Shadow's Call in Orario [[Damachi]]

The Velociprey locked eyes with me for a long moment, its body low to the ground and its claws scraping faintly against the stone. I steadied my breath, gripping my sword tightly as Nyx growled beside me, her small blade poised to strike. It felt like we were both waiting for the other to move, the air thick with tension.

Then, to my surprise, it bolted.

The creature spun on its heels and darted down the corridor, its sleek body weaving through the shadows with surprising speed. Nyx let out a sharp hiss, leaping forward a step as if to give chase, but I held out a hand.

"Let it go," I muttered, watching the Velociprey disappear into the dark. My voice sounded steadier than I felt. My legs were trembling slightly, and the adrenaline was starting to wear off.

Nyx gave a disgruntled "Nya," flicking her tail before hopping back to my side.

I turned my attention to the body of the Velociprey I'd managed to kill. It lay in a twisted heap, blood pooling beneath its torn neck. I sheathed my sword and knelt down beside it, pulling a carving knife from my backpack. The metallic scent of blood filled the air as I worked, my hands steady despite the fatigue creeping into my muscles.

The first few slices were clean, and I managed to harvest a Velociprey Hide and a couple of Sharp Fangs. The tough sinews around its legs yielded a small amount of Monster Bone. As I worked, my mind wandered back to the other Velociprey, the one that had escaped. These things were definitely stronger than the kobolds, faster too. It could get messy if I had to fight another group of them.

When I finished carving, I sat back on my heels, wiping the sweat from my brow. My fingers grazed the Konchu resting on my chest, its shell still faintly warm and vibrating occasionally as if alive. The thought had been nagging at me since the fight began: should I replace the Konchu with the Velociprey as my shadow summon?

Nyx hopped onto the dead Velociprey's body, her paws pressing into the hide as she chirped at me questioningly. I stared at the carcass for a long moment, weighing my options.

The Velociprey was undeniably stronger. Its speed and sharp claws would be a valuable asset in a fight, especially deeper into the Dungeon. But the Konchu had already proven its worth, protecting me during the fight with Chatacabra. 

"I don't know, Nyx," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "This thing could probably rip through kobolds."

"Nyanyoo," Nyx trilled, tilting her head. She hopped back onto my shoulder, her eyes gleaming with what felt like judgment.

"I'm not being sentimental," I argued, though I wasn't entirely sure if I was convincing her or myself. "The Konchu's been good to me."

Nyx huffed, curling her tail around my neck as if to say, "Your call, partner."

I sighed, standing up and brushing the dust off my knees. "For now, we stick with what works," I decided, glancing down at the Velociprey's body one last time. It was tempting, but there was no guarantee the shadow would perform the way I wanted it to. It was kind of a glass cannon. Plus I'm sure I could find something way better.

"Let's move," I said, adjusting my backpack and stepping back into the corridor. Nyx chirped softly, her small frame warm against my shoulder. The Konchu's shell shifted slightly as I moved.

As Nyx and I pressed forward through the winding corridors of the Dungeon's first floor. My chest still ached from the earlier fight with the Velociprey, and my arms felt heavy from swinging my sword so many times. 

Our next encounter wasn't far off. A trio of goblins burst out from a side passage, their yellowed teeth bared and rusted daggers gleaming in the dim light. These creatures weren't particularly strong. Nyx leapt from my shoulder without hesitation, her wooden blade glowing faintly as she slashed at the closest goblin. The creature screeched, its dagger clattering to the floor as Nyx drove her blade into its chest and it bursted into dark dust.

I swung at the second goblin, my sword cleaving through its side. The thing let out a guttural cry before collapsing and burst as well leaving behind a small crystal. The third goblin lunged at me, its blade slicing into my thigh before I managed to parry and drive my sword into its stomach. Blood splattered across the stone floor as it crumbled and left behind another crystal.

