《Scorched Earth》


 One: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank F - Boss Room

    Javen!!!!!


    A loud piercing scream filled the large carved cavern that was the boss room of the Ricker Dungeon. This was supposed to be a walk in the park Davren thought as he shook his head for what must have been the thirtieth time during this dive. He just made B rank which is two levels below ascension. This was supposed to be his day of celebration but instead he was roped into chaperoning his muscle head brother and his privileged friends through the easiest dungeon in the kingdom. Although Davren argued against it his parents guilted, bribed and promised that this would only take half a day of his time.


    Three weeks into this trip and Davren regrets coming home to celebrate his achievement. His little brother Javen adds to his girlfriend''s screams as he writhes on the ground in pain from the bite of the hydra. Remembering his first time in this beginners dungeon, this massive green hydra hasn¡¯t changed much with its six heads, massive claws and jagged teeth. Each head holds a different ability, fire and ice serve in the middle flanked by earth and rock powered. The two on the ends have some sort of quick strike ability. This was terrifying to him as a preteen but as a B rank adventurer it is laughable.


    SOMEBODY HELP PLEASE!!! Screams Jada as Javen adds another scream ARRGH!!!


    Use the health potion loser, Davren thinks. Have to keep up appearances, I can¡¯t have it be said that I let my little brother die. Well not really die if he ever used any of the twenty health potions mom made him pack in his bag of holding. Davren shakes his head in frustration as he yells over the screams and clumsy battle ¡°heal¡±. Although he didn¡¯t need to say it to cast this newbie squad needs the encouragement it brings. You¡¯re doing great, Davren says as the group''s rouge is tossed casually into the nearby wall with a sickening crunch. As he slides to the ground Davren throws a quick healing before going back to his book. Wait a minute, he thinks as he replaces his bookmark, where is the healer? A quick search of the cavern shows Pixie the red haired heiress shaking like a leaf behind a rock. Let''s see.. Strongman - idiot brother, still on the ground for some reason, ¡°Get up idio.. I mean Javen, the Hydra is coming in for another attack!!¡±. As he rolls out of the way and swings his ridiculously large sword in another miss to the quick strike head. Magic caster, magic caster, where is she?? ¡°Jada NO!! Caster¡¯s battle from distance especially when they don¡¯t have high defense!! Again you are not a rouge¡­¡± She just barely avoids a tail attack as the actual rogue pushes her out of the way. Rogue check, healer - fainted, check.


    After checking to ensure that the four man team is still alive Davren plunges back into his book. Journey of the S - Ranked mage recounts the life and trials of Armon Gamtree, a mage who eventually earned SS rank and then ascended to the higher plain. This is the dream of everyone on the path. Davren traveled through multiple kingdoms around the world just to obtain a B - Rank. Now having hit a wall this book could be the key to move up to A.


    According to this book ranks are progressively harder to level up as you move up.


    Between the ages of 10-15 individuals are introduced to the system. The system is an internal and mysterious network that catalogs gained skills and progression of experience. The system notifies each individual and can be checked through mental or verbal responses. Some have claimed the system interacts with personality and unwanted commentary. This has yet to be corroborated in any significant way.


    This is what I have found in my travels, although everyone has an individual journey to double S - Rank and I want to be crystal clear about this there are a myriad of ways to achieve it. Each progression tree has endless branches and each should be carefully considered before walking down. I hope these notes I was able to scribble are helpful as you advance along your own path. My own is a rare path, I am a dimension mage. This is not one I suggest anyone follow but here are some helpful tips.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Experience points vary based on paths taken. I do not claim to be an expert on all branches so these numbers are all estimates.


    F - Lowest level - everyone starts here. This is the easiest level to progress. 1000 - 1500 experience points to the next level.


    E - Second level - This is where most adolescents rank. Even without specialized training daily or weekly use of the system will get anyone here. 3500 - 5000 experience points to the next level.


    D - Third level - Without specific training but with daily or weekly use of the system most will reach this level by adulthood naturally. 10000 - 25000 experience points to the next level.


    C - Fourth level - This level requires training to obtain and progress. This is the level that is required to specialize. 70000 - 100000 experience points to the next level.


    B - Fifth level - This is the beginner level for specialization. Branches require careful examination as deviations CANNOT be changed without losing levels which comes with significant pain which requires a recovery period. Recovery depends on what is lost. 300000 - 500000 experience points to the next level.


    A - Sixth level - Anyone at A - Rank are in the higher ranks of most kingdoms. In all but rare cases this level needs training from a master in the craft to progress. Crafters produce expert rank equipment and materials, fighters use master rank spells and attacks. This level begins the automatic draft in kingdoms that follow that law. At this level aging slows significantly, it is normal for an A ranker to live 500 years. 1000000 - 2000000 experience points to the next level.


    S - Seventh level - This is a kingdom crusher level. People at this level must be careful to reign in their aura as it can crush weaker and unprepared citizens. S - Rank are called on to face destruction class threats. Crafters at S - Rank can craft artifact ranked equipment and materials. This rank is the hope of their kingdom and as so they are provided for for a lifetime, which I may add is quite significant. A normal lifespan is 1000 to 1500 years. The number of S rankers per kingdom is normally 1 per 500 residents. Enemies at this level are recommended to be killed on sight because of the danger to humankind. 10000000 experience points to the next level.


    SS - Highest Earthly level - This is Earth protector level, people at this level are required to face calamity class threats. This is the final level before ascension, which is the act of moving through the ethereal boundaries of existence. Only one SS ranked individual is allowed to remain per kingdom. Since those who rise to those ranks are announced by the system to the entire world all are on alert. For each SS over the allotted amount a calamity creature is created. The world is given a timer before that happens. This is why a close watch is kept on the S and SS ranked individuals.


    In this book I will outline what I know about the road to S- Rank and the system as a whole. The most important thing to note along your journey is¡­.. OH FOR THE LOVE OF¡­ JADA SHOOT AT THE NECK NOT THE HEAD. THOSE EXPLODING ARROWS WILL CREATE MORE HEADS. PIN NOT DESTROY!!! Javen what are you doing in the mouth of that beast?? Someone please wake up the healer!! Peter, rogues are stealthy, why are you running in the open like that? Ok this is over with, three weeks with you guys is more than enough. Davren raises his right hand towards the intimidating beast.. IMMOLATE.. At those words the hydra exploded from the inside splattering guts all over the team. He silently casts a sovereign shield which blocks the viscera from landing anywhere within his vicinity. A devilish grin creeps across his face as he watches the team freak out at the sight of the hydras innards all over them.


    You guys did it, high fives all around, Davren said as he tugged on his gloves and clapped everyone on the back while walking past them. Time to check your stats and stuff your bags with loot. He whistles as he does a dance through the bloody cavern floor. ¡°Home, home, home where these idiots don¡¯t reside¡± he sings quietly to himself. Javen collapses to the ground which is followed by the clank of two small vials next to him. Stamina and healing potion, drink up little brother, so many goodies here. Davren whistles as he digs through the remains of the hydra. Ah ha.. He pulls out and kisses a greenish oval shaped round object. Jackpot!! And here is my payment, he turns to see the rogue, Davren for some reason can never remember his name, vomiting and the healer pass out again. Wa, what is that? Javen sputters out. System token little bro, this token from the belly of a dungeon guardian increases our base ability points. Although this will not do much for me as this is a beginner level dungeon every little bit helps am I right? He looks around again, am I right? At this point he recognizes the error of his ways as his little brother who has over the years grown to almost look at him face to face gazes at him with a weird expression. In a split second Davren looks to his brother''s friends who have all joined in a chain action. In horror he looks again to his brother who quicker than the eye can react spews vomit all over him.


    I am NEVER coming home again, Davren thought.

 Two: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank F - Boss Room

    WATER SPELL!!! NEED WATER!!!


    Why does this woman insist on screaming everything? After finally getting everyone to stop vomiting Davren directed their focus to looting. Not wanting another ¡°incident¡± he disintegrated the rest of the body and used the one water ability he knows to clean the ground and his face and hair. This started the mega voice he now associated with ¡°princess¡± Jada going as she couldn¡¯t have a speck of dirt or entrails on her if we were going to move forward in this ridiculous venture. Why did he ever think she was a good choice of future wife for his brother.


    To top it off the system token only gave him one point which he added to health. At his level this is the hardest stat to increase off of the baseline. This hydra was generally disappointing for Davren, he received no stat increases which he expected but he did think the token would do more. This is why he doesn¡¯t do beginner runs or chaperone, he thought. His idiot brother received a major boost that finally moved him from an anemic F- rank to E- Rank. With almost 2000 xp each and a ton of weapons and potions they will be the envy of their peers. Davren didn¡¯t want to rain on their parade by mentioning that these weapons are poor quality and would likely not even tickle a real threat.


    After cleaning the ¡°princess¡± and waking the healer, AGAIN, Davren pulled the rest from the rest of their celebration. Ok guys, he said, you did an amazing job here but we have one more step before we leave. Everyone looked bewildered and fearful, The rogue had a face that made Davren think he would be sick again. Wanting to nip that in the bud quickly he continued, I recently learned that most dungeons have hidden rooms that can be found only when the guardian has been defeated. We have six hours before this one respawns, if we are still here when he does we will have to fight all the mobs in all levels again so we would need to get a move on. Who is up for more loot? I do NOT want to go through all of this again!! Jada screeched. Darven thought her voice was getting worse as the minutes passed by. I have a return key he interjected, since we are all connected through my brothers party the system will recognize that bond and bring us all to the relay point outside of the dungeon when I trigger it. I will do so in five hours and thirty minutes regardless. Still seeing the unsure faces he dropped the bomb. I, he emphasized for effect, will be searching. You, he pointed to each of them, can feel free to find the exit if you like but again thirty minutes before the boss respawns I will be exiting via return key. He said that last bit slowly so they can all get it. Before the complaints could start he walked off to begin.


