The smell of freshly mowed grass clung to the summer air, mixing with the humidity of the morning.

  “Samuel?” a calming female voice called out the back door of a two story townhouse.

  Sam turned his head before frowning. Looking down at his hands, they were small, childlike, and covered in dirt. A small hand shovel was next to him, still filled with soil from the garden.

  On his side were several unplanted flowers that needed tending to. Violets, tulips, morning glories, and even a few lilies. All varieties of colors were present, and their scent was heady and welcoming.

  “Yes, Mama?” Sam asked back, falling into the habit of addressing his mother.

  “It’s time for lunch,” his mother responded before closing the screen door. The thwack of cheap metal striking the door frame jarred Sam’s ears as he got up.

  Brushing off his knees, he wiped away as much dirt as he could before heading inside.

  “Clean your hands,” Mother said while waving a wooden spoon at Sam playfully.

  Giggling, Sam dodged around her while moving to the sink.

  Water ran over his hands, hard and unfiltered. The pressure was perfect for erasing any signs of dirt, and when mixed with the citrus soap, he was clean in no time.

  “What are we having, Mama?” Sam asked.

  “Sandwiches,” Mother answered. Her voice was soft as if Sam would be offended.

  He had a sandwich the day before, and for several days before then. He was eight years old, but he knew that his parents didn’t have much money. In fact, the flowers he was planting came from his neighbor that saw he had a passion for growing a garden.

  He didn’t have many toys, and only his friends had video games. Instead of going to their houses over summer, he stayed at home and helped out around the house. Anything to ease his mother’s worries.

  Drying his hands, Sam moved to the table and looked over the cracked plate and the small white bread sandwich. There was only a few layers of meat and a single slice of cheese. Cheap bologna, with butter as the only sauce. Mother did salt and pepper the sandwich, but he knew he would be hungry again before dinner.

  Mother sat across from him and picked up her own sandwich. “How is your garden going?”

  Sam smiled. “Good. I’ll be able to sell the flowers to the florist when they grow.”

  “Sam…” Mother trailed off, shaking her head.

  “I don’t have much more to plant,” Sam said, his voice full of energy as he tried to cheer up his mother. “After that, I’ll vacuum.”

  Mother nodded. “Thank you, Sam.”

  Smiling wide, he bit into his sandwich and did his best to enjoy the bland taste of lunch. The white bread and bologna overpowered the miniscule use of salt and pepper. The butter helped the bite go down, and Sam forced himself to keep smiling.

  Looking out the window, Sam knew it was going to be another perfect day…

  ***

  An explosion threw Sam into his garden as smoke billowed into the air. His heart raced as his ears rang. Heat from a nearby fire made him sweat and his skin turn red.

  Wiping his eyes, he looked back at his house. Or at least, what was left of his house.

  Wood was still falling down from the sky as the flames climbed higher, trying to draw in the debris.

  “Mama!” Sam screamed as he scrambled awkwardly towards the house.

  Tripping over himself, he hit his knee on a rock before crying out in pain. His eyes watered as he inched closer to the house before a pair of strong arms grabbed him.

  “We have to run!” an elderly voice yelled.

  Sam looked up and found his neighbor pulling him towards the alley behind his house.

  “Mama!” Sam screamed again, trying to fight back against the old lady.

  “Samuel Tinner!” she snapped. “You need to run!”

  The tone of her voice made Sam stop. She never yelled at him. She was always sweet and kind.

  Then he saw the first shadow. A monster from the video games his friend played. It was small and humanoid with floppy ears.

  A goblin.

  But instead of carrying a club or sword, it held a bomb. It ran towards his neighbor's house before throwing itself through the window.

  Sam had a moment to hear the glass shatter before the house exploded. The shockwave threw him and his neighbor into the alley.

  Rolling across the ground, Sam felt his knees scrape against the asphalt and his hands tear open.

  His ears started to ring again before his neighbor grabbed him again. “S—”

  She was saying something, but he could only stare in half lidded eyes as he swayed from side to side.

  She started to shake him.

  “Sa—”

  A sharp crack of pain struck his cheek and his vision cleared. She had slapped him.

  “Run, Sam!” she screamed as she pushed him forward.

  Sam didn’t hesitate. He started to run.

  ***

  Sam bolted upright, his sheets and blanket falling off his body. Sweat coated him as he gasped for air, the room slowly lighting.

  “Dammit…” he muttered as he wiped his eyes.

