Arkanos was big. I mean, not just big, but massive.
A sprawling city carved into sheer cliffs, stacked layer by layer with impossible architecture that looked like someone told every fantasy concept artist in the world to go nuts and then greenlit all of it.
Floating markets hovered above the skyline like tethered balloons. Rooftop gardens overflowed with glowing plants. Magical trains zipped through the sky, trailing sparks like glittering centipedes.
A bard was beatboxing with a flute near a food stall.
And there I was, Level fifteen, still wearing gear that reeked faintly of ogre sweat, walking beside Lars as he was currently losing his mind over a glowing cube of floating jelly.
"This is Slime Berry gelatin!" he gasped, eyes wide like a kid in a candy store. "It boosts mana regen for fifty minutes. Do you know how rare this is?!"
I nodded. "Of course. Definitely." I replied, totally not eyeing the dumplings next to it instead
Then we explored some parts of the city.
First, it was the street food bazaar.
Then, a stall owned by a magician who had just turned a potato into a pigeon.
Then, there was the whispering alley, rumored to house a black market run by invisible NPCs.
By the time we found a bench to rest on, my map had a new pin labeled.
Lars was on his third spicy fried mushroom stick when he asked, "We heading in now? Dungeon's still active. Loot boost might still be up."
I glanced skyward. Floating golden notifications drifted lazily:
[DUNGEON]: [Shallow Chambers]
[Status]: [Uncleared]
[Reward Boost]: [Active - 1 Day Remaining]
[Players Lost]: [519]
"Yeah," I muttered. "Not terrifying at all."
I stood, brushing crumbs off my tunic. "We'll go. But first... one more stop."
Lars raised an eyebrow. "Another food cart?"
"No." I smirked. "Something I heard about in that alley. A place called the Archivist's Gate. Supposed to be a hidden library. Lost lore. Maybe... secret skills."
He perked up immediately. "Now that sounds like a side quest."
We pushed through the city's lower rings, through crowds of shouting adventurers, potion-hawkers, and those creepy robed NPCs who looked like they only spoke in riddles and endgame triggers.
Eventually, tucked behind a vine-covered archway and a rusted sigil that pulsed faintly with old magic, we found it.
The Archivist's Gate.
A heavy iron door sat embedded in the stone, guarded by a statue with glowing eyes and a mouth shaped like an open book.
It spoke. "Speak your curiosity, and the gate shall answer."
I looked at Lars. "Wanna try?"
He grinned and asked the statue, "Is there a spell that can turn a potato into a pigeon?"
"Nice joke…" I said. "I wonder if it'll open up for us."
He smirked, "Come on, I'm curious about it!"
Our heads turned as the statue then groaned open.
"See?" he said with a mug look on his face.
I laughed and replied, "Whatever, dumbass!"
Inside, gravity seemed like it took a break. Books floated lazily between shelves. Pages turned mid-air like they were reading themselves. At the center, a glowing-eyed NPC librarian watched us enter without saying a word.
"This place…" Lars whispered. "I think it's full of secret knowledge."
We didn't stay for long. But I found a single parchment, weathered and curled at the edges, that read:
"Those without class may walk roads hidden to all."
I tucked it away without a word.
As the sun dipped low behind Arkanos's silver domes, we made our way toward the dungeon gates.
At least fifty players stood nearby, geared to the teeth, decked in uncommon armor with swords and bows strapped to their backs. Guild banners fluttered. Conversations buzzed.
I stepped forward with Lars, our mismatched gear glinting faintly in the dusk light. Two idiots armed with nothing but side quests, scavenged loot, and misplaced confidence.
"Duo party?" a warrior mocked as we passed. "You're dead meat."
I didn't answer. Lars just smiled.
"Let's show them," he said, "What a pair of losers can do."
"But, Lars…" I replied, trying to stop myself from bursting out in laughter. "You're the only loser here..."
"Oh, really?" he replied. "I won't even bother saving you when you're about to die, stupid!"
I laughed and replied, "I-I was kidding!"
Lars laughed, but behind us, the dungeon gates rumbled open.