Soren’s first time in the Dungeon had gone fairly well. He couldn’t see why some people looked down on supporters, he did things just fine. And he was intent on doing it again. The dark elf had packed his bag with supplies and his trusty bow, the thought of adventure so close in his mind. Everything had gone relatively well last time, so maybe this time would be the same? He heard the sound of a throat being cleared and looked up. His father, Theo Kalamalos, looked at him worriedly. “Did you pack everything you need, son?” he asked. “I did. I triple checked it,” he replied as he closed his bag and hefted it onto his shoulder, along with the quiver full of arrows. He stood up and went over to his father, hugging the older man. He hugged back, tight enough to show his love, but loose enough to not crush whatever was in the bag. “I love you Soren.” “Love you too, Father,” he said. They let go of each other and Soren made his way down the steps and into the open air. He gave one last look behind him before closing the door. Breathing in the cool air, he adjusted the straps on his bag and started heading towards the Tower of Babel. Already some adventurers were milling around the tower, some waiting for other party members while others went down into the Dungeon. He was at a loss for what to do now that he was here. He didn’t exactly find another advertisement saying that the person needed a supporter. He shook his head. No matter, he’ll figure it out. “Excuse me! Does anyone need an supporter?” he called out. No one paid him any mind. “Anyone? Hello?” he said weakly. Still no response, though some adventurers looked his way before continuing on with their business. He took in a deep breath and spoke louder. “If you need a supporter, I’m right here!” “Ah shut your trap, brat,” someone said. He turned to find a burly looking man along with several other men staring him down. He shrunk a little at their presence but continued to stand firm. “Um, do you need a supporter?” he asked, “I can help.” The man smirked as he went over to him and clapped him on the shoulder. “Aye, we need one. You better do a good job of getting those soul stones,” he said, grinning wickedly. Soren completely missed it and nodded happily. “Thank you so much! I won’t let you down!” He was then promptly shoved, causing him to stagger back. “W-What…?” “Come on, kid, we don’t have all day,” another one of the man’s party members said as he began to head towards the stairs leading to the Dungeon. “R-Right!” He fidgeted in his spot before hurrying after them. He was roughly shoved to the back. “You stay behind us, doubt a weakling like you would be of any use in a fight.” “I…” He shook his head. “O-Okay, I’ll stay in the back.” The man grunted and soon the dark elf began his descent into the first floor. He walked steadily, carefully moving his way down while the men took the lead. They entered the first floor and immediately began hunting down monsters. They found their first monster, a goblin. It was dispatched fairly easily. “Hey brat, pick up that soul stone!” the leader said as he pointed to the dark stone. “H-Hold on!” He went over to pick it up, but as he bent over, someone kicked him in his butt, sending him tumbling forward, limbs askew. He tried to ignore the laughter that came from the others as he picked up the stone and put it in his pack. “Good. Now get back, brat.” He scrambled to his feet and headed to the back, once more pushed and shoved, this time by all three members. He tried to ignore the fact he was being tossed around, still stunned that he was being handled so callously. His first descent into the Dungeon wasn’t like this, not at all. It made him feel worthless, which was not a pleasant feeling. He heaved a sigh, only for one of the men to turn on him angrily. “Did you say something, kid?” He shook his head. “You better not. You’d be monster food if it weren’t for us.” He stifled the next sigh and just followed after the men. Each time they slayed a monster, he was there to pick up the soul stones while they continued to treat him callously. Eventually they went deeper down, the floors starting to twist and wind as they slayed more monsters. Soon enough, Soren’s pack was filled with soul stones. He frowned as he tried to shove another soul stone in his already crowded bag. “I think I can’t fit anymore soul stones in h-“ He was roughly kicked to the side, his hand knocking over his pack and spilling out his contents. “Gods above you’re so useless,” one of them men snarled, “Get rid of anything you don’t need. Now. We trusted you to carry these stones back for us and you damn well know we don’t like slackers.” “I’m not slacking th-“ Another harsh kick. “Just hurry up and get rid of