ã€ŠA Gun in a Dungeonã€‹


 Volume 1, Prologue: A New Invention

    In a poorly lit room, only illuminated by a bright singular table lamp directed towards the contraption on the table, a young man with black hair sits on the very edge of his chair against the table top. The smell of dust was covering the corners of the room. Only the sound of scribbling is reverberating in the confines of the wall.

    It¡¯s been a whole day, locked up in the four corners of his room, working diligently on his project.

    His eyebrows arch, forming wrinkles in between. His temples starts dripping with warm sweat. The lips on his mouth is forming a frustrated frown.

    What next?¡­ what next?¡­¡­

    After an idea starts from his brain, the hand that carries a pencil starts moving¡ª jotting illustrations and words to one of the sheets of paper that is sprawled through the top of his desk. Right next to his writing is the bulky frame of a weapon.

    The two ruby red eyes shot a glance on the unwieldy contraption, reflecting the cold metallic barrel that is attached on a brown piece of mahogany wood that serves as a handle.

    This is the Gun¡­The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    To let alone think of creating a weapon that could kill anything even though it is blade-less or point-less is something that is only present in a madman¡¯s thoughts.

    But he is not mad, only mad in craft.

    A weapon that could strike strong and far, much faster than a bow and arrow.

    A weapon that has strong enough force to pierce through the toughest of armors.

    A weapon that would revolutionize how the battlefield plays, how the blood drops in war.

    A weapon that a low-level adventurer like him could use to defeat any type of enemy.

    A weapon that would be called The Gun.

    His very own invention, but not for the purpose of money, not for war, and not for glory.

    But to serve as a weapon for venturing the furthest depths of the Dungeon, for vanquishing the monstrosities that lives on the very depths of the torturous place. The place where almost everyday claims a life that seeks the spoils it gives.

    Frustration disseminates through him. The incompletion of his work drives him to the brink. Even though he brain storms different possibilities that he could use as a propeller for the gun, he couldn¡¯t come up with a single successful item that would function properly.

    Although the frame of the Gun is complete and the projectiles he calls bullets are made, he has yet to find a substance that could be loaded into the gun and be used to launch the bullet.

    All he need is a propeller to launch the bullet of the gun.

    It was still a prototype and a failing one at that.

    Sunlight breaches through the cracks of his curtains, shining a straight vertical line through his right eye.

    The sunlight signals the dawn of a new day, his second day in the largest, most influential city in the whole world.

    This isn¡¯t fit for the Dungeon yet, but I need to go there. Now.

    Pushing the chair behind him, he stands up, grabs his coat and start heading towards the exit of his room.

 Volume 1, Chapter 1: The Traveler, The Faction, and The Dungeon

    The City of Agartha is a huge metropolis, surrounded by a thick, 500 feet tall, impenetrable wall.

    Its streets bustles with activity.

    A stocky adventurer, face covered in a flaming red beard accompanied by locks coming out from his helmet, clad in thick armour that embosses his very muscles, stands in front of a shop as he buys new sets of potions, preparing his day for adventure.

    In the open confines of an establishment, an elf that shows the very embodiment of majesty. He is standing beside a sweating smith hitting a sword with a hammer while it lays on an anvil, sparks erupting from every blow.

    An animal person puts on her most welcoming smile as she leads customers that craves for a cup of tea inside the cafe. While inside the said cafe, the beautiful waitresses glides from table to table as they serve every customer with each of their lips forming an arch that points upward.

    Despite the air of the city that radiates joy through the traffic of people that moves from all sorts of directions, a certain area that covers a sixth of the city¡¯s land, right in the northern edge of its walls, is eerily covered by dark clouds above the soil that is patched with a dark green hue, a rotting three story mansion stays unmoving in the center of the malevolent land.

    The sun refuses to shine in this particular corner of the blooming city. It gives the appearance that it is always nighttime within its confines.

    The gloomy atmosphere of the area does not affect the citizens of the city because of the expanding building that serves as a wall between malice and peace, hence dubbed by the townspeople, The Wall. The rectangular building that starts from one wall of the city to the other serves primarily as a blockage for regular civilians, but for adventurers, the building has a different purpose.

    It serves as an entrance.

    An entrance to the Dungeon.

    The Dungeon starts as soon as one body has crossed the other side of the wall.

    My legs carry me towards the Dungeon¡¯s entrance. The Mansion behind The Wall mocks me, beckons me forward as if telling me to peak into the contents of its heart.

    I take my first step up the platform that leads to the entrance of The Wall.

    The main reception room is filled with an abundance of adventurers of all races flock from one side to another.

    The marble white flooring is surrounded by a flourish yellow painted wall. An enormously long bulletin board is nailed to one of the walls while people of all races gather in front of it, some couches and benches lie in the different corners of the room.

    Although the room is already huge, huge to the point that it could fit a maximum of 5,000 people, there are also archways that branches out to the left and to the right from the main reception room, I¡¯m guessing beyond the two opposite direction lies different facilities for the people to use.

    The reception room gives off a rather nerve relaxing vibe. It¡¯s hard to believe that this room is ought to serve as a wall and entrance to danger. I wonder if it¡¯s made this way just for that sake.

    My eyes still scanning my surroundings, it lands right on the far front. Facing the entrance, a huge metallic double doors, about 20 feet high and 10 feet in width, sits in the opposite side of the entrance wall. Despite all the fancy decorations that decorates the reception room, this particular door stands out because of its dark colour that contrasts from the whole tone of the room. It¡¯s being guarded by two other attendees with iron clad armour, they radiate a strong, soldiers aura while they stand there and open the door whenever a group adventurer desires to venture forth. They serve as both guard and usher for the entrance.

    Something nags me in the back of my head, telling me to go through the door. What¡¯s this? It¡¯s stronger as ever, to the point that it kind of manifests its own voice, as if telling me to walk forward towards the cold metallic entrance. It doesn¡¯t feel harmful or malicious, I admit that it feels like it¡¯s my own yearning. Am I truning crazy or am I just curious about what lies behind that door?

    I calmly tread my steps towards the direction of the door, as I was about to grab the handle.

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    One of the guards grabs my wrist and questions me in a strong commanding order.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± I stumble to make out words, only managing to let out a small cowering sound out of my throat.

    ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll just waltz through The Breach and be on your way towards The Dungeon with only pants, an undershirt, and a coat?¡± His strong tone never wavering towards my weak demeanor as I let out a sweat down my cheek.

    ¡°You see.. I¡¯m also wearing underwear, it offers quite the protection.¡± Well, at least I managed to let out a small comeback, it sound so pathetic even in my ears.

    ¡°Huh?..¡±

    The guard stares at me with utter confusion, as if he was listening to a comedian that just butchered the punchline of his own joke.

    ¡°Is that supposed to be some kind of joke?¡±

    Meanwhile, the other soldier starts convulsing his shoulders up and down while covering his face, is this man really laughing at my joke?

    I¡¯m amazed, for me this retort isn¡¯t even up to my standard as laughable but this man seems to be enjoying it. Me and the guard seem to notice his presence with one of our eyebrows cocked up, the soldier, still grabbing my wrist returns his gaze towards me.

    ¡°Find yourself at least a weapon to defend yourself, then I¡¯ll allow you to pass through. Head towards south of The Wall and turn towards west main, you¡¯ll be on your way to The Guild headquarters.¡± He says as he loosens his grip on my wrist, eventually releasing his grasp.

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Reynauld.¡±

    A simple voice, filled with pride and confidence, came from behind me. I turn my head and consecutively, a gloved hand pats my shoulder.

    A man with dark red hair that is combed backwards, some of the strands of his hair hangs behind his ear, with black eyes, wearing a smile, he looks just about average, no better than my looks. Two other people follow behind him, one looking rather pale with the same build as him with white hair and a scar in his eye, and another person is bald accompanied by a stubble as a beard, his build is considerably different from the two, being larger, muscular, and stocky.

    The man that spoke earlier reaches out to his side and then brings a dagger attached to a sheath towards my field of view.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give the rookie some of our extra wares, I¡¯m also in a good mood today so I¡¯ll let him join us and teach him the ropes.¡±

    He leads the conversation towards his favor, each syllable produces a sound of confidence.

    But I¡¯m still wary of this person, offering a hand towards someone with no experience, what is there to benefit? Behind those boasting words I sense a hint of malice.

    I direct my gaze towards them, eying them from head to toe. The stranger doesn¡¯t let up his smiling demeanor, the armour that covers him is fairly simple, a leather coat with a solid metal plate on the chest area, long pants, and boots. The other person that accompanies him wears a similar attire, the only accessory that distinguishes between the two is a single backpack, he is probably the supporter of the party. Meanwhile, the last member of their party wears only a leather tank top that covers his mountainous stature, gloves on his hands and accompanied by leather pants and steel toed boots. Their armour looks like it¡¯s for beginners, it strikes me unusual that they¡¯re scarce in resources but they insist on lending me a weapon.

    I feel a worried gaze directed towards me, it comes from the man Reynauld. ¡°Osiric, I don¡¯t think a rookie should head towards The Dungeon without preparations issued by the guild.¡±

    ¡°Oho-ho-ho, but I insist Reynauld, taking him to The Guild takes for too long. With the on-going troubles of the dungeon, wouldn¡¯t you think making this fine man an adventurer as fast as possible would be a benefit?¡±

    ¡°The Guild orders that new explorers needs to be directed towards them beforehand, this man is not even a part of a Faction.¡±

    ¡°The eyes of this man sparks determination, our faction is recruiting new and determined members. I will scout him, take this as a test if he¡¯s worthy of carrying our faction name.¡±

    I am aware that my eyes sparks no such thing, rather it resembles the eyes of a rotting fish due to the red hue of my iris.

    ¡°How about we drop our dispute and let the man decide, what is your name?¡± The man named Osiric continues.

    ¡°Ash¨¦ Krow..¡±

    ¡°Well, Mr. Krow, what says you?¡± He slowly thrusts out his hand towards me, palm facing upwards, a dagger with a sheath stays on top of it, inviting me to grab its hilt. His smile never leaving his lips.

    I weigh the offer in my thoughts, I suspected that they have nothing to gain in taking me with them, but as they have said, they are recruiting members. This offers still makes me feel unease, I¡¯m conscious of the dangers that strangers may inflict towards me.

    But¡­

    This feeling, this curious feeling, this yearning that pulls me, that attracts me like I¡¯m some kind of moth drawn towards a burning light, I have to know what lies on the other side of this door, of that Mansion under those ominous clouds. It¡¯s like an itch that I have to scratch away by stepping on the floors of that mansion. I ponder over it for a mere five seconds.

    ¡°I accept.¡± Consecutively grabbing the hilt of the dagger. It has a bit of heft to it and about 7 inches long.

    Reynauld seems to stare at us with arched eyebrows. His eyes builds suspicion, not directed towards me but towards Osiric.

    Osiric reveals an even wider grin, like a child that just won her mother¡¯s favor while fighting over who gets to play with a toy against his brother.

    ¡°Alright then! Reynauld, if you may please?¡±

    He requests with a forced enthusiastic voice accompanied by a slight bow, while his hand still outstretched, signaling Reynauld to open the door. Reynauld¡¯s brows arches even further while he squints his eyes focused on Osiric¡¯s bowing form.

    Reynauld grabs the handle of the metallic door that barely fits the edges of his hand and swings it open with slight effort.

    We start passing through the newly opened entrance. The group of three start taking the lead and I follow behind, then someone from behind grabs my shoulder as I almost pass the metal frames.

    ¡°Watch your back kid¡­¡± Reynauld¡¯s voice rings through my ears.

    ¡°Ha-ha! Reynauld, I¡¯ll make sure he makes it back alive, don¡¯t blame me if he comes out with a few scratches though.¡±

    Osiric butts in to the words that are only directed towards me.

    Although at first thought, Reynauld¡¯s words should be directed towards the dangers that lies in The Dungeon, but his tone conveys a different meaning. He¡¯s not telling me to watch out for the horrid fangs of The Dungeon, but to be wary of the putrid stench of betrayal that is covered by the smile of the three adventurers.

    I venture forward, heeding Reynauld¡¯s words and making sure to abide by it. I step down from the platform of the wall as I hear my feet land on soil, The Breach closes with a distinct metallic sound and shuts with a satisfying thud, signaling the start of my adventure.

    <hr>

    ¡°What brings you to the city of Agartha?¡±

    Osiric strikes up a question directed towards me with a genuine friendly tone.

    ¡°I¡¯m just a lone traveler, nothing more, nothing less.¡±

    ¡°Ho-ho so you¡¯ve been through the far corners of the world, have you?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°?..¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah, my apologies, it seems that my questions are too privy.¡±

    ¡°No bother¡­¡±

    He conveys the impression that he is indeed interested in my origin¡­.

    But to be honest with myself, I can¡¯t seem to have any recollection of the events leading me to this metropolis. Although I would like to answer his pressing questions, I too am starting to question my past.

    I ponder over the thoughts and figuratively pound my brain for answers. Still, I couldn¡¯t recollect the stages of my youth. I have knowledge that I am 17 years of age and I carry the name Ash¨¦ Crow, but I guess thats about it. Thats all I know.

    ¡°Stop pondering and keep your head leveled.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    A sharp response came from my side, the white haired supporter lightly scolds me.

    ¡°You¡¯re surrounded by danger, you¡¯ll regret thinking of other matters. Instead, think of your own safety.¡±

    In contrasts with their leader¡¯s friendly approach, the supporter is level headed and strict. He radiates an aura of responsibility and wit akin to a true supporter, if there is someone to be called as the brains in this group, I would most likely vouch for him.

    ¡°I apologize, thank you.¡± I managed to blurt a firm reply to his strict words.

    ¡°Now, now, Lyeon, take it easy on ¡®im. At least, play nice.¡±

    A booming voice strikes on my left as a mountainous figure smiles at me, although his demeanor looks that of a rampaging barbarian, through his words and gentle voice is an image of a hearty man that cares for his fellow adventurers.

    ¡°This fool will die without proper orders within the dungeon, do you think it¡¯s proper to take it easy on him?¡±

    ¡°Just don¡¯t listen to ¡®im, A¡¯ll make sure nuthin¡¯ wrong happens to ya!¡±

    Lyeon¡¯s retorts are strong, it reflects the strength of one¡¯s mind and discipline.

    But the heartfelt words of the gentle giant gives off the essence of safety towards not just me, but the whole party.

    ¡°Shh!.. I hear something.¡±

    Osiric who has been walking ahead of us stops on his tracks and directs on of his hands towards to us without turning towards our direction, signaling us to stop to our tracks and pay attention.

    Crshkkksle, Crsssshhk, Crsssshkle¡­

    The sound of shifting soil could be heard, we¡¯re the only ones present in the soil path leading to The Manor, the dark green field of grass littered with tall withered trees far between from each other. The soil in front of us starts erupting and a withered rotten hand starts emerging from beneath. Three more hands starts emerging from the grass, the hands starts pushing away the soil slowly revealing an inhuman, decaying body that is twisted in impossible positions.

    Crack, Crack, Crack¡­

    The bodies start cracking horrifying sounds while it twists and turns its bodies to a more humane position. The face of the monster, the horrifying face that could make an innocent grown make make a run for his life groans to life.

    Four dead bodies and four adventurers, it¡¯s more like three because I¡¯m just tagging along.

    The manifestations of horror itself starts to walk toward our direction.

    ¡°Take positions! Mord, cover our rear!¡±

    The leadership of Osiric finally shows itself as he draws his saber from the hilt of his belt.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been itchin¡¯ for a fight now!¡±

    The tank-like Mord assumes position from his allies¡¯ blindspots while he rests a huge war hammer in the palms of his hands

    ¡°Could you at least be more serious Mord?¡±

    The discipline and stature of Lyeon is brought down to his comrades while he withdraws his twin daggers from its sheath.

    While me, I¡¯m in their center, being protected by the three adventurers, I unsheathed the blade given to me and assume a defensive stance with the sheath on my left hand serving as another means of defense. Their backs right against me forming an impenetrable defense. This kind of hurts my pride.

    ¡°I¡¯ll lead the offense, Lyeon follow my lead, Mord don¡¯t let them lay a finger on Ash¨¦.¡±

    ¡°Lead the way.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    As Osiric finishes his words, He charges straight to the enemy that spawned right in front of us, slashing through its chest and leaving a wound while blood flings at the direction of his swipe, red stains cover the edge of his blade. He quickly jabs the point of his saber forward and thrusts it towards the body of the hideous humanoid form, it pierces the body and with one SLASH, a long vertical line starts oozing blood from wound, the monstrosity kneels before the might of Osiric. He charges his final blow as he pulls his sword towards the back of his head and brings it down to the head of its opponent, the top half of the helpless victim¡¯s head is split into two, the sword stops just right on top of the nose bridge.

    On Osiric¡¯s right, a quick succession of attacks brought upon an assailant. The quick, silver daggers of Lyeon slashes consecutively on the decaying body, blood flying in the direction of each swipe. Then the white haired man readies his position, two consecutive kicks makes contact with the head of the undead, making it move backward but still standing its ground.

    On the rear of the commotion, Mord and I stands between two figures

    As it drew closer, Mord tightens the grip on his war-hammer. The two rotting bodies step within Mord¡¯s range, then he unleashes a huge swing that could knock down a tree despite the war-hammer¡¯s blunt head. The two bodies fly through the air, giving two satisfying thuds on the grass and soil. Mord rushes forward, heading for the furthest.

    ¡°RAAAAAGH!¡±

    He brings down the hammer on the head of the body that lies on the dark brown soil. A resonating SPLAT could be heard when the hammer was brought down. Red-chunks of matter starts flying in every direction. A red pool of blood could be seen under the war-hammer that is now making contact with the ground where once the poor head lay. I watch the strength of the warrior as he triumphantly vanquishes his enemy.

    ¡°GraaGhh¡­.¡±

    A low groan catches my attention, the once body that landed on the ground starts standing up. It weakly limps while it moves every inch of its body, making it more discomforting for whoever is unfortunate enough to notice such a sight.

    It staggers forward, dragging its lifeless body with its limp legs, I stand my ground, raising the dagger that was given to me with my right hand and guarding using the sheath with my left, I chose to stand my ground because I don¡¯t know what the atrocity in front of me is capable of, so I stay in a defensive position. It moves within my range and my eye-catches the rotten limb of the monster starting to rise, it¡¯s readying for an attack. As it brings down its right hand, I parry using the sheath on my left, mildly deflecting its blow as I unexpectedly flinch by the strength of my assailant. I find an opening before it could ready another attack, I thrust the tip of my dagger right below its stomach, It pierces through its body, blood oozing as I feel it flow through the hilt of the blade and right through my fingers.

    A force starts to move me forward, the monster is still standing its ground. Unflinching, unyielding strength overwhelms my posture as a stumble down and fall to the ground, I come face to face with a putrid smell as my nose was assaulted by the stench of its decaying breath. Its jaws starts moving up and down as if trying to mow down the flesh of my face, the weight of its body is pressed against me preventing me from standing up. My arms starts to give out, shaking as every inch of my body¡¯s muscles tense.

    SHING!

    Blood splatters on my face,I close my eyes to protect it from the crimson liquid oozing out of a tip of a blade that penetrated the skull right between its eyes. My breaths are heavy and my heart is beating out of my chest.

    The encounter with the foul monsters has finished. It felt like an hour for me, but in reality the gruesome foes were only defeated in a matter of minutes.

    ¡°For a second there, I thought you we¡¯re a goner.¡±

    The friendly voice of Osiric speaks out so casually as if nothing dangerous happened.

    ¡°Sigh¡­ Mord, I believe we ordered you to stay put with Ash¨¦.¡±

    ¡°Ahh.. Lookit¡¯ the kid, he can stand up fer ¡®imself¡±

    A sigh of defeat like a big brother watching over a troublesome child escapes Lyeon¡¯s lips, on the other hand, Mord just lets out a hearty grin. It makes me wonder which person is older between the two.

    Mord grabs the lifeless body and lifts it up, while Osiric helps me to my feet.

    ¡°These are ghouls, Ash¨¦, they may look like a piece of cake but for beginners, their strength might be a bit underestimated. Best to expect the worst I would say.¡±

    ¡°You always have to hit ¡®em in the head, they won¡¯t stop comin¡¯ for ya if ya don¡¯t.¡±

    Osiric lectures me about the nature of the figures that we encountered while Mord provided me with invaluable information of the Ghouls.

    ¡°As I told you earlier, the moment you step out from the other side of the Breach, The Dungeon already has you on its palms.¡±

    Lyeon¡¯s gaze is directed towards the floor, where he collects a small fragment that displays a clear crystal color but does not produce any light. When looked at, the crystal seems to be as clear as day but it doesn¡¯t illuminate anything that comes near it.

    ¡°What are those?¡± I asked a question directed to Lyeon

    ¡°¡­These are energy crystals that serves as heart of the monsters that resides outside and within the dungeon. They being low leveled, the sizes are small but they still fetch a price in the market.¡±

    Lyeon starts putting the crystal to his bag that he was carrying earlier.

    ¡°So they¡¯re sold.. For what pur¡ª.¡±

    ¡°Let us venture forth The Manor, we¡¯re wasting time here, we can chat along the way.¡±

    Osiric politely interrupts my sentence as he lightly pats me on my shoulder, while signaling me to head towards The Manor. I do agree, staying here just waits for another ambush for monsters. We ready our course and again, we start to make our way to our destination.

    ¡°We sell it to The Guild, The Guild then uses it to power the city.¡±

    Lyeon answers my previous question before we started moving. Still his tone was full of discipline.

    I nod while after I hear his words, with the only dungeon available throughout the far corners of the world, The City of Agartha must stand at the center. Being able to provide energy for other neighboring would fuel the strong flames of economy of the country. No wonder it could provide such a strong foundation even though a lurking danger resides right within The City¡¯s walls.

    We start to tread our way towards The Manor while I ponder about how strong is the influence of The Argartha. My eyes catches the sight of the huge building called The Manor. A new sensation re-awakens in my spirit, disregarding the thoughts I¡¯ve been pondering about for the last minute. The sensation of curiosity grows stronger, the itch of knowledge envelops the back of my head. My thoughts come to a wonder, while my senses scanned the far corners of field.

    Just what is inside The Dungeon, and why do I yearn for its discovery? What does it have that keeps me drawn to its origins?

    Luckily, we didn¡¯t encounter any more ghouls on our way to the mouth of The Dungeon.

    The gaping mouth of the huge door reveals its interior, a dark room that resembles the living room comes to our field of view, except ¡®living¡¯ doesn¡¯t really show itself anywhere. The Manor accurately shows that it is abandoned. The room is decorated by paintings, sofas, pots and the like. The floor is covered by a red rug and the walls are painted a fancy white. From just the living room, you can assess that those who¡¯d owned The Manor are a family that lived an extravagant life.

    The sound of our steps is accompanied by the distant sounds of other parties, I guess we were the last party to have arrived in the manor considering how late it was by the time we have arrived in The Manors front entrance.

    I stare in awe around my surroundings, taking in every inch of detail I could. This place looks so fancy, if monsters don¡¯t pop out from the ground I¡¯d consider living here.

    <hr>

    The Manor reeks an ominous air as we make our way above the stairwell leading to the second floor. The atmosphere feels eerie while we tread the slightly dark hallway. Luckily for us, we do not need to bring any type of light source. Even though the sun doesn¡¯t directly shine on the surface of The Dungeon because of the thick clouds under it, a fain light from it somehow reaches the area.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised we haven¡¯t encountered anything since we got inside The Manor.¡± I asked, trying to hold back how intrigued I am.

    ¡°We came here too late, the upper-class parties have already cleared the rooms.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it does seem that it would be the case¡­ still keep your eyes peeled for any movement.¡±

    We tread our way across the second level of the manor. The ornate decorations still litter the every side of the hallway. The Manor really seems like the prior residents of the establishment are not just someone that lived a flamboyant lifestyle. The scale of each floor is huge, even though it is only a three story house, starting from top to bottom, you could easily say the height of each floor is 20 meters. Just from the outside, the scale of the building is breathtakingly enormous. It would have taken at least a few years to create such a massive architecture.

    ¡°It¡¯s lookin¡¯ like we¡¯re the only ones left in the manor ¡®eh?¡±

    ¡°Considering that the low-leveled parties has already cleared the Manor, for sure they have already headed towards their respective faction homes. The higher-level parties however, are currently dwelling the bottom pits of the dungeon.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s more to the dungeon besides this manor?¡±

    I¡¯ve thought that the contents of The Dungeon only composed of this single enormous house. That¡¯s why I let out a surprised question in the middle of Mord and Lyeon¡¯s conversation.

    ¡°Yes, under The Manor lies a deeper labyrinth. Those whom have explored that section has stated that it was far more excessive than a floor of this Manor.¡±

    Witnessing the size of a floor of The Manor, it¡¯s easy to say that one low-class party would take one whole day to explore a whole floor.

    ¡°You could say that The Manor simply acts as a lid for the endless siege below. This floor only spawns low-level ghouls convenient for parties like¨D¡±

    The sound of loud stomping feet interrupts Osiric¡¯s sentence.

    It sounds like someones running towards us?

    It would be impossible for it to be ghouls because ghouls are incapable of running.

    In the distant corner of the second floor¡¯s corner a battle party appears.

    We stood there on our feet, staring in awe as a battle party hurriedly run for their life against our direction.

    Their eyes filled with terror, as if they¡¯ve seen something that doesn¡¯t belong in The Manor.

    ¡°RUN, RUN, RUUU¨D¡±

    ¡°CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!¡±

    An ear-piercing screech cuts off the warnings of the terrified adventurer. As our party stares in awe, my legs prevent from moving, not because of terror but due to my personal interest of knowing what living being could emit that shrill sound of terror.

