The Next Morning – The Big Day
The sun hadn't even fully broken the horizon when Kyle was already awake. He'd barely slept, so consumed was his excitement. Today was the big day: their first real dungeon mission.
He had prepared well before the others, his equipment perfectly fitted: a full suit of abyssal serpent leather armor, supple but durable, and an enchanted sword with a slightly blue blade, glinting faintly in the early morning light. He looked at himself in the mirror for a moment, then left his room silently.
The main hall of the guild was almost deserted. Only a few receptionists were already busy, filling out registers or sorting parchments. Kyle sat down at a table but didn't stay there for long. His inner turmoil made it impossible for him to stay still.
He got up and, for lack of anything better, went to speak to Julie. They'd never really spoken before, but Kyle was desperate to occupy himself. The beginning of the conversation was awkward, punctuated by awkward silences, until Julie brought up the subject of the upcoming mission: the dungeon.
It was like flipping a switch.
Kyle, who had read a dozen books on the subject in preparation for this mission, threw himself into it enthusiastically. He shared his knowledge about trap types, common monsters, structural features, and more. Julie, a little surprised at first, quickly got hooked. She, in turn, shared anecdotes she'd heard from other adventurers. They ended up chatting like old friends, an unexpected bond developing between them.
"You really know your stuff," she said, genuinely impressed. "It's obvious you've prepared well for this mission."
"Thanks," Kyle replied, a little embarrassed. "I just like... to understand where I'm going."
Time passed quickly, until Julie looked up at the stairs.
"Look, your teammates are coming."
Kyle turned around. Sure enough, Tristan, Elaria, and Lys were coming down one after the other, still a little sleepy.
"Thanks for the chat, Julie. I really enjoyed it."
"Me too. Good luck out there, Kyle."
He joined his companions.
"Hello," he said, approaching the table.
"Already suited up?" Tristan asked amusedly. "Won't you at least give us time to eat before we go to war?"
"Okay," Kyle replied simply with a small smile.
"What were you and Julie talking about?" Elaria asked curiously.
"Nothing important," he shrugged before sitting down.
Lys, across from him, looked away. She seemed uncomfortable, probably thinking back to their exchange the day before. Kyle, for his part, was casting small, discreet glances her way without daring to say a word.
"You two, is there a problem?" Tristan asked, perplexed.
"Forget it," Elaria interjected with a sigh.
Soon, the last two members of the team joined them. The group was finally complete.
Tristan stood up, adopting a more solemn tone.
"Today is the big day. A cart is waiting for us outside. The dungeon is in the forest, near the capital. The journey will take about two hours."
Elaria took out a small bag adorned with a magical seal.
"We've got everything planned: this dimensional bag contains enough supplies to last a week, just in case."
But Kyle was already listening. His mind was elsewhere, entirely focused on the dungeon, on the adventure, on the unknown that awaited him.
When the meal was finished, the group left the guild. The cart, harnessed and ready, was waiting for them in front of the large gates.
They climbed aboard, their hearts pounding, their eyes shining.
The adventure had begun.
The journey to the forest had been calm but full of anticipation. At the front of the cart, Tristan and Elaria guided the horses, their voices occasionally mingling with the hooves hitting the ground. In the back, Kyle, Lys, Anne, and Iris took advantage of the ride to chat... or at least, to try.
Iris, sitting next to Kyle, said with a smile,
"This is a first for us, isn't it?"
"Yes," Kyle replied, nodding. "And I'm really looking forward to it."
Her eyes shone with enthusiasm. The slightest sound in the forest seemed mysterious, almost magical.
Lys, sitting next to Anne, kept her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the landscape. She hadn't said a word since the start. Anne, worried, leaned towards her.
"Are you okay?" "We haven't heard from you yet today."
Iris teasingly said, "I think it's because of Kyle..."
Kyle blinked in surprise.
"Huh? What did I do?"
"Nothing... yet," Iris replied, laughing softly.
An amused silence fell. Anne, curious, started the conversation again:
"I'm so excited to see what this dungeon is like. I wonder what kind of dungeon it will be... underground, a temple, a labyrinth?"
"I hear you," Kyle said. "I've read a lot about it, but seeing one in real life will be nothing like it. It's... exciting."
They continued discussing theories, ancient ruins, mythical monsters, and vicious traps, until the cart abruptly stopped. Tristan turned around from the front.
