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[indent][indent][indent][color=gray][sub][right][color=#98A9B1][b]Location:[/b][/color] The Dungeon -- The City of Thorinn, Aetheria[/right][/sub][/color]
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Deeper into the dungeon. Deeper into the trials. From puzzles and treasure (which Benkei’s surprise at his brother’s treasure hunting skills left him flabbergasted). When did Kazuki get so….[i]good[/i] at this? The troll was shocking from its surprise attack, but luckily Kalie was safe from the surprise attack of the troll. The stress of the dungeon was growing with each new room, and Benkei was feeling it. 

[i]Just a little further. Just a little further and we’ll be out of here.[/i] 

Then came the chasm.  

Another problem that came completely out of his wheelhouse, but Alex took point and surprisingly raised the bridge. Benkei breathed a sigh of relief, and walked over to the archer, patting him on the shoulder. [color=#98A9B1]“Good job,”[/color] he whispered to him. When was the last time he’d given a real compliment? 

Hell, how many times had he ever been complimented?  

[i]Kazuma. These grades are inexcusable.[/i] 

[i]Kazuma. Why aren’t you watching Kazuki? You need to be more like your brother.[/i] 

[i]Why did I get stuck with the disappointing son?[/i] 

Benkei had to focus up. They were not out of the woods yet, and another beast like the troll could be waiting ahead. He hefted his sword up and looked to the others. [color=#98A9B1]“Hopefully we’ll be nearing the end, which could mean more fights. And a boss.”[/color] He did his best to give the group a smile, though his stomach was twirling into knots. They’d barely made it this far; would they be able to finish off an unknown boss with zero casualties? 

[i]Just a little further. They’d link back up with Aag’s party, they’d escape the dungeon, find somewhere safe, and be logged off when a fix was found.[/i] 

And what if there was no fix? What if this was permanent? After all, this already [i]felt[/i] real. What if this was reality from here on out? 

Was it so bad? 

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