    The party we saw passed us, aggressively panting while their eyes are as wide with horror.

    A huge scale monster, 2 meters tall, appears from the same corner that the party has emerged from. A face that is a cross from a monkey and a horse, a body of a tiger with yellow stripes with a white flowing mane in its neck, sharp claws on all fours, and a scaly tail like one with a lizard.

    A face that would be fitting to the depths of the underworld.

    Before I could even react, Osiric draws his saber, pointing towards the direction of the hideous monster.

    ¡°Osiric, are you a fool? That Nue is 2 levels above your own!¡±

    ¡°Calm yourself, Leon. Mord follow up on my defense!¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡±

    Osiric takes a defensive stance, using his sword to block an incoming claw of the rushing Nue. Mord, on the other hand, steadies his gaze on the monster while his body tenses, awaiting for Osiric to make an opening for him to attack the monster.

    The Nue swipes its paws while Osiric grips his weapon tighter, moving it to the direction of the swipe.

    SHING!

    A blinding spark emerges as Osiric¡¯s sword is split, only a quarter of the saber remains on its hilt. The remaining part stabs to the ground, its sharp edges glints as a soft light shines on it from the window.

    Without even a scratch on its strong claws, it cleanly splits the saber.

    Our eyes widens in surprise as each of us recoil, finally feeling the danger of our one foe.

    The Nue¡¯s raised paw from its swipe speedily strikes down and hits Osiric, launching him backwards pasts us.

    ¡°OSRIC!¡±

    Lyeon yell¡¯s at his fallen comrade.

    ¡°¡­. Mord, plan B.¡±

    Osiric slowly stands up, his eyebrows furrowed while he commands his party member. The once friendly smile that never left his lips are now replaced by a frustrated frown.

    Plan B?

    A fist comes to my view and slams square on my face, knocking me off my feet, eventually sprawling me to the floor. A sharp pain shoots up in my face, almost knocking me out of my conscience.

    I hear hurried footsteps starting to run the opposite direction of where I¡¯m facing, away from the monstrosity in front of me.

    That¡¯s when I realized¡­

    They used me as bait, as diversion.

    Fuck.

    I sat up as quickly as I could, blood starts trickling down my nose as it throbs in pain.

    ¡°RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!¡±

    The Nue lets out a sharp cry, but not a triumphant cry, a cry that sounds like it¡¯s in pain.

    One of its paws has stepped on the sharp blade from Osiric¡¯s saber.

    I get up as fast as I could and use the opening to start running the opposite way of the hallway.

    Adrenaline starts surging from my veins while my heart pumps blood as fast as it could. Sweat coming out from all the pores from my body. I pump my arms while I move my legs as fast as I could towards the direction of the stairwell leading to the first floor of The Manor.

    <hr>

    ¡°CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!¡±

    The monster shrieks as it chases a young man under the dimly lit hallway.

    It leaves a trail of blood on its wake because of its wounded paw, but even though the monster is wounded, its speed does not let up.

    The young man runs for his life, while the monster¡¯s eyes never leaves its prey.

    Ash¨¦ reaches the first step of the stairwell.

    His footing slips on the third steps and tumbles down the stairs, each gradation delivers a blow around his body, including his face.

    He lands with a thud on the very bottom of the stairwell, he struggles to stand up. Bruises covering different parts of his body while it aches in pain.

    ¡°RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!¡±

    ¡°Shit!¡±

    His senses is knocked back into him because of the shrill scream of the Nue.

    The Nue clearly shows how frustrated it is because of its shriek, it speeds up even faster just to catch its one prey.

    ¡°Pant, pant, pant¡­¡±

    He breathes heavily as his lungs burns while. He ignores the pain as he picks up the pace of his speed.

    His eyes catches the light gleaming out of the Manor¡¯s entrance. He carries his legs even faster as he makes a break for it.

    The sound of the beast¡¯s paws as it slams in the ground reverberates around the Manor¡¯s walls, reaching Ash¨¦¡¯s ears.

    Almost there!¡ª

    SLAM!

    The monster catches up behind Ash¨¦ as it delivers a strong blow with the back of its paw towards the side of its prey, directing him away from the exit.

    Ash¨¦ slams on the wall of the Manor, leaving an imprint of his body on the solid wall.

    Pain surges through every tendons of his muscle as air escapes his lungs. His body stays limp when he hits the floor.

    The Nue slowly approaches him, its eyes reflecting the unconscious body on the floor.

    A white path of light from a sword carves from behind the monster.

    ¡°UWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!¡±

    A scaly tail flings right up to the air, the Monster screams in agony and recoils in pain. It leaves its prey and runs towards the other direction, fleeing from the unknown assailant.

    A figure stands before the unconscious Ash¨¦ as he lays on the cold hard ground. The good samaritan approaches the fallen young man and supports him up, wrapping his arm around the unknown person¡¯s shoulder.

    The two shadows head towards the exit.

 Volume 1, Chapter 2: The Red Tree

    I start to regain my consciousness, the first thing I see is a white ceiling. It seems like I¡¯m lied down on a very comfortable mattress, tucked with a blanket.

    I try to sit up, but my whole body recoils from pain. It feels like every muscle on my body is on fire, especially my back.

    With a few heavy breaths, I force myself up to a sitting position.

    This place seems to be some kind of treatment center for the wounded. A moderately sized, four corner room, with one wall lined with windows and against it is a closed wooden door. There are beds that are lined up on the edges of the wall, there are a few beds that are occupied. The beds are only separated by lines of curtains.

    Someone stripped off my coat. I¡¯m only wearing my undershirt and trousers. I look at my hands and it¡¯s covered by bandages, including my whole arm, up to my shoulders, and down to my torso. My forehead is also wrapped in a bandage.

    I hope my underwear is still intact¡­ Ah, Its still there.

    I turn my body and place my feet on the ground, slowly supporting my weight with my hands as I stand up. Disregarding the pain that twitches on every part of my body, I managed to get on my feet.

    My legs start wobbling in pain as I make my way to the exit. I try to support myself with the railings of the beds, but it does more damage than help because it just adds pain on my hands instead.

    My whole body is telling me to go back to the bed while I reach for the wooden doorknob.

    The doorknob turns itself, my hand is only 5 centimeters away from it. Instantaneously, the wooden door flies open and hits me directly on the face.

    My body that is still recovering from numerous wounds screams pain. My mouth lets up a loud cry, the strength and tone of my voice clearly shows how displeased I am.

    I lose balance from the unexpected attack and land, back first, unto the ground.

    I cling to the last remnants of my consciousness while I fightback the new found pain that throbs right on my nose. I feel a warm crimson liquid starts dropping from my nostrils.

    ¡°¡­oh, it seems that you¡¯re up¡­¡±

    I barely hear the surprised words that¡¯s directed towards me, the voice sounds very feminine.

    Does this woman even know how to apologize?

    My eye¡¯s start to focus on the vague outline of a face that¡¯s directly staring at me from above.

    ¡°¡­can you stand up?¡±

    She speaks out to me again, clearly oblivious to both my position and condition.

    Does this bitch know how to read the situation?

    ¡°¡­can you speak?¡±

    No words can be formed on my throat because all of my senses are constantly barraged by pain and my brain is too busy trying to process how this woman is so naive.

    I finally fully regain my senses and make out the details of her face.

    I can only say one thing¡­

    She¡¯s very cute.

    The shape of her face forms a very symmetrical shape and her skin tone is pearly white. Her eyes shows a vibrant blue hue. Long, luscious, brown hair is tied to a pony tail. The frills of her hair barely covers her eyes. She looks young, I¡¯d guess somewhere near the range of my own age.

    While I¡¯m busy studying the contents of her beautiful visage, she starts to fit her hands under my legs and back. She slowly lifts me up like how a mother would lift her new born child with ease.

    ¡°!!!¡­hey, hey, HEY, HEY!, HEY!¡±

    She looks at me with surprise as I struggle from her arms. Her grip slips on my flailing body and my rear hits the floor with a SMACK! A brand new pain, accompanied by the aches of my body, surges from my bottom up to my whole torso.

    If this keeps happening to me, I¡¯ll eventually just wish for death.

    ¡°¡­So you can speak?¡±

    Is this woman just mocking me or is she mentally ill? I like to think that she¡¯s a full blown idiot.

    ¡°For someone with such a pretty face, you sure are dense¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­.eh?!¡±

    The pearly white cheeks on her face starts to blush a pink colour. Instantly, her eyebrows furrow. She stares at me, her gaze like stabbing daggers. My butt is still attached to the floor while I stare back at her with an irritated, unflinching face

    ¡°You¡¯re the reason why that Nue escaped from me.¡±

    ¡°Wha¡ª?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re ready to stand up, head directly towards meeting room number 1 downstairs.¡±

    ¡°He¡ª?!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think of running away, with wounds covered like that, I doubt that the guild would let you go.¡±

    ¡°¡­Stop interrupting me!¡±

    Before I could even blurt out a proper, completed sentence. The door already closes with a loud thud.

    I let out a soft sigh, admitting defeat against this perfect faced maiden.

    ¡°Quite the looker, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    A manly voice comes from one of the beds while a steadily get on my feet. The man seems to be eavesdropping on our conversation.

    ¡°She¡¯s kinda like my grandfather¡¯s horse.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡­¡±

    I steadily stand up, the pain starts to reside from my body. I calmly make my way towards the exit.

    ¡°You¡¯d love to ride her, but she just can¡¯t stop whining.¡±

    The man is dumbstruck by my punchline. After one whole second he lets out a loud laugh.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good one! Hahahaha!¡±

    I face the door and grasp the doorknob, turning it in quick succession.

    ¡°Aye, young man, you better keep that mouth of yours shut or she¡¯ll cut you right up!¡±

    The man warns me while my back is turned to him. I imagine his dum face smiling at me.

    I pay it no heed and close the door behind me.

    <hr>

    I make my way down the flight of stairs.

    The pain I¡¯m feeling earlier is still present, but it¡¯s very weak. I can at least move with slight comfort without hurting my limbs.

    As I reach the first floor, the first thing I see is a room much similar to the first room of the Wall. It¡¯s so similar, I almost couldn¡¯t distinguish the two if it wasn¡¯t missing the entrance to the Dungeon. This must be the main reception room of the Guild headquarters.

    The interior designer of the Guild must be running out of ideas.

    There¡¯s a long reception counter accompanied by a line of adventurers. The adventurers are in parties, some of the groups are similar in race, some are diverse. Some of their armour is obviously low-class but some are gleaming and unmistakably high-class. Different weapons are sheathed or held by the adventurers. Ranging from close-quarter combat weapons like swords and axes, to long-range types like bows. A handful of them are holding some kind of tome or a staff, they¡¯re probably magic conjurers.

    A few eyes starts to look towards my direction, some are confused but I can feel some are feeling pity through their gazes.

    I scanned the crowd-filled room. My eyes land¡¯s on a door with a glass mural, on the left of the door, a sign that says ¡®Meeting Room 1¡¯ is neatly written.

    While I make my way towards the other side of the room, non-stop chatter could be heard in all four corners.

    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that¡ª?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, the one that the Sword Princess saved!¡±

    ¡°Ooooh?? Are they a new couple?¡±

    ¡°I doubt it, who would ever fall for an idiot like him?¡±

    ¡°Crossing the Breach with only a toothpick, tell me about it¡­¡±

    How long was I out for? It sounds like the whole city knew about what happened¡­

    Ignoring their scornful gazes, I tread my way towards the door. I push it open and step inside.

    My eyes were greeted by four people, three of them are seated on a square table, while two of them are seated on one side.

    The woman from earlier is sitting beside a tough looking man, somewhere in 40 years of age. The man has light wrinkles in his face and emits an aura of a leader His hair is swayed back and his side burns is connected by a thin white beard covering his whole chin. Dressed in clothes that are a cross between a king and a warrior, his muscles accompanied by scars show signs that he is experienced in combat.

    The fine young woman, whom I¡¯ve met upstairs, is seated beside him. She actually has such a slender and curvy body. Her generous chest is covered by clothes that is not so different from the man.

    It¡¯s a miracle I didn¡¯t notice such an amazing set of mounds earlier.

    In front of the two is a woman in a cream colored uniform and a light green skirt. She has light purple hair pulled back with a headband. Her eyes are accompanied by a pair of glasses that has a thin rim. Her chest is of moderate size but still gives form to her slender build. Although her demeanor shows that she is someone that is loving and affectionate, she still radiates and asserts authority in the room.

    Standing behind her is a man I¡¯ve met, Reynauld, still in his iron clad armour.

    The confines of the room blocks the sound from escaping and entering. The place is really perfect for holding meetings without any interruptions.

    ¡°I¡¯m finally glad to see you up and well, Mr. Krow. Please, take a seat.¡±

    The woman in uniform speaks up, breaking the silence of the room.

    I remain silent and take the empty seat beside her.

    All of the eyes in the room is glued to me except for the man seated in front of me. His eyes are closed, he looks like hes meditating.

    ¡°Mr. Krow, I¡¯d like you to meet Lupin Black, The leader of the Paragon Faction.¡±

    She speaks in a polite tone aiming towards the whole room.

    ¡°Due to their faction¡¯s actions, the Guild has demanded them to compensate for your loss. In the recent events, just yesterday afternoon, a party of Mr. Black¡¯s faction has taken you to the dungeon, is that right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°In the unfortunate turn of events, a level 4 Nue has breached the Manor of the Dungeon. Consequently, you were used as enticement by the party that took you in, barely escaping with your life. If it wasn¡¯t for the Sword Princess, you wouldn¡¯t be sitting in this meeting room.

    ¡°The Guild has decided for the Paragon Faction to compensate for Ash¨¦ Krow¡¯s injuries.¡±

    I sit there in my chair, stunned by the turn of events. Being given compensation for my own choices? I¡¯m a bit overjoyed.

    ¡°The Paragon does not owe anything to this boy. His choices are his, and his alone. We shall not compensate for such a foolish decision making.¡±

    A strong, forceful voice fills the air of the room. His voice could command whole armies to surrender and kneel for him.

    The voice came from the man in front of me.

    ¡°Father! Our own members deceived this man¡ª!¡±

    ¡°Our faction has done what it could to survive.¡±

    He turns his gaze towards me. His gaze would make any grown man cower in fear, but I will not be taken aback by his eyes. I stare him down directly, eye to eye.

    ¡°Our business here has concluded¡­ Yerin.¡±

    Both two of the figures in front of us moves towards the direction of the door heading to the main reception room.

    A loud thud reverberates through the room as the doors closes, shutting the three of us in.

    ¡°Mr. Krow, I apologize¡ª¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to.¡±

    She looks at me with her pair of purple eyes behind the thin layer of her glasses. Her gaze was filled with awe.

    ¡°It was my choices that led me to this path, albeit be deceived and used, I deserve no compensation.¡±

    ¡°I-I see¡­then let me introduce myself properly.¡±

    She regains her composure and stands up.Her feet strides a few steps behind while facing me. She then greets me with a small bow.

    ¡°My name is Krissa Howth. Starting today onward, I will be your Dungeon Adviser.

    ¡°If you have any questions concerning facilities, monsters, or the Dungeon itself, please do not hesitate to ask me questions.¡±

    She introduces herself in such a way that it could compete with the majestic elves themselves. Her line is so refined and practiced that if a crows was to be her, all of the attention is drawn towards her.

    At first glance, she seems to be in the same position as any other guild receptionist outside this room but her presence being her and leading the bargaining for compensation means that she must be someone above the ranks of guild receptionists.

    ¡°Why would someone with a higher position than a guild receptionist assist someone like me?¡±

    ¡°..?! O-oh, every adventurer is entitled to a Dungeon Adviser, but it is still up to you. You may decline the Guild¡¯s offer if it is that you wish.¡±

    As if seeing right through her, she reacts with a surprised face. Her lips are curled up to a genuine smile while her cheeks are dyed the color of a red rose but she still manages to let out a quick witted response to my question.

    ¡°Then I gladly accept the Guild¡¯s Offer. The Guild has my gratitude, not just for this, but for their assistance since yesterday.¡±

    ¡°The pleasure is all of the Guild¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°I must take my leave then. I will return tomorrow.¡±

    Her precious smile would make any adventurer fall in love with her. The beautiful woman in uniform seems to be in much better mood than before despite losing an argument earlier.

    I give a gesture of appreciation and farewell with a small bow. I turn my heels and pace myself towards the one door of the room. I step outside and close the door behind me.

    ¡°I thought you were done being a Dungeon Adviser?¡±

    The man named Reynauld speaks after the young man exits, leaving the guard and the receptionist alone.

    ¡°Although I¡¯ve been promoted as guild manager, I never said anything of the like.¡±

    The young maiden in uniform pouts her lips at the guard but he just keeps on smiling at her¡­.

    <hr>

    I head towards east exit of the large city, turning left on east main leads to Hudson Street.

    Hudson Street was named after the famous, or rather infamous Mrs. Hudson.

    I head inside front of the door of a three leveled house. It¡¯s surrounded by different shops on its sides, a potion shop and a herbal shop to say the least. The walls of the house are colored a light orange and its windows are small and are covered by slight stains of dust. It¡¯s just an ordinary three story house by the looks, nothing really special or out of place. The contents of it is separated by three floors. When you first step inside, you¡¯re greeted by a stairwell that covers the corners of the walls, each stairwell stops at a different level and is accompanied by a door. There is one door level of the building, each door leading to a separate room. Actually, the rooms inside those doors could be considered a house because of its large scale and it has a separate bedroom inside. The house has its own three mini houses inside of it. This establishment is called an Apartment Complex. Each mini house is called an Apartment.

    Mrs. Hudson is the owner of the only apartment complex in town. When I arrived in the city, the first person I ever interacted with was Mrs. Hudson. She asked me if I had my own place to stay, luckily, I didn¡¯t and she had offered me to rent one of her apartments. I was actually surprised that only me and her live inside the complex. I reside in the second floor while she takes the first. The last floor is unoccupied.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    Well, Mrs. Hudson was actually feared by the townspeople. They thought I had some kind of mental illness when I walked to the complex with her. Everybody was staring with eyes like they¡¯ve saw the very embodiment of the devil itself. It makes me curious how she managed to acquire the name of the street, on second thought, I¡¯d rather not. Due to the townspeople¡¯s frightened eyes, I¡¯m not surprised that not a single soul has decided to rent the third floor. I must be her first ever tenant.

    ¡°Ash¨¦? Is that you?¡±

    As I was about to grab the doorknob to my apartment, an old, sweet voice calls to me from downstairs, obviously from Mrs. Hudson.

    She starts walking her way up to me from the bottom of the stairwell.

    Theres nothing striking in her appearance. Shes just your average old lady, white fluffy hair, wrinkles, you know, the usual old lady look. She¡¯s somewhere above 60 years of age and just about 5 feet tall. Despite her age, her posture is perfect and her demeanor emits the love of a grandmother to her grandson.

    It really baffles me how this sweet old woman has become the nightmares of adventurers that fight monsters for a living.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be trusting any one of those rag tag adventuring parties.¡±

    She was worried why I didn¡¯t come back for a whole day. Word spreads like wildfire in Agartha so I¡¯m not surprised that the news has reached her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to be careful next time¡­¡±

    ¡°Anyway, now, you¡¯ll be paying me next month for renting the apartment.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Mrs. Hudson, I¡¯ll make sure to earn enough money.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be taking a third of your monthly pay, okay?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s only 100, 50, or even 20 qiils, I¡¯ll be taking a third of it, alright?¡±

    ¡°¡­uh¡±

    ¡°Okay, now I¡¯ll be leaving. You make sure to have a good rest now!¡±

    She turns her back to me, heading down the stairwell before I could regain my senses and retort.

    A third of my money for a house? I think that I could afford something less but much more better. Is this some kind of rip-off?

    Well, I couldn¡¯t decline now. She was nice enough to give me some breathing room in my rent, seeing that I¡¯m not that established yet.

    I face the door to my apartment and step inside after opening the door.

    The living quarters of my apartment is fairly furnished. The walls are colored a deep blue green, speckles of dust reeks the air but a homely feel still resonates within the of the room.

    The wooden floor is filled with furniture and such, a coffee table sits surrounded by two in the middle and a large empty bookshelf lies in one corner of the room. The room is divided to another section where a dimly lit kitchen rests. Another bedroom door sits in the far corner of the room.

    You could call it a standard place to live in, nothing out of the ordinary.

    Upon opening the bedroom door, I was greeted by a dark room. The floor was filled with crumpled paper, each filled with the different sketches I¡¯ve made and a single vertical line of sunlight that is peaking through the cracks of the curtains is the only source of illumination of the room.

    On the table, next to the table lamp, my own creation that would revolutionize the world sits steadily in its place,

    The Gun.

    The frame of the gun is composed by a handle with a trigger attached to a barrel. Its handle is made of thick mahogany wood and its barrel is made of solid steel. The handle of the gun is exceptionally wide and the barrel is almost the size of my forearm.

    I¡¯ve made the the handle by finding a huge tree branch near a mahogany tree in the city park. For the barrel, I convince one good hearted smith to refine the worthless steel pipe that he has no use for.

    By pulling the trigger that is located near the the handle of the gun, the hammer that is built inside the gun will activate and a hit the flint that is build inside it. The flint will ignite a certain explosive propeller. You could launch a projectile depending on the strength of the propeller.

    If the propeller is too strong, the gun would fall in pieces and if the propeller is too weak it won¡¯t launch the projectile.

    So far I couldn¡¯t find something strong enough that could act as a propeller, let alone something strong enough to even break the massive frame of the gun.

    Since I got in the city and heard about the where abouts of the Dungeon. I decided to invent a strong enough weapon that could aid me.

    I¡¯m being overwhelmed by curiosity every day that passes by, I always want to know whats in the bottom of the dungeon ever since I heard about it.

    It¡¯s a bit hard for me to understand whats the reason why I yearn for the Dungeon¡¯s contents. Obviously, it¡¯s filled with all types of monstrosities and traps that someone that treasures their life would avoid making that as a workplace for their main source of income.

    I stare at my creation as it rests in my hands.

    <hr>

    ¡°Why would you rescue a worthless fool¡¯s life?..¡±

    ¡°¡­Father, isn¡¯t it the right thing to do?¡±

    ¡°You let a damned monster escape.. Killing it could further raise the capability of your strength!¡±

    ¡°But¡ª!¡±

    ¡°Are you saying a stranger¡¯s life is more meaningful than being the strongest adventurer in all of Agartha?

    You are amongst the top ranks of adventurers in the city. Someone with your skill could defeat a warrior a level higher than your own!¡±

    ¡°That is more of a reason to help people that is in need!¡­¡±

    ¡°Enough! You must carry the faction¡¯s name with strength and glory, be known by the people as the strongest. Your improvement should not be impeded by idiots! Our faction shall rule the city. We shall be rich and filled with pride, the whole metropolis¡¯s wealth shall be right between our fingers and you, the strongest adventurer, strongest warrior! You will lead our faction¡¯s rise to glory!¡±

    A scene unravels in the leader¡¯s study room inside the Paragon faction. A beautiful young woman, called by many ¡®The Sword Princess¡¯ because of her amazing skill with the sword. She could fell any beast goes against her way. The current Level 5 adventurer stands in the ranks of the strongest in the whole of Agartha, though she wasn¡¯t the strongest, it is easy to say that she could go toe to toe with the strongest.

    But behind her outstanding reputation as one of the city¡¯s best, tears are starting well up under her eyes as she was scolded for doing a humane deed. The one with daggers for words is her own brother, the leader of the Paragon faction. A leader obsessed with wealth and glory, he would refute any emotion that would hinder her daughter¡¯s growth. Any emotion that does not display her strength is already rejected. By the time the Sword Princess was born and was ready to hold the hilt of a blade, she has undergone rough and rigorous training, honing her strength, reflexes, and even her strategy. She was only born in this world with only one purpose, to become the warrior that would carry her name to glory.

    ¡°If this is to happen again, expect that you will get more than just a scolding. Begone!¡±

    The eyes of the leader does not even have any trace of fatherly love towards his own daughter.

    Yerin Black holds her tears, doing her best not show any signs of pain in her aching heart. Being see as only some kind of chess piece to serve in the field of battle to glory sends emotional torture in Yerin¡¯s heart, preeminently by her own father. She is not hurt by the harsh tone of words, but by the meaning behind those words itself.

    She leaves the room, filled with rage and confusion. Her fingers are clenched, filled with frustration and desire to hit something.

    She leaves the confines of her faction and starts heading to Main Street and straight towards north

    Under the moonlight, the city of Agartha¡¯s residents are inside the comfort of the houses of their factions and some are spending the money they earned in the Dungeon on taverns and pubs, filling their belly with ale and soothing their guts with explicit cuisines after a busy day in the Dungeon.

    While other people are now stepping outside the Wall, the beautiful woman, armed with her light shining armour accompanied by her sword steps forward without any signs of fear.

    The Dungeon grows more aggressive during the night time and she will face the full wrath of it.

    She crosses the Breach with the sound of a large metallic thud behind her.

    <hr>

    Running steps reverberates through the dark hallway of the Manor, followed by a strong slash, a Ghoul¡¯s head flies through the air.

    A red eyed young man is fighting hand and limb for his life while slashing left and wright, blood splatters through the ground.

    Heavy breaths escape the adventurer¡¯s mouth as he struggles to stand his ground, 4 more Ghouls remain.

    Although Ghouls are very slow, they make up for their strength. Their strength is almost comparable to a standard level-2 adventurer, but with the right skill and strategy, it¡¯s easy for even a level-1 adventurer to defeat a small group of them.