Nyx chirped, hopping back to my side and looking up at me expectantly. "Good work," I muttered, wincing as I pressed a hand to the wound on my leg. It wasn't deep, but it stung like hell. We moved on quickly after picking up those two crystals.

Further down the corridor, we came across a larger group of kobolds, six of them this time. They turned their glowing red eyes toward us, snarling. These creatures were still a serious threat to me. Their claws were sharp, and they moved in coordinated packs, making it hard to predict their attacks.

"Nyx, stay close," I said, gripping my sword tightly. The Konchu on my chest vibrated. I took a deep breath and charged.

The fight was brutal. One of the kobolds lunged at me immediately, its claws raking across my arm as I raised my sword to block. The force of the blow sent me stumbling back, my feet sliding against the uneven stone floor. Nyx darted in to intercept another kobold, her blade flashing as she sliced into its leg. The creature howled but didn't fall, swinging wildly at her with its claws.

I swung my sword in a wide arc, forcing two kobolds to back off. The third one rushed me from the side, its claws aimed at my exposed ribs. The Konchu shifted, its hardened shell absorbing the impact and preventing what could have been a devastating blow. I gritted my teeth, slashing downward and cutting deep into the kobold's shoulder. It fell with a strangled yelp.

Nyx managed to take down the injured kobold she was fighting, leaping onto its back and driving her teeth into its neck. Two down, four to go.

The remaining kobolds circled us, snarling and snapping as they tried to find an opening. One of them lunged at Nyx, who darted out of the way with a chirp, while another came at me head-on. I raised my sword to block, but the force of the attack drove me to my knees. Its claws raked across my shoulder, tearing through the fabric of my tunic and drawing blood. I swung my shield upward catching it under the jaw and sending it sprawling.

Nyx jumped onto the back of another kobold, clawing at its eyes and distracting it long enough for me to deliver a killing blow. The remaining two kobolds hesitated, their snarls faltering as they realized they were outnumbered. I didn't give them a chance to regroup. With a yell, I charged forward, swinging my sword in a wide arc. One kobold fell, its head severed cleanly from its shoulders after I Jumped and slammed my shield into the last one crushing its head.

 My arms were shaking, and blood dripped from multiple wounds across my body. Nyx returned to my side, her fur matted with blood but her glowing eyes sharp and alert. "Nya nya," she chirped, tilting her head at me.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I muttered, though my legs felt like they could give out at any moment. "Just… give me a second."

I sank to the ground, leaning against the wall and taking a moment to catch my breath. The kobolds had dropped a few small crystals, which I scooped up and placed in my backpack. A quick tally of our spoils so far.

Iron Ore: 12 pieces Machalite Ore: 15 pieces Monster Fluid: 1 vial (one broke) Sharp Fangs: 4 Konchu Shell: 1 Small Crystals: 7

We were still missing Dragonite Ore, and I hadn't seen a single outcrop that might yield it. My body ached, and I knew I couldn't keep fighting at this pace much longer without proper healing supplies.

Just as I was about to suggest we head back, we stumbled upon an ore outcrop tucked into the corner of a narrow corridor. The faint glimmer of green metallic veins running through the stone caught my eye, and I quickly pulled out my pickaxe.

"Finally," I muttered, positioning the pick against the stone. I swung with all the strength I could muster, and the satisfying clang of metal on rock echoed through the corridor. A chunk of Machalite Ore broke free, which I quickly added to my backpack.

I swung again, this time dislodging a piece of Iron Ore. My heart raced as I prepared for a third swing, hoping for Dragonite Ore this time. But as the pick struck the stone, the handle snapped with a loud crack, sending the head of the cracked pick tumbling to the ground.

"Shit!" I cursed, staring at the broken tool in disbelief. My hands tightened into fists as I checked the quest only to see that I had been completed since a while ago:

[Quest Updated: Gather 10 Iron Ore, 10 Machalite Ore, and 10 Dragonite Ore or Summon a Monster. Failure to complete before leaving the Dungeon will result in penalties.] COMPLETE.

