Darkness was the only thing surrounding me, endless darkness no matter where I looked.
– Who am I?
My voice echoed in that darkness, so чужой and yet so familiar.
– Where am I?
No sooner had the words left my lips than a white flash completely swallowed me, driving away all the darkness, and at that moment an irresistible force began pulling me. Before I could even realize what was happening, darkness appeared before me again. But this darkness was different from before; it felt different.
Before I could fully understand what had happened to me, noises began reaching my ears.
My eyes slowly began to open, but the moment I saw the bright light, I immediately closed them again.
– It hurts.
I tried to raise my hands to shield myself from the light, but they did not move, continuing to lie there helplessly. And the next attempt to move them caused a sharp pain throughout my entire body, which immediately forced me to stop trying to move.
But after some time I tried to move again, and this time it was easier than before, though the pain was the same and once again persuaded me not to rush.
After a while I could already move. Of course, through pain and through the trembling of my entire body, I managed to sit up. I looked around—or at least tried to. As soon as I opened my eyes, the light blinded me again, causing pain in my eyes, not as strong as the first time, but not weak either. But eventually my eyes grew used to the light, and through the pain I was able to look around. It was an ordinary room with only a bed and a nightstand.
– Where am I?
Trying to get out of the bed, I used all my strength. But the moment I stood up, my legs could not support me, and I fell back onto the bed with a pulsing pain in my legs.
Step. Step. Step.
Before I could resume my attempts, the sound of footsteps reached my ears. Unconsciously, my gaze shifted to the only door in the room.
Creak.
The creaking of the door echoed through the whole room as it opened, and a man entered. After briefly looking around the room, his gaze stopped on me. As he approached, he smiled and spoke.
– You were gone for a long time.
His rough voice echoed through the room.
Before I could react, the man had already sat down beside me, not taking his eyes off me for a second.
– Now you owe me, haha.
He said this while patting me on the back.
– Ah.
A painful groan immediately escaped my lips. Hearing it, he instantly stopped.
– Sorry.
– …Who are you?
– Ah, right. I'm Laxir. And you?
– Me?
He nodded with curiosity clearly visible on his face, waiting for an answer.
– I…
– Yes.
– I don't know…
…
…
Silence hung in the room, and we simply stared at each other, not knowing what to say. Then suddenly he asked:
– What year is it now?
– The year…
– Yes.
– I don't remember…
– Do you know where you are?
I shook my head.
– Orario.
– No…
– The Dungeon.
– No…
– Gods.
– Gods!
– Yes, gods!
He said it with hope.
– Who are they?
But his hope quickly collapsed.
…
…
– Oh, this is going to be hard.
He said it, though a smile remained on his face.
– First of all, what's your name…
– I don't know.
– I know. Let me think.
He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
– Tikhon!
He suddenly exclaimed, looking at me with shining eyes.
– …I don't like it.
– I understand…
He began thinking again.
Time passed, and we still couldn't decide on a name for me. He suggested names that immediately caused disgust in me, or I simply didn't like how they sounded. But then suddenly:
– Kai!
– Kai?
– Yes. It's short for my god's name. Kairos—the god of luck, so it definitely suits you. Because if not for luck, you would have been eaten by monsters.
...
– Well then, Kai, I'll go. We've been sitting here quite a while, and you need rest.
Standing up from the bed, he cast one last glance at Kai's body. During the entire conversation he had noticed that the boy's body had trembled a few times. It was especially noticeable when he moved. Looking away, he headed toward the exit, and when only one step remained before leaving, he stopped.
– You owe me.
He said it. There was no longer that softness in his voice—only firmness. Then he resumed walking and left the room.
Looking at the place where the man had just stood, he didn't know what to think about him or about everything he had learned today.
– Kai.
He whispered, lying back down on the bed and pulling the blanket over himself. Immediately he felt his mind drifting away from him. And so he fell asleep, giving his body what it desperately needed.
The next day.
– What's this?
He examined a vial with some kind of liquid with curiosity.
– Just drink it.
…
Without thinking long, Kai drank the entire contents in one gulp. Immediately he felt better—the pain faded, and his body felt lighter.
– Feel better?
– …Yes. What was that?
– That was a recovery potion… Anyway, let's go.
Not giving Kai a chance to ask more questions, he left the room, expecting him to follow, which he did. It was a little painful to walk, but it was tolerable.
As soon as they left the room, he immediately headed forward.
– Where are we going?
Looking around the place they were walking through, he asked.
– What do you remember?
Completely ignoring Kai's question, he asked his own.
– Me?.. I don't remember anything.
– Nothing at all?
– Yes.
– …I see.
– We are currently in the Dungeon.
And he began telling him about the Dungeon, about the gods, about adventurers, and where they were now. But there was so much information that I became confused, and I remembered almost none of it.
– So that means I'm level two?
– Or three. I found you on the twenty-first floor in a half-dead state.
