Dungeon V Ch. 2 - Rebirth

by Sebastian Ordonez

Damn it all! How could this have happened? 

Ryker pushed and shoved his way through the passing dungeoneers, not caring how many he knocked over. Many yelled out at him in annoyance or glared at him as he passed, but he ignored their judgemental stares. Occasionally he caught a glimpse of Leo’s hair in the tangle of people ahead of him, but it seemed he couldn’t get any closer, no matter how hard he tried. 

“Leo!” he bellowed, with as much force as he could muster. “Come back!” 

No matter how many times he called out, there was no response. 

Ruby was right behind him, following in the path he carved through the crowd. “Leo!” She called out his name, but he wouldn’t respond to her either. “Ryker, hurry and catch up with him.” 

“I’m trying,” he said, irritated. To the crowd in front of him, he yelled, “Get out the damn way!” 

How’s he even moving right now? Ryker thought. When Roman got through the portal, I didn’t even notice Leo slipping away. Freshly revived, and after all he’s just been through… He’s gotta be exhausted. Is it pure adrenaline driving him forward? Or some kind of second wind? Either way, he’s gonna hurt himself if he keeps this up. 

Damn! Damn that Roman guy! From the way he handled that sword earlier I should’ve known. He wasn’t just some rookie with rare gear like Leo. He was an expert with plenty of experience from beyond Level 0. He came from a higher level just to… what? Steal Leo’s armor? 

“Leo!” he called out once more, but there was no answer. 

The crowd kept him back. 

—

Leo ran blindly down the hall. Some stepped back to avoid him; others he crashed into. He wondered what he looked like through their eyes. Could they see what he was feeling on his face? 

He wasn’t even sure he himself knew what he was feeling. Shame? Anger? Despair, sadness, regret? Most likely, some strange combination of them all. They were so mixed and muddled, however, that he only felt a stinging shock that left him numb and empty. More than that, though, he felt the tremendous weight of utter failure crashing down on his shoulders. 

He was breathing heavily, every ragged breath tearing at his throat. It was still bruised where Roman had hit him. His shirt was stained with sweat. His limbs were in active rebellion, punishing him with shooting stabs of pain for making them continue to work beyond their limit. The exhaustion was getting to him. Occasionally, his eyes would close for moments at a time before he came to, and then he’d cast his glance around wildly like he was in a completely different world. But all the while, his feet kept running. 

Damn it all! he thought wildly. I should’ve known, I should’ve been expecting this. Even if I couldn’t put a price on it, you can tell just by looking at it how valuable that armor is. Of course someone would try to steal it. It was bound to happen eventually. I’m sorry; I can’t even hold on to the only things you left me. If I can’t even do that much, how can I even hope to—? 

He punished himself in his thoughts. 

With his father’s armor on, Leo had felt protected. He had felt warm and safe, like he was in his father’s protective embrace. Each time the armor saved him from impact or injury, it was as though his father was there, protecting him in battle. Now, Leo felt strangely exposed and naked. 

Damn! Damn that Roman guy! 

Leo needed to get away from it all: the lights, the people, the magic. He couldn’t bear to let anyone see his face. He wanted to go anywhere at all that was far away. The trouble was he was heading further away from the entrance to Level 0, and if he turned around now, he’d run right into Ryker and Ruby. They wouldn’t let him be; they’d follow him. 

He could hear them calling his name now, trying to reach him. Mind your own damn business! he thought angrily. Can’t you see I need to be left alone? 

His breathing was getting faster and faster. He had no control over it anymore. 

His eyes suddenly caught sight of a break in the hallway up ahead. A small side street veered off from the main one. No one seemed to be going in or out of it. Leo barely even registered making the decision to go down it, but he turned into it nonetheless when he reached it. He stumbled down the smaller hall, which was only half as big as the street behind him. There were no lights in it, magic or otherwise; the further he went, the darker it became. The hallway was clearly old and disused. Open doorways and windows in the walls gave glimpses of old stores and inns, restaurants and bars, all of them now empty. His stumbling slowed and he came to a stop at the dark door of an abandoned shop of some kind. Without thought, he entered through the doorway and glanced around. 

The room was relatively small. There were a few tables around the room and a long, low counter in the back. Scattered armor stands and weapon racks on the walls suggested it had once been a weapons store of some kind. Some old swords and armor pieces even now remained, waiting for owners that would never come. The shop had once been a place that welcomed dungeoneers and catered to their needs, preparing them for the dangers that lay ahead. Now it was dead and empty, a mere memory of its former glory. 

