Graham and I make our way back to our to the initial treasure room. We silently check over our materials, replenish our potion supply, and decide on what items to bring with us and what items we leave behind. We leave our empty potion vials on the floor. I pick up the tossed light spell book. Graham puts a hand on my shoulder.

“…Next time.”

“Yeah.”

I flip through the contents of the book, skimming the lines. This is my first time looking through an actual spell book, as Graham had discarded his previous books to make space for other materials. We don’t say much: I’m looking through the book and Graham’s drinking some spring water. Now that I mentioned it, we need to refill soon, at room 48 I think was the last room with clean water.

The light spell’s name is flash. It’s a simple 1-star spell that creates a temporary flashing light, that can both light up a room or blind opponents. The light can be thrown or held by the spell user in one hand. According to the book, it lasts for 4 seconds. That’s plenty of time in the heat of battle where 1 second can be the deciding factor. In the book, there are plenty of instructions that specifically denote how to perform the spell, along with many helpful illustrations. Casting magic is hard, but these books make it seem fairly easy.

“Hey Graham, let’s break here. I want to try and learn this new spell,” I suggest to Graham.

“Go ahead.” Graham nods. “I’ll be practicing sword swings and training this way. Call out to me if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

I continue reading through, focusing carefully on key points noted in the book. After that, I get into position and begin practicing. While practicing, I cross reference my form and actions with the book, paying careful attention to following every step of the procedure. Graham, who’s practicing various sword swings with his weapon, every now and then offers pointers. After a good hour, I still can’t pull it off.

“Huff… huff… why… is this… so hard…?” I pant tiredly.

“May I look through the book?” Graham asks.

“Yeah… go… ahead…”

Graham picked up the spell book and skims through it really quickly. After flipping through it again once or twice, he begins imitating the form, attempting to pull off the spell. After a few failed attempts, a bright light appears from his hand, though rather haphazard, hovering and emitting a piercing light. To me, who’s standing 2 feet away, I can feel my sight being robbed from me. I shut my eyes away from the light in reflex. The light remains for a good 2 seconds before disappearing.

“It appears I’m able to do it. I barely followed the proper technique as denoted by the book yet I was still able to pull it off. It only lasted 2 seconds rather than 4, and the execution could’ve been better, but it’s definitely possible.” Graham then looks at me, and recedes into his usual stance of crossed arms and turned head. “Your form looks good, yet you can’t pull it off. You may just not have an affinity for light magic, sorry to say.”

I look at him helplessly. “Seriously?”

“Seriously. Don’t lose hope yet though, there may be other types that you’re well with. Maybe you’re just a special case. Or maybe not magically-inclined.”

“You’re the special one here. You’re magically-talented.”

“That may be.”

Suddenly, Ding Dong Bing Bong.

A familiar bell chime resounds throughout the dungeon that made chills run up our spines. Graham and I freeze where we are.

“Greetings once again. Time for the second official dream dungeon announcement! I hope you’re all having a wonderful time!” Again, that unsettling soothing deep tone of voice echoes throughout the premises. “Congratulations! The second boss room has been conquered! The conqueror is 9-year-old Maryam Rye! Please give a round of applause to the dungeon’s second conqueror and the dungeon’s first 1-star conqueror!”

Again, an awkward applause resembling one of a sit-com show follows. After an equally awkward amount of time it subsides.

“It didn’t take too long for another boss room to be discovered and beaten! I have to say, I’m impressed! To so quickly beat another boss room amidst your current early, fledgling state is truly impressive! At this rate, you’ll reach and conquer all 1,000,000 rooms in no time! I surely await the result.”

“Here’s some additional info as a reward. There’s a surprise waiting for whoever reaches room 1,000,000. Spoiler alert: it’s me! You’ll find me there. Whether you want to kill me or not, I don’t care, just whoever wants to uncover the dungeon’s secrets will have to reach room 1,000,000. It won’t be easy, but that’s what makes it so fun! As always, the loot for this boss room, although not as exquisite as the first, is still extravagant and powerful! Stay tuned for future updates! As always, gooooood luck!”

…

What? Did the dungeon say the conqueror was a little girl? 9-years-old?

Are you serious?

And room 1,000,000…

I look at Graham, and he meets my gaze back.

We stay there locking eyes, silently.

“You think we can make it? Room 1,000,000, I mean,” I say. I purposely avoided bringing up the 9-year-old boss room defeater.

“Who knows?” Graham replies tersely and leaves it at that. He didn’t mention anything about the dungeon conqueror, but knowing him, I’m sure he’s completely aware.

Strange. The both of us, really.

More importantly, whoever that 9-year-old is must be one hell of a person…

I silently wish in my heart that we may we never cross paths.

