Dungeon Diver: Stealing a Monster's Power

Chapter 10

"Alright everyone, it's time to enter the dungeon! All students without a chaperone please stay close to Mr. Raynard and me. Those of you with chaperones please stay nearby as we enter the dungeon and wait for our instructions before venturing off on your own."

We all got in line in pairs of 2 and hopped through the blue twisting portal. Right before it was our turn I noticed Maria's nervous eyes and grabbed her hand moments before jumping through. She didn't say a word, just grabbed my hand back a bit tighter. Her eyes shifted, looking more determined as she stared down the portal and jumped through with me.

When we made it to the other side. There was a common reaction from all the students. They all started feeling the grass, looking at the sky, and turning around in circles. With wide eyes Maria was doing the same.

"Wuaaaawwww it's really pretty in here."

I had a similar reaction my first time seeing it, so I can't judge much. The two Reps let us admire the new world for about a full minute then Abby spoke up again.

"Alright, now that you've seen the inside of the dungeon for yourself let's get started. Students without chaperones follow Mr. Raynard and me. The rest of you may explore with your chaperones. Chaperones, have your student partners defeat 1 goblin. You are all experienced hunters, so use your own judgement to step in and help if needed. Everyone meet back up here by the portal in exactly 1 hour. Let's gooo!"

7 students followed the 2 Reps from the association, the rest of the students and hunters disbursed in different directions. Maria and I headed straight forward and ventured into the tall grass.

"Hey Jayy, how strong are the monsters here?"

She looked up at me as we walked with a bit of a concerned look on her face.

"They're goblins. I'd say they have the strength and speed of a 15 year old boy, but the body of a 4 year old child. I'll be close by when you fight, but I don't think you'll need any help. My first time it took me 3 clean hits with that same dagger, just make sure to attack quick without hesitation and dodge when you're in danger. The goblins use small handmade knives so be on guard for those. You're much smarter than a goblin. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll beat it without a problem."

I smiled and nodded. She looked a bit more confident but still held the dagger tight and walked close by my side.

About 10 minutes of walking went by and we heard a rustling in the grass. The familiar dank goblin smell filled the air.

"A goblin is here, I'll leave it to you Maria. Give it all you got, I'll be close behind you."

A moment later the small green man came out of the grass. Maria squared up with it and they both eyed each other for a full 2 seconds.

The goblin made the first move and charged forward with its blade drawn in front of it. Maria dodged to the left side and let the monster run past her. She lunged in from behind and got a clean strike right in the back.

"Guuuuahhhh"

The goblin squealed. I was honestly surprised, I didn't expect her to react so quickly. It looks like Maria is a pretty decent fighter.

The goblin ripped its body away from the blade and turned to face her again. It charged angrily, Maria lunged to the right and gave the goblin a quick and graceful slash to the abdomen. Then in the same movement she pivoted back behind the goblin and stabbed it again in the back of the head. The goblin let out a sad grunt and collapsed.

I walked towards Maria and slowly clapped.

"Damn, I didn't know you could fight like that. I didn't even have to think about stepping in, good for you!"