Leo’s feet trudged slowly through the store. His heavy steps caused the old wood to creak and groan as he walked towards the right-hand wall. Every step seemed to be draining the last of his strength. The step that brought him to the wall was his last. He fell towards it, catching himself on his hands, before turning and slumping down with his back against it. His legs felt as though they’d fall off; they gave an anguished cry of relief as soon as his weight was off of them. His arms fell limply to his sides. His eyes fixated on a point in the floor. The pit of his stomach grew large enough to swallow him up. 

Now, there was no swirling cloud of hazy emotions; only emptiness remained. And yet, in that moment, every one of his grandfather’s last words came back to him. 

—

“Leo.” 

The bedroom was bright with the rays of the setting sun. The wide window faced west, and it caught every dim beam of the sun’s quiet goodbye. The room was awash in orange light, and soon it would be cast into darkness. 

Leo turned his gaze from the window. His grandfather sat quietly on the bed, his back against a wall of pillows. The old man was looking at him intently. He was old and frail, bedridden, and his white hair was only getting thinner. He seemed to be wearing a thin coat of dust, like everything else in the room. And yet, there was a quiet strength in his face and a determination in his gaze. His eyes did not falter. 

“You know that I am going to die soon.” 

It was a statement of fact, not a question. Leo nodded slowly. He had known this for some time. 

“I wish I could have lived longer, to wait here in the cold silence, but time waits for no one. There are some things I need to tell you before it is too late, so listen to me closely.” 

“I’ll listen, don’t worry.” Leo waited for him to go on. What are these, sentimental last words? he thought sadly. 

The old man sighed deeply. “What I am about to tell you I probably should’ve told you much sooner. I suppose I never felt it was the right time. But now time itself forces my hand.” His old voice was rickety, cracking and creaking in its way; and yet, it was as steady and even as could be, each syllable pronounced carefully and with purpose. 

“When I lost your grandmother, I was a very young man. I took it badly. I retreated into myself, and disconnected from my family. Looking back, I see that I left my son alone when he needed me the most. I was in his life, but also out of it.” 

Hold on, Leo felt the pace of his thoughts accelerating. ‘My son?’ Is he talking about…? His grandfather’s next words confirmed it. 

“Your father was always a bright young lad,” the steady creaking continued. “He was adventurous and excitable, and he longed to see the world. Everything was shiny and new and fascinating to him. Except me. I kept quiet and out of the way. I provided for him, of course. I fed him, gave him a bed to sleep in, and kept a roof over his head. And yet, I did not give him any love or attention beyond the bare minimum. Looking back, I can’t remember a single time I said, ‘I love you, my son.’ Now that I think about it, I can’t even remember speaking to him much. I existed in this world, sure; but I was trapped inside my own mind, aimlessly wandering the halls of my memories, regretting the loss of your grandmother. I suppose that’s why we drifted so far apart. 

“And then, when your father was eighteen years old, he left me. He took his money and enough food and supplies for a long journey and said goodbye. He told me he was going out into the world to find his own way, that he would make a life for himself somewhere else. He promised to come and visit often. I still remember his smiling face as he waved goodbye. Then he went into the Dungeon and through the portal to Level 1. After a year, I stopped waiting for his return.” 

Leo listened in a quiet, contemplative silence. His mouth hung slightly open. He had asked many times over the years, but his grandfather had never spoken of his parents. The old man had refused to say anything about his father, and now, his age was finally getting to him. He was growing weaker by the day, and soon he wouldn’t have any strength left. Leo had spent the past few weeks coming to terms with the fact his grandfather would soon die, and with him, the only connection to his parents he’d even known. Leo was too much in awe to say anything. My father…, his thoughts raced, He’s been in the Dungeon all these years? 

His grandfather continued: “I only saw him one other time in my life. It had been ten long years since he’d left. I’d had plenty of time alone to wallow in my regret. I never left because I still held on to the fragile hope that your father would come back some day. 

“The day he did show up, it was raining heavily. There was a powerful storm at work. He was just standing there on the doorstep. He must’ve been about twenty-eight, but he looked so much older. He had grown so much since I’d last seen him, and he towered over me in foreign, foreboding armor. His face had changed drastically; it was no longer the face of the boy I had known. And his eyes had seen all the ages of the world. There was a hard, cold strength in his gaze, and yet there was also a profoundly deep sorrow. 

