Something To Do

After seven days had passed, Tim was finally able to stay awake and talk for a while. There were slight improvements in his health as well. Lily was really a miracle doctor, there was no doubt about it. She was introduced to Tim who thanked her for all she and her brother had done for them but no one told him the real cause of his predicament.

Now that Tim was getting better, Finn did not want to continue staying at home doing nothing all day. He wanted to go out and do something; things like making money and looking for ways to improve himself and his beasts.

At the courtyard, he sat down with Ashan and began to tell him his plan. His eyes sparkled with determination as he spoke with Ashan. "I need to do something, Ashan. I can't just sit around here doing nothing while Tim recovers."

Ashan nodded understandingly. "I get it. There are many ways to make money in the city, but if you're looking for something lucrative, I'd recommend monster hunting or dungeon games."

Finn's eyes widened with interest. "Monster hunting? You mean, like, killing monsters for money?"

Ashan nodded. "That's right. The city offers bounties for killing certain monsters that threaten the safety of the citizens. It's a tough job, but it pays well."

Finn's mind was already racing with the possibilities. "And what about dungeon games?"

Ashan grinned. "That's a whole different ball game. Dungeon games are essentially tournaments where players compete to clear dungeons filled with monsters and treasures. The prizes are huge, but so are the risks."

Finn's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I'm in. Where do I sign up?"

"Just like that?" Ashan asked, holding back his laugh.

"Of course. Or are there any special sacrifices to be made?" Finn asked him.

"No, not at all."

"Then let's get going already," Finn urged him and got up. He couldn't waste any more time at home, he wanted to become strong and also make his beasts strong as well.

"We will but first, let's get our breakfast," Ashan replied. "You can't possibly want to enter the dungeon on an empty stomach, right? You will only end up dying even before the game starts."

Finn reluctantly agreed and the two of them went back to the house to eat. After eating, they set out.

"So do you want to the monster hunting?" Ashan asked Finn as they walked down the large street of Ava.

Finn's eyes sparkled with excitement as he turned to Ashan. "You know what, I think I'll pass on the monster hunting for now. I want to try the dungeon games instead."

Ashan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Dungeon games? Are you sure? It's a high-risk, high-reward endeavor."

Finn nodded, his jaw set in determination. "I'm positive. I need to make a lot of money quickly to help Tim, and I'm willing to take the risk."

Ashan shrugged. "Alright, if you're sure. Let's go get you registered for the dungeon games then."

Finn followed Ashan to the city's arena, where the dungeon games were held. The arena was a large, circular building with a retractable roof. The air was electric with excitement as players and spectators milled about.

Ashan led Finn to the registration desk, where a harried-looking clerk was processing registrations. "Welcome to the dungeon games! Please provide your name, age, and occupation."

Finn hesitated for a moment before responding. "My name is Finn, I'm 17 years old, and I'm a... dungeon explorer." Ashan had told him what to say earlier before they entered. This was so that he wouldn't be rejected if he answered wrongly.

The clerk raised an eyebrow. "A dungeon explorer, eh? Well, you're certainly brave. Here's your registration token. Good luck in the games!"

Finn took the token, a small crystal orb that pulsed with a soft blue light. He felt a surge of excitement and trepidation — he could not wait to start exploring.

After heading to the dungeon, he stood at the entrance, his heart racing with anticipation. The entrance was a large, ominous-looking door with intricate carvings of monsters and treasures.

Ashan, who had accompanied Finn to the dungeon, clapped him on the back. "Well, this is it. You're really doing this, Finn?"

Finn nodded, taking a deep breath. "I have to. I need to make money to help Tim."

Ashan nodded. "I get it. Just be careful in there, okay? The dungeon can be unpredictable."

Finn nodded, gripping his registration token tightly. "I will. Thanks for coming with me, Ashan."

Ashan smiled. "No problem. I'll be waiting for you outside. Good luck!"

Finn took a deep breath, steeled himself, and stepped through the entrance into the unknown dangers of the dungeon.

As he walked, the door creaked shut behind him, and Finn heard the sound of locks clicking into place. He was now alone, surrounded by darkness and the silence of the dungeon.

Suddenly, a soft glow emanated from the walls, illuminating the passageway. Finn blinked, his eyes adjusting to the light.

He looked around, taking in his surroundings. The passageway stretched out before him, lined with stone walls and torches that cast flickering shadows.

Finn took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that the dungeon was full of dangers, but he was determined to face them head-on.

With a newfound sense of determination, Finn set off down the passageway, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As Finn ventured deeper into the dungeon, he began to notice other players. They were all equipped with various weapons and armor, and they seemed to be on a mission.

He approached a group of three players who were huddled around a large map. They looked up as he approached, and one of them nodded in greeting.

"Hey, you're new here, right?" the player asked. "I'm Beth, and these are my friends, Kaito and James."

Finn nodded, feeling a bit awestruck by the group's confidence. "I'm Finn. Nice to meet you all."

Beth smiled. "Welcome to the dungeon, Finn. We're on a quest to clear the third floor. Want to join us?"

Finn shook his head, deciding to go solo. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll go it alone for now."

Beth raised an eyebrow. "You sure? The dungeon can be tough, especially for a solo player."

Finn nodded. "I'll be fine. I need to get a feel for the dungeon and figure out my own strategy."

Kaito and Arin exchanged a skeptical look, but Beth just shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just be careful, okay?"

Finn nodded and watched as the group headed off in the opposite direction. He took a deep breath, feeling a thrill of excitement mixed with a bit of fear.

He was really doing this. He was going to tackle the dungeon solo.

Finn set off, his eyes scanning the passageway for any signs of danger. He had his trusty sword, given to him by Ashan, and he was determined to make it out of the dungeon alive.

As he walked, the passageway began to narrow and the air grew thick with the smell of mold and decay. Finn's heart pounded in his chest, but he pressed on, his senses on high alert.

Suddenly, he heard a faint rustling noise coming from up ahead. Finn's grip on his sword tightened, and he crept forward, ready to face whatever was lurking in the shadows.