expression turned stony as the reptilian brazenly invaded his personal space. Did I not just say not to get your hopes up?
While the chibi representative of his inner self mournfully picked up the shattered pieces of his once grand perception of the warrior, Daisuke stepped back and cleared his throat.
“I don’t know how to put this, but… I possess a special kind of magic bag that lets me store living beings. I think it was providence that I was sent to this place, to perform a kind of divine undertaking. This has happened several times before in the past—but once my objective is complete, I usually get teleported back to my world.”
If I try to explain that I’m a player and the System will teleport me once the dungeon is cleared, it’s unlikely he’ll understand. Locals aren’t designed to comprehend anything outside the game’s tailored framework.
“And your task was to vanquish the evil that dwells in this place?” asked Kaizyreus, his gaze unwavering.
Daisuke nodded.
“I trust you.”
Eyes widening in surprise, Daisuke allowed a warm smile. Is this the effect of Congenial Denizen? “Thank you. Before we try to leave, there’s just one thing I need to do,” he said, moving toward the bodies of the recently slain monsters and promptly adding them to his inventory. Lastly, he approached the skeletal remains of the demon general and carefully secured its femur bone.
DING!
[Raash’vir’s remains have been acquired.]
[Tuskanthos Swine’s remains have been acquired.]
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
[Demon General Zar’ignar’s Femur Bone has been acquired.]
Kaizyreus chuckled, fascinated by the way the corpses were promptly coated in what seemed like blue pixie dust before vanishing into thin air. “Ah, I see you remain true to your nature as a human,” he mused, more in humor than patronism.
“True,” Daisuke conceded, butterscotch eyes stirring with warm emotions. “But I’m not salvaging the monsters out of selfish greed. Just as you’re committed to your family, I need power and resources to protect the ones I love.”
Kaizyreus placed a hand over his chest and bowed with an air of humility, his grace rivaling that of any knight. “I implore you to forgive my folly; my insight has proven woefully inadequate.”
Daisuke raised his hands in a dismissive gesture, a small smile playing on his lips. “There’s no need to apologize. I drew my weapon when we first met because I thought you were a savage monster—and an incredibly powerful one at that. But you’ve proven me wrong, reminding me that we really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”
Kaizyreus grinned, showcasing a row of sharp fangs. “Wise words from a respectable human. I am fortunate that it is you who stands before me. Much like your divine quest to eradicate the evil that lingered here, perhaps our meeting is the will of the gods.”
“I’d like to think that too,” Daisuke replied with a sincere smile. “Are you ready to do this?”
The burly Lizardman stepped forward with confidence, nostalgia flickering in his oceanic eyes. “I have been estranged from my home for far too long.”
“Then let’s not keep you waiting any longer,” Daisuke said as he summoned the Mithrilcrest Deer from his inventory. With Zephyr absent, he fed the deer several Vitaberries and Etherberries, hoping it wouldn’t attempt to flee.
“Thank you for your kind offer,” Kaizyreus murmured, any trace of nostalgia fading from his expression. “But I find myself lacking an appetite at the moment.”
Daisuke smiled awkwardly. “She’s not food; I just needed to make some space for you. Anyway, I’m going to take you in now. I don’t think it should be uncomfortable.”
Kaizyreus nodded, determination etched into his features. He honestly didn’t care about discomfort. At this point, even sacrificing an arm or a leg was a small price to pay if it meant reuniting with his family and confirming their safety.
His eyes drifted close as he was taken by the same mysterious power that had laid claim to his enemies. As a gentle calm and an inexplicable urge to sleep washed over him, the wishful reptilian chanted a prayer in his mind before drifting into unconsciousness.
“Okay, looking good so far,” Daisuke said as the deer delicately nibbled the berries from his hand. Tentatively, he ran his fingers along the length of the creature’s long neck, hoping that this physical connection would allow it to teleport out of the Instant Dungeon with him.
DING!
[Congratulations! You have slain the Hidden Dungeon Boss «Kaizyreus, The Weapons Master»!]
[Celestial Cube (Gold) x3 has been acquired.]
[Rune Tablet x2 has been acquired.]
[Boundless Rune has been acquired.]