“What I remember most, however, was that he didn’t smile. In the last memory I’d had of him, he was wearing the biggest smile I’d ever seen. With his backpack on his back and new traveling clothes on, I could see him smiling back at me, waving a hand over his head. But the man who appeared at my door that day seemed altogether incapable of a smile. He looked as though he’d never once been happy in his life.” The old man’s eyes gazed wistfully into his memory. “If I wasn’t his father, I don’t think I would’ve recognized him.” He sat for a moment in contemplative silence before continuing. 

“On his back was an enormous greatsword unlike any I had ever seen. In one hand, he held a suit of armor wrapped tight into a bundle; in the other, he cradled an infant child against his chest. That child, Leo, was you.” 

A chill ran down Leo’s spine. In the confusing swirl that now completely occupied his thoughts, one question echoed loudly: Where did I come from?

“I still remember the words he spoke to me,” the old man reflected. “‘Father,’ he said, and hearing that man call me that made me afraid. I remember he spoke very plainly. It was not in a commanding or authoritative voice that he said this, as I might have guessed from his appearance. Rather, his voice was soft and distant.” 

To Leo, it sounded as though these next words were coming straight from his father’s mouth. “‘His mother and I cannot take care of him,’ he said. ‘The world in which we live is too dangerous. I could think of no one else to turn to. Forgive me, but I must ask you to raise and care for him. If it is discovered that he is my son, he will be in terrible danger. Here outside of the Dungeon, with you, is the only place I feel certain of his safety.’ And then he handed you to me in a soft bundle of cloth. It was then that I held you in my arms for the first time. 

“‘This is your grandson. His name is…’ 

“Leo.” 

Leo’s grandfather stared at him from the bed, his face catching the light of the setting sun. His shriveled chest rose and fell with each slow breath. “After that, your father said he had to go find your mother, and he disappeared back into the Dungeon.”

My mother…? Leo thought. 

The old man sighed. “I have made it my life’s purpose ever since that day to raise and protect you. I have tried to do for you what I failed to do for my own son. I have tried to be in your life, to guide and defend you, all to prepare you for this moment. In one week, it will be your birthday, right? On that day, you’ll no longer be a child. Eighteen is too old to think of you in such terms.” 

Leo shivered. He hung on every word. 

“Your father is still in the Dungeon. Take up the armor and the sword he’s left you, your inheritance, and seek him out. He’s waiting for you on Level 4.”

Leo was transfixed. He couldn’t move or speak. An image came to his mind of a man and woman he had never known, waiting for him. 

“Now, I have some final advice to give you,” his grandfather said. Every word was engraved on Leo’s heart by the sharp tool of his voice. “Don’t push people away, as I did. Don’t let your failures and losses become endless pools of sorrow. Find your friends and stick close to them. Alone, you’ll never make it. Listen to me,” he paused, looking more serious than ever before. His voice was but a whisper. “Take this to heart: It doesn’t matter if you’re famous or a nobody, rich or poor, strong or weak. Just, please, whatever you do, don’t end up…” 

—

Alone. 

That last word echoed in Leo’s head. 

He sat with his back against the wall, hugging his legs, face buried, unmoving. After a time, he became aware he was crying. His sobs echoed in the silence of the quiet store. 

Don’t cry, he told himself. Crying’s not going to fix anything. But no logic or reason could quiet his sobs. The tears flowed on without end. 

—

“What do you mean, he’s waiting for me?” Leo demanded angrily. “Years of refusing to talk about them, pretending like my parents never existed, like you never had a son…! Now you tell me this?” 

“I’m sorry,” his grandfather was shaken. “You must forgive me. I should’ve told you, I know. I’m sorry!” His breaths were deep and shuddering, and he shook with the strain. 

Leo’s anger subsided. He hung his head and sat quietly on the bed. He couldn’t yell at the man who had loved and raised him all his life, especially not when he was so close to death. “It’s okay, I forgive you,” he muttered quietly. “But I can’t do this.” 

“Yes, you can,” his grandfather encouraged in a quiet voice. “You have the strength, I know you have it in you. Your magic is strong, just like your father’s. I have faith that you will find him.” But Leo wasn’t so easily convinced. He was at a loss for words. “When you see him next, I have but one request.” Leo turned now to look at him, and the old man grasped his hand firmly. “Tell him that I’m sorry for abandoning him. It’s my greatest regret. And tell him that I love him.” 

