[ Knight]

[Class Change Confirmed!]

“Well, well, look at you, picking the broody goth kid at the back of the classroom. Cute. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everyone notices your new edge.”

Corrupted Blessings

Dark Sigil: A faint, black rune now burns across your chest. It hums with cold power, visible even through armor. Congratulations, you’re officially terrifying at parties.

Eyes of the Grave: Your eyes are no longer just grey faint violet streaks now glow in your irises. With them, you gain **** Sight: the ability to briefly glimpse lingering souls, cursed energy, and hidden undead within your vision range. Creepy? Yes. Useful? Also yes.

Aura of Chill: The air around you now hangs a few degrees colder. Even in Candyland, you’re basically a walking icebox.

Cursed Bond: You can now wield cursed items without them eating your soul. Well, not all of your soul.

Class Perks

Minor Lifesteal: Every strike sips at your enemy’s vitality. Think of it as health insurance with teeth.

Deathly Resistance: +Strength and +Magical Strength. You’re now both tougher and creepier.

Dark Aura: Intimidation factor increased. Enemies may hesitate. Allies may get goosebumps. Either way, you win.

Dice Cash Shop Now Open

“Surprise, rookie. You’ve unlocked the one feature guaranteed to make you regret being alive: the shop. Attribute Points aren’t just boring numbers anymore now they’re currency for my entertainment.”

Traits: Biologic rewrites, eldritch mutations, bad ideas with great upside.

Skills: Off the rack or custom tailored. Want a **** glare that doubles as a sword swing? Sold.

Gear: Instantly capsule’d. Yes, cursed armor is in stock. No refunds.

Race Tweaks: Expensive, permanent, and guaranteed to make family dinners awkward.

Current Balance: 20 unspent Attribute Points.

“Good news you didn’t waste them all on Agility and you get 10 more for your first level. Bad news: now you’ll spend three hours agonizing over whether you want better stats or glow in the dark fangs. Either way, I’ll be laughing.”

“Permanent brooding, life drain, and eyes that can literally see ****. You’re officially the edgiest person in the room, and Leo doesn’t even come close. Enjoy your promotion, cupcake I’ll be watching.”

Alice blinked as the glow of the system message faded from her vision, leaving her chest buzzing faintly with heat. She glanced down, tugging at the hem of her ripped shirt and froze.

There, just over her heart, burned a black rune. It pulsed faintly like an ember, cold and sharp instead of warm. She pressed her palm over it, shivering at the strange energy thrumming beneath her skin.

(Okay… okay, this is fine. Totally normal. Just a creepy **** rune tattoo over my heart. No big deal. This definitely won’t freak anyone out at all.)

Her reflection in a glossy sugar crystal wall told her the rest of the story: her eyes.still Grey, but streaked through with faint violet, glowing In faint spirals like a whirlpool. She flinched, stumbling back a step.

“Whoa.” Jolie leaned forward first, blue eyes wide. “Alice, your eyes are-” she giggled, clapping her hands together. “Creepy, but kinda hot?”

Leo arched a brow, his smirk curling wider. “**** Knight, huh? Figures. You’ve got the attitude for it. And the rune’s a nice touch.” He tilted his head, sparks of lightning flashing in his own eyes. “Try not to keel over. That class eats rookies alive.”

Yamaba, however, regarded her in silence. For a long, tense moment, the necromancer’s amber gaze met Alice’s new violet glow. Finally, the corner of her lips twitched upward, the faintest shadow of approval. “It suits you,” she said simply, then turned away to adjust her gear.

Alice swallowed hard, tugging her hoodie tighter around her. (Great. So now I look like I brood professionally. Perfect. Just what I needed. Still… **** Knight. That’s actually… kinda badass.)

She clenched her fists, feeling the lifesteal perk simmer under her skin like an itch. Power. Cold, dangerous, and hers.

Alice strode forward like she owned the place, chest puffed out and blade drawn. Her boots crunched over the sticky sugar crust of the dungeon floor, each step echoing with far more confidence than she actually felt. The rune over her heart pulsed faintly beneath her shirt, feeding her the cold rush of her new class. Her violet-streaked eyes glimmered in the candycolored light, and for the first time since this adventure began, she actually felt powerful.

(Alright. Finally, **** Knight Alice, level one badass, ready to show the world what she can do. Time to carve some chocolate into pieces and make it regret being dessert.)

She broke into a jog, gripping the hilt of her weapon, imagination already running wild with how her new lifesteal would feel in a real fight. Maybe her eyes would glow, She could almost see it the dramatic swing, the ooze exploding, her standing in the middle of it all looking like a heavy metal album cover.

She stopped mid step.

Behind her, the others weren’t following. In fact, they weren’t even paying attention to the depths of the dungeon at all. Yamaba had already shouldered her pack and was walking calmly toward the entrance, her spirit flames drifting after her like lazy fireflies. Jolie bounced along behind her, humming and tightening her pink hoodie. And Leo? Of course Leo was at the front, cape flaring behind him as he strolled away with the smug satisfaction of someone who thought the world revolved around him.