"We're here," he announced. "The entrance is a little further on, we'll have to continue on foot."
The group descended, excitement rising. They advanced through the bushes and trees, then, after a few minutes of walking, it appeared.
The entrance to the dungeon.
A huge stone door, embedded in a cliff, loomed before them. Ancient inscriptions, covered in moss, and strange symbols adorned the surface. An ancient, almost palpable mana emanated from it. A slight vibration in the air made his skin tingle.
Kyle stood frozen for a moment.
"So this is what... a dungeon is."
Tristan approached cautiously. He placed his hand on the cold stone, closed his eyes, and slowly breathed his mana into it. Immediately, the symbols lit up in a soft blue glow. The ground vibrated slightly, and the heavy door began to open with a dull rumble.
Elaria and Anne exchanged a glance before saying simultaneously,
"That means we're definitely the first to go in."
Tristan turned toward them, a confident smile on his lips.
"Let's go."
After each member of the group had passed through the portal, one by one, they found themselves in a subterranean setting: a dark, damp corridor, typical of elemental dungeons.
The formation was clear: Anne, Tristan, and Kyle in front; Elaria, Lys, and Iris in support and logistics at the rear. A palpable tension hung in the air.
It was Elaria who broke the silence:
"Something's coming... Get ready, everyone."
Kyle raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips.
"I wonder what the mobs will be like from here?" I hope they're original, at least..."
But before he could finish his sentence, a group of disgusting creatures appeared in the corridor: large, writhing grubs with sharp fangs.
"Larvelyn the Ravenous," Anne recognized, her gaze hardening.
"Giant fly larvae," Iris clarified. "Be careful of their acidity."
Tristan didn't wait a moment. His sword flared, tracing an arc of fire that pulverized the swarm in an instant.
"Couldn't you leave some for the others?" Kyle joked, mock-outraged.
Once the monsters were eradicated, their bodies vanished, leaving only glowing crystals behind. Tristan explained,
"Dungeon monsters sometimes leave these crystals behind." They're expensive, especially for crafting magical catalysts and other magical items."
"I know, don't worry," Kyle replied with a smile. "It's very cliché..."
And so the first level was cleared.
Level 1: Vermin and Grubs
Larvelyn the Voracious (Fly Grubs)
Oeuf-Foison (Crawling Eggs)
Mordacarians (Biting Mites)
Lys and Iris methodically noted every monster and trap they encountered. At the end of the corridor, a magic circle shone on the floor.
"This is the entrance to the next level," said Tristan.
"I have a feeling this dungeon is populated only by insects," concluded Iris seriously.
"That's what I think too," confirmed Elaria.
"Well, at least it's original," said Kyle wryly. "Fed up with goblins and orcs."
Tristan added gravely,
"The further down we go, the harder it'll get. Don't slack off." »
And with confident steps, they positioned themselves on the magic circle. The light engulfed them.
As soon as they arrived, they were attacked by a colony of Warrior Ants.
Elaria fired several arrows, Anne used her Puncture technique, sending a wave that swept through the enemy ranks. Tristan and Kyle took over in close combat, their duo combining fire and lightning. Iris finished off the survivors with a Fireball.
"I haven't been of any use yet," Lys growled.
"Hey, are you talking now?" Iris teased.
"You're our healer, your role is crucial," Elaria reassured her.
Lys lowered her eyes.
"I know... but I also want to prove my worth."
Her gaze slid discreetly towards Kyle.
Elaria and Iris exchanged a knowing glance. They understood.
List of monsters encountered:
Level 2 – Small Predators
Warrior Ants (Warrior Ants)
Siphonsangs (Life-sucking Mosquitoes)
Swarm of Nargnes (Harassing Midges)
Hobsplaés (Stone Lice)
Their advance continued. The group descended to level 8, easily fending off waves of insects, although fatigue was beginning to set in.
Insectoid Deeps Dungeon – Level Overview
Level 3 – Pests
Scurablattes (Running Cockroaches)
Piquejumpers (Jumping Fleas)
Thripshades (Invisible Thrips)
Level 4 – Small Social Insects
Abeillards (Stinging Bees)
Wêpal Furies (Aggressive Wasps)
Tertimors (Destructive Termites)
Level 5 – Secretive Predators
Punambras (Night Bugs)
Oreillacs (Strangling Earwigs)
Phasmarans (Stick Insects)
Level 6 – Giant Locusts and Grasshoppers
Criquetitanes (Pest Locusts)
Sautéblades (Lacerating Grasshoppers)
Level 7 – Chanters and Deadly Dancers
Stridugrills (Stridding Crickets)
Hypnosa Cicadas (Hypnotic Cicadas)
Level 8 – Armored Scarabs and Beetles
Scarabrex (Armored Beetles)
Hannetombes (Chewing Cockchafers)
Chrysoxydes (Corrosive Leaf Beetles)
Gendarpyres (Explosive Policemen)
Exhausted, the group took a rest. They settled down near the magic circle.
