Dread Runners: A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Dungeon Crawler, page 1
Dread Runners
A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Dungeon Crawler
Eden Redd
Dread Runners: A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Dungeon Crawler
© copyright 2024 Eden Redd
All Rights Reserved
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Cover Art by
TNeptunus
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
A Note from Eden Redd
Chapter 1
The Application
It was a dark and stormy afternoon. Thick gray clouds covered the sky, as the sound of thunder rumbled in the distance. Rain fell from the heavens, beading along a large window, its sole occupant inside sitting patiently.
Simon watched the rain, admiring its beauty. It called to him, like a siren on the rocks. Rainy days were the best, for staying in or going out.
Memories touched Simon’s mind of moments he stood in the rain, his hands up to the dark heavens. How the cold water seeped into his clothes, weighing them down. How the sensations of drops cascaded down his form. How he wished it would last forever, the natural water washing away the darkness within his entire being.
Simon looked down at the rug of the office. It was a deep red. He noticed it was the color of oxen blood, a fine choice for a carpet. It soothed his senses, and relaxed his black spirit.
When a side door opened, Simon snapped awake from his inner thoughts, watching a woman enter and close the door behind her. He smiled with warm eyes.
“I apologize. I was on an important call,” the woman said as she made her way to her desk, pulled out her chair, and sat down.
“It’s no problem at all,” Simon said as he kept his small, excited smile.
Simon watched as the woman tapped on her cellphone, and moved her finger along the screen, scrolling. She wore an expensive silver-gray suit, and white shirt. She had short, perfectly combed black hair. Simon found her pretty, but despite her all-business attitude, he could see the hungry thing coiled around her soul.
In a blink, all Simon saw was a woman, scrolling through her phone. He glanced at the nameplate on her desk. It read “Serenity Draysek: HOA Board Member.”
Serenity began talking without lifting her gaze, “Mr. Simon Shade, I received your application to be part of the Penumbra Springs Gate Community. It’s impressive, considering I remember you from two years ago.”
Simon gave a single nod. “Yes. As you can see, I have improved my tax bracket, credit score, and listed how much is in my accounts.”
Serenity lifted her gaze, and put her phone face down on the desk. She leaned forward a little over her desk, laced her fingers before her, and stared at Simon with all-seeing eyes. There was a flash of lightning from the window, and a crack of thunder followed.
“It took you two years to gain so much. It seems a little odd, don’t you think?” she said with a sharp gaze and tongue.
Simon kept his disarming smile. “Yes, it is.”
The woman eyed Simon, taking in his strong shoulders, handsome features, and something in his eyes that might have unsettled a normal human.
“Two years ago, you had very little except for your background. As an officer of the HOA Board, we take pride in handling any newcomers to the community. We, especially I, like to get our hands dirty from time to time,” Serenity gave Simon a small smile, a pair of small fangs nearly glowing in the rainy light.
“I do,” Simon said, unperturbed by her display of power. “As you know from our last meeting, it has been a dream of mine to live in Penumbra Springs. The whispers of this place are incredible. A place where we can live peacefully, without worrying about normal people trying to hurt us.
“Since I run a bar in Night Haven, I hear the whispers. Normal police have been given phosphorous rounds to handle mythic threats. It’s not safe out there for people like us.”
Simon leaned forward a little with attentive eyes. “No one wants that kind of stress, especially us.”
Serenity eyed Simon for a moment, her finger tapping on the back of her face-down phone.
“You have enough wealth, and income to purchase a modest home here in the community, but we are above board in all matters of business. Our community cannot be linked in any way to illegal activities.
“What I am trying to ask here is, how did you gain so much in so little time, considering you had next to nothing when we first met?”
Simon didn’t blink as he spoke, “I took your words seriously, about building wealth.”
A memory caressed Simon’s mind of moving into the town of Night Haven. It was only meant to be a short transition as he applied to the Penumbra Springs community.
“I went home, and came up with a plan.”
The memory grew of Simon walking into a bar called, “The Lovecraft.” When he sat down, an older man was sitting at the bar beside him. A younger man and woman tended the bar, as the older man sipped from his glass of whiskey. Not wanting to drown in misery, Simon struck up a small conversation with the older man, learning his name was Rodney. They quickly hit it off, the older man enjoying the company, and Simon not dwelling on his own problems.
“I needed to have all my ducks in a row, to demonstrate I can be a valuable member of the community.”
Simon and Rodney laughed and drank the night away. When it came to closing time, Rodney said Simon could stay. They drank until the early morning hours.
When Simon said he needed a job, Rodney hired him on the spot.
“I knew it wouldn’t be easy.”
