The ground rumbles as a massive red-taloned paw smacks down upon the stone floor. A massive scarred dragon raised its head to stare down upon the group gathered before it. They stand in defiance in response to it though whether out of bravery or foolishness is yet to be seen. A blonde man clad in steel armor holding his sword and shield ever so slightly tighter calls out to his party.

???: Everyone, hold fast! This dragon's all that's left! Forward!

He rushes forward alongside an axe-wielding dwarf and a tall swordsman, their eyes poised with determination... and something else. Barely deflecting a swipe from the dragon's massive claw, The blonde man seems to come to terms with the reality of their situation. Despite their preparation, detours and traps of the dungeon had depleted their resources... specifically food. The party was hungry and their movements were now sluggish as a result. The axe-wielding dwarf pounced at the crimson beast only to be swatted away with one slam of the dragon's paw. As she hit the stone floor and slid back, she was met with the caring hands of a blonde-haired human. Her shoulder-length uneven blonde hair parted enough to reveal her round face and amber eyes sparking a semblance of a relationship with the blonde warrior. Her gaze rose just in time to see the dragon peeling open its maw with a slow rumbling crackle, the inside of its throat lighting up with its next fiery attack.

???: My defense buff won't take effect in time!

???: Hurry with the heals!

The woman's amber eyes were then filled with the back of someone, baggy robes flailing in the wind of the dungeon to reveal bandages tightly wrapped around their knuckles, wrists, and leading down their forearm as well as similar dirty bandages wrapped around their mid-calf, down their ankle, and foot just before the toes, acting as something akin to shoes. On the figure's back rested a decent-sized backpack and a long wooden staff attacked with a brilliant red rose sticking from the top. The figure sucked in an audible breath before casting something, a brilliant ball of blue light filling the air before expanding into a blue-tinted bubble around the woman, the dwarf, and another mage companion. The dragon however cared little for the effort and unleashed a devastating blast of pure flame. It crashed upon the top of the protective dome and shattered it easily, sending the party scattering in all directions. The blonde warrior let out a breath as he turned to look at his party thoroughly routed only to be shoved in another direction. It's... her? What is she doing? Did she get hit with a confusion spell?! The warrior hits the ground just in time to find the woman who resembled him being snapped up into the jaws of the crimson dragon. In his stunned state, the warrior could only watch in terror as the blonde woman weakly lifted her staff and muttered...

???: R... Run...

Before a flash of light enveloped the party...

A breath was sucked in through your nose before a rush of water hit the back of your nostril. Puffing it out in a panic your arms reacted on instinct and pushed yourself up. Your eyes were tightly shut but you could feel that your face and partially your torso were soaked in water. You weakly lifted a trembling left hand and wiped your face before opening your eyes, droplets still dribbling into the water but in the ripples, you could see... you. Before you in the shimmering and wobbling puddle was a (S/c)-skinned (H/c)-haired elf staring back up at you with surprised (E/c) eyes. A hood resting just behind your ears that slipped back down once you flicked your head back softly. Your (H/s)-styled hair was mostly dry save for the front of your fringe where droplets of water dribbled back into the puddle. Just past your shoulders, you could see the round shape of your battered pack and the wooden staff with the brilliant rose still clinging to its latch position. Tufts of stubble clung to your chin as you shifted yourself up more until you could rest in a crisscrossed position on your behind away from the puddle. Your eyes blinked once and took in the sun.... wait... the sun? This very clearly wasn't the dungeon gauging by the fresh air, abundant sunlight, and presence of wildlife not trying to make a meal out of you. Birds chirped and fluttered about as if moments ago you weren't fighting for your life in the dark depths of that labyrinth... a life you may have lost near the end as you couldn't recall the moments leading up to your sudden arrival at the surface.

???: The surface... how long has it...

???: Oi! (Y/n)! You alive?!

Your head snapped to the right in time to see a brawny shorter woman with medium-length reddish brown hair jogging up to you a tall swordsman with black hair following at her heels.

(Y/n): Nemari... Shuro... Where...

Nemari as the dwarf was known approached you and offered you a hand which you gracefully took, her built figure easily pulling you up into a standing position. You were head and shoulders taller than Nemari but a few inches short of matching the swordsman from the east.

Shuro: Are you alright?

Gazing at your outfit, you couldn't really find any faults in the robes you wore, your hand brushing over a bit of chainmail woven into the material to find it covered in ash.

(Y/n): A little dusty but aside from that I'm fine.

Nemari: We barely made it out of there... I understand there are risks but this is getting ridiculous. Our very livelihoods are at stake!

Shuro: I can't help but agree... 

(Y/n): It has grown rather dangerous... the depths of this dungeon still astonish me.

Nemari let out a sigh before clutching a piece of paper from her pocket, gazing down at it before turning to you.

Nemari: Shuro and I are going to turn in our resignations when we find Laios. I've already gotten another offer anyway. Look you haven't been around the group long but if I were you I would jump ship before you get attached. I've already gotten an offer from another guild so I should be able to get you in as support.

