In the world of Fiendfell, dungeons are large, illogical, and enigmatic, sometimes subterranean spaces brimming with mysteries and challenges.
They come in various forms, each with unique treacherous passages, hidden chambers, and unfathomable secrets. These dungeons can be found scattered across the land, spawning in different regions and housing a variety of creatures, traps, and magical phenomena.
In this world, adventurers brave these perilous domains in search of power, riches, glory, and the thrill of overcoming the unknown.
Gardavah, the Dungeon of Ember, nestled in the eastern side of the Duchy of Vermont, was no exception. As an A-ranked dungeon, it presented a formidable challenge, attracting adventurers seeking fame and fortune from the local duchy. Its depths were known to harbor powerful fire-elemental monsters and numerous other dangers that tested the limits of even the most seasoned adventurers.
The A-rank raiding party formed to clear the Dungeon that day were well aware of this. They were prepared, geared up against the perils of the dungeon. Yet, on that day, to the unfortunate adventurers' dismay, the dungeon took a backseat to an even greater danger: a man or perhaps and most likely much more than just that.
***
The morning sun cast its gentle rays through the parted curtains, slowly illuminating the room where Aiden had spent the night in. As the first light of day danced upon his closed eyelids, he began to stir from his slumber.
Stretching his limbs and blinking his eyes open, Aiden found himself momentarily disoriented. It took a few moments for his surroundings to come into focus. He shifted on the comfortable bed, his gaze traveling across the room, still basking in the warmth of the morning light.
“Good morning,” a familiar voice greeted, a shadowy figure, holding a plate with clearly their breakfast on it, approached.
“Good morning, Sigma,” Omega greeted in return.
“How’re you feeling today?”
“Good,” Omega replied, rising to his feet and stretching. He checked his breath, which still carried a potent smell, and then asked, “Did we get somewhere yesterday without my knowledge?”
“... Sorry for that.”
“It’s fine. But… Someday, will I get slapped for whatever you did with some lady without me knowing?”
Despite not having a proper vessel to actually do so, Sigma winced, then chuckled, “Don’t worry, I’ve done nothing that’ll bring you trouble.”
“I see, that’s a relief.”
“Now go wash yourself, breakfast is going to get cold.”
Without a word of complaint, Omega headed to the small bathroom with makeshift facilities to freshen up. The cold water felt like a shock to his system, but it helped clear his mind and wash away the remnants of sleep. He quickly went through his morning routine, feeling more awake and alert as he splashed water on his face and brushed his teeth.
Once he was done, he returned to the main room, which happened to be his only room aside from the little allocated space the hotel manager called “bathroom”, and settled down on the bed, where his breakfast awaited. The aroma of the food wafted through the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation.
As he ate, Omega’s thoughts wandered back to the events of the previous day. He recalled how he had joined forces with the raiding party, a combination of the Eclipsed Vanguard, the Abyssal Syndicate, and the Covenant of Ruin. Together, they had ventured deeper into the Dungeon of Ember, facing the challenges and dangers that the dungeon had thrown their way. He remembered the battles against the fiery monsters, the teamwork that had been crucial in overcoming those obstacles, and the camaraderie among the adventurers, how he’d been actively helping them until they reached that room.
These memories left him feeling uneasy as he ate. He was only snapped out of his reverie when he heard his official name being called out. “Aiden?”
“Um, sorry, you were saying?”
“I wasn't saying anything. I was just you calling out, but it seems like you were lost in thought and didn't even notice.”
“I... I was... Ah, right, we should check my messages. There might be something new for us.” Without waiting for Sigma's approval, he had an illusory screen manifested before him.
_____________________________
[ Aiden Ω's Interface ]
System Notification:
- [1] New message from [E-Sekai]
- [2] New message to [Omicron (Ο)]
- [3] New message from [World Harvest]
- [3] New message from [Alpha (Α)]
- [4] New notification from [Adventurer's Guild]
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
[ Aiden Ω's Interface ]
- [1] New message from [Omicron (Ο)]
_____________________________
Omicron (Ο): Gardavah, the Dungeon of Ember. Vermont Duchy, Eldoria Kingdom.
Sigma (σ): What are we supposed to understand from that?
Omega (Ω): Good morning / evening, is it a dungeon?
Omicron (Ο): Yes. A-Rank. Probably in early sentience. Conquer it, or Kill it and Conquer it. Good luck.
Omega (Ω): Thanks, I'll do my best.
Omicron (Ο) has left the chat
Omega (Ω) has left the chat.
Omega (Ω) has entered the chat…
Omega (Ω): It has been taken care of. The Dungeon Core was just as you surmised, a sentient Dungeon Core. He has already been subjugated. I’ll be waiting for your next mission. I'm here anytime.
