Into the Dungeon

The orange light of the dawn illuminated the flower fields across Mikado. The sunlight glimmered off of the glass of the Spire buildings, crowds of players gathered in the square outside the building. The gentle breeze whistled through the plaza, whispering of the battle to come. Warriors gathered, preparing their items, weapons, and armour. They checked their stats and skills, ensuring they were ready for the battle of their lives. The guardian of Mikado was a gruesome beast, only one party had yet cleared the boss and made it to the great cities beyond.

Vane and I strode to the front of the building, equipped in our fighting gear. I wore heavy armor that fit like a glove, my sword was strapped to my back like usual. Vane himself had traded his duster and tunic in for chain mail and armour plating. It had gaps in the elbows and knees to allow for movement speed. I saw he had equipped a healing ring and a damage boosting necklace. I myself wore entirely damage boosting accessories. Aine trailed behind us, as she needed to partake in the battle in order to progress with us.

Lan stood near the entrance to the Spires, fellow members of the inner circle he was directing groups that were starting to form. He was designating squad leaders, organizing our groups before heading to the beast's lair. I recognized Lianne, from the Orc battle, standing a little way away from Lan in the middle of the squad she was leaving. She smiled and waved to me as we made eye contact, I returned the gesture. She started making her way towards Vane and me.

"Fayre! Are you ready?" She asked jovially. I smiled and crossed my arms over my chest.

"As ready as I can be, I think. I'm a little anxious." I admitted. This was going to be a formidable opponent. Aine and I had the very real possibility of losing our lives today.

"I think we all are. I'll see you in the field!" She pats my arm and began walking back to her squad of fighters. I made my way toward Lan, standing near the Spires building. He lifted his gaze as I approached, and a sparkle lit behind his eyes. He raised his hand in greeting. I smiled.

"Hey, Lan. Almost ready to head out?" I shook his hand as I approached. I felt Vane's warm presence behind me. Lan straightened himself and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Just getting the last of the groups organized. You two will be together, with three others with you. You have James, Erik, and Ellie they are waiting on the other side of the plaza for you. Gather up and then we'll head out." He answered. I nodded and looked over to the far side of the plaza, where two men and a woman were standing in a circle, talking. I nudged Vane and we head over.

Ellie was a tall woman, slightly below six feet in height. She had long blonde hair she tied back in a high ponytail, which accentuated her sharp elfin features and indigo blue eyes. She had a bow and quiver strapped to her back and was dressed entirely in leather padded armor. The two men stood on either side of her. One was as tall as Vane, his hair was a deep ruby, with eyes the colour of a turquoise sea. On his back he had a large broadsword. The other man was shorter, closer to my height, with pitch black hair and golden-brown eyes. He had daggers strapped to his legs and arms. They all stood at attention as we approached.

"Hello, guys. I'm Fayre, this is Vane, and we are going to be leading this squad today." I held my hand out for any of them to shake. The tall man stepped forward first and gripped my hand in a steady grip.

"Erik," He smiled. I smiled in return and turned to the other man.

"James." He said, stepping forward to also shake my hand. The woman came forward next, offering a polite wave, but keeping her hand to herself.

"Eleanora, but you can call me Ellie." She chimed in. I stepped to the side, so Aine, who was hiding in my shadow was exposed.

"This is Aine, she'll be joining us today." Aine sputtered and blushed crimson, offering a small wave of her hand. 

At the front of the plaza, Lan raised his arm into the air. A shrill whistle sounded across the crowd. Everyone fell silent.

"Welcome, soldiers. Today we head to the lair of the beast! Squad leaders keep track of your crew. Archers will stay toward the perimeter of the boss room, attacking from a distance, magic users will form the center ring, using defensive and offensive spells, our DPS and tanks will be on the front lines, facing the beast. We will emerge victorious! Let's head out!" The crowd cheered and raised their hands in salute. Lan stepped down from the front steps of the building and waved to the crowd to follow. He headed for the path that lead to the trail through the forest, to the Guardian of Mikado's lair.

After trekking through the forest, we came to the opening of a large cave. The opening was wide enough for a being of immense size to fit through, and through the opening there was only darkness, no visibility within the tunnels. Lan paused before the grand entrance, turning to face the crowd. He held his hand to his lips for silence and motioned for us to move forward.

We entered the cavern, the walls were crumbling and eroded rock, the ground dirt beneath our feet. We shuffled forward, pouring through the cavern, and making our way into the tunnels. We trudged forward, soldiers at the ready, keeping our eyes open for what could be the boss room. Rats scurried along the floors of the cavern. That was a sign of a food source nearby. I turned and nudged Vane, pointing to the trail of rats. He nodded and placed one hand on the pommel of his sword.

After hours of walking, we came to the end of the tunnels. A large door made of intricately carved stone lay before us. Lan stood at the entrance and placed his palm against the door. Nothing happened. He drew his hand back, pulling a dagger from his waistline, he slides the dagger across his palm. He placed the now bloody hand against the center of the doorway. The cavern began to tremble. Rocks and debris fell from the ceiling, the massive doors began to move. As the doorway opened, further darkness was revealed. Lan took a look back at the group, raised two fingers in the signal to proceed. We turned back and started to march through the doorway — into the lair of the beast.