    Ash¨¦ waits for an opening as one of the Ghouls approaches his vicinity. Then, he rushes forward and stabs his dagger directly between the eyes of the decaying face. While his knife still wedged in the monster¡¯s head, another Ghoul starts approaching him from his side. The new assailant is too close for him to dodge. Seeing that it¡¯s readying for an attack, He quickly shoves the head of the monster, along with the body, that is still attached to his knife to the direction of the attacking ghoul, using it as a shield. Now, the two heads of the Ghouls are adjacent to each other. He punches the still adhered knife and pierces through the two heads, killing the other Ghoul in the process.

    2 left!

    He quickly pulls out the knife that is between the two bloody masses, both of the body falls down towards the ground. He switches to the offensive, reversing the grip on his knife so that it comes out from the bottom. He rushes towards one of the approaching Ghouls. With a strong force, he shoves the tip of his blade towards the monster¡¯s face, hitting directly the center of its open mouth. He slashes left, as a result, the blade cuts through the Ghouls cheek. With the momentum of his slash, he spins and kicks the chest of the monster, driving it towards the last Ghoul, making it lose balance. With a final rush, he stabs the right temple of the last monster.

    Every breath he takes is heavy. His undershirt is covered in his own sweat while his armour is stained red from his foes. The blade of his dagger still hitched on the Ghoul¡¯s head as he stares at the face of the enemy that he defeated. He lets go of the hilt and watch as the lifeless body falls to the ground.

    His new blade and armour was given to him by his Guild Adviser, Krissa Howth, when he arrived in the Guild¡¯s headquarters earlier before heading to the Dungeon. It was a loan provided for him by the Guild. It was only a small investment of 10,000 qills. The armour was pure and heavy leather, with only a breastplate and some metal plates on his shoulders, elbows, knees, and shins. While his 7-inch long dagger was only made of cheap steel that is commonly made for starting adventurers.

    He grabs the retrieve his blade from the monster¡¯s right temple, flicking off some of the blood that drips on its cold metal edge. He then sheaths the dagger¡¯s blade on his belt. Ash¨¦ reaches for the holster on his leg and pulls another blade. The blade is a lot shorter than the first, only 5-inches long. The small knife is not supposed to be used for battle, but its purpose is to acquire the accolade of his efforts.

    Every monster, whenever it is born from the Dungeon, houses a special crystal that emits energy. The energy of these crystals cannot be used until it is harvested by a machine made by the Guild. Adventurers go to the Dungeon for a living to retrieve these energy crystals by slaying monsters and selling it to the Guild for profit.

    It is mistaken by most new adventurers that destroying the monster¡¯s energy crystal will result in its death. A monster has a different weak point, let it be its head, heart, or even a unique body part that only a specific monster has. Even if the energy crystal is cracked or split in half, it is still usable and its properties could still be harvested. This is why as long the energy crystal is inside the monster¡¯s body, the monster will still function, but if the energy crystal is removed, the monster will turn weaker but it will not die. The researchers of the Guild has concluded that the energy crystals enhance the monsters strength and abilities.

    The young man, alone in the Manor¡¯s walls, nonchalantly slumps to the floor besides the dead body and starts to cut open its chest. Blood flows through the large wound but he callously reaches for its heart, where the energy crystal is located. Disgusting sounds emanate from the hallway, but Ash¨¦ unyieldingly rips out the energy crystal from the monster¡¯s heart, its size is no larger than an average person¡¯s pinky finger, blood is covering the non-luminous but bright spectacle if its polygonal structure.

    After the removal of the beautiful shard of crystal, the dead body starts to sink through the ground as if it¡¯s quickly decaying. Because of Krissa¡¯s lectures, Ash¨¦ isn¡¯t surprised by the unusual occurrence. According to Krissa, after collecting the monster¡¯s shard when it has fallen, the Dungeon eats the body again and recycles it to another creature. At least, this is what the Guild researches had come up with the phenomena.

    He stands up to do the same to the three more carcasses that lays on the ground. He sighs as he approaches the nearest one.

    After collecting three more shards, the pouch on his back is already full. He has already spent half of the day in the Dungeon and fatigue has already settled in his system. He peaks out of the large window and notices that the once blue skies that he saw when he entered the Dungeon is now a bright orange.

    Packing up, he decided to head home.

    <hr>

    The skies are dyed orange while red sun sets.

    Adventurers are walking beside me as I walk out towards the exit of the Wall. Most of them has smiles on their faces because the backpacks of their supporters are bulging, probably from all the energy crystals of all shape and sizes that they¡¯ve collected from the lower-levels of the Dungeon. Some has a sorrow look on their faces, formed in a circle while comforting each other, some members of the party is weeping, tears forming the edges of their eyes, eventually dripping down their cheek accompanied by sobs. The most I could make out of their situation is that one of their party members has fallen in battle.

    Being an adventurer sure is rewarding, but the risk of losing hand and limb during expeditions for wealth and glory is too much for other people. They would only consider spending their whole life in business, education or in agriculture, anything other than the life of someone who dwells in the dungeon, really. The Dungeon is a place where death is lurking in each corner, every second is precious that even a half a second could cause you your life.

    While I¡¯m wandering through the packed streets of the main road towards the Guild headquarters, most adventurers are heading towards different leisure places that they could spend most of their earnings on. Be it a large mountainous adventurer or a bunch of prums, these adventurers always have a usual place they go to relieve stress after spending their day in the Dungeon.

    Turning east, the large establishment of the Guild immediately comes to vision.

    The Guild has booths in which you could exchange your energy crystals for qiils. Every Guild establishment has booths like these, including the Wall.

    After exchanging my loot, my small backpack filled with energy crystals accumulated a total of 500 qiils, enough to feed me for a few days and pay a small portion of my loan. This is the average sum a solo and new adventurer could acquire. If I had party, maybe I could gather more because I have more man power and space to store the crystals in.

    As I turn around from the booth Ms. Howth was already behind me and just waiting for me to finish.

    ¡°Ah, Ms. Howth, I¡¯m just about to go looking for you¡­¡±

    ¡°How many times do I have to tell you that you could call me by my first name?..¡±

    She lightly giggles as she faces me, maintaining eye contact along with her professional like posture.

    ¡°Ah then, Ms. Krissa..?¡±

    ¡°Not quite what I was expecting, but we¡¯ll go with that.¡±

    He places her index finger on her chin while her eyes starts wandering towards the ceiling, her lips are obviously pouting as she says her words.

    She was obviously teasing me, I can tell by just the tone of her voice.

    It was seriously cute though, I could feel my face blush while my heart pounds against my chest.

    ¡°Have you been scouting for a supporter in your party, Ash¨¦?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking about it, but I want to find someone I could trust first.¡±

    In the Dungeon, it is not impossible to be betrayed by even your own faction member. There are many cases of intentionally using their own party members as bait in order to save their own skin. This isn¡¯t done by factions that have a good reputation, but some sketchy factions use this tactic most of the time.

    I¡¯m trying my best to be cautious and avoid the same mistake I¡¯ve done in the past, so I decided to scout for someone I could trust. Maybe someone that¡¯s new to adventuring like me would fit the piece.

    ¡°I see¡­ there are supporters for hire, some of them are trusted by the Guild itself, but maybe your choice would be better¡­¡±

    After saying my goodbyes to Krissa, I head home towards Hudson Street, not far from the Guild headquarters.

    The sky is already starting to dim when I reached the apartment complex.

    As I was about to open the door, it already flew open and Mrs. Hudson was standing behind it. She looks like she was about to head outside.

    ¡°Ah deary! You¡¯re already home, I was hoping you wouldn¡¯t come back¡­¡±

    Wait¡­ hoping?

    ¡°Now, I have a little request for you. Would you help a poor old woman out and fetch some tea leaves outside the city walls?¡±

    ¡°U-uh¡ª¡±

    ¡°Now dear, heres a note for you so you could head outside, the nearest exit would be the east exit. A sketch of the leaves are in the notes I gave you.¡±

    She quickly shoves a piece of folded paper in my outstretched hand that was supposed to be for the doorknob.

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Oh¡ª and don¡¯t forget the landbears that wander outside, okay?¡±

    Before I could even react, she closes the door and the sound of a moving lock could be heard.

    She locked me out?

    and what are those landbears she was talking about?

    I stare at the parchment of paper in my hand. After opening it, there is a drawing of a leaf that resembles your average tea leaf, a few words are written beneath it.

    City wall exit pass

    Mrs. Hudson - Tea Leaves

    Whats this?!

    She can just request for an exit pass when she wants tea leaves? Why would the Guild allow an old woman to wander outside of the city wall where landbears could be anywhere? Is this the scope of Mrs. Hudson¡¯s power?

    Man, she must be some kind of God in this city.

    I gave a deep sigh from the bottom of my diaphragm and start to wonder down to east exit.

    I just want this to be over with.

    The city wall is one marvelous structure that surrounds the whole city. It mainly acts as a wall because a lot of cases where other invading countries would try to conquer Agartha for its vast resources. No such event of them losing in a war has ever been recorded in the history books. With the help of the combined forces of factions, I don¡¯t think any country could take on Agartha¡¯s strongest. The city wall itself is heavily armed and guarded by the Guild¡¯s soldiers. It is said that the Order faction takes control of the Guild¡¯s arms. As for the Guild, they¡¯re kind of their own faction but their main purpose is to be the main governing body of the whole city, managing everything from its economy to the entering and exiting of the people. It¡¯s very easy to enter the city walls, but it¡¯s very hard to go out.

    After showing the parchment of paper to the Guard on the gate of the city wall, his eyes shook in fear and looked directly at me with trembling eyes. His whole body is sweating as if he just saw a ghost. He pointed with his whole palm open towards the exit, gesturing me that I could leave, his angst demeanor still hasn¡¯t left him.

    Just what is it with Mrs. Hudson? I¡¯m getting freaked out myself just from the reaction of the people, even guards twice her size are afraid of her

    Under a white tree, leaves that resembles the one in the drawn picture are clustered in a bush.

    The tree looks like its burnt, its bark is coloured white like how charcoal looks after it has sparked its embers. It¡¯s still covered by leaves that has a flaming red paint. Undoubtedly, the tree looks very healthy. The particular tree stands out in the field for its unique colour, unlike the standard regular looking trees.

    I found the right leaves¡­

    I think? It looks very similar to the picture that she gave me. But its colour is red, im pretty sure that tea leaves are supposed to be green.

    I just want this to be over with, so I grab as much leaves as I could stuff in my small pack and head my way to the entrance before a landbear appears.

    <hr>

    I arrived home and the door was already unlocked. Mrs. Hudson was already waiting for me in her doorstep just near the entrance of the stairwell leading to my apartment. I hand her my small pack and told her that I¡¯ll come for it tomorrow morning before I head to the Dungeon.

    My whole body was craving for rest. I got inside my room, I¡¯m instantly attracted to the bed. I sprawled myself on the soft mattress and the delicate pillow that lays under my head. I exhaled all the air in my lungs, releasing all the tension in my muscles. I need to make dinner so I can¡¯t stay like this but my body keeps telling me to stay for just another minute. I can¡¯t blame myself for procrastinating because I¡¯m so exhausted from exploring the Dungeon. I need to be ready for sore muscles tomorrow.

    One of my hand is touching the ground while my whole body is still sprawled through the bed. My fingers brushes on a piece of paper. I picked it up and lifted it right directly to my face.

    I remember drawing this, the first ever sketch of the Gun. It¡¯s also written on the back on how it will operate, it took me a whole day to piece out the mechanics of this contraption. I¡¯m quite proud of my accomplishments.

    Now, it¡¯s only missing one main component.

    Something that could propel the round metal balls I call bullets for the gun.

    Something with enough force that could launch the bullet in super strong speeds¡­

    Something ignitable?..

    Something¡­

    Something explosive¡­.

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Yeah, something exactly that makes that sound¡­

    Wait a minute?! That came from downstairs!

    My body sprung up as quickly as possible, quickly reacting to the situation without even giving it a second thought.

    When I reached the outside of my apartment, I rushed down the stairs, my steps skipping 3 to four levels. I got to the front door of Mrs. Hudson¡¯s apartment in under 6 seconds.

    ¡°Mrs. Hudson!¡±

    I yell out the old lady¡¯s name, making sure that shes okay. I hear no response. Worry starts to creep up to my system. My head was ringing its alarm bells.

    The door still seems to be locked. With all my force, I kicked it down. Unfortunately, the door just budged. My level-one stats are too weak for a wooden door with a metal lock.

    Adrenaline starts filling my senses and gave it another strong, forceful kick.

    I felt the lock of the door breaking and the wooden frame swings open.

    The first thing my eyes see me are black marks, that looks like it came from an explosion, are on the walls that looks like it¡¯s coming from the kitchen. Right on the floor of the living room, just right on the other side of the entrance to the kitchen, was Mrs. Hudson sprawled on the ground. Black stains are covering the whole upper front part of her body, including her face, hands, and arms. Her face was so covered in soot, it was almost unrecognizable.

    I checked her pulse and luckily her condition is still stable. I was about to carry her and run outside to the Guild headquarters but she starts regaining her consciousness.

    ¡°¡­.Ash¨¦, is that you dear?¡±

    She looks at me and a smile starts to form in her face. I was relieved but scared at the same time. How could this old woman, in her sixties, took on a full-blown explosion on her face and still manages to smile. Does she even feel pain?

    ¡°Next time, please pick the right tea leaves¡­¡± She places her palm on my cheeks in a gentle manner like how an old woman would on her deathbed when her grandson comes to see her for the very first time.

    After that she stands up and brushes of the soot that is covering her face. I still stare at awe as this superhuman disguised as an old woman dismissed everything that just happened. My mouth was slacked jaw because of the unbelievable turn of events.

    ¡°You see dear, I was about to make a cup of tea with the leaves you gave me. It looked off because its colour was red.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Hudson¡ª!!¡±

    ¡°Then while I was drying it, one of them caught on fire¡ª ¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Hudson would you please let me finish a sentence!¡± I¡¯m starting to grow berserk with worry, this woman shouldn¡¯t even be able to speak right now.

    ¡°Thats just rude dear, you shouldn¡¯t interrupt anyone thats speaking.¡± Her eyebrows starts to furrow, forming more wrinkles in her forehead, as she raises a finger at me.

    I was shut up with just her words and actions. I felt so surprised, confused, and just overall afraid of her tone that I couldn¡¯t blurt out any retorts.

    ¡°Now.. Where was I¡­. Ah, yes! When one of the leaves caught fire, it just exploded! It was so strong it knocked me to the other side of the room¡±

    From the table with the stove that is all covered in soot to the place where I found her lying on the ground must be about 6 and a half meters. For someone like her to be launched that far, you wouldn¡¯t call it a small scale explosion. Even the whole kitchen is covered in soot, it¡¯s easy to determine at first glance that this is some kind of explosion. The odd thing about the room is nothing in particular is broken and nothing seems to be on fire.

    ¡°I only used about one leaf, and all of the other leaves are still in your bag. I recommend throwing them out before anyone else gets hurt.¡±

    Explosion?

    Leaf?

    Nothing broken?

    Hit with a mallet?

    A PROPELLER?!

    ¡°Are you alright dear?¡±

    My head was filled with all sorts of ideas that I didn¡¯t realize I was staring into thin space.

    ¡°Mrs. Hudson, I¡¯ll be using the leaves.¡±

    I rushed to the small pack filled with leaves, grabbing it and went straight to the door, rushing up to my room.

 Volume 1, Chapter 3: Returning Assault

    These leaves will be my success!

    The excited young man prepares all of his materials on the table of his living room. Some leaves are neatly placed in a pail on top of the table right next to the shimmering steel of the gun.

    The young man starts scribbling down notes on sheets of paper, discarding it every time the idea presents itself as unsatisfactory.

    His ruby like eyes radiate with excitement, his determination on finally completing his work of art is in the borderline of obsession.

    He smiles as one idea sounds true, but crumples the paper and frowns the second time the the idea passes through.

    Mrs. Hudson mentioned drying the leaves¡­

    He tears only a quarter of a leaf and starts drying it using the stove in his kitchen by hanging it on top of the searing flames of the stove. He was very careful not to set any of it on fire because it would instantly blow up the whole apartment.

    When the leaves was dried, he started pulverizing it. Turning it to fine dust that he now named gun powder.

    Just half a gram of the powder has enough explosive power to feel that someone is shoving you with full force.

    The room reverberates different sounds, from a weak pop! To a full blown BOOM!

    Ash¨¦ didn¡¯t care if he had neighbors. He won¡¯t even stop for Mrs. Hudson. The success of his creation is on the line.

    The night has ended and a new dawn starts to peek over the horizon. Before he knew it, the darkness is now illuminated by the bright and shining sun.

    Adventurers has started coming out of their homes and now heading towards the direction of the Dungeon. Merchants has already started to set up shop, all of them on the main road and their own stores are already open. The cafe¡¯s that turn to pubs during the evenings are now preparing for a busy day full of travelers.

    While the young man smiles as he look at his creation on the dark living room of his apartment. His ruby red eyes reflecting the very gun that rests on his hands. While everything around his house is now knocked down. Soot is covering various areas of the living room, while the kitchen is now entirely black. It¡¯s hard to recognize it¡¯s even a living room with all the scattered paper on the floor.

    The whole apartment looked like a raging tornado of soot came from the kitchen. It was questionable that a person could live in the current state of the apartment.

    ¡°ALRIGHT!¡±

    Even though its evident that he is fatigued by just looking under the dark bags on his eyes and his eyes are extra red from having no sleep at all, it doesn¡¯t stop him from using his new opus.

    The weapon that he himself invented with blood, sweat, and tears. The bread and butter of all of his achievements.

    The Gun

    A brand new type of weapon that is invented by Ash¨¦ Krow that will revolutionize the industry.

    While carrying a huge log of wood, he quickly runs down the flight of stairs and heads toward the back door of the apartment complex, where Mrs. Hudson¡¯s small, tidy garden is kept along with an apple tree.

    The backyard of the apartment complex is very small, it¡¯s about the same size of an apartment. It¡¯s surrounded by a tall wooden fence. Mrs. Hudson could see her garden because of the window that is just behind her living room.

    He grabs one of the apples that has fallen on the ground and places it on top of a wooden log.

    The hefty gun on his right hand, he reaches inside the pouch on his belt filled with fine red dust. He cocks the hammer of the gun back and fills the top chamber of the gun with the red dust he calls gunpowder, filling it until no space is left, after that, he closes the compartment. He then gets a metal ball and drops it in the mouth of the barrel, securing it by ramming the mouth of the barrel a few times with the ram rod that is concealed on the a special compartment attached to the outer barrel of the gun.

    He then outstretches his right hand, lifting the gum, taking aim on the poor apple that rests on top of the wooden log. With the grin of a successful man on his face, he pulls the trigger.

    BOOM!

    The body of the young man flies back, crashing to the wooden fence and breaking it. His whole upper torso is now on the other side of the wooden fence, wood chips are scattered all over the soil while an old man stares in awe because of the sudden sound and the young man that suddenly erupted from the other side.

    Ash¨¦ slightly raises his whole upper body. He tries to support himself with his right hand but he couldn¡¯t move it, instead, a sharp pain starts to escalate on his whole arm up to his shoulder. He cringes from the pain but a smile immediately forms in his face.

    ¡°Ha-hahaha-hahahahahaha-haha-HAHAHAHAHA!¡ª ¡±

    Thud!

    Even though his right shoulder has been dislocated, he laughs on the face of pain. Eventually, he passes out from the mixture of pain and fatigue.

    <hr>

    ¡°Krissa, there was an explosion at Hudson Street!¡±

    ¡°Where on Hudson Steet?!¡±

    ¡°At Mrs. Hudson¡¯s house!¡±

    The Guild is in an uproar because of the townspeople reporting explosions starting from the evening until the early morning. They say that a faction war may be happening, but some argue that monsters has breached the Wall and adventurers are taking care of it. Because the Guild Headquarters are just 10 blocks away from Hudson Street, all of the people living there has evacuated to the Guild Headquarters. They speculated that the Guild has sent adventurers to dispatch of a monster that has escaped the Dungeon, but the Guild has confirmed that they have not done such a thing nor report an escaped monster.

    The people has grown more concerned as each time passes, even the Guild is growing awry. Inside the headquarters, the people that had evacuated has started to put on worried and concerned faces. Parents start comforting their children while they cry. Adults are talking over each other as they discuss about what could have happened. Some people has even go by far as plead to the Guild members to tell them what is happening. The whole reception room of the Guild headquarters are in the borderline of chaos.

    ¡°Announcement, People of Agartha. There has been a report of an explosion at Hudson Street, please avoid the area at all cost. I repeat¡­¡±

    Krissa has gone to the announcement booth and rang the alarms. The whole city was being restless. Some adventurers that are supposed to be having the day off in the Dungeon have put on their battle armours and weapons, preparing themselves as soon as they heard the announcement.

    ¡°All available adventurers that are near the area. Please head to the Guild Headquarters for briefing. I repeat¡­¡±

    A large crowd of more than 300 adventurers has shown up in front of the Guild Headquarters. All of them are filled with unease, not because of the explosion on the area but because they¡¯re going to Hudson Street.

    ¡°Everyone, we will be proceeding to Hudson Street, 10 blocks from here.¡±

    Krissa was holding an energy crystal powered device on her mouth called a megaphone as she speaks. Her voice are amplified enough to be heard by all of the adventurers even though they are chatting loud amongst themselves.

    ¡°We are aware that this is Mrs. Hudson¡¯s territory we are approaching. Please keep an open mind. We are protecting the city from the source of the disturbance.¡±

    Faction wars are a natural occurrence in the City, it happens about once or twice a month. The faction wars are supposed to be a formal event that two sides has agreed on doing. A specific arena or an area will be used as staging for the two factions, both of which are to be agreed on by all respective parties, including the Guild. A war between two factions are always used A faction war that has been done without the Guild¡¯s consent would be dangerous because an arena has not been set up and innocent civilians could be involved. Peace and order is the number one priority of the Guild, casualties because of other factions within the city walls are prohibited. Those that break these rules are given severe punishment.

    ¡°Everyone please, proceed to Hudson Street and investigate. If a faction war is happening, please seize the two parties by force. Otherwise, eliminate.¡±

    Krissa commands the entire battalion with ease and confidence. She radiates the aura of a leader. Her words are strict. Every adventurer is paying attention to her, not even saying a single word to interrupt her command.

    ¡°Dispatch!¡± She points her hands toward Hudson Street while she yells through the megaphone.

    ¡°Aye!!!¡± All of the adventurers respond with determination.

    They starting heading towards to southern part of east main, directly towards Hudson Street. An army of adventurers in different levels, all ranging from level-1 to level-3. The high-leveled adventurers are in the Dungeon. The whole army is mixed with races. From humans and demi-humans alike, all from different factions, have joined forces to protect the city from whatever danger is in Hudson Street. Their cowardice early has disappeared because of the Guild manager¡¯s magnificent speech of command. They now hold their head high and their weapons all in their arms.

    ¡°Gorg, Andil, please wait a moment.¡±

    Krissa called two adventurers that are in the back of the battalion. Gorg Ushfer and Andil Strummorg, both level-3 adventurers and from the same faction.

    Gorg Ushfer is a dwarf that is a stocky, 6 feet tall, and covered in brown hair. His muscles are bulging from all sides of his body. While both his arms are legs are comparable to a tree trunk because of its sheer size. From just his looks alone, you could determine that he could lift a whole building by himself.

    Andil Strummorg is a handsome elf that left this homeland, Lintelfier, to pursue a career of adventuring. His long blond locks are shining like the beautiful sun, his ears are protruding from the sides of his hair. He is fit from training and exploring the Dungeon almost every day. He emanates elegance and supremacy from his handsome face. The elves are known to be the most handsome and beautiful of races, nobody could compare to the aesthetics of the elves.

    The two stopped and turned their faces to the voice that called them. The elf gives a majestic bow and the dwarf gives a charming smile to Krissa.

    ¡°Krissa, it¡¯s nice to see you.¡±

    ¡°He-he, ye need us?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I would like the both of you to accompany Mrs. Hudsons apartment complex.¡±

    ¡°..!!¡±

    Both of them are startled because of Krissa¡¯s sudden request. An intensity of fear is shows through their eyes as it starts trembling. They elf breaks into a cold sweat while the dwarf gulps a mouthful of air.

    ¡°Y-y-y-you w-w-want u-us tttt-tt-to??¡­¡±

    They both speak in unison, even their stutters are synchronized.

    ¡°Please?¡­ what if there¡¯s a monster, or a murderer inside?¡±

    Krissa responds with plea to their trembling voices, she puts both of her hands to her chest and stares both of them directly in their eyes. Her huge eyes and the tone of her voice are like that of a spoiled beautiful maiden asking for a request for their husband. She leans in closer to the two adventurers, the arms that is on her chest are almost touching the two muscular bodies. Andil¡¯s face blushes slightly. The fear the once was in his eyes was quickly dispelled by the beauty that lies in front of him. While Gorg¡¯s face contorts into distraught.

    ¡°The only murderin¡¯ thing there is tha¡¯ lady!¡±

    Gorg scolds at Krissa in disagreement, turning down the request in a heartbeat while Andil¡¯s face cowls in disbelief.

    ¡°Ehe-he-he-he, sorry Krissa. Just give us one minute here¡­¡±

    He wraps his arm around Gorg¡¯s shoulder and he turns both of their backs against Krissa. He then leans to Gorg¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Look here, you big piece of shit! This is my chance to finally show off to Krissa!¡±

    Even though his voice was full of anger, it was hushed enough that it would not reach Krissa¡¯s ears.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t goin¡¯ ta no suicide mission just so you coul¡¯ get some coochie!¡±

    He grumbles back, his deep and manly voice is full of torment.

    ¡°Krissa! Hahahaha, yes we gladly accept your request.¡±

    Andil quickly turned his face to Krissa and granted her request. His awkward laugh is clearly obvious but Krissa does not pay it any heed.