(Y/n): That's... a rather kind offer... I never knew you cared about me so much, Nemari~ Don't worry, I feel the same way~!

A smile pulled onto your face as a laugh escaped from your lips, your flirt meeting the stone-faced dwarf who saw little amusement from it.

Nemari: I wouldn't say caring more so trying to prevent you from getting yourself killed. 

(Y/n): Ah I'll break through that stone-cold demeanor one day, Nemari~!

Nemari: Hah...

(Y/n): Still... thank you for the offer but I will decline it. With you two leaving Laios and the others  will require even more support. 

Nemari: But why put yourself at risk? There are easier ways to make some gold then trying to keep their heads above water.

(Y/n): Hmm... I simply find them interesting~

Shuro's gaze drifted between the two of you before the reserved swordsman spoke.

Shuro: I don't wish to pry but is the reason you're so adamant about staying... because you wish to grow closer to Marcille?

An image of the half-elf popped into your mind before another smile pulled onto your face. 

(Y/n): I'm wounded by the accusation, sir! I am but a humble monk! Free and devoid of all desires!

Nemari: Pfft, yeah right. You've been a total flirt nonstop since you stumbled into us in the labyrinth.

(Y/n): I prefer the term overly affectionate. And besides... you know you've always been my favorite Nemari~

The dwarf let out another sight before rolling her eyes. She lifted her resignation letter and offered it to you before Shuro did the same. Gripping the two letters you nodded.

(Y/n): I will inform Laios when I find him. I know goodbyes can be rather awkward in such circumstances. 

Nemari: Thank you, (Y/n). Hopefully, you make the smart choice and find yourself another line of work too.

(Y/n): I'm sure you two will go off and make an abundance of gold~ But my fate lies in the depths of the dungeon and if the golden-haired tall man wishes to return to the depths then I may as well tag along~

You turned from the two and began to walk away, waving your hand in the air clutching their letters in a manner of departing. Shuro turned and began walking but Nemari let her eyes linger on your retreating figure. She was no stranger to shameless flirting, heck even she had employed it in the past, but despite that smile and light in your eyes... you seemed... hollow. Like the emotion to back up your actions wasn't there. A shudder ran down her spine as she turned to follow the tall swordsman, her mind drifting away from you and that loathsome dungeon... at least until she needed to inevitably return to it in the future.

???: Let's go save her right away.

???: W-Wait a moment... The truth is, most of our belongings are still in the dungeon. Which means we are essentially penniless.

???: Are you serious?

???: We've got an even bigger problem. I haven't been able to find-

(Y/n): I believe I can solve that question.

Three figures turned to see you approaching through a thicket of trees. The first that your eyes landed on was the ever-grumpy Chilchuck Tims, the half-foot locksmith who only regarded you with slightly squinted eyes with a cautious aura. Then was the ever-gallant weirdo Laios Touden. The blonde human was the leader of your fracturing guild and seemed more loyal canine than a respectable leader. And lastly was the ever lovely Marcille Donato~ My how lovely she looked even with that utterly surprised look on her face~

Laios: (Y/n), Are you ok?! Where are the others?

(Y/n): Nemari and Shuro... have decided to pursue different ventures.

You handed the resignation letters to Chilchuck before he glanced over them, passing them along to Laios.

Marcille: Did they say why?

(Y/n): It appears they received other offers though... Where is Falin?

You turned to look around trying to spot the comforting presence of the blonde cleric but had yet to detect her. The group's gaze darkened for a moment before eLaios turned and began walking back toward the entrance of the dungeon. 

Laiso: Falin is still in the dungeon.

(Y/n): What?! But the teleportation spell-

Laios: She cast it but she was being devoured by the dragon as she did... it's likely the magic did not affect her in the dragon's stomach.

You found yourself stunned for a moment even as your battered and hungry group continued walking down the dirt path toward the dungeon. Digested by a dragon... how cruel... how interesting... Your thinking was cut off as Marcille's stomach rumbled.

Marcille: I know we're short on money, but why don't we eat something? The whole reason our party was defeated was because we were hungry, right? We need to make sure we're properly fed. Oooh, where should we eat? If it's something cheap we're looking for, there's the food court on the main street. Though, the Laughing Wolf gives larger portions. Oh, but we can't forget about the bar here that'll pack up your food for you! Their meat bun soup is really delicious too~!

Laios: No, we need to go back to the dungeon right now.

Marcille: But if we go as we are now...

Laios: I... have an idea.

Laios turned to the group before speaking, a solemn look appearing on his usually relaxed face.

Laios: I need you two to leave the group.

Marcille: Huh?!

Laios: (Y/n)... I know you haven't officially joined us but anything you could spare would be extremely appreciated and paid back for. I will sell the equipment of you three and enter the dungeon alone.

