Ch 4 - Fire of Desire

Quinn, Ella, Cory, Ruby and Jax made their way through the streets. Quinn ended up leading the group, since no one actually knew where the challenge area was, much less knew how to navigate the streets.

The challenge area was located in the middle of the city. Lots of people set up stands selling random stuff. That's because it's a prime business location, due to everyone being forced to come there if they want to descend the dungeon. Plus, it's at the center of the city, so most foot traffic is located there.

Quinn looked at the city around him. This is the last time that he'll see it, since you can't go back to previous floors. The only way you can go is down. Well, unless you go to or from a city, like Cory told him from before, but that's different.

After making their way to the center of the city and weaving past the stands, they arrived at the challenge area. It was empty, since it didn't take much time to beat the challenge. That's because it's the easiest challenge of them all, yet impossible for some at the same time.

The challenge area was a small park area. In the center stood a doorway holding a portal that leads to the second floor.

Near the doorway is an old man. Wearing a simple robe, he's sitting down in front of the doorway, with his legs crossed.

"Okay, let's do the challenge already," Jax said enthusiastically, walking forward. But a hand around his shirt collar stopped him.

"Hey, what gives!" He looked behind and saw Cory grabbing onto his shirt.

"Even though this challenge is simple and quick, we still have to prepare," Cory replied.

"Um… what's a challenge?" Ruby asked, since Cory only gave her a short rundown of the dungeon. He forgot to mention the existence of challenges.

"Basically, a challenge is something you must do before descending to the next floor," Cory explained. "Sometimes, you have to do the challenge at a designated challenge area, while other times you have to complete the challenge before going to the designated challenge area to descend. Also, the challenges can be anything, from collecting certain items to fighting certain people".

"Sure, whatever. What's this floor's challenge then?" Jax asked.

"I'll let him explain it," Cory said, pointing towards the old man in robes.

As the group walked forward the old man spoke. "Ahh, newcomers, welcome to the first floor's challenge" the old man said with a raspy voice. "Do you require an explanation on this floor's challenge?"

"Didn't you overhear us talking before?" said Jax.

"Ah, I'm afraid my old age has taken a toll on my ears".

"Well that sucks. Anyways, yes, can you please explain the challenge".

"Okay" a green fire burst forth in front of the gateway. "This is called world fire. It's a type of fire especially made by the gods that's capable of burning anything. But, the unique thing about it is its ability to burn under specific circumstances".

"This fire is called the fire of desire. It's the challenge for this floor. To pass through the fire, you must state your desire which compels you to descend the dungeon. It's simple, but it makes sure that you have a reason to make it to the bottom and lowers the chance of you quitting halfway".

"Now," he said as he stepped aside to open the path to the doorway. "Walk through while stating your desire".

"I'll go first," Cory said before anyone could do anything else. He walked up right before the fire, dangerously close.

"I want to descend the dungeon" he said aloud before walking through. The fire flickered around him, not affecting him at all.

"Done," he said.

"Wow, that was easy. I'll go next" Jax said. Walking up, he repeated what Cory did, standing very close to the fire.

"I want to descend the dungeon" he said before stepping into the fire. A scream erupted right after, as the rest of the group saw the green fire burn on Jax's leg.

"It burns, it burns!" He screamed. He backed far away from the fire and managed to put out the flame on his leg, but not after it burning holes through his pants.

"Ho ho ho, you're quite lucky that this fire doesn't burn that hot, or else you'd be dead before you know it" the old man chuckled.

"How are you this much of an idiot…" Cory said, facepalming. Quinn and Ruby felt the same, while Ella was giggling at his misfortune.

"What do you mean?! I do want to descend the dungeon!" Jax, ashamed, quickly replied.

"I don't think you understand this challenge, newcomer. Your goal is to descend the dungeon, but it isn't your desire. Your desire is the reason you want to descend the dungeon. So think, what is your desire?" the old man explained.

"Wait, then how did Cory get across?" Jax asked confused.

"His goal and desire is to descend the dungeon".

"That makes no sense though".

"Maybe not to you, but to him it does".

"Just say your desire already" Cory said, becoming fed up.

"Okay, fine" He waved Cory off and thought for a moment.

"I want to become strong, one of the strongest beings in existence" he said as he stepped forward. This time, the fire didn't burn him as he quickly ran across.

"Yes! I did it!" he exclaimed.

"Well, it was very easy, so it wasn't much of a challenge" Cory retorted.

"Hey, don't ruin my moment!"

"I don't care. Anyways, let's go through and wait for the rest of them" Cory pointed towards the doorway.

As they walked through, Ruby decided to go next. She was extremely shy, but she managed to go to the fire.