Alice’s mouth fell open. “Wait. Wait, what the hell are you guys doing?” She spun around, pointing down the candy-cane corridor she’d been about to charge into. “Dungeon’s that way. Y’know, monsters? Loot? Adventure?”

Leo didn’t even bother to turn at first. He just raised a hand, sparks of lightning crackling lazily around his fingers. “Relax, rookie. We’re done here.”

Alice blinked. “Done? I literally just got my class! I haven’t even”

Finally, Leo turned, that cocky smirk plastered across his face. His golden hair shimmered with faint arcs of static, as if mocking her excitement. “Candyland was training wheels. Your whole purpose here was to ding level one and pick a class. That’s it. Mission accomplished.” He gestured broadly, as if presenting the obvious. “Now that we know you’re a **** Knight, we can get you the gear that fits. Then we’ll move on to a real dungeon.”

Alice’s jaw worked soundlessly. (Is he serious right now? I finally got a class, and I don’t even get to swing my sword once? This is the universe’s cruelest bait and switch.)

Jolie leaned in with a wink, completely undermining Leo’s patronizing tone. “Don’t worry, Alice! Once we get you outfitted, you’ll totally get to shine. And you’ll look super cute in proper gear, promise.” She giggled, tugging on her blonde locks like this was just a fun field trip.

Yamaba, ever the quiet one, finally glanced back. Her amber eyes met Alice’s for half a heartbeat before she turned away again, unreadable as always. Somehow, that lack of judgment stung more than Leo’s mockery.

Alice groaned loudly, dragging her hand down her face until it muffled half her words. “Unbelievable. I finally get my broody **** Knight upgrade, and I don’t even get a test run? What kind of scam system is this?”

With a **** stomp of her boots, she jogged to catch up, shoulders slouched. “Fine. But next time, I’m calling dibs on something bigger than a pudding cup, got it?”

Leo laughed, tossing her a glance over his shoulder. “Sure, rookie. Just try not to keel over before then.” His smirk deepened, arcs of lightning sparking along his sword hilt.

Alice clenched her fists, the rune over her heart throbbing faintly as if in protest. (One day, I am so going to wipe that grin off his face. And it’s going to be glorious.)

Back at the Inspira Guild

The polished marble floors of the guild hall felt almost obscene after the sticky, syrup drenched ground of Candyland. Rows of glowing displays lined the walls, each case holding weapons, armor, or charms designed to catch a rookie’s hungry gaze. Every piece gleamed under enchanted lighting, promising power at a price.

Alice drifted from case to case, her violet tinged eyes wide as she pressed close to the glass. A wicked looking sword with a serrated edge pulsed faintly with dark energy. Next to it, a piece of armor forged from blackened steel shimmered with warding runes. Further down, a charm dangled from a chain, the crystal core swirling with captured mana.

(Okay, yeah, this is way more fun than Chocolate Slimes. Just let me at one of these beauties and I’ll look like a proper **** Knight in no time.)

Behind her, Leo’s voice cut through the reverent quiet, smug as ever. “Don’t get too excited, rookie. The party’s buying you one item. That’s it. Starter pack, not shopping spree.” He leaned casually against the counter, arms crossed, smirking like he belonged here more than the merchandise did.

Alice whipped her head around, frowning. “One? Seriously? Look at all this! You expect me to take down dungeons in my ratty shorts and boots?”

Leo smirked wider. “Sure. Builds character.”

Yamaba drifted past silently, not bothering to linger at the cases. Her amber gaze slid over Alice once, unimpressed, before she moved on to inspect a selection of tomes bound in blackened leather.

Alice sighed, standing upright again and staring down the rows of artifacts. “Alright then. One item. Better make it count.”

Alice moved from case to case, eyes drinking in the treasures trapped behind glass. Each plaque glowed faintly with the guild’s neat lettering, listing stats and effects like some bizarre mix of pawn shop and museum.

Candyman’s Conductor Coat (F Rank)

A long red and white striped ringmaster’s coat with candy shop flair. +6 Appearance, +3 Willpower.

Effect: Self Cleaning enchantment stains vanish instantly, including blood.

(Yeah, sure. Nothing screams “fearsome **** Knight” like dressing up as a homicidal circus clown.)

Frostfang Dagger (C Rank)

Forged from the fang of a dungeon wyrm frozen mid ****. +12 Agility, +8 Perception.

Effect: Strikes leave a rime of frost. Don’t store in your pockets unless you like frostbite.

(Now this… this is sexy. Cold, sharp, and flashy. Totally my vibe.)

Witch’s Lantern (D Rank)

A cracked lantern salvaged from the Gingerbread Witch’s hut. +5 Awareness, +6 Magical Sensitivity.

Effect: Light exposes hidden passages and illusions. Whispered voices not included in warranty.

(Creepy, flickery light and unsolicited whisper ASMR. Honestly kind of a fit for me now.)

Obsidian Plate Fragment (C Rank)

One shard of a cursed armor set from the Molten Depths. +15 Constitution.