We continue practicing. We decide not to pursue any other rooms and instead decide on devoting the rest of the time for training. I didn’t give up. I continue to practice light magic, hoping it would work. Light magic is a support character’s forte, and I’m unable to give it up just yet. Although healing magic and status magic are categorized in the ‘null’ category, the book also noted that light users are mostly proficient in null magic as well, making for perfect support types, and that most "buff" type null magic is complement by light magic, its power is proportionate to how strong ones affinity for light magic is. If I really have no affinity for light magic, then there’s an even lower chance of me having any affinity for null magic. Graham continued training his swordsmanship in silence, while in contrast, I grunt heavily trying to force nothing out of my hands.

Unfortunately, I never do get that light magic out.

I wonder if I am doomed to be a physical vanguard.

RIP my RPG dreams…

..

.

I wake up.

I’m lying in my bed. I stare at the ceiling. My alarm is ringing – 5:30 a.m. My body is messily scattered on my bed, along with my messy bed sheets that I pulled with me. My pillow is nowhere to be found. I always had a bad habit of sleeping messily. My little sister always made a point out of that.

I get up and get ready for school. I toothbrush, shower, get my stuff together in my backpack, put my glasses on, comb my hair, etc. I fix my bed and take one last glance at my room before heading downstairs. I pass my sister on the way, who’s heading to the bathroom. Again, she seems to have woken up late.

“Good morning Lexi,” I greet.

“…Gwood mworn…ing…”

Lexi, or Alexis, my little sister, sleepily drags her feet across the ground towards the bathroom. Her hair’s slightly disheveled and her eyes still half asleep. She responds reflexively, bobbling her head carelessly as she trudges. Woah, be careful there, you might bump into something.

“Ouch!” Lexi screeches like a cat.

She bumped into the wall.

I shake my head in grief and walk downstairs. I greet my mom, who’s preparing breakfast, and my dad, who’s enjoying some French toast at the table while looking at the T.V., which is tuned into the news. I settle down at the table, which already has breakfast ready – Toast with Nutella and a chocolate chip cookie on the side. Why the cookie you ask?

Because I love cookies. I eat cookies practically every day, but I digress.

In hindsight, this is the picture perfect family. We all live together in a mutual family harmony. Yep, it’s very nice. I couldn’t ask for anything better.

While I enjoy my breakfast and especially the cookie, I notice something on the T.V.

“... Reports from the national medical association released news of over 500 confirmed cases of death due to simultaneous cardiac arrest and sudden brain death.”

I initially didn’t pay any attention until I caught sound of the next part.

“Reports show that every case happened while the victims were asleep. Each of the victims’ ages range from as young as 8 to as old as 72, their health and ethnicities varied as well, with no initially obvious connections. This new mysterious case of some sort has claimed so far 100 cases in the U.S. alone, and 500 confirmed cases worldwide. Medical experts are still unsure of the exact implications of the tragedies but have linked it not to disease but genetics. More on that later and how to protect you and your loved ones…”

My brain wandered. Cardiac arrest? Brain shut down? It…

It can’t be…

My father sips on his coffee. Black, as he prefers it. He pulls back and winces reflexively. He drank his hot coffee too fast and seemed to have burnt his mouth a tad. He ignores it and looks warily at the information being broadcasted on the television. “That’s a darn shame. Rest in peace those poor souls. I wonder what’s going on. Hopefully, none of whatever that is gets to us. We might need to get checked at the hospital soon… You hearing this dear?”

“Hmm? What’s up honey?” My mom answers back inattentively as she spreads butter on toast, the toast most likely for Lexi. Mom usually makes Lexi’s breakfast last as she usually gets up later.

“Just some stuff on the news. Tragic stuff, really. Tragic.”

T-This is…

But... genetics? Not an epidemic, but rather, genetics? Where'd they get that?

And more importantly... there are cautionary measures? Am I mistaken?

Thing's aren't lining up.

I continue eating my cookie in silence. I stare at my plate wide-eyed. Compared to the easy going atmosphere in the room, I was frozen solid. I didn’t dare move, not until my sister finally arrived.

“I-I’m sorry I’m late..! Again…”

Lexi hurriedly rushes to the dining table, all her books sloppily arranged in her backpack that’s half-open, half-strung over her shoulder. Her hair’s a mess and her clothes are sloppily arranged and wrinkled. You see, the messiest one of us all is her. According to her, I don't have a grasp of my bearings while I'm asleep (you see, that's forgivable because I'm, well, not conscious) while according to me, she doesn't have a basic grasp of her bearings when she's awake - that is to say pretty much all the time, every day, where it counts.

Yep. Another normal morning for my little sister.

“Alexis! Look at yourself!” My mom carefully drops her cooking utensils and rushes over to Lexi, thoroughly fixing up her messed up odds and ends. As usual, my mom would fuss over to her and patch her untidy self up. My dad rolls his eyes. I sequentially follow.

“Lexi has arrived!” Lexi shouts. She sits down on her chair with haughty, exaggerated movements. My mom places her plate in front of her with care.

“Alexis, you have to take care of yourself better each morning! Act like a proper woman and pay more attention to yourself. You always look like something the cat dragged in.” Mom places a palm on her cheek in practiced distress and shakes her head worryfully.

“Yeah yeah. Thanks for the food!” Lexi pays no inherent attention and begins wolfing down her food. If she participates in a competitive eating competition, I’ve no doubt she’d make top 5.

Seriously. She eats like a monster. Like wow.

“There you go again,” mom scolds her lightly, “you’re eating your food so messily! Learn from your brother – he always eats with proper etiquette. Would it take much for you to follow his example?”

“Lexi is who she is, mom.” I defend Lexi, moreso on my own behalf. I’d rather not get wrapped up in this troublesome routine. I successfully cover up my initial shock and plaster a natural expression, forcing my thoughts in a corner of my mind.

“Yep, she’s still young,” Dad agrees. “We should let her do what she wants. No harm in that.” Dad returns to sipping his coffee. “Ouch!” He jerks back his head. He burnt his mouth again. Slow down, dad.

“Speaking of your brother,” mom brings up. She puts her utensils in the sink and begins washing the dishes. She had just finished making her portion of food. “I heard his grades have improved considerably. The interims were just mailed yesterday. Straight A pluses, with all of his grades at least a 98. That’s excellent!”

Mom turns over to me and smiles a sincere smile. You can clearly see the pride and joy reflected in her eyes. She clasps her hands together and tilts her head.

Dad looks up warily. His eyes flicker from me to mom, then back to me. Lexi also suddenly stops eating her monstrous pile of food, which mom every morning makes several servings as an offering to appease the beast that is my sister, and looks at me with wide eyes.

“… Are… you serious?” Lexi is the first to speak up.

“That… that’s amazing! Nothing less from my son. Haha!” Dad lets out a hearty laugh. He sips on his coffee again. Again, he burns his mouth.

Seriously dad, be more careful.

“Yep yep!” Mom affirms. “Ely’s grades are so amazing! To go from solid B’s to high straight A pluses is amazing! Our son’s a genius. I wonder what’s got into you, Ely!”

“It’s nothing mom.” I try calming down the situation. “I just put more effort and focus on my studies. It’s just that. I spent more time on school and less on playing games. It's the start of the new term. It's hard not to start off with subpar grades - at least, as far as Rivenburg high's concerned.” I fold my arms and tilt my head away embarrassingly. I’m not used to getting praised like this. Whoops, I’m starting to look like Graham. I unfold my arms, leaving them to hang awkwardly.

"Ely - that's still no easy feat! To have such outstanding grades..! It's just absolutely amazing!" Mom continues to praise me without pause.

“I knew it! It was the games. Dear, what have I been telling you all along?” Dad complains, though obviously, he's in a very good mood.

“Bro, when did you get so smart? It's the start of the term, but my grades are nowhere as good as yours! Hey hey, can you help me with my homework again? Hehe, now I can brag to my friends that my older brother’s a genius and is not just some loser wasting his time on games!” Lexi gleefully mumbles to herself.

“We need to celebrate this accomplishment! Yes yes, it’s important to congratulate your children on a work well done. But, it’s also good not to go overboard and spoil them. Then again, this accomplishment is not something small… Oh yeah! I need to post this on social media! I wonder what should I do as a reward…” Mom is still rambling.

My family’s voices intermingle and mix, their chatter overlapping. I sit there hiding my astonishment. I never would’ve imagined this outcome going in. I just wanted to stay ahead in school so I can focus on the dungeon. To be congratulated like this is…

Unexpected. But it feels oddly… warm.

Also, Lexi, what was that you said? What have you been telling your friends?

I look at my watch and fix my glasses. “It’s about time for me to leave. You can discuss all the extraneous details to yourselves. Lexi, if you need help, feel free to drop by my room anytime – I’m practically ahead of my teacher’s curriculum anyway so any concerns with homework I’m an open door. Although, I'm not going to allow you to trick me into practically doing your homework for you. One more scheme like that and I'll never help you again.” I give a stern glance to Lexi and walk up to mom and neatly place the dirty dishes next to her. “Thanks again for the food mom.” I give a routine kiss on the cheek and a nod to my father and head out the door. This is our usual routine every morning. Think of it like a good luck parting. Behind me, I can hear the scrambling praises of my parents over my conduct, and the hurried panic of my little sister who I left behind.

I walk down the sidewalk and stare at the sky. I commute to school on foot, as it is a good 15 minutes away from her, 5 by car. I also find it relaxing to walk and breathe the fresh air of my neighborhood. We live in a nice suburban development. It’s neat and orderly, and all the neighbors are good people. It’s a beautiful place really – the shrubs, trees, and flowery included. With the disorganized steps behind me getting louder and the sound of cars slowly drifting beside me, I close my eyes and take it all in. I continue walking down the sidewalk towards school. I continue thinking about the news. The deaths. It’s a no-brainer to connect those cases to the dungeons. Immediate death upon sleep over a wide area of people with no obvious connections…

Behind me, I hear a sudden yelp. I shake my head.

Dad, slow down. You’re really going to hurt yourself at this rate.