Months slipped by as Simon worked hard tending bar. Rodney was so impressed with Simon’s work, he gave him his own night. Simon didn’t waste his chance. On his off-hours, he heavily promoted special nights at The Lovecraft. It worked to grab people’s attention, and the bar was packed with patrons enjoying drinks and eclectic music.
“I found a job, saved every cent, and re-invested it.”
Simon used his funds to pay small-time online influencers, and bribed them with free drinks, to talk up the bar. More people came to the place, which meant more money. Rodney was so impressed, he gave Simon more nights to serve drinks to packed houses.
“As my money grew, I gained more confidence.”
Things were going so well with the bar, and the amount of money coming in, Rodney promoted Simon to lead manager. The rest of the staff were not happy, but to smooth things over, Simon allowed them to work with him, off the books. Rodney spent a lot of his time away, saying he didn’t like to drink there when it was crowded. He would come back when it was late, and by that time, much of the staff already left for the evening.
“I was promoted to Lead Manager, and I knew big things were happening to me.”
Simon helped balance the books for the bar, which meant he had access to the computer system. One night after closing, Simon worked on the figures for the day. As he imputed, and corrected amounts, an alert appeared on the screen.
Simon clicked on it, and saw that an offsite server had uploaded several gigs of photos. Curiosity tempted the new manager. He clicked on the link, and was confronted with a pop-up screen, asking for a password.
Simon remembered Rodney saying things during his drunken moments that didn’t seem to make sense. Everyone, including Simon, simply thought the older man was indulging too much, and speaking nonsense. But Simon understood madness when he heard, and saw it. Simon’s mind sharpened as he re-called the strange mutterings from the old man, making the connections. He tried a few possible passwords, and the fourth attempt allowed him access.
“I saved up enough money, and I saw my chance to make a real investment.”
Simon showed no emotion as he saw pictures of women in bondage in a dark room. They wore gags, tears and makeup running down their cheeks. They were naked, and in obvious distress.
Someone stood off to the side with a whip. In some of the pictures, the whip was coming down on them.
Simon remembered watching the news, pictures of women missing on the screen. As he looked through the images, he saw the very same women.
In the very last image, Rodney was smiling at the camera, as a bound woman sobbed.
It was at that moment, Simon saw an opportunity.
“It took some skillful maneuvering, but I knew my time had arrived.”
Rodney came in with a smile, and hugged Simon like he was a relative. They sat down, Simon pouring expensive whiskey into two glasses. Simon told him it was a small celebration, for taking such a big chance with a nobody like him. Rodney was in tears, and hugged Simon again. The two toasted and drank. Simon continued to pour more into Rodney’s cup instead of his own.
It took an hour for the older man to be completely drunk. It was at that moment Simon sprung his plan.
The young manager sat with Rodney. The old man weaved as he could barely keep his eyes open. Simon pulled out a new deed, and slid it to Rodney. The drunken older man looked down with a questioning gaze. Simon informed him that he knew what he was doing, and he had the proof. He could sign over the bar to Simon, or he would go to the police.
Roney grew belligerent. He swung at Simon, but Simon caught his arm by the wrist, and squeezed with supernatural strength. Rodney cried out, but there was no one else there to hear him.
Simon remembered how he felt nothing for the old man. It wasn’t because he was evil, and twisted. It was because he didn’t feel anything toward people who harmed others. He knew the old man was different, his spirit a waste for the dark future Simon had envisioned. The moment he saw the images of the women, everything Simon was doing was out of opportunity, and advancement.
Rodney, knowing he was caught, began to blubber. Simon soothed him with words, and put the pen in the old man’s shaky hands. Rodney sobbed as he signed the deed over to Simon, making him the new owner.
Simon looked at the papers, seeing that everything was in order. He folded them up and put them in his leather jacket pocket, and had one more drink with the older man.
Rodney was soon elated, knowing he dodged justice. He had plenty of money to start a new business, far from here.
That feeling of elation bled away as the sound of sirens touched his ears.
Rodney tried to bolt away as best he could. Simon’s hand struck like a snake, grabbing Rodney’s arm, and making him sit on a barstool. They waited as police officers entered with guns drawn.
Simon let go, and Rodney fell to his knees, sobbing like a child. He was quickly arrested, and Simon handed over the evidence on a thumb drive. He accompanied the officers as they led Rodney out in handcuffs.
After a long talk at the station, and treated like a hero, Simon said his goodbyes to the officers, and took a cab back to his bar, declining a ride from the same officers.
“I made an offer the owner couldn’t refuse. He signed the bar over to me, and I am now the proud owner of The Lovecraft.”
