Chapter 3: Skipping Steps

Darkness…

Bryan stood in front of the ladder, staring up.

Well, I better install this camera if I want my car to remain safe.

He double-checked the drill bit, and then started up the ladder.

He drilled into the wall on hammer setting, slotted in the raw plugs, then secured the camera.

Well, this is going smoothly. Looks pretty secure too.

He gave the camera a light tug - seemed stable enough. Then began his descent.

His foot slipped, and he lost balance - for a moment, the sky flipped in front of him.

Oh shit.

With a loud thud, he hit the ground. Pain radiated from the back of his head, warmth spreading.

Darkness…

“Am I in the Dead?”

-

A sudden bang against the bench jolted him awake.

Receptionist: “If you’re going to sleep here, I’ll charge you rent.”

Bryan sat up, squinting. He took in his surroundings - back in the guild, lying on a bench.

Oh. She’s mad.

Receptionist: “This is a place of business. They have inns to sleep in. Or a barn, if you’re that poor...” she huffed, walking back to her desk.

That was weird… a dream of home. Guess this is real.

He composed himself and stood, heading over to the guild board.

He studied the crudely drawn pictures, trying to discern something useful.

I have no idea what to look for. Is that one a cave?

He turned to the receptionist, who was still visibly annoyed.

“Hey… is this quest about a cave or a door?”

The receptionist sighed loudly. “That is a dungeon, as it states below the picture.”

She walked over to the map behind her and pointed to a spot.

Receptionist: “Here is its rough location.”

Bryan took a mental note of the position and began walking away.

Okay. This could actually be fun. I wonder how dungeons work.

Receptionist: “I hope your party is ready. It’s quite a challenge.”

I’ll just ignore her mean comments. Hope I see interesting monsters.

Bryan stepped out into the sunlight, the town bright and alive with the bustle of morning.

Heading through town with a sense of purpose, Bryan made his way north, following the map’s rough directions.

He passed stalls filled with strange fruit and local specialty foods.

I’m looking forward to having enough money to try some of this. Can’t be as bad as that stew.

He reached the northern gate and approached a guard.

“It’s just north through this forest to the nearest dungeon, right?”

Guard: “Yes. I’d avoid it though, if I were you.”

“Thanks,” Bryan said, brushing off the warning and heading out with haste, his pace matching his determination.

I want to get there quick - test all the training I did.

After about an hour of walking, he reached a mossy part of the forest. There, standing near the half-buried mouth of what looked like a cave, were three goblins.

Bryan drew his sword instantly.

Oh, not this time, you green bastards.

The goblins noticed him and rushed forward. Bryan raised his hand and fired a Fire Bolt.
Flames engulfed the first goblin. With a grotesque squeal, it collapsed, rolling and writhing.

One down…

The remaining two closed in. Bryan took a small leap and drove his sword into the skull of the second goblin.

Vindication!

The last goblin panicked and fled. Bryan hurled another Fire Bolt, but it missed.
The goblin disappeared into the trees.

Well, can’t catch ’em all… Ooh, that was bad.

He turned toward the cave-like entrance, studying it.

Well, this is roughly the area, I think…

He looked around, checking for another entrance or some more obvious sign of a dungeon.

Into the dubious hole in the ground, I guess.

He stepped inside. The light quickly faded until only darkness remained.

Stopping to avoid a misstep, he paused and focused.

Visualize… fire… light… floating…

Torchlight Unlocked

Holy crap, that actually worked.

Using his status screen, he assigned a point into the new skill. A moment later, a small orb of light appeared, floating just above him.

No convenient glowing walls, I guess.

Continuing down a narrow staircase, Bryan kept a watchful eye for any signs of life.
Eventually, the stairs opened into a larger chamber.

Dozens of giant rats crawled and chittered across the floor.

Your speed will not trick me a second time.

Bryan raised his hand and fired off several quick Fire Bolts, catching a few rats mid-scamper and engulfing them in flame.

The rest charged. Bryan hopped back, triggering Evade, and loosed two more bolts - one of which struck home.

A rat lunged at him. He stepped aside and brought his sword down with full force, cleaving it in two.

Level Up

He tried to cast another Fire Bolt, but nothing happened.

His limbs felt heavy. Fatigue crept in.

What, why… running low on mana, maybe.

Relying on his sword, he fought the remaining rats with careful, practiced strikes.

When the last one fell, he found a clear patch of ground - free of blood and rat remains - and dropped down onto it.

Okay. One mana remaining. Might need to rest a bit.

Above his shoulder, the floating light flickered - and blinked out of existence, plunging him into darkness.