    What Davren did not tell them or even his parents is the only reason he agreed to this child dungeon run is this secret stash. According to his books, since he was B - Rank he could not access it for an F- rank dungeon. Since those entering the dungeons were supposed to only go into the ones matching their level the door would never appear to a higher or lower level normally. Pixie? Davren scratches his head trying to remember if that is really her name, used her family¡¯s influence to add him onto the approved list for this run. He just did not understand why there are rules for dungeon runs when he could power level anyone anywhere outside. This group would have been killed if not for him, their healer can¡¯t stay upright at the sight of blood and their tank is his brother. Thinking about it he concludes that the only non idiot in this group is the rogue but not by much. He would be down a sibling if he did not come. Granted they were also told they were not ready for a dungeon. His parents have multiple warning letters to prove it. He finally decided this was getting off track. I wonder where a secret room can be hidden here. Davren had run this dungeon numerous times when he was a little older than his brother. His team was always excited about the loot from the hydra and never considered there would be anything else. Couple that with the elders of the town never mentioning one how would they have?


    Being under his brother''s party meant that account was the one recognized, not his. This is also why he restrained himself from interfering in this dive other than ensuring this group did not get themselves killed and then again with the guardian. Look at them, he thought, bumbling around and too afraid to go back themselves. Search under every rock, it has to be here somewhere! He yelled, that should keep them busy.


    Two hours of searching later he suddenly dodged to the side prepared for an attack. A barn sized boulder smashes into the ground right next to where he was feeling the ground for clues. Swords in hand and ready to pounce he found the source of the projectile. Running at his top speed with his outstretched swords poised to strike he readied a swing. Thinking strategy he decelerated, with a sigh he placed his swords back in his storage ring. The ring was the only recognition he received for reaching B- Rank; this was from his friends, not family.  If he continued his plan all his brother¡¯s dumb friends would not be a problem anymore. Quietly he comes to a stop behind the rogue, who jumps in fright. The boulder that would have killed a lesser rank came from Javen literally looking under a rock. He must have increased his strength to its maximum limit because the rock was the size of a house. What did you guys find? Davren asked. Jada responded by pointing to the ground underneath the rock. The team was looking at a field sized circular seal with crisscrossing and jumbled images. Around the edges was a depiction of what looked to be a hydra, a serpent, a dragon and a flightless lizard. These were repeated around the edges, as Javen went to touch the seal Davren pulled him to the ground by his collar. Don¡¯t touch, he warned with a growl. Alright, alright Javen said begging off with his hands. He knew his brother''s serious face and also knew what an  impatient Davren looks like.


    You, Davren points to the rogue, you¡¯re the smart one right? The thin pale skinned teen with beady eyes and a thin frame gave a ¡°who me¡± expression. Everyone else unconsciously shook their heads affirming the choice. Although he was a good fighter and could formulate battle strategy Davren knew his limits, puzzles and riddles were it. He pointed at the challenge, do this, he said.


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    They all watched as the rogue went to work unraveling what turned out to be family lines that connected subspecies to progenitors. Davren hadn¡¯t even known some of these species existed. After an hour of work the group heard a loud click followed by the unfastening of locks. The scrapping of the ground shook the cavern as the seal rolled away to uncover a long and dusty stairway leading to a lower level. The stairs dwarfed all of them in height, it seemed to have been built with a giant in mind.


    Suddenly an ominous system notification booms throughout the space with enough pressure to rattle bones.


    Team Javen Rules you have uncovered the hidden entrance to the inner sanctum of the Ricker Dungeon. Enter at your own risk, beyond these stairs you will find either a greater reward or insurmountable challenge. Plus five exploration points, Plus five hundred experience points to all Rank F challengers. Each group member will receive a life token. This token will automatically restore life to those on the brink of death. You must be mortally wounded before the token takes effect. Single use item. Cannot be used by any other than the intended owner. Item bound to personal account.


    Davren didn¡¯t know whether to be frustrated with losing out on five hundred experience, as it is difficult to come by that at his level without facing death, or jump for joy at their stroke of luck. He had only heard tall tales and whispers of people finding life tokens. Those ethereal tokens are basically free respawns just  like the dungeon creatures. Humans normally die unless they receive medical care via healer, potion or herbs. There are no resurrection abilities. This is a get out of death free token. If this is what he can expect from an F Rank dungeon imagine what the rest are like.


    Before the complaints have a chance to start He leaps down the first few stairs using his abilities to cast first lights dawn. This ability creates a ball of soft light that brightens an area of ten feet ahead or behind the caster for a period of 90 minutes or until released. The others look at Javen who shrugs and jumps behind him. A loud ¡°REALLY¡± echos through the stairwell followed by ¡°keep up princess¡± from Davren.


    The ominous darkness warred with the soft light from Davren¡¯s ability as the party made their way down the giant sized steps. He took a brief glance back to ensure they were all following. Javen was the closest struggling to keep pace but it looks like that strength stat was good for something Davren thought as he watched his sibling leaping from step to step. No stamina increases I assume He said as beads of sweat rolled off Javens face and long and hard breaths testified to the pace Davren was keeping. Jada didn¡¯t seem to be trying much as she stayed on the edges of the light source using a floating ability that just barely held mustard. He wondered for a moment if he should tell her that ability wastes a ton of energy and will likely run out soon. That thought crossed his mind for only a moment though as he began quietly whistling again. The rogue, Severis maybe?, is carrying Pixie, the passed out healer. Someone should check to make sure she¡¯s still alive. The rogue keeps a steady pace and seems to keep steady breaths, impressive, Davren says.


    When he reaches the bottom of the stairway Davren is startled as first lights dawn suddenly shrinks in diameter ahead of him giving way to all encompassing dark. Out of the darkness two sets of red eyes appear seventy feet in the air. An aura of fear grips him forcing Davren to fight the urge to run.


    WHO DARES DISTURB THE TREASURY OF THE ANCIENTS? ONLY THE WORTHY SHALL BE ALLOWED ACCESS. DO YOU DECLARE THAT YOU ARE WORTHY?


    As the last of the party touches down on the bottom level the stairs disappear leaving a solid gray wall with the same symbols of the hydra, dragon, lizard and serpent. I KNEW IT! screamed Jada, this is why I should be party leader. Your brother has gotten us killed. Javen in an attempt to save face with his girlfriend places himself and his big sword between the eyes and her. Still fighting the pulling to run and claw his way through solid rock Davren looks to everyone''s faces. Did his greed get them killed? Will his little brother ever forgive him? Is this it for his journey to ascension?


    Wait a minute he thought, none of the others were giving in to this fear. The resolved face of Javen as he protects his girlfriend, the steady breathing of what¡¯s his face and even the healer is finally awake. If these idiots can stand their ground he will not give in. Pulling himself together he stands tall on shaky legs. Cracking his neck as he moves his head side to side he addresses the eyes. He reminds himself that as a B ranker he is overpowered for this dungeon.


    YES I AM WORTHY!!


    Davren stands a little taller knowing the party are drawing strength from him. Looking defiant he takes a step forward while equipping his sovereign shield and dual wielding matching slim swords. Twirling the blades in each hand he spares a quick glance to Javen whose face screams amazement, Jada who if he¡¯s not mistaken drools a little. The rogue Foggy?, no that can¡¯t be right, maybe I should stop trying he says to himself. Well anyway he and the healer girl are softly clapping.


    YES, he reiterates. I AM WORTHY!!!!! He says with a primal roar.


    He takes two steps forward as a bright red light illuminates the former darkness to reveal two enormous statues of finely carved dragons. Both of them had teeth bared. Each incisor larger than the tallest man Davren has ever met. The light uncovered the pristine pathway leading to the treasury. He could see the glistening objects and armor that he knew had to at least be master ranked. Squinting his eyes he could only imagine what else lay ahead as he pressed forward.


    Davren only then realized that his legs refused to budge. He looked in horror to see that both of his lower legs were missing up to his knees. His precarious situation did not entirely dawn on him until he watched as his knees and slowly the rest of his legs, torso and arms evaporated. He turned his head and the last image he saw before being engulfed was his brother breaking down in tears.


    A booming voice echoes in his head:


    YOU HAVE DIED

 Three: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank F - Hidden treasury.

    I¡¯m dead? Said Davren


    How?


    That was an F ranked dungeon, my sovereign shield should have protected me against any attack it could have thrown. Overwhelmed with unexpected emotion Davren folds into himself sobbing mournfully. Javen is dead, the kid he once held as a baby, climbed trees and got into mischief with.


    Dead


    It was all his fault, he didn¡¯t need to push him into going to the treasury. He was supposed to protect his little brother,if I could do it again, he said, I would never let greed get the best of me. I¡¯m sorry Javen, so, so sorry he says now in a full blown wail. After a time he gathers himself, straightens and floats?


    Davren takes in his new reality¡­ it¡¯s emptiness, nothing and no one. He is floating in a gray void.. all alone. Is this the punishment for the life he¡¯s lived? he thought. Is this the afterlife? HELLO anyone there? Please someone.. His words die unanswered as shifts from depression to rage to sadness. He stews in his emotions for what seems to be an eternity. Spinning and floating, floating and spinning, this seemed to go on for days. He had no access to equipment or skills, he wondered if he was either forgotten or was being punished for deeds in life. He would never see his parents again, his friends would move on and forget him. Suddenly a bright light drew him out of his revelry. The intensity nearly blinded him but at the same time it beckoned him to draw near to its embrace.


    Sobbing Davren allowed himself to be drawn into the light as in the distance, behind him, he thought he heard faint laughter before a booming voice proclaimed:


    1 OF 1 LIFE TOKEN DETECTED.


    WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACTIVATE THE LIFE TOKEN RECEIVED FROM ¡°F¡± RANKED RICKER DUNGEON?


    The system seemed to place emphasis on F rank, Davren thought. He brushed it off as it must have been his imagination, he had just been overwhelmed with emotion a second ago.


    YES he declared ACTIVATE!


    Davren felt a strange sensation, a tingling that turned into an itch then to an unbearable peeling. He looked down and saw his legs were again disintegrating. This continued up to his neck. Unable to take it anymore he let out a pained scream as his lips disappeared. For a moment he heard nothing until his right ear was taken. He then heard a muffled mixture of conversation that sounded eerily like his brother.


    Ok, I got it, Javen said.. I will let him know¡­ No you¡¯re the best Garter. If I¡¯m ever in the area I¡¯ll send them your message¡­. Oh right now? great thanks, I¡¯ll head over.