"This area is safe," Tristan assured them. "No monster can cross this circle."
"Are you sure?" Anne asked. "It doesn't look like it, but I still have plenty of energy."
Kyle, however, still yearned for danger. But out of respect for his comrades, he kept his desires to himself.
Meanwhile, Elaria revealed the rewards collected so far.
Dungeon Rewards
Common Materials
Crackling Elytron: Hard shell, for light armor.
Chitinous Claw: Ideal for jewelry or simple weapons.
Translucent Wing: Serves as a light alchemical component.
Diluted Venom: Useful in alchemy or light poisoning.
Carapace Fragment: Reinforcement for equipment.
Glucose Silk: Used in traps or bindings.
Insectoid Eye: Alchemical catalyst.
Rare Materials
Concentrated Toxic Gland: For powerful poisons.
Chitinous Adrenaline Core: Increases speed or reflexes.
Acid Blood: Dissolves metals, powerful for potions.
Reinforced Sting: Natural blade, forged into a dagger.
Moon Silk: Durable, used for cloaks or magical armor.
Crystalline Pincers: Precision weapon or weapon component.
Prismatic Shell: Magical reflections, highly sought after.
The campfire crackled gently. Everyone caught their breath, unaware that the dungeon's true trials were only just beginning...
After their rest and a good meal, the group set off again towards the ninth level.
This level was eerily quiet. No monsters appeared at first, which put everyone on their guard.
"Don't let your guard down," Tristan warned. "It's too quiet..."
No sooner had he said this than a gigantic creature appeared as if out of nowhere. In a split second, it pounced on Tristan and Anne, seriously injuring them. Although they had sensed its presence, they didn't have time to react.
With Tristan and Anne on the ground, only Kyle, on the front line, remained capable of fighting.
"I'll take care of this," he said, his eyes shining with excitement.
It was then that the creature revealed itself in its entirety: a Mantisceleris, a giant praying mantis, with a slender body and sharp blades. Its speed was inhuman.
Lys, without wasting a second, began tending to the wounded while Kyle rushed to meet the enemy.
The Mantisceleris's blows were lightning fast, both sharp and nearly impossible to anticipate. Kyle dodged them narrowly, but his smile remained intact.
"Bad draw for you..." he hissed at the creature.
He then activated his Void Veil technique. Around him, the world seemed to slow down. His heightened perception of time, Kyle now saw attacks as if they were floating in the air.
With an elegant charge, he dodged beneath the enemy's blades, raised his sword, and with a single, precise strike... decapitated the beast.
But to his astonishment, the Mantisceleris's decapitated body still moved. With a final spasm, the insect struck Kyle, knocking him back. He coughed up blood, but remained standing.
"Not bad... But I haven't given it my all yet."
He flashed a black light from his blade, shouting,
"Black Lightning!"
The weapon, enveloped in dark lightning, slammed down on the creature, cleaving it completely. This time, it didn't move.
Lys rushed to heal Kyle, her face worried. He gave her a tired but genuine smile.
"Thanks, Lys."
Tristan and Anne, now back on their feet, came too.
"Sorry, Kyle. We let our guard down."
"Don't worry," he replied with a small laugh. "At least I had a good fight."
After this harrowing confrontation, the group took a moment to breathe and recover.
Once their strength had returned, they cautiously resumed their advance.
As at the beginning of the ninth level, no monsters appeared on the horizon. The heavy silence reminded them that calm was never synonymous with safety.
Suddenly, the sound of whirring wings echoed through the darkness of the corridor.
Without hesitation, and to prevent further tragedy, Elaria drew her bow and fired in the direction of the sound.
"Up there!" she shouted.
She had aimed correctly. A winged creature, hit hard, slowly collapsed to the ground. It was an Aerorachnes, a gigantic venomous dragonfly. Weakened, it didn't have time to retaliate. Iris, focused, eliminated it with a single preformation spell.