Omega (Ω) has left the chat.
Omega (Ω) has entered the chat…
_____________________________
“I just checked on my side, it seems that neither he nor Alpha has responded to our message yet.”
“I see.”
“It's already been two days.”
“Um,” Aiden nodded. “But it's fine; they must be really busy. Let's see what else the others are talking about.”
_____________________________
[ Aiden (Ω's Interface ]
- [1] New message from [E-Sekai]
_____________________________
Omega (Ω) has entered the chat…
Upsilon (Υ):: No, it goes like this…
Upsilon (Υ): "Hmm hmm Michel, hmm the hmm hmm, Hm hm ashore, hmm hmmm hmmm. Hm hm river, hmm hmmm water, Hm hm hmmm, hmmm hmmm hmmm."
Upsilon (Υ): Anyone? Any ideas what song that could be? There’s gotta be at least one of us who remembers it right?
Psi (Ψ): Not me.
Omega (Ω): Good Morning everyone.
Upsilon (Υ): Look who joined us. Good morning. You’re early today.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Psi (Ψ): —morning.
Omega (Ω): @Upsilon (Υ) Yes. What were you two talking about?
Upsilon (Υ): I’m trying to remember the title of that one song but no one seems to remember the title from the lyrics I gave.
Psi (Ψ): You call that lyrics? Just reading it feels like deciphering the language of enchanted jellybeans (Elfic).
Omega (Ω): I see.
Upsilon (Υ): Those “lyrics” as you said, should’ve been enough, for you to remember the title, Psi.
Omega (Ω): I read it. I don't think I know the song. So I don’t think I can help. Sorry.
Upsilon (Υ): No biggies. It’s understandable coming from you. But coming from someone from the other side of the veil like Psi, it’s unforgivable. Did you forget where you come from? Where’s your pride as an earthling?
Psi (Ψ): Long gone!
Omega (Ω): Anyway I think I have to go. Catch you later.
Upsilon (Υ): Already?
Psi (Ψ): Some of us don't have as much free time as you, Upsilon.
Omega (Ω): Yes, I just remembered there was somewhere I have to be.
Upsilon (Υ): Well then, have a nice day, Omega (Ω). And you too Sigma.
Omega (Ω): Thanks Upsilon and you too Psi.
_____________________________
“Chaotic as always, that place is, huh?”
“Well that makes its charm,” Omega smiled. “You should join in from time to time. They often ask about you.”
“If it's just to goof around with these two, no, thanks.”
“Do you… do you have something against them?”
“No, how could I? It’s just that… Ah, whatever. So where is this place you have to be?”
“I was thinking... the local Adventurer Guild. I think it's about time I leave this city. Besides, I should make a report about the expedition before the Church asks me to. So yeah, it's time to pack our things.”
“I see, I was about to suggest the same thing. Glad you came to that decision on your own.”
“Thanks, I guess I’ll have to start pack—”
“I already did. All you have to do is grab your case and we’re good to go,” his gaze went over to a corner of the room where effectively a suitcase indeed was. Omega smiled gratefully.
“Thanks, I don’t know what I would be doing without you.”
“Not sure if that’s a good thing but I’m glad to hear that. Now get dressed, we're leaving this rathole of a place.”
“Roger that.”
Slipping into his white shirt, Aiden paired it with his classic slim black suit pants and fastened a black tie around his neck. After putting on his attire, he picked up a small pocket mirror and checked his neatly combed black hair, making sure every strand was in place. “So Mr. The Jury, your verdict?”
“Perfect.”
"Even in a parallel world lacking style and refinement, elegance remains of the essence. Was it?”
“Absolutely. I’m glad you finally understand, Child.”
“Well, I always did, but it's just that sometimes these outfits don't go very well during combat, at least not for me. When it’s you, I can tell you don't struggle at all.”
“Well given my level and proficiency that makes sense, I guess we should try find a way to work arou—”
“Ah.”
“What?”
“My swords.”
“Your swords? ...Oh, those ones. Sorry, they suddenly upgraded in the midst of it all, so I had to discard them while we were still in the dungeon.”
“I see,” he mumbled, summoning the dark blades of the real church from his spatial ring: Oathkeeper and Oathbreaker. He sheathed them into his double leather back scabbard.
“I guess, we’ll just have to buy new ones.”
With Sigma deactivating his special ability, [Spawn], after handing him his suitcase, leaving Aiden standing alone in the room, he nonchalantly headed towards the door and closed the room behind him.
----------------------------------------
Eldoria was a vast and ancient country; the duchy Aiden found himself in, known as Bartania, stood as a vibrant testament to the kingdom's opulent history and the diversity embodied by its twenty-two duchies and seven archduchies.