    ¡°Wa¡ª EY!¡ª ¡±

    As Gorg was about to contradict his statement, Andil quickly covers his loud mouth using his hand.

    ¡°Great! Let us move with haste!¡±

    Krissa¡¯s eyes lit up, like a child that just received some candy. She happily starts walking behind the batallion of adventurers, passing both Andil and Gorg.

    As she passes the two, she looks behind them and gives a beautiful smile. She nudges her head, signaling them to start following.

    Andil¡¯s face starts to melt with happiness, smiling like an idiot. His face is as red as tomato. Gorg is still wrapped around his shoulders, staring at the smiling idiot with an irritated look. Gorg¡¯s veins are starting to pop from his forehead.

    ¡°..Urk!¡±

    Gorg elbows Andil¡¯s stomach, losing his grip around Gorg¡¯s shoulder. Andil struggles with the pain as he tries to catch his breath.

    Gorg follows behind Krissa and Andil walks behind the two of them. His hand is still on his aching stomach.

    <hr>

    The whole of Hudson Street is full of adventurers except for one particular place, the apartment complex.

    Inside of Mrs. Hudson¡¯s apartment, the kitchen that was once filled with soot is now spotless.

    The unconscious young man was lying on the a soft sofa in the living room. A cushion is placed under his head. The shimmering gun was at the coffee table near him, next to a cup of tea.

    Ash¨¦¡¯s shirt was taken off and bandages were wrapped around his whole right arm. Bumps, scratches, and splinters are covering his face and chest. The dislocated shoulder was still out of place. His eyes was closed shut as if he was in a deep slumber.

    Mrs. Hudson was sitting right next to him on a wooden stool. She was angry but worried at the same time because he almost destroyed her tidy garden and he was very reckless with his actions. Although she was very annoyed of Ash¨¦, she carried him to her apartment and also tended his wounds. While she sits beside Ash¨¦, her eyes instinctively catches the sight of glimmering steel placed on top of her table.

    She sighs because of the sight of the weapon. Different scenarios has started to accumulate in her mind.

    Is this the reason why he was very eager in taking the bag of leaves?

    She takes a deep breath before taking hold of the handle attached to her cup that was filled with tea. She takes her time sipping the flavourful brown substance while she observes Ash¨¦¡¯s condition. She notices that his shoulder was still dislocated. She was too busy bandaging the numerous wounds on his body that she didn¡¯t even catch a glimpse of hte oddly positioned bone in his right shoulder.

    She pushed the unconscious Ash¨¦¡¯s back and positioned him to a sitting position. His whole body moves limp like a rag-doll but his breath were steady and deep. Drool is coming out from his mouth while his eyes are shut tight.

    Mrs. Hudson grasped his shoulder blades with her left hand and his bicep with her right. She was getting ready to apply force on the dislocated bone to relocate it.

    Knock, Knock. ¡°Hello, Mrs. Hudson? We¡¯re sorry for the disturbance. It¡¯s me, Krissa.¡±

    Mrs. Hudson got startled because of the feminine oice that came from the complex door. She lets go of the young man¡¯s shoulder and arm, his whole body loses balance and lands on the sofa. She quickly went to the door with composure but her expression was perturbed. She has immediately concluded that the Guild must be here because of Ash¨¦¡¯s loud explosions.

    She opens the door and was greeted by three figures; a beautiful woman, a scared elf, and a trembling dwarf.

    The elf and dwarf¡¯s eyes are both trembling. They¡¯re both covered with sweat and all of the hair on their body is standing up because of the sight of the sweet, ordinary looking old lady behind the opened door.

    Mrs. Hudson catches a glimpse of the commotion happening outside. Many, many adventurers are walking up and down the whole street and scanning the area. She was a bit surprised because of the many number of people that are in her street.

    ¡°Hello dearies, what seems to be the problem now?¡±

    She amiably asks Krissa with a grandmother¡¯s calm smile after witnessing what is happening outside of her apartment.

    ¡°We apologize for the trouble, Mrs. Hudson. The townspeople heard numerous explosions near your area. The Guild launched a full scale investigation on your street. We would like to ask you if you know anything about it.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Krissa replies to Mrs. Hudson with a gentle and composed smile accompanied by a slight bow. Her actions reflect a true example of a Guild Manager.

    ¡°Ah¡­ sorry, Krissa, dear, the young man that occupies one of my apartments caused that.¡±

    Mrs. Hudson looked down on her feet but she confesses in a proper way. Krissa widens her eyes in surprise while the two adventurers behind her was dumbstruck.

    Not a single soul in the City of Agartha has ever considered living in the only apartment complex in city, which is owned by Mrs. Hudson herself. That is why their reactions was full of surprise and disbelief. Someone crazy enough, stupid enough, and suicidal enough has decided to live under the same roof of the terrifying old woman, infamously known as Mrs. Hudson.

    ¡°S-someone e-e-else li-li-li-lives here?¡±

    ¡°I salute ¡®im, the bravest man of all of Agartha.¡±

    The elf trembles with disbelief while the dwarf looks up to the sky, his fingers on his forehead and his body standing straight, saluting like a soldier.

    ¡°Sorry Mrs. Hudson, but could I see this man?¡±

    ¡°Yes dear, please come in. I¡¯ll make a cup for you and your friends.¡±

    Krissa went inside the apartment complex, following Mrs. Hudson. The two adventurers both unsheathed their weapons as they started to head inside of Mrs. Hudson¡¯s domain. Andil was holding a broadsword while Gorg has a war-axe.

    As they enter Mrs. Hudson¡¯s living room, a shirtless young man covered in bruises and bandages enters their field of view. He was still unconscious on the sofa and his shoulder was still disfigured.

    ¡°Oh!.. I forgot about that again. I must be getting older these days¡­.¡±

    Mrs. Hudson starts grumbling while she approaches the unconscious Ash¨¦. She returns him to his initial position earlier before the tree visitors came. Hand in one shoulder and arm on the other. Mrs. Hudson¡¯s face has a casual look while she was holding the young man but the three visitors that are spectating the operation was cringing and clenching their teeth.

    Mrs Hudson thrusts her hands.

    POP!

    ¡°AAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!¡±

    THUD!

    Ash¨¦ reawakened because of the sudden surge of pain, letting out the most hurtful scream that could be heard throughout the whole apartment complex but he collapsed instantly, going back to slumber on the couch.

    ¡°Ash¨¦!?¡±

    Krissa¡¯s eyes was growing even wider as she recognizes the face of the senseless young man on the couch. Her heart starts to fill with worry and confusion, she thinks that Ash¨¦ was involved in some kind of commotion that eventually lead him to this state. The two adventurers behind her was shocked of Krissa¡¯s unexpected reaction. Especially Andil, his thoughts starts coming up with misunderstandings.

    ¡°Mrs Hudson! Who did this to him?!¡±

    She was shocked as she started to walk towards the side of the senseless boy, kneeling beside him on the floor near the couch.

    ¡°Dear, he did that himself.¡±

    Mrs. Hudson stated with a matter of fact tone.

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Krissa looks at Mrs. Hudson with eyes of disbelief.

    How could someone inflect so much damage to themselves?!

    ¡°Krissa, do you know this man?¡±

    Andil worryingly asked Krissa, he was taken aback because of Krissa¡¯s reactions due to the injured man. His head was starting to fuel with envy.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m his dungeon adviser¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­!¡±

    His heart aches in pain from envy. Krissa has refused to accept people that inquired her as their dungeon adviser. This is one of the main reasons why she chose to climb up the ranks of being a guild member, to avoid having inter-personal interactions with adventurers.

    He unwittingly clenches his teeth and his shoulders starts to tremble. He looks like a sulking child. His majestic hair is covering his eyes.

    Gorg starts patting his back out of pity.

    ¡°Mrs. Hudson, It is my duty as his dungeon adviser to know what caused for him to be in this state. I have the authority to know.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Her eyes directly looks at the Gun on the table. When Krissa looked in the same direction, she was greeted by nothing. Only a cup filled with tea on a saucer is on top of the table.

    Mrs. Hudson was already holding the gun behind her hands without even Krissa noticing.

    ¡°You see¡­ This young boy is a huge fan of experiments. Now, look at what happened to him¡­¡±

    ¡°I-I see¡­¡±

    ¡°Let me go to the kitchen, I¡¯ll fetch you all some sweet tea.¡±

    Mrs. Hudson starts walking towards the kitchen, concealing the gun in her hand, hiding it from the field of view of the three people in the room. As she arrives at the kitchen¡¯s table top, she opens her tea cabinet and places the gun inside while taking the jar of tea leaves. She effortlessly prepared the tea on the pitcher that is prepared on the table top.

    Krissa was staring at the unconscious Ash¨¦, her eyes was still filled with worry but her head was filled with anger because of his stupidity. It¡¯s a dungeon adviser¡¯s priority to always keep their adventurer alive. Ash¨¦¡¯s safety was her duty. She looks at his face that is full of scratches and his scruffy hair, she starts reaching for it.

    The watching Andil was filled with jelousy. His jaw was dropped, revealing the uvula and tonsils of his throat. His nostrils are flaring and his heartbeat was unstable, even Ash¨¦¡¯s heart was beating better than his. He just wanted to punch the unconscious man on the sofa repeatedly until he doesn¡¯t wake up.

    Krissa¡¯s hands were almost in Ashe¡¯s scalp.

    ¡°Ur-urghh¡­¡±

    Ash¨¦ starts moving his head, regaining his consciousness. His eyes slowly opens 3 times, adjusting his vision to his surroundings. He sees the face of the beautiful purpled hair woman.

    Krissa¡¯s face was shocked but relieved at the same time. Her lips starts to curve downward, forming a soft smile while her eyes starts to focus on the Ash¨¦ that is slowly starting to wake up.

    Mrs. Hudson arrives at the scene of Ash¨¦¡¯s awakening. She was carrying a tray with a pitcher and three cups with a saucer, all with fancy floral designs. She places it on the coffee table.

    ¡°K-Krissa?¡­¡±

    Ash¨¦¡¯s eyes was only half open and his voice was still raspy. His whole body was still recovering from his condition earlier.

    ¡°Ashe¡­¡±

    She starts smiling even wider as a surge of relief flows down on her. The Dwarf on the corner of the room near the entrance of the apartment has his arms crossed, leaving a neutral expression on his face. While the elf is fuming as he sees the face of the young man starting the wake up.

    ¡°¡­?!¡±

    Ash¨¦¡¯s eyes lit up, opening wide instantaneously as if he realized something important.

    ¡°THE APPLE!?¡±

    ¡°Apple??¡±

    The three visitors reply in unison.

    ¡°Yes! The Apple outside!¡±

    Ash¨¦ sprung up instantly on his feet and heads directly to the window that displays the backyard.

    From the window; the tidy garden was on the far left corner of the backyard, the shining apple on the log was still standing on the middle, untouched, and the broken fence was sitting on the far right.

    ¡°WHAT!? I DIDN¡¯T EVEN LEAVE A SCRATCH ON THE APPLE?!¡±

    Ash¨¦ was now full of life, he didn¡¯t even notice the bandages and wounds that are covering his body. He was moving like he has regained 100% of his strength although he has only just recently woke up from an unconscious state. His voice was full of disappointment and disbelief, he was disconcerted because he was unable to hit the apple with his gun. In his head, he is a failure even though he has made a working gun.

    Everyone in the room was stuck on their places, staring at Ash¨¦ in disbelief except for Mrs. Hudson. She was standing near the coffee table with a casual but straight face while her hands are conjoined together in front of her. The other three on the other hand has their mouths open.

    ¡°Wha¡ª wait, Krissa? Why are you here?¡±

    He strikes a confused look at Krissa but he didn¡¯t receive an answer, she was just staring at him in awe under her thin rimmed glasses. Ash¨¦ stares at her back, raising his eyebrows as he waits for an answer.

    ¡°..!! T-the citizens has reported that there we¡¯re explosions on the street. The Guild has launched a full scale investigation of the area.¡± Krissa has finally snapped back to reality and gives a startled response, slowly standing up. ¡°Mrs. Hudson has told us you were the reason for this distrubance?¡±

    She has finally composed herself, but a hint of doubt could still be felt in her words. Both the adventurers behind her was still startled of what is happening.

    ¡°Ah¡­ that, yes. I was the reason for the explosions. I was only experimenting with something.¡± Ash¨¦¡¯s eyes starts to lower to his feet and his voice starts to decrease in volume. He has finally realized the scale of what he has done. ¡°I will face any punishment that the Guild may face on me.¡±

    ¡°¡­!¡±

    Krissa was surprised because of Ash¨¦¡¯s response. She expected for him to make up an excuse and avoid all punishment but he faced his sins head on. He was ready for the consequences of his actions. Her heart skips a beat because of Ash¨¦¡¯s honest actions that differs from your regular adventurers.

    ¡°B-but, I still feel like I¡¯m in pain. Can this wait until tomorrow?¡±

    Ash¨¦ starts to hunch his back and he touches his right shoulder that was dislocated earlier.

    ¡°Yes, dear. You also need to call of the poor adventurers outside. They must be tired of investigating.¡±

    Mrs. Hudson calls out on Krissa. The adventurers will keep looking for something that they won¡¯t even find, not until the investigation was called off.

    ¡°Ah, yes. I almost forgot. I will stop by here, tomorrow. Ash¨¦, I will talk to you about this, In detail. Thank you for letting me in Mrs. Hudson.¡±

    She regains her composure and gives a slight bow to the two. She heads outside of the apartment complex. The two adventurers follows behind her. Andil leaves a nasty last look on Ash¨¦, but Ash¨¦ could only stare back in confusion. The three has left the building after the sound of a door has shutting has been heard.

    Ash¨¦ stands up straight. He was only faking the pain he was feeling in order to make the tree of them out.

    ¡°Mrs. Hudson, where¡¯s my gun?¡±

    ¡°So thats what you call it, a gun¡­ I kept it in my tea cabinet. I made sure not to make them see it.¡±

    Mrs. Hudson¡¯s voice sounds tired for putting on an act, she acts like a mother that is starting to get sick of her 20 year old son¡¯s actions. She was starting to tidy up the coffee table by picking up the tray with the cups and pitcher.

    ¡°Mrs. Hudson, Thank you¡­ and sorry.¡±

    <hr>

    It was early morning and a knock on my apartment doors notifies me that someone is outside.

    I was wearing my light armour and sharpening my knife with the whetstone I bought the other day before heading home.

    I¡¯m preparing to head to the Dungeon today but Krissa told me yesterday that she¡¯ll stop by. The person on the door must be her.

    After opening the door, I was greeted by the beautiful woman wearing her thin rimmed glasses and her white blouse, accompanied by the green skirt and moderately high heels. She was wearing her Guild uniform as usual.

    Now that I think about it, I never really saw her wearing different clothes. Well, I¡¯ve only lived here for 3 days anyway¡­

    I wonder how she casually looks?

    ¡°Goodmorning Ash¨¦, I¡¯m here to talk about yesterday¡¯s events.¡±

    ¡°Yes, please come in.¡±

    Her expression was composed but she doesn¡¯t look pleased to see me at all.

    I gestured for her to walk inside my apartment. After closing the door behind her, she turns to me.

    ¡°Ash¨¦, I¡¯ll be brief. You are penalized by the Guild, worth 20,000 qiils.¡±

    20,000 quiils?! I already have a loan of about 9,750 qiils that I haven¡¯t paid yet. It looks like I have to go the extra mile in the Dungeon today.

    ¡°I¡­I see. I¡¯ll face the charges. I¡¯ll pay every single penny.¡±

    ¡°O¡­oh?¡±

    Krissa sounds slightly surprised by my response. Her hands was on her lips and her eyes were wide behind her glasses.

    ¡°Is there something wrong?¡±

    ¡°N-no¡­ It¡¯s just that, I expected you to complain but you just accepted it without a word¡­¡±

    She lowers her head, averting her gaze on me. Her hands starts fiddling with each other and her pale face has a slight tinge of pink.

    ¡°I already told you¡­ It was my responsibility that so much happened. I might as well face the repercussions.¡±

    I unconsciously placed my hands behind my head and shrugged my shoulders. My eyes couldn¡¯t make contact with Krissa.

    I feel so embarrassed right now! What¡¯s with this weird flattery all of the sudden? I just thought of doing what I think I should do. I don¡¯t want any more issues to form from just a small matter. If I started it, I¡¯ll face it to the end.

    ¡°This wasn¡¯t the first time you did this. When the Guild asked the Paragon faction for compensation because of what happened to you, you never really complained that you didn¡¯t get it even though you we¡¯re betrayed and all¡­ Instead, you even admitted that it was your own fault even if it clearly wasn¡¯t¡­ Yesterday you even confessed that the reason for the explosions was you. You didn¡¯t even try to make an excuse or something¡­¡±

    Her face is even glowing with more red while her lips starts forming into a smile. Her gaze was still averted to me but it¡¯s slowly making eye contact as words flow out through her smooth lips.

    My face feels like its burning I could feel my heart pounding with all these compliments as it starts flooding my ears.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been part of the Guild for 5 years since I was 14¡­ I¡¯ve met and advised countless adventurers but they¡¯ve never been as honest as you¡­ I¡¯m just surprised that an adventurer like you exists.¡±

    She looks up to my blushing face. Her cheeks was also warm as the light from the window shines on her face. Her lips and eyes were genuinely smiling at me.

    I was so taken aback by her beautiful expression. My heart skips a beat and my whole body is burning!

    ¡°As your dungeon adviser, don¡¯t die on me. Okay?¡±

    My eyes widen as her words reaches my ears. A smile forms in my lips without even me noticing it.

    ¡°Yes¡± I give her a nod.

    She looks at me with smiling eyes. The sight of her pretty face is breathtaking, with her amazing smile and purple eyes that reflect my very frame. I was astonished. I smile there with her as my heart starts to calm itself. My breathing is beginning to regulate but my smile isn¡¯t leaving my lips.

    ¡°Okay. It looks like you¡¯re preparing for the Dungeon. I¡¯ll be at the headquarters if you need me.¡±

    She heads for the door and I opened it for her. She looks back at me and gives one final wave with her delicate hands before she went down the stairs.

    I close the door and ponder about our conversation.

    Right now I have a debt of no less than 29,750 qiils to the Guild.

    A trip to the dungeon could net me only 500 or even 600 qiils if I¡¯m lucky enough.

    An energy crystal¡¯s worth is not in its quantity but in its size and quality.

    Killing a large category monster could earn me a lot, enough that I could pay maybe about half of my debt but¡­

    I don¡¯t think I could kill one just yet¡­

    Even with the help of my gun. I still need to find a way in order for me to reload it quicker. After shooting a monster, reloading would leave me vulnerable and eventually cost me my own life. Without no one to cover for me while I reload is basically asking to get killed by the monsters.

    If I was to use the Gun, I only have one inaccurate shot that I could use, so I need to make that shot count.

    I can¡¯t hide for cover because a monster could appear anywhere in the Dungeon. Covering while reloading isn¡¯t an option.

    My two options are two find a part member that could cover for me while I reload or use the Gun only once in a fight.

    I stare at the gun on top of my living room table. The gun holster I made was strapped on my waist. I had the opportunity to buy some leather yesterday before evening.

    I grab its heavy frame and the shining barrel reflects on my eyes, securely holstering it to my waist.

    <hr>

    I arrived on the other side of the breach, within the Dungeon¡¯s grounds.

    The eerie look of the Manor still sits on the center of the large gloomy yard. The withered trees that are littered around the place makes the place even more eerie.

    I¡¯m a bit late to arrive but early enough that I got to catch up with a few adventurers still heading for the Dungeon.

    I stopped by a few potion shops so I could buy a healing potion just in case. Currently the qiils I¡¯m carrying is less than 50. I need to earn more than 500 today. I can¡¯t bear having a debt around my head. With my current economic situation, it will take me about 7 years to pay for everything. I won¡¯t be able to buy and upgrade my equipment as my ranks increase if the debt carries on.

    I step towards the Manor but I hear screams coming from inside. That¡¯s a bit unusual? Usually it¡¯s just silent in the entrance of the Manor.

    When I entered the Manor¡¯s huge entrance, an object starts flying full force directly to my chest. Before I could even react, it hit me in the stomach enough to feel pain. A short burst of air escaped my lungs but I wasn¡¯t knocked off balanced.

    I turned the semi-circular object on my hands. I feel a warm disgusting liquid starting to drip through my gloved hands¡­

    ..?!

    A head?!

    A face, obviously from an adventurer¡¯s, was formed into a terrifying expression. His pupil¡¯s was turned to the back of his head so all you can see was white in his eyes. The eyebrows was furrowed, forming wrinkles in the poor man¡¯s forehead. The mouth was wide open, his yellow teeth was showing as if the head was cut off during mid-scream. The overall expression of the head was that it looked like he saw the most terrifying thing in his entire life.

    When I caught a glimpse of the head, I quickly let it go and it dropped to the ground.

    Before I could even let it go, my sense felt another object was being hurled towards me.

    The black object was getting bigger and bigger until I realize what it was¡­

    A headless body¡­

    The headless body flew right at me, knocking me back from the Manor¡¯s entrance. I land back first on the soft gravel path of the Manor. The body was on top of me. I was dizzy from the sudden impact and I¡¯m starting to regain my senses. When I looked at my right, I saw the terrifying head facing right at me. My senses was knocked instantly back at me as my eyes flew open because of the hideous sight.

    What the hell is happening in the Manor?

    I pushed the body off of me. I caught a glimpse of the Manor¡¯s entrance. Dozens of adventurers of all races starts heading out from it, running away from something, they¡¯re running for their own very lives.

    I finally got my feet under my body after being bewildered by the people that are suddenly retreating.

    ¡°CRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!¡±

    That scream!

    A big mountainous adventurer flies out of the Manor¡¯s entrance. Landing on the gravel path right in front of me on his back. He looks like he¡¯s in pain but still conscious. Numerous claw swipes was covering his muscular body. The leather tank top hes wearing was shred into pieces. His bald head and stubble beard reminds me of someone.

    Mord?¡­

    Mord is one of the first adventurers I met when I first got to the Dungeon. He and his group offered me to join their expedition and as a result, I was used as bait when a large category monster suddenly appeared.

    ¡°Lyeon! Take care of Mord!¡±

    Another familiar voice reaches my ears. It was Osiric, the leader of their party. He was walking backwards, facing the Manor¡¯s entrance while his sword was drawn, brandishing it right in front of the dark entrance.

    Lyeon quickly runs towards Mord, he quickly grabs a potion from one of his leg holster and quickly rubbed it in Mord¡¯s wounds. The wounds quickly closed itself but Mord was still in pain. He must have a few broken ribs that cheap low-level potions couldn¡¯t heal.

    ¡°How did this fucker get back here?!¡±

    Osiric was clearly frustrated while he was bracing for what was about to emerge from the Manor. Sweat starts flowing down his temples. His face was clearly terrified but he holds it back and faces the unknown assailant head on.

    ¡°CCRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!¡±

    A large monster jumped outside of the Manor¡¯s lips. It¡¯s ugly face, huge striped body, and snow white mane is something I could never forget. The scaly tail that was supposed to be on the end of the monster was nowhere to be found.

    A Nue¡­

    The Nue¡­

    The very same monster that I encountered during my first day in the Dungeon along with the three people that I first stepped in with.

    Osiric brandishes his sword in front of the monster, catching its attention. He dodges one of its swipes but unfortunately gets hit by the quick follow up of its other paw. He luckily avoided the claws of the paw that hit him directly on the face. He flies to the side and lands on the floor but he slowly starts to sit up. His eyes opens up as he see the sight of his comrade¡­

    Mord is slowly standing up, finally recovering from the pain. He was holding his war hammer on one hand and his ribs on the other. Pain was still evident on his face, he was breathing heavily. It was obvious that he¡¯s suffering from both pain and fatigue with his looks. He probably was tanking all of the blows from the monster to protect his part members. He slowly starts moving towards the monster¡­ Step by step, eventually turning to a skid, then into a full sprint.

    ¡°ARRGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!¡±

    The brave adventurer starts running towards the hideous monster, fingers clenched on the grip of his war-hammer. He raises it above his head, preparing for a string directly on the monsters face.

    ¡°MORD! NO!¡±

    Lyeon yells at his advancing party member while Osiric was only staring in dread.

    Three sharp claws pierces through the large body of the adventurer. Blood was coming out and covering the lower part of his body.

    The hammer that was supposed to strike the monster¡¯s face was only stuck in his hands on top of his head, suspended in mid-swing. It then slowly falls from his side as his grip loosens. His whole body releases all of its tension the body lies limp while still stuck on the monster¡¯s claws.

    The Nue flings the dead body out of its claws like a play toy, throwing it to the dark green grass. Blood was flying everywhere as the body was in the air.

    The dark green grass was now covered in crimson. Mord¡¯s eyes was staring blankly on the air, blood was coming out from his lips. He has ceased breathing.

    The two friends of the fallen adventurer was staring at their dead comrade¡¯s body. The looks on their face was full of mixed emotions of fear, sadness, and extreme emotional pain.

    ¡°CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!¡±

    All the adventurers including me was reminded that there was still a monster right in front of us. There was clearly more than 20 level-1 and level-2 adventurers in the courtyard but they were still no match from the level-4 Nue, no, the Nue could may as well be level-5.

    The high-level adventurers are missing in action. It was too late and all of them must be in the lower parts of the Dungeon.

    The Nue changes its target, it was now heading towards the white haired man that was kneeling right in front of me in breathtaking speeds.

    ¡°LYEON!¡±

    Osiric finally lets out a scream to his comrade, finally coming to his wits.