A sigh of relief escaped the group. And that's when they discovered a magic circle engraved on the ground, indicating the exit to the tenth level.
Iris, who until then had maintained a cautious attitude by staying back, drew a preliminary conclusion:
"The ninth level was all about ambush... Predatory Mantises and Dragonflies."
She noted in her notebook:
Level 9 – Predatory Mantises and Dragonflies
Mantisceleris (Swift Praying Mantises)
Aerorachnes (Poisonous Dragonflies)
The adventure continued, but this time, it took a more difficult turn. With each level, the enemies became more cunning, more numerous, and much more dangerous.
The fights continued, and so did the injuries. Lys had to intervene repeatedly to heal her companions, her magic becoming an essential pillar of their survival.
It was on Level 13, as their steps grew heavier and their faces lined with fatigue, that Tristan spoke:
"We absolutely have to take a break this time. Even though we're close to the exit."
For once, Kyle agreed without question.
"Yes. Even I feel like I need a breather." »
Iris's notes on the levels explored:
Level 10 – Strange Butterflies and Moths
Papilltox (Poisonous Butterflies)
Phalames (Soul-sucking Moths)
Level 11 – Light and Dark Creatures
Luxillants (Blinding Glow-worms)
Darkcushions (Giant mosquito cousins, aggressive)
Level 12 – Fortified Social Insects
Queen Antmorta (Queen ant, manipulates her soldiers)
Buzzers (Bumblebees that generate destructive sound waves)
Level 13 – Camouflaged Predators
Arachneaqua (Water spiders capable of spinning invisible webs)
Cigaliths (Stone cicadas, immobile until (the attack)
That evening, while they were camped just a few meters from the circle leading to level 14, Iris and Elaria settled down by the fire and took stock of their descent.
"So far," said Iris, "each level is structured by a theme: speed, venom, camouflage..."
"And above all," murmured Elaria, "we can never let our guard down. Not even for a second."
After the break, the group reached level 14.
Rested and alert, they expected to find the usual long corridors... but there was only a huge room. No, a cave.
"That's so weird..." commented Kyle.
"That means there's only one monster on this level," surmised Elaria.
"And if it dies, the magic circle will appear," concluded Tristan.
That's when they saw it: a colossus at the back of the room. A true six-legged titan.
Level 14 – Evolved Beetles
Behemoth Rhinoceros Beetle (Behemoth Rhinoceros Beetle)
Elaria fired several arrows, but they bounced off without effect.
"Its exoskeleton is ultra-resistant," she growled. "Your turn, front line!"
Tristan and Anne launched a combined attack: Tristan ignited his sword, Anne activated her piercing technique. Result? No effect.
Kyle then appeared out of nowhere, launching his Black Lightning. It only made a slight dent in the monster's shell.
"Apparently, the author wants to add a bit of a challenge to his work," Kyle joked with a smile.
As the beetle raised its leg to crush it, Lys erected a protective barrier at the last minute.
"Thanks, Lys."
"It's nothing..."
"It's resistant to fire," Tristan concluded.
"But it doesn't like lightning," Kyle noted.
Anne then planted her spear in the ground, triggering a new Fracture ability: a crevasse opened beneath the beetle, immobilizing it.
Elaria called upon her magic to fire lightning arrows, Iris cast a thunder attack, and Kyle concentrated his Black Shard until it made the air vibrate.
The three of them managed to bring down the Rhinoceros.
The magic circle around level 15 appeared.
From there, things got tougher.
Level 15 lived up to its nickname: even the weakest enemies required the participation of the entire group.
Injuries were becoming frequent. Lys had to intervene again and again to heal and protect.
Everyone played their part, but those who stayed behind ultimately proved to be the most decisive:
Lys, protector and healer
Elaria, scout, marksman, and trap detector
Iris, support magician and monster recorder
Levels completed:
Level 15 – Supreme Mantises and Dragonflies
Mantis Imperia (Imperial Praying Mantis)
Libellugon (Dragonfly)
Level 16 – Dark and Toxic Creatures
Pyroformyx (Fiery Red Ant)
Vampstigra (Vampiric Tiger Mosquito)
Tsetsenos (Nightmare Tsetse Flies)
Level 17 – Ultimate Social Insects
Thanatiqa Swarm (Death Swarm)
Hedgehog (Hive (thinking)
Level 18 – Insectoid Mythical Creatures
Abee (Giant Carpenter Bee)
Guepassis (Colossal Mason Wasp)
Papilchaos (Chaos White)
Arriving at the magic circle leading to level 19, Kyle raised his hand.
