Dungeon Diver: Stealing a Monster's Power

The incessant knocking on my door dragged me from the depths of sleep. My head throbbed, a brutal reminder of last night's comic binge. "Jay! Rent is due."

Groaning, I fumbled for my ripped black jeans, pulling them on. My shirt was missing, a casualty of unconscious removal. "I'll be right there, Mr. Winser, give me a minute."

My bedside drawer held my meager wealth: two silver coins, thirty-six bronze, my iron dagger, and a half-empty water bottle. Two silver coins, that was rent. I grabbed them, relief washing over me as I opened the door. Mr. Winser took the coins, a curt nod his only goodbye. "See ya next month, kid."

Closing the door, I mentally relaxed. Rent paid, life was good. Then a sudden wave of lightheadedness hit me, my vision blurring. I braced myself against the doorframe, shaking my head to clear it. I needed that water.

As I chugged it, a phantom echo of my younger sister's voice filled my mind: "Jayyy, you have to remember to drink your water when you wake up!" She was right; I needed more water, generally. I muttered to myself, "Sighhhh, alright, time to get up."

New shirt from the closet, boots on, dagger tucked into its sheath. Three bronze coins for breakfast. Dungeon-bound, like every other day.