    The monstrous animosity catches up on Lyeon, It quickly pounces on top of him and bites sideways through his body. It repeatedly slams Lyeon¡¯s body to the ground while he was still between the monster¡¯s fangs. The sharp fangs of the monster was biting through the man¡¯s body. Lyeon couldn¡¯t even scream at the pain while he was repeatedly being rammed against the ground.

    The adventurers around me finally reawakened, I spear flew directly to the monster but its tough hide made the spear fail to pierce through its body. Not even a scratch formed on the spear¡¯s wake.

    The monster spits out the adventurer near Osiric. His eyes starts to form tears while his mouth was trembling.

    I was paralyzed on the ground as I see the chaos starting to unveil in front of me. The Nue was fighting numerous adventurers.

    One of them got on of their head slashed, the other his arm.

    A female elf that was starting to cast her magic was quickly interrupted as the monster pounces on her, biting her head off.

    Every adventurer was screaming, they were either fighting or dodging for themselves. Even the formation of the parties we¡¯re scrambled.

    The adventurer¡¯s weapons was no match to the thick stripped skin of the monster. Their weapons could penetrate the monsters huge, muscular body.

    The howl of the monster was enough to stop some adventurers on their tracks.

    Nobody dared to turned their back against the monster because they we¡¯re too worried about what could happen if the monster has left their vision.

    No one could escape the claws and fangs of the Nue.

    I started getting on my feet while the adventurers were in disarray.

    The single sound of the heavy object on my waist as it shakes while I stand up reminded me that¡­

    I have the Gun.

    The whole area around me starts to turn silent. I could only hear the sound of my heavy heartbeats.

    I reach for the Gun on my waist. My breaths were heavy as I take it out from the holster.

    I face the beast and holds the gun in front of me with my two hands.

    The beast has finally found me, it stares at me down. It seems that it recognizes my ruby red eyes, its prey that escaped, one of the reasons why its tail has been cut off. Its face starts to get irritated.

    ¡°GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR¡­¡­.¡±

    The load growl makes my very bones shake in fear.

    I muster up the courage and point the tip of the barrel towards the monster. I tensed my arms as I braced for the recoil.

    The very fingers on the trigger is shaking with terror.

    Breaths we¡¯re the heaviest and loudest that they have ever been.

    Heart was pounding out of my chest.

    Eyes are squinted, taking aim.

    ¡°CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!¡±

    It pounces.

    BOOOOM!

    My whole body recoils as the gun shoots its bullet. A blinding light struck my eyes causing me to close it. The recoil almost knocked me off balance, it pushed me a few steps back. I was holding the gun above my head with my two hands. My ears were ringing from the loud sound.

    I¡¯m still standing.

    I open my eyes.

    The first thing I see is the monster¡¯s face that is now missing the top left quarter of it. Blood starts dripping from its huge open skull.

    All of the remaining adventurers was staring at me in awe as blood starts covering the gravel in where the monster¡¯s head lies.

 Volume 1, Chapter 4: Weapons and Stats

    I¡¯m carrying a huge lump of shining white rock. It¡¯s so bright, as bright as the sun but it doesn¡¯t radiate any light.

    It was still fairly early and I just got out of the wall. Only 10 minutes has passed since the events in the Manor¡¯s yard.

    While I¡¯m walking, my feet was wobbly and I could still visualize the traumatizing events that happened earlier. Thankfully, my nerves has calmed down and I¡¯m certain that I¡¯m level headed now

    As my eyes catch the glimmer of the huge energy stone I¡¯m carrying on my hands, I was reminded of the Nue that almost claimed my life.

    It¡¯s hard to believe such a huge monstrosity carries this reliable piece of energy.

    Just how exactly does the Dungeon work?

    Where does the energy crystals come from?

    Why does the monsters hold it within them?

    How was it even created?

    There¡¯s so much I don¡¯t know about the Dungeon and it makes me even more eager to explore it. Maybe Krissa knows some facts about the Dungeon, I should ask her if I have the chance.

    I stare at the huge crystal while my legs move me through the pavement of Main Street. Adventurers are moving to the Dungeon while vendors and shops are still open and serving customers.

    It¡¯s not that late anyway, I¡¯m more surprised at the fact that nobody was paying attention to an adventurer thats holding a huge crystal around a very busy area. I assume that they¡¯re already used to the sight of adventurers going out of the Dungeon with such huge amounts of loot. Nobody even dares to steal it from me, well it¡¯s kind of understandable that they won¡¯t. If I saw someone carrying a huge lump of energy crystal, I¡¯d expect that they¡¯re a very strong adventurer and wouldn¡¯t even consider going to their bad side. Stealing from a strong adventurer is a death wish.

    Speaking of strengths, I remember the mangled face of the monster earlier.

    I feel very satisfied with what happened earlier, even though about 10 adventurers died in the unfortunate event. Luckily, I was able to stop the rampaging beast or more casualties could have happened.

    I¡¯m still surprised though. The gun actually worked!

    I think I just used up all of my luck for the whole entire year. Somehow managing to shoot the monster right in the head despite the overwhelming pressure was a miracle.

    The gun¡¯s only load was spent. I didn¡¯t bring any extra gunpowder and bullets so I didn¡¯t bother reloading it.

    When I shot the monster in the head, every adventurer that could still move stopped on their tracks and looked at the source of the strong light and sound, which was me and my gun. After that, they quickly started heading to the breach leaving only me and the large monster carcass on the yard.

    I didn¡¯t know what to do, so I just took the crystal from the monster¡¯s body. It¡¯s a waste if I just left it there. I was the one that did kill it anyway.

    As for the other adventurer¡¯s that evacuated, I assume that they¡¯re already in the Wall¡¯s medical facilities, tending to their wounds. I still feel sympathy for them, a lot of lives was lost and those lives we¡¯re close to them.

    The life of the adventurers really is dangerous.

    I arrive inside the Guild headquarters.

    Even though I¡¯m holding a huge beautiful crystal, no one is batting me an eye.

    ¡°Some good loot ya got there!¡±

    An animal person complimented me while he was on his way out.

    It looks like it really is a normal occurrence fir adventurers if someone was carrying a large mass of pearl white, shining rock.

    I head towards the exchange booth so I could get my reward.

    The anticipation for how much qiils makes me enthusiastic. I could finally have some breathing room from my huge debts to the Guild.

    A brown sack the size of my small pack was dropped right in front of me. The loud ka-ching resonates in my ears as it drops to the booth¡¯s table.

    A smile of satisfaction forms in my lips, but I will never let greed get the best of me. I¡¯m simply proud of my accomplishment.

    ¡°10,000 qiils. Thank you for your service.¡±

    The Guild employee that gave me the sack bowed as he said the amount. Carrying the large crystal in his hands as he heads for the back door of the booth.

    10,000 qiils is half of my debt but I can¡¯t give this all to my debts. A third of this will go straight to Mrs. Hudson, I¡¯ll take about 2,000 of this for house supplied and weapon conditioning. That leaves me with 5,000 qiils left. Not bad, from a debt of 29,750 qiils, I now only have 24,750. Even though it doesn¡¯t seem much, thats still a huge step for someone like me that¡¯s struggling with income. If I was unfortunate enough and didn¡¯t get to slay that Nue, it would probably take me a month and a half to pay 5,000 off my debt.

    I grab the neck of the sack.

    I should probably head home for today before the whole place becomes crowded. I can head to the Dungeon again tomorrow.

    ¡°E-hem!¡­¡±

    I heard a painfully obvious cough behind me. I turn around and Krissa was there.

    Her expression was different from her everyday composed and calm looks.

    The eyebrows on her forehead was furrowed and her lips was turned to a frown. The purple pupils of her eyes was looking at me with a disappointed look. She was still in her Guild uniform and she was looking at me like I did something wrong.

    She raises her right eyebrow at me, she seems to be waiting for me to explain something.

    I clearly have no idea¡­

    ¡°You know, I heard that if a woman keeps scowling, the wrinkles will stay on her face.¡±

    ¡°Meeting room, now.¡±

    Her tone was scary. Mixed with those looks, she was scarier than the Nue.

    She starts walking to the booth without even batting an eye at me. The loud angry steps of her heels was the only thing I could hear despite the busy atmosphere of the Guild.

    I couldn¡¯t do anything but follow her order.

    We were inside the confines of the small room. It was fairly lit by an energy crystal powered lamp on the center of the ceiling. Wooden table surrounded by four wooden chairs, 2 on each side, sits in the middle of the room. The sounds from the inside was being blocked because it was sound proof. Not even a yell could enter or escape the corners of the four walls.

    I was here just 2 days ago with the Paragon faction when the negotiation for a compensation failed.

    We sat down on the opposite ends of the table.

    Krissa has her arms crossed while glaring at me with a disappointed look. I was only confused as to what did I do wrong to her to be so mad at me.

    ¡°Where did the large crystal come from?¡±

    Her tongue was sharp and her eyes wasn¡¯t blinking. She was directly looking at me full of disappointment. The furrow on her eyebrows wasn¡¯t going anywhere.

    ¡°Well¡­ do you remember the Nue that almost killed me?¡±

    ¡°¡­?¡± She raises her eyebrow at me, her look was completely telling me ¡®what was the reason why I¡¯m bringing that thing up.¡¯

    ¡°It came from that.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Her eyebrows furrowed even more. Her eyes started to squint at me behind the thin rims of her glasses. Her lips starts to leave a small gap while she mouths the word ¡®what¡¯ while she was lightly shaking her head in confusion. She looks like she was replaying the words I¡¯ve said over and over again in her head.

    ¡°Well¡­I was about to go inside the Dungeon. When I got to the door, the Nue appeared an¡ª¡±

    ¡°Ash¨¦, can you show me the top of your hand?¡±

    I unconsciously placed my left hand under my chin while I was recollecting the events that happened about 45 minutes ago.

    She looks like she caught a glimpse of something that shouldn¡¯t be there. Her eyes was wide with surprise while it was staring at the hand on my chin.

    I draw my hand in front of me and saw a black symbol that is marked on my skin .

    A simple looking ¡Þ was on the top of my hand.

    It¡¯s a symbol that I¡¯ve never seen in my whole entire life. More so, how did it even get there in the first place?

    ¡°Ash¨¦¡­ did you really kill that Nue?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    She was still looking at the symbol at my hand, her expression was completely perplexed and I¡¯m even more confused at the nature of the odd symbol in my hand.

    ¡°Miss Krissa.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡­¡±

    She replies to me without even batting me an eye. Her gaze was completely fixed at the symbol.

    ¡°Do you know anything about this?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Ash¨¦.¡±

    She slowly lifts her head and looks directly at my ruby red eyes. Her expression was mixed with confusion and doubt.

    ¡°Did you put this mark on your hand?¡±

    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t there this morning before I got to the Dungeon. I only noticed it now.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She averts her gaze down to her side. She starts biting the tip of her thumb.

    I¡¯m certain that she knows something about it. Just from her looks and reactions alone, it¡¯s very obvious.

    ¡°Ash¨¦¡­ Congratulations. You have now reached level-2.¡±

    She flashes me a vexed smile from her lips.

    I couldn¡¯t believe my ears.

    Being level-2 means I¡¯m already 50% above the other adventurers in the whole of Agartha. Half of the adventurers in the city are stuck in level-1. Most of them we¡¯re stuck there for 10 or more years. The fastest level up that was ever recorded was 2 years by the Sword Princess and the War Princess, whom I have never met. Krissa mentioned all of these to me when she was briefing me about being an adventurer for the very first time.

    I¡¯m still clueless as to how this phenomena happens among adventurers, how come some adventurers take only 2 years but some takes up to 10 or even not at all?

    ¡°This is the mark of a second level adventurer. It will only appear when you¡¯ve reached that stage. It will now stay with you forever. The mark signifies your innermost self, like smiths having the symbol of the forge, or archers having the symbol of a bow and arrow. Most marks are identifiable just by looking at them but in your case, I don¡¯t think I have ever seen that mark. A lot of adventurers have fairly similar marks from each other, like same symbols but different colours or a slight variation from each other. Marks of family members that share the same interests and bonds will always be identical. Your¡¯s seems to be pretty unique.¡±

    If this mark signifies my innermost self, then what does it mean?

    I remain fixated at my hand, how come the mark that is supposed to represent my ¡®innermost self¡¯ shows something I haven¡¯t even seen in my whole entire life.

    ¡°Ms. Krissa, how does someone level-up?¡±

    ¡°Well, to put it simply. You¡¯ve accumulated too much experience that your body could handle so it reaches the next stage of your form as fast as it could.¡±

    ¡°Then what about the adventurer¡¯s that go to the Dungeon every day? How come most of them take years to level-up even though they¡¯re always slaying monsters?¡±

    ¡°The guild still hasn¡¯t come up with a reasonable explanation on how to acquire enough experience but most adventurers leveled-up because they defeated a monster that are stronger than them. This could be accomplished by forming dungeon parties, the accumulation of the different strengths of adventurers and covering each other¡¯s weaknesses was enough for them to slay what one cannot.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    ¡°But in your case¡­ You¡¯re the first one to ever have done such a feat. Slaying a large category, level-4 monster on your own, a level-1 adventurer. I can¡¯t even imagine the amount of experience you gathered just from slaying that Nue. You¡¯re the first adventurer to reach Level-2 in 4 days.¡±

    4 days¡­

    I can¡¯t even fathom the amount of controversy when word comes out that an adventurer has accomplished something record breaking. The length of the fastest level-up from 1 to 2 was in a span of 2 years and I did it under 4 days.

    ¡°It¡¯s against the Guild¡¯s rules to ask an adventurer¡¯s methods on leveling up. There¡¯s proof that you¡¯re strong enough to be level-2 just from the energy crystal you were carrying earlier but I still need to inform the Guild of your deed.¡±

    I remember that Krissa has registered me as an adventurer in the Guild. I was the only adventurer that was not part in any factions.

    Every faction has to report to the Guild about the updates of their adventurers. For example, if one faction has an adventurer that leveled-up they have to inform the Guild and the Guild will post a weekly update on the bulletin in the headquarters and the Wall about the adventurers that reached the next stage of their level.

    This makes it so that the community is well-managed and the strength of the factions is always known by the public.

    A stronger faction has more responsibilities in the city, like having a higher tax-rate or participating in war against other cities that is attacking Agartha.

    It also makes the citizen¡¯s well aware of the strengths of the people that is living inside the city walls.

    Other than that, everything else is kept a secret by the faction. How they level-up, their training, their dungeon hours are all the faction¡¯s business and the Guild has no right to ask how they live their lives.

    Being exposed to the whole city as a record breaker makes me anxious but then again, they¡¯ll try to avoid me as much as possible because they don¡¯t know what I¡¯m really capable of.

    I can imagine people already starting to raise their eyebrows at me.

    So much for lying low¡­

    ¡°Oh... and if you focus on the mark on your hand, you¡¯ll be able to see your stats. Only you can see it.¡±

    I focus on the symbol on my hand and a light starts appearing from the edges of it. A blanket of word¡¯s starts to appear from the light that is being emitted from my hand.

    <table>

    <tbody>

    <tr>

    <td width="389">

    ASH¨¨ KROW

    Level - 2

    Strength: -790 Defense:-832 Agility: -633 Dexterity: -296 Magic: -999

    Abilities:

    Skills:

    </td>

    </tr>

    </tbody>

    </table>

    ¡°Did you see your stats? The stats consists of five different categories, the lowest is 0 and the highest is 999. Theres also a list of your abilities and strengths but I¡¯m pretty sure thats blank at the moment.¡±

    The lowest is 0?¡­

    ¡°Ms. Krissa, how come all of my stats are at negative?¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°Hey, you heard about the Sword Princess?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she turned level-6 today. Didn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I saw her when she just got home this morning. She was bleeding like hell, with cuts and bruises and all that.¡±

    ¡°Mad, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I heard she spent three days in the Dungeon.¡±

    ¡°Damn, is she crazy for power or something?¡±

    ¡°Like father, like daughter. I guess.¡±

    An animal person and a human are exchanging words in light conversation.

    An emblem could be seen on the arm of their light armour. An emblem that is easily recognized in Agartha.

    A 5-sided shape outlined in red.

    They are adventurers from one of the strongest factions in the City¡ª The Paragon faction

    As their conversation continues, they walk along the solid ground covered in red carpet inside of their faction¡¯s home.

    The Paragon Castle was barely the same size as the Manor of the Dungeon. The main motif of the whole faction is a combination of red and gold, military and royalty.

    The whole faction¡¯s presence was eminent in the city. They are one of the factions that has the strongest military power. They are home to more than a hundred of well-trained and devoted adventurers. Before, the members of the factions only ranged from level-1 to level-5. But as of this morning, their strongest member, the Sword Princess, has reached level-6 after dwelling in the Dungeon for 3 days without returning.

    ¡°Hey, d¡¯you see that?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, is that¡­ Osiric?¡±

    In the midst of their conversation, they have recognized the familiar looking man that was running opposite to their direction.

    The black pupils in his eyes are tiny but his eyelids are wide open. The red hair that covers the top of his head was unkempt, it was looking similar to a bloodied mop. Because of his running, his breaths are ragged.

    His pace implies that he has an urgent manner to attend to. He was heading towards the study of the leader of their faction.

    ¡°Whats up with him?¡­¡±

    ¡°Beats me.¡±

    As the hurrying Osiric passes by them, they were puzzled because of the unusual appearance of their comrade.

    He was always a well-composed individual. Seeing him in such a dreadful state makes the two question the reason behind his rush.

    The restless Osiric never decreases his speed as he reaches the fancy door to the study.

    He busts open through the door and sees their magnificent leader on his study table.

    The face that is a mix of royalty and bravery, akin to a warrior king, was facing the surface of the desk while he was holding a feather quill. He was writing something on a piece of paper.

    The sudden noise of Osiric busting through his doors did not startle him, It did not even make him look up from his desk. He was still composed and did not stop writing on the sheet of paper.

    Osiric was standing on the frame of the door, gasping every air in the room.

    ¡°My gasp! Lord! gasp!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    His lordship was still writing, ignoring the poor Osiric that was slouched and leaning his arm on the door frame. He was still making an effort to catch all of his breath.

    Finally, he realized his attitude towards his leader. He stands up straight and fixed his composure, standing straight and clearing his throat.

    ¡°My Lord¡­ Lyeon and Mord has fallen in battle.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°They we¡¯re killed by¡ª¡±

    ¡°Speak your purpose, you idiot.¡±

    The frightening eyes and the thunderous voice of his leader rattles the very bones of Osiric, but he didn¡¯t cower. It was painfully clear that the heartless leader didn¡¯t care about the condition of his troops. Another dead soldier is one less mouth to feed. Those that fall in the heart of battle did not deserve the sympathy of the warlord.

    ¡°The Nue that almost killed Ash¨¦ Krow was killed by himself.¡±

    The eyes of Lupin Black squinted into a suspicious glare. His temperament quickly turned to irritation as the man in front of him has mentioned something so impossible.

    ¡°Are you a complete imbecile? Are you trying to fool me?¡±

    The voice grows irritated each passing second. The temper of his lordship grows with furry.

    ¡°No my lord, please hear me out¡­¡±

    Osiric was starting to cower with fear but he was still standing straight with composure, showing that he is capable and strong. He was afraid of the power of the leader of the Paragon faction. His actions might cost him his head, he thinks his words carefully.

    ¡°He most likely will level-up, I¡¯ll provide the news tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°How did he fell the beast?¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure my lord but he was pointing something towards the monster, then it emitted an ear-splitting sound and blinded my eyes with a bright flash. After that, the Nue¡¯s face was torn in half.¡±

    Lupin Black deeply inhales as he leans back to his chair while he listens to his subordinate¡¯s words. He closes his eyes and starts to think deeply.

    There was no absolute reason for Osiric to lie, he had nothing to gain and would only risk his life.

    As for Osiric¡¯s words, the only conclusion that Lupin could muster is magic. Magic would be the only reason for him to kill a strong beast 3-levels above his.

    Osiric was standing patiently in front of the close eyed warlord. Awaiting for his response while his heart beats rapidly, he couldn¡¯t imagine what will his leader say with such a vague answer.

    ¡°Investigate this matter, return to me tomorrow with a copy of the guild¡¯s post. If this was a lie, you know the consequences.¡±

    ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡±

    ¡°Dismissed.¡±

    Osiric gives a light bow to the strong presence of Lupin. The composure of a soldier does not leave him while he walks towards the exit.

    While Osiric was heading out of the open door of the study, a feminine figure was heading inside.

    Osiric did not try to look at the glimpse of the beautiful lady. His vision was straight to the exit.

    ¡°Father, I have returned.¡±

    The beautiful visage was covered with few patches on her faces and arms. Her long brown hair was free on her back. Even though she has numerous scars covering her, she was still as enchanting as she was before.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    But the warmness and beauty of the princess looking warrior was not enough to soften her own father¡¯s iron heart. Her father¡¯s eyes just glared at her unamused, he didn¡¯t even let out even a single congratulatory word for her daughter that just achieved an impressive feat.

    ¡°Leave my face.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She already expected the words that will reach her ears. But even though, it still stung her heart. She was fulfilling her father¡¯s wishes of being the strongest adventurer, but not even the slightest appreciation could be seen from the daunting character.

    ¡°Mother would¡¯ve been happy to see me reach this stage¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­!¡±

    As the words flowed from her lips, Lupin was surprised as if someone plucked the wrong string in his cold heart. His once expressionless face turned into a monstrous scowl. The wrinkles of his face was now more etched than before while his fingers clenched right in front of him.

    He stands up, his face was dark and fearful. But, the Sword Princess confronted him without even the slightest tinge of fear.

    His large stature approaches, shadowing the feminine figure.

    His eyes were inflamed as he stares the eyes of her own daughter, not seeing her as his own family member.

    Yerin was only staring back at him, her head held high and not wavering over the toxic masculinity that is encompassing the whole study.

    He jabs at the beautiful face of the woman with full force, forcing her to fall rear first to the ground, leaving a red imprint of his fist in the symmetrical shape of her beauty.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Her bottom lip starts to bleed, she was not able to react let alone dodge the blow even though she was at level-6.

    Lupin Black is also a level-6 top class adventurer.

    The man¡¯s fist was still curled into a huge muscular mass while Yerin starts at him from the ground, not as a father but as a monster.

    A sole of a shoe follows up to her face, forcing her to fall back to the ground. Blood starts to drip from her nostrils.

    She struggles to get back up, the wounds that was still on her face was burning. She was still not in her prime after her expedition in the Dungeon.

    Yerin stays in the ground, writing in pain while her very own father stares at her in disgust.

    ¡°Is this what you call a level-6 adventurer?¡±

    The booming voice filled with disgust reverberates through the study. He leans in closer to the helpless body lying on the floor.

    Grabbing both of her cheeks with one hand. He nears in against her face and stares directly on her eyes. He angrily spouts at her.

    ¡°You think your mother will be proud of you in this state?¡ª Huh? You can¡¯t even stand up.¡±

    He shoves the face to the floor without breaking eye contact and walks away from her towards the exit.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ever mention your mother in my face.¡±

    <hr>

    As the afternoon turns to dusk, the sun sets itself.

    The gentle orange light covers the exterior wall of the city. So are the pavements and buildings of each street bounces of the orange illumination of the sun from their surfaces.

    During this time, the brave adventurers of Agartha are erupting from the other side of the wall.

    As per usual, after a busy day in the Dungeon, lives are lost and glory is gained. This is the ecosystem of the Dungeon. Everyone will go home with or without something.

    I was supposed to head to the Dungeon today, but that Nue appeared.

    Hopefully those that lost their lives earlier are given a proper burial but I think their bodies are too mangled to do such.

    Some of those adventurers are losing whole limbs, I think even one of them was missing a head and was nowhere to be found. Probably in the dead monster¡¯s belly.

    Tomorrow is the weekly post of the Guild about the recent adventurers that just achieved a level-up. I¡¯m expecting that the spotlight will shine on me directly and people will speculate my unusual achievement.

    I better expect the worst.

    Whole factions will target my head just to know my secret. Every single adventurer has a desire to become powerful the fastest way possible.

    The problem is, even though I¡¯m at level-2. My stats are level-1.

    Krissa couldn¡¯t even tell me how my stats were at negative. I was the first to ever acquire a negative stats. On top of that, all of them are negative.

    To increase a stat, one must use techniques or moves that will exercise that stat.

    For example, to increase the strength stat: you must use your strength like attacking enemies.

    Blocking, receiving, or parrying attacks will net you defensive stats.

    Doing a lot of dodging from enemy attacks will increase your agility stat. These are only a few examples.

    The Dungeon isn¡¯t the only way to increase stats, some prefer to train in their faction houses or sometimes alone in a secluded mountain.

    The fact that I didn¡¯t do any of these trainings is the reason why all my stats are at negative.

    I only pulled a trigger on a monster.

    I didn¡¯t go to the Dungeon everyday and slew monsters.

    I didn¡¯t wake up everyday to lift weights to increase my strength.

    I didn¡¯t stretch my self to become more agile.

    I didn¡¯t study books to increase my intelligence in magic.

    I just made a strong weapon and pulled its trigger.

    I am a level-2 adventurer. But the weakest level-2 adventurer in the whole world.

    The frustration is just killing me, the reason I made such a weapon is to help me explore the Dungeon but without it, I¡¯m just an ordinary person.

    Nothing special, nothing strong, nothing unbelievable.

    I am an adventurer. If this gun is holding me back, then I shouldn¡¯t use it at all.

    It¡¯s starting to get dark. The many adventurers that got back from the Dungeon are doing their daily routine. After the Dungeon, straight to the pubs.

    The early moon was up in the sky, but the colour surrounding it is still dyed in an orange hue. The sun¡¯s light was still visible but the early stars are starting to take over.