I froze. My jaw tightened as the realization sank in. I had already completed the quest. I didn't need to keep mining. I didn't even need to find the Dragonite Ore. All I had to do was summon a monster, which I'd already done.

"Fuck," I muttered, leaning against the wall and sliding down to sit on the floor. "I'm so fucking dumb."

Nyx let out a soft, amused trill, hopping onto my lap and looking up at me with what I swore was smug satisfaction. "Nyahaha," she chirped, as if mocking me for overthinking everything.

I couldn't help but laugh despite my frustration. "Alright, alright. You were right. I should've paid more attention."

The Konchu on my chest vibrated faintly as if agreeing with Nyx. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. The quest was complete, but I felt like I'd been through hell and back just to realize I'd made it harder on myself.

Shoving the broken pickaxe into my backpack, I stood up with a groan. "Let's get out of here," I muttered. "We've done enough for one day."

Nyx chirped in agreement, hopping onto my shoulder as we began the slow trek back toward the Dungeon entrance. I'd learned my lesson, next time, I'd read the damn quest properly. For now, I just wanted to patch up my wounds and get some rest.

The trek back toward the Dungeon entrance was grueling. My legs felt like lead with each step, the aches and pains of the fights catching up to me. The metallic scent of dried blood clung to me, and my torn tunic did little to keep the cool air off my skin. The Konchu on my chest vibrated faintly as I moved, its shell offering some comfort despite the tension that lingered in my muscles.

Nyx, sensing the approaching crowd of adventurers in the distance, chirped softly before sinking back into my shadow. The movement was seamless, like ink dripping into water, and soon she was completely hidden. "Nya-nyooo," she murmured from somewhere within the depths, her tone almost playful, but I knew it was her way of reminding me to stay cautious. I nodded to myself, gripping my sword a little tighter.

The rotating staircase that led back up to the surface was still a ways off, and the corridors were becoming more crowded with adventurers. Most passed without incident, their gazes flicking toward me briefly before moving on. Some were bloodied like me, others looked pristine, likely veterans who had seen deeper levels and had the experience to avoid unnecessary skirmishes.

A pair of adventurers clad in bronze colored armor paused as they approached, their eyes scanning me from head to toe. One of them, a tall woman with a scar running down her cheek, gave me a curt nod. "Rough day?" She asked.

"You could say that," I replied, keeping my tone neutral. Her gaze lingered on the bloodstains on my tunic and the Konchu resting on my chest, her eyes squinting, but she didn't press further.

"Keep your wits about you," The other guy that was with her said before motioning for his companion to follow him. "The Dungeon's been acting strange lately, new monsters showing up and all that. Stay safe."

I gave a small nod of thanks, watching them disappear down the corridor. As I neared the staircase, the tension in my body began to ease. The rotating structure loomed ahead. The sight of it was a welcome relief.

I paused at the base, leaning against the wall for a moment to catch my breath. Nyx chirped softly from the shadow, her voice light but laced with concern. "Nya-nya?"

"I'm fine," I muttered low enough so hopefully no one heard me, though my body screamed otherwise. My arms ached, my legs burned, and the cuts on my shoulder and thigh throbbed with every movement. But I had made it, and that was all that mattered.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped onto the staircase. The slow, deliberate rotation carried me upward, the dim light of the Dungeon gradually giving way to the brighter glow of the outside world. The sounds of adventurers talking, laughing, and clinking weapons together filled the space.

As I stepped off the staircase, a notification flashed across my vision, momentarily startling me:

[Quest Complete: Gather 10 Iron Ore, 10 Machalite Ore, and 10 Dragonite Ore. Summon a Monster.]

A second later, another notification appeared:

[Rewards Granted: Monster Hunter Satchel (30 Slots), Shadow Summon Storage Belt.]

