Loud, drawn-out sigh.
“The fox runs from turtle farms?” Bryan squinted at the page.
That can’t be right...
Tessa chuckled softly. “Ah, close. It’s ‘The fox runs from the farmer Turk.’”
It's been a slow, grueling few weeks. I hate these stories so much.
Tessa beamed. “Next sentence - you’ve got this.”
“The cow jumps over the….” Bryan said slowly
Fuck it…
“I think I’m done for today, thank you,” Bryan said sincerely.
“Ah, well, if you’re sure, dear. You’ve been out hunting a lot lately.”
She looked at Bryan with mild concern.
Well yeah, these lessons ain’t free…
“Mostly I’m glad you don’t come back as injured as you did the first time.” A smile came across her face.
“Thank you for your concern,” Bryan said with a smile.
He got up and made his way out of the closet and downstairs.
The tavern was busy with people eating, talking, and drinking.
This place is oddly popular despite its décor.
Bryan made his way through to the doors and onto the street, heading to the guild.
He pushed open the doors to a wall of sound, adventurers chatting loudly and eating.
Really don’t get why people choose to eat here…
He shrugged and continued to the board. He studied it and could make out most words.
While he was deciphering the board, he overheard some adventurers talking.
“Ah, have you seen the new girl?”
“The Nekari girl? The one training with Reorn every day?”
Nekari, huh… no idea what that is.
“I mean, I’ve seen her nearly trip over her own tail, but she is persistent.”
Bryan, tried to focus on the quest board, scanned a few requests. One caught his eye:
“Duck hunting request: Please can someone kill the ducks that keep stealing the bread I leave on the windowsill.”
You could just not leave it on a windowsill, surely?
He looked through several more until he rested on the dungeon notice again.
Well, I could test myself and see if I can go deeper this time.
As he walked past the receptionist desk, he said to Milan on his way past:
“Hey, think I’ll go to the dungeon again - be back later.”
Bryan smiled as he walked away. Milan looked up, raised an eyebrow, and then carried on with her work.
Such a social butterfly she is.
He made his way to the north gate, waving to the guard as he passed.
A while later, he approached the clearing where he found the dungeon. He stopped and thought a moment.
It's been a while. Should check my status.
He raised his palm flat forward. The screen flickered to life.
Status
• Name: Bryan
• Level: 30
• Job: Elemental Trickster
• Skill Points: 258
• HP: 385 MP: 710
• STR: 35 AGI: 46 VIT: 27
• DEX: 42 INT: 63 CHR: 20
• LUCK: 15
Skills:
• Your Regret
• Mana Channelling (5)
• Mana Shaping (5)
• Fire Bolt (4)
• Lightning Bolt (3)
• Water Bolt (3)
• Air Bolt (3)
• Blink (2)
• Evade (3)
• Piercing Strike (2)
• Blade Slash (3)
• Heavy Slash (2)
• Sweeping Slash (2)
• Item Appraisal (2)
• Torch Light (1)
• Subtle Manipulation (2)
Rank two Blink, nice. Guess I understand it well enough to turn it into a skill.
Don’t think I bothered to read the job description.
He tapped the job name idly, and a brief description flickered beneath it.
Elemental Trickster
A rare hybrid job combining elemental casting with martial finesse.
Emphasizes creativity, speed, and misdirection over raw force.
Uncommon among adventurers. Often underestimated.
Often underestimated… well, duh.
Bryan activated his Torch Light spell. The light flickered to life above his shoulder and he made his way into the dungeon.
Making his way through the early levels, killing some wolves, goblins, and rats with ease.
Hmm easy peasy.
After finishing the puzzle again, he entered the ogre room.
Inside - a large but roughly half-the-size ogre of the one he saw last time.
Much smaller. That is weird… this one could fit through the door.
Noticing him, it began charging wildly with a deafening roar.
Bryan ran toward the ogre confidently as it raised the large bone club.
Evade - and Sweeping Slash at the leg. The ogre stumbled and kneeled in pain.
Goodbye…
He used this time to get behind the ogre and plunged his sword into its neck downward.