    Well, I¡¯m already outside.

    I start heading towards East Exit. The familiar exit near the apartment complex. It¡¯s funny that it¡¯s just been 3 days since I first discovered that red tree, I¡¯m curious to see how it is. I just hope there¡¯s no landbears around.

    The familiar city guard was still standing on the iron bar gate. He¡¯s leaning with his spear on the entrance wall, looking bored. So bored that he has his arms crossed and he¡¯s looking at his nails.

    I must say, he must be very hygienic.

    I pity him. Everyone is having fun dying in the Dungeon but he¡¯s just sitting there going along with whatever boring duties he has due.

    ¡°Greetings, how are we this fine evening?¡±

    I come up to him with a friendly approach, slightly waving my hand and giving an amiable smile. I do hope that he still remembers me.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡±

    I¡¯m sure he noticed my presence just now, but he¡¯s deliberately ignoring me. His eyes were still fixated on his fingers, the same aloof expression is hanging on his face.

    ¡°E-hem¡±

    ¡°Look I¡¯m not allowed to¡ª!!¡±

    He stops mid-sentence and looks at me in surprise from head to toe. His jaw was hanging low and his eyelids are shot open but the pupils in his eyes were tiny. He looks like he has seen a ghost.

    ¡°Y-you!¡±

    ¡°M-me?¡±

    ¡°How are you still alive?!¡±

    ¡°¡­Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you getting tea leaves from Mrs. Hudson?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m here to head outside again.¡±

    ¡°Wh-What?! Everyone thats trying to get those leaves died except for you!¡±

    ¡°Those damned landbears huh?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re a pain to drive out of the city¡­ Wait¡­ you shall not pass this gate!¡±

    ¡°Oh come on, I¡¯ll be out for just a jiff.¡±

    ¡°None shall pass without an exit pass.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯ll just go and call a little Mrs. Hudson I know¡­¡±

    ¡°O-oh, uh¡­ did I say anything about no one can exit without a pass?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Haha! Look¡¯s pretty good for a walk ain¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°It sure is, my fine man.¡±

    He smiles at me awkwardly, a drip of sweat was coming down from his temple. I flash a smile back at him.

    ¡°Let me just get this gate right here¡­ Yeah.¡±

    He starts pulling on the handle of the crank lever attached to a rope that serves as a lock mechanism for the city wall¡¯s gate.

    He awkwardly smiles at me while he gestures me with his hands that the exit is now open, free for me to leave.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay right here alright? You give me a shout if you¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°You have my gratitude, fine sir.¡±

    The iron bars slam behind me as I step into the open field.

    Alas, the orange has turned to dark. The peeking eyes of the stars on the sky twinkles as it bounces to my eyes. The moonlight was touching every surface of the open field including my face. The serene feeling of the evening wind was stroking the flourishing trees, creating a tranquil sound that would make everyone¡¯s heart at peace. Each step I take was producing the sound of rustling grass.

    It was such an appeasing moment, to be in the open field and whiff the brilliant air that flows from north to south.

    Letting my guard down wouldn¡¯t be that dangerous. This placid environment would make the landbears lay on the grass and sleep.

    I almost forgot the reason why I went outside, The Red Tree.

    If you were to observe the peacefulness of the field, the first thing that your eyes will come across is the burning red tree with the ash-white trunk.

    It stands out from the littering trees that populates the calm fields. The fiery look of its bushes doesn¡¯t fit the setting, instead, it has its own beauty to exhibit.

    Little did people know that the tree was deadly when caught by the own blaze it imitates.

    What strikes me unusual is not the amazing display of the odd-tree, but the out of place silhouette that was sitting on the patches of grass. The figure has never been there the first time I visited the tree. The figure was arguably human at first glance, but I¡¯m certain that it doesn¡¯t mean harm.

    The winds outside are a different take from the inside of the metropolitan city. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised that some people would like to take a break from all the business and just breath and hear the gentleness of the fields.

    With all the time in the world, I lightly took my steps forward the red tree.

    As I close in the gap between me and the figure, we both start to recognize the familiarity between the two of us.

    We¡¯ve met each other.

    Her brown hair wasn¡¯t tied unlike the first time I laid my eyes on her. I could still remember the faint glimmer of her blue eyes, like the morning sky just earlier. Her perfectly symmetrical, well-defined face is easy to recognize by any adventurer in the whole of Agartha.

    The person in front of me is Yerin Black, the Sword Princess.

    Our eyes have met. My thoughts starts to recollect the events from the last few days.

    Her beauty was like no other, but surprisingly, numerous scars were covering the lot of her face. Black spots were covering her left cheek,.

    Is that a boot mark on her face?

    The strength that was once beaming from her character was replaced with gloom.

    Her expression was dark and sad. A word that fits her current state was depressed.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    We stare at each other, surprisingly, there wasn¡¯t a hint of awkwardness in the air. It was just me and her acknowledging each other¡¯s presence under the serene beam of the moonlight and stars.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She looks away from me and towards the beaming moon. Her very blue eyes was reflecting the crescent white. Her steady breaths made her look like she was staying still. It was a beautiful sight to be seen; a beautiful lady being illuminated by the dazzling moon.

    ¡°¡­ Ms. Black.¡±

    Her eyes went back to me, but her lips were sealed tight and her gaze was only showing an expressionless state. She¡¯s showing no signs of making light conversation, she only intends to listen but it doesn¡¯t feel like she wants to be left alone.

    ¡°It looks like you¡¯re being through a lot right now¡­ and so am I. I just turned into level-2 today.¡±

    ¡°..?¡±

    ¡°Some of your scars doesn¡¯t show that it¡¯s been done by a monster. You¡¯re one of the most remarkable adventurers in the City. The intention of committing physical abuse to you is for the suicidal¡­ Except if they¡¯re someone in high authority than you. Some of those are from your father, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°..!¡±

    ¡°I have no intention in meddling with the events in your life, but hear my words. Follow the screams of your heart but always direct with your mind.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I arrived in this city without knowing anything about my past. I made it to level-2 because of this.¡±

    I take the hefty weapon from its holster.

    The barrel of the gun reflects the very light the moon shines on it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what will happen to me in the city. I don¡¯t know anything about the Dungeon and I went there, almost killing myself. Only to be saved by you.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thankful for the deed you¡¯ve done and I owe you my life. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s your fathers goal with you, but intuition tells me that he¡¯s pushing you to be stronger. He wants you to rid of any emotions that wouldn¡¯t turn you into the fierce warrior he wants you to be.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only telling you to do what your very heart desires, but to always guide it with your mind. If I know anything, it would be that what makes someone a warrior is their emotion.¡±

    ¡°My mother¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡±

    ¡°There was a great war in the City, 10 years ago. I was only 7 years old at that time. The City was invaded by the ones who call themselves the Marauders. They practiced a combination of curse and witchcraft magic to infuse their own blood with monsters. Giving them the ability to tame them and use them in battle. The attack was done from the very heart of the city. Nobody noticed the evil brewing from the very bowels of Agartha.

    ¡­

    Mother died in that war.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°It was one of the reasons why my father is obsessed of taking charge of the city. He wants revenge. The Marauders are still out there. They escaped when their forces was starting to be defeated by the adventurers but a third of Agartha¡¯s population was claimed in the battle. This includes both the Marauders and the citizens themselves.

    ¡­

    I want to avenge mother too, I want to become stronger¡­ no, the strongest.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    I stand there in silence, I¡¯m lost for words.

    A struggling daughter under the corrupted retribution of her own father because of the death of her mother.

    I don¡¯t have anything else to say¡­

    I bring my body near the tree and sat on the opposite side of the trunk from her.

    Our faces could not make contact, we were both facing separate direction, divided by a tree in the middle.

    ¡°Thank you, by the way.¡±

    ¡°hm¡­?¡±

    ¡°I never really thanked you properly for saving my life.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°Why not make your own faction?¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    ¡°Your own faction, without your father. The Sword Princess, leading an army of adventurers against the Marauders.¡±

    ¡°My¡­own¡­faction?¡±

    ¡°Yes, lets see¡­ Sword faction? Blade faction?¡­ or maybe the Princess Faction?..¡±

    ¡°Chuckle¡­ The Princess Faction?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, It could be the first ever all-female faction in Agartha.¡±

    ¡°I never even wanted to be called the Sword Princess.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, people just started calling me that because I started holding a sword when I was 4.¡±

    ¡°You must be pretty sharp I guess.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re terrible¡­¡±

    I can only imagine the look on her face right now. She must be pretty disappointed.

    I hear the patches of grass starting to rustle, she seems to be standing up.

    ¡°I must take my leave. Goodbye¡­¡±

    ¡°Already?¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t make that horrible pun, maybe I would¡¯ve considered staying a little longer.¡±

    Without seeing her face, her light steps on the grass was slightly fading away to the distance.

    I was left alone, with only the moon, stars, and wind accompanying my senses while I look up to the heavens.

    <hr>

    Morning light has crept on the soil where the large city stands.

    The usual scene unfolds; busy streets, open shops, and a gloomy dungeon.

    Ash¨¦ was still outside the wall.

    The shining moon and glittering stars that was once covering him was now replaced with the bright sun and the blue sky.

    It was early spring, the refreshing morning wind invigorates the spirits of every living thing outside the activity that bustles inside of Agartha¡¯s walls.

    His body was resting on the patches of grass that are now covered in morning dew. Eyes shut in a slumber state.

    After Yerin departed, he spent the night staring at the symbol in his hand. He kept looking at the inconceivable stats that he possesses.

    For the whole night, the only question that was pestering his mind was how will he improve.

    Even though he would brainstorm different solutions on how is he going to push all his stats above zero, he can come up with only one answer:

    I can only do what all of the other adventurers has done.

    There is no easy way out of his situation. It requires labour to improve ones stats and that is what he is exactly doing.

    After the evening filled with resolute, he eventually dozes off under the serene atmosphere.

    The eyelids that was covering his eyes slowly rose up. He has finally woken up.

    His eyes was still conscious about the symbol on his left hand and the information that it could produce.

    He clenches his hand into a fist and looks at the unique mark with determination.

    Slowly standing up, he breathes in the fresh air of the cool spring winds.

    While he is approaching the city walls entrance, the sound of rustling grass could be heard when his light steps was making contact with the ground.

    ¡°Oy! Mr. Guard! I¡¯m outside.¡±

    A few seconds has passed, there was no reply except for a short grunt of someone waking up.

    From the very top of the city wall, a head peaks from above Ash¨¦. Because of the distance, in Ash¨¦¡¯s eyes, the familiar head looks like the size of a pebble.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you! You¡¯re one crazy kid, you know that?¡±

    The distant voice was barely audible because of the huge gap between the two.

    Even though the Guard¡¯s facial features could not be recognized because of the sheer distance between him and Ash¨¦, it was obvious that he was more impressed than surprised seeing Ash¨¦ still alive.

    Spending the whole night outside the city walls without shelter is very commendable.

    After a minute, the Guard finally got down from the top of the wall and is opening the city gate, eventually letting Ash¨¦ in.

    ¡°Took you long, you find anything good out there?¡±

    The Guard was wearing a friendly face, exuding a relaxed aura. It was not as hostile as last evening

    ¡°Not really, I dozed off in that red tree there¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah? They say that tree was cursed.¡±

    ¡°¡­Cursed?¡±

    Ash¨¦ is bewildered by the Guard¡¯s hearsay.

    One of his eyebrows raised and his lips slightly opened, gesturing the Guard to tell more about the rumor.

    ¡°Yeah. A famous botanist planted that 12 years ago, I heard that some people still see him around.¡±

    ¡°Why do they say that it¡¯s cursed?¡±

    ¡°Well, some people wanted to chop that down, it¡¯s white trunk would look good as a piece of furniture you know. When people try striking it down with an axe it just exploded.¡±

    Ash¨¦ was nodding in agreement, he was not surprised from the reason of the rumors because he too has experienced such things. Just from the leaves itself, setting it on fire results in a catastrophic explosion. Its very fortunate that it doesn¡¯t explode by plucking or crushing its leaves, or else, he would be dead by now.

    ¡°I see, well then. Thank you for looking out for me.¡±

    ¡°No problem, stop by anytime.¡±

    After Ash¨¦ gave a small wave as farewell, the Guard replied with a slight nod.

    He was once again stepping on the stone pavement roads of East Main, heading towards Hudson Street that is just around the corner.

    The buzzing sounds of street vendors captivating the passing citizens to buy their products are the usual sights. Different races; different colours, ears, shapes, and sizes could be seen in every direction you face. The thousand sounds of footsteps from the people could be heard. Also, a trotting horse while it carries a carriage on its back are seen in different intervals of each street. For just a small street, you could feel the massive scale of the city. A tourist would be overwhelmed by the amount of people.

    The city is so huge that its very easy to get lost inside it, you could say that its a labyrinth itself.

    The most impressive characteristic that the City possesses is its multicultural aspects.

    Some races have skills or traits that other races could not possess, hence, this is a reason for two different races to cooperate. The people of Agartha may look different, but the bonds that the factions make is as solid as its outer wall.

    Ash¨¦ was walking down Hudson Street, it was still early morning and the adventurers are only getting ready to buy their supplies for a day of exploring the Dungeon.

    He stopped right in front of the Apartment Complex. His hand was resting on top of the doorknob. He was not moving, the hand was only resting on top, it was not turning.

    He was in the middle of his thoughts, currently contemplating about his current case about his stats.

    Currently, he has 500 qiils in his pocket. Enough for two low-level healing potions and change to spare for a meal.

    The gun sheathed on his belt is currently out of ammunition.

    The only thing he has is the dagger and the light armour that the Guild has issued him with a loan.

    There was nothing he could bring anything else inside his apartment that could help him in the Dungeon. Bringing ammunition for the gun will only hold his stats back.

    Finally, he has come up with a decision.

    From now on, the gun must not be used. It is to be kept.

    A weapon that could completely annihilate a high-level monster even if its only used by a mere level-1 adventurer is an amazing premise, but the drawback of losing stats and abilities makes the adventurer without the gun useless.

    Even if a low-level adventurer has the gun, they would still perish if they were completely overwhelmed by monsters.

    The gun is still in its prototype stages, it is not suited for head to head battle under the endless barrage of monsters in the Dungeon.

    Ash¨¦ turns away from the door and starts walking north, towards the Wall.

    <hr>

    ¡°My lord, here is the Guild¡¯s weekly post.¡±

    Osiric was, once again, inside the study of his leader, Lupin Black, that was sitting against the study table in the large fancily decorated room.

    He was only fulfilling the promise he has made yesterday.

    After witnessing Ash¨¦ exterminate a high-level large category monster, Osiric went straight to Lupin Black and reported about the unusual feat.

    Lupin takes the paper from Osiric¡¯s outstretched hand.

    The contents of the page consists of a perfectly sketched picture of Ash¨¦ Krow. Next to it was only a few words written:

    Ash¨¦ Krow

    Level-2

    4 days

    The hand that was holding the paper starts to clench. The sound of the sheet as it crumples gradually louden.

    Lupin¡¯s face was clearly displaying displeasure. His eyebrows were slightly arching and his eyes has a tint of envy as he looks at the boy¡¯s sketched face.

    He slowly lets the paper down on the top of the table and reclines slowly on his soft chair. He rests his elbows on the arms and joins the edges of his fingers from both hands. Lupin closes his eyes and takes a single, deep breath. He reopens his eyelids.

    ¡°Osiric, keep an eye on this boy. I want a detailed report on how he operates¡±

    ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡±

    Osiric was standing straight in front of the eyes of his leader. He was well composed and directly making eye contact with Lupin¡¯s tenacious stare.

    ¡°I expect a report next week. Leave, now.¡±

    Osiric gave a small, proper bow to the dominating presence. He turns his heels and walks straight to the door.

    Ash¨¦¡¯s name is really here.

    The Wall was buzzing with chatter and surprise. The cause of the uproar was because of the Guild¡¯s recent post: a sudden nobody has climbed the stairwell of adventure to the next level in just 4 days.

    Everyone is staring at the sheet of paper posted on the huge bulletin in disbelief, Including the Sword Princess that was in the front row of the crowd that is surrounding the bulletin.

    The face of the young man was clear for everyone to see. More people are attracted t look at the news because of the massive amount of adventurers that has gathered in front of the bulletin.

    Even the store owners, guards, and guild members that are situated in the Wall are leaving their posts just to catch a glimpse of the one name next to a portrait on the bulletin.

    Ash¨¦ Krow

    Level-2

    4 days.

    ¡°4 days eh? The Guild must be shittin¡¯ us!¡±

    ¡°I know right, that¡¯s just impossible.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see it to believe it, that boy should have a mark on his hand.¡±

    ¡°Exactly, anybody here knows where he is?¡±

    ¡°I heard he lives with Mrs. Hudson¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, shit¡­never mind searching for him then.¡±

    In the midst of the constant chattering of the adventurers, Yerin is staring at the sheet on the bulletin, perplexed by the young man that came out of nowhere and now was the talk of the town by accomplishing such an unbelievable achievement.

    She too was doubting the legitimacy of the Guild¡¯s post, but there was no reason that she could think of why the Guild would lie.

    Everyone was thinking of the same thing.

    How?

    Slow footsteps were emerging from the Wall¡¯s entrance.

    The noise from the crowd of adventurers was slowly dying down.

    The sight of a dark haired boy and his ruby red eyes enters their eyes.

    Ash¨¦ was slightly taken aback by the overwhelming pairs of eyes that was looking at him from all directions.

    He expected that a lot of adventurers will recognize him, but not this many.

    Whispers were starting to reverberate through the whole reception room, filling the gap of silence that just resonated.

    ¡°That ¡®Im?¡±

    ¡°He don¡¯t look so strong.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s kinda cute though.¡±

    ¡°He really does have a mark. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen that one.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just mad.¡±

    ¡°How the hell did he pull it off?¡±

    From whispers to full blown chatters.

    Everyone was talking about Ash¨¦, but he didn¡¯t want any of these. He just wanted to go to the Dungeon today and improve himself. The impressed eyes that was centering on him are all believing a lie, and Ash¨¦ is not proud of that, he was only growing more frustrated with the lack of stats he has.

    ¡°Ash¨¦¡­¡±

    A strong commanding voice stood out and catches the attention of the whole crowd, everyone¡¯s eyes are now on the source of the strong feminine voice, the Sword Princess.

    ¡°Ohhh¡­ That her girlfriend right?¡±

    ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re gonna get us cut!¡±

    ¡°Ahw, she must be jealous. Getting her record broken and all.¡±

    ¡°¡¯We¡¯re about to see a battle right here.¡±

    Tension was slowly creeping up in the atmosphere between the two adventurers.

    Yerin was slowly approaching Ash¨¦. Both of their faces was locked at each other, both straight and unfazed.

    The sound of a withdrawing sword could be heard through the whispers. Everyone fell silent from the sound.

    A silver blade that is glinting because of the sun has been drawn from the Sword Princess¡¯s belt and was pointing towards the ground.

    ¡°Follow me.¡±

    She says with an unwavering gaze towards Ash¨¦, but Ash¨¦ was returning the same gaze to her.

    ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t take autographs.¡±

    The young man said nonchalantly. He was standing straight in front of the whole crowd. His face was clearly expressing that he was not interested.

    The whole crowd was taken aback by his sudden quip. Everyone¡¯s eyes were shot open when Ash¨¦¡¯s retort reached their ears.

    ¡°Oh man, this guy is gonna get cut.¡±

    ¡°Hell lose a limb for sure.¡±

    Whispers starts breaking out from the crowd.

    The Sword Princess was still holding her sword, pointing at the ground. She is wearing the same demeanor as Ash¨¦ and she was not offended by the disrespecting retort.

    ¡°Anyone else that follows should expect to lose a limb.¡±

    She starts to walk towards the entrance, passing Ash¨¦. Her sword was still withdrawn and was pointing at the ground. The radiant morning light was now shining on her as she passes through the tall frame of the Wall¡¯s entrance. Only her back could be seen from all of the adventurer¡¯s perspective.

    Ash¨¦ slowly turn around and obeys the Sword Princess¡¯s request.

    The pair was sitting on a secluded cafe that was a ten minute walk through the mazes of alley ways from the Wall.

    Luckily, no one has started to follow them, or else, the whole street or the cafe would have turned into a bloodbath.

    Everyone was clearly displaying fear towards the Sword Princess. Her whole presence in Agartha was huge and influencing.

    Inside the cafe, it was only Ash¨¦, Yerin, and the old cafe owner inside.

    The old man was standing behind a bar. He was brewing tea on the bar table. He was wearing dark tinted glasses. His gray hair was long and brushed back. He was wearing facial hair, a gray mustache with a goatee.

    When they first stepped inside the cafe, the old man did not pay them any attention. He was not even fazed seeing the Sword Princess.

    It was evident that the old man was aware of the whereabouts of the cafe.

    It was obviously a cafe for people to conduct their private businesses, you could tell from the complicated layout of streets in order to reach this place.

    Ash¨¦ is looking around the small and cozy orange walls of the cafe. Lamps were hanging from the ceiling on top of every table. The whole cafe was fairly lit. The scale of it was average. The place was ornamented with wooden tables and chairs. It was simple looking, but feels right at home.

    They were sitting at the very back of the whole room. Next to the bar table of the old man.

    ¡°This is a good place for our first date.¡±

    ¡°¡­W-what?¡±

    Yerin was taken aback by Ash¨¦¡¯s suddenly unexpected words. Her eyes were open with surprise and her eyebrows were slightly furrowed. Her body was retreating from Ash¨¦ while her shoulders were raised. Both of her hands were open against Ash¨¦ on the table.

    ¡°Are we splitting the bill or what?¡±

    ¡°We can worry about that later¡­¡±

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t have any money on me. Alright?¡±

    She was displeased by Ash¨¦¡¯s caustic banter. Her eyebrows furrow even further while she squints her eyes on him. Clearly, irritation is starting to build up inside her.

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m serious. I really don¡¯t have any money.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not getting anything.¡±

    ¡°What a horrible date you are.¡±

    Ash¨¦ looks down on her with a clear sarcasm, shaking his head while clicking his tongue. He leans back on his chair and crosses his arms.

    Yerin sits up straight and looks at Ash¨¦. She was hiding her irritation with her neutral facade, but in reality, just a few more sarcastic words from Ash¨¦ and hell lose a finger.

    ¡°Tell me about that post.¡±

    She looks straight through Ash¨¦¡¯s eyes, but he does not budge. He stares back at her with the same neutral expression as her, back still leaned on the the chair and arms still crossed. He was clearly displaying that he is not afraid of the Sword Princess, in fact, he has already seen someone that is more and worth fearing, Mrs. Hudson.

    ¡°I told you already yesterday, right?¡±

    ¡°Yesterday?¡±

    Her eyebrows raised from Ash¨¦¡¯s words. She slightly tilts her head as she remembers the events that transpired yesterday in the red tree.

    He showed her a metallic object while she was sitting on the grass right beside the red tree. That object was the reason for his recent accomplishments.

    ¡°Sadly, it doesn¡¯t concern you on how it works.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Look, I know that you just want to get stronger. I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m not telling or helping you in any way.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She was growing frustrated by the arrogant attitude of the young man in front of her. Her face was starting to form a slight frown while she was looking Ash¨¦ straight in the eyes.¡±

    ¡°Kill me now then you¡¯ll never know how this works.¡±

    He reveals the gun and brandishes it in front of her while he was still leaning on the chair. His face was still neutral but his tone was both teasing and growing irritated.

    His point was true, nobody in the city knows how the gun operates. The recent discoveries of the exploding leaves of the red tree was only known by him and Mrs. Hudson. If he was to be killed, then the secret will remain hidden.

    ¡°I need to be in the Dungeon. Now. Enjoy your cup of tea.¡±

    Ash¨¦ stands up from his chair without breaking eye contact from Yerin. She was powerless from Ash¨¦¡¯s wit. She could not do anything and if she was to force it out of him, it would only give her a bad reputation as an adventurer and to the Guild.

    Ash¨¦ heads toward the exit without batting an eye. He disappears after hearing the thud of the door.

    ¡°Are you getting that Tea lady?¡±

    The old man questioned Yerin from the bar. His voice was deep and suave.

    ¡°Yeah, I sure.¡±

    Yerin replied, still looking at the door that Ash¨¦ walked out of.

    Ash¨¦ was back at Main Street. The busiest street in Agartha.

    The Wall could just be seen over the horizon. There we¡¯re less adventurers around than earlier, most of which are in the dungeon. There were more normal townspeople conducting day to day business. Even though there was a decrease in adventurers in the area, it was still crowded as usual.

    While Ash¨¦ was walking on the pavement ground, his eye¡¯s noticed a pair in the very back of an alleyway.

    Their back was facing his direction, but he could see that there was another person. Her back was against the wall and she was being surrounded by the two.

    Her face was clearly afraid, she was trembling in fear because of the presence of the two men.

    One of the men has his arm on the wall near her, preventing her to escape.

    Clearly, in one glance it was obvious that they were pestering the innocent lady.

    If Ash¨¦ wanted to ignore it and just go to the Dungeon, but his instincts tells him otherwise.

    He couldn¡¯t see the faces of the two men, but he was certain that they were drooling on the sight of the beautiful lady. They are just waiting for the right opportunity to grasp her with those filthy, perverted, fingers. The picture of the disgusting smiles on the two¡¯s face was enough to provoke Ash¨¦.

    ¡°C¡¯mon baby, just come wit¡¯ us and well show you a good timeee!¡±

    ¡°Yeaaa, our club is just right on the other street.

    One of them caressed the lady¡¯s cheeks with his shameless, dirty fingers. Both of their perverted eyes were picturing the naked image of the young woman in front of them.