Effect: Fire resistance. Matching set unavailable good luck finishing the collection.

(Yep. Exactly what I need: half a shirt of armor. Very stylish.)

Oathbreaker’s Ring (A Rank)

A black iron band etched with broken runes. +20 Strength, +20 Willpower.

Effect: Once per day, ignore a fatal blow your body refuses to fall no matter how catastrophic the injury. Each use intensifies the curse: paranoia, insomnia, and hearing voices that aren’t there. After repeated use, the voices may start talking through you.

(…Holy shit. That’s not just “keep you alive” strong. That’s “cheat **** and still flip the bird at it” strong. One A-rank item like this could set me up for life. Too bad it also comes with a free descent into madness. Thanks, Dice. Real generous.)

(An A-rank item. Even one of these could set up some scrub for life… and of course it’s cursed. Because why wouldn’t it be?)

Alice groaned, dragging a hand through her hair. “This is impossible. Do I want spooky night light, half an armor set, or the jewelry equivalent of clown shoes?”

Alice’s boots squeaked faintly against the polished guild floor as she kept drifting along the wall of displays. Each case glittered with prizes from countless dungeons some whimsical, some horrifying, and some that smelled like very bad decisions.

Goblin Chief’s Warhorn (D Rank)

A battered bronze horn bound in leather straps. +10 Constitution, +6 Strength.

Effect: When blown, nearby allies receive a minor boost to aggression and stamina. Unfortunately, the same applies to goblins within earshot.

(Great. I’d get a pep rally and a goblin stampede. Hard pass.)

Ashen Shroud (B Rank)

A lightweight mantle woven from soot-dyed dragon hair, laced with ember-runes. +12 Agility, +15 Willpower.

Effect: Negates minor fire damage and lets the wearer blur briefly into smoke when dodging.

(Cool, mysterious, makes me look like a badass ninja… I’m listening.)

Crownplate of the Jade Emperor (A Rank)

An ornate suit of jade-inlaid armor, humming faintly with druidic resonance. +25 Constitution, +15 Appearance.

Effect: Radiates calming authority hostile beasts hesitate before attacking. The jade runes also slowly heal wounds when exposed to sunlight.

(Okay, wow. Expensive and practical. Who needs friends when your armor literally makes the wildlife bow to you?)

Ironfang Warplate (B Rank)

Brutal, spiked armor hammered from black iron and studded with beast teeth. +18 Strength, +15 Constitution.

Effect: Intimidation checks against weaker foes are nearly guaranteed. Wearing it too long makes you… aggressive. Very aggressive.

(Great. So I’d basically turn into an orc cosplayer with anger management issues. Still, those stats are tempting.)

Shaman’s Fetish Mask (B Rank)

Carved wood mask, painted in blood red spirals. +12 Magical Sensitivity, +10 Awareness.

Effect: Allows glimpses into nearby mana flows. Prolonged use risks migraines… or visions you really don’t want.

(Yep, nothing says “trust me” like strapping goblin voodoo to your face.)

Leviathan Harpoon (C Rank)

A precision forged weapon recovered from the flooded labs of the Abyssal Reliquary. Its frame is built from reinforced alloy glowing faintly with blue lines that pulse with light. The head can open like an engine turbine, spinning to generate thrust and piercing power.

+14 Strength, +6 Perception

Effect:Magnetic Recoil: Each throw releases a brief magnetic pulse, pulling the target closer or propelling the wielder backward in water.

Abyssal Calibration: Automatically adjusts trajectory underwater, locking onto heat and movement signatures.

(Harpoon chic? I mean, it’s badass, but I’m not exactly auditioning for “Jaws 7.”)

Sanguine Reaver (B Rank)

A cruelly curved sword forged from hematite, its edge faintly wet with an eternal sheen of blood. +15 Strength, +10 Willpower.

Effect: Critical strikes siphon a fraction of the target’s vitality. Once drawn, the blade resists being sheathed until it tastes blood.

(Oh great. A sword with anger issues. But… also kind of perfect for a **** Knight.)

Stormpiercer Javelin (C Rank)

A silver tipped spear humming with faint static, the haft etched in jagged lightning patterns. +14 Agility, +6 Strength.

Effect: When thrown, the javelin explodes in a crack of thunder. Returns to the wielder’s hand after a short delay.

(Basically a lightning boomerang spear. Okay, I admit, that’s badass.)

Mirrorblade (A Rank)

A longsword of polished crystal, its surface perfectly reflective. +20 Agility, +20 Perception.

Effect: Each parry creates a spectral duplicate of the wielder’s last strike, echoing through the enemy a heartbeat later. Rare and notoriously difficult to master.

(So… it looks like I’m fighting with a piece of glass. Until it starts copying me. Now that’s terrifying.)

Fang of the Moon Beast (C Rank)

A jagged dagger carved from the fang of an otherworldly predator. +12 Strength, +8 Perception.

Effect: On killing blow, the weapon lets out an eerie howl, unnerving nearby enemies. Hunters claim it “hungers” when not used for too long.

