Act Ready

"So dark..." Amelia muttered, her voice barely a whisper in the oppressive silence. The frigid air clung to them like a shroud, each breath a visible puff of white against the inky blackness. The only light came from their meager sources, casting distorted circles around them that seemed to shrink with every step further they ventured into the abyss.

The descent continued, the rough-hewn stone steps slick with a dampness that sent shivers down their spines. Each footfall echoed with an unnatural hollowness, the sound amplifying the unnerving silence that pressed in from all sides. The adventurers clung closer together, their senses on high alert, searching the darkness for any sign of movement, any glint of eyes in the endless void.

Suddenly, a faint, rhythmic drip echoed through the darkness, growing louder with each passing moment. The adventurers exchanged nervous glances, their imaginations conjuring unseen horrors lurking in the shadows. The oppressive darkness, the chilling air, and the unsettling sound combined to create an atmosphere of suffocating dread.

"We need to be careful," Sebastian whispered, his voice low and firm. "Stay close, and keep your senses sharp."

Lyra, her keen senses picking up on the subtle unease that permeated the air, added, "This place feels... wrong," her voice echoing in the oppressive silence.

Sebastian chuckled, a hint of humor breaking the tension. "Well, dungeons always feel wrong if you want to know, haha! But this one… this one feels different. There's something more to it than just damp walls and creepy crawlies."

His words resonated with the adventurers. The oppressive darkness, the chilling air, the unsettling dripping sound—everything about this place felt off-kilter, a sense of unease that gnawed at their instincts. It wasn't just the typical dungeon atmosphere; it was something more, something ancient and malevolent that seemed to press in from the very shadows.

As they continued their descent, the darkness becoming ever deeper, Sebastian snapped his fingers. A soft glow emanated from his outstretched hand, growing brighter until it formed a radiant sphere of light.

[Skill Activated: Astra Light]

The sphere of light, pulsating with a warm, golden radiance, cast back the oppressive darkness, illuminating a wider area around them. The rough-hewn stone walls, slick with moisture, were revealed in their entirety, their surface etched with cryptic symbols that seemed to writhe in the flickering light. The dripping sound, previously a source of unease, could now be traced to a narrow crack in the ceiling, a thin stream of water cascading down the wall.

The adventurers, momentarily relieved by the dispelled darkness, looked at Sebastian with a mixture of awe and gratitude. The Astra Light, a skill unique to S-Rank adventurers, was a beacon of hope in this suffocating abyss. It not only illuminated their path but also provided a sense of security, a tangible shield against the unseen horrors that might lurk in the shadows.

The group continued to descend with the help of the light, their cautious steps echoing in the vast space. The oppressive atmosphere remained, but the Astra Light offered a glimmer of comfort, a reminder that they were not entirely alone in the face.

"Is that a light magic… or fire magic?" Amelia asked, her voice filled with curiosity as she gazed at the radiant sphere illuminating their path.

"Neither," Sebastian replied with a slight smile. "It's Astra magic."

Amelia's brows furrowed slightly. "Astra magic...?" she echoed, the term unfamiliar to her.

Sebastian nodded, his voice tinged with a hint of reverence. "It's a gift from the God of the Outer."

A hush fell over the group as the word "god" hung heavy in the air. The concept of deities was not unheard of, but rarely did it directly impact their lives as adventurers.

"Which one god?" Lily finally asked, breaking the silence.

Sebastian's gaze turned distant for a moment, as if reflecting on ancient stories and forgotten lore. "The God of the Outer," he explained, "is a being beyond our comprehension, existing outside the boundaries of our world. It is said to be the source of celestial magic, a power that transcends the limitations of the elements."

The adventurers listened intently, their awe growing with each word. The idea of a magic originating from a being beyond their world was both fascinating and terrifying. It hinted at a vast, unknown universe, filled with possibilities and dangers they could scarcely imagine.