"Okay... that's enough!" he said. "I like adventure, but I'm not a masochist."
Tristan jokingly replied,
"I thought you'd be the last one to want to turn back."
Anne and Iris confirmed that they thought so too.
And added that they were starting to get tired too.
Elaria recalled that Guild Master Edward had said this dungeon wasn't very big.
"I'm not going to risk my life just for insect-themed loot," Kyle grumbled. "I'd love an artifact, but if it's a scepter that summons cockroaches when you shake it, no thanks."
Laughter from the group.
"There could also be sacred objects," added Lys.
"So, now everyone's motivated except me..." sighed Kyle. "So I'm the only one lucid enough to know when to stop."
After listening to Kyle, Tristan decided to take a break.
"We'll stop here for today," he said.
"Rest and eat before continuing."
So the group set up a makeshift camp: something to eat, relax, and recover a minimum of energy. Then, once ready, they activated the magic circle and were teleported to level 19.
As on level 14, they found only one room, a huge hall, lit by a strange purple light, as if radiating. And at the back... she appeared.
A gigantic creature, half insect, half ghost, floating slightly above the ground:
Luciombre, the Radiant Firefly, their first true area boss.
Tristan quickly orders:
"Battle stance! Anne, Kyle, forward!"
The three charge straight at the creature.
Kyle sends out his black lightning, Tristan unleashes flames, Anne unleashes a pure mana attack.
But nothing. No effect. Not even a scratch.
"It can take anything..." Anne murmurs, worried. "It fears neither fire, nor lightning, nor magic..."
Before they can think further, the monster spits out a dark cloud.
"Sacred barrier!" Lys shouts.
She raises her arms and erects a wall of light to protect them.
In the rear, Elaria fires arrow after arrow: flaming, electrified, aerial... none hit.
Iris casts a series of spells: fire, lightning, ice… all pierce through Shadowfire like wind.
Tristan grits his teeth.
"Kyle was right… We should have stopped there."
The group wavers. And then, a light pierces the darkness.
Lys casts an offensive blessing: Holy Spear, spikes of pure holy light that finally strike the creature and force a cry from it. It's wounded!
Boosted by hope again, everyone coordinates a strategy: Lys attacks, the others distract.
But very quickly, Lys exhausts herself. She falls to her knees, in tears:
"I'm sorry… I'm too weak…"
Tristan turns to her, solemn:
"No. I'm the one who should apologize. If I hadn't been so arrogant…"
At that moment, Shadowfire charges toward Anne.
"Watch out!" »
Tristan barely pushes her aside, receiving the attack instead. He collapses.
Lys, panicking, wants to heal him, but she can't attack and heal at the same time.
Kyle watches the scene and sighs ironically:
"Well... Looks like he's not giving me a choice."
He puts away his sword.
"Honestly, I didn't need it. It's just... protagonists with blades are cool."
Then, he holds out his hand.
"Force Field!"
A protective sphere of lightning surrounds Anne and Tristan. He turns to Lys:
"Heal him. Elaria, Iris, protect Lys!"
Under the surprised eyes of the group, Kyle advances alone towards Shadowfire.
"Let's see what you think of this... Flash!"
A blinding flash bursts from his fingers.
The creature recoils: it's sensitive to light!
"Oh? Interesting... What about darkness? Dark Binding!"
Dark chains encircle the creature. It's immobilized.
"Perfect. You're not intangible... That makes things easier for me."
Kyle raises his hand again.
"Dark Veil!"
A black mist materializes and surrounds the creature, dealing massive damage like a physical attack.
But Shadowfire counters with a dark cloud. The cloud engulfs Kyle. Everyone holds their breath.
When the mist dissipates... Kyle is still there.
"Surprise," he says. "I don't fear the darkness."
He reaches out... a sword of light forms there.
He charges forward, without stopping, taking advantage of his immunity to darkness. Blow after blow, he pierces the enemy.
Shadowfire finally collapses in front of him.
Silence. The group is stunned, shocked by Kyle's power.
He turns to them with a small smile:
"And there we have it... Now, I imagine this is the moment when we discover the identity of the true protagonist. Personally, I've always loved reveal scenes."