Simon thought about killing Rodney after he signed, but it would have been too messy. Having the police take his former boss away in handcuffs, and Simon coming out smelling like roses was the cherry on top.
Serenity eyed Simon as she drank in his words. She then turned her phone over, and scrolled information up with a finger.
“You have a knack for business. And the information is all here, but there is still something that needs to be discussed.”
“My life is an open book,” Simon said, as thunder rumbled in the distance.
Serenity looked at Simon with serious eyes.
“As you know, our community caters to mythics, people who are not like normal people. But we never had any darklings own property here. It is long believed that most of your kind had returned to your…dark gods?”
Simon nodded with a cheery smile.
“We can talk about it,” he said with unblinking eyes.
Chapter 2
Darkling
The sound of rain thickened beyond the window like an angry beehive. Serenity and Simon sat, as there was a flash of light, followed by another thunderous rumble.
“I meant no disrespect,” Serenity began, “But darklings are rare across Urth. Some say the witch trials were the worst of humanity, but what was done to your people was,” Serenity didn’t finish saying the words.
“It’s okay. We both know it was mass murder, bordering genocide,” Simon smiled.
Simon turned toward the window, watching the rain slip down the glass.
“My people couldn't help themselves. They lived freely, worshiping the dark gods in relative peace. They knew, one day or night, the dark gods would come for them, and take them away to be with them, part of them. There were several large populations that did that very thing, vanishing overnight as they ascended to higher planes of existence.
“The others who remained, saw glimpses of their futures. They didn’t run, or hide. They knew their time here was coming to an end. They embraced it, allowing their madness to consume them as they were murdered in their villages.”
Simon returned his gaze to Serenity, a small smile still present. “I have no memory beyond my adoptive parents. I figured out who I am, what I am. I grew up in a loving home. I had friends. I was happy. But they were not my people.
“I’m a mythic, the dark kind. I can control my black blood to a degree. I’m stronger and faster than most people. I’m no stranger to being different. But I don’t know what it means to be part of a community of my peers. It is why I worked so hard to try and join this community.
“I know there are many different mythics who own property here. I know I will be the only darkling. I’m okay with it. I just want a home where I belong.”
Serenity stared at Simon with focused eyes. There was no hint of emotion, or thought behind her plain mask. Instead, she leaned forward a little more, keeping her hypnotic gaze on Simon’s eyes.
“Your story is convincing,” she said in a normal tone, “But once you join Penumbra Springs, you commit a hundred years to staying here, and being part of a very active community.”
“You mean the Dread Dungeon,” Simon grinned.
Serenity gave a single, serious nod.
“The Dread Dungeon,” she repeated. “Are you aware of its history?”
“Somewhat,” Simon said as his grin turned into a small smile.
“Then let me further explain,” Serenity coming off with an air of superiority, like an adult talking to an innocent child. “The Dread Dungeon is the main activity here in Penumbra Springs. Created by Toric Penumbra, he made the ninety-nine-level dungeon as a means to test, not only our supernatural bodies, but our minds as well.
“The dungeon itself is ever changing, depending how deep a team goes. It is filled with all manner of pocket dimensions, and unusual, ever-changing levels. Each dungeon dive is different from the last. One floor may seem like a dreary stone dungeon. Another level may appear as a forest, with its own sun, clouds, and weather.
“The deeper you go, the harder it gets. The deepest a team ever achieved was the forty-first level.
“The monsters will come in all shapes and sizes. The challenges will grow until you feel like you will never leave it the same way again.”
“It’s okay, you don’t have to keep selling it to me,” Simon smirked.
Serenity blinked before she realized she was standing. The board member sat down, pulled her suit jacket down to adhere to her shoulders for a comfortable fit, and gently ran her palm along the side of her hair, and continued in a plain tone.
“I apologize. I am very passionate. Let us continue,” she said with regal flair.
Simon leaned forward to hear more.
Serenity spoke with a calm demeanor, “The Dread Dungeon rewards the strong, and the clever. Once you enter it, it knows your deepest desires. It will keep your secrets, and reward you with things from your wildest dreams.
“But we live in modern times. Our mages and mystics have discovered ways to monitor teams that enter and explore. We have set up drones to watch and record. They can transverse the pocket dimensions, and remain unseen, and undetected. Our overseer team ensures everyone sees what is happening.
“Being part of Penumbra Springs is not just about community, it’s about engagement and entertainment. The community will cheer teams on. We promote positive enforcement, but do not mistake positivity for friendship. Some enter the dungeon for loot and treasures. Others enter to seek knowledge and wisdom. A few enter for bloody violence. And yet others enter the dungeon to understand themselves, darkling.”
