IS IT WRONG TO SEARCH FOR A DREAM IN THE DUNGEON?
Prolog
In the labyrinth there are many commodities that are rare, a comfortable place to rest is one of them. Solo adventurers and small parties would normally only stay on the dungeon half a day, gather as much magic stones and loot before returning back up to rest and turn the items into money. Larger parties and raids instead would set up camp in the most open areas and set up a watch to ward off monsters while the others rested.
But Güts would have none of that.
A solo adventurer, a former mercenary and werewolf who had joined no familia
He would go into the dungeon for days, barely sleeping if sleeping at all.
Right now he had found himself a niche on the wall and set up an incense that was meant to repel monsters and had fallen asleep hugging his oversized sword like a child would hold their favorite stuffed animal.
Sure that the repel item would work he slept easy, not fearing than others adventurers would try to steal from him, and if they did… well he had been a mercenary and wasn't afraid of taking the life of a man.
But his sleep was interrupted by a jab at his ribs.
An old man wearing an old cloak and an old hat, resting his weight on his old lance while stroking his old bear.
Old was the word that came to Güts mind as if it was engraved on his mind.
A single old eye shined in the shadow of the broad hat, a piercing look as sharp as that lance.
He looked down on the young werewolf.
"Pup, have you seen my mount around?" He asked with his old voice.
"Mount?" So the adventurers can take horses down here? No one told me that!, he thought before remembering about the taming job. "What kind of monster you ride old man"
"Monster..." the old man rolled the word on his tongue before spitting "I wouldn't call him that, he may not like you call him that, I ride a horse, the fastest horse that lives or will ever live"
This old man is senile Güts thought. "Aren't you too old for the dungeon old man?"
"Am I?" the cloaked man asked himself once more before turning to go away "Maybe I am?"
"Wait" Güts stood placing his oversized sword over his shoulder and giving him a cocky smile "If I find your horse what would I gain? If he's really the fastest hose why wouldn't I keep it or sell it?"
"Yes, you will be rewarded" The old man said without turning "Take it to Loki, I heard he lives up there with his 「Familia」, take Slepnir to him and you will be rewarded"
"And how will I know what horse is Slepnear?"
"He's a special horse, you'll know it when you see him"
Güts thought about it for a moment as the old man kept on walking.
His 「Guild」 advisor had told him something about the many Familias of Orario, amongst them the Loki familia. Known for having some of the strongest members and one richest too. And that meant that he would get well paid.
Then something else came to his mind.
"Isn't Loki a woman?" He asked out loud.
From down the corridor came a loud laugh that startled him.
The old man laughed loudly, a laugh that didn't sound old.
"Is he now?" Came his voice sounding less old. "Well, doesn't matter, I'm sure she will take care of him well, like a mother would."
"Who are you anyway old man? A member of his Familia?".
"I'm just a priest of raven-worship, but you can call me Fjolnir".
And with that the old man was gone.
Rested Güts decided to return to the surface to make good of all the magic stones and dropped items he had gathered in his expedition.
The gleam of gold distracted him from that.
At his feet sat a gold ring with strange runes engraved in them.
As he knelled to take it and discovered not only did he found a ring, but also some raven feathers and an all too familiar scent.
Blood, death, wolves, ravens and carrion birds, scorched earth, sweat tears, and shit.
The smell of a battlefield.
The smell that brought him a thirst for battle.
Without thinking the werewolf put on the ring on his right hand and descended deeper into the dungeon.
Authors note: this is but an experiment, I may or may not continue writing this but feedback is always welcome.