D-Class Dungeon IV

The impact sent a shudder through Lucas's arm as the pickaxe struck the creature. There was a guttural roar of pain, followed by a momentary silence. Lucas strained his eyes in the darkness, trying to make out what had happened.

A flicker of light from a dying flashlight illuminated the scene. The creature lay on the ground, wounded but still alive. It was larger than anyone could have anticipated, its menacing presence now revealed in the dim glow.

The colossal form before them resembled that of a majestic wolf, but it was unlike any they had ever seen. The creature's eyes burned with an otherworldly intensity, blood-red orbs that pierced through the gloom.

Its skin, if it could be called that, appeared as if woven from the very essence of darkness itself. A dense, swirling mist clung to its body, obscuring its true form and making it seem as though the creature was born from the shadows. This dark mist undulated and shifted, creating an ethereal texture that defied comprehension. It seemed to be alive, flowing and pulsating with an ominous energy.

As they gazed upon the massive wolf, a mix of fear and awe washed over them. Its red eyes gleamed with an intelligence that surpassed mere animal instinct, hinting at a deeper understanding of the world around it.

The survivors gasped and stumbled back, their fear momentarily giving way to curiosity. Lucas stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest, and raised the pickaxe once more.

Just as Lucas was about to deliver the decisive blow, his pickaxe was unexpectedly intercepted by a swift crow, which snatched it from his grasp with surprising dexterity.

A soft hand, adorned with a tattoo of a red rose spun him around.

As he spun around, his eyes met those of a captivating strawberry blonde girl. But she was not alone. Standing beside her was another girl, dressed in all black.

With a voice that carried a tinge of authority, the girl in black spoke.. "The wolf is more valuable alive than dead," she declared.

Introducing themselves, the blonde girl revealed her name as Lux, while her black-clad companion went by the name of Rek'Sai. They belonged to the renowned Ranger Unit of the Crimson Blades that were tasked with clearing this dungeon, and though they had already completed their mission, they had chosen to remain in the vicinity.

News had reached them that Team 17 had ventured into the dungeon and had been expected to return hours ago, but had gone missing, prompting Lux and Rek'Sai to hasten back to investigate.

To their astonishment, they arrived only to witness Lucas, a seemingly ordinary individual, singlehandedly defeating a shadow wolf—an A-class monster of formidable power.

The rangers clarified the situation, revealing that shadow wolves were known to prey on basilisks, yet the scarcity of these creatures had led the ranger unit to overlook their presence.

Rek'Sai then dismissed them. "We'll take it from here," she said.

Lucas Moore dragged his feet as he returned from the dungeon. His muscles ached and his clothes were torn.

He reached his apartment building, a rundown structure that stood on the edge of the city. He looked left and right hoping he wasn't seen before rapidly climbing the stairs, avoiding the broken steps and the rats that scurried around. He arrived at his door took one last look around to make sure no one was following him, unlocked the door and pushed it open, hoping to find some peace and quiet.

He was wrong.

"Lucas Moore, you scoundrel! Where have you been? Do you think you can just ignore me and your rent?" A voice shouted from inside his apartment. It was Mrs Granger, his landlady, who had been waiting for him in ambush. She was an older woman with grey hair and a stern face.

"Mrs Granger, I'm sorry, I was busy with work. I just came back from a dungeon in the subway." Lucas said, trying to sound calm and polite. He knew that Mrs Granger was not a woman to be trifled with. She was strict and demanding, and she did not tolerate any excuses or delays.

"I nearly died," he added.

"Work? What work? You say you work in an adventurer guild, but so far I've seen no proof. You haven't paid your rent in six months, Lucas. Six! months! Do you know how much you owe me?" Mrs Granger said, raising her voice.

"I know, I know. It's 2,000,000 Septims, right?" Lucas said, scratching his head.

"Wrong! It's 2,500,000 Septims now, with interest and late fees," Mrs Granger said, pointing at him with her broom.

"Okay, okay. I swear, I'm just a few weeks away from getting the money ready. Just work with me for a bit longer," Lucas said.

"You have to pay your rent or else I'll kick you out of this apartment. Do you hear me?" Mrs Granger said, threatening him.

"Yes, yes, I hear you. Please don't do that, Mrs Granger. I need this apartment. I'm honestly trying my best to become a good treasure collector and make some money." Lucas said, pleading with her.

"Lucas, Lucas, Lucas. You're such a nice boy but people who work for the guilds don't live around here. You should stop lying about being a treasure collector and get a real job," She said.

She put down her broom and walked towards the door.

"I'll leave you alone now, Lucas. But remember what I said. You have one month to pay me 3,000,000 Septims or else you're out of here." She said.

Before he could protest the extra 500,000, she opened the door and left the apartment.

Lucas watched her go and closed the door behind her.

As Lucas felt a vibration in his pocket, he retrieved his phone and glanced at the screen. A text message had arrived, and it was from an unexpected source. It was Jack, his former colleague from the Ministry of Dungeon Affairs, the carefree bureaucrat.

The message invited Lucas to a bar, teasingly mentioning that "they" would be there. Intrigued by the cryptic nature of the invitation, Lucas couldn't resist the urge to find out more.