Bryan sat in darkness, waiting as his mana crept back - slowly, but surely.

Well, lucky this comes back naturally… slowly.

With only his hearing to rely on, he waited, listening for any sign of a monster.

After what felt like an eternity, a subtle shift in the air signaled something new. He checked his status - full mana.

Let there be light.

The orb reappeared, casting soft illumination across the terrain. Bryan stood, scanning the room. The ground was littered with dead rats, their charred fur still faintly smoking. The walls faded into shadow.

Well, if this is actually a dungeon, there must be a way down further.

He walked the perimeter until he spotted a narrowing - another staircase, this one less mossy and more worn.

And what will we find on dungeon level two… rats or goblins?

As he reached the bottom step, something wet and cold suddenly latched onto his face.

Unable to gasp, Bryan panicked, clawing at his head instinctively. A jelly-like substance clung to his mouth and nose.

Oh god, I’m going to suffocate.

Fighting through the terror, he focused just long enough to blast a Fire Bolt at his own face.

With a disgusting sizzle, slime dripped down his front. He fell to one knee, gasping in air as the mass dissolved.

What in the holy mother of gelatinous hell was that…

Coughing, he inspected the remains still clinging to his shirt.

A slime, maybe? With ambush tactics? Weird.

He shook it off and moved forward more cautiously into a new cavern.

Goblins roamed in groups, some holding torches, wolves prowling alongside them.

Of course they’ve domesticated them. Because why not.

Bryan rolled his shoulders and readied himself. The goblins spotted his light and rushed forward.

He targeted the wolves first - launching Fire Bolts. One hit squarely, engulfing it. The other dodged.

Okay, focus. This might be tougher.

A wolf lunged at him, fangs bared. Bryan caught it with the flat of his sword and held it back, struggling against its weight. With his free hand, Bryan punched the wolf square in the jaw - and to his surprise, it went limp.

Wait… am I strong or is it weak?

The last wolf circled while the goblins began hurling rocks.

Bryan stepped side to side, dodging projectiles. As the first goblin approached, he slashed with precision - once, twice - dropping two in quick succession.

Can’t lie, this is kinda cool.

The rest fell quickly, one after another. The surviving wolf charged. Bryan fired off a Fire Bolt mid-leap - it struck the wolf’s head and sent it crashing down in flames, smoldering atop a goblin body.

Level Up

Bryan surveyed the room - nothing left standing. He opened his status screen.

Okay. Another point in Fire Bolt. That’s three in Fire Bolt, two in Slashing, Piercing, and Heavy. Three in Evade. Not bad.

He spotted the next staircase and moved toward it. But instead of descending, he leaned against the wall near the top.

Play it smart. Rest. Recharge. Then go deeper.

I’m pretty sure as I level up I get faster and stronger.

Bryan descended the next set of stairs, footsteps echoing off damp stone.

The air grew warmer - not sweltering, just... oddly toasty. At the bottom, a narrow passage opened into a small circular chamber

Its center occupied by a heavy stone door. Four crude carvings lined the frame: a flame, a swirl of water, a gust of wind, and a jagged stone.

Only the flame glowed faintly.

Elemental symbols. Because of course there’s an elemental puzzle.

He stepped up and pushed on the door.

Nothing.

He kicked it, harder.

Still nothing.

Yeah, I figured. Worth a try.

Eyeing the fire symbol, Bryan raised a hand and lobbed a Fire Bolt. The bolt slammed into the stone - fizzled, smoked, and did absolutely nothing.

Okay… clearly not that kind of fire.

Sitting down a moment to let mana regenerate and think.

He sighed, letting mana flow gently into his palm, shaping a calm flickering flame - no force, just warmth. With some hesitation, he touched the glowing flame to the carving.

The symbol pulsed. A deep, satisfying click echoed from the wall.

Subtlety. Sure.

The door rumbled and began to rise, revealing a dark hallway beyond.

If the next floor wants poetry, I’m out.

Making his way through the door, the hallway descended into another set of stairs.

Bryan kept an eye on the ceiling.

Let’s not get slimed again.

He moved calmly downward.

Been decent so far. What’s next?

At the bottom, the path opened into a vast cavern.

In the distance stood a hulking figure -humanoid, easily fourteen feet tall.

An ogre? Troll? Something like that, I assume…

Its features were bulbous and compressed, like a grotesque caricature.

Spotting Bryan’s light, it let out a roar and charged, wielding the massive femur of some beast as a club.

Each step shook the cavern floor.

Okay -you’re going down, big boy.

