Into the E-Rank Dungeon

The Emerald Caves loomed before them, a yawning chasm of damp stone and glowing moss. A warm, humid breeze drifted from its depths, carrying the distant sounds of dripping water—and something else. Something alive.

Arlan adjusted his cloak, mentally preparing himself. This was their first E-rank dungeon, and it wasn't just about survival—it was about proving they belonged here.

Mira stood at the entrance, scanning the parchment in her hands. "Alright, let's go over this one more time."

Quest: Culling the Lizardmen of the Emerald Caves

Eliminate at least five lizardmen raiders that have been attacking traders near the cave entrance. Collect their heads as proof. Bonus reward for additional kills.

Tomas stretched his arms. "So… who's handling the head collection?"

Leila gagged. "Not me."

Beren smirked. "Mira."

Mira glared. "I am not carrying around severed heads."

Arlan sighed, already regretting this.

Tomas patted him on the back. "You're the summoner, Arlan. Shouldn't your undead rat be carrying them?"

Bones, perched on Arlan's shoulder, clicked his teeth loudly.

Tomas snorted. "Even he thinks that's a bad idea."

Mira folded the parchment. "If you're all done complaining, we need to move."

They stepped inside.

Floor 1: The Hunting Grounds

The cave was alive.

Thick, glowing vines wrapped around jagged rock formations, illuminating murky pools of water that dotted the cave floor. Strange insect-like clicking echoed in the distance, an eerie rhythm that made Arlan's skin crawl.

Leila crouched, touching the ground. "Tracks. Fresh."

Mira's eyes flickered with magic as she whispered a detection spell. The shadows ahead shifted.

A low growl rumbled from the darkness.

Then—a hiss.

Arlan barely had time to react before something burst from the shadows.

A lizardman.

[Emerald Lizardman Raider – E-Rank]

It was faster than expected, closing the distance in an instant—bone spear raised to strike.

Tomas barely got his shield up in time before it slammed into him, hard.

Beren moved first, swinging his axe low. The lizardman jumped back, hissing.

Arlan raised his hand, summoning a Shadow Bolt—

And then he felt it.

A pulse of cold in the back of his mind.

Before he could react, something moved behind the lizardman.

A figure.

Black, wispy, shifting through the shadows like a living nightmare.

The lizardman let out a choked cry—then stiffened.

A clawed hand of pure darkness erupted from its chest.

It screamed—then vanished, swallowed by its own shadow.

Silence.

The Group's Reaction

Tomas stared at the empty space where the lizardman had been. "Uh… what the hell was that?"

Leila blinked. "Did its own shadow just… eat it?"

Beren frowned, gripping his axe. "That… wasn't normal."

Mira's expression hardened. Her eyes flicked to Arlan.

Arlan felt sweat bead on his neck.

He had one second to come up with a response.

"…New summon," he blurted out.

The group snapped their heads toward him.

Tomas frowned. "Since when?!"

Arlan cleared his throat. "Since, uh… recently?"

Silence.

Mira's eyes narrowed.

Leila crossed her arms. "So, what, you just happened to contract another weird shadow creature? When? How?"

Arlan hesitated.

Mira took a step closer, voice lower now. "Summons require contracts. You didn't cast a contract spell back there."

Arlan swallowed. "Well, uh… It's a shadow spirit. Maybe it… just bonded to me naturally?"

Silence.

Leila frowned. "That's a thing?"

Beren shrugged. "I mean… maybe? Magic's weird."

Mira looked like she wanted to argue, but she was outnumbered.

Tomas, despite everything, grinned. "Alright, I'll admit it. That was badass. Creepy as hell—but badass."

Leila exhaled, shaking her head. "You're so weird, Arlan."

Beren nodded. "Weird, but useful."

Mira sighed. "Fine. Whatever. But I don't like it."

Arlan forced himself to relax.

They bought it.

In his mind, a voice whispered.

"Lied… well… master."

Arlan's stomach dropped.

Shade's presence curled around his thoughts, like a wraith lurking just beyond his reach.

Only Arlan could hear him.

Bones, still perched on his shoulder, clicked his teeth once.

Almost like he knew.

Almost like he was laughing.