“I will,” Leo promised, but his heart was filled with a quiet despair. He wondered if he himself would ever get to tell his father that he loved him. 

“Thank you, Leo,” the old man closed his eyes and let his head sink further back into the feathery softness of the pillows. “Now I can rest in peace.” His breathing was growing slower and slower. 

“Grandpa, can you tell me one other thing about him?” Leo ventured to ask. “Please, grandpa. What’s my father’s name?” 

“His name?” the old man breathed quietly, and a thin smile spread across his face. His eyes seemed to be looking through the world, and Leo was sure his grandfather could see nothing but his son’s face. In a whisper, he breathed quietly. “His name is…” 

The silence grew longer. Leo felt his heart slow in anticipation. The old man’s hand suddenly grew limp and released its grip, falling slowly to the bed with a soft thump. 

“Grandpa?” 

—

Leo’s quiet sobs continued on for some time. Had it been minutes or hours? He could not tell. 

After some indefinite amount of time, he heard footsteps against the cold stone. He stifled his sobs immediately and quietly hoped he would go unnoticed. The footsteps slowed to a stop and there was silence for a few short moments before a deep, gruff man’s voice spoke. 

“Hey, uhh… you okay down there?” 

Leo’s head was still buried in his arms, and he didn’t want to lift it. He didn’t want anyone to see his face, much less this stranger. Quietly and awkwardly, the man cleared his throat. “Don’t cry, or… well, what the heck, go ahead and cry if you need,” the man sighed. There was the sound of a wooden chair scraping against stone, and then it creaked as the man sat down. “I was gonna throw you out, but it’s not like I get any customers in here anyway. Life gettin’ you down?” 

Leo nodded slowly, wishing he could disappear. He kept his head down and his tear-stricken face out of sight. The man stayed silent for a moment. “So, uhh… you wanna… talk about it…?” 

Leo wanted to answer him, but he was afraid his voice would break. Bitter thoughts filled his head, voicing what he couldn’t speak aloud. Why are you being so damn nice to me? You don’t even know me. Just leave me alone here.  

The man continued awkwardly. “It’s not like I have anything better to do. This store you’re in? Though it may look abandoned, I promise you it isn’t. The wife and I had to work so many odd jobs to raise enough money for this place. My father taught me everything he knew about smithing and forging, so it's the only skill I really have. But we can’t afford any of those front aisle shops; just one of these small, out-of-the-way ones. With our first baby on the way, it’s more important than ever that we have money, but barely anyone comes back here. I can’t sell much of anything. And yet I’m still here in this crappy store, still working myself to the bone every day.” He sighed. “I don’t know what’s happened to you, man, but I guess what I’m trying to say is… cry if you need to, but when you’re done, wipe the tears off your face and get back up on your feet. Just some good advice someone else once gave me. And don’t worry, I won’t look.” 

Leo slowly lifted his head, looking up at the man with curiosity. He sat on a wooden chair close by, elbow on the table, holding up his head with his hand, and facing away from Leo. He was large and heavyset; his arms were thick with muscles gained from long years of work. His head was bald, but he had a thick black beard, rugged and dirty. His white shirt and leather apron were filthy and stained. 

Leo quickly wiped away his tears on his sleeves, but he was still afraid fresh ones would leak out. “Thanks,” he muttered, trying to keep his voice straight and ignoring the pain of his bruised throat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize this place was in use.” 

The blacksmith waved a hand behind him. “Like I said, this store’s usually empty, so don’t worry ‘bout it. We all need to get away and feel sorry for ourselves sometimes. There are always things that don’t go our way. Life waits for no one, you know?” 

“My grandfather told me the same thing recently.” 

“Smart man. Why don’t you, uhh… go talk to him about whatever happened?” 

“He died. About a week ago.”

“Ahhh…” the man sighed. “Sorry to hear it.” 

At that moment, the sounds of heavy, thudding footsteps reached their ears. Their echoes passed the shop before turning back and stopping at the door. Leo couldn’t see the open doorway between the tables from his position on the floor, but he heard Ryker’s voice clearly out of breath. “Excuse me, have you seen—?”

“Looking for this lost child?” The blacksmith jabbed a thumb in Leo’s direction. “He’s right back here.” 