The silence stretched for a moment longer, each lost in their own thoughts about the revelation. The oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon remained, but the Astra Light, now imbued with a sense of celestial mystery, seemed to burn brighter, offering not just illumination but a glimpse into a world beyond their own.

A piercing scream echoed through the cavernous space, shattering the oppressive silence and sending shivers down the adventurers' spines. Every muscle tensed, weapons gripped tighter, as they froze in place, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation.

"Help!" the voice cried out again, filled with desperation and pain.

Sebastian, ever vigilant, held up a hand, silencing the group. "Shh..." he whispered, his voice low and cautious. "It might be a mimic, or maybe… there's a person here..."

The tension was thick in the air as they waited, their senses on high alert. The scream had originated further down the passage, beyond the reach of the Astra Light's illumination. The darkness held the potential for both danger and salvation, and discerning it required careful consideration.

Suddenly, a figure stumbled into the faint glow of the Astra Light, collapsing onto the rough-hewn stone floor with a gasp of pain. It was a woman, her clothes tattered and stained, her body covered in scrapes and bruises. Despite the grime and sweat covering her face, she had a look of utter terror and desperation.

The adventurers stared at the unexpected arrival, their initial apprehension slowly giving way to concern. This was no mimic; this was a human being in dire need of help.

Frey, her disguise holding strong, whimpered softly and looked up at Sebastian with pleading eyes.

***

"Master… should I go now and act like I was a lost woman…?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alex, standing beside her, remained silent, his gaze fixed her. He remembered Frey's plan. This was the moment she had been preparing for.

"Well, wait until they go through the Titan room," he finally replied, his voice barely a murmur.

Frey nodded subtly, understanding the unspoken message. This wasn't just about playing a role; it was about giving the adventurers a reason to trust her, a reason to offer their aid in this treacherous dungeon. The Titan Room, a feat they had accomplished, would serve as her ticket to their company, a shared experience that could potentially bridge the gap between them.

With a deep breath, Frey pushed herself up from the cold stone floor, her movements slow and labored to maintain the illusion of a helpless victim. She limped towards the adventurers, her eyes wide with fear, her voice trembling as she prepared to weave her tale of woe and misfortune. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but Frey knew that gaining the trust of these powerful adventurers was her only hope for survival in the depths of the A-Class dungeon.

***

Frey leaned towards Sebastian, surprising him with her sudden movement. This unexpected action caused a flicker of jealousy in Lily's eyes.

"Help… heroes…" Frey stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "There's a person further in who can't get away alone… his name is Alex…"

As she mentioned the name "Alex," a wave of shock and relief washed over the adventurers.

"Wait, you said Alex?" Amelia exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.

"He's still alive!?" Lyra echoed, her eyes wide with surprise.

Gregor, his voice thick with emotion, spoke with gratitude. "Glad he's alive. It seems like a miracle…"

"Yes, he's fighting for his life right now… Please help him! He's deeper in this dungeon, and you'll find him fighting…"

The mention of a friend still alive, especially after their encounter with the Titan, sparked a surge of determination within the group. The initial suspicion towards Frey faded as the potential to save another comrade took precedence. They had faced a Titan together, and now, the possibility of rescuing Alex, another survivor, bound them with a renewed sense of purpose.

"Wait… who's Alex?" Sebastian asked, his gaze locked on Frey's eyes, searching for any hint of deception.

Before Frey could respond, a voice piped up from behind them. "We heard before we came here," one of the adventurers explained. "He was with Captain Amelia on an expedition in here, but she said he fell into a trap."

Amelia, her voice heavy with past emotions, confirmed, "True… I said that, but I'm glad he's still alive…"

The revelation hung heavy in the air. The mention of a fallen comrade, especially one Amelia had presumed dead, sent a jolt of surprise through the group. A glimmer of hope and a surge of resolve began to replace the suspicion that had persisted towards Frey.

Sebastian, his initial skepticism waning, addressed Frey with renewed urgency. "Where is he? How far ahead is he fighting?"

