At the entrance of the eerie forest dungeon, three seasoned adventurers exchanged banter as they prepared for their expedition. Their chatter was interrupted when a curvaceous young woman approached them, holding a bone-white staff with grace.
"Crystal Adventurers, Riger, Hypo, and Kirin, it's a pleasure to see you again," Linda greeted them respectfully, acknowledging their seniority.
“Yo Linda, nice to see you again.”
The one to respond was Hypo, the jovial, rotund adventurer, who was quick to respond with a friendly grin.
His eyes then shifted to the group of newcomers behind her, curiosity etched on his face. "Who are these little guys?"
"These are the additional guides you requested," Linda replied, introducing the newcomers. "Allow me to present the Silver Adventurers Khan, Truth, and Maco."
“Awww they are such cute little babies!”
The one to burst out was a middle aged woman that was amongst the three crystal adventurers. Kirin, the vibrant woman with pink hair and a seemingly diminutive sword, couldn't contain her excitement. She enveloped the three newcomers in a tight hug, much to Khan's surprise and irritation.
Despite her small body she still managed to grab all three of them in one big hug and casually lifted them up.
Khan had heard rumors that only the eccentric adventurers reached the Gold Rank, and Kirin's exuberance seemed to confirm it. He couldn't help but wonder about her abilities despite her small stature.
“That’s enough rough housing Kirin. Put them down and let’s get to the root of the matter.”
Riger attempted to restore some order, but another member of their group emerged from the foliage, revealing the leader of their party. An elderly man, bald-headed and dressed in a black robe with white trim, stepped forward.
“Nice to see you again, Guildmaster Roku.”
Linda was the one to acknowledge the former guildmaster.
But Roku, having retired, corrected her,
“No, No, No. I am here only in the capacity of a sapphire ranked adventurer.”
Roku tried to deny the title since he had already retired and only took this task out of boredom.
Roku had to admit that after only a month of retirement he was bored out of his mind and he had already had his fill of beaches and luxury hotels.
He tried to reinstate himself but was promptly turned down by the guild. After a few weeks of compromise they gave him the temporary reinstatement rank of sapphire adventurer despite him being equivalent to at least an emerald ranked adventurer back in his prime.
Although even Roku himself had to admit his power had fallen significantly with age, he really didn’t believe he had fallen as low as a sapphire ranked adventurer. But regardless he accepted the rank and took the adventure mission to stave off boredom.
“I… I am sorry guildermast- I mean, sapphire adventurer Roku. It just takes a little getting used to.”
Roku sighed in defeat before looking around.
“Wait someone important is missin-”
Before Roku could finish a tree was turned into splinter as it shattered like glass and a thick burly man in military uniform came stomping through.
Behind the man followed ten soldiers all wearing handcuffs and large rucksacks on their backs.
Riger couldn't help but poke fun at this new arrival, referring to him as "another old geezer."
“No need to be alarmed. This is ex-commander Donald.
Roku intervened to explain, introducing the newcomers.
He led the last expedition into the other dungeon.”
“Good and these guys are a few military runaways that got caught. They will be our porters for this exploration.”
What Donald failed to add was that this was the lot who tried to run away from the army after their last expedition into the Marvel dungeon, these soldier’s had been so terrified that they had forsaken their sworn duty to find a more peaceful life.
Shortly afterwards they were caught by the military and were on death row. Commander Donald used every ounce of connection he had remaining to use this expedition as a means to pay for their sins, if it went well they could circumvent the penalty of death that loomed over their short life.
Breaking the lot and examining the commander from head to toe Riger sized up the commander. The commander was a few feet taller than Riger, but then again with his lack in height anyone could tower over him.
But what Riger lacked in height he made up for it with strength and attitude.
“So the neighboring lands decide to send an old washed up ex-commander as the presiding official?”
Hearing this ex-commander Donald’s demeanor shifted as he tilted over slightly to inspect Riger from head to toe as well.
In truth Donald had spent his whole life in the military and losing his post due to the last excursion had hurt his pride as a soldier. But now with a similar dungeon being discovered it was as if the gods themselves had dropped this opportunity in his lap for redemption.
When he was given this responsibility by a dear friend he almost burst in tears, but now to be insulted by a lad that didn’t even look half his age nor height, he felt this shouldn’t be left unchecked.
The two men glared at each other, both of their auras seeming to clash giving the atmosphere an electrified feeling.
Roku was about to step in since he was the most senior amongst the lot but Riger’s team mate pulled him from the confrontation while giving him a strong scolding.
Roku let out a sign of relief while thinking inwardly,
‘Now I remember why I didn’t like working with children.’
Roku thought before gathering the entire team in a circle.
“Listen everyone, we are here today for one reason and one reason only.” Roku looked at the adventurers and then the soldiers before continuing.
“Reports are that this dungeon has an actual demon and has been corrupted by demonic energy.
We are here to confirm both of these conditions and bring back proof.” Roku paused before looking over at Khan and his little entourage,
“You all know your roles today, those who are guids will guide and porters will… port.”
Roku gave the chained soldiers a dry look noting the expressions that were a mix of trepidation and worry before finishing,
“As for the rest of us, we need the head of a demon and the heart of a demonic creature.
You’ve all already received the details, so let’s dive in and not waste any more time.”