    If that is Javen he must have found a safe place to hide Davren thought through the pain. That must be the rogue, Garter, I have to remember that. Then the most intense pain he ever felt hit him as his eyes were eroded from the void.


    Coming to focus in a slight haze he collapsed as the outline of Javen ran to catch him. The pain was slowly going away but the disorientation remained for a few moments longer. Javen slowly lifted him and placed a flask in his hand. Bringing it to his lips he took a deep gulp, he didn¡¯t realize how thirsty he was before this. Feeling slightly better he realized only he and his brother were in the now brightly lit clearing outside of the entrance to the pathway to the treasury. He began to pull his brother away seeing the massive stone dragons turn in their direction. Panicked, he said we. need. to. get out of here NOW!!! You must have used the life token like I did. Our only hope now is the return key. Hands shaking he began to will the return key to appear from his storage ring.


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    JAVEN HURRY UP YOU¡¯RE MISSING ALL THE GOOD STUFF! Davren recognized that shrill voice, Jada was still alive and sounded .. joyful?.. He then began to notice the slight clinking sound from his brother¡¯s pocket as he shifted to steady him. As his ears adjust, dampening the sound of his thumping heart he finally hears the joyful shouts of Garter and the healer. Looking at his brother he sees a huge grin plastered all over his face. You got in? He asks. Javen gives an affirmative nod leading Davren to jump for joy in excitement. We are able to take anything we can carry, Javen said. Almost dancing, Davren grabs his brother by the arm, immediately forgetting his recent ordeal. As he pulls Javen towards the walkway, Javen restrains him and directs Davren back to the spot he appeared. Wondering how much his brother actually invested in strength Davren responds, bonding can wait because we''re safe now. I can hear Garter and uh, well the rest of them taking all the good items. Javen looks intently with a serious and at the same time puzzled expression. Garter is not taking anything, he hasn¡¯t moved since we arrived, he said. Davren, now confused, wonders if he is hallucinating or really dead.


    Javen seems to decide on something and points to the towering statue on the left of the walkway. That''s Garter, he then points to the one on the right, that¡¯s Philo, between you, me and Garter he¡¯s a little weird don¡¯t look at him too long. Unbelief strikes Davren and he instructs his brother to recap all that has been happening after his apparent death. Javen, giving a glance back to where the others were, agrees and begins;


    When you were disintegrated I was more than ready to avenge you. Rallying the team and preparing doombringer, my sword, we meant to leap into action. The only issue was that we couldn¡¯t move. Our feet were stuck to the ground and those piercing red eyes seemed to sweep over all of us. Something must have eventually satisfied them because about a minute later the lights came up and the pathway was clear. Garter spoke in my mind and introduced himself and we had an amazing chat. Turns out he has an amazing brother too and was glad we found this place since as soon as we leave he gets to take a break for the next two months while the treasury is closed. He said they are not physically here but constantly on watch through these constructs. Philo was being a jerk the whole time telling him to shut up. Man I doubt I could be on watch with someone like that. Davren interrupting what he considers a useless train of thought said while pinching his nose, Please. Focus. You. Id.. I mean Javen. Oh yeah, yeah Javen said where was I? Ok so it turns out you didn¡¯t actually die, dead means dead, no power known anywhere can resurrect the dead. Your body was damaged to almost death, the system then removed you to the space between realms while your life coin restored your body, rank effects and other stuff I can¡¯t remember. You were gone for about an hour before respawn. Was it cool? I can only imagine how cool it was. Davren looked at his excited brother blankly and said in a deadpan tone, yes so cool.


    See that line? Javen continued they created it using their eye thingy after you ¡°left¡±. Garter said if you cross it they will have no choice but to destroy you. I told him it would be no problem, you have your books so you will be fine. We are allowed into the treasury and can take all we can carry. Look at this he says as he removes platinum and gold coins from his pocket. Garter said because this is an F ranked dungeon they can¡¯t provide much but these and what¡¯s in there would make us the richest people in our city and maybe right up there with some in the capital. Man I wish we could take it all, too bad though. Instead i¡¯m trying to see if there is, hold on he says as he walks a few steps and lays down his sword. Returning and now whispering he says i¡¯m trying to see if there is an upgrade to replace doombringer. He presses his fingers to his lips and asks, can uncle Davren watch him while I go look? You should see the treasury bro. It''s amazing, wall to wall items and wealth everywhere. The walls themselves are made from precious jewels and the ground has enough runes that an enchanter could spend a lifetime studying. I wish we could take it all, they have rank B armor I think also. Wait, what is that Garter? Turning back to Davren he says, sorry bro Garter says the only ones allowed to exit the dungeon with these items are those they allowed in. Whispering he says Philo REALLY doesn¡¯t like you I would stay put until we are done. Back to a normal voice he proclaims, be back soon bro, man I really wish we could take it all.


    Davren, trying to catch up from the thirty second information dump, grabs Javens arm one last time. Why do you keep saying you wish you could take it all? Didn¡¯t mom give you a brand new adventurer bag of holding. I saw that they each have 200 slots each that should be more than enough, also why are you carrying coins in your pockets? Javen, who had wriggled out of Davrens grasp and made his way past the red line said, funny you ask that¡­ Jada kinda didn¡¯t think the bag looked good on me and said since we were only going for half a day and you, a B ranked adventurer, were coming with us we might not really need the bag. Huh, he said to nonexistent voices, coming, I''ll be right there. Javen quickly sped off as before Davren could respond.

 Four: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank F - Hidden treasury.

    I KNEW IT¡­


    Well I didn¡¯t really know it but how did I miss that. I know I was catching up on my reading but was I oblivious? What¡¯s his name is smart, maybe he brought one.


    OH MAN THEY HAVE TWIN DAGGERS AND A BATTLE STAFF WHICH ONE SHOULD I TAKE? Said the rogue


    Davren face palmed


    Javen had always been a little less mature than Davren was at the same age but the new love interest made him worse. Thinking through the past three weeks carefully he now realized that none of the party ate after the first day until he fed them from his storage ring. They also didn¡¯t take most of the equipment from the mobs saying they were waiting for the guardian¡¯s loot drop. He now distinctly remembers hearing the clattering of dropped weapons as he rushed down here to find this treasure room. Seething he yelled for his brother


    JAVEN!!!


    An hour later, and by Davren¡¯s recollections, fifty minutes before the guardian respawns Javen returns to the red line with an armful of multicolored eggs. Each was half the size of his head and he was unsteady while holding them. Davren, he said, there are ten of these, what should we do? Jada said to leave them but I found them in a hidden section of the treasury. A hatch opened when I ran through it by mistake trying to catch a ball. It was labeled ¡°Ever Bouncing¡± but I don¡¯t think it was. Jada threw it and is now testing it. I bet her ten coppers, we¡¯ll see who¡¯s right. Reigning in his anger over this entire trip Davren through clenched teeth asked to examine the egg. Sure thing bro, Javen said, tossing an egg towards him. Since his brother has not fully grown into the strength he gained, the egg sailed past Davren and smashed into the wall which was yards away.


    Woah, said Javen, two thousand experience points for destroying a greater hydra egg. Davren looked up to the pulsating eyes of Philo. They suddenly winked out as the Garter statue slightly shook its head in a ¡®No¡± gesture. Moments after both eyes became statuesque as if there was no life to them. The red line suddenly disappeared, leading Davren to believe they were no longer being watched.


    ¡­ You think I should add more to strength Dav? Yeah I think you can never have too much strength. Imagine if I could be like the hero in the stories. Javen the destroyer, thats a good¡­


    Davren drowned out his brother''s ramblings as he inched closer to where the red line once was. Keeping one eye on each of the statues as he neared the boundary he saw that neither moved or even twitched. Finally reaching his brother he let out the breath he had been holding in.


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    ¡­I think I¡¯ll put these back, there has to be a better reward¡­ Be quiet Javen, Davren whispered. We are no longer being monitored. Quickly before they return, you said you received two thousand experience points? What rank are you now? C he responded. Dumbfounded Davren quickly came up with a plan. Javen, he said, leave the eggs here with me and quickly gather your friends. Pick whichever treasure you want but be quick about it. The guardian will respawn soon and we also do not know how long we have until these two, he gestures at the two statues, return. Ok bro, Javen says, running to the treasury, pick and dish guys it''s time to go!


    As soon as Javen was inside of the treasury doors Davren allowed his joy to show. Two thousand experience points and a jump of an entire rank for his brother for destroying just one egg? There were nine more here that will fuel his jump to the S Rank. He would make sure he got something from this disastrous dungeon dive. He focused on his ring and in his hands appeared a long circular piece of metal. It was as smooth as silk but Davren knew this was the toughest metal in creation. This mythrill was a reward from his last B Rank dungeon, he had to split all other treasures with his team but he insisted on this item and planned to have it shaped after this trip. He could either do that or sell it and make himself the success his parents always thought he and his brother would be. Now if he hit S Rank it would be recognized by everyone. His family name would live forever, regardless of what Javen did or didn¡¯t do from this point on his brother would have all the status he required. Maybe I could even convince him to leave Jada, he thought. A project for another day he whispered


    When Javen and his friends returned to where Davren was he saw the aftermath of the carnage. It looked like Davren had just completed the task and was furious.


    WHY NOT ME??? Davren raged


    Turning with tear filled eyes to the returning group holding their spoils Davren readied himself to criticize them for this trip. He was in no mood to coddle these idiots. Before he could speak a loud ROAR echoed throughout the dungeon. The fear effect he previously felt was magnified one hundred fold. This time everyone felt it, falling to their knees and weeping bitterly. Davren looked to the stone statues expecting judgment to rain down but watched as the stones began to crumble.


    SYSTEM MESSAGE: ALL KINGDOM DUNGEONS ARE NOW BEING TRANSFORMED FOR WAR. ANY HUMANS REMAINING WILL BE CLAIMED AS PER AGREED UPON RIGHTS STATED IN SECTION 20 OF THE ACCORDS. DUNGEON SHUTDOWN WILL BEGIN IN


    5


    WHAT IS THAT!!! Jada screams, WHAT ARE THE ACCORDS??


    4


    Javen somehow overcoming the fear effect shakes Davren. Can we get out of here? Davren stares, still in shock, at his brother.