It slumped to the ground, Bryan wiped his blade clean on its loincloth.
Ok now let’s see how to get lower…
He scouted the walls of the room looking for another door or walkway.
Bryan found a crevice just big enough for a person to fit down.
Ok is it odd it's person-sized?... nope don’t overthink it.
He squeezed through and into a wider hallway, and made his way down some stairs.
Bryan reached the bottom and entered another large cavern, looking around - he saw something.
A lot of something. A creature that looks kind of like a leech with long spindly legs and arms with claws.
Oh god, what on earth is that thing?... oh wait this isn’t earth… I never asked what the planet is called…
While he mused, the creature had already darted for him with both unnatural speed and a weird movement patterns.
Bryan tried to lift his sword but it barreled into his stomach - Forcing him to brace by grabbing it with his free arm.
Shit… shit… Lightning Bolt.
It shook violently before collapsing, smoking. He quickly readied himself for the next one.
Bryan decided to run forward and one dove from the darkness to his side.
Oh these are quick and a bit smart. Evade.
He jumped sideways, slashed mid-air, and avoided the hit by inches. His blade caught the creature, slicing it clean.
Two more in front, running - legs flailing. They dove toward him.
I got this… Fire Bolt.
A large blast of fire exploded in front of him, engulfing them and knocking him back.
He coughed, struggling to breathe through the smoke.
That was clever… don’t use a large fire in a cave, dumbass.
After the smoke cleared, through the crevice he came in, he could see the last creature waiting to pounce in the distance.
He lifted his hand and concentrated - focusing his mana.
Solid… compact… stone… bullet… launch…
A small rock fired from his hand at intense speed, piercing through the creature.
Rock Blast Unlocked
It collapsed in a heap on the ground as the rock hitting the wall echoed in the cave.
Level Up
Hot damn, best put a point in that.
Bryan smiled and made his way past, grimacing slightly at their still-smoking bodies and avoiding stepping on them.
Making his way down further, he entered another corridor, but this one has an odd green glowing moss on the walls.
Hmm not seen that before… cool.
Bryan walked, checking around to avoid being surprised. He noticed strange symbols painted roughly on the walls.
Squinting, he couldn’t really make them out as he heard a mysterious squishing sound.
Ok what is trying to jump me I wonder…
He readied his sword and looked carefully while walking. The rhythmic squishing sound got louder as he entered a large cavern.
The sound appeared to be coming from all around him. Bryan saw dark, small figures waddling around.
Ok, ready to stab whatever this is.
Suddenly he heard a very odd warbling sound, a little like “Cu Cu.”
One of the shadows is attempting to run toward him, waddling its stubby limbs as it did.
As it came into the light, he saw it resembled a fleshy, slightly furry teddy bear-like creature.
Oh god, what is that… retches.
The creature ran as fast as it could. Once in range, he swung - it made no attempt to avoid him, his blade cutting clean through its stomach.
The creature did not stop - arms in the air, a smile on its face - it seemed unfazed by the attack until it collapsed.
Its blood smelled oddly sweet…
This is very odd.
He suddenly felt something grab a leg… then another.
Bryan tripped backwards trying to escape the grasp - he landed on his back with a thud.
I did not come this far to die like this…
More and more grabbed onto his limbs. Bryan braced for pain and a counterattack.
After several awkward seconds, he looked around and saw… they were not attacking him.
Wait… are these fucking things hugging me…
About a dozen of them on his arms, legs, and one waddling over to his head - he could see it closely.
They had no claws or teeth, and only seemed to repeat “Cu Cu.”
It waddled over and sat on his chest and started cuddling his face while it hummed.
Ok, they are kinda cute in the right light, but… Blink.
Bryan appeared a few feet away, quickly getting to his feet and looking for an exit.
Finding a hallway, he made his way down it as quickly as he could.
God, I don’t think they could’ve hurt me if they wanted to… I feel kind of bad hurting it.
He had let out a light sigh as he walked. After a short while, he saw the corridor opened into another cavern.
Focusing on his light, it dims a bit.
Ok, I need to be a bit smarter. Anything could be in here.
