I watched the sunset in the sky, enveloping it in a crimson glow—a further reminder that this wasn't the real world. I found myself wondering what lay beyond this dungeon. Was it just a single island? What even are dungeons?
Since the time dungeon breaks began and humans gained systems, no one has been able to answer these questions. There have been many widespread theories, but those are just that—theories. Nothing has been confirmed yet.
However, there is something I have come to realize: dungeons and these so-called monsters gave me a place in the world. If not for them, I would undoubtedly be rotting in a jail cell or just another troubled youth locked away in the juvenile system.
People like Alliah and Luna might see me as broken or corrupted by my upbringing, but that is far from the truth. It is them; they are the ones who are not right in the head. I'm not broken at all. I just thrive in a different environment than others.
As a wise man once said, 'Chaos is a ladder.' Those at the bottom of the barrel of humanity need it to climb their way up. It was chaos that got me out of that mess with my father. When the world was peaceful, I was not.
What choice did I have but to burn it all to hell?
I pushed myself off the ground and onto my feet. I glanced at my watch to see it was almost time for my scheduled date with Luna. I just hoped she wouldn't forget to bring the bridesmaids. But before that, I needed to have a word with my best man.
I found him waiting for me atop a steep slope along with the other groomsmen.
"What took you so long?" he asked in a condescending tone.
"Yuan, it's good to see you. Glad you came."
"Yeah, yeah, spare me the pleasantries," he said, brushing me off. "Where's that girl of yours?"
I took another look at my watch.
"If things go right, she'll be here any moment now," I replied. "Did you and the others finished with the preparations?"
"Yes, we did. Just make sure that girl of yours shows up, or I'll—"
"Yeah, yeah," I brushed him off before he could start with his baseless threats.
He stared at me coldly.
"You know, when you told me your plan that night, a part of me thought you were crazy and that you would never succeed. Let's see if your word is actually worth a damn."
That night, after I had dealt with the members of Cassian's faction, I went to pay Yuan a visit. That's when I told him my plan—my plan to have him take out Cassian so that he could become their next faction leader in his stead. But that wasn't exactly the truth; my real target was someone else. At this point in time, the faction leaders were of no consequence to me.
Yuan was easy to control, all I had to do was dangle a carrot in front of his face. I could just string him along until he was no longer useful.
After a few minutes of waiting, it was finally time for Luna and me to meet. Just then, I saw light coming from the forest, heading toward the spot I had told her to meet me. Their path was between two slopes—the perfect place for an ambush.
It wasn't long before I spotted them. There were six of them in total, and Luna was among them. Yuan's face lit up in excitement as he caught sight of them.
"Cassian is there! It's time! Get the boys!"
"Wait!" I stopped them.
There was something I needed to see—one final task I needed Luna to complete before this was all over. I watched patiently while the others were on edge.
"C'mon, what are you waiting for?! Get your act together!"
I ignored them and kept my eyes fixed on Luna, watching her every move like a hawk until… I saw it. One of Luna's curses, a small firefly that released a delicate purple light, shone majestically in the night. It was etched brilliantly on the back of my target, someone who I never would have found without her sacrifice.
With everything proceeding as planned, I put my mask back over my face and commanded, "Do it now."
Yuan didn't skip a beat; he raised his hand to signal his so-called ace in the hole. Immediately, loud explosions erupted on both sides of the slope. The ground shook violently as a landslide ensued shortly after, barreling down toward Luna and the others.
I could sense panic among them as the landslide ensued. It was a dangerous game, an attack of this level, is most likely to kill them. Yuan and the others could end up in serious trouble because of it.
It's a good thing I was never here. I was on the other side of the island, wondering where the strange girl I had encountered had ran off to.
"You know your girl is going to get caught in all of this," Yuan mocked with a proud smile on his face, but I stayed quiet and watched it all unfold.
She had served her purpose; even if I could, it served no purpose for me to save her.
....
[1 DAY AGO]
[Luna POV]
"Huh," I said, my expression turning to one of confusion.
But instead of clarifying, he repeated himself with the same blank expression he always wore.
"I want you to join Cassian's faction."
Liam said the words, but my mind still couldn't register them. My body felt warm, and my head felt faint.
No!
The word wanted to come out, but deep down, I knew it wasn't a question—it was an order.
"W-why?"
Those were the only words I could muster. Not a hint of emotion was on his face when he replied.
"As things stand, we don't stand a chance against the other factions. I need your help Luna."
He needed me?
Strangely, I began to calm down but his words gave me a shiver.
No one had ever needed me before. Before I knew it, a smile crept onto my lips, and I could feel a slight blush rising on my cheeks, but this time, I didn't care to hide it.
He needed me!
The words seemed almost unreal; I was in a daze, feeling like I was on cloud nine.
Someone needed me.
Before I knew it, his hand swept out and touched the top of my head like I was a mere child. He was taller than me so I had to stare up at him as he spoke.
"Don't worry; if you're in trouble, I'll save you."
He didn't avert his gaze; his emerald eyes seemed to be staring into my soul. That, coupled with the placement of his hand on my head, made me realize:
He's so awkward!
Just like me.
That realization caused me to let out a small giggle, as if I didn't have a care in the world. He stared at me with a blank expression, which made me laugh even more. Before I knew it, I was clutching my stomach, giggling hysterically, my eyes on the verge of tears—but for the first time in a long while, they were tears of joy.
For the first time, I managed to make a friend.
Someone who needed me.