    3


    Javen shakes Davren again, this time giving him light smacks to hopefully bring him back to focus. Even with the strength his brother has as a C rank he still could not seriously hurt Davren yet. The rest of the team is panicked with the rogue trying to scale the wall with his new daggers. The healer left sprawled out on the ground as she fainted again.


    2


    JAVEN DO SOMETHING, Jada screams. Davren is still in shock so Javen has joined Jada in attempting to blast through the wall that used to be stairs. This is all while the rogue attempts to climb his way to an exit. Everyone seems to have forgotten about the healer.


    1- BEGIN CONVERSION, exclaims the system message


    Davren gets a hold of himself as the ceiling comes crashing down


    BEGIN REBUILDING, WAR IMMINENT

 Five: Scion Kingdom - Throne Room - King Macron presiding

    Elizar has always tried to be a fair King. He is beloved by his subjects and advisors alike because of this. With that said these days are the most vexing for him. Having to sit and smile in this grand court which he had converted from a previous banquet hall. His philosophy has always been people first. He spared no cost for his subjects, making sure they all had the best healers. He removed support from all Dukes and Lords who were corrupt or oppressive to those the crown put under their care.


    After raising new Lords and Dukes to replace those who were uprooted he saw a boom of innovation, economy and a general happiness in the land. Scion is now on its way to being one of the most prosperous of the 12 Kingdoms.


    With all the changes he still has not been able to get away from wearing this itchy crown and gaudy red and white robe. He doesn¡¯t even like rings but here he is with three rings on each hand. He made sure that if he had to wear them then it would be functional. All of them are mythrill plated with gold overlay. Four are storage rings filled with books, food to distribute health potions and building resources. One is a force field generator and the last was picked by his daughter. This is the one he values the most. Alerting his attendant he whispers, take a note for the craftsmen to build a more comfortable throne. The attendant gives a confidential knowing smile.


    The case before me is an argument between two neighbors who also run stalls next to each other. They originally started their crafting business together and later separated the company as friends. Now they are at odds with accusations of one stealing the other¡¯s clients. King Macron does his best not to cringe as the smaller one, a thin redhead grabs her former friend¡¯s blonde hair. She nearly has her to the ground before my guards can separate them. He wonders if he should hire her.


    All of this is happening while the King has to sit in a stately manor showing little to no emotion as the guards handle the situation. The offender just raked Juntin in the eyes. Scepter time! The King thinks, he clangs it on the ground once and silence fills the hall.


    This is a faucet of a King''s power Sovereign Dominion. Every king has it but it is more powerful in their own lands. This ability causes everyone in up to a mile radius to freeze in time. Although they are still conscious and aware of time moving around them they themselves can not interact with anything or move. This is a helpful ability he thought. Two strikes of the scepter would force everyone to their knees. Three strikes and a king can choose up to two targets to instantly kill or three targets to deal a blow with damage equal to half their current health. This ability is only restricted by rank for example an A ranked king would not be able to injure a SS ranked individual. An experienced A ranked king could hinder a newer S rank individual though.


    Using a second ability, Ruler''s call, which causes his voice to be heard by everyone he is directing it to, he begins to shout.


    THIS IS THE DETERMINATION OF YOUR KING¡­


    He is cut off by the overwhelming sense of fear followed by a booming system wide message.


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    SYSTEM MESSAGE: ALL KINGDOM DUNGEONS ARE NOW BEING TRANSFORMED FOR WAR. ANY HUMANS REMAINING WILL BE CLAIMED AS PER AGREED UPON RIGHTS STATED IN SECTION 20 OF THE ACCORDS. DUNGEON SHUTDOWN WILL BEGIN IN


    5


    The pressure of the fear effect intensifies. Even the Kings Immunity granted to rulers could not withstand it. Elizar had never felt anything like this, he never thought that anything could bypass his  Sovereign authority skills. Not even a Kings battle could affect him like this.


    4


    The King could feel his Sovereign Dominion being suppressed and then broken. Everyone in the hall were suddenly freed from the formerly binding skill. They all dropped to the floor in agony from the extreme pressure.


    3


    With great effort King Macron rises to one knee.THIS. WILL. NOT. STAND. He proclaims.


    2


    As the king readies himself to activate Sovereign Reign, an area of effect ability that temporarily exerts  control in localized land in the ruler''s kingdom. This ability nullifies any previous effects whether negative or positive. Anyone poisoned by skills is freed, those receiving healing are left in the state before that healing originally began. Another wave of pressure forced him back to the ground. This was preceded by a loud CRACK as his leg fractured. Pain flared though his body but he refused to cry out. As King he knew his subjects took strength from him, he would now bow down to this force.


    1- BEGIN CONVERSION, exclaims the system message


    The pressure abated allowing the bewildered assembly to slowly rise from the ground. None were unaffected and all were afraid. King Macron pulled an artifact ranked healing potion from one of his storage rings and gulped it down. He had subjects to tend to. Artifact ranked potions not only heal the flesh completely they also knit bones, leaving them as strong as brand new bones.


    Using Rulers call he addresses the crowd:


    Be calm, your king will root out the cause of this interference. Knowing he needs to put everyone at ease he downplays the circumstances. Our S and SS rankers will be pulled back to Scion borders. Your homes, belongings and families will be protected. This enemy caught us by surprise this time but WE. WILL. NOT. BE. OVERCOME!! He mixed another ability, Sovereign Rally, into his speech. This skill magnifies optimism in a crowd that the ruler is addressing. Said ruler must have a seventy percent or higher approval rating with their audience. Increased optimism results in a twenty percent boost in all abilities for one hour.


    What he neglected to mention is that the royal guard captain is S rank and was just as debilitated as everyone else. At A rank and boosted by his Sovereign abilities he was also barely able to fight back. Scion kingdom¡¯s SS ranked defender Bran is more drunkard than man at this point. Elizar had to move him to a remote section of his lands in order to restore his credibility and the prestige of that position. The king has been working feverishly to get the guard captain to SS to force Bran to ascend.


    Cheers ring out as the crowd now boosted reaffirms their faith in King Macron. They chant his name as he signals his aide. As the pudgy assistant rushes to the his side a last system notification booms loudly


    BEGIN REBUILDING, WAR IMMINENT


    A little rougher than he ever had King Macron pulls the aide by his black cloak. Run and get me the scribe. Tell him the king requires an explanation of these accords. The aide now having transitioned from confidence to fear stares blankly for a moment. NOW!!! Elizar yelled, unable to keep the concern out of his voice, his change in demeanor startling the assembled crowd.

 Six: Argog Kingdom - War Room - King Domini/Wraith presiding

    1- BEGIN CONVERSION, exclaims the system message


    CRASH


    Revi smashes through his former chair, the pieces in splinters around him. He tentatively touches his tender right eye socket which is quickly puffing up. He has no doubt it will bruise to black by the morning. King Domini or Wraith as he commands his subjects to call him has forbidden the use of healing potions or concoctions for anything less than a life threatening condition unless the kingdom is at war. This newest punch is what he considers communication and this form of speech seems to be normally only reserved for him. Revi has been Wraith¡¯s scribe since he rose to power all those years ago.


    In those years they were both young and strong. Revi thought over his previous appearance. Black and enviable hair that ended at his shoulders. Lean muscular six foot six figure and strong chin. Now still thin but rather than rippling muscles he looks sickly. A hunch replaced a straight back. Balding stringy hair mocked him in the mirror, matching his droopy eyes and bifocals.


    As he wiped dripping blood from his lips he looked with restrained hatred at his former friend/rival and now King. His ascent had been where the road parted for them. Wraith overthrew the last king, this rarely happens due to Kings obtaining Sovereign abilities upon taking the crown. Coupled with the danger of S and SS soldiers meant nearly all coups were nipped in their infancy.


    Lucky for Wraith someone incited a war with a neighboring kingdom that required all hands. He and Revi used hidden tunnels under the palace and greased the palms of some soldiers that owed them their lives before slitting the former king''s throat in his sleep. Those same guards mixed a paralytic into his food at dinner. Topping it off with an artifact ranked sleeping potion for desert. Having no heirs, nor being married meant Wraith was able to claim the crown with little resistance. It helped that the former king was so paranoid that he alienated his inner circle and so oppressive that the general populace hated him.


    After ascending Wraith immediately ended the war he started thereby reinforcing his borders. At this time they both discovered that kings when they ascend immediately obtain A rank. He and Revi went from being B rank together to having a wide gap in potential ability. From that day he worked tirelessly until he became the only current S rank king with Battle Savant as his path. Since then he has never lost a war let alone a battle or skirmish. His abilities, on top of the physical ones, allow him to play out multiple battlefield scenarios in split seconds while combat is ongoing. Unbeknownst to anyone other than Revi he is also able to determine the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents.


    The perfect warrior king, in the safest kingdom out of the twelve.


    Ravi¡¯s reward for his service? Wraith ¡°honored¡± him with an easier life for all of his service. His rank was removed and replaced with the title of King''s Scribe. Revi had zero experience with that role and had a warrior build. At the command of the crown he endured the painful process of resetting his build. A specialist costing a king''s ransom decreased his rank from B to D. This was explained as the only way to get him on the scribe path. His war build ran deep. The sixteen months of rehabilitation and healing is what led to Revi¡¯s current condition. To this day he has not fully recovered either his level or rank as B rank in Scribe build has massively different requirements that the warrior.


    Revi wonders again as he picks himself off the floor sneaking brief glances at the seven S ranked captains that comprise the war council. If Wraith was trying to help or cripple him.


    This is the price of being competition to the King.


    What do you mean you¡¯ve never heard of the accords? Are you not the scribe and record keeper for the kingdom? I have trusted you above all others with our kingdom secrets and this is my repayment? Wraith snarled.


    Defiant Revi replied through clenched teeth, Although I do not have the Scribe Perfect Recall ability, I do have the Catalog ability. I have also been through all of the kingdom records which covers a hundred years prior to you taking the throne and there is NOTHING covering any accords with a being powerful enough to overpower a SS rank with just an aura ability.


