As Charlie stumbled from the portal, his body was a litany of pain and fatigue. Each step was a struggle, a fight against the crushing exhaustion that threatened to bring him to his knees. The air felt lighter here, not burdened with the heavy dampness that pervaded the dungeon. He found himself back in the cave, a dim, echoing chamber where he’d last seen his brother. He glanced upwards, his gaze snagging on the ragged gap in the ceiling. A shaft of moonlight slipped through, casting an ethereal glow on the crystal formations lining the walls. The crystals caught the light, scattering it around the cave in a silent shimmer of beauty.
Charlie drew in a shuddering breath, soaking in the calm simplicity of the scene. The gentle glow brought a sense of peace that seemed at odds with the chaos gnawing at him. He took a moment to appreciate the quiet dance of light and shadow, the way the crystals seemed to hum softly with a life of their own. But the serene spectacle was soon tarnished by the jarring absence of his brother, Ryan.
He’d expected to see Ryan here and hoped for a relieved smile to meet him. Instead, the cave offered nothing but oppressive silence, devoid of his brother. Charlie sank to his knees, a groan escaping him as his ribs protested the movement. Dirt mixed with sweat and blood on his face, painting a grim picture of his recent battle. He closed his eyes, giving himself a brief respite, grateful to be alive but aware of the challenges ahead. Laying down, he attempted to rest and gather his thoughts.
He lay on the cold, hard ground, his ears picked up on distant sounds. The murmur of voices gradually became clearer, the familiar tones of Ryan and another, Ellie. But their words brought no comfort, only a disjointed mix of panic and disbelief. “Ellie, I’m telling the truth,” Ryan’s voice was shaky with fear, “Charlie went into the portal. He’s been gone all day, and I don’t know what’s happened. I fear he’s hurt, or worse.” Ellie’s reply held a note of scepticism, “So, you’re saying there’s some magical portal, and Charlie just decided to leap into it? That’s hard to believe, Ryan.”
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Frantic and desperate, Ryan spilt his story. “Ellie, I understand how ridiculous it sounds. But it's the truth. There was a portal, some sort of terrifying gateway, and Charlie... he stepped in. I was supposed to go with him but it didn’t let me through. I didn’t foresee this, and I don’t know how to help him.” Ellie’s scepticism remained strong as she studied Ryan's earnest face, her eyes scanning for any hint of a lie. She sighed, her voice filled with disbelief but willing to humour him for now. “Alright, let's go find him then. If this turns out to be real, Charlie needs our help. But if this is some cruel prank, Ryan...”
Entering the cave, Ellie’s attention was immediately captivated by the spellbinding beauty of the crystal formations adorning the walls. The soft moonlight filtering through a gap in the ceiling illuminated the crystals, making them twinkle in a breathtaking display of light and colours. She was about to make a remark about the enchanting sight when Ryan’s desperate scream echoed through the cavern. “Charlie!” His voice, thick with panic and anguish, bounced off the cave walls. He dashed towards the prone figure of his brother, lying still on the cavern floor, his armour stained with blood. Ellie stood still, momentarily shocked, as her mind tried to reconcile Ryan's fear with the reality before her.
As the horrifying sight of Charlie registered, Ellie’s breath hitched in her throat. Her disbelief, previously steadfast, crumbled instantly, replaced with a terrifying dread. Finding her legs, she sprinted after Ryan towards Charlie, her heart pounding in her chest. Upon reaching him, the sight of his injuries hit her like a physical blow. His face was a mass of wounds, one eye gone, and dried blood painted a grim picture. She dropped to her knees beside Ryan, her voice barely more than a whisper. “Oh my God, Charlie, what happened to you?” Her words trembled with shock and grief as she reached out a trembling hand to his battered form, the severity of the situation sinking in.
With tears tracing fresh paths down his dirt-streaked face, Ryan struggled to articulate his feelings. “Ellie... I just don't know. He's been gone all day.” He paused, swallowing hard against the lump in his throat as he gazed at his brother's still form. Then he turned to Ellie, his eyes gleaming with a desperate plea in the dim cave light. "We have to find a way to help him, Ellie," he choked out, his voice raw with fear and choked with suppressed sobs. His desperate appeal echoed in the chilling silence of the cavern, amplifying the harrowing reality of their predicament.
