Ren was quickly introduced to his team—the so-called “elite strike squad” of Prosperous Guild.

  They were the guild’s spearhead, the ones who usually brought home the glory and the headlines.

  Not that Ren cared. He wasn’t here for fame. He was here for the cheddar.

  It was a standard five-person composition: one main tank, two DPS, himself as the cleric, and an off-tank/DPS hybrid to round things out.

  Victor clapped his hands together. “All right, Ren, meet your team. You’re in good hands.”

  A massive wall of a man stepped forward first, armor clanking with every move. His shield alone looked like it could stop a runaway truck.

  “Gareth Ironwall,” the man grunted. His voice sounded like boulders grinding together. “I tank. You heal. Keep it simple.”

  Ren gave a stiff nod. Simple sounded good.

  Next was a wiry woman with a cascade of fiery red hair and twin daggers strapped at her hips. She moved like a coiled spring, ready to pounce.

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  “Lilith Emberfall,” she said with a playful grin. “But everyone calls me Lil. I stab things. Fast.”

  She winked, and Ren suddenly wasn’t sure if she was flirting or threatening him. Possibly both.

  A figure in muted green leathers followed her, his bow casually slung across one shoulder. He had a quiet, steady presence, like someone who knew exactly where every exit was and how fast he could get there.

  “Milo Greaves,” he said in a calm, clipped tone. “Most call me Moss. I’ll cover from range. Try not to get in the way.”

  Ren could respect that. Clear. Professional. Non-stabby.

  Finally, a man with a roguish smile and a greatsword nearly as tall as Ren himself swaggered up, tossing a casual salute.

  “Cassien Vale. Off-tank, part-time disaster artist. If things go sideways, I’m your guy.”

  Cassien slapped Ren on the back so hard he nearly face-planted. Laughing, he added, “Relax, potion boy. We’ll get you through this in one piece. Maybe.”

  Ren offered a tight smile. He was not reassured.

  Victor looked pleased. “Good. You all know the plan. Ren handles healing and alchemy on the fly. Gareth holds the line. Lil and Moss rip through the adds. Cassien flexes where needed.”

  He gave Ren a long look. “And you? Just stay alive. Keep them alive.”

  Ren gave a short nod.

  Simple orders.

  Easy enough.

  Except the boss waiting for them inside—the Shard Revenant—was infamous for exactly one thing: punishing anyone who thought things would be simple.

  Ren double-checked his potion belt, adjusted his reagent pouch, and followed the team toward the swirling blue portal at the dungeon entrance.

  ‘Cheese. Think about the cheese,’ he told himself grimly.

  And with that, he stepped forward into the unknown.

  ***