(Yep. Totally normal. Just your average “please-feed-me” knife.)

Deathmask Visor (B Rank)

Helm shaped like a skull, lacquered black with ivory trim. +15 Constitution, +10 Perception.

Effect: Reveals the “**** marks” of weakened enemies glowing cracks showing exactly where to strike for lethal blows.

(Holy crap. Cheat codes for finishing moves? Sign me the fuck up.)

Rune etched Warbanner (S Rank)

a tattered black banner stitched with crimson runes. +35 Willpower, +65 Constitution.

Effect: Allies within range gain lifesteal equal to 5% of damage dealt. Enemies feel oppressive despair, reducing their Agility slightly.

(Oh, yeah. Nothing like being a walking aura of “everyone around me suffers” to make friends fast.)

Cloak of the Horizon Nomad (B Rank,)

A flowing, wind-worn cloak patterned in shifting gold. +10 Agility, +10 Perception.

Effect: Wearer may sprint tirelessly for short bursts, their body moving like windblown sand. Rare desert relic.

(Okay, wow. That’s cool. I’d actually look intimidating for once.)

Alice pressed her palms to the glass, torn between awe and frustration. “So, uh, just to confirm none of this comes with a warning label that says ‘will absolutely ruin my life,’ right?”

A hand clamped down on her shoulder, and Leo’s reflection slid into view beside hers, smirk firmly in place.

“Not happening,” he said flatly. “Nothing above B rank. You’re a rookie, and I’m not burning my coffers.”

Leo’s eyes crackled faintly with lightning as he leaned closer, his smirk daring her to argue. “We’re buying you one item. One. Think of it as a ‘welcome to the team’ bonus. Everything else?” He gestured lazily at the glittering cases, sparks flickering faintly off his fingertips. “That’s on you. Cash up front, or guild credit if you’re ****.”

Alice turned, one brow arching. “Guild credit?”

Jolie sauntered up before Leo could answer, pink hoodie hanging low off one shoulder, smirk curling her lips. “Oh, sweetie… don’t. The interest rates are nasty. Like, I’m talking sell your body to the guild and maybe your soul too’ nasty.” She leaned in conspiratorially, voice dropping to a mock whisper. “Trust me. Leo almost pawned my staff once when we were still broke.”

Leo shot her a glare. Jolie just winked.

Alice groaned, dragging a hand down her face. (Perfect. So I either pick one shiny toy or sell my soul to Inspira. Truly living the adventurer dream.)

She turned back to the glass cases, eyes darting between cursed rings, bloodthirsty blades, and shimmering cloaks. Her reflection in the glass grey eyes now spiraled with violet glow, jacket slipping off one shoulder, rune still faintly pulsing over her heart looked back at her like some indecisive ghost.

(Alright. One item. One chance not to look like a total scrub when the real dungeon hits. No pressure.)

Oathbreaker’s Ring (A Rank)

A black iron band etched with broken runes. +20 Strength, +20 Willpower.

Effect: Once per day, ignore a fatal blow your body refuses to fall no matter how catastrophic the injury. Each use intensifies the curse: paranoia, insomnia, and hearing voices that aren’t there. After repeated use, the voices may start talking through you.

Alice pressed her palm over her chest where the rune pulsed faintly beneath her shirt, lips twitching in a grim smile. (Cursed Bond… I could actually wear this thing. It wouldn’t hollow me out the way it would anyone else. This ring plus my **** Knight kit? I’d be unstoppable.)

“Forget it,” Leo’s voice cut in sharp, snapping her back. He didn’t even glance at the display. “Nothing above B. Not for you. Not yet.”

Alice couldn't tear her eyes away from the Oathbreaker's Ring, its dark metal seemingly pulsing in her chest as if it already knew she was meant to be its owner. She bit her lip hard, her mind racing. (It's perfect but... it's A-rank. And Leo already said no. And there's no way in hell I'm going to beg my dad for it. Absolutely not.)

Leo started to guide Alice away from the case, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "I told you, rookie, keep on dreaming."

But before Alice could voice her objection, Yamaba's voice sliced through the air smooth, low, and dripping with a suggestive undertone that sent a twist through Alice's stomach. The elf stepped closer to Leo, her amber eyes narrowing with a sly, knowing gleam. "Are you certain about that, Leo? That ring looks like it was made for her... and I can think of several ways to make it very much worth your while." Her voice oozed with innuendo, deliberate and almost taunting.

Alice felt her entire face erupt in a fiery blush. She nearly choked on her own saliva, her forehead almost hitting the glass case in front of her. (Did she really just-? Oh my god. Oh my god. She's actually bargaining with)

And then the reminder hit, sharp as a blade Yamaba is Leo’s girlfriend. Not just some aloof elf flirting at random. She was his.

Alice’s chest twisted in something raw and confusing. (Why does it sting so bad hearing her say that to him? She’s his, not mine. She’s off-limits. She’s… she’s gorgeous and terrifying and ugh, Dice, why does she make me feel like this?)