Frey, her voice shaky but resolute, pointed deeper into the darkness. "He's deeper in this dungeon. I don't know exactly where, but I heard him fighting something… Please, you have to help him!"

The adventurers exchanged glances, their faces etched with a mix of apprehension and newfound purpose. The urgency of the situation quickly overshadowed the initial shock of finding a survivor in this dangerous place. Alex, a presumed lost comrade, was alive and fighting for his life. They had faced a Titan together, and now, the chance to save another bound them with an even stronger sense of camaraderie.

Without further hesitation, Sebastian turned to his companions. "Alright, let's move. We need to find Alex."

The group, followed Sebastian deeper into the darkness. The faint glow of the Astra Light illuminated their path, casting long, distorted shadows that danced on the rough-hewn stone walls. The atmosphere was still oppressive, but the possibility of saving a friend they had believed lost for good had given them a glimmer of hope. The A-Class dungeon held many dangers, but the chance to save a life outweighed the fear in their hearts. They were adventurers, and in the face of a comrade in need, their courage shone brighter than the Astra Light itself.

The adventurers, their hearts pounding with a mix of hope and trepidation, ventured deeper into the darkness. Frey, limping slightly but maintaining her facade of a helpless victim, led the way, pointing them in the direction she claimed to have heard the sounds of struggle. The oppressive atmosphere remained, the silence broken only by the rhythmic dripping of water and the crunch of their boots on the rough-hewn stone floor.

As they progressed, the passage narrowed, the walls closing in on them, creating a claustrophobic sensation. The air grew colder, the dampness clinging to their skin like a second layer of clothing. The Astra Light, their only source of illumination, cast long, distorted shadows that danced and writhed on the uneven walls, amplifying the sense of unease that gnawed at their instincts.

Clank!

Suddenly, the sound of clashing metal echoed through the passage, growing louder with each passing moment. Frey flinched, her eyes widening in feigned fear. The adventurers exchanged tense glances, their weapons gripped tighter, and their senses on high alert.

They rounded a bend in the passage, and the Astra Light illuminated a scene of fierce combat. In the center of a cavernous chamber, bathed in the faint glow of their magic, stood Alex, his back against the wall, his movements a blur of desperate defense. A group of vicious creatures that resembled large rats were surrounding him, and their beady eyes gleamed with ominous hunger.

DO I LOOK BADASS!? DO I LOOK BADASS!?

Alex try to make himself look cool in front of everyone.

Frey secretly nods.

"Alex!" Amelia cried out, her voice filled with relief and urgency.

Seeing his friend surrounded by ravenous creatures, a surge of protectiveness washed over her. She didn't hesitate, charging forward with her sword drawn, her eyes blazing with determination.

"Hey! We come here to help!" Sebastian bellowed, his voice echoing through the cavern. His massive sword hummed with anticipation, eager to join the fray.

Gregor, followed closely behind, his axe glinting in the faint light. "Hey kid! We here!" he roared, his voice a deep rumble that instilled confidence in their allies.

Their sudden arrival startled the ravenous creatures, momentarily breaking their relentless assault on Alex. The adventurers rushed into the fray, their weapons flashing in the dim light. Amelia, a whirlwind of steel and fury, cut down a creature with a swift, precise strike. Sebastian, his strength unmatched, swung his huge sword, sending two of the creatures flying with a single blow. Gregor, a wall of unwavering defense, held back the remaining creatures, his axe a blur of parries and counterattacks.

But as the battle raged, a sense of unease began to creep into the adventurers' hearts. The figure they were fighting for, the one they had rushed to save with such urgency… something felt off.

The man fighting desperately against the remaining creatures looked like Alex, but there was a subtle difference. His eyes, though filled with the same desperation, held a glint of something else—he's faking it, a flicker of something practiced. His clothes, though torn and bloodied, seemed different from the last they saw him. The fabric bore the marks of countless battles, the kind they hadn't witnessed during their previous expedition. And the blood on his body… it seemed older, dried, and caked in a way that suggested it wasn't from the fresh wounds he sustained in the current fight—well, it just the appearance that he used.

