Chapter Text
POV Bjorn
I entered the famous dungeon. I had to go down many spiral stairs until I managed to enter one of the dungeon entrances. I walked in and the walls were light blue. According to what Eina told me, I should only stay on floor 1, although well, if things go well, maybe I can go much lower.
I walked for a while and found my first enemies. They were small, chubby green creatures, so I assumed they were goblins. According to Eina, they were the weakest in the dungeon, but I still needed to be careful... I couldn't help but find a resemblance to the goblins of Solstheim, but I wonder if they will be a headache like them.
I charged at them with a war cry before attacking. There were four of them, and I stabbed the first one in the head with the dagger. When another one tried to jump at me, I grabbed it by the neck and squeezed gently. They were weaker than I thought… this will be easy.
I squeezed the neck harder, making it disappear. I looked at the others and lunged at one, kicking it against the wall, making it explode. Before the last one could escape, I threw the dagger with enough force to kill it.
Seriously, there are people who might find this hard? Well, that doesn't matter now. I have to collect the stones because otherwise, none of this would make sense.
I kept moving forward and found another group. I put the dagger away since it wasn’t necessary; I mean, I could handle this barehanded. I let out another war cry and lunged at them.
One goblin jumped on me, but with a strong headbutt, it was enough to make it vanish. Two more jumped, but with a simple swipe, I knocked one away, and punched the other in the face, breaking its teeth and making it disappear.
There were two more who seemed more scared. They were creatures, without feelings, acting only on instincts, or at least that’s what Eina told me. I lunged at them, grabbed one by the leg, and used it as a weapon to hit the second one, making both disappear. I grabbed the magic stones and went for the one that was barely getting up, so I simply crushed its head. It's curious how even when they vanish, they still release a lot of blood, which I wasn't a big fan of since my normal clothes had been left in Skyrim.
I heard some wolf howls, and when I turned around, it was a kind of werewolf… well, at least similar, though I think they were called kobolds. I put my bracer between its jaws, and when it tried to bite, its teeth broke. It howled in pain, so I simply extended my hand.
Fireball.
The kobold exploded in seconds, although I felt somewhat… tired? It was strange; I could cast a spell like that multiple times without feeling fatigued… maybe it’s just my imagination. Hmm, well, whatever, I’ll keep moving forward.
I saw some kobolds coming out of the walls and just prepared for combat. One of them came straight at me, but I dodged it easily and then buried the dagger right into its nape. One jumped onto my back, but I quickly threw it off and crushed its chest with my leg, making it vanish. I looked at the dagger, and it already seemed to be breaking; it was old, and I was surely not the first one to use it. Though at that moment, I felt something on my right shoulder: one of the kobolds managed to bite me there.
I let out a growl of annoyance and threw it off me. I grabbed it by the snout and slowly forced its mouth open until I broke it, then finished it off by snapping its neck. My wound wasn’t deep, but it was annoying.
—Fast Healing.
I used it and managed to heal the wound, although... that feeling of fatigue again? What could it be? It’s starting to annoy me. Mmmh, better keep going.
There was a rather large group of kobolds and goblins, which excited me even more. It looked like they were chasing something, but I didn’t care much; only one thing mattered: that I would be the one to kill them.
—Bound Sword.
I summoned it in both hands and let out a loud war cry, so loud that the monsters charged at me.
I lunged and quickly slashed two goblin necks, dodged a kobold’s claw swipe to stab my right sword into its chest while slashing another’s neck with my left. I spun around and cut a goblin’s face before burying the sword into another one. They kept coming, and it was a big group; it seemed like I was surrounded. I think it was time to change weapons.
—Bound Axe.
Upon summoning it, I spun and cut about six monsters in half. I buried the axe into a goblin’s head before it could react and sliced a kobold at the waist as it approached.
A goblin leapt at my face, but I pushed it away and threw it against a kobold. That stunned them both, and I charged to slash them both.
I dismissed the axe and started collecting all the stones, but that feeling of fatigue was returning. This time, I felt that every second I had my weapons active, it drained magic, which was illogical, because as far as I remember, once you summon them, you can keep them as long as you want until you dismiss them.
There was a small group nearby, and I decided to confirm my theory.
—Chain Lightning.
When I cast it, the lightning struck all four monsters, making them disappear, but of course, it also affected me; my hand was numb and took a few seconds to recover. Something was definitely happening, and—
—HELP!
I heard that and went to check. I saw a group of three people being surrounded by monsters:
A warrior who was injured.
A mage using his staff to fend off the monsters.
And a small... kid? With a backpack much larger than him.
—Summon Bound Bow.
Upon summoning it, I landed four shots straight to the heads of the four kobolds, managing to save them.