He crouched slowly, looking around the edge of the room. He heard a crunching sound, followed by drips onto stone.
He readied his sword, trying to find the source.
I’m ready for anything…
Behind him, he heard a familiar squishing sound. Looking back, he saw two of the creatures waddling toward him.
A large, black-fur-covered foot came down - crushing one into the floor.
The other is picked up by a large hand.
It lifted it up - straight into the mouth of a large, bull-like creature.
With a grotesque crunch, it chomped down.
Oh holy fuck… that was not wholesome at all… Rock Blast.
Bryan fired rock shots one after another. They hit and penetrated, but not deeply.
The creature roared loudly, shaking the room. Standing up, it bore two giant axes - each as big as Bryan.
As the minotaur charges, Bryan bolted the other way.
Okay… three…
Loud thuds close in behind him.
Two…
It lifted one massive axe overhead, shadow stretching.
One…
It swung down with its full might.
Blink.
Bryan appeared behind its legs and sweeping slashes the back of its calf. The beast stumbled, tripping with a room-shaking roar.
Close, but it worked.
He fired off several Lightning Bolts. Sparks dance across its chest - but it rose anyway.
Heavy, steam-like breath blasted from its nostrils as it turned and slammed both axes down toward him.
Evade.
He dove, the twin blades slamming into the ground and carving trenches where he stood.
The axes grind forward, dragging through stone toward him, tearing the ground to pieces.
Oh, now that is some terrifying strength.
Bryan saw one axe barreling his way. He thrusted both palms back.
Air Bolt.
The blast launched him forward. He hit the floor hard, tumbling and scrambling back to his feet.
Okay. Need to be tactical. If that hits me, I’m dead.
Taking a breath, he ran at the beast. One axe swinging down diagonally - he leapt with everything he had. The second axe sliced from the other side.
Air Bolt.
The burst of wind flung him higher, over the attack and towards its head.
He caught a horn mid-air, and swung around to the back of its skull.
Lightning Bolt…
He channelled it again. And again. The creature shrieked, flailing wildly.
Eventually, it dropped forward - face-first with a thunderous slam. Bryan hit the floor, skidding on his side.
Ah fuck… now I’ve got little scratches all over.
He groaned and checked himself. No major injuries, just bruises and ripped clothing.
Great. Another outfit torn to shit. No fantasy novel ever talks about how easily clothes get shredded.
He turned toward the beast. It’s still… No rise, no breath.
Yeah, I don’t trust that at all…
He didn’t hesitate. Lifting his sword, he drove it into the creature’s ear with both hands - deep, angled, and final.
It spasms violently, then falls still for good.
Ha. Thought you’d pull a horror movie comeback? Denied.
Level Up
Level Up
Mana is coming back slow again…
Bryan made the shoulder light brighter again and searched the room for signs of a chest or loot.
He found another biological chest and eyes it up.
I still don’t trust you…
He carefully opened it. Inside: a steel sword and three red gems.
He appraised them.
Steel sword and better fire power… nice.
The gems are all the same kind - moderate enchanting gems.
Well, likely worth something I guess.
He made his way back to the Minotaur and examined its body, looking for what he should take as proof.
Want the horn, but no way I’m cutting that off with a sword… the tail. Love my job.
Making his way to the bottom of the beast, he swung and cut the tail off with a few strikes.
He then stumbled back, hunched over.
He retched. Oh lord, why does everything shit itself after dying? So gross.
Looking around, he noticed the chest is gone again.
Hmm…
Bryan composed himself, collected parts from the leech creatures, and got back to the bear room.
He made his way through as fast as he could.
Yeah, not dealing with any of that again.
He collected parts from each monster on the way out, checking his mana now and then.
Bryan approached the exit, taking a deep breath of fresh air.
Really don’t get why mana regen was so slow again…
He made his way back toward the guild.
Inside, he walked straight to Milan - but she’s busy with another adventurer.
Dammit. I do not miss queuing…
After waiting a while, she’s free. He placed the bag on the counter.
Milan looked through the items.
