I balanced on the razor's edge of desire — one more step, and I would proclaim myself an adventurer. I'd been so excited as I headed here, but the moment I arrived, all my courage vanished. Yet, with time, my resolve flared up anew, and I pressed forward.
The main building, proudly called the Pantheon, loomed before me like a colossus, a place where the dreams of countless seekers had woven themselves into the very stone. The grand hall struck me at once. And the first thought that crossed my mind was:
«Why are there so many adventurers here?»
There were so many that my eyes darted everywhere, each one different from the next. But I gathered my thoughts and headed to the registration desk. To my surprise, the process turned out to be quick and simple. The Guild staff's standard uniform — black vests and trousers, crisp white long‑sleeved shirts, and grey bow ties — varied only in minor details depending on gender. As I waited for my advisor, a tingling, nerve‑wracking excitement crept over me, like a green actor before his first stage appearance.
— Hello, — a woman's voice said, completely devoid of emotion.
When I looked at the speaker, her unusual appearance immediately caught my eye.
«A werewolf girl.»
Long, flame‑red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and the Guild's uniform, while strict, only served to highlight her individuality and figure.
— Hello, are you my advisor? — I asked, already knowing the answer, yet unable to hold back a smile.
— Yes, I'm Rosa Fannett. Pleased to meet you.
— Likewise, I'm Kopii, — I introduced myself, trying to sound confident.
«What an awful name,» she thought, casting a glance full of pity his way — though Kopii didn't even notice.
He only registered her composed demeanor and the coolness she showed toward him, but he decided not to dwell on it.
— So… Kopii, would you like to register as an Adventurer?
«What was that pause for?» flashed through his mind.
I nodded slowly, then with growing determination. Rosa handed me a form and pointed to the nearest free table, where I threw myself into filling out every required field. Once done, I returned the document to her. She studied it carefully, making notes in her ledger, and I felt the tension rise.
— All set. You're registered as an Adventurer, — she declared, as if announcing the dawn of a new era. — Before you descend into the dungeons, visit the library and familiarize yourself with the monsters inhabiting the level you intend to explore. Be careful… and never underestimate the dungeons.
— I understand, I will, — I exclaimed, brimming with enthusiasm.
Before I knew it, I was standing outside the library. I found it easily — well, someone just pointed the way. As I crossed the threshold, I inhaled the intoxicating scent of old books and parchment.
The library was enormous — the largest I'd ever seen. Fueled by excitement, I plunged ahead, determined to find everything about the monsters that lurked on the lower floors.
But after a while, I realized it was a futile quest: the library was just too vast. So, without much delay, I headed to the reference desk and asked the librarian where I could find information on the monsters of the first dungeon level. Without looking up from his reading, he pointed to a far corner of the hall.
— The "Bestiary" section. You'll find everything you need there.
I thanked him and strode in that direction, eager to uncover new knowledge and secrets. My footsteps echoed softly in the vast hall, and my eyes scanned the titles on the spines as if I were hunting for treasure among ruins. Finally, I spotted the sign: "Bestiary: Dungeon Monsters." The shelves in this section were crammed with books of all sizes and thicknesses, and their sheer number began to unsettle me — it meant the variety of monsters in the dungeons was immense.
I started browsing, pulling out the ones that seemed most promising. One of the first to catch my eye was a thick volume titled "Dungeon Creatures: The Adventurer's Complete Guide." Opening it, I dove into the pages, absorbing the descriptions of the monsters on the first level like a thirsty traveler finally reaching a spring.
The book offered detailed entries on each creature: their appearance, habits, strengths, and weaknesses. The first four floors were home to goblins and kobolds — the vermin I'd soon have to face. I studied each entry carefully, imagining how I'd fight them, rehearsing strategies in my head, like a Shakespearean actor preparing for a role.
I could only hope they wouldn't be as strong as Naaza. I didn't want to become someone's breakfast on my very first descent.
Gradually, a clearer picture of what awaited me in the dungeon took shape, and a rush of adrenaline surged through me. Now armed with knowledge, it was time to test it in practice.
Full of resolve, I headed toward the dungeon entrance. But my triumph of knowledge quickly faded, giving way to disappointment, like a shadow chasing away the light. The day was drawing to a close, painting the sky in crimson hues. And I knew that the dungeons were far more dangerous at night. My plan had fallen apart, and a heavy sense of disappointment settled over me. Deflated, I headed home, resigned to the fact that conquering the dungeons would have to wait.
On the way, I laid out my plan for tomorrow: wake up early to reach the dungeon before dark. Check my gear and maybe buy a few essentials. For example, torches — I'd completely forgotten them. Though Naaza would probably give me some potions… knowing her, she'd make me work them off later.
«I don't want to spend the whole day behind the counter.»
My already low mood sank even further.
Back home, I first checked my sword — it looked perfect to me. Then I turned to the map of the city I'd drawn myself. After all, the best way to remember something is to write it down, my old nurse used to say.
After some time, I found a shop that seemed ideal in terms of price and, hopefully, quality. But then I remembered the prices there and realized the quality must be questionable. Still, the main thing was that the sword wouldn't break on the first strike. And truth be told, I didn't have much choice — I was too poor.
Once I'd finished my preparations, I decided to rest a little and read the book I'd borrowed from the library. It was so engrossing that Kopii didn't even realize he was falling asleep. He didn't manage to read even five pages before he drifted off.
When he woke up, a dull ache spread across his whole body — all because he'd fallen asleep in an awkward position.
Quickly getting ready, he rushed out of the Blue Apothecary. The street, as always, was bustling and alive. When he reached the shop, he peered inside like a treasure hunter taking one last look at a trove.
— Hello there, young man! Looking for something? — the old shopkeeper asked in a raspy voice, like dry leaves rustling underfoot.
— Yes, I need torches. Simple, but important.
The shopkeeper studied me for a moment and then chuckled, as if he knew more than I did.
— Torches? And what do you need those for, if I may ask? You don't really look like… Never mind. So, why torches?
— To explore the dungeons, — I replied, my eagerness plain in my voice.
— Dungeons? I don't think you'll need them.
— What? Why? — I asked, confused, not understanding what he meant.
— The lower levels of the dungeon are well lit already.
— Really? I didn't know that.
With this new piece of information, I decided to head straight back to the Guild, once again wondering if I was truly ready. Naaza had given me two potions — I hoped that would be enough. And my sword… well, it ought to survive at least one strike.
At the Guild, the usual morning bustle reigned, like a hive of activity. Adventurers darted here and there, animatedly discussing their plans and gear. At the registration desk sat Rosa Fannett, as ever, her expression stern as she processed new recruits, like a gatekeeper who only let the worthy pass.
This time, I focused on tactics and strategies for fighting in the dungeon's confined spaces.
Some time later, I stood before the dungeon entrance, filled with anticipation and a knot of anxiety in my stomach.
The dungeon entrance lay on the first underground level of the Babylon Tower. In the center of the room, a gaping hole about ten meters across led down into the very heart of the dungeon, like a guardian protecting its secrets. Columns stood at regular intervals around the circular room, and above, a stunning azure depiction of the sky stretched out, so realistic it felt as though you were floating just beneath the dome of heaven, as if the light itself were guiding your path. Delicate staircases curved gracefully around the columns, descending into the dark maw of the dungeon — a place fate itself seemed to beckon me toward.
«I cannot lose.»