Bryan raised his hand and unleashed a Fire Bolt -this one twice as large as usual.

It slammed into the creature’s chest. The impact was real -but the ogre didn’t even flinch.

Of course. Going down easily would be too convenient.

More bolts followed. Each one struck, and each one failed to slow it.

The ogre raised its club high and swung.

Oh lord-

Bryan dove to the side as the club obliterated the stone where he’d been.

Scrambling upright, he ran, trying to gain distance.

Getting hit like that could be deadly.

He launched more bolts over his shoulder. They landed -again, to no real effect.

This isn’t working…

Changing tactics, he charged toward its legs. The club came down -Bryan rolled sideways and slashed as he passed.

The blow hit, but barely broke the skin.

That barely cut him. What is he made of?

He pivoted and unleashed a flurry of slashes. They connected -and again, did almost nothing.

Getting tired…

The club swept in from the side. Bryan couldn’t dodge in time.

It slammed into his chest, launching him across the room.

He hit the wall with a sickening crunch.

Pain exploded. His vision blurred.

What the fuck…

He coughed -blood sprayed the stone. His ribs felt shattered. His back was a blaze of agony.

The ogre turned. Charging again.

Oh god. I’m going to die.

Bryan staggered to his feet. His whole body screamed.

The ogre was closing fast.

Evade!

He threw himself sideways. Just in time.

Even the landing hurt.

Think… think… how do I kill it?

He tried to counter, but nothing worked. Each swing was useless.

The ogre swung again - Bryan dodged. Then ran. Limping.

Pushing through the pain.

Some distance. I need momentum.

Fifteen feet. Enough.

He turned. Charged.

Sword gripped in both hands, he leapt - driving the blade straight into the ogre’s chest.

The ogre gasped. Raised a hand to grab him.

Not today.

Bryan twisted the sword with everything he had.

Die… die… please god just die.

The beast choked. Green blood sprayed. Its eyes glazed.

It dropped to its knees - then collapsed backward.

Bryan went with it, landing sprawled across the fallen giant.

He blinked at the cavern ceiling.

I actually did it...?

Still panting, he stayed there - watching the body just in case.

Then slowly, painfully, rested his hands on his head.

Still alive. Still in pain. But undeniably grinning.

That was terrifying… but I did it.

I’m awesome.

Level up
Level up

Bryan paced slowly around the chamber, scanning the walls.

There’s usually some kind of item to find in a dungeon… or is that wrong?

After a short circuit, he spotted what appeared to be a chest - though its structure looked slightly… biological.

It resembled a chest, sure. But not quite.

Okay, this is giving obvious mimic vibes… but could be worth a try.

Sword in hand, ready to stab at the first twitch, Bryan approached cautiously. He slowly pried the lid open. It creaked, then settled upright.

I trust… nothing.

Peering in with deep suspicion, he found a sword, a ring, and a large red gem nestled inside.

He reached in tentatively and removed the items, bracing for a trap that never came.

Appraisal would be nice right about now…

Still tense, he took a step back and examined the sword more closely. It gave off a faint glow. Strange runes etched along the blade pulsed softly.

Ah. Seems cool. Maybe if I concentrate… or channel mana into it?

He tried to feel for a connection, focusing his mana into the weapon. Minutes passed as he experimented, trying to coax out whatever secrets it held.

What is it… describe the sword… identify…

Item Appraisal Unlocked

Oh thank you. Beautifully convenient.

He added a point to the new skill and fiddled with it for a while, trying different gestures before setting the items down. Raising his hand, he focused - and a small translucent screen shimmered into view over the sword.

Appraisal: Flame-Touched Iron Blade
Item Type: Weapon – One-Handed Sword
Material: Enchanted Iron

Traits:
• Runes etched along the blade glow faintly when mana is channeled

Description:
An iron blade imbued with trace fire magic. Burns faintly when attuned to its wielder’s mana. Rudimentary, but serviceable.

Bryan nodded with mild satisfaction.

He appraised the ring next - a small boost to evade, and a five-foot instant movement once per hour called Blink. Yeah definitely be keeping that.

The gem, a “Crimson Core,” was apparently used for enchanting.

Well… maybe I could sell that?

He gave the room another sweep - no more chests, including the one he’d just opened.

Okay… chest is gone. That’s a bit weird. Better make sure it doesn’t jump me later.

He moved over to the creature’s corpse and used his sword to hack off its loincloth, wrapping the items inside.

This thing smells unbelievably foul… but beats using what’s left of my shirt.

Bryan then eyed the ogre’s head, trying to figure out what part was worth keeping. He settled on the ear and awkwardly sawed it off.

Not sure I’ll ever get used to doing this.

He dropped the trophy into the bundle, then worked his way back through the dungeon, collecting ears and tails from goblins and wolves as he passed.

On the next floor up, he retrieved the rat tails, then climbed the final set of stairs. As he neared the surface, the light grew steadily stronger. He focused briefly -and his hovering light blinked out.

I thought these clothes were bad before - now they’re practically shredded.

Emerging into full daylight, he squinted against the sun. Once his vision adjusted, he scanned the area where the goblins had fallen.

The corpses were gone. In their place: blood, scattered entrails, and deep drag marks in the dirt. Something had feasted - and not long ago.

I doubt whatever ate them is pretty. Best get a move on.

Dragging the cloth bundle behind him, he made his way back to town at a brisk pace clutching his chest still with his free hand.

The sun had crossed most of the sky by the time he reached the gates.

Really not used to this kind of exercise. Surprised I’m not knackered.

The gate guard gave him a confused look as he passed, metal clanking against cobblestone.

Finally, Bryan reached the familiar double doors of the guild.

Oh, I wish I still had a car. Walking sucks.

Bryan pushed the door open and dragged the bundle with him.

As Bryan walked to the receptionist counter, some adventurers commented on his tattered clothes and bleeding limbs.

Hmm. They’re staring. I don’t look that bad, surely.

Approaching the receptionist, Bryan wore a smile on his face.

“Ok, I finished that dungeon.”

Receptionist: “Erm, where is your party?” she asked, a bit of shock in her voice.

“What party? I went alone,” Bryan said, still smiling.

Audible gasps came from the onlookers nearby.

Receptionist: “How are you still alive? Most either die or run from the ogre”

Maybe I was lucky or just quieter?

“I’m confused. I mean, it wasn’t easy, but it was perfectly doable,” Bryan said, frowning slightly.

Receptionist: “I’m going to need proof,” she said, her face hardening.

Bryan lifted the bundled cloth onto the counter. Inside were his old sword, the various monster parts, and the gem.

He waited while she went through the items.

Receptionist: “Huh… 10 silver for the dungeon quest, 12 from monster parts, and… wow. Crimson Core? Surprised you didn’t keep that. Alright, total haul’s 47 silver. With debt, you get… 37 and a bit.”

Hmm. Pretty nice for a day’s work.

Receptionist: “But I really don’t think you did this alone. So before I hand over the money, you’ll need to take a rank exam,” she stated with a scowl.

“Erm… ok. What’s that involve?” Bryan asked, looking a bit confused.

So rude.

Receptionist: “You’ll have a duel against a trainer who’s working today. You don’t have to win, but you’ll be assessed,” she said with a slight smile.

She quickly checked a notepad in front of her.

Receptionist: “Ok, you’ll be tested by Reorn. In the courtyard out back.”

Oh, that guy seemed cool.

She gestured to the back, looking impatient.

Bryan sighed and made his way to the back door again, entering the courtyard. A few adventurers followed behind him.

Reorn stood nearby, casually watching others train. Bryan approached him.

“Hey. Apparently, you’re meant to test me for a rank promotion.”

Reorn turned to face him. “Oh? But yesterday you could barely swing a sword, boy,” he said, confusion on his face.

“Yeah. I cleared the north dungeon. Apparently, you’re not meant to go alone,” Bryan said with a smile and a hint of smugness in his voice.

Reorn raised an eyebrow. “Oh. Well, that’s surprising. I can do it, they do recommend groups. Personally I think they draw too much attention”

“Guess we should see what you’re made of.”

He asked the training adventurers to clear the way. They all moved aside, forming a neat space for the duel.

Yeah, I like him. Good sense of authority.

“Before we start drink this potion, hardly fair if you collapse from other injuries”

He throws Bryan a potion which he drinks.

They stood facing each other and drew their swords, a crowd forming at the edges and poking out of the doorway to watch.

Reorn: “I don’t expect you to win. But if you put up a good fight, I’ll recommend you.”

“We shall see indeed.”

Wonder if he’s cleared the dungeon…

With incredible speed, Reorn was already right in front of him. Bryan had just enough time to lift his sword - the ringing of clashing metal filled the courtyard.

Reorn: “Nicely done. Blocking that means you’re a lot further than yesterday.”

Their swords crossed, they pushed off each other. Reorn struck Bryan in the ribs with a sharp elbow.

Wow, Glad I drank the potion or that may have ended it.

Bryan coughed and steadied himself. Reorn appeared to wait for him to recover.

