Two days after the meeting the Red Bull's and their newest addition Dokja headed northeast to Muerte Dungeon. It would be a three-day journey, and while spirits were high. There was an air of unease ruminating around the party. A day into their journey they'd come across four hordes of fifteen or more grey goblins. Grey goblins, also known as dungeon goblins, are never seen on the surface unless there's been a dungeon break. As far as Brite knew no such incident had happened.
"So, when did the dungeon begin to change? Also, what's your guess as to why? Like is this something you guys think we can fix, or something we're going to have to learn to adapt and live with?" Dokja asked
Brite lifted his head in contemplation before replying. "Well, reports of strange activity started about a month ago. Apparently, another dungeon to the south of Tigrerra called Foolking Dungeon was the first to change. That happened three months ago, and since then all the surrounding dungeons and even monster personalities have changed. Green goblins that used to only frequent one area, are now invading villages. There seems to be more of a pack mentality within the monsters. It would seem the world as we've come to know it is changing rapidly."
Flower decided to add her own two cents on the situation. "Don't you read any news or reports? What fool have we allowed on our team? Brite this novice is going to be the death of us I promise. Still, it's obvious that whatever has caused this shift is far more powerful than anything we can handle. The best we can do is protect the surrounding towns, villages and cities. Leave fixing the world to the Obsidian Raked adventurers."
Brite was about to say something, but Sara rebuked Flower first. "Shut up Flower! We both know that Dokja is more than qualified to be here with us. We all voted and including you we voted to bring him. Besides in terms of combat ability, he's already far superior to you grandma." Finishing by sticking out her tongue.
Dokja felt good having Sara take his side and defend him, but hated the feeling that he was causing problems in this group. He was about to say something of an apology, but Brite quickly jumped in.
"Flower, Sara, that's enough. We can't hope to survive if we're constantly at each-others throats. Now getting back to your question Dokja. I don't think Flower is wrong that there isn't anything we can do. This feels like the type of issue that requires the power to reshape the world and only Obsidian Ranked people are capable of that. Unfortunately, only ten people have ever reached that rank, and of those only five have been confirmed to still be alive. The other five haven't been seen or heard from in over ten years."
Dokja confused asked "If just one of these guys can affect the world on such a grand level. Isn't five enough then? Hell, shouldn't one be more than enough. Five sounds like overkill if you ask me."
Flower was about to mock him some more, but Grant putting an arm in between Flower and Dokja answered him. "Well, in theory you would think that, but it's more complicated than that. Let's take Muerte Dungeon for example. From floors one to twenty are considered Silver Rank. Well, I guess it be Gold now, but you get the drift. From floors twenty-one to forty it rises to Gold and Platinum Rank. Floors forty-one to fifty is minimum Platinum, and floors fifty-one to ninety are Diamond. The last ten floors only Obsidian Ranked can enter. Almost every Dungeon is like this, and most Dungeon breaks are started due to an overflow of monsters from the bottom ten floors. Those last ten floors are a challenge even for Obsidian Ranks, and every dungeon is like this. Five or even ten people aren't enough to handle the massive number of dungeons that exist. One way we reduce the speed at which breaks happen is by clearing the higher floors. This gives the weaker monsters from lower floors a place to run to and live. Now here's a question for you, Dokja. Can you tell me the problem with this in the long run?"
Dokja didn't need to think long before answering "Eventually the monsters from the lowest floors get to the highest ones raising the rank and thus limiting the people who can cull it."
"Bingo, and I believe that this is the issue that we are facing. Not enough higher ranked people to cull the lower floors causing a build up that over time has led to our current state of affairs." Grant said confidently
Dokja took all this in and before he could respond an all too familiar condescending voice came ringing like nails on a chalk board.
"Grant, don't give him too much information. His tiny brain might explode from thinking too hard." The cackle of her laugh reminded Dokja of his mom.
Sara now fully done with Flower's attitude retorted "Maybe if you weren't such a cunt, you wouldn't need to be such a whore. A whore who seems to be drooping a bit." Sara shot her a cheeky smirk and looked at Flower's breast.
Flower turning on her heels to face Sara put her left hand over her chest and cocked her right hand back. Dokja could tell by the windup that she was looking to take some teeth with this slap.
Just before Flower could swing, Grant grabbed her arm. "Hey now, let's not start fighting amongst ourselves. You know Sara has a short fuse and you have been kind of a jerk to Dokja. So, let's take a beat and calm down before we do or say something we can't take back."