    Grizzled and seasoned warriors, people who would not blink when facing a calamity beast averted their eyes from Wraith. No one had answers and that was disturbing in itself. This group had never failed to overcome an enemy. Where war caused some kingdoms to shrink and panic, Argog instead has been molded for battle in the decades Wraith has been king. Each of the sixteen heirs to the crown has a battle build and their mothers were or are warriors between A to S rank. This is the battle kingdom as others call it. Revi for all his issues with Wraith calls this home. His home shall not fall! He thought.


    Standing, he makes his way through the room. Ignoring the gazes of the war council and pushing past Wraith. Normally a C rank shove could do nothing to budge an S rank but either because of abdominal will or the king¡¯s assistance Wraith slightly shivered sideways as they made contact


    I¡¯ll be in my records room. Revi said, I will return with the answer.


    BEGIN REBUILDING, WAR IMMINENT


    Verion Kingdom - Throne Room - Queen Eylise


    Although the queen is known for her legendary temper, if the empty throne room could speak today¡¯s tantrum would be ranked number one out of the hundreds of previous outbursts.


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    NOT. EVEN. ONE!!! She bellowed


    Her Sovereign Rage ability, which allows her extra strength as well as the ability to wield an invisible force that repels anything in her vicinity, has reigned havoc on all the furniture and walls in this room.


    Swain Garner hidden behind one of the columns in rafters behind the Queen does her best to avoid the projectiles. The speed and power is intensified with every scream. She wonders to herself if she should sneak back out before Queen Eylise¡¯s attention turns to her. Even though not even the guards check up here, Swain has seen the Queen detect things unseen before.


    As a street kid Swain would never have gotten the chance to see the throne room. Her dusty woolen pants and gray, but formally white, shirt and ripped gray coat gives her an appearance that likely would not be welcome here. Her literally dirty blonde waist length hair has been more of a hindrance for her 13 year old frame. Grasping her bruised and injured arm, she wonders if it¡¯s fractured this time. This new gift was as the result of refusing a job given by Trival, the local underboss. He is a C ranked beast whisperer who uses the local rats or other vermin to spot marks for the young pickpockets he oversees. The five foot black and white white striped tiger beast that is always by his side is all he needs to keep the street crew in line. Trival has never been filthy or messy like those he employs, his large frame usually in fine wear with rings on each finger.


    Swain thought she had kept off of his radar until a few days ago. Trival normally only takes in desperate kids and teens that are unable to fend for themselves. She found out how wrong she was when she was cornered a week ago by his crew. Six of the older youth pinned her to the wall facing the end of the alley as he rounded the corner. His nearly seven foot frame towered over her as he gave her an eerie stare, his beady black eyes a contrast to his pale skin. He had clean blonde hair, almost white and it seemed to glisten in the moonlight.


    Is this the one? Trival glanced behind him as a boy she previously thought to be a friend entered the alley. She met Arn, a fifteen year old still awaiting connection with the system, a few months ago in this same alleyway. He was bloody and beaten and possibly close to death. On her way from doing a ¡°job¡± for the healer, who had previously been robbed of her potions by a different underboss, Swain was feeling helpful. This was not normally something she would do but on that day she cashed in her favor with the healer who used two of his newly recovered healing potions to restore Arn close to his previous condition.


    From that day on She and Arn became fast friends. They did a few jobs together, and since she refused to steal from the innocent her jobs were normally recovery services. They talked about their plans for the future. Arn was hopeful he would be connected to the system before his sixteenth birthday and then leave the capital. He wanted to unlock a healing class and she secured him a spot on a caravan led by the healer''s assistant who was off to start her own healing business. Now Swain understood why he never said goodbye, At thirteen she had two more years to make the system connection before being considered formless. Although rare there are a few formless individuals in every kingdom, more rare than that are those who connect to the system after their sixteenth year from what is known. Enchanted items could be used to simulate system abilities but since the formless had no way to replenish those items without using a specialist this was only an option for the wealthy. If Arn was formless he would likely starve or be used by Trival until he is considered useless. The other children would outpace him upon connecting.


    Speak up boy! I said is this the one? Trival barked


    Ye.. Yes sir, Arn stuttered.


    The best thief you¡¯ve ever seen eh, even better than you. Little girl the stories I¡¯ve been told about the mystery thief. My employees can¡¯t stop bragging about you. Trival lurched back in a snake like movement and let out a raucous laugh. Ha, ha, ha.. I almost didn¡¯t believe it until I heard you were relieving my competition of their goods. Somehow the product always found its way back to the original owners. I wouldn¡¯t have believed it was a twelve year old girl either


    Th.. Thirteen, Arn stammered.


    Quicker than Swain could see, Trival backhanded Arn who jerked to the side, having to slide his foot to keep from falling over. As I said, Trival continued, I would never have believed a ¡°thirteen¡±, he emphasized, year old girl would have been able to sneak into those secure facilities, under the nose of all those guards and make out like a bandit. He leans down and whispers Swain¡¯s ear, you have to tell me how you did it. Seeing nothing but defiance he sways back again in a snakelike smooth motion. Ah oh well, I guess an artist has to have SOME secrets.


    I would have been content to leave you to your devices as my competitors'' loss is ultimately my gain. So in essence you were working for me without my having to compensate you. You can¡¯t imagine the overhead cost to run my business in the capital. I was content until I ran into little Arn over here. The large tiger growls in Arn¡¯s direction, stalking him. This guy is my best at procuring misappropriated objects. Imagine my surprise when his fellow employee told me he was joining a caravan straight outta town. Who do you think gave him that idea?


    Trival taps Swain on the left cheek twice before turning to calm his beast who is now on top of Arn, pinning his arms down with its front paws and drooling on his face as it snarls. As Trival turns someone hits Swain in the gut. She would have doubled over if not for being held three more hits to the gut, a punch to the face and kick to the leg were dolled out in what she could only assume was meant to soften her up.


    Without turning and now crouching and scratching the ears of his beast Trival says; the real problem here is that I can¡¯t really kill Arn here, for now he¡¯s my best guy. You are also useful at the moment so I am reluctant to kill you. I can¡¯t really bring you into the fold, what would my peers think? I am in a sensitive situation with the big boss at this point in time so I can¡¯t be connected to what you¡¯ve been doing. On the other hand you now owe me. Blows continue to rain down upon Swain until Trival lifts his hand to stop it.


    This is what we are going to do, you will continue your side work without my interference. Unless of course you stick your nose in my business. Another punch to the gut doubles her over as she is finally released. On top of that you will run a few of the more.. let¡¯s say complicated operations my staff shouldn¡¯t be near. You will be an independent contractor, at no pay of course since you still owe me. Spitting blood towards Trivals feet she forcefully says, I will NEVER work for you!!


    All at once she feels another kick to the cut and a splitting pain in her left arm. It feels broken is the only thought that comes to mind. I know you don¡¯t think so girl but let¡¯s see how long you hold out once my competition finds out where the product they painstakingly procured went back to. If that doesn¡¯t work I¡¯ll just kill Arn, he said offhandedly, as if it was nothing. Not many friends in our work, losing one shouldn¡¯t hurt ¡­much. Did you know that he didn¡¯t want to give you up? It took a whole night of convincing to get the entire story. After ALL. This slap to Arn echoes throughout the alley. I. Slap. Have. Slap. Invested. Slap. In YOU?!! He screams


    From her pool of blood on the ground Swain is barely able to lift her head up enough to see Arn be dragged away. As everything begins to fade to black she barely heard Trival as he says


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch¡±

 Seven: Verion Kingdom - Throne Room - Queen Eylise

    Swain snaps back to herself as a piece of debris almost clips her injured arm. Even though the healers did a good job there is only so much they can do for someone not connected to the system. Sometimes potions and healing takes, sometimes it doesn¡¯t.


    Queen Eylise seems to be calming as the winds are less powerful. Swain has been staking out the palace for at least a week and a similar scenario has played out at least twice. These new notifications though, are troubling. The queen put a call out for her noble¡¯s using her messenger flock ability and none responded.


    Apparently, thinks Swain, this is an issue the Queen has had since she took over after her father, the former king passed three months ago. Everyone knew her as a spoiled princess and likely the nobility had yet to take her seriously, Swain thought. Although it doesn¡¯t affect those of who live on the streets, Swain¡¯s heart broke for the Queen. This was in direct conflict with the reason she was in the castle. She had been tasked with stealing the necklace the Queen wears. It is supposed to be a powerful artifact but that¡¯s all she knew. Unfortunately the Queen never took it off, which is why Swain has been sneaking through rafters and sleeping in barns for a week. Trival had yet to go through with his threats but based on their last meeting she didn¡¯t doubt he would.


    Just as Swain was preparing to make a run for it a terrible ROAR filled the room. The entire castle began to shake followed by a deafening BOOM


    BOOM


    BOOM


    Three times the walls shook before the far wall to the throne room crumbled. Daring to peek around the column she was hiding behind Swain¡¯s breath was caught. Lying on the ground covered in the crumbled debris from the wall was the Queen. Her deep blue dress raised to reveal her deep caramel skin. Turning her attention to the cause of the destruction she saw a green scaled three digit claw grip the ground ground with white talons, two of them caked in blood. The wall continues to shatter as thick scaled arms slide through the opening.


    As its massive lizard head tries to squeeze through, Swain hears the Queen call for her Sovereign shield, then she lets loose yellow beams of light that another quick glance reveals is coming from her hands. Unbothered by the powerful blasts the creature continues to make its way into the throne room.


    Sovereign Dominion!!! shouts Queen Eylise. Swain is held frozen with her head turned towards the action. She now has no option but to watch while the ability is in effect. The beast pauses as both females let out a collective sigh of relief before watching in horror as it lifts its head through the wall almost reaching the rafters. Swain silently curses herself for staying a bit longer to watch the Queen. Royals are indestructible, she told herself, she on the other hand would not survive this battle.


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    Entering and shaking the dust and rubble off the beast, Swain can now clearly see is a green dragon with two massive wings, a spiked head, two sets of eyes and a long neck. The back half of its body is still outside as it cannot fit in the throne room.


    Ca, Calamity class says a stunned Queen as she unintentionally takes a step back forgetting herself and her station for a moment.