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Charlie’s eyes creaked open to the glimmer of a thousand tiny stars above him, the crystals lit by the ethereal glow of moonlight. As his eyes focused, he saw Ellie, the moonlight casting a gentle halo around her, kneeling next to him. His heart filled with relief at her presence, only to be gripped by a wave of pain that served as a brutal reminder of his harrowing journey. Yet, Ellie's evident concern made the pain feel a bit more bearable. Ellie's voice trembled with barely suppressed fear, “Oh God, Charlie,” she choked, tears blurring her vision. “What the hell happened?” She was visibly shaking, her emotions raw and exposed. Nearby, Ryan was in a state of panic, his voice stumbling over apologies and frantic explanations about his failed attempt to follow Charlie through the portal.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Ryan’s voice shifted, a blend of anxiety and anticipation. “Charlie,” he blurted, “did you... did you find anything? Any loot?” Ellie erupted in response, her patience worn thin. “Ryan, for fuck's sake! Charlie’s barely alive and you’re obsessed with the loot?” Taken aback, Ryan defended himself, “I just thought... maybe he got something that could... you know... help him. Like a ‘Cure Wounds’ spell or something?” Ellie's disbelief was scathing. “A fucking spell, Ryan? Seriously? This isn’t a goddamn RPG!” Their argument abruptly ceased when Charlie fished into his inventory ring. Vials and bracers materialized, thudding onto the ground as if burdened by the invisible weight. Ellie's breath hitched at the bizarre sight, her astonishment momentarily surpassing her concern.
Charlie held the vials aloft, his face etched with disappointment. “These are the things I found in the dungeon,” he muttered, his voice heavy. “But I don’t think they’re much use.” Ellie's eyes darted between Charlie and the vials, anxiety creeping into her expression. Despite the searing pain radiating through him, Charlie found himself captivated by the vials. The liquid inside swirled with a mysterious allure, while the wax seals suggested untold importance. Ellie’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why wouldn't they help?” Charlie hesitated before answering, “In games... health potions are usually red. I thought…” His voice trailed off, realizing the folly in his logic. Ellie's incredulity was apparent. “And when did you become an expert on health potions, Charlie?” Caught off guard, Charlie stammered, realizing he'd based his beliefs on video games and fantasy, not reality.
Cutting through the tension, Ryan interjected, “Well, can’t you just identify it?” Charlie snapped back, his patience wearing thin. “And how the hell am I supposed to do that, genius?” Ryan shrugged, “I don’t know, Charlie. You’re the one with the game-like system. Ever identified anything else?” Charlie was about to dismiss the idea when a memory struck him. His inventory ring. He had identified it by focusing his attention on it. With that memory serving as his guide, Charlie honed his attention on the vial. Words began to materialize in his mind: “Potion of All Heal.” The revelation struck him like a bolt of lightning, his eyes widening in surprise.
Potion of All Heal (Rank A)
The Potion of All Heal is a rare elixir known for its remarkable healing properties. This potent potion is capable of restoring and rejuvenating the body, but it has certain limitations. It can only heal injuries that are fresh and have not undergone significant natural healing or adaptation.
When consumed, the Potion of All Heal triggers a surge of revitalizing energy that targets wounds, accelerating the body’s natural healing processes. It can mend missing limbs, broken bones, repair damaged tissue, and alleviate pain, effectively aiding in the recovery from recent injuries.
Charlie’s heart pounded in his chest as he clutched the potion, the wax seal under his thumb both a promise and a mystery. The risk was immense but the reward? Unimaginable. He tore open the seal, an action born out of desperation more than courage. His hands shook slightly as he tipped the vial, sending the viscous liquid cascading down his throat. The taste was a bitter shock, nothing like the sweet, restorative draught he had naively envisioned. Immediately, his body responded to the potion with an extraordinary, eerie sensation. It started as a prickle, like pins and needles after a hand falls asleep, focused on his broken ribs, his amputated finger, and the empty eye socket. The sensation quickly intensified, growing into a feeling akin to a thousand tiny creatures scurrying under his skin. Despite the discomfort, Charlie couldn't tear his eyes away from his own body. The surreal sight of his finger regenerating itself held him captive - it was both a fascinating spectacle and a stomach-churning horror.
As the healing potion's effects continued, Charlie's vision returned with startling clarity. His restored eye revealed the shocked faces of Ellie and Ryan, their gazes locked on him. Ellie, her face drained of colour, squeaked, "I think...I'm gonna barf," a testament to the gruesome sight. Ryan, older but not immune to the gut-churning spectacle, managed to stammer, "Bro, that was...ugh! Looked like your skin was crawling with bugs or something." Shaking off their reactions, Charlie rallied to explain his reckless move, desperation adding an edge to his voice. "Guys, this wasn't just me being crazy. The potion...it said it could heal all fresh wounds. I had to see if it worked," he said, trying to justify his action. "But what if it was a lie, Charlie? How could you just trust it?" Ellie's voice was a mix of fear and anger. Her brows furrowed and her eyes locked onto him, her teenaged worry for her friend battling with the reality of their extraordinary circumstances.