– Was it that bad?
– Yes. But your wounds heal like a dog's, so everything turned out fine.
– Where are we going?
– As they entered the forest and he looked at the man's back.
– You stink.
…
Sniff. Sniff. Sniff.
After smelling myself, I understood what he meant—I really did stink of sweat. How had I not noticed that before?
– Here we are.
Throwing clothes to me, he immediately turned around and began walking away. Casting one last glance at his retreating back, I slowly began to undress.
– Take a quick bath and change.
He said it, already disappearing behind the trees.
As he said, I quickly washed and changed.
– Perfect.
The clothes fit him so well as if they had been specially sewn for him, not restricting his movements at all.
– Done?
While he was praising the clothes, he did not notice that Laxir had appeared behind him. From such an unexpected appearance, I flinched.
– …Yes.
Turning to face him, I answered.
– Good. At least you look like a human now.
…
…
– And where are we going?
– I need to introduce you to the others… and we'll talk about how you'll repay your debt. You understand?
Casting a glance at me, there was no longer any previous cheerfulness in his eyes—only a cold threat.
– Yes, I understand, debts must be repaid… probably.
After looking at me a bit longer, his face returned to normal.
– Excellent. Let's hurry, there's not much time.
Kai did not notice how Laxir's face changed, and there was no longer that smile on it—only something far more terrible.
Lying down on the bed, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
All day he had been meeting friends—what was his name again… he couldn't remember anymore. Today he had received too much information; his brain simply couldn't process such a huge amount.
But even so, it didn't cause any emotions in him. The fact that he had met so many people—each of them so different. Each reacted to him differently: some with contempt, some didn't care at all, some were happy to see a new face and immediately wanted to get him drunk. He managed to refuse, because when he tried it, it was so disgusting that he couldn't understand how anyone could drink it at all.
And the most important thing—they still hadn't told him what he needed to do to repay the debt. Everyone said that if someone saved you, you absolutely had to repay them—that was the law of adventurers, as they called it.
– I must try.
With those thoughts, he fell asleep.
---
– Who is that?
I said, examining the newly arrived group. Even from afar their appearance made it clear that they were different from the adventurers here. I was curious, so I asked Laxir.
– Loki Familia.
Looking in the same direction as me, he said it. Respect and fear could be heard in his voice.
– Loki Familia? Didn't you mention them yesterday, Laksir?
Trying with all my strength to remember yesterday's conversation.
– Laxir! My name is Laxir!
Suddenly he exclaimed—irritation was clear in his voice. The respect and fear were gone.
– Sorry…
I said apologetically. Looking at me, he could only sigh and again turn his attention to the Loki Familia.
– The Loki Familia is one of the strongest familias in Orario… I explained this to you just yesterday. How could you forget?
– They're that strong?
Ignoring his obvious sarcasm, I asked.
– They're stronger than you think.
– Yeah. Who's that short guy?
Pointing at the youth with a spear on his back that was bigger than he was. And he clearly lacked height.
– If that short guy attacks us, we wouldn't stand a chance.
He said it in such a voice that made it clear he wasn't joking.
– …And who is that?
I'd be lying if I said his words didn't spark interest in me.
– Finn Deimne—the captain of the Loki Familia.
– The captain!
I couldn't help but exclaim, and my gaze became even more focused on him, examining him from head to toe. Suddenly our gazes met. Not knowing what to do, I simply smiled. After holding my gaze for a moment longer, he returned to what he was doing.
– So that means he's the strongest?
– Yes.
– I see… but why is he so small?
…
…
We stared at each other for a while, and with a sigh he said:
– Seriously?
Clenching his fists in irritation, Laxir clearly wanted to punch Kai for the stupid expression on his face, but he restrained himself and continued more calmly, though irritation still slipped into his voice.
– He's a hobbit.
– So he's not human?
– No.
He said it like a final answer. It was obvious he didn't want to be bothered anymore.
– What's with him?
I thought, watching Laxir's retreating back. Yesterday he wasn't like this. Did something happen? But Kai decided not to think too much about it and continued observing the Loki Familia.
But no one surprised me as much as the three girls who were talking. Or rather, two were clearly arguing while the third simply watched. I wouldn't have paid attention to them if not for the color of their skin.
Turning around, I looked at Laxir, who was talking to a bald old man. I couldn't remember his name—oh well. There were more important things right now: whether to call Laxir or not.
I wanted to ask him who they were, but remembering his irritation, I decided to leave him alone. So I looked away and continued scanning the Loki Familia. Eventually I got bored and turned away, heading toward Laxir. Other than Finn, no one had really caught my interest. Not the long-eared ones, not the half-dressed girls who were only different because of their skin color.
But in my mind I noted how they differed from me: skin, height, ears, and tails for some of them.