    The lady could not even squirm in disgust or fear. She was shocked and frozen in place. Her eyes were closed. She was only waiting for her eventual demise, unable to defend herself from the two perverted assailants.

    A single tear starts trip from the corner of her eye and down to her cheek.

    ¡°Awwww, look at the poor thing Zant!¡±

    ¡°I like it when they cry!¡±

    Click-Clack

    The sound of someone cocking a gun¡¯s hammer reached the perverts¡¯ ears.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    They both muttered and turn around with an irritated face in unison to only be greeted by the sight of a nozzle and a glimmering knife pointed at them.

    The lady suddenly opened her eyes in disbelief. Her tense muscles have relaxed because of the sight of her hero.

    Ash¨¦ was standing in front of them, gun pointed at point black range at one while dagger was unsheathed and pointed at the other. He was clearly pissed at the two men¡¯s actions towards the innocent civilian.

    ¡°H-hey, what gives!¡±

    ¡°This nunya business pal¡¯!¡±

    He narrows his eyes on the two, and glossed over them.

    They were not wearing any armour and seems unequipped with any weapons. They both don¡¯t have an adventurer¡¯s mark on one of their hands.

    He deduced that they were only normal townspeople.

    He shoved the nozzle of the gun at head of one of them and he touches the other¡¯s throat with the knife.

    They were both starting to retreat, both trembling with fear. They set sight on the mark on his left hand, making them sweat because of the sight.

    They both recognize the adventurer; He was Ash¨¦ Krow, the level-1 adventurer that won against a Nue.

    ¡°Shit!!¡±

    ¡°Damn, damn, DAMN!¡±

    Their eyes were both trembling from the sight of the gun and dagger. Their mouths were open in fear. They finally realized awful and disgusting deed they are doing.

    he did not break eye contact at the two. The two weapons were still aimed at the two, his finger was on the trigger and the blade was ready to slash the man¡¯s throat.

    ¡°Move.¡±

    Ash¨¦¡¯s voice was furious but collected.

    A slight relief washed upon the two from the mercy that Ash¨¦ gave them.

    Their eyes were still glued to the weapons while they slowly moved out of range of the weapons.

    Then they ran as fast as they could out of the dank alleyway.

    Ash¨¦ holstered both of his weapons when the two has disappeared from his sights.

    He turned his face to catch a glimpse of the lady that was in trouble earlier.

    Her face was refined. The silver-gray hair was flowing down and reaching her neck. Ash¨¦ could see his own reflection from the silver-gray eyes that is staring back at him.

    The feature that stood out was her ears that was peaking out of her hair, they were long but not pointed.

    She is a half-elf.

    Half-human, half- elf.

    ¡°Did they do anything to you?¡±

    Ash¨¦ asked the beautiful girl in front of her. His face was a little pink from the sight of beauty.

    ¡°Y-yes, thank you¡­ um.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Ash¨¦ grabbed her arm and starts to jog, leading her outside the alleyway.

    She was surprised by the sudden action but she did not recoil. Her face was clearly blushing while she covers it with her free hand. She jogs right next to Ash¨¦ as a slight embarrassed smile starts to appear from her lips.

    They had arrived at Main Street. The abundance of people on the street is a safety for the woman.

    Ash¨¦ was not showing any signs of slowing down.

    He lets go of her arm.

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m on a rush!¡±

    He flashed a smile at her while he was still running towards the Wall.

    ¡°W-wait¡­¡±

    The single word didn¡¯t reach Ash¨¦¡¯s ears.

    Her eyes watched the young man as her disappears from the crowd of people.

    <hr>

    The Ghouls of the Manor was wide awake. Snarls and growls from the foul rotting bodies could be heard in the Manor¡¯s first floor.

    A single adventurer was fighting a pair of Ghouls.

    His ruby red eyes are in contact with the walking corpse, never blinking because if he does, he might perish.

    The knife on his right hand is raised high and his other hand is open palmed, like ready to catch a punch. His feet was squared to the ground, one leg in advance and the other on place to prevent losing balance.

    He was reading their movements, waiting for one of the Ghouls in front of him to attack.

    The Ghouls move slow, it was obvious even for an adventurer like him to notice if one of them was to about to attack.

    One of the rotting limbs starts to raise up.

    ¡°GraAAaghh!¡­.¡±

    He grabs the attacking arm with his open hand before it could even fall to him and slices it off right at the join in one consecutive movement.

    While holding the arm, he moves past the Ghoul and quickly approaches the other a few centimeters next to it, slamming the severed arm right at the face of the Ghoul.

    The Ghoul that received such an unorthodox attack fell to the ground.

    He throws the severed arm back at the Ghoul that has it, The Ghoul lost balance. He takes the advantage and slices the head off.

    The Ghoul that fell to the ground was just starting to stand up, but he quickly followed up with a stab to the head.

    He defeated the two Ghouls in under half a minute but he was starting feel that the monsters inside the Manor would not do much to his improvement.

    He wanted to go below the Manor.

    Krissa told her that the level-1 adventurers that are new to the scene are permitted to enter the Manor. If 2 of their stats has reached 500 and above, they are recommended to venture up until the 3rd level below the Manor with adequate preparation.

    He only has two low-level healing potions that he bought earlier before first arriving at the Wall early this morning.

    Regarding his stats, he has no idea how much he improved. He did not set foot on the Dungeon and explored it properly for 4 days, but it seems like hes doing well.

    He directs his gaze at the adventurer¡¯s mark on his left hand. A light that is only visible to him appears, showing all of his stats.

    ASH¨¨ KROW:

    Level - 2

    Strength: -790¡ú-612 Defense:-832¡ú-801 Agility: -633¡ú-502 Dexterity: -296¡ú-102 Magic: -999

    Abilities:

    Skills:

    The pace of his growth was better than he has expected.

    Looking at his stats made him relieve a little.

    If his stats keep growing at this rate, he would be able to reach 0 within a week.

    ¡°GrahGggH¡­¡±

    Ash¨¦;¡¯s eyes shot open from the croaked voice behind him.

    He forgot that he was leaving himself vulnerable.

    Two strong limbs held him in place.

    Before he could even react, he felt teeth sinking on his left shoulder.

    ¡°ARGH!¡±

    A sudden pain gave him a shot of adrenaline, he reflexively stabbed the head that was biting his left shoulder with the knife on his right hand.

    The Ghoul went limp, falling to the ground as it released him from its grasp.

    Pain was overwhelming his whole left shoulder. A warm substance starts flowing down from the source of the pain, his undershirt being soaked with a crimson stain.

    He collapsed to the ground on his knees, reaching for a green vial on his belt, opening it with his mouth, and splashing the green substance to his shoulder.

    As the pain starts to subside. He closes his eyes and steadies his breaths, grasping the shoulder that was still aching .

    The potion has closed his wounds, but the blood that was lost was still on his shirt and never to be returned inside his body.

    A sighs of relief escaped his lips while he stands up quickly.

    He carries his legs to the center of the Manor¡¯s first floor.

    Staying there would only expose him to more danger, his only option was to keep moving in the Dungeon.

    The small pack on his bag was only half-full and his body was still half-full of energy. The bite from the Ghoul was still aching on his shoulder.

    In the center of the floor was another room that is decorated with the overall theme of the Manor.

    A large wooden trapdoor in the middle of the room leading to a stairwell down stands out inside the whole room.

    It was the entrance leading down to the upper floors of the Dungeon.

    The Manor was considered as surface floors and was the most basic level for adventurers.

    If he was to stay there, the rate of his growth would grow stagnant because of fighting the same variation of enemies.

    A driving force was propelling him down the staircase leading to the unknown.

    He wanted to be better, and this is a way to be better.

    Without hesitation, his shadow was swallowed by the depths of the stairwell.

 Volume 1, Chapter 4: Weapons and Stats (part 2)

    ¡°Hey, you heard about the Sword Princess?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she turned level-6 today. Didn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I saw her when she just got home this morning. She was bleeding like hell, with cuts and bruises and all that.¡±

    ¡°Mad, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I heard she spent three days in the Dungeon.¡±

    ¡°Damn, is she crazy for power or something?¡±

    ¡°Like father, like daughter. I guess.¡±

    An animal person and a human are exchanging words in light conversation.

    An emblem could be seen on the arm of their light armour. An emblem that is easily recognized in Agartha.

    A 5-sided shape outlined in red.

    They are adventurers from one of the strongest factions in the City¡ª The Paragon faction

    As their conversation continues, they walk along the solid ground covered in red carpet inside of their faction¡¯s home.

    The Paragon Castle was barely the same size as the Manor of the Dungeon. The main motif of the whole faction is a combination of red and gold, military and royalty.

    The whole faction¡¯s presence was eminent in the city. They are one of the factions that has the strongest military power. They are home to more than a hundred of well-trained and devoted adventurers.  Before, the members of the factions only ranged from level-1 to level-5. But as of this morning, their strongest member, the Sword Princess, has reached level-6 after dwelling in the Dungeon for 3 days without returning.

    ¡°Hey, d¡¯you see that?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, is that¡­ Osiric?¡±

    In the midst of their conversation, they have recognized the familiar looking man that was running opposite to their direction.

    The black pupils in his eyes are tiny but his eyelids are wide open. The red hair that covers the top of his head was unkempt, it was looking similar to a bloodied mop. Because of his running, his breaths are ragged.

    His pace implies that he has an urgent manner to attend to. He was heading towards the study of the leader of their faction.

    ¡°Whats up with him?¡­¡±

    ¡°Beats me.¡±

    As the hurrying Osiric passes by them, they were puzzled because of the unusual appearance of their comrade.

    He was always a well-composed individual. Seeing him in such a dreadful state makes the two question the reason behind his rush.

    The restless Osiric never decreases his speed as he reaches the fancy door to the study.

    He busts open through the door and sees their magnificent leader on his study table.

    The face that is a mix of royalty and bravery, akin to a warrior king, was facing the surface of the desk while he was holding a feather quill. He was writing something on a piece of paper.

    The sudden noise of Osiric busting through his doors did not startle him, It did not even make him look up from his desk. He was still composed and did not stop writing on the sheet of paper.

    Osiric was standing on the frame of the door, gasping every air in the room.

    ¡°My gasp! Lord! gasp!¡±

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    His lordship was still writing, ignoring the poor Osiric that was slouched and leaning his arm on the door frame. He was still making an effort to catch all of his breath.

    Finally, he realized his attitude towards his leader. He stands up straight and fixed his composure, standing straight and clearing his throat.

    ¡°My Lord¡­ Lyeon and Mord has fallen in battle.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°They we¡¯re killed by¡ª¡±

    ¡°Speak your purpose, you idiot.¡±

    The frightening eyes and the thunderous voice of his leader rattles the very bones of Osiric, but he didn¡¯t cower. It was painfully clear that the heartless leader didn¡¯t care about the condition of his troops. Another dead soldier is one less mouth to feed. Those that fall in the heart of battle did not deserve the sympathy of the warlord.

    ¡°The Nue that almost killed Ash¨¦ Krow was killed by himself.¡±

    The eyes of Lupin Black squinted into a suspicious glare. His temperament quickly turned to irritation as the man in front of him has mentioned something so impossible.

    ¡°Are you a complete imbecile? Are you trying to fool me?¡±

    The voice grows irritated each passing second. The temper of his lordship grows with furry.

    ¡°No my lord, please hear me out¡­¡±

    Osiric was starting to cower with fear but he was still standing straight with composure, showing that he is capable and strong. He was afraid of the power of the leader of the Paragon faction. His actions might cost him his head, he thinks his words carefully.

    ¡°He most likely will level-up, I¡¯ll provide the news tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°How did he fell the beast?¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure my lord but he was pointing something towards the monster, then it emitted an ear-splitting sound and blinded my eyes with a bright flash. After that, the Nue¡¯s face was torn in half.¡±

    Lupin Black deeply inhales as he leans back to his chair while he listens to his subordinate¡¯s words. He closes his eyes and starts to think deeply.

    There was no absolute reason for Osiric to lie, he had nothing to gain and would only risk his life.

    As for Osiric¡¯s words, the only conclusion that Lupin could muster is magic. Magic would be the only reason for him to kill a strong beast 3-levels above his.

    Osiric was standing patiently in front of the close eyed warlord. Awaiting for his response while his heart beats rapidly, he couldn¡¯t imagine what will his leader say with such a vague answer.

    ¡°Investigate this matter, return to me tomorrow with a copy of the guild¡¯s post. If this was a lie, you know the consequences.¡±

    ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡±

    ¡°Dismissed.¡±

    Osiric gives a light bow to the strong presence of Lupin. The composure of a soldier does not leave him while he walks towards the exit.

    While Osiric was heading out of the open door of the study, a feminine figure was heading inside.

    Osiric did not try to look at the glimpse of the beautiful lady. His vision was straight to the exit.

    ¡°Father, I have returned.¡±

    The beautiful visage was covered with few patches on her faces and arms. Her long brown hair was free on her back. Even though she has numerous scars covering her, she was still as enchanting as she was before.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    But the warmness and beauty of the princess looking warrior was not enough to soften her own father¡¯s iron heart. Her father¡¯s eyes just glared at her unamused, he didn¡¯t even let out even a single congratulatory word for her daughter that just achieved an impressive feat.

    ¡°Leave my face.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She already expected the words that will reach her ears. But even though, it still stung her heart. She was fulfilling her father¡¯s wishes of being the strongest adventurer, but not even the slightest appreciation could be seen from the daunting character.

    ¡°Mother would¡¯ve been happy to see me reach this stage¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­!¡±

    As the words flowed from her lips, Lupin was surprised as if someone plucked the wrong string in his cold heart. His once expressionless face turned into a monstrous scowl. The wrinkles of his face was now more etched than before while his fingers clenched right in front of him.

    He stands up, his face was dark and fearful. But, the Sword Princess confronted him without even the slightest tinge of fear.

    His large stature approaches, shadowing the feminine figure.

    His eyes were inflamed as he stares the eyes of her own daughter, not seeing her as his own family member.

    Yerin was only staring back at him, her head held high and not wavering over the toxic masculinity that is encompassing the whole study.

    He jabs at the beautiful face of the woman with full force, forcing her to fall rear first to the ground, leaving a red imprint of his fist in the symmetrical shape of her beauty.

    Her bottom lip starts to bleed, she was not able to react let alone dodge the blow even though she was at level-6.

    Lupin Black is also a level-6 top class adventurer.

    The man¡¯s fist was still curled into a huge muscular mass while Yerin starts at him from the ground, not as a father but as a monster.

    A sole of a shoe follows up to her face, forcing her to fall back to the ground. Blood starts to drip from her nostrils.

    She struggles to get back up, the wounds that was still on her face was burning. She was still not in her prime after her expedition in the Dungeon.

    Yerin stays in the ground, writing in pain while her very own father stares at her in disgust.

    ¡°Is this what you call a level-6 adventurer?¡±

    The booming voice filled with disgust reverberates through the study. He leans in closer to the helpless body lying on the floor.

    Grabbing both of her cheeks with one hand. He nears in against her face and stares directly on her eyes. He angrily spouts at her.

    ¡°You think your mother will be proud of you in this state?¡ª Huh? You can¡¯t even stand up.¡±

    He shoves the face to the floor without breaking eye contact and walks away from her towards the exit.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ever mention your mother in my face.¡±

 Volume 1, Chapter 4: Weapons and Stats (part 3)

    As the afternoon turns to dusk, the sun sets itself.

    The gentle orange light covers the exterior wall of the city. The pavements and buildings of each street bounces of the orange illumination of the sun from their surfaces.

    During this time, the brave adventurers of Agartha are erupting from the other side of the wall.

    As per usual, after a busy day in the Dungeon, lives are lost and glory is gained. This is the ecosystem of the Dungeon. Everyone will go home with or without something.

    I was supposed to head to the Dungeon today, but that Nue appeared.

    Hopefully those that lost their lives earlier are given a proper burial but I think their bodies are too mangled to do such.

    Some of those adventurers are losing whole limbs, I think even one of them was missing a head and was nowhere to be found. Probably in the dead monster¡¯s belly.

    Tomorrow is the weekly post of the Guild about the recent adventurers that just achieved a level-up. I¡¯m expecting that the spotlight will shine on me directly and people will speculate my unusual achievement.

    I better expect the worst.

    Whole factions will target my head just to know my secret. Every single adventurer has a desire to become powerful the fastest way possible.

    The problem is, even though I¡¯m at level-2. My stats are level-1.

    Krissa couldn¡¯t even tell me how my stats were at negative. I was the first to ever acquire a negative stat. On top of that, all of them are negative.

    To increase a stat, one must use techniques or moves that will exercise that stat.

    For example, to increase the strength stat: you must use your strength like attacking enemies.

    Blocking, receiving, or parrying attacks will net you defensive stats.

    Doing a lot of dodging from enemy attacks will increase your agility stat. These are only a few examples.

    The Dungeon isn¡¯t the only way to increase stats, some prefer to train in their faction houses or sometimes alone in a secluded mountain.

    The fact that I didn¡¯t do any of these trainings is the reason why all my stats are at negative.

    I only pulled a trigger on a monster.

    I didn¡¯t go to the Dungeon every day and slew monsters.

    I didn¡¯t wake up every day to lift weights to increase my strength.

    I didn¡¯t stretch myself to become more agile.

    I didn¡¯t study books to increase my intelligence in magic.

    I just made a strong weapon and pulled its trigger.

    I am a level-2 adventurer. But the weakest level-2 adventurer in the whole world.

    The frustration is just killing me, the reason I made such a weapon is to help me explore the Dungeon but without it, I¡¯m just an ordinary person.

    Nothing special, nothing strong, nothing unbelievable.

    It¡¯s starting to get dark. The many adventurers that got back from the Dungeon are doing their daily routine: After the Dungeon, straight to the pubs.

    The early moon was up in the sky, but the colour surrounding it is still dyed in an orange hue. The sun¡¯s light was still visible but the early starts are starting to take over.

    Well, I¡¯m already outside.

    I start heading towards East Exit. The familiar exit near the apartment complex. It¡¯s funny that it¡¯s just been 3 days since I first discovered that red tree, I¡¯m curious to see how it is. I just hope there¡¯s no landbears around.

    The familiar city guard was still standing on the iron bar gate. He¡¯s leaning with his spear on the entrance wall, looking bored. So bored that he has his arms crossed and he¡¯s looking at his nails.

    I must say, he must be very hygienic.

    I pity him. Everyone is having fun dying in the Dungeon but he¡¯s just sitting there going along with whatever boring duties he has due.

    ¡°Greetings, how are we this fine evening?¡±

    I come up to him with a friendly approach, slightly waving my hand and giving an amiable smile. I do hope that he still remembers me.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡±

    I¡¯m sure he noticed my presence just now, but he¡¯s deliberately ignoring me. His eyes were still fixated on his fingers, the same aloof expression is hanging on his face.

    ¡°E-hem¡±

    ¡°Look I¡¯m not allowed to¡ª!!¡±

    He stops mid-sentence and looks at me in surprise from head to toe. His jaw was hanging low and his eyelids are shot open but the pupils in his eyes were tiny. He looks like he has seen a ghost.

    ¡°Y-you!¡±

    ¡°M-me?¡±

    ¡°How are you still alive?!¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°¡­Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you getting tea leaves from Mrs. Hudson?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m here to head outside again.¡±

    ¡°Wh-What?! Everyone thats trying to get those leaves died except for you!¡±

    ¡°Those damned landbears huh?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re a pain to drive out of the city¡­ Wait¡­ you shall not pass this gate!¡±

    ¡°Oh come on, I¡¯ll be out for just a jiff.¡±

    ¡°None shall pass without an exit pass.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯ll just go and call a little Mrs. Hudson I know¡­¡±

    ¡°O-oh, uh¡­ did I say anything about no one can exit without a pass?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Haha! Looks pretty good for a walk ain¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°It sure is, my fine man.¡±

    He smiles at me awkwardly, a drip of sweat was coming down from his temple. I flash a smile back at him.

    ¡°Let me just get this gate right here¡­ Yeah.¡±

    He starts pulling on the handle of the crank lever attached to a rope that serves as a lock mechanism for the city wall¡¯s gate.

    He awkwardly smiles at me while he gestures me with his hands that the exit is now open, free for me to leave.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay right here alright? You give me a shout if you¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°You have my gratitude, fine sir.¡±

    The iron bars slam behind me as I step into the open field.

    Alas, the orange has turned to dark. The peeking eyes of the stars on the sky twinkles as it bounces to my eyes. The moonlight was touching every surface of the open field including my face. The serene feeling of the evening wind was stroking the flourishing trees, creating a tranquil sound that would make everyone¡¯s heart at peace. Each step I take was producing the sound of rustling grass.

    It was such an appeasing moment, to be in the open field and whiff the brilliant air that flows from north to south.

    Letting my guard down wouldn¡¯t be that dangerous. This placid environment would make the landbears lay on the grass and sleep.

    I almost forgot the reason why I went outside, The Red Tree.

    If you were to observe the peacefulness of the field, the first thing that your eyes will come across is the burning red tree with the ash-white trunk.

    It stands out from the littering trees that populates the calm fields. The fiery look of its bushes doesn¡¯t fit the setting, instead, it has its own beauty to exhibit.

    Little did people know that the tree was deadly when caught by the own blaze it imitates.

    What strikes me unusual is not the amazing display of the odd-tree, but the out of place silhouette that was sitting on the patches of grass. The figure has never been there the first time I visited the tree. The figure was arguably human at first glance, but I¡¯m certain that it doesn¡¯t mean harm.

    The winds outside are a different take from the inside of the metropolitan city. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised that some people would like to take a break from all the business and just breath and hear the gentleness of the fields.

    With all the time in the world, I lightly took my steps forward the red tree.

    As I close in the gap between me and the figure, we both start to recognize the familiarity between the two of us.

    We¡¯ve met each other.

    Her brown hair wasn¡¯t tied unlike the first time I laid my eyes on her. I could still remember the faint glimmer of her blue eyes, like the morning sky just earlier. Her perfectly symmetrical, well-defined face is easy to recognize by any adventurer in the whole of Agartha.

    The person in front of me is Yerin Black, the Sword Princess.

    Our eyes have met. My thoughts starts to recollect the events from the last few days.

    Her beauty was like no other, but surprisingly, numerous scars were covering the lot of her face. Black spots were covering her left cheek,.

    Is that a boot mark on her face?

    The strength that was once beaming from her character was replaced with gloom.

    Her expression was dark and sad. A word that fits her current state was depressed.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    We stare at each other, surprisingly, there wasn¡¯t a hint of awkwardness in the air. It was just me and her acknowledging each other¡¯s presence under the serene beam of the moonlight and stars.

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She looks away from me and towards the beaming moon. Her very blue eyes was reflecting the crescent white. Her steady breaths made her look like she was staying still. It was a beautiful sight to be seen; a beautiful lady being illuminated by the dazzling moon.

    ¡°¡­ Ms. Black.¡±

    Her eyes went back to me, but her lips were sealed tight and her gaze was only showing an expressionless state. She¡¯s showing no signs of making light conversation, she only intends to listen but it doesn¡¯t feel like she wants to be left alone.

    ¡°It looks like you¡¯re being through a lot right now¡­ and so am I. I just turned into level-2 today.¡±

    ¡°..?¡±

    ¡°Some of your scars doesn¡¯t show that it¡¯s been done by a monster. You¡¯re one of the most remarkable adventurers in the City. The intention of committing physical abuse to you is for the suicidal¡­ Except if they¡¯re someone in high authority than you. Some of those are from your father, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°..!¡±

    ¡°I have no intention in meddling with the events in your life, but hear my words. Follow the screams of your heart but always direct with your mind.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I arrived in this city without knowing anything about my past. I made it to level-2 because of this.¡±

    I take the hefty weapon from its holster.

    The barrel of the gun reflects the very light the moon shines on it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what will happen to me in the city. I don¡¯t know anything about the Dungeon and I went there, almost killing myself. Only to be saved by you.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thankful for the deed you¡¯ve done and I owe you my life. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s your father¡¯s goal with you, but intuition tells me that he¡¯s pushing you to be stronger. He wants you to rid of any emotions that wouldn¡¯t turn you into the fierce warrior he wants you to be.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only telling you to do what your very heart desires, but to always guide it with your mind. If I know anything, it would be that what makes someone a warrior is their emotion.¡±

    ¡°My mother¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡±

    ¡°There was a great war in the City, 10 years ago. I was only 7 years old at that time. The City was invaded by the ones who call themselves the Marauders. They practiced a combination of curse and witchcraft magic to infuse their own blood with monsters. Giving them the ability to tame them and use them in battle. The attack was done from the very heart of the city. Nobody noticed the evil brewing from the very bowels of Agartha.

    ¡­

    Mother died in that war.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    ¡°It was one of the reasons why my father is obsessed of taking charge of the city. He wants revenge. The Marauders are still out there. They escaped when their forces was starting to be defeated by the adventurers but a third of Agartha¡¯s population was claimed in the battle. This includes both the Marauders and the citizens themselves.

    ¡­

    I want to avenge mother too, I want to become stronger¡­ no, the strongest.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    I stand there in silence, I¡¯m lost for words.

    A struggling daughter under the corrupted retribution of her own father because of the death of her mother.

    I don¡¯t have anything else to say¡­

    I bring my body near the tree and sat on the opposite side of the trunk from her.

    Our faces could not make contact, we were both facing separate direction, divided by a tree in the middle.

