The other prisoners ventured deep into the dungeon, their disgust palpable.

Congratulations, Butt Grabber. A voice said. I hate you now, too.

Shobai turned to the only other person in the room–his chain-mate. 

Wait. He said. You can talk?

No, I’m using telepathy. 

Oh, really?

No, you idiot. The creature said. What are you, a freshman? 

No?

The creature slowly removed his mask, ears, and tail. A ruddy complexion, a symmetric face framed by thick eyebrows and dense, curly black hair dyed green. He was human, probably in his early twenties.

There’s one rule in dungeon RPGs! You broke the one rule! Never provoke an ogre! 

You’re a gamer? Shobai’s mind raced with questions. How long had he been here? Did he know how to get home? Was he hit by a truck too? Before he knew it, tears of joy welled in his eyes.

Ugh, this guy. The man grabbed Shobai’s bucket of minerals and poured them into his. “I’ll double production!” Yeah, right. Where are you from, Narnia?

I’m from New York. 

Even worse. He said. Listen to me, Butt Grabber, and listen good. The only way your newbie BUTT is getting out of this dungeon alive is if you do everything I say!

For the first time since Shobai arrived, his heart flooded with hope. This gamer. This blessing from God. He just might be a ticket out of this hell. You know the way out?

Of course I don’t, but I will eventually because I am the most powerful man in this dungeon! The name’s Richard Kova, level eight, but you can call me sensei. 

My name is Shobai Ito, level… one, I guess?

Suddenly, a loud voice boomed throughout the dungeon.

"Incident reported. Third Four. Immediate assistance requested. All available units."

Finally! Richard said. Come on, newbie. Let me show you how we do things around here. 

Ok, sensei. Shobai said. The words felt unnatural in his throat. Still, it was nice to be reminded of home.

His eyes caught a reflection from Richard's bucket. Also, can I have my gems back?

No. Richard said.