Ryker took a few more steps into the room and looked over at Leo, who quickly averted his eyes. Then he stepped back out into the hallway, calling, “Ruby! I’ve found him!” 

There was the sound of light steps padding on stones, and then Ryker reappeared, followed closely by Ruby. Ryker came up to him and crouched down in front of him, but Ruby lingered behind. Ryker’s voice came soft and quiet. “How are you holding up Leo?” 

“I’m fine, I promise,” Leo mumbled, refusing to meet his gaze. 

“The armor, it… meant a lot to you?” Ryker tried awkwardly. 

“I… yeah,” Leo conceded. “It was the only thing my father left me, before he… and I never knew him so…” He trailed off. “I didn’t want you guys to see me like this. I’m sorry I ran off… like a loser.” 

Ryker breathed deeply, shifting his weight uncomfortably. “Look… stuff like this happens. In the real world—especially in the Dungeon, where laws are forfeit and war’s a given—there are people who’d take the skin off your back if they could. They’d leave you with nothing and feel nothing, not a drop of guilt or remorse. And often, you’re powerless to stop them. You can’t change the past. What’s done is done. But you’re still living and life keeps moving, so don’t break down now that it’s over. Now’s your chance to make things better.”

Leo looked up at him, and Ryker met his gaze with a small smile. “Don’t call yourself a loser, especially not after what you did today. Markl and I, we made a mistake. My sister, Leah,” he explained, his eyes downcast, “she’s young, like you, and inexperienced. To make a long story short, our team tried to take down an A-Rank alone, and it was a disaster. Two of our teammates died, and though they were saved by Revival Stones, they’re still recovering from the severe mana loss. Leah was badly hurt, and between our lodgings, meals, and Leah’s treatment, Markl and I have been stretched thin picking up the pieces.

“You didn’t know all of this when you came up to us, but I know you heard us arguing about it. You heard we were in trouble and came right up and offered your help. In the raid, you slayed dozens of lycans on your own. Hell, you almost single-handedly killed that Great Lycan,” Ryker almost laughed. Leo felt a small stirring like a swell of pride, but it did little to alleviate his sorrow. “You more than carried your own weight, and make no mistake, it’s thanks to you that Markl and I will be able to pay for everything and take good care of our teammates. You’re the reason we’ll be able to sleep in peace tonight. I can’t express,” he put a hand firmly on Leo’s shoulder, “how extremely grateful we are. For everything.” 

Leo looked up at him gratefully, but once more lowered his eyes. “It wasn’t as great as you make it out to be. Without the armor, I wouldn’t have done much of anything.” 

“Maybe so,” Ryker conceded. “But you’re still a young kid; don’t talk like you can’t get stronger. You’re a great guy, Leo. You were so positive earlier, and your excitement was contagious. Don’t let Roman take that away from you.”

When Leo said nothing, Ryker let his hand slip off Leo’s shoulder and he rose to his feet. “It’s about time I meet back up with Markl,” he said. “I’ve kept him waiting long enough. Just remember what I’ve said and hold your head up high, man. We’ll meet again, right? If not here, then in the Dungeon for sure. When that happens, let’s fight together again.” 

Ryker flashed him a confident smile and what he probably thought was a comforting thumbs-up. He then whispered some words to Ruby, who nodded, and—with a wave of his massive arm—he was gone. The sounds of his leather boots’ heavy footsteps faded away into silence. 

Ruby hung back still, holding her hands over her chest. She glanced between Leo and the open door, and then her gaze flicked down to her feet. The blacksmith shifted and settled in his chair quietly. Leo, however, perceived none of this.

His thoughts lingered on Ryker’s words. Hold your head up high, his mind echoed. He was suddenly aware of a desire inside himself. It wanted to push him to his feet, but his mind rebelled. He couldn’t find the will to pull himself up, nor did he think he had the strength remaining. He became aware for the first time of just how exhausted he felt. Each limb ached with a numb tingling. His fingers were pricked by thousands of small needles each time he moved them. His breathing was deep and slow, and his mind wanted nothing more than to sleep for days on end. He was barely aware of the world around him, as though he were floating within a void instead of the blacksmith’s dark empty shop. 

In this half-asleep state of near unconsciousness, things moved in his mind. 