Leo’s brows arched, amused sparks flickering in his eyes. “Bold move, Yamaba. Very bold. Maybe I’ll reconsider.” His grin stretched wider, feeding off the tension.

Alice wanted to sink into the floor and die on the spot. Embarrassment burned her alive, tangled with jealousy. She stole a glance at Yamaba, who only raised one perfect brow, as if daring Alice to object.

(God, why... why do I find that kind of thrilling? Ugh, so unfair, knowing what she's implying, I can't stop picturing it) Alice let out an inaudible groan and dragged her hands down her face.

Yamaba pursed her lips, glancing coyly at Alice before turning her attention fully to Leo. She leaned in closer, her body nearly flush with his. Her deft fingers began to trace along the growing bulge in his pants, stroking his erection through the fabric with a deliberate, sensual touch.

Yamaba pressed her lips close to Leo's ear, letting her hot breath ghost over the shell as she whispered provocatively, that made Alice's face burn even hotter.

Alice's heart twisted with a confusing ache as she watched Yamaba rub Leo through his clothes, her touch possessive and electric. Jealousy surged through her veins, shocking in its intensity. (Why do I feel like this? I shouldn't be feeling like this. But I can't help it d I... I think I'm falling for her. Hard.)

Alice swallowed heavily, both entranced and pained by the erotic display in front of her. She wanted to look away, to leave the room and escape. But she couldn't move, rooted to the spot as Yamaba worked her seductive game on Leo.

As much as it killed her to watch, to feel like she was losing something or someone she'd never even had... Alice couldn't deny the dark part of her that wanted the ring. The Oathbreaker's Ring called to her like a siren's song, whispering of power and belonging. If this was the price, if she had to endure the green flames of jealousy and this confusing ache, then... then maybe it was worth it. Just this once.

(If Yamaba is serious about... bargaining herself... Dice help me.)

The guild clerk slid the ring’s case across the counter with both hands, bowing slightly as if she were presenting royalty. Even behind glass, the Oathbreaker’s Ring seemed to darken the air around it, its runes crawling faintly with broken light.

Leo took the case, weighed it in his palm, and then dropped it into Alice’s hands. His smirk was gone, replaced with a look hard enough to pin her in place. “You better be damned grateful. This kind of thing doesn’t happen twice. A ring like this? It’s the sort of artifact that sets people up for life. And it just wiped out nearly half of Lionheart’s savings.”

Alice’s stomach dropped. The case suddenly felt heavy, crushing even. She stared at it, then at him, unable to summon her usual snark. (Half their savings? For me? Oh, Dice. What the hell did Yamaba promise him?)

Jolie let out a low whistle, blue eyes sparkling with playful disbelief. “Well, aren’t you the lucky one. Hope you know how to use it, sweet thing. Would be a shame if all that money went up in smoke because you tripped over your own boots into a spike pit.”

Yamaba said nothing, but Alice felt the weight of her amber gaze. It was steady, unreadable, but there was the faintest twitch at the corner of her mouth satisfaction, maybe?

Alice swallowed hard, clutching the case to her chest. Her heart hammered, tangled with guilt, gratitude, and that same jealous ache she couldn’t shake.

Leo snapped his fingers toward the rest of the guild shop. “That’s it for freebies. Anything else, you buy out of your own coin. Supplies, gear, whatever. Don’t come crying to me when you’re broke.”

Alice clutched the ring case tighter, then gave a small nod. “Yeah. Got it.” (Translation: don’t spend like an idiot)

She peeled away from the others, weaving between polished displays and merchants hawking everything from glowing potions to enchanted underwear. Past the cases of glittering relics and overpriced curios, she found the practical section racks of “civilian-grade” armor.

The set she picked wasn’t flashy. Inspired by old world plate armor, but rebuilt with modern materials and magitech reinforcement, it was closer to tactical gear than knight cosplay. Black composite plates slotted neatly into a flexible bodysuit of treated leather and woven fibers, light enough for movement but strong enough to stop a beast’s claws. Thin veins of dull metal ran through the plating magitech conduits designed to absorb impact, then redistribute it harmlessly across the body.

It wasn’t a proper dungeon drop, no glowing runes, no whispered curses, no stat boosts but it was solid. Reliable. And more importantly, something she could actually afford.

Alice fastened the last plate into place, the magitech armor humming faintly as its conduits synced to her body heat. She caught her reflection in a polished glass panel sleek, black, and finally looking like she belonged in a dungeon rather than lurking in back alleys.

That’s when raised voices pulled her attention across the hall.

At one of the guild’s appraisal counters, a young adventurer slammed his palm against the wood. A massive D rank greatsword leaned against the counter beside him, its blade chipped but still gleaming faintly.

“You can’t be serious!” he barked at the clerk. “Twenty five percent? That’s robbery! I nearly got my arm ripped off hauling this thing out of there, and you’re telling me a quarter of it goes to you?”

The clerk didn’t even flinch, voice bored from repetition. “Guild cut is standard. Twenty five percent on dungeon items, whether you sell them here or through an affiliate. Keeps the lights on. Keeps the portals stable. Keeps you alive, frankly.”