In the face of Ellie's question, Charlie paused, relief washing over him in waves. His recent close encounter with death had yet to fully sink in. “I... yeah, I didn’t think the potion could be lying,” he confessed, his voice quiet in the aftermath of the miracle he'd just experienced. He flexed his now completely healed finger and opened and closed his freshly restored eye. A snicker erupted from his chest, escalating into a laugh that echoed throughout the room. Riding the high of his miraculous recovery, Charlie couldn’t help but lean into the humour, an attempt to cut the tension hanging in the air. “Plus, can you imagine me with an eye patch? I'm too pretty to pull off the pirate look,” he quipped, aiming to lighten the sombre atmosphere.
Ellie, already on edge, didn’t take kindly to his attempt at humour. “Pretty? Pirate?” she exploded, her voice laced with incredulity and a hint of panic. “Charlie, you could have freaking died! You’re an absolute moron!” Her palm connected with his cheek, the sound sharp in the otherwise quiet room. Stunned, he blinked at her, taking in her trembling form. "Easy, El, I..." He began, but she was far from done. “Tell me, how do you feel, Charlie? Seriously?” she demanded, her voice strained with concern. Touched by her worry, he softened his tone, “Honestly, El, it’s just a slight ache now. Nothing major." This confession seemed to set her off even more. "Oh, nothing major, huh?" she snapped, her fear and anger crashing over her. Her hand smacked his other cheek, leaving a stinging sensation behind. “Charlie, this isn’t a joke!” she cried, her hands clutching the front of his shirt as if holding onto him could keep the danger at bay. "You can't just... You can't play with your life like this!"
Ryan intervened, his voice a steady stream amidst their turbulent exchange. “El, Charlie processes things in his own way. It might seem cavalier, but he's aware of the risks. He gets it, I promise.” Charlie shot Ryan a grateful look, but he knew he had to address Ellie’s fears. He caught her hands, holding them gently, his voice earnest. “Ellie, I don’t have any other choice. If I don’t clear this dungeon within three months, our world will be overrun with these monsters. Everyone... everyone we care about is at risk.” The look of sheer terror in Ellie’s eyes hit Charlie harder than any physical blow. “But... can’t we tell someone? We can prepare for this…” Her voice was barely a whisper. Charlie sighed, the weight of their situation heavy on his shoulders. "Ellie,” he started softly, "Who would believe us? They'd dismiss it as a kid's fantasy... until it's too late.”
Caught in the whirlpool of confusion and concern, Ellie's voice faltered, "Charlie, why you? Why'd you get picked for... for all of this?" Ellie's gaze held a certain childlike innocence, her grip on the realm of possibilities stretched to its limits by Charlie's incredible tale. It was a question that hung heavy in the air around them, buzzing like an unseen insect. Charlie's gaze was steady, though he understood the depth of her bewilderment. He gave a small nod towards Ryan, a silent request to start preparing the MREs as a distraction.
With a sigh that came from his soul, Charlie started to untangle the knots of his story for Ellie. He delved into the details of the previous week - the terrifying initiation protocol, his harrowing encounters within the dungeon, and the shocking revelations about his stats and abilities. His voice echoed in the room, each word heavy with an unspoken gravity. Ellie listened, her eyes locked onto Charlie, her mind attempting to reel in the enormity of his experiences. Charlie's voice faltered slightly, a hiccup in his otherwise steady narration, as he plunged into the murky waters of his final battle. The words poured from him like a haunted confessional - the raw fear, the crippling pain, the monstrous anger that had consumed him in the final moments. "I... I wasn't myself, guys," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, eyes flickering with a mix of fear and shame. "The pain... it was too much. I let loose this... this rage I didn't even know I had. I... I annihilated it."
As Charlie shared his experiences with Ryan, his older brother halted his meal preparations, giving his full attention to Charlie's extraordinary tale. Ryan's eyes widened in shock and awe, the story of Charlie's transformation resonating with a potent blend of brotherly pride and amazement. "Charlie," Ryan said, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "You did what you had to do. It was a matter of life and death." His smile was gentle and understanding as he added, "You know, I've always believed you had this strength in you. You're a fighter, deep down. Now, you're showing that strength, not just to us, but to yourself too."
