#bomnotz

adventurers really do get the worst jobs, don't they. things people don't want to do themselves, they pawn off to adventurers--and that includes the dirty business of killing monsters in the area, whether to seize their treasures or to cut their bodies up for materials or just because they're a nuisance. dragons have the unfortunate reputation of being treasure-hoarders with skin as tough as steel and a habit of clearing entire farms of their herds, making them prime targets for elimination.

well, not that light's been on many of those dragon-slaying bills. only just heard about them in passing, like stories about labyrinths underneath caves or castles under the ocean. not fantasies, but certainly unreachable adventures. their party today, though--assigned by the guild, based on rank and location--are a sage, a landsknecht, and a hunter. they haven't gotten along much... despite two days of travel, they've hardly shared a word with each other.

the mountain climb is the worst part of the endeavor, though. while their flying-cloud spell can carry one person with ease for a few minutes, carrying four people plus the weight of their baggage is far too unwieldy, and they end up nearly crashing into the side of the mountain. "are you trying to get us killed?!" one says; "i thought you were a graduate?" says another.

"i am, but--" light begins to protest, but they wouldn't hear it, leaving light far behind as the perch to the dragon's nest loomed. i could turn around now and they wouldn't even know, light thinks, but shakes the thought from their head and runs to keep up.

but their party is nowhere to be found. within the dark of the cave, only the reflected light of the outside sun etches outlines on objects in the murk, and their companions' attire aren't among them. "--everyone? where are you?"

how... where would they have vanished to?

light finds their answer with a rumbling sound behind them, and a puff of warm air.

...i'm not making it out of this cave alive.