  Crust and tears smeared from his fingertips as he fought to control his breathing.

  Falling backwards, he let his head hit his pillow. Then his body protested.

  Hissing in pain, he felt like his body was on fire as sore muscles tried to stretch and fought against his movements. His back ached. His arms felt like they were lead. Even his legs and neck hurt. And after that nightmare, his head hurt from a pounding headache.

  Taking a few minutes to calm himself, he looked up at the ceiling. “How many days has it been, Martha?”

  The AI answered. “Eighty-four days of nightmares, Samuel Tinner.”

  Sam nodded.

  Sitting up, he looked towards the portal. His pickaxe was leaning against the wall with his sword and armor.

  “Why does it have to be real?” Sam asked himself.

  Sliding his feet out of his bed, he touched his toes to the cold floor. “Martha?” Sam questioned.

  Instantly, the floor heated up to a comfortable temperature. Curling his toes on the tile, he smiled.

  “Thanks, Martha.”

  “You’re welcome, Samuel Tinner.”

  Moving slowly and carefully, he made his way over to his desk. A small vial filled with red liquid was resting next to his mouse. Picking it up, he downed it in a couple of gulps.

  Instantly, he started to feel better. His muscles started to heal, and strength returned to him.

  “Why couldn’t that have worked last night,” Sam grumbled.

  He had of course tried to heal his body the night before, but the healing potion didn’t do anything other than give him a small boost of energy. Now that his muscles had time to sit, he was able to heal them.

  With renewed energy, he moved over to the fridge and pulled out yogurt and granola. It would be a simple breakfast, but right now, he needed simple.

  That, and he couldn’t cook. The AI always had meals ready for him. At least it did a before his integration day.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  Chewing the crunchy granola, he listened to it echo in his head as he stared towards the pickaxe. He had already made more money than should be possible for the tutorial, and he was only going to earn more.

  Setting his empty bowl in the sink, he left it to self-clean before picking up his leather vest and slipping it on. His clothes were simple, bland cotton that acted as his wear for everything. After tossing his torn and bloody clothes from yesterday into his hamper, they were repaired and cleaned.

  Someday, he would like something other than white clothing, but now wasn’t the time to spend on something so needlessly.

  Slipping on his belt and shoes, he nearly finished preparing for the dungeon. After securing his lantern and sword, he picked up his pickaxe, and double checked his inventory.

  Two Minor Healing Potions were resting inside the first box, and he prayed that he wouldn’t need them today.

  Closing his eyes, he readied himself before stepping through the portal.

  His vision swam as he opened his eyes and adjusted to the dim light. The scent of rot immediately assaulted him, and he gagged, still not used to leaving his domain.

  Forcing himself to keep his breakfast down, he started walking. He wanted to make it to the second room today, and was hoping to clear it and maybe the third while mining everything he could find.

  There wouldn’t be more than five or six rooms in the tutorial, and he was praying that he would build up a tolerance to killing before the boss.

  As he reached the first cavern, he was forced to turn on his lantern and let it hang from his belt. The fire that once lit the interior had long since burned out, and the lingering scent of roasted mushrooms filled the air.

  Moving through the cavern, he panned over it with his lantern halfheartedly. He wanted to feel secure that he didn’t leave any ore or crystals behind.

  When nothing shimmered, he entered the next tunnel. The same lichen and moss-covered walls greeted him as he moved deeper into the dungeon. The purple mushrooms guided him towards the next cavern, and he turned off his lantern to save energy.

  Guided by the dim purple light, he found the next cavern after nearly ten minutes. The walk worked his legs as he adjusted to moving around more than a small circle in his apartment.

  Before stepping into the large cavern, he noticed stalagmites and stalactites had fused together to create three pillars that blocked part of his view. Despite them, he could still see the three goblins resting around a small burning fire.

  Smoke drifted to the ceiling before simply disappearing. The goblins’ backs were to him as they chatted in their guttural language.

  With his pickaxe in hand, he stepped into the room. He had to kill them if he was going to make more money.

  Moving through the shadows. Sam snuck over to the pillar that was closest to his targets. He knew what he had to do and after killing yesterday, he felt a little more confident in himself. That, and his dream about the goblin wanted him to avenge his mother.

  Stepping out from behind the pillar, he ran forward. His stride was uneven and his footsteps loud, causing the goblins to turn towards him.

  They screeched and grabbed their spears.

  Sam swung as he was within reach and impaled the nearest goblin in the chest with his pick. Blood squirted from the body as he pulled his weapon free. Then he paused.