While Dokja appreciated the help, he felt bad for Grant. Since he decided to stand up to her. He unfortunately turned her wrath onto him.
"Grant, I know I must have miss heard you. You aren't taking her side and saying that I'm in any way wrong, right?" Flower said with a low, almost sickly-sweet voice. Which immediately switched to a banshee scream. "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU WOULD SAY SOMETHING SO CRUEL! YOU CLEARLY HATE ME AND WISH ME DEAD! JUST ADMIT IT!"
Dokja thought to himself that if she died on this mission, he probably wouldn't be sad. Looking around the group he figured that sentiment was probably shared.
In a whispered voice Dokja asked "Hey Sara, is Flower like this all the time? If so, why do you all put up with her?"
Sara smirked and whispered back "Trust me we all find her annoying, but Brite is head over heels with her. He still hasn't lost his rose-colored glasses, and in terms of magic she could easily be a Gold Rank."
Dokja found it hard to believe Brite still had rose-colored glasses on, not unless he also had wine cork earplugs. Still, Dokja gave an understanding nod which caused Sara to giggle and blush a bit. Dokja wasn't positive, but he was pretty sure Sara might be into him as well.
Sara stepped closer to Dokja putting them only a few inches apart. Smiling, she said "Your new outfit looks really good on you."
Dokja could feel his face getting hot. The day before they set out for Muerte Dungeon Sara and Dokja went shopping for supplies and new clothes for Dokja. He was still wearing his grey sweats and white wife beater. They went to several stores before finding the look.
"That! That's your look! You look amazing Dokja!" Sara squealed in delight
His outfit consisted of black pants tucked into black boots. A black quarter button long sleeve with grey trim. A black gold monocle, and a gold pocket watch with a bronze dragon protruding from the front. The dragon's wings and tail tip were a blue gem stone that Dokja didn't recognize.
Dokja received a lot of compliments from Wendy and the rest of Red Bull. Well, all except Flower, who said he looked like a real downer. While everyone else's praise felt nice it was Sara's that he cared about. He didn't care if he was wearing a pink pony suit. As long as Sara liked it, he'd wear it with pride.
"Thanks, and thanks for helping me pick it out. I doubt I'd have been able to pick this for myself." Dokja said with a laugh scooting slightly closer. At this point they were basically on top of each other.
Sara couldn't stop her smile from showing. She was so happy to have someone who really got her, and accepted her for her. She wanted to say so many emotional things, but she knew the moment wasn't right. She also couldn't help the fear she felt. What if he rejects me, or only sees me as a friend. These thoughts ate at her, and the closer they got the more her fears grew.
Flower was still tearing into grant, and Brite was doing everything he could to ignore it. He apparently always took the stance of if I can ignore it then it isn't happening. Much to the dismay of Grant and Sara. They tried to get him to step in, but he always had one excuse or another as to why he couldn't help. Grant never had a problem since he was a chill guy by nature, but Sara was an insecure firecracker. Flower's comments might as well have been matches, because they would set her off. Sara learned how to push Flower's buttons, but never to the same effectiveness as Flower had on her.
Dokja's joining the group has helped in two ways. First, she finds Flower's comments to be less triggering when Dokja's around. Second, he's better at the retorts than she is, and seems to be able to push her buttons right back.
"You know, I don't know if I told you, but you have a real eye for fashion. I hope you will help me next time I need new clothes." Dokja said laughing, but his eyes were completely serious.
"Hey, tell me about the town you grew up in." Sara asked
Dokja had no idea how to answer. Does he tell her the truth? Or maybe lie? He racked his brain for several moments before finally deciding on a course of action.
"Well, I grew up in a town to the west of Tigrerra. My family was wealthy by the town's standards, and to people on the outside we looked like the perfect family. We had family outings where all the aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents would get together and party. Well, everyone but my eldest cousin Zane and my grandpa on my mom's side. They would never attend and if they did, they would just stand in the corner and talk with each other. They'd often be the first to leave as well. I was told by the family that it was because my cousin was a bad guy who manipulated and used my grandpa for his money. I remember when I was fif… ten my mother passed away. She'd been ill for many years, most of my life up to that point. At the funeral my grandpa sat in the back and left halfway through after getting a cal… message from Zane. The family again spoke ill of Zane and my grandpa. That was the moment I truly hated Zane. I thought he was the problem and the reason grandpa didn't get to mourn his own daughter. He was the reason grandpa couldn't be with his family. I thought that way for a long time, but after my grandpa died, I learned the truth. Turns out Zane wasn't the bad guy… he was the one thing that gave my grandpa comfort and hope after his wife died. Zane got all my grandpa's assets, and that caused a hell storm of objections, but in the end, they never got a dime and Zane cut the whole family off. This included me…"
Sara was doing her best to hold back the tears, but she couldn't stop them all. Dokja wiped them away with his thumb smiling.