Memories of his grandfather still lingered behind his eyes. He remembered the quiet hope the old man’s last words had ignited. Somewhere deep in the Dungeon, the man and woman who had brought him into the world still lived. He’d grown up without them, wondering what they looked like. How did they act, talk, or smell? If they could see him, what would they think of him? Were they kind or cruel, full of love or bitter hate? According to his grandfather’s recounting, his father had left him behind because he was in danger. What kind of danger had his parents gotten caught up in that they feared for their son’s life? Even worse, were they still alive after these eighteen long years? For his own sake, Leo had to believe that they were. 

Often, growing up, his dreams had attempted to recreate them, but morning light would always come. He had wondered, time and time again, if he’d ever be able to find them, or if he would even recognize them if he saw them. Now, there was at least a chance. Somewhere on Level 4, they were alive; waiting for him, even. He knew now where they were, but he didn’t know if he could reach them. The quiet hope that had ignited, like the small flame of a last match, was in danger of being blown out. If the wind overcame it, he would have to suffer the long dark of night alone. 

Doubt filled him. It was common knowledge that each level of the Dungeon was more dangerous and deadly than the last. Each was filled with dungeoneers, magic beasts, kings and kingdoms, all of them stronger than him. Even worse, all those who sought the Dungeon’s ultimate treasure were on Level 4. It was likely that the strongest dungeoneers, warriors, and sorcerers of the age resided on that level, all seeking the final glory of being the first human beings to step foot in Level 5. Here in Level 0–not even inside the Dungeon proper—Leo had dared to try. He had fought with all his might, and the armor had given him success. But without it, what was he? 

Weak. 

Deep in his thoughts, he barely noticed Ruby’s soft footfalls until she was right in front of him. Her presence brought him out of his reverie, and the void around him was slowly filled. In a moment, he was back in the near-abandoned shop. Ruby’s voice spoke to him in the dark. “Leo… this might not matter, but I think it’s important. I… I want you to know.” 

Her voice trembled as she spoke, but she slowly continued. “Ryker and Markl were arguing so loudly everyone could hear them, but no one wanted to lift a hand to help. I f-felt… sorry for them. Clearly someone they cared about was in danger, but… I’m not very good with words, and I’m— I’m so nervous and shy all the time.” Her voice broke, and she paused for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts before plunging back into her words. “Right then, I couldn’t work up the courage. But then I saw you, and I told myself… ‘If that boy can do it, why can’t I?’”

Ruby crouched down in front of Leo, and she looked him deep in the eyes. “I had the courage to speak up… because of you. Without you, I would’ve stayed quiet, regretting my decision and feeling sorry for myself because… I let my lack of self-confidence get the better of me… again. But because of you, I did something.” 

“But that has nothing to do with me,” he protested. 

“Maybe you feel you didn’t do anything,” she countered, “but you did help me, whether you knew it or not.” 

Leo cast his dark eyes down at the ground again, desperate to escape the sudden steadiness of her stare. Ruby, he thought, both you and Ryker seem to think I did something important. But I didn’t do much of anything at all, and I don’t even have that damn armor to protect me anymore. In my next raid, I’ll just be a liability who can’t take care of himself. 

“Leo, can I ask you something personal? Why is it that you want to go into the Dungeon?” 

There was silence in the room for a moment as Leo processed the question. “Well,” he began, “I know it’s stupid, but I’d kind of always wanted to go on an adventure and see the world. I’ve always felt like… how can I put this into words?” He thought for a moment, gathering his memories as if looking back on his life through a window. He searched for the words that would make Ruby understand his deepest desire. “It was like I didn’t belong… or something like that. For all of my schoolmates and peers, it was like they had a foundation I didn’t. Most had their parents or other family, but I was different. My parents had left me behind, and I had no way of knowing where they were. Of course, I had my grandpa, but he’s been bedridden since I was twelve. I’ve known for years that he’d die soon, and then I’d have nothing left here. I suppose when I realized that, I became interested in the Dungeon. Even if I leave this city, it’s the same country for miles and miles, but right on the other side of that portal is an entirely new world…” 

Leo smiled ironically to himself. “For years I just felt sorry for myself, not knowing if I had a chance in the world of making it. Going into the Dungeon and seeing the world was just a faint dream I’d always had, and likely not one that would ever come true. And then… my grandfather passed away…” He was silent for a moment and felt more alone than ever before. “On his deathbed, he finally told me about my parents… Apparently, they’re somewhere on the fourth level. Now, I have some idea of where I’m meant to be, and I know that I have to at least try, but… do I have any hope of success?” 

