As the sky turned an evening yellow, they meandered around a staircase that led underground. It looked old, decrepit, even if Fei stood on a step it would collapse underfoot. Haru, Fei and Lucian looked at it curiously.
"Um… What's- Whato's this?" Haru asked, quizzically tilting her head at it. Although she heard of it before from the people around her, it still left a mark of confusion. Her question caused the others to give her a questioning look. 'Di-Did I do something?'
"It's the staircase of a dungeon, Goldie Locks." Roth explained in Nuwa. "You'll be sandwiched between me and Bronya as we head down." With a confident step, he took on the first step. Shocking to all, it held his gigantic frame with ease. Not even a creak came from it. "Careful, even if it holds me, it can still crack."
"Little Fei, Little Lucian you go on ahead, Little Haru please keep in front of me." Bronya ordered whilst stepping to the side, she stuck her arm out; ushering the first two to go.
'Why are they- Toreating me different…'
'Did I do something?' Haru followed her orders to the T. A feeling in her gut kept repeating that something was off. In their eyes there were feelings of annoyance, and expectation of something.
Thus they continued down this staircase, the further they went down, darkness engulfed them. A few seconds past the darkness, Haru heard metal racketing, then a light danced behind her.
"Don't worry, it's just my axe." Bronya mumbled after seeing Haru's head jerk to look at her. Even with the explanation, her own eyes widened. 'What kind of weapon is that? Was it just a normal axe?' Without telepathy, Bronya let out a snort.
Further on, a bloom of dust smacked their nostrils. Resulting in them, aside from Roth, to cover their mouths and noses. Then, they met in a gigantic space. It was barren, yet torches lined the sides. It was in the shape of a cube, as if it was a resting spot for those who entered.
Farthest from them, there was another entry way that kept going down. Without needing to discuss their next step, they followed that entryway. Unlike before, the steps were much wider, sturdier and made out of a different material. Fortunately for them, they did not need to traverse that long.
"What is all this? Are we in the same dungeon?" Lucian questioned as they all entered another open space. However, this was very much different; the walls were raised high, fog layered the top concealing their vision of the ceiling.
To the north of them lay a small city. Unlike the unnamed city they just came from, and the kingdom of Vertealle the buildings were much different. Ruins that stood tall. Nearly every home of Vertealle had no glass, yet every ruined structure had shards of glass littering the floor. A long winding road split between the buildings,
"Welcome, to the dungeons of this world. They're very abundant, and mysterious."
"It's… A lot different than expected."
"What else were ya expecting? Rooms filled with monsters? A tough winding arena? OH OH! I know! A treasure box ?" Bronya inquired in a joking manner. She leaned on one foot, whilst her left arm glued itself to her hip. "Rothie and I explored a few of these already. For your first dungeon this one is going to be easy."
"Easy? What are we supposed to do here?" This question lingered in both Fei's and his minds. They were only given information on what dungeons are, not really what to expect to clear them. Their curiosities were quickly proven, Bronya let out a booming yell, echoing across the destroyed city.
Roth covered his face at her actions, did she really have to do that? However, the rest startled at her action took a couple steps back. Just as they calmed their hearts down from that sudden action, she turned her head with a smile.
"Little Lucian, Little Fei prepare yourselves." She gave a small warning.
"Eh? Wh… Not again…"
What…
Human remains, varying in size and mass suddenly appeared from behind buildings, or from the inside of them. They slowly lumbered towards the group. A common occurrence amongst them, were all flesh and skin were completely gone. Skeletons of people, somehow walking towards them. Paired with their horrifying looks, a bone chilling rattle followed with every movement.
"What are we supposed to do?"
"Fight them, even a bronze ranked adventurer like yourself would be capable of taking a few out by themselves."
"..."
How the hell were they supposed to fight a couple dozen? Once all the skeletons were just ten meters away, Lucian felt something cover his entire body. He could see a red glow on his arms, going down to his trembling hands.
"Better start moving." Roth's voice came as both warning and suggestion. As if coordinated with his words, the skeletons' advances heightened. They now ran at a snail's pace, slower than any human but faster than their previous slow pace.
'Great.' This one word represented Lucian's mind. He dashed towards his right, catching their attention and maneuvering them away from the rest.