I hadn't gone far when I felt a gaze on my back. Without thinking much, I turned around and immediately found the culprit—it was a blonde girl. When our eyes met, I felt a little awkward. Not knowing what to do in such situations, I simply waved my hand.
Not even a second passed before she lightly waved back. Because of that, her friends also looked at me, and their stares made me even more uncomfortable. But before I could blink, they returned to their conversation, completely forgetting about me.
– Stop staring. I understand they're beautiful, but they might not like that kind of look.
Before I realized it, a man had walked up to me.
– I wasn't staring.
– Ah, I understand… Anyway, let's go, you'll help me. You remember that every adventurer must help each other, right?
– The law of adventurers.
– Yes, Kai, that's right. Let's go, work won't wait.
– Yeah.
I don't know why in the past I chose the life of an adventurer, but if I chose it, then I must follow the law of adventurers. Those who don't follow it are considered traitors.
---
"Who's that?"
I thought while staring closely at the white-haired boy. I was sure he wasn't here last time—or maybe I just didn't notice him then. Other than his white hair, nothing about him attracted my attention.
So my interest quickly faded.
– See that white-haired kid?
– Huh? The one near the tent?
– Yes.
After those words, my interest in the boy reignited, and I looked at him again with a new perspective. But the more I looked at him, the more ordinary he seemed: no long ears, normal skin color, no beast traits, and his height was normal.
So I immediately started thinking differently: maybe he was their secret weapon, like I had read about in books yesterday—the so-called dark horse, their trump card.
Yes, that must be it. Otherwise Laxir wouldn't have paid attention to him.
– He's a rising star.
Laxir's voice interrupted Kai's thoughts.
– A rising star?
– Yes. He set a new record for leveling up.
– Oh, cool.
But seeing Kai's face, he immediately realized Kai didn't fully understand.
– He did it in one month.
…
Kai didn't know what to say. What Laxir had told him meant nothing to him. He didn't know how long leveling up usually took, but if a record was one month, then levels probably weren't that hard to gain. So another question immediately appeared in his head.
– What was the previous record?
– Three months.
The answer came instantly.
But with that short answer he gave Kai everything he needed. If the previous record was three months and the new one was one month, then leveling up probably didn't take that long. Maybe half a year or a year at most—that was Kai's conclusion.
– Kai, do you understand how fast that is?
– Of course.
– I hope so.
He looked at me carefully, his voice full of doubt.
– …Alright, enough. Let's go, soon you'll be able to repay me.
Casting one last glance at the boy, Kai turned around and followed Laxir.
Some time later.
– Laxir, is this the exit to the seventeenth floor?
– How did you guess?
Laxir's mocking voice sounded.
But Kai ignored the mockery and continued asking questions.
– So that means I can go up and leave the Dungeon?
During the few days he had spent here, nothing serious had happened, so all he did was read books. And the more he read, the stronger his curiosity grew about the moment when he would finally leave the Dungeon and see the world. Every hour spent here only made that desire grow stronger.
Boom. Thud.
– Ah.
– Aah.
– Ouch.
– What?!
Kai exclaimed, not understanding what was happening as a wall of dust rose before him and groans were heard. Before he could process the situation, he heard approaching footsteps.
– Ah, we made it!
– What?
– The goddess herself!
– Bell!
– Goddess!
"Goddess?"
Kai wondered if he had heard correctly. When the dust finally cleared, he saw the scene before him: a white-haired boy hugging a girl.
– I'm so glad, Bell!
– What are you doing here?
– We came to save you.
– We?
Kai didn't understand what was happening. Everything was happening so quickly that his mind couldn't process it.
"A goddess. That's a goddess."
Kai didn't hear what was happening around him anymore. All his attention was focused on the girl they called a goddess. A being beyond comprehension, the pinnacle of this world. And now that being stood only a few meters away from him.
The one thing he remembered clearly from Laxir's stories were the stories about gods: how they were all-powerful, how they extended a helping hand to the entire world so that everyone could become stronger. In other words, gods were the embodiment of hope for the whole world.
That was what Kai had understood from Laxir's stories.
But now, looking at this goddess, he couldn't help but doubt Laxir's words. First of all, gods couldn't descend into the Dungeon, and second… she didn't look much like a being beyond the understanding of this world.
If not for the strange feeling he sensed from her, he wouldn't have realized she was a goddess at all. She looked more like a human than a being that grants hope.
The more he looked at her, the more a strange feeling began to grow inside him. He didn't know what it was, but with every second it only grew stronger.
– Let's go, Kai.
Grabbing Kai by the shoulder, Laxir said. That gesture completely snapped Kai out of his thoughts. He looked at Laxir and simply nodded, but his gaze quickly returned to the goddess, and he asked the question that interested him.
– Laxir, can gods really descend into the Dungeon?
Casting one last glance at the goddess.
– As you can see, they can.
– Yeah… I guess they can.
Kai felt a little embarrassed by the stupidity of his question when the answer had been standing right in front of him all along.