Darien stood before the revolving portal with azure light.
A dungeon bridge manifesting between settlements was not a common sight.
He had taken a long transit to get here because rift compasses only granted swift passage to places the user could recall vividly.
All around were other waiting aspirants eager to clear the dungeon.
They consisted of just two small parties and two guilds. Darien stood out as the only solo warrior.
While the bridge continued to prepare itself, he quietly observed everyone.
Ayn's betrayal had made him hyperaware of groups; now, he always looked for the one who would betray if given the chance—because there was always one.
"Broken Strike Guild! We march first as always! No beasts, no traps, no curse can stop us!"
The leader of an unpopular guild shouted for morale, twin axes slung across his back.
Roaring back in response, his guildmates slammed their weapons together as the bridge became ready.