That question had plagued his mind since his grandfather had breathed his last. Now, it was out in the open; he had exposed himself completely and left himself to the judgement of a strange girl he barely knew. His breath caught in agonizing anticipation of her answer.

Ruby looked at him for a moment. She seemed to be considering something, thinking long and hard, deliberating over details. Suddenly, she seemed to wave it all aside. She smiled, and it was one of the sweetest smiles Leo had ever seen. “That settles it then,” she said, rising to her feet. “You’ll need to rest for a few days at least… Then, we can join raids to earn money. We’ll have to get you some new armor… and we’ll need money for clothing, supplies, and traveling expenses. Eventually, w-we’ll have to defeat at least two of the champions, but that can wait until later. We’ll need t-two… no, three more members at least…” She wandered off into thought, giving Leo enough time to understand what she was saying. 

“Wait, slow down,” he said quickly, with breathless excitement. “What are you saying?” 

“To answer your question,” Ruby said, “Alone, I think you have nothing, not even a sliver of hope. But with a team of trusted allies, friends who you can count on, then yes, you can do it.” Leo felt a great weight lifting from his chest. An answer to his question of doubt had finally been given. He felt the corners of his mouth beginning to form the ghost of a smile. 

“For a while now, I’ve been planning on going into the Dungeon myself,” Ruby confessed. “I knew I’d have to join a team. I couldn’t just follow anyone though... Whoever I put my support behind, I knew I wanted to follow someone I believed in, someone I cared about. I didn’t want to just join a group of strangers. I wanted to make friends and— and go together with them on an adventure across worlds. Leo, your kindness and generosity make you exactly the kind of person I want to follow. Your willingness to assist people in need… and your dream… I can sympathize with your desire to meet your parents. I know what it’s like to long for a family that loves you. I don’t think worse of you for wanting to run or cry. It’d be more strange if you didn’t do either. Ryker said it better, and in fewer and more effective words than I, but allow me to echo him: what matters now isn’t what happened, but what you do next. And I don't want to see you give up. After all, your parents are waiting… right? 

“So I have this one and only offer. Start a team with me, and we can go into the Dungeon and chase our dreams— together.” 

“You’re kidding, right?” Leo didn’t know if he wanted to laugh, cry, or both. Half-laughing and half-scoffing, he said, “All I’ve done is get killed and cry about it.” 

“You’ve done so much more,” Ruby affirmed, “even if you can’t see it. You’re the reason Ryker’s sister is going to be okay, and the reason I’m even talking to you right now. So let’s start our own team. Let’s gather a few more members, take down the champions, and go into the Dungeon together. What do you say?” 

Leo couldn’t help smiling, his worries half-forgotten in a new and strange kind of joy. The small, flickering flame of hope was growing stronger. “What can I say?” he muttered to himself. Incredibly, he found that there was some strength left in his legs. Using the wall to support himself, he rose to his feet, and in a quiet but firm voice, he gave the answer his heart longed to voice the most. 

“Yes, I accept,” he breathed, smiling wider than ever. 

“Then I think you’ll be needing this!” 

The blacksmith’s voice called to them from a door at the back of the store, and Leo realized he hadn’t even noticed him leave. In his hands, the blacksmith was carrying a metal chestplate and greaves, simple, but solid and clean in design. “I heard everything you two were talking about,” he said, setting the armor down on a wooden table before them with a heavy thud, “and I figured, I have all this armor lying around and not getting much use. It might not be much, and you’ll probably want something better before you cross the portal to Level 1, but I made it with my own hands, so naturally, it’s the finest quality armor you’ll get without magic. It’d be a shame to just give it away, but it’d be even more of a shame to let it sit here collecting dust. It’d make me happier knowing that it’s protecting someone from danger instead, fulfilling the purpose for which it was made.” 

Leo couldn’t believe his ears. He wanted to laugh his head off, mourn the lost armor, and cry tears of joy all at once. Instead, he felt himself just standing there like an idiot, and his eyes began to water once more. “Are you serious? Of course, I’ll take it. But what about your wife, and your kid?” 

“Oh, don’t think I’m giving it to you for free,” the blacksmith smiled, stroking his thick, black beard. “I’ll give it to you on one condition. When you make money, you’ll come back and buy a full set from me. And when you get famous, you make sure to tell everyone exactly where you got this armor from.” 