Confusion and a spark of suspicion began to cloud their initial relief. This wasn't the Alex they knew. This was someone else, someone who bore a striking resemblance to their lost comrade, but who carried the marks of a different struggle, a different journey.

As the final creature fell, the adventurers lowered their weapons, their eyes fixed on the enigmatic figure before them. The silence that followed was thick with tension, the only sound being the ragged breaths of the warriors and the dripping water echoing in the cavern.

"Who are you?" Amelia finally asked, her voice laced with a mixture of caution and disbelief.

Before speaking, the figure cleared his throat with a rough cough. His voice, when he finally spoke, was raspy and laced with exhaustion. "You late..." he rasped, his words echoing in the cavernous chamber.

Amelia, still grappling with the unsettling feeling that something was amiss, stammered a reply. "S-Sorry..."

Sebastian, his concern outweighing his initial suspicion, gently placed a hand on the figure's shoulder. His touch was firm, yet reassuring.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and filled with concern. The figure flinched slightly under his touch, his weary eyes meeting Sebastian's gaze. The flickering light of the Astra Light danced across his face, revealing the toll the battle had taken. His breathing was ragged, his body shaking with a mixture of exhaustion and adrenaline.

The silence stretched for a moment, the tension still hanging thick in the air. The adventurers, their initial relief tinged with a growing sense of unease, watched the exchange with bated breath. This wasn't the Alex they remembered. There was something different, something they couldn't quite grasp. But despite the lingering suspicion, seeing the figure before them battered and weary, the instinct to help, to offer solace after a harrowing ordeal, remained strong.

Sebastian's hand, still resting on the figure's shoulder, brushed against a small, intricately carved wooden box hanging from the figure's belt. Curiosity piqued, he glanced down at it. The box, adorned with swirling golden symbols, seemed to radiate a faint magical aura.

"Woah!? You a sage…?" he blurted out, his surprise evident in his voice.

Alex, his eyes still locked with Sebastian's, offered a curt nod. "Yes..."

"Not a lot of people are a sage…" Sebastian continued, his mind racing with possibilities. He then shifted his gaze to the figure's ears, noticing the lack of pointed tips that typically characterize elves. "Are you an elf?" he inquired, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

Alex chuckled, a dry, humorless sound that echoed in the cavern. "Seems not." He reached up and tugged at his right earlobe, revealing a small, almost imperceptible scar hidden beneath the folds of skin. "Just a man with a knack for the arcane."

His words hung in the air, leaving more questions than answers. The adventurers exchanged uneasy glances. This wasn't the Alex they knew. This was a stranger, a skilled warrior with a mysterious past and a powerful connection to magic. The revelation of his true nature, while initially startling, did little to dispel the lingering suspicion. Who was this man, and why did he bear such a striking resemblance to their lost comrade? The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty.

Sebastian turned towards his companions, his brow furrowed in contemplation. The revelation about the enigmatic figure had cast a shadow of doubt and uncertainty over their initial sense of relief.

"So…" he began, his voice echoing in the cavernous chamber. "Are we going to continue or just finish it here?"

Amelia, her voice laced with a hint of weariness, spoke up. "I think we just gonna finish here, let's get back to the Village…"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the group. The initial surge of adrenaline fueled by their rescue mission had waned, replaced by a sense of unease and the ever-present danger lurking within the depths of the dungeon. The true Alex's fate remained shrouded in mystery, and the enigmatic figure they encountered presented a new set of questions that demanded answers.

With a heavy sigh, Sebastian nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's head back. We can regroup and figure out what to do next once we're back in the safety of the village."

Turning towards the figure, he offered a cautious nod. "We'll be back. And when we do, we'll have some questions."