    ¡°Thank you, by the way.¡±

    ¡°hm¡­?¡±

    ¡°I never really thanked you properly for saving my life.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°Why not make your own faction?¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    ¡°Your own faction, without your father. The Sword Princess, leading an army of adventurers against the Marauders.¡±

    ¡°My¡­own¡­faction?¡±

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s see¡­ Sword faction? Blade faction?¡­ or maybe the Princess Faction?..¡±

    ¡°Chuckle¡­ The Princess Faction?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, It could be the first ever all-female faction in Agartha.¡±

    ¡°I never even wanted to be called the Sword Princess.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, people just started calling me that because I started holding a sword when I was 4.¡±

    ¡°You must be pretty sharp I guess.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re terrible¡­¡±

    I can only imagine the look on her face right now. She must be pretty disappointed.

    I hear the patches of grass starting to rustle, she seems to be standing up.

    ¡°I must take my leave. Goodbye¡­¡±

    ¡°Already?¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t make that horrible pun, maybe I would¡¯ve considered staying a little longer.¡±

    Without seeing her face, her light steps on the grass was slightly fading away to the distance.

    I was left alone, with only the moon, stars, and wind accompanying my senses while I look up to the heavens.

 Volume 1, Chapter 4: Weapons and Stats (part 4)

    Morning light has crept on the soil where the large city stands.

    The usual scene unfolds; busy streets, open shops, and a gloomy dungeon.

    Ash¨¦ was still outside the wall.

    The shining moon and glittering stars that was once covering him was now replaced with the bright sun and the blue sky.

    It was early spring, the refreshing morning wind invigorates the spirits of every living thing outside the activity that bustles inside of Agartha¡¯s walls.

    His body was resting on the patches of grass that are now covered in morning dew. Eyes shut in a slumber state.

    After Yerin departed, he spent the night staring at the symbol in his hand. He kept looking at the inconceivable stats that he possesses.

    For the whole night, the only question that was pestering his mind was how will he improve.

    Even though he would brainstorm different solutions on how is he going to push all his stats above zero, he can come up with only one answer:

    I can only do what all of the other adventurers has done.

    There is no easy way out of his situation. It requires labour to improve ones stats and that is what he is exactly doing.

    After the evening filled with resolute, he eventually dozes off under the serene atmosphere.

    The eyelids that was covering his eyes slowly rose up. He has finally woken up.

    His eyes was still conscious about the symbol on his left hand and the information that it could produce.

    He clenches his hand into a fist and looks at the unique mark with determination.

    Slowly standing up, he breathes in the fresh air of the cool spring winds.

    While he is approaching the city walls entrance, the sound of rustling grass could be heard when his light steps was making contact with the ground.

    ¡°Oy! Mr. Guard! I¡¯m outside.¡±

    A few seconds has passed, there was no reply except for a short grunt of someone waking up.

    From the very top of the city wall, a head peaks from above Ash¨¦. Because of the distance, in Ash¨¦¡¯s eyes, the familiar head looks like the size of a pebble.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you! You¡¯re one crazy kid, you know that?¡±

    The distant voice was barely audible because of the huge gap between the two.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Even though the Guard¡¯s facial features could not be recognized because of the sheer distance between him and Ash¨¦, it was obvious that he was more impressed than surprised seeing Ash¨¦ still alive.

    Spending the whole night outside the city walls without shelter is very commendable.

    After a minute, the Guard finally got down from the top of the wall and is opening the city gate, eventually letting Ash¨¦ in.

    ¡°Took you long, you find anything good out there?¡±

    The Guard was wearing a friendly face, exuding a relaxed aura. It was not as hostile as last evening

    ¡°Not really, I dozed off in that red tree there¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah? They say that tree was cursed.¡±

    ¡°¡­Cursed?¡±

    Ash¨¦ is bewildered by the Guard¡¯s hearsay.

    One of his eyebrows raised and his lips slightly opened, gesturing the Guard to tell more about the rumor.

    ¡°Yeah. A famous botanist planted that 12 years ago, I heard that some people still see him around.¡±

    ¡°Why do they say that it¡¯s cursed?¡±

    ¡°Well, some people wanted to chop that down, it¡¯s white trunk would look good as a piece of furniture you know. When people try striking it down with an axe it just exploded.¡±

    Ash¨¦ was nodding in agreement, he was not surprised from the reason of the rumors because he too has experienced such things. Just from the leaves itself, setting it on fire results in a catastrophic explosion. Its very fortunate that it doesn¡¯t explode by plucking or crushing its leaves, or else, he would be dead by now.

    ¡°I see, well then. Thank you for looking out for me.¡±

    ¡°No problem, stop by anytime.¡±

    After Ash¨¦ gave a small wave as farewell, the Guard replied with a slight nod.

    He was once again stepping on the stone pavement roads of East Main, heading towards Hudson Street that is just around the corner.

    The buzzing sounds of street vendors captivating the passing citizens to buy their products are the usual sights. Different races; different colours, ears, shapes, and sizes could be seen in every direction you face. The thousand sounds of footsteps from the people could be heard. Also, a trotting horse while it carries a carriage on its back are seen in different intervals of each street. For just a small street, you could feel the massive scale of the city. A tourist would be overwhelmed by the amount of people.

    The city is so huge that its very easy to get lost inside it, you could say that its a labyrinth itself.

    The most impressive characteristic that the City possesses is its multicultural aspects.

    Some races have skills or traits that other races could not possess, hence, this is a reason for two different races to cooperate. The people of Agartha may look different, but the bonds that the factions make is as solid as its outer wall.

    Ash¨¦ was walking down Hudson Street, it was still early morning and the adventurers are only getting ready to buy their supplies for a day of exploring the Dungeon.

    He stopped right in front of the Apartment Complex. His hand was resting on top of the doorknob. He was not moving, the hand was only resting on top, it was not turning.

    He was in the middle of his thoughts, currently contemplating about his current case about his stats.

    Currently, he has 500 qiils in his pocket. Enough for two low-level healing potions and change to spare for a meal.

    The gun sheathed on his belt is currently out of ammunition.

    The only thing he has is the dagger and the light armour that the Guild has issued him with a loan.

    There was nothing he could bring anything else inside his apartment that could help him in the Dungeon. Bringing ammunition for the gun will only hold his stats back.

    Finally, he has come up with a decision.

    From now on, the gun must not be used. It is to be kept.

    A weapon that could completely annihilate a high-level monster even if its only used by a mere level-1 adventurer is an amazing premise, but the drawback of losing stats and abilities makes the adventurer without the gun useless.

    Even if a low-level adventurer has the gun, they would still perish if they were completely overwhelmed by monsters.

    The gun is still in its prototype stages, it is not suited for head to head battle under the endless barrage of monsters in the Dungeon.

    Ash¨¦ turns away from the door and starts walking north, towards the Wall.

 Volume 1, Chapter 4: Weapons and Stats (part 5)

    ¡°My lord, here is the Guild¡¯s weekly post.¡±

    Osiric was, once again, inside the study of his leader, Lupin Black, that was sitting against the study table in the large fancily decorated room.

    He was only fulfilling the promise he has made yesterday.

    After witnessing Ash¨¦ exterminate a high-level large category monster, Osiric went straight to Lupin Black and reported about the unusual feat.

    Lupin takes the paper from Osiric¡¯s outstretched hand.

    The contents of the page consists of a perfectly sketched picture of Ash¨¦ Krow. Next to it was only a few words written:

    Ash¨¦ Krow

    Level-2

    4 days

    The hand that was holding the paper starts to clench. The sound of the sheet as it crumples gradually louden.

    Lupin¡¯s face was clearly displaying displeasure. His eyebrows were slightly arching and his eyes has a tint of envy as he looks at the boy¡¯s sketched face.

    He slowly lets the paper down on the top of the table and reclines slowly on his soft chair. He rests his elbows on the arms and joins the edges of his fingers from both hands. Lupin closes his eyes and takes a single, deep breath. He reopens his eyelids.

    ¡°Osiric, keep an eye on this boy. I want a detailed report on how he operates¡±

    ¡°Yes, My Lord.¡±

    Osiric was standing straight in front of the eyes of his leader. He was well composed and directly making eye contact with Lupin¡¯s tenacious stare.

    ¡°I expect a report next week. Leave, now.¡±

    Osiric gave a small, proper bow to the dominating presence. He turns his heels and walks straight to the door.

    Ash¨¦¡¯s name is really here.

    The Wall was buzzing with chatter and surprise. The cause of the uproar was because of the Guild¡¯s recent post: a sudden nobody has climbed the stairwell of adventure to the next level in just 4 days.

    Everyone is staring at the sheet of paper posted on the huge bulletin in disbelief, Including the Sword Princess that was in the front row of the crowd that is surrounding the bulletin.

    The face of the young man was clear for everyone to see. More people are attracted t look at the news because of the massive amount of adventurers that has gathered in front of the bulletin.

    Even the store owners, guards, and guild members that are situated in the Wall are leaving their posts just to catch a glimpse of the one name next to a portrait on the bulletin.

    Ash¨¦ Krow

    Level-2

    4 days.

    ¡°4 days eh? The Guild must be shittin¡¯ us!¡±

    ¡°I know right, that¡¯s just impossible.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see it to believe it, that boy should have a mark on his hand.¡±

    ¡°Exactly, anybody here knows where he is?¡±

    ¡°I heard he lives with Mrs. Hudson¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, shit¡­never mind searching for him then.¡±

    In the midst of the constant chattering of the adventurers, Yerin is staring at the sheet on the bulletin, perplexed by the young man that came out of nowhere and now was the talk of the town by accomplishing such an unbelievable achievement.

    She too was doubting the legitimacy of the Guild¡¯s post, but there was no reason that she could think of why the Guild would lie.

    Everyone was thinking of the same thing.

    How?

    Slow footsteps were emerging from the Wall¡¯s entrance.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    The noise from the crowd of adventurers was slowly dying down.

    The sight of a dark haired boy and his ruby red eyes enters their eyes.

    Ash¨¦ was slightly taken aback by the overwhelming pairs of eyes that was looking at him from all directions.

    He expected that a lot of adventurers will recognize him, but not this many.

    Whispers were starting to reverberate through the whole reception room, filling the gap of silence that just resonated.

    ¡°That ¡®Im?¡±

    ¡°He don¡¯t look so strong.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s kinda cute though.¡±

    ¡°He really does have a mark. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen that one.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just mad.¡±

    ¡°How the hell did he pull it off?¡±

    From whispers to full blown chatters.

    Everyone was talking about Ash¨¦, but he didn¡¯t want any of these. He just wanted to go to the Dungeon today and improve himself. The impressed eyes that was centering on him are all believing a lie, and Ash¨¦ is not proud of that, he was only growing more frustrated with the lack of stats he has.

    ¡°Ash¨¦¡­¡±

    A strong commanding voice stood out and catches the attention of the whole crowd, everyone¡¯s eyes are now on the source of the strong feminine voice, the Sword Princess.

    ¡°Ohhh¡­ That her girlfriend right?¡±

    ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re gonna get us cut!¡±

    ¡°Ahw, she must be jealous. Getting her record broken and all.¡±

    ¡°¡¯We¡¯re about to see a battle right here.¡±

    Tension was slowly creeping up in the atmosphere between the two adventurers.

    Yerin was slowly approaching Ash¨¦. Both of their faces was locked at each other, both straight and unfazed.

    The sound of a withdrawing sword could be heard through the whispers. Everyone fell silent from the sound.

    A silver blade that is glinting because of the sun has been drawn from the Sword Princess¡¯s belt and was pointing towards the ground.

    ¡°Follow me.¡±

    She says with an unwavering gaze towards Ash¨¦, but Ash¨¦ was returning the same gaze to her.

    ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t take autographs.¡±

    The young man said nonchalantly. He was standing straight in front of the whole crowd. His face was clearly expressing that he was not interested.

    The whole crowd was taken aback by his sudden quip. Everyone¡¯s eyes were shot open when Ash¨¦¡¯s retort reached their ears.

    ¡°Oh man, this guy is gonna get cut.¡±

    ¡°Hell lose a limb for sure.¡±

    Whispers starts breaking out from the crowd.

    The Sword Princess was still holding her sword, pointing at the ground. She is wearing the same demeanor as Ash¨¦ and she was not offended by the disrespecting retort.

    ¡°Anyone else that follows should expect to lose a limb.¡±

    She starts to walk towards the entrance, passing Ash¨¦. Her sword was still withdrawn and was pointing at the ground. The radiant morning light was now shining on her as she passes through the tall frame of the Wall¡¯s entrance. Only her back could be seen from all of the adventurer¡¯s perspective.

    Ash¨¦ slowly turn around and obeys the Sword Princess¡¯s request.

    The pair was sitting on a secluded cafe that was a ten minute walk through the mazes of alley ways from the Wall.

    Luckily, no one has started to follow them, or else, the whole street or the cafe would have turned into a bloodbath.

    Everyone was clearly displaying fear towards the Sword Princess. Her whole presence in Agartha was huge and influencing.

    Inside the cafe, it was only Ash¨¦, Yerin, and the old cafe owner inside.

    The old man was standing behind a bar. He was brewing tea on the bar table. He was wearing dark tinted glasses. His gray hair was long and brushed back. He was wearing facial hair, a gray mustache with a goatee.

    When they first stepped inside the cafe, the old man did not pay them any attention. He was not even fazed seeing the Sword Princess.

    It was evident that the old man was aware of the whereabouts of the cafe.

    It was obviously a cafe for people to conduct their private businesses, you could tell from the complicated layout of streets in order to reach this place.

    Ash¨¦ is looking around the small and cozy orange walls of the cafe. Lamps were hanging from the ceiling on top of every table. The whole cafe was fairly lit. The scale of it was average. The place was ornamented with wooden tables and chairs. It was simple looking, but feels right at home.

    They were sitting at the very back of the whole room. Next to the bar table of the old man.

    ¡°This is a good place for our first date.¡±

    ¡°¡­W-what?¡±

    Yerin was taken aback by Ash¨¦¡¯s suddenly unexpected words. Her eyes were open with surprise and her eyebrows were slightly furrowed. Her body was retreating from Ash¨¦ while her shoulders were raised. Both of her hands were open against Ash¨¦ on the table.

    ¡°Are we splitting the bill or what?¡±

    ¡°We can worry about that later¡­¡±

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t have any money on me. Alright?¡±

    She was displeased by Ash¨¦¡¯s caustic banter. Her eyebrows furrow even further while she squints her eyes on him. Clearly, irritation is starting to build up inside her.

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m serious. I really don¡¯t have any money.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not getting anything.¡±

    ¡°What a horrible date you are.¡±

    Ash¨¦ looks down on her with a clear sarcasm, shaking his head while clicking his tongue. He leans back on his chair and crosses his arms.

    Yerin sits up straight and looks at Ash¨¦. She was hiding her irritation with her neutral facade, but in reality, just a few more sarcastic words from Ash¨¦ and he''ll lose a finger.

    ¡°Tell me about that post.¡±

    She looks straight through Ash¨¦¡¯s eyes, but he does not budge. He stares back at her with the same neutral expression as her, back still leaned on the the chair and arms still crossed. He was clearly displaying that he is not afraid of the Sword Princess, in fact, he has already seen someone that is more and worth fearing, Mrs. Hudson.

    ¡°I told you already yesterday, right?¡±

    ¡°Yesterday?¡±

    Her eyebrows raised from Ash¨¦¡¯s words. She slightly tilts her head as she remembers the events that transpired yesterday in the red tree.

    He showed her a metallic object while she was sitting on the grass right beside the red tree. That object was the reason for his recent accomplishments.

    ¡°Sadly, it doesn¡¯t concern you on how it works.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Look, I know that you just want to get stronger. I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m not telling or helping you in any way.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    She was growing frustrated by the arrogant attitude of the young man in front of her. Her face was starting to form a slight frown while she was looking Ash¨¦ straight in the eyes.¡±

    ¡°Kill me now then you¡¯ll never know how this works.¡±

    He reveals the gun and brandishes it in front of her while he was still leaning on the chair. His face was still neutral but his tone was both teasing and growing irritated.

    His point was true, nobody in the city knows how the gun operates. The recent discoveries of the exploding leaves of the red tree was only known by him and Mrs. Hudson. If he was to be killed, then the secret will remain hidden.

    ¡°I need to be in the Dungeon. Now. Enjoy your cup of tea.¡±

    Ash¨¦ stands up from his chair without breaking eye contact from Yerin. She was powerless from Ash¨¦¡¯s wit. She could not do anything and if she was to force it out of him, it would only give her a bad reputation as an adventurer and to the Guild.

    Ash¨¦ heads toward the exit without batting an eye. He disappears after hearing the thud of the door.

    ¡°Are you getting that tea, lady?¡±

    The old man questioned Yerin from the bar. His voice was deep and suave.

    ¡°Yeah, I sure.¡±

    Yerin replied, still looking at the door that Ash¨¦ walked out of.

 Volume 1, Chapter 4: Weapons and Stats. (part 6)

    Ash¨¦ was back at Main Street. The busiest street in Agartha.

    The Wall could just be seen over the horizon. There we¡¯re less adventurers around than earlier, most of which are in the dungeon. There were more normal townspeople conducting day to day business. Even though there was a decrease in adventurers in the area, it was still crowded as usual.

    While Ash¨¦ was walking on the pavement ground, his eye¡¯s noticed a pair in the very back of an alleyway.

    Their back was facing his direction, but he could see that there was another person. Her back was against the wall and she was being surrounded by the two.

    Her face was clearly afraid, she was trembling in fear because of the presence of the two men.

    One of the men has his arm on the wall near her, preventing her to escape.

    Clearly, in one glance it was obvious that they were pestering the innocent lady.

    If Ash¨¦ wanted to ignore it and just go to the Dungeon, but his instincts tells him otherwise.

    He couldn¡¯t see the faces of the two men, but he was certain that they were drooling on the sight of the beautiful lady. They are just waiting for the right opportunity to grasp her with those filthy, perverted, fingers. The picture of the disgusting smiles on the two¡¯s face was enough to provoke Ash¨¦.

    ¡°C¡¯mon baby, just come wit¡¯ us and well show you a good timeee!¡±

    ¡°Yeaaa, our club is just right on the other street.

    One of them caressed the lady¡¯s cheeks with his shameless, dirty fingers. Both of their perverted eyes were picturing the naked image of the young woman in front of them.

    The lady could not even squirm in disgust or fear. She was shocked and frozen in place. Her eyes were closed. She was only waiting for her eventual demise, unable to defend herself from the two perverted assailants.

    A single tear starts trip from the corner of her eye and down to her cheek.

    ¡°Awwww, look at the poor thing Zant!¡±

    ¡°I like it when they cry!¡±

    Click-Clack

    The sound of someone cocking a gun¡¯s hammer reached the perverts¡¯ ears.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    They both muttered and turn around with an irritated face in unison to only be greeted by the sight of a nozzle and a glimmering knife pointed at them.

    The lady suddenly opened her eyes in disbelief. Her tense muscles have relaxed because of the sight of her hero.

    Ash¨¦ was standing in front of them, gun pointed at point black range at one while dagger was unsheathed and pointed at the other. He was clearly pissed at the two men¡¯s actions towards the innocent civilian.

    ¡°H-hey, what gives!¡±

    ¡°This nunya business pal¡¯!¡±

    He narrows his eyes on the two, and glossed over them.

    They were not wearing any armour and seems unequipped with any weapons. They both don¡¯t have an adventurer¡¯s mark on one of their hands.

    He deduced that they were only normal townspeople.

    He shoved the nozzle of the gun at head of one of them and he touches the other¡¯s throat with the knife.

    They were both starting to retreat, both trembling with fear. They set sight on the mark on his left hand, making them sweat because of the sight.

    They both recognize the adventurer; He was Ash¨¦ Krow, the level-1 adventurer that won against a Nue.

    ¡°Shit!!¡±

    ¡°Damn, damn, DAMN!¡±

    Their eyes were both trembling from the sight of the gun and dagger. Their mouths were open in fear. They finally realized awful and disgusting deed they are doing.

    he did not break eye contact at the two. The two weapons were still aimed at the two, his finger was on the trigger and the blade was ready to slash the man¡¯s throat.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Move.¡±

    Ash¨¦¡¯s voice was furious but collected.

    A slight relief washed upon the two from the mercy that Ash¨¦ gave them.

    Their eyes were still glued to the weapons while they slowly moved out of range of the weapons.

    Then they ran as fast as they could out of the dank alleyway.

    Ash¨¦ holstered both of his weapons when the two has disappeared from his sights.

    He turned his face to catch a glimpse of the lady that was in trouble earlier.

    Her face was refined. The silver-gray hair was flowing down and reaching her neck. Ash¨¦ could see his own reflection from the silver-gray eyes that is staring back at him.

    The feature that stood out was her ears that was peaking out of her hair, they were long but not pointed.

    She is a half-elf.

    Half-human, half- elf.

    ¡°Did they do anything to you?¡±

    Ash¨¦ asked the beautiful girl in front of her. His face was a little pink from the sight of beauty.

    ¡°Y-yes, thank you¡­ um.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Ash¨¦ grabbed her arm and starts to jog, leading her outside the alleyway.

    She was surprised by the sudden action but she did not recoil. Her face was clearly blushing while she covers it with her free hand. She jogs right next to Ash¨¦ as a slight embarrassed smile starts to appear from her lips.

    They had arrived at Main Street. The abundance of people on the street is a safety for the woman.

    Ash¨¦ was not showing any signs of slowing down.

    He lets go of her arm.

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m on a rush!¡±

    He flashed a smile at her while he was still running towards the Wall.

    ¡°W-wait¡­¡±

    The single word didn¡¯t reach Ash¨¦¡¯s ears.

    Her eyes watched the young man as her disappears from the crowd of people.

    <hr>

    The Ghouls of the Manor was wide awake. Snarls and growls from the foul rotting bodies could be heard in the Manor¡¯s first floor.

    A single adventurer was fighting a pair of Ghouls.

    His ruby red eyes are in contact with the walking corpse, never blinking because if he does, he might perish.

    The knife on his right hand is raised high and his other hand is open palmed, like ready to catch a punch. His feet was squared to the ground, one leg in advance and the other on place to prevent losing balance.

    He was reading their movements, waiting for one of the Ghouls in front of him to attack.

    The Ghouls move slow, it was obvious even for an adventurer like him to notice if one of them was to about to attack.

    One of the rotting limbs starts to raise up.

    ¡°GraAAaghh!¡­.¡±

    He grabs the attacking arm with his open hand before it could even fall to him and slices it off right at the join in one consecutive movement.

    While holding the arm, he moves past the Ghoul and quickly approaches the other a few centimeters next to it, slamming the severed arm right at the face of the Ghoul.

    The Ghoul that received such an unorthodox attack fell to the ground.

    He throws the severed arm back at the Ghoul that has it, The Ghoul lost balance. He takes the advantage and slices the head off.

    The Ghoul that fell to the ground was just starting to stand up, but he quickly followed up with a stab to the head.

    He defeated the two Ghouls in under half a minute but he was starting feel that the monsters inside the Manor would not do much to his improvement.

    He wanted to go below the Manor.

    Krissa told her that the level-1 adventurers that are new to the scene are permitted to enter the Manor. If 2 of their stats has reached 500 and above, they are recommended to venture up until the 3rd level below the Manor with adequate preparation.

    He only has two low-level healing potions that he bought earlier before first arriving at the Wall early this morning.

    Regarding his stats, he has no idea how much he improved. He did not set foot on the Dungeon and explored it properly for 4 days, but it seems like hes doing well.

    He directs his gaze at the adventurer¡¯s mark on his left hand. A light that is only visible to him appears, showing all of his stats.

    <table>

    <tbody>

    <tr>

    <td>

    <table>

    <tbody>

    <tr>

    <td width="387">

    ASH¨¨ KROW:

    Level - 2

    Strength: -790¡ú-612 Defense:-832¡ú-801 Agility: -633¡ú-502 Dexterity: -296¡ú-102 Magic: -999

    Abilities:

    Skills:

    </td>

    </tr>

    </tbody>

    </table>

    </td>

    </tr>

    </tbody>

    </table>

    Looking at his stats made him relieve a little.The pace of his growth was better than he has expected.

    If his stats keep growing at this rate, he would be able to reach 0 within a week.

    ¡°GrahGggH¡­¡±

    Ash¨¦''s eyes shot open from the croaked voice behind him.

    He forgot that he was leaving himself vulnerable.

    Two strong limbs held him in place.

    Before he could even react, he felt teeth sinking on his left shoulder.

    ¡°ARGH!¡±

    A sudden pain gave him a shot of adrenaline, he reflexively stabbed the head that was biting his left shoulder with the knife on his right hand.

    The Ghoul went limp, falling to the ground as it released him from its grasp.

    Pain was overwhelming his whole left shoulder. A warm substance starts flowing down from the source of the pain, his undershirt being soaked with a crimson stain.

    He collapsed to the ground on his knees, reaching for a green vial on his belt, opening it with his mouth, and splashing the green substance to his shoulder.

    As the pain starts to subside. He closes his eyes and steadies his breaths, grasping the shoulder that was still aching .

    The potion has closed his wounds, but the blood that was lost was still on his shirt and never to be returned inside his body.

    A sighs of relief escaped his lips while he stands up quickly.

    He carries his legs to the center of the Manor¡¯s first floor.

    Staying there would only expose him to more danger, his only option was to keep moving in the Dungeon.

    The small pack on his bag was only half-full and his body was still half-full of energy. The bite from the Ghoul was still aching on his shoulder.

    In the center of the floor was another room that is decorated with the overall theme of the Manor.

    A large wooden trapdoor in the middle of the room leading to a stairwell down stands out inside the whole room.

    It was the entrance leading down to the upper floors of the Dungeon.

    The Manor was considered as surface floors and was the most basic level for adventurers.

    If he was to stay there, the rate of his growth would grow stagnant because of fighting the same variation of enemies.

    A driving force was propelling him down the staircase leading to the unknown.

    He wanted to be better, and this is a way to be better.

    Without hesitation, his shadow was swallowed by the depths of the stairwell.