Chapter 15: First Descent
The sun had only just begun to rise over Orario, casting golden light across the cobblestone streets, when Ethan stepped out of the abandoned church. His heartbeat was steady, but his mind wasn't.
Today was his first Dungeon dive.
He felt the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders as he glanced down at the cheap sword strapped to his waist and the basic leather armor covering his chest and legs. The material felt stiff and uncomfortable—worn down, patched in several places. A chipped round shield hung from his back, and the boots he wore had seen better days.
Hestia stood in front of the church door, arms crossed under her chest, worry all over her face.
"Ethan, are you sure about this? That gear isn't good enough," she said, voice tight. "I was going to use the money I earned this week to buy you something new. Just wait a little—"
"It's fine," Ethan interrupted, gently holding out a small bag of coins. "I have some money saved from helping that merchant family the other day."
Hestia blinked as he placed it in her hand. It was the bag of coins he'd been rewarded with after saving the carriage from the dire wolves.
"I'll use some of it to get better gear now," Ethan added with a reassuring smile. "You've already done a lot. Let me handle this."
Hestia looked at the bag, then at him, her lips trembling slightly. She wanted to argue, but instead she nodded slowly.
"Just promise you'll come back safe," she said.
Ethan chuckled. "That's the plan."