"So, how did you and your cousin reconnect? I've heard you mention him several times, and it sounded as if you guys were close." Sara asked
"Heh, we were close. Thick as thieves' people from my town would say. About a year after he cut contact, I finally had had enough of the family's toxicity, and left as well. No place to go and nobody to turn to, since my family had made sure to tell everyone I knew that was unstable. I found myself aimlessly wandering the town. Days had passed and I had no money and no food. I thought about returning and begging for forgiveness, hell I considered taking my own life. Just when it all seemed hopeless, I heard a voice ask me if I needed help. When I looked up it was Zane. He didn't recognize me at first, but after explaining everything he invited me to stay with him. He told me the whole story of him and our grandpa, as well as the truth of our family. He never pressured me to do anything, but encouraged me to find my path and he'd support it fully. I researched many career options, and found one that would require me to move to a major city to get the education. However, Zane disappeared and I needed to find work right away. Thus, I came to Tigrerra and became an adventurer like Zane." Dokja finished
The story was more or less the truth, but slightly altered to fit the world. Plus, making Zane an adventurer allowed Dokja an easy explanation as to what happened to him. Sara was crying even harder at this point. She buried her face into his chest, and just let the dams break.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through that. It must have been so hard for you." Sara sobbed
Dokja was starting to feel kind of bad now. He wanted to tell her the truth and he tried to do it without saying he's from a different world, but still it felt like lying to her. He was conflicted, but wrapped her in his arms and let her cry it out. He could handle the guilt if it meant not causing Sara any problems. Besides the story is basically true, Dokja kept telling himself.
Sara's sobbing became a full-on cry to a straight mental breakdown. Enough that the team had to stop and rest. Dokja realized that while it may have started due to his story. She was releasing a lot of pent-up emotion. Dokja couldn't help but glare at Flower the entire time. He was sure without a shadow of doubt that she was the main reason for Sara's pain.
"You know Dokja, I think you have to join our party now. I mean if you leave, who's going to be all lovey dovey with Sara?" Brite said jokingly
Everyone laughed including Flower, and even hers felt genuine. They were joking, but Dokja thought he sensed a serious offer to join them. He'd always figured he'd do this job, then he would go his separate way. However, now he wasn't so sure. He couldn't lie and say that Sara didn't mean anything to him. He also didn't hate spending time with them. Well, Flower sucked more than when he learned that bull jizz used to be an ingredient in energy drinks. Still, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't having fun with them.
Laughing, Dokja said "Well captain, I might have to ask you if I can stay. Joining you guys has been a blast."
They had stopped to rest in a clearing. Flower was using her vine magic to lay a perimeter detection line. Grant had grabbed a couple of logs and set them in a circle. Brite was pouring some refreshments and Dokja's lap had become the pillow for Sara. You wouldn't have guessed they were headed for a dangerous mission if you passed them. They looked like they were setting up for a picnic. Dokja thought to himself that this was what a professional party looked like.
Flowers' head shot up quickly after about ten minutes. "Goblins… about 30 of them, and if I'm not mistaken, they're grey ones."
Brite's calm demeanor flipped to confusion instantly. "The hell you mean grey ones are coming. They're supposed to stay in dungeons. Unless… it's a dungeon break."
Dokja had no clue what was happening, but he knew it wasn't good. He shook Sara awake, and after a few moments she finally stirred.
"What's wrong Dokja? Do we need to get moving so quickly?"
"I'm not sure of all the details, but according to the bitch. We got goblins in coming." Dokja said
Flower made sure to shoot a nasty look at Dokja before returning her attention to the problem at hand.
"How long till they're here Flower?" Brite asked
"I'd say they're here" Grant responded pointing at a group of six goblins coming from the north.