Charlie felt a swell of gratitude for his brother's words. Ryan's validation was like a comforting blanket, soothing the jagged edges of his self-doubt. "Thanks, Ry," Charlie replied, his voice touched with honest gratitude. "I never imagined I'd end up... well, fighting actual monsters. Ryan's eyes met Charlie's with a look of sheer respect and admiration. "Charlie, you did more than just fight monsters," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You faced down the unimaginable, and you came out the other side stronger. You didn't just survive, you conquered. I couldn't be prouder, little bro." Ryan's words dissolved the last remnants of Charlie's shame from his monstrous transformation. Maybe, he mused, he had merely tapped into some primal survival instinct, a part of him that he'd never needed to access before. It was a chilling thought, but strangely empowering too.
Ellie's voice broke into Charlie's introspection, her tone gentle but filled with conviction. "Ryan's right, Charlie," she said, her fingers deftly tucking a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "Sometimes, we have to step outside our comfort zones, especially when so much is at stake. And you did just that. You stepped up, and it's impressive." Her smile was like a beacon of reassurance, her support filling the room. Ryan, seizing the moment to lighten the atmosphere, jumped in with a teasing grin. "Hero of the hour! Conqueror of bunnies! Should we start calling you 'Bunny-Bane', Charlie?" He erupted into laughter, his infectious joy breaking the tension and coaxing a laugh out of Charlie. "Bugger off, you absolute prick!" Charlie retorted, a broad grin on his face as he pretended to be affronted. "I swear, if 'Bunny-Bane' becomes a thing, I'll..."
But Ellie's voice interjected, her tone serious, pulling them back to the reality of their situation. "Hang on... An A-rank potion for a level 1 dungeon? Isn't that... overkill?" Skepticism laced her words, and her eyes betrayed a hint of worry. Charlie and Ryan exchanged a glance, the truth of Ellie's words sinking in. In their shared gaming experiences, a high-rank item at such a low level was a rarity. "You're onto something, El," Charlie conceded, a chuckle escaping his lips. "It is a bit weird. But honestly, I'm not about to question a potion that saved my life."
As their laughter subsided, Ellie's curiosity shifted to the pair of bracers sitting on the table. "So, what's the deal with these?" she asked, reaching out to move them. Her expression turned from curiosity to shock as she strained to lift them. "Bloody hell, these are heavy!" Ryan, seeing Ellie struggle, leaned in to try his luck. "Oh come on, can't be that bad," he scoffed. But as he strained to lift them, his confident grin turned into a look of disbelief. "Well, I'll be damned! What are these made of?" Charlie, quietly observing their reactions, finally broke his silence. "I found these in the dungeon's chest," he began, eyeing the bracers thoughtfully. "Let's see if I can figure out what they are." He focused his attention on the bracers, mentally activating his newly discovered identification ability.
Unidentified Bracers:
You cannot use these bracers until you have identified them.
Charlie,
I thoroughly enjoyed your first dungeon run,
I knew I had chosen well.
When the time is right use them wisely.
???
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As Charlie focused on the bracers, an unfamiliar notification popped up, interrupting his identification attempt. A wave of disappointment washed over him, only to be drowned by a surge of unsettling thoughts that swiftly took its place. Hesitant but resolved, Charlie decided to share the content of the cryptic message with Ellie and Ryan. His friends exchanged uneasy looks, their expressions a mirror to the concern etching deeper into Charlie's face. Ellie was the first to break the silence, her voice shaking as she struggled to articulate her confusion and fear. "Hold on... who the hell is this '???' person? If this precursor protocol thing was deliberately assigned to you, then why...why choose you?" Ellie's brows furrowed, her eyes clouding with a mix of anger and concern. "Why choose someone with a disability? What kind of twisted freak would even do such a thing?"
Charlie's frustration was palpable as he rubbed his temples, struggling to come to terms with the new revelations. The unsettling knowledge that someone had possibly intentionally chosen him despite his disability was overwhelming. He felt like a pawn in a cruel, unforeseen game. The weight of his reality was suddenly accentuated by the incessant blinking of notifications cluttering his vision. Their relentless presence was turning into a distraction he couldn't afford. With a sigh of resignation, Charlie looked at Ellie and Ryan, "Guys, I need to check these notifications," he admitted, frustration lacing his words. "They're becoming a distraction, and I can't focus until I see what they're about. We need to take a pause and figure this out before we can move forward."