Dawn came with a steel-gray light seeping through the narrow window. Erik awoke to the distant crow of a rockhorn rooster and the clatter of wagons in the street. For a moment, he stared up at the wooden ceiling, disoriented. He wasn't in his old apartment, no, he was here, in Blackstone Outpost, in a world of dungeons and monsters. The events of yesterday flooded back. He sat up slowly, wincing as his muscles protested. The aches were already fading though, and the bruises looked much better, Lyra's salve was effective.
Finn's cot was empty; the rogue had likely stumbled in late and was already up or sleeping it off under a table somewhere. Erik splashed his face from the wash basin and dressed in a clean tunic and trousers from the trunk at the foot of the bed. The clothing fit well enough, more memories guiding him to what belonged to "Erik". As he donned his gear and strapped Erythrael the axe to his back, he paused at the weight. It felt slightly less heavy than yesterday. Whether from the new runes settling into his being or his growing familiarity with the weapon, he wasn't sure, but it felt right.
Downstairs in the tavern's common room, he found Darius, Lyra, and Finn already gathered at a table finishing a hearty breakfast of bread, cheese, and some kind of stew. Finn did indeed look a bit groggy, dark circles under his eyes, but perked up when he saw Erik.
"Morning, sunshine!" Finn greeted, sliding a bowl of stew toward the empty seat for Erik. "We saved you some. Eat up, big day ahead, we get paid!"
Erik chuckled and sat down. "Thanks." He realized he was ravenous. Taking a spoonful of the stew, savory with chunks of potato and something like beef, he sighed contentedly. "This is good."
Lyra gave a pleased smile. "Miss Hilda makes the best root stew in town. You need your strength back after yesterday."
Darius was nursing a cup of hot tea. He gave Erik a once-over. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better," Erik replied honestly. Physically at least. "Ready for whatever's next."
Finn leaned back, balancing his chair on two legs. "I'm hoping what's next is a fat pouch of gold for that goblin job, and maybe a week of easy postings. We deserve a break."
Darius raised an eyebrow. "A week? You'll drink and gamble away your share in two nights and be begging for work by the third."
Lyra covered a laugh with her hand as Finn spluttered in mock indignation. "I resent that, Darius. I'm a responsible adult. I'll have you know I plan to invest my earnings wisely… at the card table." He waggled his eyebrows comically, causing even Darius to shake his head with a ghost of a smile.
Erik found himself grinning at the familiar banter. In moments like this, it was easy to slip into the role of their comrade. The gnawing secret of his true identity took a backseat.
After breakfast, they headed to the guild hall to collect their reward. The sun had fully risen, painting the dusty streets in hues of gold. Blackstone was more lively now, shopkeepers opening their stores, mercenaries hauling crates, a patrol of town guards marching by. Erik even noticed a few children chasing a hoop down an alley, laughing. For a "grimdark" world, there were still normal moments of life. It gave him hope that not everything was doom and gloom.
At the guild, the clerk from last night promptly paid them thirty silver coins, the bounty promised for the goblin nest. Darius split it evenly four ways without hesitation. Erik marveled; in many stories or games from his old world, leaders took a larger cut, but Darius seemed to value fairness and team welfare above greed. It earned Erik's further respect.
As they were about to leave, the guildmaster, an older woman with a stern face and an intricate eyepatch, called them over. "Iron Wolves, a moment of your time." She gestured to a side room.
Exchanging curious glances, they followed. The guildmaster, Lady Marienne, was a retired adventurer herself. She closed the door for privacy. "I wanted to speak to you about recent events," she said without preamble. Her one good eye fixed on Darius. "You've doubtless noticed an uptick in monster aggression."
"We have," Darius affirmed. "The clerk mentioned more requests coming in."
Marienne nodded. "Something is stirring the dungeon creatures up. We don't know what yet. There are rumors…perhaps a new Dungeon Lord arising or an ancient seal weakening." She crossed her arms. "The higher-ups in the capital are concerned. They've asked guild branches to keep an eye out for any unusual finds or information during quests."
"We'll be vigilant," Darius said seriously. "Do they suspect this region in particular?"
Marienne shrugged. "Hard to say. Blackstone sits near many lower-level dungeons. If something major were to happen, it might start deeper underground." Her gaze flicked to Erik briefly, then back.
"Also, I received a raven this morning. The Guild's annual Tower Challenge will commence in three months. The Tower of Eternum in Silverkeep will be opened to challengers once again. I know you lot aren't of a rank to participate yet, but I thought you'd want to know. Many powerful parties will be passing through on their way to the capital."
Finn whistled. "The Tower Challenge… so it's happening again? I heard last time half the contestants died trying to climb that cursed thing."
Lyra frowned. "It's voluntary, Finn. They know the risks. The Tower of Eternum is said to hold incredible secrets at its top. Many are willing to gamble their lives for that chance."
Erik had never heard of this Tower, or of Silverkeep itself, but he filed the information away. It sounded like a major event, possibly related to the overarching mysteries of this world.
Marienne gave a thin smile. "Indeed. Ambition often outweighs caution. In any case, keep your ears open. And should you come across anything odd, strange artifacts, new breeds of monsters, cryptic messages, bring them to me immediately. Understood?"
They all nodded. With that, the guildmaster dismissed them, and they stepped back out into the main hall. Finn shuddered theatrically. "Dungeon Lords and towers… gives me the creeps. I'm content being a small fish, thank you."
Darius clapped him on the shoulder. "Small fish still need to watch for bigger predators. Don't dismiss it, Finn."
Lyra looked thoughtful. "If something evil is rising, even common folk will suffer. We must be prepared to do our part when the time comes."
Erik remained quiet, but determination flared inside him. A Dungeon Lord… The idea of a grand purpose, of a genuine, high-stakes conflict, was both daunting and strangely fitting for the second life he'd been given. Anything was better than rotting away in a cubicle.
Outside the guild, Finn stretched lazily. "So, what now, fearless leader? We have no active quests. I suggest a bath and a nap." He looked hopefully at Darius.
The knight stroked his beard. "We should resupply our rations and repair gear. But yes, we can take the rest of the day easy. Tomorrow, we'll look for a new contract."
Finn pumped a fist. "Huzzah! A free day. I'll be, "
", at the tavern or the gambling hall, I presume," Lyra interjected with a disapproving arch of her brow.
Finn grinned unabashedly. "I was going to say, I'll be investing my earnings as discussed. You're welcome to come along as my lucky charm, Lyra."
She sighed, though a smirk tugged at her lips. "No thank you. I plan to spend my time in more wholesome pursuits. Perhaps the marketplace, and then the chapel for evening mass."
Finn feigned a dramatic swoon. "Ah, too pure for the likes of me."
Erik laughed under his breath as Darius handed him a small coin pouch. "Here. Ten silver was your share. Don't lose it."
Erik accepted it. The coins jingled within, more money than he'd held at once here so far. "Thank you… though I'm not sure what to spend it on yet."
"New clothes that aren't shredded and blood-stained, perhaps," Lyra suggested kindly, eyeing the tear in his armor where a goblin blade had caught. "Mrs. Potts has a stall selling good tunics."
Erik nodded. That was a practical idea. And maybe a better bedroll for camping, or additional healing potions.