[Armocidian Quartz ×4 has been acquired.]
[Cobalt Ore ×5 has been acquired.]
[37,295 gold has been acquired.]
***
Kaizyreus blinked his eyes open, his vision hazy as he adjusted to the bright, natural light filtering through the trees. It felt like a century since he had seen the open sky, since he’d smelled the crisp autumn air that now filled his lungs. He drew in a deep breath, savoring the scent of fallen leaves and earth.
Slowly, he raised his arms, watching with fascination as sunlight danced across his red scales, each one gleaming in a vibrant, fiery hue. There was a warmth here he hadn’t felt in what seemed like eons, a reminder of life beyond the dungeon’s endless darkness.
Turning his gaze, Kaizyreus locked eyes with Daisuke. For a long moment, he simply looked at him, his fierce expression softened by gratitude. Then, with a low, rumbling voice, he spoke. "For freeing me... I owe you a debt I can never repay. And yet, there is something else that I must request of you.”
Daisuke smiled back. “Sure, if it’s something within my power.”
Kaizyreus bowed respectfully. “Thank you. Before I seek your aid, I must share the tale of my origins. Long ago, an ancient dragon named Dragnir—once a mighty Guardian Spirit—was grievously betrayed by its own kin. Enraged by this treachery, Dragnir vowed to wage war, wielding the unique ability to clone itself. With this power, it decided to forge an unstoppable army to crush its foes. Every ninth night, eight new dragons would emerge from Dragnir’s essence.
Fortune smiled upon the realm, as Dragnir was slain shortly after the first eight clones were birthed. With the death of their progenitor, the offspring lost their source of power and regressed into what we now know as lesser-dragons. Though they retained only a fraction of their original might, these lesser-dragons remained formidable, and their kind came to be named in honor of their forebearer, Dragnir.
Haxks, these are my direct kin. Each of the eight is a master of a distinct discipline, and we share an unbreakable bond. The instant I set foot upon the surface again, a deep sense of foreboding washed over me; they are in grave danger. I ask only this: should you encounter any of my kin, I implore you to lend them your aid. Show this stone to any of them, and they will instantly recognize you as a trusted ally.”
DING!
[Kaizyreus’s Dragonite Ore]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 1
Rarity: Unique
[Forged within a dragon’s belly, Dragonite Ore is among the rarest and most coveted materials known to humankind. Few blacksmiths have ever laid eyes on this precious metal, and even fewer possess the mastery needed to work it.
This particular piece, bestowed by Kaizyreus, bears a finely etched symbol and pulses with the extraordinary life force of the Dragnir, making it an invaluable treasure for any craftsman bold enough to wield its power.]
DING!
[The hidden class advancement quest «Forlorn Weapons Master» has been completed!]
[Forlorn Weapons Master]
[Quest Difficulty: Unknown
Kaizyreus is not only a descendant of the ancient dragon Dragnir but also wields godlike proficiency with any weapon. Yet, tragedy often shadows those of remarkable skill or lineage. In Kaizyreus’s case, his home was raided by demons, and his valiant efforts to defend his kin earned him a lifetime sentence within a dungeon.
Clear Conditions: Earn Kaizyreus’s trust and secure his escape from the dungeon.
Rewards:
▪︎ Weapons Master Class
▪︎ Kaizyreus’ Dragonite Ore
▪︎ EXP +1,900,000
Quest Failure:
▪︎ Death]
Before Daisuke could even begin to pale at the quest’s ridiculously huge EXP reward—or the daunting consequences of failure—notification windows kept popping up one after another.
DING!
[1,900,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
[Weapons Master class has been acquired.]
[Kaizyreus’ Dragonite Ore has been acquired.]
Daisuke accepted the Dragonite Ore with genuine appreciation, storing it in his inventory. “Thank you for confiding in me, Kaizyreus. I promise to assist your kin if I ever come across any of them in my travels.”
“Thank you. It has been an honor to meet you. I am eternally in your debt for freeing me from that accursed realm. May our paths intertwine once more. Until then, my friend, may the gods bestow upon you all that your heart desires.”
Daisuke waved. “Safe travels.”