Reorn gestured for Bryan to attack, so Bryan closed the gap and swung using his skill.

Reorn deflected the strike with grace. Bryan followed up again and again.

Each time, Reorn deflected - Bryan switching the direction of his swing with each strike to maintain rhythm.

This is not working… time for a new tactic.

Bryan prepared a downswing - and just before it connected, he channeled mana into his ring.

He appeared behind Reorn and threw a quick punch, hitting him in the back of the head.

Ha. Got him.

Reorn stumbled forward slightly, then quickly pivoted to face Bryan.

A slight gasp came from the crowd.

Reorn: “Not bad. I didn’t expect that. Now we get serious.”

Oh shit…

As soon as he finished, Reorn launched attack after attack. Bryan barely kept up, defending against the barrage of strong strikes.

Bryan saw him raise his sword and prepared to block an overhead strike.

He’s fast, but I’m doing okay.

Just as he looked up, a leg swept the back of his knee - and down Bryan went, hitting the ground hard.

Looking up, he saw a sword pointing down.

Reorn: “You did well, boy. To hit a Steel Rank like me takes skill.”

Reorn held out a hand to help Bryan up, which he accepted.

Hmm. Not very practiced fighting those with weapons still…

Bryan stood with Reorn’s help, both smiling.

The crowd clapped lightly before dispersing back inside.

Reorn: “Give this in and you’ll get your promotion. I’m going to practice more.”

He handed Bryan a small copper token. Bryan thanked him and made his way back into the guild.

Well. I’m a lot better than I was.

He approached the receptionist and placed his token on the counter, smugness radiating from him.

Receptionist: “I’m honestly surprised. You’re not that bad. Hand your guild badge, please.”

Bryan placed his stone token down too. She picked up both and headed to the back.

Is she being a bit nicer, or am I imagining it?

After pressing the guild badge with the token, she returned and handed him his new badge.

Receptionist: “Here you are - now a Copper Rank. You may call me Milan. And here is your money,” she said, handing him the coins with a faint smile.

Don’t think I’m imagining it.

In the background, he heard people muttering about the fight.

“Thank you. By the way - can you direct me to an inexpensive place to sleep?” he asked.

Milan: “Think you might like The Rest & Ruin. It’s two streets east of here.”

Bryan smiled and made his way out of the guild, heading toward the tavern.

After a brief walk, he arrived at the street, keeping an eye out for mugs or something to identify it.

He eventually found it. He opened the door - it creaked slightly on its hinges.
Glad I’m not lost again.

Inside, the building was old. It looked a bit run down, with worn rugs and chipped wood.

He walked toward the bar, the floor creaking underfoot. He spotted a lady who looked like she worked there - heavyset, with a soft face.

Either the barmaid or proprietor… let’s find out.

“Hello, I’m Bryan. I need both a room and a good meal, if that’s ok?”

Tessa: “Oh my. Boy, you look so rough. There’s a room upstairs - first to the left. Sit over by the fire. I’ll whip you something up right now. Tessa, by the way,” she said in a calm and warming tone.

Bryan thanked her and sat down.

Oh I really hope the food is better than that diabolical stuff the guild serves.

He sat waiting for a while, sinking into the comfort of the chair - rugged-looking but surprisingly soft.

A short while later, Tessa returned with a bowl of steaming food.

Tessa: “Here is your food, my boy. The room includes food and is a weekly rate of 25 silver.”

Bryan handed the money over and thanked her.

Tessa: “You’re welcome. Anything else you need, you know where I am. This is my place, so I’m always here.”

Best ask about bags.

“Sorry to bother you, but do you know where I could get a bag and new clothes?” Bryan asked sincerely.

Tessa: “Oh boy, if you give me the money, I can get them for you and leave them outside your room. Ten silver would likely do.”

Bryan handed her the coins. She smiled warmly and bustled out of the tavern with surprising haste.

Now she seems genuinely lovely.

Bryan turned to his food. Taking the spoon, he lifted it up and tasted the food.

He did not recoil but pondered for a moment.

Well it’s not bad, but my god she uses so much garlic.

He kept eating and sighed lightly, enjoying the comfort of the chair.

He observed the quiet chatter of other patrons.

After finishing his food, he placed the bowl on a table next to him and made his way upstairs toward the room she told him about.

Wonder if it’s just that stew or she puts a lot of garlic in everything… good job I like it.

He pushed the door open to the room. It had a bed, a side table, and a desk - all quite basic-looking and worn.

He lay on the bed and let his head sink into the pillow.

Well certainly not as comfortable as my old bed, but I could get used to this.