MAXIMUS: System Of The Underdog

Chapter 20: The Dungeon Party

Max sat on his bed with one hand pressed gently against his swollen eye while the other held the dungeon map. The glowing parchment pulsed faintly with red lines that shifted like veins, as if alive, mocking him with the quest requirements.

[Quest Requirement: Minimum of Two Party Members]

“Of course… figures I can’t just go solo,” Max muttered, dropping the map on his lap. “Why can’t this system let me breathe for once?”

Grimm appeared in his spectral form, arms crossed and expression sly. “Because, partner, it wouldn’t be fun otherwise. Besides… you’re strong, but even you need backup.”

“Backup, huh…” Max thought about his classmates. The first name that came to mind was Chris. At least Chris was loyal. Maybe he’d be willing to tag along.

The next morning, Max approached Chris near the lockers. “Hey Chris, you free this weekend? I’ve got… something big. Might need your help.”

Chris laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Max, you know I’m no fighter. I’d probably faint the second things got dangerous. I’m really sorry, man.”

Max sighed, trying not to show disappointment. One down.

During lunch, Max found Peter, who was busy scribbling notes in his book. “Hey Peter. So… there’s this thing I need to handle. Dangerous. I need one guy with me. You in?”

Peter adjusted his glasses and gave Max a long stare. “Max, you can’t expect me to follow you everywhere. I have my own problems, my own life. Sorry, but I’m not joining you this time.”

That stung more than Max expected. “...Right. Got it.”

By the time school ended, Max was dragging his feet toward the gate, frustration bubbling in his chest. He wanted to punch the system, break the quest, anything to avoid needing others.

“Hey, Max!”

Max turned and blinked in confusion. A girl in a different school uniform stood in front of him, smiling casually.

“…Emily? What are you doing here? This isn’t your school.”

Emily brushed off the comment like it was nothing. “Details, details. What matters is—you need to follow me. It’s time you meet the other members of your school’s representative team.”

Max stopped in his tracks. “Wait. Other members? You’re telling me Bloomfield High has more?”

Emily grinned mischievously. “You’ll see. Come on.”

Half-expecting to walk into a hall of twenty tough-looking students, Max followed her across town. But when they entered a small gym space, Max froze. Inside stood only two people.

“…That’s it?” Max asked, pointing at them. “Where’s the grand squad? The cheering army? The—”

“—this is it,” Emily cut him off. “There’s me, Ben Griffin, and Jacob. That makes three. And since you’re here, four.”

Ben Griffin, a broad-shouldered guy with neat braids and a calm expression, extended a hand. “Nice to meet you, Max. I’ve heard a bit about you. Don’t worry—we’ll make a solid team.”

Max hesitated, then shook his hand. At least Ben seemed like someone he could work with.

Then his eyes fell on the last member. His jaw clenched.

Jacob.

Grimm’s voice growled in his head, “This guy again. Trouble magnet.”

Jacob leaned back against the wall, arms folded, sneering. “Who let this weakling in? This is supposed to be a representative team, not a daycare.”

Max raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Funny. Didn’t know they let clowns audition too.”

Jacob’s eyes narrowed, but before things could escalate Emily stepped in. “Enough. Max is part of the team now. And since he’s the leader chosen by the head of the representative, we’ll follow his decisions.”

“Leader, huh…” Max muttered, looking down at the glowing dungeon map in his hands. He glanced at Jacob, who looked like he was ready to rip the map in half. “This is going to be fun.”

The next day, the group gathered again. Max unfolded the map and pointed to the glowing red dot on the edge of town.

It pulsed above a half-constructed building surrounded by guards in uniforms.

Max groaned. “Of course. Of course the dungeon is hiding in a construction site. Because why make it easy, right?”

Jacob cracked his knuckles. “What’s the plan, oh fearless leader? Walk in and wave at the guards?”

Max ignored the sarcasm. “We don’t have to fight the guards. We just need to sneak past and get inside. The entrance is marked here.” He tapped the map. “But just in case…” Max walked over to a pile of equipment and pulled out a worn metal bat. He gave it a practice swing.

Jacob scoffed. “Tch. Amateur.” But then he strapped a pair of padded gloves onto his fists, clearly preparing for a fight whether Max wanted it or not.

Grimm floated beside Max, whispering, “You sure about this? That guy’s more likely to punch you in the back than help.”

Max muttered back under his breath, “Yeah… but at least he can fight. That’s all I need right now.”

Max with Jacob approached the construction site. Swisscom High students stood on guard, keeping watch like it was their personal turf. The dungeon map pulsed brighter with each step closer.

Max twirled the bat over his shoulder, a crooked grin spreading across his face. “Alright, dungeon. Let’s see what you’ve got for me this time.”

Beside him, Jacob tightened his gloves, smirking dangerously. “Try not to slow me down, weakling.”

And with that, Max and Jacob moved toward the dungeon entrance, not knowing what chaos awaited inside.