 My lips curled into a faint smile as I reached into my backpack where the items had appeared and pulled out the satchel. It was a sturdy-looking bag made of dark leather, adorned with intricate patterns. Despite its modest size, I could feel the strange weightlessness of its pocket dimension. The 30 slots it offered were a luxury compared to the cluttered chaos of my regular backpack.

I strapped the satchel onto my hip, marveling at how light it felt despite the ore and crystals I'd transferred into it. The second reward, the Shadow Summon Storage Belt, was equally impressive. It was a sleek black belt with silver clasps, designed to store the shadows I had harvested. Its functionality allowed me to switch out my active summons at will, a feature that was going to make my life significantly easier.

"Not bad," I muttered, running my fingers over the smooth leather of the belt as I stored the Konchu. I reached into my storage system, pretending to pull a bright green vial from the satchel now attached to my hip. The satchel had already earned its keep by organizing my supplies. Along with the Mega Potion, I grabbed a yellow energy drink and held both in my hands, feeling their cool surfaces against my fingers.

Uncorking the Mega Potion first. The liquid shimmered in the faint light. I tilted my head back and drank it in one go, wincing slightly at the bitter taste but feeling the effects almost instantly. Warmth spread through my body, soothing the aches in my muscles and closing the shallow cuts on my arms and legs. My chest felt lighter, the tension melting away.

Next, I opened the energy drink. Its citrusy, slightly fizzy taste was a welcome change from the potion's bitterness. I drank it quickly, feeling a burst of energy course through me. My legs no longer felt like lead, and the fatigue that had been weighing me down seemed to evaporate.

Adjusting the satchel and belt. "Time to get moving." With renewed vigor, I started my ascent up the staircase, my boots clicking softly against the stone steps. 

As I emerged into the light of Orario, the bustling energy of the city. The air was fresher here, carrying the faint scents of food and spices from the nearby market stalls.

I adjusted my satchel, ensuring it was secure, and began making my way toward the Guild Hall. My boots scuffed against the cobblestone streets as I navigated through the crowd, my mind already racing with thoughts of what to do next.

Inside the Guild Hall, the atmosphere was lively. Adventurers filled the space, chatting, laughing, and occasionally arguing over Dungeon loot. I spotted the guild lady I'd spoken to before behind her desk, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd as she handed out tasks and recorded reports. When her gaze landed on me, a small smile tugged at her lips.

"Amara," she greeted as I approached. "Back already? You look like you've had a rough day."

"Rough doesn't even begin to cover it," I replied, setting my satchel on the counter. "I've got some crystals to sell. Also, any word on the potions I handed over?"

I pulled out the small crystals from the goblins and kobolds, they glimmered faintly in the light. "These will fetch you a decent sum," she said, jotting down some figures. "As for the potions, the report came in this morning. The alchemists were impressed by their quality, and they've been classified as high-grade. We're finalizing the paperwork to pay you for them."

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. "And how much are we talking?"

She glanced up, her expression apologetic but firm. "It'll be a good amount, don't worry. But these things take time. You should see the payment by tomorrow when you come."

I sighed, though I supposed it wasn't entirely unexpected. Bureaucracy had its way of slowing things down, even in a world like this. "Fine," I said, pushing the irritation aside. " I'm coming back tomorrow."

Her lips quirked into a small smile. "Noted. Anything else I can help you with?"

I considered for a moment before shaking my head. "No, that's it for now. Thanks."

As she totaled up the value of the crystals, she handed me a small pouch of valis that had 600 Valus. I thanked her and tucked the pouch into my satchel before turning to leave.

Nyx chirped softly from her shadowy refuge, her tone amused. "Nyanyaa."

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, adjusting the satchel on my hip as I stepped back out into the city streets. "At least we got something out of it."

The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting warm golden hues across the buildings. The day had been long and exhausting, but it wasn't over yet. For now, though, I allowed myself a small moment of satisfaction. I'd survived the Dungeon, completed the quest, and walked away with new gear and some hard-earned coin.

"Let's head back," I said, my steps steady as I began making my way toward the small church I now called home.