The adventurer looked ready to combust. He jabbed a finger at the blade. “That sword could buy me a month’s worth of supplies! And you’re gutting me before I even touch the coin!”

Alice shifted uncomfortably, hugging her ring case tighter. (Ouch. Guess the guild really doesn’t care about bleeding rookies dry. No wonder Jolie warned me about credit.)

The clerk sighed, already pulling out the paperwork. “Your options are simple. Take the payout. Or find your own buyer and pay the listing fees yourself.”

The adventurer’s jaw worked as he clenched his teeth, shoulders sagging in frustration. That’s when Alice blurted out, louder than she meant to:

“Wait! Let me see it!”

Both the clerk and the adventurer froze, eyes turning toward her. Alice jogged over, boots thumping against the polished floor, tugging at the straps of her new armor. She stopped at the counter, staring at the greatsword like it was glowing.

Up close, the blade was even more impressive. Long and heavy, but balanced, its steel shimmered faintly with residual dungeon energy. The edge was chipped but still cruelly sharp, a weapon that had clearly carved its way out of hell and survived.

Alice turned to the adventurer, cheeks flushed. “If I buy it directly from you, it’s cheaper for me, right? And you’ll make more than you would letting the guild scalp you.”

The man blinked, caught off guard, then his frustration cracked into a grin. “Damn right. I’d rather sell it to you than let them gut me.”

The clerk cleared his throat sharply. “Miss, transactions outside guild channels are”

Alice cut her off with a sweet, innocent smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Not against the rules. Just frowned on. Right?”

The clerk’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t argue.

The adventurer shoved the paperwork aside and slid the sword toward her. “So? You want it? I’ll cut the price Better deal for both of us.”

Alice’s heart hammered as she wrapped her fingers around the hilt. The weight nearly pulled her arm down, but she steadied it, breath catching. (Oh yeah. This is it. Heavy, brutal, and mine. Sorry, guild, you’re not scamming either of us today.)

The greatsword loomed nearly as tall as Alice herself, its chipped edge glinting under the guild’s mage-lights. She had to use both hands just to pull it upright, the hilt broad enough that her fingers barely closed around it. The moment she lifted the weapon, the familiar shimmer of a System message blinked across her vision:

[System Notification: Item Identified]

Battle forged Greatsword (D Rank)

Effect: Each swing generates a shockwave of compressed air, capable of staggering nearby enemies.

Durability: Stable but the blade hungrily “remembers” battle. Long periods of disuse may cause it to rattle or emit faint battle cries at night.

Alice’s grin split across her face. (Oh. Ohhh, yes. Big, brutal, and it even yells at people in its sleep. This thing is perfect.)

She lowered the weapon slightly, turning to the adventurer. “I’ll take it. For the price you offered.”

The man’s eyes lit up in relief. He extended a hand, and Alice shook it firmly, her grin still plastered across her face.

“Name’s Rourke,” he said, “Thanks for cutting me out of the guild’s chokehold.”

“Alice,” she replied, chest buzzing with the thrill of her first real purchase. “And trust me you just saved us both a headache.”

Alice tried to lift the Battle Forge Greatsword, planting her boots and straining. The blade barely moved. Her arms trembled, her shoulders screamed, and the weapon tipped forward, nearly dragging her down with it.

“Damn it…” she hissed, cheeks burning.

Then her eyes flicked to the black rune burned over her heart and the Oathbreaker’s Ring pulsing faintly on a chain beneath her shirt . She hadn’t even tried equipping it yet.

Alice slipped the case open and slid the black iron band onto her finger. A cold surge rushed through her veins like liquid iron, sinking deep into her bones. The System flickered in her vision:

Alice’s breath caught. She reached for the greatsword again and this time, it lifted. Smoothly. The crushing weight was still there, but it no longer resisted her instead, it flowed with her, like the blade had decided she was worthy.

She swung once experimentally, and a shockwave of compressed air boomed out, rattling the counter and making the clerk yelp.

Alice grinned, hair falling in her eyes. (Ohhh yeah. Now we’re talking.)

Rourke laughed outright, clapping her on the back. “Guess that sword found its master. Glad it’s you.”

Alice extended her hand again, her grin wolfish and opened her status sheet

[Status Sheet: Alice]

(Every brooding anti hero needs their edgy sword. Congrats, you’re officially swole enough to swing your oversized **** stick.)

Race: Human (mana touched, deluxe plumbing edition)

Class: **** Knight Initiate (goth elective: permanently selected)

Level: 1 (from slime-slayer to edge-lord in one ding.)

Title: None (don’t worry, Dice has plenty of humiliating ones waiting.)

Affiliation: Guild of Inspira, Loinheart (Daddy’s shadow looms… but you’re pretending it doesn’t.)

HP: 38 (from 28 curses make you hardier, who knew?)

Mana: 55 (up from 50 just enough to flex, not enough to brag.)

Body

Strength: 54 (from 24 +20 Oathbreaker’s Ring, +10 **** Knight bonus. You’re finally strong enough to wield your sword without looking like it’s going to crush you.)