“Impressive haul this time. Did you go deeper?” she asked, voice flat as ever.
“Yes, I did indeed,” Bryan said with a smile.
Now she’ll appreciate me.
“And you brought a party this time, right?” she said, raising an eyebrow.
“Erm… no.” Bryan shrugged.
Milan sighed - loud and exasperated.
“Still a fool, then. Effective, but still a fool.”
Never mind. I was wrong.
“Well, you likely need a rank test,” she added.
“Ooh, I get to fight Reorn again?” Bryan grinned.
“No, he’s busy training the new girl. It’s a written test. You can read, right?”
Long internal sigh… Lame.
“Yeah. Mostly,” Bryan mumbled, looking down.
She dug under the desk and handed him a form.
He took a seat at a nearby table, facing the back - through the open door he can see the training yard.
Gods, I hate forms.
He looked at the questions.
Mana exhaustion can result in which of the following? (Tick all that apply)☐ Headache
☐ Temporary blindness
☐ Death
How many ears are required to claim goblin bounty compensation in Dawnstead, and what is the penalty for submitting false parts?
Name three monsters whose remains are toxic upon death, and describe the safest way to handle them.
Urghhh, all of them I guess. Three copper? Erm… fine? How would I know that one…
Bryan looked up just in time to see a blue cat lady in ill-fitting armour leap backwards into view - only to slip on her tail and fall.
He chuckled. Bless her. Got a long way to go…
He looked back down and sighed.
You are offered a job clearing kobolds from an abandoned mine. You find evidence of a deeper, sealed chamber. What do you do?
Ah yes. Clearly it's go in alone… kill everything that doesn’t hug.
He answered more questions, rubbing his head at times. Eventually, he reached the final one.
You find a cursed ring that whispers promises of power. What do you do?A) Put it on immediately
B) Sell it to a noble
C) Seal it and report to guild
D) Name it and keep it
Obviously it’s report it… but I would sell it to a noble I disliked.
Bryan got up and handed the quiz back to Milan. She squinted at it for a moment.
“Okay. Well, you can mostly read. You got enough to pass. Well done.”
I wonder if all guild employees are like her…
He handed over his guild token. She placed it in the press and returned it.
“Okay, you’re Steel rank now. The Guildmaster will be down soon to see you.” She turned back and resumed working.
Oh, not even seen this guy. Could be cool.
Bryan sat nearby. After a while, he laid his forehead on the table and groaned lightly.
Bored…
A light tap on his shoulder. Bryan lifted his head, squinting.
A young-looking adventurer stood there nervously.
“Hello sir, I’m about to go on my first quest. Have any advice for me?”
Bryan eyed him up and down.
“Well, you have a sword and clothes - that’s good, I guess.”
Erm… stab them with the pointy part? Or... confidence is key? What poster phrase would help?
“Make sure you’ve trained hard. Both your sword and your wit.”
“Oh, erm… thank you, I guess,” the guy muttered and shuffled off awkwardly.
Was that cool? …No. Definitely not.
A door near the desk opened. Out walked a man with spiky white hair and a long beard.
He approached Milan, talked briefly, then walked over to Bryan with steady confidence.
Certainly old. But seems strong.
“I’m Guildmaster Rurik,” the man said in a calm, commanding tone. “You’re Bryan, yes?”
“Yes. Nice to meet you,” Bryan answered earnestly.
“Based on how fast you’re progressing, I’d suggest a city like the capital might suit you better.” He paused.
“It’s not that we don’t want you here. But you’ll run out of challenge soon.”
I mean, still kind of sounds like they want me gone…
“Do I have to go?”
“Well, no. But you’re unlikely to get beyond Steel rank with the quests we get. It’s up to you.” He rested his hands on his hips.
Well… can’t say no to more power.
“Okay, fair point. Got a suggestion on how to get there?”
“A caravan guard job’s your best bet - unless you just want to hire a carriage.”
Bryan thanked him. They shook hands - Rurik’s grip is unnaturally strong.
Bryan collected the pouch from Milan and sat and counted it.
Goddamn. Thirty-five gold. I made a killing today. Fuck yeah