Once they were out of grabby distance, he unsheathed his sword. He lowered his posture, pulling his weapon back. One, two, three his mind counted how many seconds passed, the first skeleton came into the distance of his reach.
He released all of his breath, and whipped his arms out. Bones shattered, flinging in every direction. His sword collided, smashing through every bone along the skeleton's torso. It smashed against the ground, falling silent but its jaw kept moving; appearing as if invisible strings were controlling it.
His attention quickly diverted, as the next followed after; walking over its fallen brethren.
"He's pretty strong isn't he?" Bronya's voice came out, yet he kept focusing on moving his legs away. "Fei, try to knock them down."
"Fei, do it now. If you do, it'll be easier for him."
"Fei?" After her third call, Fei's body shook as her glazed eyes turned back to consciousness. "Do something, Lucian doesn't have unlimited stamina."
"S-Sorry…" She raised her hands in the next moment, her eyes fixated on the walking remains. Focus… S-Stop staring at him… How can she halt their movements? At the corner of her eye, Lucian stopped in his tracks and prepared a swing.
How am I supposed to? In the next second, a skeleton fell and he proceeded to run in another direction, bringing the entire horde with him.
"Keep it up and he'll run out of stamina."
As if her voice was a mosquito, Fei felt a twinge enter her heart. Slowly, her mind straightened itself. Ignoring all the eyes prying into her, she raised her hands once again. A slight cold air increased around her. Then, in just seconds a gigantic chain formed under the feet of the skeletons.
Many by many, most fell over becoming clambering piles of bones. Three stragglers wandered around the piles. However they were quickly and inefficiently dispatched by Lucian. First became separated by his sword; his second target had its skull caved in by the flat of his blade; lastly, its head got sent flying towards the rocky sky.
They were not given a moment to breathe, the oncoming horde managed to clamber to their feet. Many of them lost all limbs, due to no tendons, or muscles being connected.
"Can we get a bit of help?!" Lucian screamed out helplessly. For a few minutes he was relentlessly being chased by these boney freaks. The ones he cleaved in two came to crawl at his feet, leaving no area safe to take a small breather. "Roth?! Brony-!" A creeping hand grasped his face. For just a few moments he had stopped, and it started to tighten its grip.
A stinging feeling caressed his entire face.
Out of pure instincts he tore away the arm, leaving only its hand connected to his face.
"Fei, you better hurry your spells up."
What am I supposed to do?! … Fei's mind racked tirelessly.
'Fe- Fei please help… I'm starting to get tired over here!'
"He's slowing down."
Fei closed her eyes, the bombardment of voices her body reacted.
'Fei-' Just as his pleas were to come, a huge amount of frigid air struck his body. Within a few more feet, he twirled around, his weapon ready to skewer more. "What-" That aura left his body, yet he felt fear well up in his gut.
A wall of spikes shot up from the ground, skewering every skeleton from the bottom up. Many had the tips protruding from the tops of their skulls. Even the ones that had their torsos being pierced did not move.
"Wow~ That's impressive!" Bronya let out a whistle whilst golf clapping. She strolled towards the spikes of ice with a touch of pride. "That's one impressive spell, Little Fei. I didn't know you had it in you." She continued with a prideful smile, turning her torso, whilst lightly tapping the ice.
"Fei that was you?" Lucian inquired in a bit of a daze.
"Y-Ye…"
"Fei?!"
Out of the blue, Fei collapsed to the floor. Her breathing was ragged, and a layer of sweat painted itself over her face.
"Looks like that spell wiped her out, huh?"
"S-Sorry…"
"That's no good… Lucian, can you carry her again? We didn't just come here to kill these boney guys."
"Fei are you fine with that?" Lucian asked with a worried tone. Fei subconsciously nodded her head, With a little relief washing over him, he gained help from Bronya. With her arms around his neck, he carried her on his back, supporting her weight with his arms.
After making sure she was comfortable, they began their exploration of the dungeon. This time, both Roth and Bronya took the lead.
Lucian followed quietly, with Haru to his side. His attention stayed focused on his surroundings, watching for any movement. Although there were no sounds of any bones creaking from around, it was best to stay aware of everything. That's what he felt in his gut; despite Bronya's reassurance of nothing else, she didn't seem honest all the time.