    A deep voice bellows WAR IS COMING FOR VERION!! THIS MUCH CANNOT BE ESCAPED. THE ACCORDS HAVE BEEN BROKEN WHICH IS THE DOOM OF THIS GENERATION. PREPARATIONS FOR THE COMING BATTLE ARE ALREADY IN EFFECT. THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE HAVE DEEMED THAT THIS SHALL NOT BE A BLOOD FEUD AS PER SECTION 20 SUBSECTION C OF SAID ACCORDS. THIS MEANS THE NEXT GENERATION OF THIS PLANE SHALL LIVE TO START AGAIN. TO BALANCE THE LEDGER TEN WERE DESTROYED AND SO EACH HUMAN KINGDOM WILL LOSE TEN.


    Queen Eylise stands taller looking regal as she faces off with this terror. Lose ten what?! She replies


    Held by Sovereign Dominion Swain has no choice but to look as the Queen slumps to her knees. It may be better to say her knees slumped as her entire upper body was missing. Swain now released curls up in a ball doing her best not to scream. She didn¡¯t see the dragon move. One minute it was standing at the makeshift entrance the next it was chewing the body of Queen Eylise.


    Afraid to look, Swain hears what sounds like movement as the rest of the wall falls down. She quickly glances over ready to run, where she does not know. The dragon backs itself out the way it came in, never once glancing to the rafters. Swain knew she was not hidden from this beast, she was just never considered. All at once fear was replaced with determination as she thought of Trival and now this beast. She would never be the victim again.


    System message: WEEP ALL VERION AS QUEEN EYLISE, FIRST OF HER NAME HAS DIED A NOBLES DEATH. MAY SHE LAY WITH HER FOREFATHERS AND BE REMEMBERED FOR GENERATIONS.


    THE QUEEN IS DEAD LONG LIVE KING JUSIN SECOND OF HIS NAME. DEFENDER OF CASTLE OF BRAWNWHITE. MAY HE REIGN LONG AND WISE.


    System message: WEEP ALL VERION KING JUSIN SECOND OF HIS NAME. DEFENDER OF THE CASTLE OF BRAWNWHITE HAS DIED A NOBLES DEATH. MAY HE LAY WITH HIS FOREFATHERS AND BE REMEMBERED FOR GENERATIONS.


    THE KING IS DEAD LONG LIVE KING BRANON FIRST OF HIS NAME. DEFENDER OF THE WAY OF THE LOST. MAY HE REIGN LONG AND WISE.


    System message: WEEP ALL VERION KING BRANON FIRST OF HIS NAME. DEFENDER OF THE WAY OF THE LOST HAS DIED A NOBLES DEATH. MAY HE LAY WITH HIS FOREFATHERS AND BE REMEMBERED FOR GENERATIONS.


    THE KING IS DEAD LONG LIVE KING VISEL FIRST OF HIS NAME. MAY HE REIGN LONG AND WISE.

 Eight: Argog Kingdom - Palace lawn - King Domini/Wraith Battle Savant

    HOLD YOUR GROUND!! Commands Wraith


    The kingdom would have been caught unaware if it was not for the ethereal messenger bird from Verion¡¯s Queen. Wraith was not sure if the woman''s ability was limited or if she was unaccustomed to war. Not an hour Aafter the scribe left to do his work the small white bird flew through the wall interrupting his war council. Having seen Eylise use this ability before during visits to their kingdom he immediately recognized it. The timing told him that the system message went to all twelve kingdoms. Initially he planned on ignoring the buzzing the flapping of the wings made as they flew around him. Argog¡¯s priority is its walls and its people. Calls for help would have to be secondary, if she could not figure out how to defend her people she should not be Queen.


    Minutes later his patience was not as strong when the bird hovered in front of his face refusing to be moved. What is it you want you annoying gnat?? At the response the bird was finally able to relay its message.


    DRAGON. CASTLE. DESTROY ALL. DESTRUCTION!!!


    Each on the war council wore grim faces as the king sprang into action. Get your gear, we now know where the attacks are headed. If a destruction beast wants to take this castle it will have to come through us. Raise the alarm! Tonight we battle, Wraith begins then the war council joins the chant, TOMORROW WE FEAST!!


    These warriors were the best line of defense for Argog Wraith thought. All seven being S rank is no coincidence. He pushed them to the brink since he took over the kingdom for moments just like this. Where Aman the SS rank was was a mystery. That woman never missed an opportunity for a fight. Her mind for battle rivaled his and that was saying something. She is the mother of his oldest son Phinas who took their battle rage to the next level. Wraith sent him on a quest to save the kingdom from his mischief when bored.


    Fire blasts fill the area exploding harmlessly off the force shield of the beast which slowly makes its way to the defenders. Having appeared suddenly from underground its intentions were made clear with the announcement about the ten. Wraith had no idea what it meant and that blasted scribe had yet to return. This calamity level beast is impossible, its movements make no sense. Not even his sovereign battle sight can predict what it will do next.


    Keep your distance men, Yandar fire blast full power now!! The lawn in front of the group is engulfed in flames leaving scorch marks everywhere and suffocating smoke obscuring sight. Wraith uses a wind blast to disperse the smoke hoping for victory from that powerful blast. With that Yandar completely destroyed the last destruction level beast. That Minotaur was awoken using ancient scrolls during their last war. It nearly broke through the battle lines to the capital.


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    Wraith discovered this situation was a far cry from that. A gelatinous tentacle shot through the smoke as it cleared, grabbing Yandar and engulfing him. Spiten the group''s strength based combatant was taken next. They were quickly spit out burned, armor less and unconscious. Wraith¡¯s Sovereign Heal had zero effect as he attempted to restore them; a quick look at them showed they were still breathing. This meant some kind of suppression field was being used. Them being alive meant only one thing Wraith realized.


    This monstrosity, this slime, was not here for any of the team. As it continued its slow slide towards the defenders the reality of this situation sunk in.


    Rand, he said, tapping the shoulder of his second in command for these defenders. Rand turned to Wraith ready for the last second plan that pulled victory out of certain defeat, like so many other times. Wraith knew there would be no victory here though. Aman not being here when this level beast was in the capital meant she was likely incapacitated or dead already. Looking to Rand he signaled the retreat and gave one last command.


    Prepare the next monarch, when that scribe returns from his meditations give him this. Wraith handed Rand a sealed bundle of letters. Having been in countless battles together words were not needed at this moment. Rand clasped the king''s forearm before saluting and declaring LONG REIGN THE KING..


    The rest of the war council fell into line behind Rand, each understood the situation and what was being asked of them. As they retreated back to the castle Wraith stood facing the slime with his black mythrill sword held in front. His entire life has been about protecting Argog. When he slit the throat of the traitorous former king it was to restore honor to the throne. He didn¡¯t know the system would offer him the opportunity to take the throne. Truthfully Revi was a better choice but Wraith did his best and transformed the minor kingdom to the most powerful.. the battle kingdom. Heh he chuckles, I get it now


    Stopping in front of the king the slime exclaimed;


    TEN WERE DESTROYED, EIGHT ARE THE BALANCE FOR ARGOG.


    System message: WEEP ALL ARGOG KING DOMINI FIRST OF HIS NAME. CHAMPION OF THE ARGOG HAS DIED A NOBLES DEATH. MAY HE LAY WITH HIS FOREFATHERS AND BE REMEMBERED FOR GENERATIONS.


    THE KING IS DEAD LONG LIVE KING ARWAR FIRST OF HIS NAME. DEFENDER OF THE WAY OF THE GREAT PASS. MAY HE REIGN LONG AND WISE.


    Revi arrived at the palace lawn having pushed his abilities past their limits. He was able to find one obscure line of text referring to beast accords. Although the answers he hoped for were not there he knew where to find them. Kyreb, the oldest kingdom, were named as co-authors of the accords. Now running he reached the king in time to catch him mid fall. The blue gelatinous slime seeped through the ground disappearing from sight.


    Holding this man, his rival, his king he could do nothing but weep.


    This man is the only person Revi has ever counted as a friend.


    Outliving the immortal Wraith stood Revi, Scribe to the king.

 Nine: Scion Kingdom - Throne Room - King Macron… dead

    The screams grow ever more distant as the crowd in a rush disappear through the rubble. The king¡¯s body jerks up in the air as the monstrous gray rock golem smashed a silver glistening club into him over and over. Moments later, seemingly satisfied in his handiwork turned and lumbered off, dragging its oversized club behind it. The club made smooth grooves in the ground. Ignoring the still scattering and cowering residents the cataclysm beast excited the capital as a system notification reached the ears of all of the subjects of Scion.


    System message: WEEP ALL SCION KING MACRON FOURTH OF HIS NAME. VISIONARY OF THE DOWNTRODDEN NATION HAS DIED A NOBLES DEATH. MAY HE LAY WITH HIS FOREFATHERS AND BE REMEMBERED FOR GENERATIONS.


    TEN GENERATIONS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED WEEP FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY.


    NO VIABLE ROYAL FAMILY MEMBER DETECTED


    System message to all kingdoms: SCION KINGDOM WILL BE REALLOCATED¡­ A COMPETITION WILL BE HELD IN TWENTY FOUR MONTHS TO CROWN A NEW MONARCH. IF NO CHALLENGERS SURVIVE SCION KINGDOM WILL BE RESOLVED


    All who heard this were in shock. Conversations about how this could happen or if there was precedence for this could be heard in all taverns and the recesses of castles. While mourning their losses nobles and royal family members across the kingdoms hatched plans.


    Kyreb Kingdom - Throne Room - King Roman Stival XX¡­ waiting


    King Stival sits on his throne stroking his long white beard. He looks at his wrinkled hands contemptuously, four hundred and fifty years as the king of these lands. His mind is still strong but his body, this body is beginning to show the ravages of time. Looking over the throne room, an open air open room with a throne at the far end and on immaculate stairs looking down to the empty space below where he met with dignitaries and subjects alike. The row of armor on either side of the aisle were normally infused with life via his Sovereign Imbue skill. As the oldest king his abilities are the most developed of all the monarchs. He was regularly called upon to quell wars that threatened to destroy kingdoms. Calamity beasts at this point were no real concern as his abilities out paced any he has met.


    Yet here the king sits, having sent all of his subjects and attendants away. He stares at the awning that signals the entrance of his throne room. Roman does not remember the last time he was nervous. It must have been when he was a young man leaving the kingdom for the first time seeking adventure. He laughs to himself when thinking about his younger, more impetuous version. If he could share wisdom, he quickly shakes that thought away knowing his younger self would not have listened.