Brite spun around and cursed their luck. "You've got to be shitting me. How could they have gotten this close without Flower sensing them?"
"I'm sorry Brite, they must have found some hole in my network." Flower said humbly
Dokja had never heard Flower sound humble, or remorseful about anything since they'd met. He hated that he was even thinking this, but he kind of felt bad for her. She may be a massive bitch, but she was the vice-captain of this team for a reason. They all trusted her with their lives, and she took that trust very seriously.
"It's fine Flower. Just focus on locating the hoards. Grant give us an earth wall so we can regroup. Sara, we need numbers, time to call some friends. Dokja stay behind us, and watch how we fight. In the dungeon we're gonna need you, and we need you to be in sync with our movements."
Dokja did as Brite instructed and moved to the center. He didn't know what he was supposed to glean from this fight. They were surrounded and couldn't move. How was he supposed to learn their movements?
That's when it happened, Grant made the earth beneath Brite shoot up. Brite flew through the air. From his high vantage point, he shot precise steel arrows at the goblins. As he descended Grant made an earth ramp. He made sure the top was soft enough that Brite slid down smoothly. As he slid Brite unloaded several more steel arrows.
Grant then created two earth golems to guard Sara while she raised her skeletal soldiers. From there Grant drew tentacles of earth out right at the goblin's feet. He was slapping, piercing, and throwing goblins. Flower was in the center with Dokja making sure there weren't more coming while also giving orders as to the whereabouts of the enemy.
They were so coordinated that Dokja was at a loss as to how he was supposed to fit into their battle plans. He looked for any weak spots that he could fill, but they kept it tight. Even while Brite was in the air Grant covered the openings with walls. Sara used her soldiers to not only keep Flower and Dokja safe, but also cover the team's blindside. If he could pick out one spot it was that Sara was limited to only five skeletal warriors. She could apparently call upon one dark mage wrath, but it took a lot of time and mana.
The battle took less than ten minutes, but to Dokja it happened in an instant. He was in awe of how synchronized they were. He was so entranced by their teamwork that he didn't even realize the fight had ended.
Shaking him Flower said "I get that you're hypnotized by my beauty, but now isn't the time for your vulgar fantasies."
Sara hearing this was irate. "Shut up Flower if he was hypnotized by anyone's beauty it was mi…" she didn't finish her thought turning beet red as she hid her face in her hands.
Flower looked on amused by Sara's new confidence, and if one looked closely, they might even see a glint of joy for Sara's happiness. Scoffing and flipping her hair as she turned and walked away. She didn't want anyone seeing her softer side coming out.
Dokja finally snapping out of his trance was face to face with Sara. She was looking at him with this look of concern. When he finally moved his eyes she shot backwards quickly burying her face in her hands.
"Is everything alright?" Dokja asked
Brite with a cheeky smile teased "Well, we're alright, but it seems Sara could use your attention.
Sara glared daggers at Brite, but he and the rest of the gang just laughed. Even Dokja couldn't help himself and joined in on the laughter. Sara's face became even redder with embarrassment.
The laughter carried on for a bit, before Flower took Brite aside. "Look, I'll follow your lead, but if this is really a dungeon break. Then we are way over our heads here. Especially with Dokja joining us. I'm not saying this to be negative or take a shot at him. I think based on what you've said he's quite capable. Still, he doesn't have a fluid understanding of our style. In battle he'll become more of a liability than an asset."
Brite took a long moment to contemplate Flower's very valid concerns. "You raise a good point… still, I have faith in Dokja. I can't explain it, but there's something special about him. We also need to confirm whether this is in fact a dungeon break, or just an outlier. For now we'll keep going, but if it starts to look like a break. We'll return to the guild and report a dungeon break."
Flower wasn't happy with this decision, but she trusted Brite. He could be careless and oblivious, but he was a seasoned veteran. Still, she couldn't help but have a bad feeling. It felt like if they didn't turn back now. They may not return at all. Flower gave her head a quick shake, and with a nod of understanding. Brite and Flower returned to the group to continue their quest.
The air was tense and heavy. Nobody spoke, nobody made any unneeded noises. They walked in a bunched formation, giving them the best chance of being able to block a surprise attack. Dokja stayed in the center, and was told no matter what, don't leave the formation.
After about an hour Dokja couldn't take it any more and asked. "Why is everyone so anxious? I mean you guys kicked ass, and if that's the worst we'll face then we'll be fine."
