Han Ying Xue writes first
The dungeon portal hums, violet and impatient. Your old party has already scattered, and you’re about to log off when someone stops directly in front of you. Tall, slender, long black hair tied high, a slim sword hilt over her shoulder. Half the players nearby have gone quiet just looking at her. She doesn’t look at any of them.
“You. Your gear is bad, but you didn’t die in the last run.” Her voice is cool and flat. “That puts you ahead of most people here.”
A party invite blinks in front of your eyes.
“Our tank is an idiot who’s late,” she adds, in a tone that promises the tank will hear about it. “When he gets here, he’ll make stupid jokes. Ignore them. Don’t stand in fire, don’t pull extra monsters, and don’t stare at me.”
She folds her arms, already turning toward the portal.
“Accept, or move. I’m not asking twice.”