Leo extended his arm, and the blacksmith took it. “Thank you,” Leo said, shaking his hand firmly. He felt a few tears break free and streak down his face. “I’ll come back and buy a whole lot more than a full set, I promise.” 

“Hah!” The blacksmith tossed his head back and laughed. “You just wait till you make some money before you go making promises you can’t keep.”  

In a moment, Leo and Ruby—with the chestplate and greaves in a bag slung over Ruby’s shoulder—were headed out the door. Ruby held one of Leo’s arms around her shoulders, helping him walk in his weakened state. As they passed out into the hall, the blacksmith tousled Leo’s hair. “Kid,” he said, “You look good when you smile. So don’t go crying too much anymore, got it?” 

Halfway down the hall, Ruby turned back with a smile. “Thank you for everything, sir!” 

“Thanks a lot!” Leo called. 

“Come back and visit anytime!” The blacksmith stood in the doorway, waving his right arm over his head. “Take care of yourselves!” 

With that final goodbye, Leo and Ruby stepped further out of the darkness of the side street. Each step took them closer and closer to the bright magic lights of the main hallway. Somewhere out there were Markl and Ryker, trading in what they could salvage from the raid for the money that would save their teammates. Somewhere out there was the girl Leah, Ryker’s sister, who would soon receive the first piece of good news in quite a few days. And much further away, somewhere on Level 4, Leo’s mother and father stood waiting for their son’s arrival. They were probably already aware that it was his eighteenth birthday, and that he’d soon be on his way. 

Somehow, with Ruby by his side, Leo felt a little less uncertain about his odds. He felt a confidence growing that someday, sooner or later, he’d be reunited with them once more.

—

Roman stood upright on the balcony, looking out over the railing across the city that spread out endlessly before him. His flowing black robes protected him from the cold night air that wailed and moaned through the streets. A curtain of black and glittering stars veiled the sky, and in it were patterns of delicate intricacy. Stars swirled, danced, rolled, ran across the great dome of the sky, illuminating the world below with their beauty. 

With a quiet sigh and a cold breath, Roman crossed his arms calmly. At his feet was a bundle through which a hint of metal shone, pale and blue. He was grateful for the calm, however temporary it may be. It was a moment to catch his breath in a turbulent world. 

There was a rustling behind him, and the soft falls of footsteps. Without turning to look, Roman sighed loudly. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come,” he spoke to the night air. 

A deep, resonating, and somewhat muffled voice behind him responded. “Apologies. I was delayed.” 

“No matter,” Roman waved his apology away. “I enjoyed the quiet. It’s not often I get time to be alone with my thoughts.” 

“Unimportant,” said the deep, muffled voice behind him. “Now to the point: I was unsuccessful. It was an empty lead, as usual. You?” 

“Take a look,” Roman grabbed the bundle at his feet with one hand, turned, and tossed it to the other man, who caught it quickly. The man was leaning against the stone wall, deep in its shadow. A black hood and cloak covered him and a cloth was over his mouth. The only sign of surprise Roman saw was a gleaming eye widening under the black hood. “I was quite taken by surprise myself, but it's real. In that bundle is the Pale Emperor Armor. Some rookie in Archion was just waltzing around in it.” 

“Archion?” the hooded man said in surprise. “You mean it was outside the Dungeon?” 

“And it was only by luck that I found it,” Roman added, frowning. “The kid gave me some cock and bull story of getting it from his father.” Roman’s eyes narrowed, his brows furled, trying to recall a distant memory. “The armor was last in his possession…” He was quiet for a moment. “Nah, there’s no way that guy has any kids we don’t know about. Most likely, we just lost track of it at some point. Somehow, it trickled down through the levels until it left the Dungeon. But anyway, the why and how don’t matter. What’s important is that it’s back in our possession.” He turned to the hooded man. “Do me a solid and take the armor back to Father. Oh, and don’t even think of taking credit for its recovery.” 

“I don’t take orders from you,” the hooded man threatened. “And besides, you won’t take it back yourself?” 

“No, I’ve got something else to take care of and then I’ll be heading back. You and I both know you won’t pass up the opportunity to go home, so stop complaining and just take the armor. Oh, and be sure to tell Father that when I get back, I expect a great feast in my honor,” he added. 

Roman turned his back on his hooded companion, dark and brooding. His eyes looked deep into the distant stars, absorbing their patterns and committing them to memory. “After all,” he reminisced with a small smile, “It’s been three long years since I’ve seen him.”