anything we don’t need!” Slowly, the dark elf got out his bow and began to take out the supplies he packed. His bag was now lighter without the supplies. “Are you just going to leave them there?” he asked as he looked back. One of them rolled their eyes. “It’s useless junk, what you brought, kid.” “But-“ He found himself slammed into the wall and pinned down by the man. “Don’t. Mess with us,” he growled. Soren just nodded quickly as he was slapped across the face. “Good.” He didn’t realize it, but the others had taken the supplies for themselves. They went deeper down into the floors, continuing to slay monsters. Eventually the group ran into a pack of kobolds. He watched as the three men fought them, unable to use his bow and arrows in fear of hitting one of them. “Hey brat, hand me your bag so I can use it as a blunt weapon!” “O-Okay!” He scurried towards the man and handed him his bag. The man grinned wickedly. “Thanks. Now get lost!” He was roughly shoved to the ground as the three of them bailed. Soren just sat there, stunned, until a kobold bit his ear. He yelped and smacked the kobold, causing it to let go. He quickly scrambled back and readied his bow and arrow. But his courage failed when he noticed that the pack of five were all advancing on him. I have to run, he thought to himself. And that was what he did, immediately running away from the kobold pack. His breaths were ragged as he heard them chase after him. He needed to lose them, and fast! Fortunately he found the way to the upper floors and immediately began ducking and weaving through the caverns to lose them. He was breathing heavily by the time he thought he thought he lost them for sure, sinking down onto the ground. He couldn’t help but feel miserable, the men having taken his bag full of soul stones. It was such an eye opener to him, that people would dupe each other just to get more money. He curled up into a ball and buried his face into his knees. Gods above, what was he going to do? His father would be disappointed if he knew about this. Worried too, extremely worried. He didn’t know how long he stayed there, but eventually he had to get back up. Should probably find the exit… he thought to himself as he traversed the Dungeon. On the way, he shot arrows at some of the goblins and filled his pockets with the stones. It was better than nothing, at least. His pockets were full by the time he found the exit and climbed up its stairs. He was thoroughly humiliated, and felt down about that fact. Breathing in the fresh air, he slowly made his way to the Guild headquarters, the Pantheon. The amount of soul stones earned him a meager amount of money, but at least he had something to show to his father. Dejected, he trudged on back home, thinking about the events that transpired. “Welcome back, son,” Theo Kalamalos said as he ushered his son in. He immediately noticed his expression and started to frown. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, I’m fine,” he said hollowly as he tried to push past his father. “Your bag’s not there with you, what happened?” “It’s fine, I’m fine-“ He found himself being hugged by his father. “It’s alright, I won’t judge you for it,” he murmured before letting go, “Now, can you tell me what’s wrong?” The boy’s eyes began to shine with unshed tears as he spoke. “I…met some adventurers that needed a supporter. They made me throw my supplies away and forced me to collect soul stones. Then…Then…” He sniffled and wiped his nose. “They asked to use my bag as a bludgeoning weapon. I gave it to them and-and they just-“ He swallowed thickly. “They just took it and ran. They left me alone to fend against the monsters and just left me-“ His father hugged him once more and he hugged back, beginning to silently cry. “Shh, it’s okay. You’re safe and that’s all that matters,” Theo said, holding his son tightly. “…Father, are all adventurers like that?” he said, voice muffled as his mouth was close to his father’s shoulders. “I don’t know. But I know that I’ll support you in whatever endeavors you go through. Good, bad, doesn’t matter. I just want you safe and happy…” They remained quiet for a little while as Soren cried. Eventually the tears dried and he let go of his father. “I managed to get some valis by shooting some goblins,” he admitted, showing the amount he got. It was only a handful of coins. “Did they give you any trouble?” “No…” Theo kissed his son on the forehead. “You did well, even if you only brought a small amount. I’m so proud of you.” The boy gave him a timid smile. “Thank you, Father.” Theo returned the smile. “Let me get dinner ready, okay?” “Okay.” Soren began to head to his room, still feeling down. He looked behind him before he closed the door to his room.
