Capítulo 1: Dungeon Raid (Part 1)
Monsters, Beasts, Demons—In a world where danger lurks at every corner, survival is key.
Darian, a newly awakened student from the prestigious Tamers Guild Academy, stood in an open field surrounded by his teammates. His heart raced as he tightened the straps on his leather armor, the cool wind brushing against his skin. Today marked the beginning of his journey—a trial that would determine whether he was worthy of earning the title of Beast Tamer.
This was no ordinary task. Every aspiring Beast Tamer had to face the dungeon trials. These tests were more than just rites of passage; they were crucibles that measured strength, skill, and survival. Failure meant forfeiting the dream of becoming a tamer, while success promised prestige and a future filled with endless possibilities.
In recent months, the world had grown more perilous. The number of dungeon portals had surged, spreading chaos and spilling dangerous creatures into the wilds. Cities had been forced to construct advanced barriers to keep the monsters at bay. These technological marvels, reinforced with the best enchantments, were the only thing standing between humanity and destruction. However, with a shortage of experienced tamers, the task of clearing dungeons had fallen increasingly to rookies like Darian and his team.
Their assignment was a C-rank dungeon. While manageable for seasoned tamers, it posed a daunting challenge for first-timers. For Darian, the unknown dangers lurking within felt almost suffocating. Years of preparation—training, studying beasts, memorizing dungeon layouts—had brought him to this moment. But no amount of preparation could fully erase his fear.
Surrounding him were his seven teammates: three swordsmen, two first-year mages, a healer, and another newly awakened student like himself. Together, they would face whatever horrors the dungeon threw at them.
"Hurry up, team. We leave in five!" a commanding voice rang out, cutting through the chatter.
The speaker was Aric Thorn, their team leader. His blackened steel armor gleamed under the sun, and his presence alone was enough to command respect. Aric was an A-rank tamer with a rare and powerful ability: Dragon Flame. This skill allowed him to summon and manipulate fire infused with the essence of dragons, known as the masters of flame. His reputation as a veteran of countless raids made him an invaluable asset, though his stern demeanor left little room for comfort.
While others found reassurance in Aric's leadership, Darian felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. His hands trembled slightly as he adjusted the dark blue orb strapped to his belt. It contained his contracted beast, a creature he had summoned only days ago. Most summoners struggled for weeks to establish a bond with their beasts, but Darian's A-rank summoning talent had made the process seem almost effortless.
"Hey, you nervous?" A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.
Darian glanced up to see Ray, his best friend and fellow tamer, slinging an arm around his shoulders. Ray's easy grin and relaxed posture were a stark contrast to the tension in the air.
"Don't sweat it, man," Ray said, his tone light. "We're all new at this. No point in overthinking it."
Darian managed a faint smile. "Easier said than done."
"True, but remember—Aric's got our backs. As long as we follow his lead, we'll be fine."
Ray's confidence was infectious, and for a moment, Darian felt a flicker of hope. Ray had always been a source of support, his unwavering optimism a steady counterbalance to Darian's doubts.
"Thanks, Ray," Darian said, his voice steadying.
"Anytime," Ray replied with a laugh. "Now come on, let's show them what we're made of."
Their moment of camaraderie was short-lived as Aric's voice rang out again, sharp and commanding.
"Time to head out!" he barked, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
The team quickly gathered around him, their expressions ranging from excitement to nervous determination. Aric's gaze swept over them, his steel-gray eyes piercing and unyielding.
"Listen up," he began. "Dungeons are not places any sane person would willingly enter. But in this world, we don't have a choice. There are three golden rules for survival. First, never leave the pack. Stay in formation at all times. Second, remain alert—monsters can strike without warning. And third, if you get lost, use your escape crystal immediately. Do not—under any circumstances—try to solo a dungeon above your rank. You get lost, you're dead. You slouch, you're dead. You hesitate, you're dead. Got it?"
The team nodded in unison, the weight of his words sinking in.
"And one more thing," Aric added, his voice softening just slightly. "Keep your beasts close. They're your greatest allies in battle. Treat them with respect, and they'll protect you with their lives."
Darian's fingers brushed against the orb on his belt. Inside it was his contracted beast—a sleek, shadowy wolf with glowing emerald eyes. He had yet to name it, unsure if the bond they shared was strong enough to last. But deep down, he felt a connection, a spark of understanding that gave him hope.
The gates of the academy loomed ahead, massive and foreboding. Beyond them lay the dungeon—a world of danger and mystery. As the team began their march, Darian felt a strange mix of fear and anticipation. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the moment that would define his future.
The path to the dungeon was lined with trees, their leaves rustling in the wind. The atmosphere was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of birds and insects conspicuously absent. Darian's thoughts churned as they walked, his mind replaying Aric's instructions.
"Stay focused," he muttered to himself. "You've trained for this. You're ready."
Beside him, Ray gave a reassuring nod, as if sensing his inner turmoil.
The group finally arrived at the dungeon's entrance, a swirling vortex of dark energy that pulsed with an ominous glow. The air around it felt heavy, charged with magic that made the hairs on the back of Darian's neck stand on end.
Aric stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "This is it," he said, his voice steady. "Once we step through, there's no turning back. Stick to the plan, and we'll make it out alive."
One by one, the team entered the portal, their forms disappearing into the swirling darkness. When it was Darian's turn, he hesitated for a brief moment, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Let's go, Darian," Ray said, giving him a playful shove.
With a deep breath, Darian stepped forward, the vortex swallowing him whole.
The world around him shifted, and he found himself standing in a dimly lit cavern. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and something far less pleasant—rotting flesh. Shadows danced on the walls, cast by flickering torches that lined the narrow passageway ahead.
Aric's voice cut through the silence. "Formation! Swordsmen up front, mages in the middle, healers and rookies in the back. Stay sharp."
Darian gripped his orb tightly, his fingers trembling. This was it. His first real battle.
The sound of claws scraping against stone echoed from deeper within the dungeon, sending a chill down his spine. His wolf stirred within the orb, its presence a comforting weight against his side.
As the team moved forward, Darian's resolve solidified. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it head-on. This was his moment to prove himself—not just to the team, but to the world.
His journey had only just begun.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder