Its entrance could only be described with one word: creepy. It was made of stone and was oozing out darkness. Yeah, the darkness was like a fog coming out of it. I tried touching it, and it dispersed like normal fog. I could only come to a single conclusion for its presence, to inflict mental abnormalities on its bearer. The ones with a weak mind would turn away instantly but I found myself grinning at the scene.

*thump* *thump*

I was excited! My heart was beating heavily.

(A dungeon! Fuck yeah!!)

I could only imagine what lay behind that wicked entrance. What kind of powerful monsters would I get to face? What awesome drops would they have? It was unbearable!

*thump* *thump*

It had been a long time since I had felt this much excitement. I took a step forward before I was stopped by something. Breaking out of my trance I looked to my left and found Shirley hugging my left arm. Her eyes were begging me not to go, because she didn't want to enter such a place. I looked to my right at Pauli. She was expressionless as always but her left hand was clutching the sleeve of my right arm. She was also prabably scared as even this was a big thing for the cool and calm her.

(Should I go in alone?)

Since we were a party, I couldn't make all the decisions myself. From the obvious looks of it, these guys might refuse, so I was considering to probably just go in by myself. I had no idea about anything as to what would happen inside, but one thing was clear. I was NOT going to miss this opportunity.

"What should we do? I'll make my thoughts clear first. I really wanna go in."

I talked while walking away from the obvious sight of creepiness to calm their heads.

"I'll come with you." (Pauli)

"You know that you don't have a weapon right?" (Me)

Pauli had answered me with resolution but I reminded her of reality. Without a weapon, she was practically useless in a combat situation.

"Same goes for you." (Me)

I said this to Shirley and her shoulders visibly shook.

"But its going to be worse for you." (Me)

I continued saying to Shirley. She probably guessed this too since she didn't seem suprised at my next words.

"Pauli and I will just disappear when we need to rest but you're different. You'll have to stay inside the dungeon: camp or roam, either is suicide." (Me)

Shirley was looking down while biting her lip. She was probably conflicting in her mind as to what to do, when in came Trichia's voice.

"Even you cannot log out in a dungeon." (Trichia)

(To tell you the truth, I had a feeling that might be the case.)

"But there IS a solution to all your problems." (Trichia)

(I'm listening..)

"Oh no. Its not going to be that easy! You have to promise to do one thing I say in exchange for this information!"

(You do know that I'd do it even without you making a deal like this, right?)

"In that case, kiss Pauli right now!" (Trichia)

(You were right. I don't need the information.)

There was no way in hell I could do that!! Kiss Pauli?! Right now?! She'll never talk to me again!!

"Muuu... You're so boring! Okay I'll change the task. Kiss Shirley." (Trichia)

(Why do I have to kiss anybody!?)

"But I'm bored!" (Trichia)

(How can you be bored!? You're a freaking computer!)

"I have too much free RAM?" (Trichia)

(So you wanna have fun at my misery!?)

"Muuu...." (Trichia)

(I'm not kissing anybody, whether you tell me or not.)

While I was having a back and forth with Trichia, Shirley was still trying to make up her mind.

I could tell she wanted to come but it was really dangerous. She had left her old life behind to come on this journey, but to risk losing it in a place like this, was the main question.

"Okay, I'll tell you. But i.its not like I w.want to or anything! Baka!" (Trichia)

(Oh, the tsundere act! Suits you.)

"Really? Thanks! I mean.. I.i.i.i.i.i.its not a b.b.big deal! Baka!" (Trichia)

(A little too much.)

"Really? I thought it was perfect! Anyways, the solution to your problem is very simple. There is always a safe room before every boss room at the end of a dungeon floor. There, you can logout or set up camp." (Trichia)

"THAT REALLY IS TOO SIMPLE!!" (ME)

I didn't immediately realise that I had said that out loud. It was only when I noticed the eyes of my companions one of which seemed to say 'Has he gone crazy?' and the other 'Is he okay?', did I come to my senses.

To escape the situation, I used my secret techinique: Change the topic!

"H.hey Shirley. Good news! You can come with us without any problems! There's a safe room before we face a boss monster and we can set up camp there!" (Me)

Hearing what I just said, Shirley's expression changed. It turned brighter as she slowly comprehended my sudden statement. Finally, as it seemed to settle into her head, she jumped onto me with happiness.

"Yayyyyy!!!" (Shirley)

"How did you come to know about the information now?" (Pauli)

Though, Pauli was looking at me with suspicion.

"Suspicious." (Pauli)

She actually said it to my face.

"I just remembered hearing it somewhere. Hahaha.. Haha.. Ha..ha.." (Me)

I know it was a stupid excuse but what else could I say!?

After Shirley overcame her joyfulness, she got off of me and took my hand in hers as if ready to enter the dungeon together. Frankly, I was a bit taken aback seeing the big change in her from her unwillingness to enter and this. And I don't want to sound too self important, but this was probably due to me, or more exactly, her trust in me that I would protect her.

Having Shirley on my left, I looked towards Pauli and extended my right hand to her. She looked at it for a moment hesitatingly but finally took it.

Finally, we entered the dungeon.

(Hmm. A flower in each hand. I can't say I dislike it.)

"Finally! The accused pleads guilty!" (Guess who?)