    Thinking to himself he considers the barrier that protects this room from the weather. This was placed by its original creator, the first king of Elderon their planet. This barrier has held for millenia with not as much as a scratch. Marvelous, he exclaims, most people think this room was built in the way it is due to the eccentricities of the first king but Kyreb scribes instructed him in the truth years ago. For some reason this is the only kingdom with records going back to those first days. The real purpose of this room was for the original regular guests, back then it was not abnormal for beasts and men to intermingle.


    When Roman heard the original system message he knew immediately what he needed to do. Receiving the bird message from Queen Eylise confirmed it, he thought. He was drawn out of his thoughts by a towering figure bending to enter the fifty foot embossed wood archway. This beast crackled with so much energy that the slight brush to Romans defenses shattered them immediately. The level of control this being had was awe inspiring. At any moment the beautiful red dragon, with impenetrable scales, long neck and massive black wings folded on its back.


    The beast enters with nostrils full of flame and then with a loud bang sits on its hind legs. Roman cups his hands in his lap to keep them from shaking. It has come to this, he said, would you care for a drink? A large bowl-like glass with sloshing pink liquid appears in front of the dragon who immediately begins to drink.


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    In a thundering voice the the dragon replied;


    It is good to see that at least Kyreb did not forget the old ways. My emissaries were not met with such respect. Ooh and the same recipe from back then, Egrad built something special here didn¡¯t he?


    Yes, he did and we have done what we can to keep the memory alive, Roman said, holding back the trembling from his voice. Is there anything we can do to avoid the coming war?


    Looking up from its drink the dragon slowly blinks its eyes in a sighing motion and says wearily, No. The great council has spoken, it takes a moment to look around the room. This place is a reminder of a simpler time, it continues. Egrad and I built that throne you are sitting on using materials farmed from the higher realms. Higher realms, Roman interjected surprised, I thought it was impossible to return from the higher realms. With a sad look the dragon said, Impossible heh, no human. This realm can only handle my calamity level brethren, I on the other hand have surpassed that level millenia ago. This is why my trip will be short today. Wait, does that mean our ascended forefathers could return? Ascended Forefathers? The dragon seemed to get a laugh from that.


    There are no humans beyond this realm. In the history of mankind only one human has survived the challenges of ascension and traversing even the second realm. That man, he motioned to the portrait behind the throne, was accompanied by me in my younger days. Roman sank into his throne, the promise of ascension had been the dream of generations of humans. The push to get to SS rank has been what their societies have been built on. The promise of seeing lost loved ones was what drove others. If it got out that no one either survived the transition or the rigors of living in the higher realms humanity would be lost. Roman was happy that his scribe was banned from witnessing this meeting.


    What is the purpose? He muttered. The dragon looked at him mournfully and said, striving is the goal. Just because only one was able to does not mean you can not. This was my hope when I lobbied the great council not to destroy this realm all those years ago. This place was special to my friend, Egrad always returned here and then set up the system for the balance of concentrated power in the twelve kingdoms. I set up the dungeons as a boon to my kind and your people. For my intervention I was placed to oversee this realm, the others have little care for it.


    Excuse me uh, Roman stuttered. Katamen, the dragon said, call me Katamen, that is what my friend knew me as.


    Great Katamen, Roman continued, how will this war happen? Our SS ranks alone could destroy the dungeon beasts. HA HA HA Katamen lets loose a huge laugh, those beasts you struggle with are the hatchlings of our kind. HA HA even the calamity beasts as you call them have not hit adolescence yet. Katamens laughs fill the capital, terrifying all who hear. Twenty minutes later when he finally calms he says, the great council has called for the next wave of us calamity will be unleashed. This is humanity¡¯s last stand. If you survive the generations after you will be allowed to live. The younger adolescents will be unleashed in six months once the dungeons are prepared for conquest.


    Can you do anything? Roman asked fearfully. The air grew cold and the king started to suffocate.


    YOU DARE TO ASK ME TO INTERCEDE?? EVEN IF I COULD I WOULD NOT!! THOSE DESTROYED EGGS ALTHOUGH NOT MY DIRECT PROGENY WERE FROM. MY. LINE!!


    Pure terror was in the king''s face as the atmosphere returned to normal as the dragon calmed.


    In Egrads time they understood the gift those eggs represented. Those were young who had not yet earned the respawn ability. Those eggs were too fragile to survive on the higher realms so I allowed them to incubate here. I had hoped that whomever found them would nurture and develop a bond with them but instead they were SLAUGHTERED!!


    No, I think I will hope for my friends people to survive but not shed a tear if you do not. Come scribe.. an older man wearing black robes and a hood fell through the room with a crash as he hit the ground. Dusting himself off he gave the king a sheepish look and flinched as Katamen narrowed his eyes at him.


    The dragon then continued as if nothing happened. I have seen humanity transform from wide eyed explorers to cold blooded conquerors. This saddens me but we are here now. Scribe bring me the eleventh in the line of succession. I would have words with him before my allotted time on this realm is done.


    Shutting his eyes the scribe alerted the nearest guard of the request.


    Raising an eyebrow Katamen murmured, scribe abilities never fail to surprise me.

 Ten: Kyreb Kingdom - Bedroom - Enard Stival, fourth cousin, twice removed, to the king

    BANG, BANG, BANG


    The bedroom doors vibrate with every desperate knock.


    The thirteenth BANG is what finally prompts the ruffling of the tan mountain of blankets. On the fourteenth a tan foot pops out from underneath their self made cave of covers.


    CRASH


    A dirty blonde tan faced teen, now alert, shoots out of his covering bewildered. In a groggy voice he exclaims, this is the third time this week you¡¯ve broken my door. The steward will NOT be happy. I do not want to spend another week tending the stables. Just give me a few more minutes Stavrin, I am sure the daily chores can hold.. he freezes in place as a contingent of guards lead by the head palace guard stands in the doorway not looking especially pleased as she looks over the modest room covered with clothes on the ground and leftover food at the foot of the bed, the desk and spattered across the wall.


    Peeking out from behind her is a scruffy guard who looks to be at the bare minimum of fit for a kingdom guard. His pudgy face is red with embarrassment as he is held by the ear by an elderly refined woman with elaborately done gray hair.


    Ms Grinhold, the pudgy guard said, this is a little uncomfortable. Can you please let go of my ear? Both women give him a look filled with killing intent and he promptly quiets, looking dejected. Captain Jacylyn, a former member of the royal guard, was recently promoted to captain of the guard. Her responsibilities normally have her in the main recesses of the palace. Rarely does she travel to this smaller castle located at the edges of the palace grounds. This place is generally reserved for members of the royal family that are furthest from the throne. It houses them when they visit but since this king has not held many unofficial events in the past fifty or so years it is normally empty. That was until Enard moved in. His parents were distant cousins of the king and were killed in an A rank dungeon dive. Since they were poorer members of the royal family and the king took a liking to the curly haired boy he pretty much just let him have the castle to himself.


    Examining his glassy eyes and red puffed cheeks the captain squinted and then whirled on Stavrin. Seeing this the pudgy guard tries to wiggle his way out of Grinhold¡¯s grip. WHAT DID YOU GIVE HIM? She demanded. Ju.. just a minor potion of animal sight I made. It.. it was perfectly fine, I mean it should have been. It was entirely my fault, Enard interjected to save his friend, Satvrin told me to take only one drop but I thought I could understand Peku, he gestured to a small pink long eared creature resembling a cat which was sprawled on its back unconscious. I took more to be sure and then fed Peku some and here we are. Nothing to worry about, I''m fine. The captain turned her withering gaze to Enard who flinched back uneasy. I was just informed that you and that thing, she points to Peku, have been unconscious for TWO DAYS!!! Ok is NOT how I would describe this situation.


    Red faced, she continues, furthermore there is NO such potion as animal sight. Grabbing Stavrin¡¯s other ear she exclaims, we do NOT experiment on the ROYAL family, no matter how dumb they are.Quietly she mutters, there are so few of them. Standing Stavrin up straight she motions to Grinhold to let him go. You are a soldier, not an alchemist, not a potion maker, not even a scribe. He is your charge not your guinea pig, however far he is from the throne he is still your better. And you, she picks up a shirt off the floor and tosses it to him. You are to see the king, get up, Mrs. Grinhold will make sure you are dressed appropriately.


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    The.. King captain? I haven¡¯t been to see him in years. Are you sure he wants me? Enard timidity said. She gives him an appraising eye, still not seeing it she replies, The fact that I am here rather than the sub captain in charge of this castle should tell you something boy. I don¡¯t know what this is about but the message the scribe sent specifically asked for you and even more clearly stressed that this is urgent.


    Enard dressed in his finest wear courtesy of Mrs Grinhold, who with a pained expression picked through his meager wardrobe. I guess this will do, she said, stand up straight you are meeting the king. Enard dutifully followed as she quickly instructed him on how to act in the throne room. Mrs Grinhold had been his only constant visitor, the only parental voice over the last seven years in this small castle. She sternly guided both he and Stavrin when he visited. No one held more authority in this place since, at least he thought, this was basically a forgotten castle. The guards and all the staff were all initiates. Mrs. Grinhold herself being the only exception to that rule at B rank.


    With tentative steps Enard made his way to the transportation waiting in front. He was surprised as he expected to see a normal horse led carriage. Instead he beheld a pair of majestic white horses that flashed the bright yellow of lightning. He was rushed into the back of the carriage before he could fully take in these mythical beasts. He had no idea the Kyreb kingdom had these. Trying to settle into his seat Enard is thrown backwards as the lightning horses rush forward in a flash. Time seemed to stand still as still falling he watched the crackling lightning pulse past the side windows. As he crashes into his seat he is immediately flung forward as the horses and carriage stops just as suddenly as it started.


    Dazed, he stumbles out of the carriage thankful that he didn¡¯t have food in his stomach. Although the beasts were majestic Enard would rather skip that experience next time. Captain Jacylyn shakes her head while he rights himself only to gawk at the silver obfuscated dome signaling the outdoor throne room. Enard had never seen it glittering and unclear like this. It was normally transparent so all could see the proceedings. He remembers briefings from the Captain that this was how it looks for extremely sensitive meetings the king takes. This thought makes his nerves go into overdrive.