Without further delay, the adventurers retraced their steps, the Astra Light illuminating their path back through the dark and oppressive passage. The silence was heavy with unspoken thoughts and lingering doubts. Their initial goal of rescuing Alex had taken an unexpected turn, leading them face-to-face with a stranger who bore an uncanny resemblance to their lost comrade. The mystery surrounding the figure's true identity and the secrets he held within his past now loomed large, a puzzle that demanded unraveling.

Meanwhile, amidst the group, Lyra and Lily subtly kept their eyes on Frey, who had maintained her facade as a helpless victim throughout the ordeal.

As they continued their trek back towards the familiar passage, Amelia.

"How long have you guys been in there?" she inquired, her gaze lingering on the woman who had led them on this unexpected detour.

Frey, still maintaining her guise as a helpless victim, offered a vague reply. "Been a long time…" she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. The ambiguity of her answer only served to fuel the growing suspicion within the group.

"And you just happened to stumble upon him here, in this dungeon?" Amelia's skepticism was evident.

"Heard sounds… fighting… followed them…" Frey stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

The ambiguity of her answers and the convenient timing of her appearance only fueled the adventurers' doubts. The silence stretched for a moment, the tension hanging thick in the air.

"And what about the man you led us to?" Gregor finally spoke up, his deep voice rumbling through the cavern. "He didn't seem like the Alex we knew."

Frey flinched slightly under his scrutiny. "He… he changed. Dungeons can do that to people…" she mumbled, her voice barely audible.

Her words did little to dispel the growing suspicion. The adventurers exchanged uneasy glances as their initial relief at finding a survivor gave way to unease and the nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right.

Sebastian, his gaze fixed on Frey, spoke up next. "Did you come here to save Alex?"

Frey hesitated for a moment, then shook her head weakly. "No… Alex…. He… he saved me."

The adventurers remained silent, their eyes narrowed in suspicion. The inconsistencies in her story and the cryptic behavior of the man they encountered were starting to paint a different picture, one that was far more complex and unsettling than they had initially imagined.

As they walked, the oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon seemed to press down on them even more heavily. The unanswered questions and the lingering mystery surrounding Frey.

As the adventurers emerged from the oppressive darkness of the dungeon, blinking in the sudden sunlight, the ground trembled with a violent shudder. A terrifying cloud of dust that billowed into the sky followed a deafening roar that echoed from behind them. They turned in stunned silence to witness the unthinkable.

The once imposing entrance to the A-Class dungeon was collapsing, massive chunks of stone cascading down, burying the passage beneath a growing avalanche of debris. The earth rumbled with the force of the destruction, sending tremors through their very bones.

"What the…?" Amelia gasped, her voice barely audible over the din.

Sebastian, his face etched with disbelief, could only stare at the scene before him. The dungeon, a formidable structure that had stood for centuries, was now a pile of rubble, the entrance sealed shut by an impassable wall of rock and dust.

"Seems, the dungeon is… shut down by himself…?" Sebastian muttered, his voice barely a whisper.

Lyra, her eyes wide with shock, began to speak, but Amelia cut her off. "Yes, the dungeon is no more."

A heavy silence descended upon the group. The weight of the situation pressed down on them. Their initial goal of rescuing Alex had taken an unexpected turn, leading them not only to a mysterious figure but now to the complete destruction of the very place they had ventured into.

The unanswered questions swirled in their minds like the dust cloud settling behind them. The enigmatic figure they encountered, Frey's strange behavior, and now the sudden collapse of the dungeon—it all pointed to a deeper mystery, one far more profound than they could have ever imagined.

As they stood there, contemplating the unbelievable sight before them, the ground trembled with the aftershocks of the collapse. A deafening silence descended, broken only by the settling dust and the adventurers' ragged breaths. The once imposing entrance to the A-Class dungeon was now a pile of rubble, the passage sealed shut by an impassable wall of rock and debris.

Meanwhile, the one who made this happen is Alex. Just stand beside them.

Hope no one will go to dungeon again… I don't want them to die…

< Chapter 11 > Fin.