Two days ago

  Kaylen fearfully made her way deeper into the right side of the forked tunnel. She traversed the space as the ground became less smooth and more rocky. The dim lighting grew brighter the deeper she followed the path. Surprisingly after travelling for fifteen minutes she still had not come across any beasts, not even a bug. This suited Kaylen just fine as she knew there was no way she would be able to defend against anything at this point. Why she, the daughter of a Duke, would have to skulk around this tunnel system alone was indescribable. She would make sure this part of the trip was not retold. Her rivals would have a field day with this, it could likely be the death kneel for her family. It would show how far they have fallen and she would not be the one responsible for the family's continued loss of face.

  Deep in thought she almost missed an old man trapped under a rock plate. His groans annoyed Kaylen at first but seeing his supplies strewn across the ground brought her back to focus. She was especially enamored by a bottle of green alluring liquid. It seemed to call for her deep within the recesses of her mind, she had to have it. There were also flasks of water, food, other potions and herbs.

  Helping this man must give her some sort of reward, what type of person would accept help but offer no reward. That would be a social no no, she thought

  Making her way to the man's side she watched the pained groans on his wrinkled face. His gray stringy hair was matted with specks of blood. The rock covered the rest of his body letting her know he was likely shorter than she was. At five foot four she was the shortest of her group so that was refreshing. What was even more exciting was that there was someone else stuck in this dungeon with them. With his supplies they didn’t have to starve or taste any more of those disgusting rations from Davren. She shuddered at the thought of another day of those dry disgusting meals.

  Ughhh…, the man groans

  Realizing the severity of the situation Kaylen bent to lift the slate.

  Sorry, sorry. Let me help… arrgh… this is heavier than I thought, She said through clenched teeth.

  She assumed the increase to her base strength received when she gained access to the system would be more than enough but the slate rock was like trying to lift a rock beast newly born from a mountain. Positioning herself in a crouching stance she pulled up in the same way she used to watch her family’s servants do when moving furniture and other heavy objects. She was not sure why the staff chose to do menial, manual labour. She thought this was not at all a pathway anyone sane would take.

  Oof, if it wouldn’t be a bother could you maybe help out. Kaylen said grunting

  Umph.. the man strains out

  Although Kaylen was barely able to shift the weight of the slate it lifted and it became lighter. Smirking on the success that could have only happened as a result of her better grip on the slate. She mentally patted herself on the back at how observant she was and how easily she picked up this task.

  Maybe my father should evaluate what we are paying the staff, she thought.

  With a last heave she was able to push the slate off of the old man who promptly let out a deep breath.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Th.. thank you little lady, he said weakly as she helped him up.

  Of course, happy to assist, Kaylen said. Where is your team? Do they need help also?

  No team young lady, just me, the man said with a gravelly voice.

  How are you alive? It’s dangerous out there. Kaylen said

  I have my ways, I like to believe I’m very resourceful. Slain Godtree, the man said, extending his left hand.

  His eyes seemed to twinkle as he looked at her expectantly. Canine teeth seemed to peek out of his wide smile. At least she thought she saw sharp teeth, a second look revealed a perfect smile kind of like a loving grandfather would give. The slight tilt of his head gave him an unassuming effect, she suddenly wanted to hug and protect him. Pulling herself together she clasped his hand with her right hand.

  What about you? What is a beautiful young lady doing stuck in this dungeon alone? Slain said

  The tone he took threw her off at first but he did seem like her grandfather, if not a little homely.

  I’m not alone, my party is awaiting my return. She offered

  Really… how many of you are there? Slain asked

  Slains smile made Kaylen want to be helpful. Even more than she wanted to help anyone else.

  Well there’s me, Duran, who is useless, Jada and Javen, the lovebirds and his insufferable brother. We probably could have done this without him but even I have to admit that his B- rank came in handy when everything went crazy here. Kaylen said

  B - rank eh.. Not too many of those in this F- rank dungeon system. Tell you what, why don’t you bring your team to my tavern. Slain said

  Kaylen perked up upon hearing the prospect of a warm safe place.

  Is there real food there? She said

  Slain and Kaylen released their handshake as he picked up the bottle of green liquid. Her eyes followed his movements hungrily as he presented it to her.

  Here, take a sample of the lifeblood over at my place. It is a resting place for all of you adventurers. Try it, it will enhance your life, in a place like this you need something that will remove all your worries. Slain said

  Thank you kind sir, Kaylen said quickly gulping down the liquid.

  The hunger pains she was beginning to feel immediately went away.

  This is amazing, she squealed. I feel better than I have in weeks.

  Kaylen attempted to eke out the last drops of the liquid on her tongue as Slain gathered the rest of his items. The concoction slid smoothly down her throat leaving her wanting more. As the bottle bottomed out Kaylen felt an immediate sense of something missing. It was as if warm blankets were removed from over her on a cold day. She found herself becoming uncommonly frustrated as she disappointedly looked at the empty container.

  Kaylen immediately had two thoughts, she needed to procure more of this heavenly drink and secondly she needed to share it with her friends. All but the rude B-ranker Davren, if she didn’t already know Javen’s response she would leave the overpowered dolt for the beasts to find.

  How to get rid of the B-ranker? Kaylen strangely thought. She decided that Slain would know how to handle him.