Marcille: Th-That's reckless!

Chilchuck: Are you trying to get yourself killed?

Your head tilted to the side softly as your gaze examined the group. They seemed relatively connected at least compared to the groups you've seen before. They are not connected through their combined greed for loot or a sense of foolish bravery sparked by the smell of adventure. Falin... you did not know her long but her warmth was most certainly noticeable even to a stranger like you. You could see why they would be willing to risk such a foolish action for her.

Laios: (Y/n)?

(Y/n): Hmm?

Laios: You haven't been around very long but your added support carried us a bit longer than we should have been able to go. I thank you for that. But I can not in good faith ask you to go on such a dangerous mission with us.

Chilchuck: It was a good ride but it would be best to part ways for now.

(Y/n): Hahah~ your concern is heartwarming but there is no need.

You pointed past the group down the entrance of the dungeon you now all rested at the pinnacle of. 

(Y/n): My fate is leading me into the depths regardless. If it makes it easier for you... we can part ways... but we will simply be walking down the same paths and sharing the same campfire~ And as a humble monk... it would tear my guilt-ridden soul apart to know I could help and abandon you all... especially with the life of the fair Falin in danger as well.

You declared though you could feel a twitch in your chest. It felt nice... it felt warm much like the warmth Faln had shown you... but you couldn't help but mess up that warmth as you slid forward and carefully wrapped your fingers around Marcille's bringing her hand to rest on top of your outstretched palm.

(Y/n): And I could not stomach the thought of departing from the lovely Marcille! The universe would strike me down for even having such a thought!

Marcille's smiling face drooped into a deadpan as she lifted her free hand which still wielded her staff and let it come down on the top of your head.

(Y/n): Gah! Owowowowow!

Your hands flew up to the top of your head as you tried to rub away the small bit of pain. The group broke out into a light chuckle at your antics with even the grumpy Chilchuck cracking a smile as Marcille reprimanded you gently. Even a smile pulled onto your face as your chest was filled with a familiar sense of warmth. This would be like the stories, right? The party venturing to save the dragon-held princess. There are some key differences of course but it seemed like this would be a rather normal adventure after all...

Marcille: Wait, you're basically telling us to eat monsters?

Only a few minutes in and you were already feeling some regrets.

Laios: We'll eat monsters too. And anything else that looks edible.

Chilchuck: No, no, no...

(Y/n): Have we considered the possible benefits of starvation~?

Laios: Unfortunately, we don't have the time or money to buy food. Do any of you have any other suggestions?

Marcille: That doesn't mean...! What if we got food poisoning from eating something weird and couldn't keep going?! There wouldn't be any point to-!

Marcille was cut off as a gaggle of screams echoed down the halls of the dungeon, a group of adventures rushing past being followed by a... walking mushroom. Laios lifted his sword and promptly bashed it down on top of the mushroom as You and Marcille gazed after the retreating party.

Marcille: Those were probably first-timers. However, if they're running away from a monster of this level,  they're are probably not suited for this...

(Y/n): Laios... you're are looking quite intently at that walking mushroom...

Marcille: Wait, Laios...

Laios: Let's try eating this for lunch.

Marcille: NOOOOOOOO!!!!

It only took a moment before the fair Marcille was doing a handstand and kicking her feet back and forth, the display bringing a smile of amusement to your face. My... this group is growing more and more interesting by the minute~

(Y/n): Eating monsters... I've tasted many unsavory things but I never imagined that. And are we sure mushrooms are the best place to start?

Chilchuck: Yeah, they could be poisonous.

Laios: According to the "Dungeon Gourment Guide", It's actually perfect for beginners.

Laios pulled a worn leather book from his armor and handed it to Chilchuck. Marcille who had grown tired of her impressive handstand joined him as they examined the book together.

Marcille: What exactly is this book?

Chilchuck: It seems pretty worn out...

Laios: Let's go a bit further to collect ingredients. 

Some chittering could be heard in the distance and the human's ears perked up. In the blink of an eye, Laios was wielding a sword and rushing off down the dark corridor toward the noise, with Chilchuck and Marcille begrudgingly rushing after him. A chuckle escaped from your lips as you took a step to join them before a whisper passed by your pointed left ear. Your gaze shifted over your left shoulder to settle on the staff still hooked to your pack. The look that passed through your eyes... what was it exactly? Nostalgia? Anger? Or perhaps it was eaten by that insurmountable void that Nemari had mentioned... You slipped a strip from your bag ready to open its contents and-

Marcille: (Y/n)! We shouldn't be splitting up!

At the sound of the lovely voice of the half-elven wizard, the light seemed to reenter your eyes and draw you back into reality. You slipped the strap back onto your shoulder and jogged down the passage nowhere near aware of the clumsy, courageous, and clueless actions you and this half-baked party would encounter in your search for the crimson dragon in the depths... but every journey has its first steps or in this case... a first meal cooked by a rather exceptional dwarven cook...