"State your desire" the old man said.

"I.. I.. I want to find out what happened to me…" she managed to say. She took a step forward, and the fire didn't affect her. Walking through, she entered the doorway.

"Me next! Me next!" Ella said, climbing down from Quinns shoulders. He smiled, but didn't say anything, still being oddly quiet.

"I want to stay with Quinn!" she proudly said, warning Quinn's heart. She walked through the fire as if it wasn���t there. She easily made her way through the doorway.

Now, it was Quinns turn. His silence was broken, as he let out a long sigh. 'Can I do this?' he thought to himself.

"Ah, you're back. I didn't recognise you at first" the old man said. He knew Quinn because this wasn't the first time he came. But, it was a long time since he last came to the challenge.

That's right, Quinn already tried to beat the challenge before, but failed. When he first arrived, he was more courageous and tried to walk through the fire. But, his lack of desire stopped him, and soon after the fire became a source of uncertainty. It burned his fear of the dungeon into his heart. Even though he managed to beat his fear, it still was fresh and his fear started to return.

Thoughts of uncertainty and fear were slowly creeping back. HIs heart was pounding, and he started doubting his choice of descending.

'Why descend when I can stay here? I could die if I go down. It's dangerous down there. I will die. I will die. I wi-'

"Young man, I see you're having negative thoughts again" the old man commented, bringing Quinn back to reality. "But, heed my advice once more from an old man".

Quinn listened. "I know you may have second doubts, but know this. Opportunity only knocks once, and if you miss it, you won't get it back. I once had a chance, but I didn't take it, and now I guide others for a living. How I wish I could go back and tell myself to take the chance I was given. Sure, there may be uncertainties, but you only live twice, and we already lived once".

"So, take this chance. Find your desire, and have it guide you to a better life. Your friends are waiting, so what are you waiting for?"

His speech gave Quinn his courage back. 'He's right. You only live twice, and I've already spent one without taking a chance. I never even knew I had a second life, so why not use it for a second chance?'

A fire grew in his heart. His own fire of desire, one might say. This desire grew and grew, purging Quinn of his fears and uncertainties, urging him to go forward and take a chance.

"Now, state your desire" the old man said.

"I…" the desire grew in his heart.

"I…" the words came up in his throat.

"I want to be with my friends! I want to live a better life! I want to take a chance!"

He stepped forward with resolution. The fire, unlike his previous attempts, only tickled. Step by step, he made his way through the fire until he reached the end.

A clapping came from the old man. "This is a first for me. It brings a tear to my eyes seeing someone go from being hopeless to having such a strong desire".

"Thank you for your wise advice". Quinn felt compelled to give his thanks. His uncertainty had come back, but thanks to him, Cory and Ella, he finally had a reason to descend the dungeon and a newfound desire as well.

"You're welcome" the old man replied. "But, remember. The dungeon is dangerous, with many things ready to extinguish your desire. So, grow strong and don't stop no matter what".

"I understand". Quinn said. With a wave, he made his way through the doorway and into the portal.

{}

While Quinn was taking his time completing the challenge, Cory, Jax, Ruby and Ella waited for him. Through the portal was a white void. It was the crossing between floors. Before them laid another portal that led to the second floor.

Ella was playing with Ruby. She ended up seeing Ruby as some sort of big sister, and Ella was the only person Ruby wasn't shy with.

Cory and Jax were chatting by themselves. "Quinn's taking quite a long time," Jax pointed out.

"It's to be expected. But, I hope he can make it through" Cory replied.

"Well of course he can, it's such an easy challenge" Jax replied. "Say, why did you decide to recruit Quinn anyway. I can understand Ruby since she's part dragon, and my because of my awesome system-"

"Your system is not awesome"

"Shut up! Anyways, you recruited Ella because she and Quinn are basically a group package. But why Quinn? He said you tried to recruit him yesterday as well, but why?"

Cory looked up into the endless void, reminiscing about someone. "Well, it's hard to say, but someone told me that he was special. She was a good person and trustworthy, so I knew she was telling the truth".

"Well, what did they say?"

"She said that Quinn was special to them, and that he was special enough to be her desire to descend the dungeon. She said he was gruff and unwelcoming on the outside, but kind and caring to those he's close with. Sure, he's a bit of a coward, but he's also trustworthy and reliable when it matters the most. And most importantly, he's a good guy".

"Oh, well that makes sense. What's her name?"

"F… actually, it's not really that important," Cory stopped himself from saying her name, reluctant to tell of his past.

"Okay then. Hopefully they were telling the truth".

"Don't worry, I know she was being truthful. Quinn is exactly like she said".