  Looking at his pick, Sam realized what he had just used.

  A sharp pain on his side reminded him that he was still in battle and he lashed out. The tip of his pick broke the hand of the attacker, ripping the spear from Sam’s side.

  The third goblin circled around him, but Sam learned from yesterday and moved with it. Keeping them both in front of him, he dashed forward just as the third goblin moved.

  Swinging his pick, he impaled the head of the second goblin before taking a grazing wound to his thigh.

  Hissing in pain, he spun as best he could to face the last goblin. Edging to the side, he tried to find an advantage over the monster, but there was no opening.

  His thoughts were muddled as pain radiated from his thigh and side. Sam could feel the blood seeping through his clothes, then an idea came to him.

  He didn’t know if it would work, but he had to try.

  Flipping on his lantern, he aimed it at the goblin, blinding his foe as it threw its arms up to cover its eyes.

  Desperate to take advantage of the moment, Sam lunged and swung. His pick buried itself in the ribcage of the goblin, before he pulled it out with a squelching noise.

  The goblin fell to the ground, dead.

  Lowering his pick, Sam took several deep breaths as he kept his food down. He felt better than yesterday, but just barely. He mostly thanked the adrenaline that was flowing through him.

  Taking out a potion, he downed the contents in a single gulp. His side and thigh healed, and he started to look around.

  Lifting the lantern from his belt, he shined the walls and floor closest to the next tunnel. It didn’t take him longer than a few seconds to find the telltale shimmer of a hidden node.

  “Yes!” Sam cheered.

  Hanging his lantern from his belt again, he moved to the shimmer and started mining. The hammering strikes of his pick felt good compared to killing, and he started to smile.

  His smile grew even more pronounced as a metallic gleam reflected lantern light.

  As it became visible enough to touch, Sam inspected it.

  Steel Ore: An ore one grade higher than iron. Unnaturally forming in the wilds, it is a rare find in mines across the universe.

  Shrugging at the description, Sam started mining again. It only took a few more minutes to get the large chunk of steel free from the ground, and with another smile, he added it to his inventory.

  Moving around the cavern, he found three additional mining spots. After a little more than two hours, he freed all of the ore, finding mostly iron, and one jewel that looked like a large topaz. And when inspected, he learned that it was a Sun Topaz. It was rarer than a normal Topaz, so he was hoping it would sell for more.

  Stretching out his arms, he didn’t feel as sore as yesterday. Instead of taking a break, he started moving to the next cavern. It would be his third dungeon room and if he could clear it, he would still have five days to finish the dungeon.

  ***

  The third cavern had three goblins in it. Two with spears, and the third with leather armor and a rusty shortsword.

  “That’s different, and not good,” Sam whispered to himself.

  Running his hands along the length of his pick, he prepared himself. The cavern was vast and open with three campfires lighting it up. The goblins roamed between all three, talking and scanning their surroundings.

  After a few deep breaths, Sam rushed into the room. His footsteps echoed loudly as he closed in on his foes.

  The goblins didn’t seem surprised by his appearance and stood their ground near the fires.

  Sam learned why as the dim light made it hard to make out the goblins’ forms. The purple haze was just enough to confuse the darkness with the light, hampering Sam as he moved forward.

  Not stopping, Sam went with a new idea.

  The first goblin to face him was a spear wielder. Sam dug his pick into the flaming mushrooms and flung them over the body of the goblin.

  Screams of pain filled the air as the fire was scattered and flesh was burned.

  Sam cut off the screams a moment later, his pick finding purchase in the throat of the goblin.

  The other two goblins roared in anger before charging. Sam spun to face the next spear wielder and prepared to dodge.

  His step to the side was more of a stagger as he acted like he knew what he was doing. The goblin missed, but the sword wielder was close behind, dragging his sword across Sam’s leather vest.

  To both the goblin’s and Sam’s surprise, the rusty blade failed to cut through. That gave Sam the perfect opportunity to strike the spear wielder in the back, bringing the monster down.

  The sword wielder forced Sam back before he could retrieve his pick. Dashing in and out of range, the goblin pushed Sam back until he was nearly at the wall.

  Running out of space, Sam drew his own sword and parried the next blow. The jarring impact nearly made Sam drop his weapon, but sheer fear kept his grip white knuckled.

  Screaming in panic and adrenaline, Sam stepped forwards and stabbed. The goblin started to jump back, but the tip of the sword pierced its chest, cutting through its heart.

