Kaiden woke up with butterflies in his stomach. Today was D-day, and despite the weeks of preparation, he couldn’t shake the nerves building inside him. Today, there were no formations, no Sergeant Farron yelling commands, just one simple order: Report to Camp Thorne Dungeon by end of day. The command was allowing flexibility, letting each team prepare in their own way and start whenever they chose. This was apparently how things worked in actual Dungeoneer units, too—teams were given orders to complete a run within a certain timeframe and had some freedom in how they approached it.
His party had already agreed on an early start, deciding the sooner, the better. Even Tybalt, their Caster who normally distanced himself from their decisions, had surprisingly agreed to the morning start time, though he refused to walk over with them, insisting he’d meet them at the dungeon entrance. So, it was just Kaiden, Davick, and Coren who’d head out together.
They wordlessly dressed and prepared, moving quietly so as not to disturb the others who were still sleeping. Most of the barracks remained silent in the pre-dawn hours, save for the soft rustle of their packs and the quiet clinking of equipment.
Outside, they felt the chill of the early morning air, and Kaiden looked up to see the sun just beginning to rise, casting a faint glow over Camp Thorne.
Davick glanced back, breaking the silence, he muttered, “Not gonna miss these barracks, that’s for sure.”
Kaiden chuckled. “It’s only up from here, right?”
Coren nodded, offering a steady, “Correct,” though he didn’t elaborate.
The three started down the path toward the dungeon. It was the largest structure on base, so there was no mistaking where it was. Like a mountain on the horizon, it grew bigger with every step. They weren’t given specific directions, but really, who would need them? Still, it was quite a hike away, another reason they’d decided to start early.
“You nervous?” Davick asked Coren, glancing over.
Coren gave a single nod. “Of course.”
Kaiden grinned. In all their training, he hadn’t managed to get Coren to say more than a few words at a time. Coren wasn’t shy—if he had a question, he’d ask, and he never backed away from a direct answer. He simply didn’t believe in small talk or wasted words. That straightforwardness reminded Kaiden a bit of Harlan—focused and no-nonsense. Davick, on the other hand, was the opposite. He could talk anyone’s head off, and only ever went quiet when he was in the forge, fully absorbed in his work. That meant most conversations happened between Kaiden and Davick, while Coren silently took it in unless someone spoke to him directly.
As they walked, the dungeon loomed larger, details becoming clearer, until they reached a break in the trees. Kaiden’s eyebrows rose as the view opened up, revealing something he hadn’t expected. They kept moving, his eyebrows raising further as they got closer.
“No way,” Davick said, stunned. “You guys seeing this?”
“Uh, yeah,” Kaiden replied, eyes wide with wonder.
“I never would’ve guessed… there’s a city here?” Coren said, surprising everyone by speaking up unprompted.
The dungeon was situated in a hidden valley that was completely out of view from the rest of the camp. In the valley, walled in behind the dungeon, was a sprawling settlement, roughly the size of Alderferth. Neatly arranged buildings lined winding streets, and rows of market stalls were already being prepared for the day.
“Why didn’t anyone tell us this was here?” Davick nearly shouted, as they took it all in. “Those fuckers never said anything.”
Kaiden shrugged. “Maybe we weren’t supposed to know.”
“I’d assume the same,” Coren replied as they continued walking.
The three continued their approach, still marveling at the sight. As they drew nearer, the city’s details sharpened. Kaiden could make out winding streets lined with neatly arranged stone buildings, narrow alleys disappearing between them, and rows of market stalls readying for the day. Even from a distance, the city pulsed with a liveliness that set it apart from Camp Thorne’s strict, orderly atmosphere. This was a place of commerce and movement, a city built around the dungeon and the divers who dared to enter it.
“You’re telling me they’ve got a whole town just tucked away here?” Davick muttered, glancing around in disbelief. “And then suddenly it’s like, ‘surprise everyone.’”
Kaiden chuckled, still taking it in. “Guess they wanted us to focus on training, not… whatever this place is.” The place had an almost mythic quality, as if he’d stumbled into some hidden city straight out of legend.
Coren, to their surprise, spoke up again. “This isn’t uncommon. I’ve read about dungeon towns before. They’re like trading hubs, the city economy boosted by dungeon loot.” He gestured to the tall walls encircling the city, marked with symbols that even from a distance glowed faintly with protective enchantments. “Does that mean civilian dungeon divers have access to this dungeon too?”
“I would assume so,” Coren said. “It makes sense for the military to squeeze as much profit out of a dungeon as possible.”
“What do you mean?”
Coren raised an eyebrow. “Civilian divers are taxed of course on their dungeon loot and some even pay an entrance fee depending on the dungeon.”
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“Of course, that’s how it is,” Kaiden said, nodding.
Davick let out a low whistle. “So they really do keep us locked out of the good stuff ‘til we’re ready, huh?”
“Apparently,” Kaiden replied, feeling a fresh wave of anticipation. He wondered if there was a library there.
Davick was practically vibrating with excitement. “Do you think we get to come here after we finish the dungeon?”
Coren nodded. “That’s up to our orders I believe.”
“One way to find out,” Kaiden said, grinning.
The trio finally reached the base of the dungeon, a towering and imposing structure far more intimidating up close. Around it sprawled what looked like a bustling camp, with rows of tents clustered along a main path that led to enormous double doors carved into the stone. Some tents had signs marking them as check-in stations, and according to their orders, that was where they needed to report.
First, we need to wait for Tybalt to arrive and then… Kaiden’s thoughts halted as his gaze fell on the noble, who was already making his way over in a huff. Turns out, he had been waiting for them.
Tybalt made his way over in a huff and called out, “Finally, you decided to show up.”