I approached to speak with them, although I suppose my appearance, covered in monster blood, didn’t help much. Still, what seemed to be a forest elf spoke to me.
—S-sir, t-thank you so much for helping us —she said while bowing.
I focused on the warrior... did he have dog ears and a tail?
I crouched down and extended my hand.
Healing Hands.
The dog-man was enveloped in a golden light, and little by little, his wounds began to heal.
—That should be enough. I’m not the best at healing, but it will do for now —I said as I helped him to his feet.
—Woah! I... thank you, you saved my life —the warrior said, grateful.
—Yes, sir, thank you very much for your help —the child said.
I stared at him, and he seemed a bit nervous.
—Is something wrong, sir? —he asked, a bit worried.
I turned to the elf and the warrior.
—Don’t you think it’s a bit irresponsible to bring a child into the dungeon? —I said honestly, which made the elf giggle and the dog-man laugh even louder. The so-called child seemed offended.
—HEY! I’m not a child, I’m a pallum, and I’m 27 years old, for your information —he said, and I stared at him, surprised. He’s older than me.
—I’m not from here, it’s the first time I’ve seen something like this, my apologies —I said, a bit vague but sincere—. How did this happen? How did you attract so many monsters?
—We tried to reach the 5th floor, but we were quickly cornered. We tried to run, but they caught up to us —said the warrior, referring to his wound.
—5th floor? So, this is the 4th floor? —they all nodded—. Mmmh, looks like I skipped Eina’s rules too quickly —I muttered to myself.
—You seem very strong. You used magic I’ve never seen before and saved our lives, although... —the pallum said, looking a bit sadder.
—Although what?
—We haven’t collected much money lately, and we couldn’t handle the problem on our own. We’re a failure —the elf said, and they all looked discouraged.
I didn’t want to lie to them; it really did seem like this was too much for them. Still, maybe I could give them a bit of help. After all, I do have a charitable streak.
I took out some of the graniates, magical stones (more specifically from the four kobolds I killed to save them) and a goblin fang.
—This should be enough for today, right? —I asked, and the three of them were in shock. They thanked me and left.
POV Eina
I was working on some reports before I could leave, though I couldn’t stop thinking about Bjorn, about how bad of an idea it was to let him go. He might be dead by now, or worse, and…
Eina, isn’t that the guy you attended to this morning? – Misha said, and I just turned to look. It was Bjorn, with some monster blood on him, but he seemed really fine.
So, you didn’t have any problems, right? – I asked, somewhat worried.
I had no problems. I told you I would manage, and that’s what I did. – he said confidently. I really couldn’t doubt him at this point, but still, something inside me said it was just luck.
Well, I guess you’re right. How far did you go? – I asked, a bit more serious.
To the second floor. – he said confidently, though something told me he was lying.
Well, I guess congratulations then. Change your stones at the counter. – I told him, and he went to do so.
He took out a pretty full bag and emptied it. It seemed like a total of… 5,000 valis? On his first day? What a weird guy.
Well, that’s all. Thanks for everything. – he said, leaving the place. It seems my worries were put aside, though I could hear how Misha had won a bet on how long he would survive… that idiot.
POV Bjorn
I walked for a while as it got dark. I had to find somewhere to sleep, and honestly, it could be anywhere. I mean, I once slept in the middle of a snowstorm near Ventalia, monster-filled dungeons, and mercenary castles, so I didn’t have a problem with the place. But a smell snapped me out of my thoughts.
The place was called The Hostelry of Fertility. I went inside, and the place seemed pretty full. I sat at the bar and was attended by a woman with brown hair tied in a ponytail, who seemed a bit older than me.
Hey, a new adventurer? Tell me, what can I get you? – she asked as I looked at the menu, and she was already serving beer. Thank goodness.
I want a plate of pasta with vegetables and some beer. – I said while they served me the beer, and I immediately drank it.
Okay! DID YOU ALL HEAR, GIRLS? A PLATE OF PASTA WITH VEGETABLES! – the manager shouted.
You know, I haven’t seen you around here. Are you new? – she asked.
Yeah, it’s my first day as an adventurer.
And on your first day, you come to spend it on beer? What a guy. What’s your name? – she said, somewhat amused.
Bjorn.
How peculiar… I’m Mia Grand, the manager here. Do you come from a family or something?
No, not for now. Today is my first day. – I said, and she seemed somewhat surprised.
You’re really something. If you want to stay somewhere, you’re welcome here. A thousand valis for the night. – said Mia Grand as she passed me my food.
300 for the drink,
600 for the bowl,
1000 for the night.
Hmm, not too bad.