As he navigated the bustling market of the millennium old city, the lively symphony of voices and the medley of scents filled the air. Stalls adorned with vibrant tapestries and colorful awnings formed a labyrinthine path that meandered through the duchies’s main city: Eldenholm.
Nestled against the craggy mountains in the northwest, Eldenholm was a land of resilience and fortitude, known for producing the most finely crafted blades, each possessing an edge as sharp as the mountains that surrounded it.
Amid the bustling sea of people in the market, merchants hailing from diverse corners of the realm proudly displayed their wares: intricate jewelry from across the kingdom, exquisite fabrics reaching beyond the realm's borders, and weaponry spanning from petite blades to sturdy spears, predominantly crafted by skilled hands within the region.
While Aiden was examining the blades displayed at a weapon stall, Sigma asked, “Could you please remind me what we're doing here?”
Aiden, being led by Omega, replied, "Since we were about to take our leave from this city, I was thinking, why not check the market before we do so."
“Hmm, is that so?”
“Yes, it's on our way to the local guild. Besides, it's the perfect opportunity to refill our provisions.”
“I guess you're right.”
As they strolled through several other weapon stalls, picking up swords, axes, and even daggers, carefully inspecting the balance and testing the handles. Aiden finally stopped before a collection of spears, his fingers tracing the carved designs along the shafts.
“What are you doing?”
Aiden grinned and selected a spear, twirling it experimentally. “Checking out a new weapon. I haven't been able to raise my swordsmanship all that much these days. I feel like I'm stuck at level 5, so I've been thinking, perhaps I should try something else.”
“So you were thinking a spear would do it?”
Aiden scratched his head, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face. “No good?”
“It's not a question of whether it's good or not. Firstly, your swordsmanship isn't improving because you aren't using it much in combat. You need to gain experience with it to level up. Secondly, your stance is incorrect. And thirdly, if you're considering trying a spear, you, who doesn’t have my [Weapon Enhancement] ability, should seek out a high-quality one—ideally, a rune-enhanced spear, forged by a skilled dwarf and enchanted by an elf. Don't settle for just any spear scrappily put together by a random peon.”
Aiden chuckled at Sigma’s comment, “We’re lucky the stall owner can’t hear what you’re talking about because I don’t think he would be happy to hear what.”
“You’ll be surprised to hear how little I would care.”
Aiden grinned, placing the spear back among the collection and giving a nod at the stall owner before talking his leave.. “Alright then, let's focus on finding those provisions and getting to the guild. Maybe I'll stick to improving my swordsmanship the old-fashioned way. But if I ever stumble upon a well-crafted and well-enhanced spear, I'll also give raising my spear proficiency a shot.”
“Fair enough.”
“Oh, and now that you've been mentioning it, I just realize how convenient your [Weapon Enhancement] is,” Aiden remarked, his tone thoughtful. “I kind of wish I had it too.”
Sigma raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Why?”
Aiden scratched his head. “Just like that. How can I get it?”
Sigma chuckled. “With your sword proficiency, I fail to see why you would need this ability. Besides, it only works on basic weapons; it won't enhance either of your two main blades.”
“I know. But, you know, I want it... Just for the sake of it.”
Sigma shook his head in amusement. “What are you? A spoiled child?”
"Perhaps," Aiden replied, a mischievous smile on his lips. “A child, indeed.”
Sigma sighed playfully. “But to answer your question, I have no answer as to how you can get that ability. It's an innate one.”
“An innate one, huh?” Aiden mused, gazing at the bustling market.
There were two distinct paths through which individuals could attain abilities recognized by the system. The first involved inheriting them as a form of racial trait, known as racial or innate abilities. The second path encompassed abilities acquired through titles and naturally through classes, hence termed acquired Abilities. These were commonly referred to as Titular or class-based abilities.
“So I can't obtain it then,” he mused, a hint of disappointment in his tone.
“Yes, not through any conventional means. At least, not that I know of.”
“So there's a way?”
“Yes, there is. If you're adamant about obtaining it, you should message Theta. If anyone can help you figure out how to get your hands on it, it's her. After all, she's the one I got that ability from.”
“I see Theta, huh? You think she'd be willing to help me out? Considering the fact that I still owe her a couple of favors from last time.”
“She's alien to normalcy, apathetic to many things, so I know for sure she's not the type to keep track of favors, at least favors like the one you think you feel you owe her. Therefore, I'm confident that if it's within her capability, she'd be more than willing to assist. And if you're still uncertain, try approaching her with your best puppy-dog eyes next time you meet.”
Aiden chuckled. “Puppy-dog eyes, huh?”
“Yeah, she’s trying to pass off as a decent human being, so no doubt she’ll try to come across as kind, if you do that.”
“I see. I'll give it a shot.”
