Dungeon Crawl Academy

Chapter 2 - Settling In

Student ID: 002 - 1383 - 112
Name: Aran Ragnarok
Class: Warlock
Date: August 28, 100 AR
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Today was okay, I guess. I know two of my roommates, one of whom is definitely out to kill me, and the other of which is benevolent, to my knowledge.

Enter Zachary Eranis. Dawn Elf Templar, ranked 3. Despite that, he apparently holds no bias towards me, ranked 27. A queer discrepancy.

Enter Erigor Windbellow. Half Giant Warrior, ranked 7. As per the norm, he holds a bias toward me, due to the 20 rank gap.

It is said that if you are 10 ranks higher than someone, it is shameful to be around them. Clearly, Erigor holds that ideal, while Zachary does not. I am quite thankful for someone to defend me, as my physical skills are quite under par. I do wish to meet my other two party members before the day is out, as knowledge is everything.

A party is a group of students who explore a dungeon together. Size may vary, see your local branch for details. Side effects may include: I could begin to rattle off a long list, but I prefer not to.

Of course, the other two members are girls, so I will not be able to meet them until tonight, at the banquet.

Don't worry, this entry goes that long, so you'll see them eventually.

On my way to the registration office, I ran into a small group of Alphas idly chatting about classes and other boring information. Naturally, they accosted me, asking what class I was, what dorm I was in. They were relieved that our classes had no overlap, but one boy, Erigor, found that he was in the same dorm I was, and wasn't pleased. He took out his anger on me.

That's what I have blood in my face, and, unbeknownst to all onlookers, a massive scar on my chest.

I think it's just a tough guy act, that he felt he needed to physically hurt a lesser race to show superiority, rather than just talking down to them. Then again, he's chosen to pick on the boy used to both.

I am, despite being born to two normal parents, a Wingtail Dusk Elf. The name is quite self explanatory. I have demonic wings and a pointed tail. I hide both in my clothes, however. Why?

As it turns out, Wingtail Dusk Elves are actually considered to be around rank 36, in contrast to the normal 27. Why? The bat wings I possess as well as the tail are signs of demonic power, therefore labeling me essentially a Demonspawn. So in reality, I am 29 ranks lower than Erigor, and a grand 33 ranks lower than Zachary. Little do they know.

36 is the lowest rank of the 'Favored Species'. These are species that are allowed in public areas. They rank 1 through 36. The Deus, or gods, are ranked 0, and have a separate Tier known as the Delta Tier. Any form of pure demon is ranked 37 to 40, and is given the Omicron Tier.

So, without knowing it, Erigor was three times justified for beating me up. So I don't complain, nor do I object to Zachary's newfound spite for Erigor. Frankly, it's good to have someone on my side with a bit of influence. You can't get much higher than rank 3.

Let's fast forward a bit.

Zachary is helping me (kindest Alpha I have met, although for me that's not a high bar to set) sort my clothes (minimal, I'm not from a wealthy background per se), make my bed, and other necessities for living in a dormitory.

In the meantime, we converse about courses, magic, and other fascinating topics.

Despite our 24 rank gap, Dawn and Dusk Elves have a huge amount in common, with the exception of their social status. This leads to us having a lot to talk about.