I found myself in a dark cave – a prison of sorts. To the left and right were bricked stone walls overgrown with moss. The only landmark was the cold stone shrine pressed against my back.

How I got here, I do not know. I woke up to find myself sitting against the alien-looking shrine, in an apparent underground tomb. Considering the possibility I have been robbed, I checked my pockets. I was surprised to see I had none. In fact, the clothing I wore was just as alien as the shrine. I did note a handbag wrapped around my shoulder, but alas, it was empty. There was a single item of value on my person – a silver pendant worn about my neck. Needless to say, I have never seen it before in my life.

A normal person would likely be shocked by this event. For whatever reason, I was still completely calm. Perhaps it's because I never considered myself a normal person. I start recalling the events of yesterday. Ah, it was my birthday, wasn't it? Last I remember, I was in my apartment, excited about the upcoming release of a video game – the sequel to my favourite of all time. It was a big day for many reasons, but it shouldn't have anything to do with my current predicament.

With no other options, I picked myself up and advanced forward. The stone hallway was surprisingly short, and quickly branched in two directions. One lead above, to bright skies and the outside grassy plains. The other lead further below, into the depths of the dungeon.

I couldn't help but be disappointed at finding the exit so quickly. Then I wondered 'why?'. Didn't I want to get out and seek help as soon possible? To return to my normal daily life, surrounded by the people I know? That is what any normal person would do.

With little deliberation, I headed downstairs into the dungeon's depths.

Figures were moving about the large dusty room ahead. Almost people, but not quite -- they looked like dried shambling corpses. First word coming to mind is definitely zombie. These creatures walked aimlessly about, patrolling the prison-like room.

"Hello? Can you speak?" I asked.

Despite speaking straight to their face, they did not acknowledge me. They definitely seem dumb, just like zombies should be, but they are less hostile than I would expect. If it were like zombie movies I'd be dead meat right now.

I again wondered why I was so calm in this situation, why I was okay with zombies existing before my eyes. It was all oddly nostalgic. Ah, of course. Isn't this just like a video game? In fact, it's very reminiscent of Spirit of Darkness, my favourite RPG.

Most people would be ecstatic to find themselves transported to a world just like their favourite fantasy, but Spirit of Darkness is definitely an exception to that. It was made famous for its brutal difficult, and equally dark and dreadful setting. Only a madman would prefer that to a normal daily life. Assuming everything is just like Spirit of Darkness would be a fallacy, however. Therefore I decided to approach each scenario with extreme caution and inquisitiveness.

Besides the zombies, the room contained a single table and a cabinet. Perhaps this was once a haphazardly made office or meeting room? The most out of place object was a large round boulder pressed against the wall. The ball was likely part of a triggered trap, as the skeleton of long-dead sod was crushed by it. An important note: dungeons in this world have traps. The cabinet, alas, was as empty as my bag.

As the last point of interest to explore, I stood before a zombie and gave it a light tap. I was relieved to see it made no response. As it did not mind, I searched through its clothing for anything of value.

'Score!'

Two silver coins tucked away in its back pocket. Their glisten stood against the darkness of the cave, signifying my first batch of loot. I proudly placed them in my bag.

"Keep your hands to yourself, lecher!"

I hopped backwards in surprise. Did the zombie just say that? No, the sound come from elsewhere. I looked at the second zombie, but it was still preoccupied with its patrol. Then the only place it could be is-

"Yes you. I'm speaking to you. Don't you dare touch Stacey like that!" said the skeleton.

The skeleton, the one crushed by the boulder, turned its head. It was daring me to come closer.