Kaiden scoffed in disbelief, and Davick couldn’t hold back. “What are you talking about? We’re some of the first here!” he retorted, voice rising.
Kaiden placed a calming hand on Davick’s shoulder, signaling for restraint. Arguing now would only add unnecessary tension. Tybalt just harrumphed, brushing off the comment, and said, “Let’s go.”
Coren simply nodded and followed as they got in line.
Lines started to form at the tents as more people began to arrive. Kaiden noticed groups of trainees gathering, with some even arriving by wagon, likely from farther points on the base. He watched Tybalt approach, noting the noble’s usual haughty expression, and wondered if Tybalt had taken a carriage here himself. Probably, he thought with a smirk.
When they reached the check-in tent, a corporal sat behind stacks of paperwork and clipboards. He didn’t look up as he asked, “Platoon number and name?”
Tybalt took the lead. “27th Platoon. Tybalt Hargrave.”
At the mention of their platoon, the corporal sifted through his stack, finding the appropriate clipboard. “Is your party all present?”
“Yes,” Tybalt responded, standing a little straighter.
Unfortunately, Tybalt had been designated as their party leader. Each team had been required to pick one, and naturally, Tybalt had insisted it be him. Kaiden had no interest in the role—he barely knew enough about this new world to feel confident as a follower, let alone a leader. Davick wasn’t keen on it either, though he’d tried to push the responsibility onto Coren, who had refused.
Tybalt had gone on a long tirade about how it was only natural that he lead, launching into speeches about his noble blood, his family this, his family that, and how “true leaders” came from nobility and royalty. Coren even agreed, saying that as a noble, Tybalt probably possessed insights into leadership and dungeons that “commoners” wouldn’t. Kaiden and Davick had finally relented, figuring it was easier to just let him have the title rather than bicker over it. After all, if they couldn’t agree, Sergeant Farron would have the final say, and they figured any instructor would likely pick the noble.
“Alright, Hargrave,” the corporal finally said. “Once you’re checked in, head to Station C for briefing and gear before your run.” He handed some sort of ticket or voucher to Tybalt.
After leaving the first tent, they made their way to Station C—a much larger tent filled with privates sorting gear, likely from the support platoons, and a few desks staffed by corporals and one sergeant. Once again, Tybalt took the lead, striding up to a desk for check-in.
“Slip,” the corporal said, not looking up, and Tybalt handed over the paper he’d received at the last tent. The corporal glanced it over and added it to a pile of similar slips. “Gear up with what you need,” he said, motioning toward the racks of equipment set up around the tent. “And step outside when you’re done. You’re also allowed one Defender item for…” His gaze scanned the group until Davick, realizing he was being sought, raised his hand.
The corporal pointed him to a sergeant on the far side of the tent. Then, looking back at the party, he said, “Bracer?”
Kaiden raised his hand, and the corporal directed him to another table. The corporal reached under his desk and handed Tybalt a small sack, then began rattling off instructions. As Kaiden turned to head toward the table he’d been directed to, he caught the words “dimensional bag” amid the corporal's explanation. His curiosity piqued, but he kept moving, focused on his own check-in.
Arriving at his destination, the seated corporal said nothing as she pulled out a pouch—a rugged, hard-leather satchel reminiscent of a messenger bag, lined with slots for potions. “Eight health, four mana, and four stamina,” she said, handing it off. “Use them wisely.”
Kaiden took the satchel and headed to the gear racks. He chose medium scale armor that allowed for good mobility while offering decent protection, then slung the potion satchel over one shoulder. At the weapons rack, he equipped a short sword to his back and strapped a small shield onto his forearm, leaving his hand free but adding a layer of protection.
He stepped outside to wait for the others, noticing the early morning sun casting a warm glow over the growing crowd. Not long after, Coren emerged in medium plate armor, carrying a large sword on his back. Davick followed, grinning from ear to ear, suited up in the heaviest armor, wielding a massive shield in one hand and a dual-bladed axe in the other. Davick was terrible at swinging a sword, so he’d been training with axes and hammers instead; today, he’d opted for the axe.
“Check out this shield!” Davick called, strutting over with a smug look.
“What is it?” Kaiden asked.
“It’s enchanted,” Davick replied with a grin.
“What?” Tybalt exclaimed as he’d just exited the tent and joined everyone. He was in a cloak, leather armor, and twin blades strapped to his waist.
Davick chuckled, shooting Tybalt a look. “This shield allows me to draw attention to myself and pull enemies’ focus away from others within a short range.”
All teams were allowed to have one enchanted item among them. This was decided by instructor feedback at what would best help the teams and cover for any weaknesses and supplement the role that needed it most.
An aggro ability, Kaiden thought to himself, feeling impressed. “That’s incredible,” he said aloud.
“Very useful,” Coren added, nodding with approval.
Even Tybalt, who normally never missed an opportunity to criticize, seemed momentarily silenced. “I’ll allow it,” he finally muttered, clearly aware of the shield’s potential for protecting him, as he was the most vulnerable in terms of defense.
Davick scoffed and gave a satisfied grin, while Kaiden tried not to laugh outright.
“Let’s go,” Tybalt said brusquely, turning toward the massive doors. “We have the go-ahead to proceed.”
They stepped up to the large, weathered double doors, just as they’d been instructed. Each placed a hand against the cold wood, channeling a drop of mana into its frame. Kaiden’s palm felt clammy despite the chill. Almost immediately, a message blinked into his vision:
Conditions met. Do you wish to proceed and enter Camp Thorne Dungeon?
Kaiden mentally confirmed, “Yes.” For a moment, nothing happened. Waiting for the others, he guessed. Then, suddenly, he felt the world tilt as his senses fell away. A wave of disorientation swept through him before snapping back just as quickly. Within seconds, he found himself somewhere else—he was in the dungeon.