After finishing my meal, one of the waitresses, who was a sort of Khajiit, though more humanoid, showed me to the room. It was nice and big enough for me. I took off my armor and was left in my underwear. I’ll see if I can get some more casual clothes. I opened my backpack to see what I managed to bring.
A bunch of keys and notes, which won’t help me at all.
Some septims, though they’ll be more of a keepsake.
Gold necklaces and rings I made to practice my blacksmithing; I think I’ll sell them.
A few scrolls; I’ll see what they are.
The Star of Azura, I think it won’t be useful anymore, but it’ll make a nice keepsake.
And of course, my journal…
I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. Everything had happened so quickly… in the morning, I was fighting the World-Eater Dragon, and now I was… here.
At least I know I brought security to Tamriel, but I left so many things unfinished and people I’m going to miss. It’s been two years since my journey began from Helgen, and everything has happened to me. It’s not easy to leave all that behind. My friends, my pets, my daughters… I just hope they’re okay. I let out a small tear that I wiped away, and I could only accept that Alduin had defeated me…
The next day I woke up, took a shower, got ready, and checked the time: it was 6 a.m.
I went downstairs and there was one of Mia’s employees. I think her name was Anya, a catgirl with brown hair, brown eyes, and matching cat ears and tail.
—Oh, if it isn’t the new guy —she said, greeting me with a small smile. I returned the gesture.
—Heading out this early? Isn’t it a bit too soon to go to the dungeon? —she asked, adding a small cat-like meow at the end. Are they all like this, or just her?
—The earlier I head out, the better I’ll do in the dungeon —I replied.
—Tch, you adventurers are always in such a rush. Always ready to throw yourselves into the lion’s den —she said, crossing her arms—. Though I guess that’s what makes you interesting.
I let out a small chuckle.
—I’ve been through worse.
—Oh, really? I’d love to hear that story someday —she said, leaning on the counter with curiosity.
—Maybe next time.
—Deal —she replied with a smile. Then she seemed to remember something—. Oh, by the way, Mia told me to give you this —she said, handing me a food package—. She said it’s better to go with a full stomach, and I made it myself, so don’t worry, it’s on the house.
Anya seemed a little proud when she mentioned she had prepared it herself.
The place was quite cozy and was already solving both my food and lodging problems.
—Thanks —I said, taking the food—. Tell Mia to hold the room for me, I’ll be back tonight.
—Sure, I’ll let her know. And hey, don’t go dying in there, okay? —she added playfully.
—No promises —I replied with a faint smile as I walked away,
Timeskip
It’s been a week since I started living in this new world, and to be honest, things haven’t gone too badly. There are a couple of things I’d like to highlight from this week.
To start with, yes, I’ve been staying at Mia’s bar. It was the most affordable option, and honestly, I’ve already settled into the place. I’ve talked more with the staff; we’re not exactly friends, but at least it’s no longer awkward. Though, I have spoken more often with Anya and Mama Mia. Every day I’ve left at 6 in the morning and returned around 6 in the evening to grab something to eat. Obviously, I’ve been buying my meals, but it’s fine since I’ve been earning a decent amount.
Speaking of that, I made some money selling a few things I brought from Skyrim. I managed to gather 50,000 valis. With that money, I bought a couple of new weapons and a light armor to wear underneath my dragon armor. It might seem dumb not to swap it out completely, but it’s still pretty durable.
I bought a longsword, a two-handed axe, a shortbow with 30 steel arrows, and a leather shield. Anya asked why I got so much equipment, and the truth is, you can never be too prepared. I’ve always been used to wielding a variety of weapons; it helps me stay versatile in combat.
As for the dungeon, I’ve only made it down to the 6th floor. I haven’t wanted to go further since the monster cores are easier to recognize there, and Eina might figure out I’m not sticking to the first floor and ban me until I find a familia.
Speaking of which, I’ve been doing my research, and I want to be selective. Choosing which god to serve is pretty important. The blessing might be the same, but I want to serve someone truly worth it.
I considered the Freya Familia and the Loki Familia at first, but Freya’s is way too selective, and Loki’s only accepts adventurers with a record, which I don’t have.
I also thought about the Ganesha Familia, but I don’t think that eccentric lifestyle fits me.
Meanwhile, I’ve been wandering the streets of Orario, mostly to enjoy myself and learn more about the city. Sometimes, I also help Mia with a few deliveries.
Today, while eating some fried potatoes at a food stall, I couldn’t help but strike up a conversation with the girl running it.
—So, you don’t have a familia? —she asked, curious.
—No, not yet. I haven’t decided which one to join, but I think I’ll keep looking around.
—Well, that ends today because… would you like to join mine? —the girl with black hair and twin tails said out of the blue.