It was a crisp Monday morning, with the air alive with energy, the sun cast a warm glow over the bustling construction site.
Some individuals were polishing their weapons, while others seemed to be taking it easy despite standing in front of the gate.
This gate was no ordinary entrance; it led to a place filled with danger.
Despite the imminent peril, everyone appeared calm.
After all, this was the lowest-tier dungeon, and they were all seasoned hunters.
They possessed the experience and confidence necessary for such ventures.
Many of them had embarked on numerous raids together, forging a deep sense of trust among them.
Thus, they approached the situation with ease, fully prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Amidst the crowd, one figure stood out: John. A burly man with golden hair cascading over broad shoulders exuded an aura of dominance as he carried an imposing axe strapped to his back.
JOHN:
"Tsk, she's still not here?"
His deep voice cut through the morning air, his gaze flickering to the brown-haired woman behind him. Cilica, known for her quiet grace despite her role as a C-rank healer, stood among the throng, her attention fixated on her phone.
CILICA:
"Who knows?"
Her reply was blunt, her eyes never leaving the screen as she absently tapped away.
JOHN:
(Smiling)
"Wanna grab dinner tonight? My treat."
CILICA:
(Sighed)
"No, I don't want to."
JOHN:
(To Cilica)
"Come on, you won't be disappointed."
CILICA:
......
Before John could continue, a commotion rippled through the construction site as a figure emerged from the shadows.
LITTLE GIRL WITH BLACK HAIR AND AN EYE PATCH ON HER LEFT EYE:
(Breathlessly)
"Uh, hey, everyone. Sorry I'm late. Really sorry."
John's brow furrowed as he approached the newcomer, his dominant stature casting a shadow over her petite form.
JOHN:
(Scolded)
"Rei, why the hell are you late!"
Rei:
(Panting)
"Uh, you see, it's not my fault. Nope. Not at all."
She paused, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
"I was, um, busy. Like, saving the world."
She attempted a heroic pose, but it looked more like she was trying to catch her balance. she looked more like a kitten caught in a storm, her eye patch askew as she chuckled nervously.
Rei:
(Conveying seriousness)
"So, last night, I was up all night fighting evil. Like, seriously evil. The kind of evil that didn't let you sleep because it was too busy plotting world domination and stuff."
She waved her hands around dramatically, mimicking epic battle moves. Veins appeared on John's face.
Rei:
(Continued)
"There I was, facing off against the forces of darkness, armed only with my extraordinary fists. It was intense, let me tell you."
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John's irritation mounted, his patience wearing thin as Rei continued her exaggerated account.
Rei:
(Pausing, catching her breath, then leaning in conspiratorially)
"But don't worry, I totally saved the day. Single-handedly. Well, maybe not, single-handedly. My cat helped, a little. But still, the world is safe thanks to me."
John's annoyance reached its peak, his hand twitching as if resisting the urge to intervene.
Rei:
(She straightened up, trying to regain her composure)
"So, yeah, that's why I'm late. Not because I overslept or anything... Ahh... Stop, you brute... Muscle head."
John grabbed her head and raised her into the air.
Rei:
(cried while struggling)
"Ahh... let go... stop... stop."
CILICA:
(Softly)
"Stop, John."
John, who was holding Rei, released her, and said, "Cilica, you shouldn't spoil that brat so much." Rei immediately hid behind Cilica, teasing John by sticking out her tongue.
A MAN WITH GOLDEN HAIR:
(Interrupted:)
"Oh, you're all always lively."
Tomi remarked, his voice resonating with warmth. Clad in a knight’s suit that gleamed in the sunlight, Tomi possessed a kind face framed by locks of golden hair. His golden eyes sparkled with a noble aura, reflecting his unwavering dedication to the group’s well-being. As a tank, his strength and resilience were unmatched, yet it was his gentle demeanor that endeared him to his comrades. With a reassuring smile, he approached Cilica and Rei.
Rei:
(Sobbing)
"Tomi, help me. That muscle-brain bullied me."
JOHN:
(Roared)
"Who are you calling muscle head, you brat!"
TOMI:
(Smiling softly)
"Now Now Now, you two stop and you, Rei. Why are you wearing an eye patch? It's dangerous, you know."
CILICA:
(Took off Rei's eye patch)
"Yes, you should not fool around, little Rei."
Rei:
(barked)
"Ahh, my eye, my eye, darkness is going to consume me."
John grabbed Rei's head and raised her into the air.
Rei:
(Cried)
"Ahh... help..."
ONLOOKERS;
Kyle:
"Hey, who is that little girl? Why are big shots all around her?"
Marcus:
(Laughing)
"Haha, is it the first time, so you don't know. She is not a little girl; she is a hunter."
Kyle:
(Excited)
"Hunter? Then she must be special."
Marcus:
(Hushed)
"Haha, yes, she is famous but not strong one."
Kyle:
(Exclaimed)
""What?""
Marcus:
(Softly)
"It can be said she is the weakest among E-rank hunters."
Before Kyle could continue, a man with tied long hair appeared in front of the crowd.
A MAN WITH TIED LONG HAIR:
(Called out)
"Okay, okay, everyone. It looks like everyone is here. My name is James, B-rank hunter, and I will be responsible for today's raid so..."
CILICA:
(Softly, to Rei)
"Little Rei, be careful, okay? Don't fool around in the dungeon, and don't push too hard."
Rei:
(Proudly declared)
"Don't worry. This master shall protect you."
JOHN:
(Snorted at Rei)
"Hmph, it will be good if you don't drag us."
TOMI:
(Delighted at the sight of Cilica, John, and Rei)
"Fufufu."
JAMES:
(Turned toward the gate, ready to enter)
"Okay, everyone, let's go."
At 10 AM on Monday, one B-rank hunter, five C-rank hunters, three D-rank hunters, and one E-rank hunter entered the dungeon located at the construction site in the city of KyoYo.
A GIRL WITH GLASSES WEARING A BLACK SUIT NEAR THE GATE:
(Stopped Rei's group)
"Wait a minute."
TOMI:
(To the girl with glasses)
"Is there any problem?"
A GIRL WITH GLASSES WEARING A BLACK SUIT:
(Raising an eyebrow at the Rei group and pointed to Rei)
"Don't you know it's not safe to bring a kid into the dungeon?"
Rei's group remained silent.