Flower rolled her eyes, Sara kept her eyes on the woods, Grant put a hand on Dokja's shoulder, and Brite took a moment but answered the query.
"Well, the simplest answer is that we may have a dungeon break on our hands. The longer answer, the monsters in a dungeon and the monsters top side have differences. As an adventurer it's important that you know these differences. Grey Goblins are exclusive to dungeons, and only ever go top side when a dungeon breaks. On the outside a goblin would normally be a shade of green. The shade part gets into regions, diets, and reproduction patterns. This is an explanation for a different day. The important part is that for grey goblins to be attacking outside of a dungeon is either a mutation or dungeon break."
Dokja sat on that for a bit before asking. "How bad would a mutation be?"
Brite turned to give Dokja a little smirk. "Ha! Now you're asking the right questions. It could be nothing at all, just a few outliers. It could also be an omen of a problem even more catastrophic than a dungeon break."
"That's why we didn't turn back. We need to investigate, and determine the severity of the situation." Grant finished Brite's thought.
Brite gave a nod to confirm Grant's statement. Dokja followed along quietly processing the conversation, and trying to figure out how he can be of use to the team. Obviously, if it was the mission as usual he'd be support, but if things have gone to shit. He needs to reevaluate his role and what he brings to the table. For Dokja he didn't know what he brought to the table though. He had a very limited mastery of his magic. He wasn't in sync with his party members, and he has zero experience in regular kill quests. In this situation he was fighting to tread water.
While all these thoughts swam around Dokja's head. A persisting feeling kept igniting his heart. Excitement. He was excited, he'd grown up watching Isekai's. Now he's living one, and if he'd learned anything from watching them. The main character always shines when shit hits the fan. This thought brought Dokja a lot of comfort as they headed closer and closer to hell.
The journey took them two more days, in which they ran into several more dungeon mobs. With each new battle Dokja became more comfortable and in sync with the party. Even joining them in a couple of the final battles. His vortex magic paired well with Brite's steel magic. Brite would load up Dokja's vortexes and Dokja would then spread them out. Followed by releasing a barrage of steel spears. Flower said it reminded her of a story her father told her years ago.
Flower's father was a part of a certain kingdom's military. They'd been sent to capture another kingdom's outpost. In terms of numbers this should have been an easy assignment for her father's group. However, what awaited them was a lone mage on top of the fortress wall. This lone mage who also used steel magic. Created so many steel shards that her father said it blacked out the sky. Her father described it as a massacre. He had to swim through the blood, guts, and hail of steel. While he survived, he was severely wounded and had to retire from the military. He was one of only fifteen men to survive that battle. Flower noted that her father still has viscous nightmares of that day.
The team processed the story, and Dokja found himself seeing Flower in a much different and better light. He still wanted to slap the taste out of her mouth, but he also wanted to get to know more about her past. Based on everyone's faces, Flower doesn't share super personal information. Dokja could understand that. Growing up in his family, information was a weapon. His family would use whatever underhanded methods they needed to protect their control over the flow of family information. Just thinking about that made Dokja's skin crawl. He wondered how Zane ever put up with it.
"He must have the patients of a saint." Dokja groaned
Sara turned to him and asked "Did you say something Dokja?"
Dokja, sighing, answered "No, it's nothing. I was just thinking about my past, and it bummed me out."
Sara looked at him concerned, but he smiled and kept walking. She wanted to say something, but the words got caught in her throat. She just stood there watching as Dokja got further and further from her.
"Alright everyone, time to focus, we're here." Brite said staring ahead
Flower walking to stand beside him added "Welcome to hell kiddies. If you have any misgivings and want to run. This is your last chance to do so."
Dokja finally getting to where Flower and Brite were, stood in awe of what he saw. A massive structure stood like a rainbow in a grey room. It reminded Dokja of a mausoleum or a run down windowless cathedral. As he approached the entrance he was shocked by the sheer magnitude of the entrance doors. Solid stone pillars, doors, and walls. Above the doors read "Those who enter must not fear death, lest they become another stain of the past."
Dokja read the words and joked "Well, it's no Dr. Seuss, but it's still better than slam poetry."
The silence that followed only made his bad joke feel more crushing. Not even Sara would offer him a pity laugh. Shaking off that embarrassment he looked ahead at the now opened doors.
"Finally, my isekai life starts now."