Chapter 13: The Dungeon That Eats
"Damn," Xavier muttered, looking around. "That boss monster was really slow."
He, Serena, and the members of Iron Will stood inside the dungeon's treasure vault—a massive circular chamber carved from black stone. Piles of gold coins glittered under the faint dungeon light. Rings rested on velvet pedestals. Diamonds, gemstones, enchanted-looking trinkets, and weapons lined the walls.
"If he'd used any of the stuff here," Xavier continued casually, "he'd probably still be alive."
Paul chuckled weakly and shook his head. "Not necessarily. You can only use equipment assigned to your class."
Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Then what's the point of all this?"
Paul gestured around the vault. "The dungeon creates it to lure people in. Dungeons are alive, in their own way. If people don't die inside them, they don't eat."
"That's… unsettling," Xavier said. "But useful information. Thanks."
Paul nodded. "Now, about dividing the treasure."
Xavier waved a hand dismissively. "You decide. Since we saved you and I beat the boss, half sounds fair."
Paul opened his mouth to respond, but Serena had already stepped forward.
"You heard him," she said calmly, cracking her knuckles. "I'll count."
"We can help—" one of the guild members started.
"No need," Xavier said with absolute confidence. "She'll be done soon."
Several members of Iron Will exchanged skeptical looks.
Forty-five minutes later, their skepticism was gone.
Two perfectly equal piles sat on opposite sides of the vault—down to individual coins, gem quality, and enchantment value. Not a single piece was misplaced.
Paul stared.
So did everyone else.
Serena dusted her hands off.
Snap. Snap. Snap.
"Earth to Paul and friends," she said flatly. "We're leaving the dungeon, right?"
Paul blinked, then snapped out of it. "R-right! Everyone, listen up! Collect what we discussed before leaving!"
As Paul issued orders, Xavier casually walked up to his half of the treasure.
Everything vanished in an instant, absorbed into his Infinite-Sized Bag.
Paul flinched.
Several guild members stared in open shock.
Xavier turned around to see Serena holding two rings—simple black bands with faint runes etched along the inside.
"What are those?" he asked.
"I don't know yet," Serena replied. "They were mixed into the pile."
"We should get them appraised," Xavier said. "Something like this could be dangerous."
"I have an appraisal skill."
Xavier turned toward the voice.
A man with glasses stepped forward, his clothing torn and stained with dried blood, but his posture steady. He looked older than most of the guild—experienced.
"You were still fighting when I arrived," Xavier said.
The man nodded. "Senior member. Name's Kairo Varin."
"You said you can appraise?" Xavier asked.
"Yes. You saved all our lives—hand them over."
Serena passed him the rings.
Kairo raised one hand.
"Appraisal."
His eyes glowed faintly for a moment.
"These rings grant one new skill," Kairo said. "The skill is based on the wearer's class. Rank will fall somewhere between C and D."
Xavier exhaled slowly.
"That's… extremely good."
Kairo handed the rings back. "Use them carefully."
"Thanks," Xavier said sincerely.
Paul's voice echoed from the vault entrance. "Alright! We're finished here. Let's move out!"
The group made their way back through the dungeon corridors. The oppressive atmosphere faded with each step closer to the exit.
At the portal, Xavier stopped.
"It's been interesting, Paul," he said, offering his hand. "If you ever need someone—call the number."
Paul shook his hand firmly. "I will. And… thank you. All of you."
Xavier stepped through the portal first, Serena right behind him.
They emerged back on Earth, standing just outside the dungeon gate.
A beat passed.
Then—
"Right," Xavier said quickly. "We technically broke several laws."
"Several," Serena agreed.
They left immediately.
Moments later, Iron Will emerged from the dungeon.
Some guild members collapsed to their knees. Others laughed shakily. A few cried.
They were alive.
They hadn't expected that.
Unbeknownst to them, a figure stood on a nearby rooftop, watching silently.
"They didn't die, sir," the observer said into a communicator. "Someone entered the dungeon and saved them."
A pause.
"Do you know who?" a cold voice asked.
"No, sir. But we're gathering information."
"Good," the voice replied. "Return with answers."
The line went dead.
And far away, something began to move.