As they strolled through the market, their conversation shifted to lighter topics, punctuated by laughter and jest. Before long, Aiden had completed his errand and was ready to head toward his original destination, the local guild.
***
The adventurer building stood as a robust edifice at the crossroads between the opulent rich district and the more modest common districts. Its architecture was a harmonious blend of rugged practicality and subtle elegance. Fashioned from sturdy stone, the building bore the marks of years of use and stories of countless adventurers passing through its doors.
A weathered wooden sign, hanging above the entrance, depicted a gallant figure holding a sword aloft, an emblem of the brave souls who sought refuge and camaraderie within its walls.
Upon entering the room, Aiden immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere. His gaze met that of the receptionist, prompting him to make his way towards her. As he did, he couldn't help but notice glances being thrown his way from the tables in the tavern area of the building. Like many adventurer guilds, the room was divided, with one half serving as a bustling tavern and the other functioning as the reception area where receptionists attended to requests, issued missions, and interacted with clients.
Unlike his last visit, the room wasn't as densely crowded, yet a dozen adventurers still occupied various tables within the tavern area. Their eyes seemed to linger on Aiden, their gazes filled with a mixture of curiosity and something else he couldn't quite place. Accustomed to the attention his attire and the black blades of the churches garnered, he had grown used to such glances. However, the stares he received from those fine gentlemen seemed tinged with a subtle difference, one that didn’t miss to catch his attention.
“Them…”
“Do you know them, Sigma?”
“No, let's just do what we came here to do and leave this city.”
“Okay.”
With a subtle nod by way of greeting sent in the men's direction, Aiden approached the receptionist, fully prepared to carry out the purpose that had led him to the adventurer building.
“Good morning, Madam,” Aiden greeted.
“Good morning, Mister Aiden,” the receptionist replied. “I wasn't expecting to see you so soon. How are your injuries?”
“As you can see, I'm fine, Madam," Aiden reassured her with a smile. “I had enough time to rest.”
“That isn't nearly good enough. You really should take more time to rest properly,” the middle-aged woman scolded. “But, well, I doubt what I'm going to say is going to change your mind. I've grown used to this.”
“Hahaha, sorry for that.”
“So how can I assist you today?”
“I’d like to give you back the key to the room I’ve been using.”
“You’re leaving the city?”
“Yes,” Aiden nodded. “Was it that surprising?”
“Huh? Erm, no,” she said, collecting herself, “It's just that I was thinking you might want to take part in the next raid to conquer the dungeons. With everyone lost, I thought perhaps you'd like to seek revenge as the sole survivor of the expedition.”
“I guess that's how it should be, right?” Aiden mused.
“Oh, sorry if it came across that way,” the receptionist said, her tone apologetic. “I didn't mean to sound judgmental about your decision not to join.”
“It's nothing. It was a natural reaction. I can't blame you for that. After all, that's how adventuring is,” Aiden replied. He paused for a moment before adding, “That's how adventuring should be. That's why I became a Vicaris Executor instead of anything else. But there are things that, for me as what I am, come with utmost priority, and that is my duty towards the Divine. The only reason I was in that dungeon was because of what was expected of me as a devout follower, not as an adventurer. If I had been there as an adventurer, perhaps things would be different. But they are what they are. Now, what I have to do next: I have to return to the capital and submit my report of that incident.”
The receptionist, her expression softening, nodded in understanding. “I, once again, apologize for my mishap earlier. It was just that…”
“And just as I said, ‘it’s nothing,’ I understand.”
"Out of curiosity,” Aiden continued, “has anything tangible been decided about the dungeon?"
The receptionist shifted her gaze slightly, her brows furrowing as she thought. “The city absolutely needs the dungeon's magicite, but with the dungeon uncleared it won’t be possible to reach onto, so the reward tripled.”
“Tripled, huh?” Aiden raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.”
“So what was the result like?”
“No one wants to try to take the quest over,” she admitted.
“Were the Eclipsed Vanguard, Abyssal Syndicate, and Covenant of Ruin the only local A-ranked adventurer parties?”.
She shook her head. “No, they weren't, but with their leader being A++ Adventurers and their members mostly A-ranked, the party that composed that raid were considered the best. So…”
“—no one else locally wants to attempt the dungeon that took down the best in town,” Aiden guessed on his own.
“That's exactly it, Sir.” The Receptionist sighed. “There's a rumor going around that the city might try to contact an S-ranked adventurer party, but it's just that: a rumor.”
“I see. I just hope someone will be able to accomplish what they couldn't,” Aiden said, before casting a glance towards the Quest Board. “I'll be on the road for a while, so I was thinking I would check out one of the guild quests. Perhaps there'll be one I could complete by the time I reach the next city.”
To which the receptionist replied with a bow. “Please suit yourself.”