Building after building, they went through. Inside seemed the same, no intricate designs. Nothing inside, just a barren wasteland of destruction. According to Bronya, there were chances of finding something valuable– Even in a small dungeon like this. Whilst they trodden along, she began to talk and explain a lot about dungeons.
Dungeons can vary in size, can hold many floors. From one to four floors. At least those that are staircase dungeons– the less powerful. One floor dungeons usually have weak monsters that bronze ranked adventurers could handle. Therefore, the more floors there are, the higher the danger level.
Second, dungeons dissipate after being cleared for some time– Usually within a day or two of clearance. The earth covers it, and awaits for a summoning again. Dungeons happening in the same spot are rare, but not unheard of.
As she went on explaining, Haru whispered to Fei.
"Um… Miss Fei. H- how were you um… Able to do thato?"
"Ho- How was I able- To, to do what?"
"Um… Uh… TO summon that giant spike, without using a chanto…"
Fei fell silent; another one found out again about her prowess. Yet, Haru didn't seem afraid, much like those around her she had intrigue on her face. Her hands clenched, and her ears seemed alert and curious. Haru's tail slowly swayed back and forth, further enhancing her curiosity.
"I-I don't… I don't, k-know…" Fei mumbled, she dug her head into Lucian's back. From Haru's view she could see Fei's ear twitching.
"I-I see… Sorry, ito's um, something I have never uh seen before…" Haru apologized whilst lowering her head. "Um, I think… I think it's amazing that you can…"
Fei's mouth twitched into a smile, yet it was small from Haru's compliment. It instantly deformed back into a neutral expression from Lucian's small chuckle and in agreement.
"Haru, if you think that's amazing, you'd be absolutely shocked by more that you see." Lucian said in a praising manner, whilst one arm was occupied he gave a thumbs up.
"I can attest to that, Little Fei has more amazing skills than that. What do you say, Rothie?"
"Mm."
Their praises caused Fei to squish her body, and her face turned beet red. Haru stared at her in bewilderment, what else does someone need to be more amazing? It's common knowledge that mana catalysts are needed for spellcasting, and a chant; what else does she have to be more amazing?
Quickly her mind was thrusted away from that, as she was told not to think too much about it. From then on, they explored silently. Nothing was to note, silently clattering along glass. Like previous buildings they were barren.
It was a ghost town, metaphorically; litterings of bones speckled across the ground. Unlike the previous skeletons there weren't enough to create a full one. From Roth's explanations, there needs to be enough bones to form a mostly intact skeleton. Limbs, ribs, spine, head and neck. These counted towards the forming of them.
Just before they decided to leave, Bronya had everyone sit at the steps. Per usual, her cheerful demeanor left everyone wary. She was humming an invisible tune and clasping her hands.
"So~ Little Fei, Little Lucian, and Little Haru, how was your first dungeon?" She questioned after moments of silent tunes. Her head tilted to a certain angle, whilst resting her chin on her hand. "You don't have to give me that look you two." Bronya's hands raised just to her shoulders as an innocent look appeared on her face. "I have nothing going on up here, I'm genuinely curious."
The first to speak up was Lucian, he leaned forward on his own hand. "Aside from that crazy part, it was "fun". I kind of wish there was more to do." He replied with an honest look in his eyes.
"I-It was fine…" Fei said whilst looking down. Her body still felt incredibly weak, but she was feeling good enough to stand, but going up the stairs is a different story.
"How about you Little Haru?"
"Uh… I-I had… Fun…"
"Well, that's great! We'll rest up there, and tomorrow we'll be setting off again." Bronya claimed whilst pointing to the sky. "Get yer butts up, I'd rather not stay in this stinking place. Ugh, the smell of rotten bones."
With that, everyone got to their feet, aside from Fei who got a piggyback ride again. They slowly tip-toed up the steps. Outside, the night sky shone below, thankfully they had set up tents for the night. They were left where they initially sat, their horse drawn carriage was left where it was.
After a quick supply check, they all went to bed. Bronya once again tried to force Fei to sleep in the girl's tent, only in the middle of the night did she wriggle into the same tent as Lucian.