Constitution: 28 (unchanged meat shield you ain’t, not yet.)

Agility: 41 (unchanged still scrappy, occasionally trip-prone)

Appearance: 36 (unchanged scary eyes don’t count as hotness. Yet.)

Mind

Charisma: 29 (awkward silence is still your weapon of choice.)

Intelligence: 38 (unchanged street smarts over book smarts)

Willpower: 65 (from 45 +20 Oathbreaker’s Ring; stubborn now weaponized)

Perception: 42 (unchanged you see trouble; you still walk into it)

Magic

Magical Strength: 5 (nope, still a sparkler.)

Magical Control: 3 (terrible, catastrophic, fun for me.)

Corrupted Blessings

Dark Sigil: A faint black rune now burns across your chest, humming with cold power and showing through armor at the worst possible times. Congratulations, you’re officially terrifying at parties.

Eyes of the Grave: Grey irises threaded with faint violet spirals. Unlocks **** Sight brief glimpses of lingering souls, cursed energy, and hidden undead within vision range. Creepy? Yes. Useful? Also yes.

Aura of Chill: The air around you lingers a few degrees colder. In Candyland. You’re a walking icebox with opinions.

Cursed Bond: Wield cursed items without them eating your soul. Well… not all of your soul.

Class Perks

Minor Lifesteal (Passive): Every strike sips at your enemy’s vitality. Health insurance, with fangs.

Deathly Resistance (Passive): Boosts Strength and Magical Sensitivity; you’re tougher, creepier, and harder to ignore.

Dark Aura (Passive): Intimidation rolls up. Enemies hesitate; allies get goosebumps. Either way, you win the stare-down.

Notes

Attribute Points: 20 unspent. Min max like a gremlin or blow them in the Cash Shop. Your call.

Equipment

Oathbreaker’s Ring (A Rank): +20 Strength, +20 Willpower. Once per day, ignore a fatal blow; each use deepens the curse (paranoia, insomnia, whispers that may start talking through you). Works suspiciously well with Cursed Bond.

Battle Forge Greatsword (D Rank): Oversized dungeon blade. Effect: each swing generates a compressed-air shockwave that staggers nearby enemies. Durability: stable; “remembers battle” (expect rattling and the occasional midnight war-cry if neglected).

Civilian Grade Magitech Armor (Unranked): Plate inspired composites with conduit reinforcement; light, durable, boring. No free stats, just not dying.

Alice jogged across the polished guild floor, the weight of her new armor and sword clanking with each step. She skidded to a halt in front of the others, still catching her breath. “I’m ready! Let’s go deeper, right? Time to try out the whole broody **** knight thing?”

Leo was already leaning against a column, arms crossed, his crimson cape brushing the tiles. Sparks flickered in his blond hair as he exhaled loudly through his nose, the picture of impatience. “Finally. Took you long enough.” His smirk curled wider, but it was sharp, not friendly. “Hate to break it to you, rookie a second time, but we’re not wasting another second in Candyland. That place is training wheels. We’re moving on.”

Alice blinked, clutching the hilt of her oversized sword. “Wait, what? Butwhat about the dungeon? I just got my class. Shouldn’t we y’know keep grinding here so I can practice?”

Leo’s laugh was short and cutting. “No point. That dungeon’s only good for first clears and slime farmers. You got your level, you got your class, and thanks to Yamaba’s little persuasion trick, you’ve got gear worth more than some adventurers see in a lifetime.” His eyes narrowed, predatory. “Now it’s time to see if you can actually keep up.”

Jolie stretched languidly beside him, pink hoodie slipping off one shoulder. She gave Alice a cheeky grin, voice singsong. “Don’t worry, baby knight. Leo just likes to act scary. You’ll be fine. Probably.”

Yamaba, tightening the straps of her armor, gave Alice a sideways glance. Her expression was unreadable, but the faintest tug of a smirk played at the corner of her lips.

Alice swallowed hard, heat rising in her cheeks as she straightened her back. (Okay. Totally fine. Just being dragged from baby’s first candyland into… whatever comes next. No pressure. At least I have my ring. And my giant **** sword. And crippling anxiety. Perfect loadout.)

Leo turned, striding toward the guild’s outer doors without waiting to see if they followed. “Next stop’s on the other side of town. Higher stakes, higher pay. Try not to embarrass me in front of the customs agent.”

Alice adjusted the strap of her armor, her reflection catching briefly in the polished black floor. The red glow in her eyes stared back, the rune on her chest pulsing faintly beneath her armor. She clenched her jaw, then hurried after the others. “Yeah. Got it. No embarrassing. Easy.”

The four of them filed out together, the guild hall’s noise fading behind them.

By the time they reached the Fangspire district, the change in atmosphere was undeniable. Candyland’s quarter of Ikos had been bright, bustling with sweet smelling stalls and curious onlookers. Fangspire, though, was its opposite. The dungeon loomed out of the slums a polluted stretch of the city where the air hung thick with smoke from rusted chimneys and the cobblestones were slick with runoff. The few people who lived nearby kept their doors bolted, peering out only through warped shutters.

