Chapter 3：A Debt (1/2)
”Alright, everyone. Let's assume formation and tackle the first layer together. The first layer is filled with Goblins, so we'll have no problem clearing it in two hours. Let's opt for a better time so we can have more time for conquering the third layer.” Alan explained and the group moved about. Arthur dashed toward the luggage and he carried the two bags on his shoulders, and they almost cracked his back. They were heavy but not too heavy to make him fall or be unable to keep up with his group. His position was the middle of the formation while the others each assumed their assigned position. Alan took the vanguard position with his mace and shield, Juan and Beatrice took the upper flanks both on each side, Yuran took the rear, and the petite woman, Alan finally saying her name to be Rosie, took Arthur's side at the middle.
”Advance!” Alan roared in an obvious attempt to lift their morals. The group followed behind and started heading toward the door of the first layer. It was a 10-meters tall door with engravings all around that caused one to be dizzy just by looking at them. The door would open every ten minutes and only 5 people can enter at a time. The reason porters didn't count in that number is that they usually have no magical energy, thus the dungeon wouldn't reject their presence in the group. That was also the reason being a porter was a risky job as its one of its main qualifications was being mana-less and non-awakener.
”Hey, is it true that The White Fangs are challenging the boss today?” A conversation entered Arthur's ears and his ears perked. The White Fangs were one of the best parties in the Union. They were a group of warriors and mages who were at minimum Deme-rankers, making them an idolized party among the common masses. Their white armor and glistering weapons only served as a PR material for both equipment enthusiasts and celebrity fans. However, that didn't mean the group lacked ability. It was on the opposite because they could back it up, the government chose to promote them to induce safety among the citizens.
”Yeah, I read about it on their official website. That's why I came here today, to get a glimpse of The White Fairy.” Another person answered and Arthur found himself even more intrigued. However, the duos drifted away and he didn't get to hear anything more. It seemed the rest of the group also heard and they started to feverishly discuss it. Especially Juan as he talked about The White Fairy, a beauty and a powerhouse of the Union. Since Arthur didn't notice, everyone was interested in the topic, even the usually quiet Rosie. However, only Yuran grew unusually quiet as if he was displeased about something. Arthur took note of that and kept his mouth shut about it.
The group's turn arrived and the door opened with a usual hiss of a snake before they entered and were greeted with the architecture of the first layer. Its walls were bricked and pillars linked the ceiling and the ground. The walls had many engravings and words of an unknown language that gave the place an aesthetic yet ominous ambiance. Patches of green mold molted the place bespeaking of its age. The rest of the group wasn't as awestruck as Arthur as this was the first time he entered one of the Sins Dungeons.
As the group advanced forward, Alan kept his shield leveled with his chin as he surveyed the surroundings. With a low voice, he signaled their scout, Yuran, to report if there was an enemy. Arthur got to learn that magic gunmen were more perceptive than others and that's why they were used as scouts.
”Three draconic lizards, two o'clock.” Reported Yuran.
The group took their stances and advanced toward two o'clock. As their view was cleared of the giant central pillar, they saw a group of three draconic lizards feasting on an earth-rabbit. With his head signaling Juan and Beatrice, Alan and the others started surrounding the monsters. The first battle of today commenced shortly after.
***
His breathing was ragged as if it would stop at any second. Arthur looked at the deep gash in his own stomach and he could see his internal organs through it. He has been clawed by a Cerberus, a monster resembling a hell-dog. His head spun as he lost too much blood. He has realized why the pay was so good with little qualifications needed. The others would get a scratch at most from such a claw. He, however, was dying. He could hear the others talking as they surrounded him after they took care of the other Cerberuses.
”We should just leave him. The job was clear about such dangers.” That was Juan's voice and Arthur wanted to kill the bastard for spouting such things. He felt stupid that he ran here at a moment's notice due to his despair. He should have taken another loan from someone he knew.