  Sam let the sword go as the goblin dropped to the ground. Blood pooled from the wound, leaving behind an iron and coppery scent.

  Taking deep breaths, Sam did his best to calm down. His heart raced as he nervously scanned the cavern for any more monsters.

  When nothing moved, he realized that he was getting better. He didn’t feel like throwing up this time, but his hands still shook as he moved to pull his sword free.

  Frowning at the bloody blade, he wiped it on his pants to clean it as best he could. Sliding it back in the scabbard, he retrieved his pick before scanning the cavern with his lantern.

  Only two shimmers greeted him this time but what he found was worth the entire struggle of the day.

  ***

  Steel Ore: Ninety-four percent pure. Six pounds. Average selling price of Steel Ore is currently thirty-five Dux per ounce.

  Iron Ore: Ninety-five percent pure. Nine pounds. Average selling price of Iron Ore is currently twenty-five Dux per ounce.

  Sun Topaz: Ninety-eight percent pure. Four ounces. Average selling price of Sun Topaz is currently five hundred Dux per ounce.

  Mana Crystal: Ninety-nine percent purity. One pound. Average selling price of Mana Crystals is currently three hundred Dux per ounce.

  Sam whistled as his Dux account reached over sixteen thousand. After the cost of his healing potions from the night before, and his previous balance, he was sitting far above what other tutorial people should be at.

  Smiling, he started scrolling through the shop. He had stumbled upon a section the night before about upgrading his domain. Adding rooms and furniture.

  With the amount of money he had, he quickly decided on adding a dedicated bedroom. It would be about the same size as his current studio apartment, but with a nicer bed, end tables, and lamps. A dresser and closet would allow him to store future clothes.

  As for his old bed, he sold it for a paltry fifty Dux.

  When he hit submit, his domain shook, and a door appeared on the side wall where his bed used to be. It was a plain wooden door that he opted for instead of paying extra for a fancy one.

  Still, at the cost of seven thousand Dux, he had a new room.

  Rubbing his hands together, he looked at his account and smiled at the nine thousand odd Dux still waiting for him. He had enough for more potions, and a new set of armor that would help him through the rest of the dungeon.

  He knew what he needed to do.

  With his mind made up, he purchased three more potions and the full leather armor for six thousand Dux.

  Looking at his account, he felt poor once again. Despite still having over three thousand Dux.

  Shaking his head, he unpacked his new armor and set it aside. His leather vest would stay for now as a backup piece of equipment. But even after a quick inspection, he could tell that the new armor was a step above what he had been using. It was thicker, more durable, and he didn’t think the goblins would get through it.

  His movements would be hampered until he got used to it, but that was a small price to pay for safety. And with using the pick as his weapon of choice, he started plotting for the next cavern.

  He didn’t expect the pick to feel so natural to him, but it was perfect. It was sharp enough to kill and had the added use of making him rich.

  Wetting down a washcloth, he settled in to clean his pick and sword. He made sure to dry them thoroughly, but after his next haul, he was going to have to oil them. They needed to be maintained if he was going to succeed as a delver.

  After cleaning up his boxes, and making an early dinner, he settled at his computer. Pulling up the news, he read over the loss of domains.

  There were none.

  Sam’s heart felt a little lighter as he shut down his computer and moved to his new bedroom. The sooner he got to bed, the sooner he could finish the dungeon. If everything went well, tomorrow would see the end of his tutorial dungeon and the addition of his class. Not to mention the Summoning Token that was sure to come in handy.

  ***

  The young woman floated in the gray void, looking around wildly as screams filled the air.

  “Another gone…” she whispered.

  A light mist started drifting in, floating up from the bottom of where she was. Her arms and legs outstretched as they flailed in the open air, trying to swat away the fog.

  “Stay away!” she screamed.

  Her tail swayed behind her, batting the mist and pushing it away from her body. Her breathing quickened as the fog began to envelope her and the world started to change.

  “Not again,” she pleaded.

  Time ceased to mean anything in the void as the mist spread out and forms started to appear. A slithering sound grew closer as the true monster of the void made itself known.

  “Go away,” she sobbed. “Leave me alone!”

  Closing her eyes, she refused to look at the merging shapes in the mist. They weren’t real. They were never real.

  The tentacle monster was very real however. It claimed soul after soul of those that were weak. The young woman refused to be weak. She knew what had happened to her and how she ended up in this void. She knew that she would be summoned to a worthy delver. She only had to hold out.