The reason was obvious: every so often, orcs or goblins wandered out of the portal. Unlike the “monsters” of Candyland, these weren’t mindless constructs. They were people sentient, cunning, and dangerous. Another race entirely, born in the other world the dungeon connected to. Some stayed, some adapted, and some even became adventurers themselves. Alice had passed one or two goblins in guild halls before, their wild eyes hidden under hoods,

The portal itself rose from the ruins of an old cathedral, its broken windows veiled in Inspira guild banners. A crimson shimmer bled across the archway like a heartbeat, each pulse whispering of the world beyond. They said the dungeon wasn’t the final destination, just the gate. Beat Fangspire, and you didn’t just conquer a dungeon you earned the right to step into the world on the other side. And the same was true in reverse. Supposedly, goblins and orcs had their own “challenge dungeons” before they ever set foot on Earth.

An Inspira customs agent leaned against the stone wall, ledger in hand, his crimson insignia bright against his otherwise shabby uniform. His gaze flicked over the party and then lingered on Alice, eyes narrowing at the glow of her rune.

“Lionheart. Four members. Registering entrance to Fangspire.” His pen scratched lazily against the page. “Standard clause applies: guild assumes no liability if you die, vanish, or come back… altered. Any declarations?”

“None,” Leo said, smooth as ever. Sparks crackled faintly along the edge of his cape, his smirk daring the dungeon to deny him.

Alice’s palms were clammy, but she **** herself to meet the man’s gaze. The agent lingered for a beat too long, then shrugged and stamped the ledger.

“Proceed.”

As the crimson glow washed over them, Jolie hummed a jaunty tune under her breath, bouncing on her toes like they were heading to a carnival. Leo strode forward with the confidence of someone convinced the dungeon had been built for him. Yamaba’s hand brushed Alice’s arm in passing, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Stay close. Fangspire eats rookies alive.”

Alice swallowed hard and nodded, even as her rune pulsed in agreement against her chest. (Great pep talk. Totally reassuring. Thanks.)

Leo didn’t slow. He walked straight into the light, vanishing in a crackle of sparks. Jolie followed, skipping like it was a festival gate. Yamaba’s amber eyes met Alice’s one more time before she stepped through.

Alice inhaled, squared her shoulders, and followed.

The world twisted. Stone dissolved into darkness, into the wet stink of moss and smoke. When her vision cleared, they stood in a cavernous tunnel, walls slick with grime, the distant echo of guttural laughter bouncing through the maze. Faint torchlight flickered ahead, shadows dancing like the teeth of beasts waiting in the dark.

(And here we go. From candy coated nightmare land straight into goblin **** caves. Just another day at the office, right?)

The cavern air pressed damp and heavy against Alice’s skin as the party crept deeper into Fangspire. Every sound echoed twice once through the tunnels, once in her chest. Dripping water, shuffling boots, the faint hiss of her breath through clenched teeth. (Great, perfect, nothing says “safe and cozy” like walking into a cave system that smells like blood and mushrooms.)

The tunnels wound tighter, jagged walls closing in until the glow of their Yamaba's lights barely reached a dozen feet ahead. Alice’s new rune thrummed faintly under her Armor, each pulse a cold reminder: she was a **** Knight now. And apparently, that meant volunteering to walk through places where even walls looked like they were planning an ambush.

Then, ahead movement.

A small figure shuffled into view, not charging, not snarling. It was a goblin, barely chest high, its lion-like tail swishing lazily behind it. Wide hips, oversized ears, bright yellow eyes. It lifted its hands in a placating gesture, lips twitching into a smile far too sweet for these warrens.

“Travelers,” the goblin chirped, voice carrying a strange singsong lilt. “No weapons, no tricks. I come to talk, not fight. Welcome to Fangspire. Maybe… we trade?”

Alice’s hand twitched toward her sword. (Nope. Absolutely not. This is how horror movies start. Cute little gremlin waves hello, then next thing you know, you’re a skin rug in its living room.)

Yamaba reacted instantly. The necromancer’s pale hand drifted toward her staff, amber eyes narrowing into molten slits. Her spirit flames rose a fraction, casting ghostly shadows across the stone. “We should kill it,” she said flatly. “Now. Before it alerts the others.”

Alice swallowed, because the way she said it wasn’t just tactical. It sounded like memory.

Leo, of course, raised a hand and stepped forward like the smug bastard he was. His cape fluttered in the stale underground air as though even the darkness wanted to give him a dramatic spotlight. “Hold, Yamaba,” he said, his voice dripping with confidence. “Not every enemy needs to be slaughtered on sight. Sometimes, words yield more than steel.”

The goblin’s tail flicked, its grin widening. “Ah… smart man. Your friend understands. Goblins know the Warrens better than anyone. We could help… if you listen.”

Alice’s stomach knotted. (Oh no. Oh no no no. This is either a setup or the start of some kind of goblin pyramid scheme. Either way, I don’t like it.)