    What could the king want from me, he asks. If I knew you would still have to wait to find out, I have orders, said the captain. The king ordered a private meeting and you are invited. This could either be real good for you or real bad, the only way to know is to step in. Quicker that Enard can perceive the captain is behind him giving him a light shove that has him stumble through the bubble. Tripping over his own foot he drops to the ground on his hands and knees. Not wanting to look up and face the wrath of the king for his clumsiness he stays down for a moment.


    He could feel the awkward silence as he finally lifted his head. His heart drops as a dreadful red snout full of sharp white teeth lowers its head until it is face to face with him. The yellow slitted eyes communicate menace, this beast, this dragon opens its maw wide. A terrifying voice echoes throughout the throne room.


    I see you, no point in hiding.. there you are, young one!!

 Eleven: Kyreb Kingdom - Throne Room - Enard Stival, fourth cousin, twice removed, to the king

    There you are, young one!!


    Enard¡¯s heart leaps in his chest as the dragon draws even closer. Its brimstone breath assaults his nostrils, the power of its very presence threatening to knock him over.


    Come young one join the conversation. The dragon blows out purple fire that engulfs Enard¡¯s right shoulder. Fearing his death he tries unsuccessfully to dodge. As the fire hits he closes his eyes resigned to destruction but is shocked when he feels nothing. Sneaking a peek at his shoulder he is dumbfounded to see Peku, now purple with lightning crackling between his ears, sneering and bearing his teeth.


    The dragon jerks back roaring in laughter. How did you find this human little one? Human child do you know what you are bonded to? Wha.. well uh.. he is .. uh.. this is Peku.. my .. friend. What do you mean bonded? The dragon is silent for a moment. Enard silently hopes it is contemplating rather than choosing who to eat first. The dragon looks to the king who seemed to be pale and trying to keep composure, then to the elderly scribe who Enard had not realized was in the room. He had seen the older man from time to time in his wanderings but up close the wrinkles in his face were more pronounced. Enard could also see eagerness rather than fear in his eyes.


    In a less menacing voice the dragon sighed. How little knowledge this generation has, in Egrads time we uncovered many mysteries of the realms. Exploration and pushing the boundaries of this world was our hope. It seems that it has not transferred as both he and I had hoped. Maybe you boy and Peku the Lycrant can restore that for what is left of the world after this war. That is of course assuming you survive.


    WAR?¡­ Enard blurts out looking at Peku who has become invisible again.


    One question at a time boy, the dragon said. First you may call me Katamen, I am the Respondent to this realm. Although I do not control this realm I am tasked to respond in times of great change or tragedy that will ripple throughout the realms. I obtained this title since I alone advocated for the preservation of this one, wishing to maintain the birthplace of my friend, first King Egrad. His memory is the ONLY reason I have not decimated this kingdom. It is the reason I am here rather than the others sent by the Great Council. I have yet to meet another like me in any of the other realms, none have any fondness of this place that holds the weakest of the races, humanity.


    Your.. friend is what is called a Lycrant. They are beings that until today I thought were extinct. They were once known as the king of beasts and were so powerful and ferocious that they were even a match for us dragons. Just one could decimate the entirety of one of your kingdoms. Enard gasps and looks again to Peku who has made himself seen again and looks back at him unflinchingly. You ,boy, have somehow bonded to one. From what I know that is very rare, these beasts were thought extinct when I was a hatchling. I can see the tether between the two of you symbolizing the bond. Enard looked between himself and Peku with a confused face. Heh, heh Katamen chuckled, Peku meanwhile seemingly rolled his eyes, you do not yet have a high enough rank to see past normal vision. Your friend understands the link and has benefited greatly from it. Be aware and take good care of this beast, unlike dungeon inhabitants free range beasts do not have the option to gain the respawn ability. Peku has a limited number of life tokens and it seems two were very recently used, one on him and the other on you. What?? The king, scribe and Enard blurt out at once. Enard thinks back to his recent potion testing as his face shifts from shocked to sheepish.


    I have limited time in this realm and have a feeling that you have not been properly educated! Katamen glares at the King and Scribe who shrink back into themselves. The King and Scribe had been so focused on their own research that sharing their findings with the eleventh in line for the throne went unremembered. The King had actually forgotten he was in the capital as he had mainly been focused on his own mortality. Having primarily neglected increasing his rank in his youth he surprisingly had never grown past peak A. He knew his death was near and called for the scribe to help him with leveling. Katamen continued, although I have limited time I will lay out the basics of this world you find yourself in. I share this again in hopes that you both survive and help bring the world back from the brink of destruction. This would continue the vision of my friend and that would be enough for me.


    With a sigh he settles into teaching mode. I do not have the time or patience to instruct you in the intricacies of the inner workings of this life but I will share three things:


    Firstly this realm you live in is the primary realm. All in existence once resided here, I myself spent my youth exploring this world. The separation between the realms came when the first great beast broke past the limit of this one. You refer to these beasts as calamity class, just for context they are hatchings. A new realm is created once a being reaches beyond the maximum level of the last. There are currently twenty realms and each one has its own cap. That cap is based on how much drain the level can maintain. Seeing Enard¡¯s confusion he asks, how do you think abilities work? Magic, Enard says confidently, there is magic in the air that we use spells to access. Sneering, Katamen lets out a growl towards the King who pales again. There is no such thing as magic boy, Katamen snaps, each realm has essence that seeps into the beings that inhabit it. Once an individual absorbs enough essence they are given access to the system that catalogs and allows them to interact with the essence both drawing in and expelling it through the use of abilities and skills. The essence is filtered through the body leaving trace amounts and strengthening the individual through use. This is how we rise through the ranks. A rank is a measurement of how much essence an individual¡¯s body can contain.


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    Where does the essence come from? Enard asks. No time for the deeper questions I''m afraid, my time is extremely limited here, Katamen said. If I can continue, the reason that there are only a limited number of SS individuals allowed to live on this realm is due to the amount of essence they draw in. The larger drain on the essence in this realm creates a gap between realms which allow the calamity beasts to slip through. These are my wilder brethren who are either not currently or have never been beholden to the dungeon rules. There is currently no governing system for those who are not dungeon inhabitants and whatever control the Great Council holds over them does not extend to this realm. As I mentioned before none of the beasts care what happens here, there are also no humans outside of this realm to argue your case. Before he could be interrupted again Katamen continues.


    Secondly, Egrad and I created both the dungeons and the twelve kingdoms with agreement from the Great Council. The dungeon system traverses many of the realms but is capped here as humans cannot survive the higher concentrations of essence on the higher realms. The very youngest of our line take the challenge of the dungeons as a rite of passage, those who have gained the respawn ability. This is not forced on any race so there are wild beasts in your world,they may have life tokens but they do not have the unlimited respawn ability. Before you ask, the difference is an automatic return to life versus a wait in the space below the realm. Those who can respawn are allowed to return to their realm until the timer runs out. Life tokens force isolation, this can drive even the most respected beast mad depending on how long they have to wait. The timeline ranges from minutes to years based on the individual''s power rank. The dungeon benefit to us is a training for our young on tactics and fighting as well as the rank increases. The benefit to the realm is the maintaining of the essence levels. When a tear is created and the beast is dealt with, the dungeons expel its excess essence to fill the gaps thereby healing the rift. The kingdoms spread out essence usage in strategic locations on the planet. These kingdoms also allowed for the creation of sovereign seals. Twelve were created and twelve must always be in existence according to the accords.These seals are the agreement maintained through the system between the Great Council and my friend Egrad. This is the promise that they will not destroy this realm, negotiated by ME!


    Your people have broken the accords by destroying hatchlings still in their eggs. Helpless beings who were placed here to incubate. They were also a gift, not unlike Peku they could have been bonded to people of your race to bring forth a new renaissance of beast and human relations. Instead we are here, war has come. Ignoring Enard¡¯s increasingly worried face, he continues, the first realm dungeons are being converted to allow for our higher rank young to reside here in larger numbers. These upgrades will also increase the tether radius to allow them to roam more of your lands. I tell you this as there is nothing you can do to stop it. Currently we have allowed two SS and twelve S ranked beasts to reside here. The cap on S rak has been removed and the two SS ranks have been increased to four. To balance the scales and avoid a tear in the realm all but three of the SS ranked humans have been destroyed. If humanity is able to destroy the SS rank beasts the race to level will be on. Only fourteen will be allowed to reside here what that breakdown is we shall see.


    Lastly, as I mentioned the system catalogs and allows for essence usage. This system will also level set specific roles such as King. No king or ruler on this or any realm will ever be lower than A rank or its equivalent. There are other professions and positions but that is your scribe¡¯s job. A glare from the dragon was aimed at the scribe. I tell you all this because you will be the next king. No.. no, I am eleventh in line. The king has years left, I don¡¯t even know HOW to lead a kingdom. He gives a panicked look to the king who has gone from a pale expression to being resigned to his fate. Sadly Katamen replied, few of us are ever prepared, besides it has already happened.


    System message: WEEP ALL KYREB, KING ROMAN STIVAL TENTH OF HIS NAME. LEADER OF THE BLESSED KINGDOM HAS DIED A NOBLES DEATH. MAY HE LAY WITH HIS FOREFATHERS AND BE REMEMBERED FOR GENERATIONS.


    THE KING IS DEAD LONG LIVE KING FREDMON FIRST OF HIS NAME. SON OF MOURNING. MAY HE REIGN LONG AND WISE.


    Ten notifications chime, Enard¡¯s body writhes in pain as it is upgraded to handle an influx of essence.


    YOU HAVE REACHED RANK B, PLEASE CHOOSE A SPECIALIZATION¡­ SPECIALIZATION CHOSEN: BEAST COMPANION. YOU HAVE REACHED RANK A, YOU HAVE BEEN CROWNED KING OF KYREB


    The pain subsides as an ethereal golden crown materializes in front of Enard. It floats and places itself on his head.


    SOVEREIGN SKILLS OBTAINED


    THE KING IS DEAD LONG LIVE KING ENARD FIRST OF HIS NAME. FRIEND TO BEASTS AND DRAGONS. MAY HE REIGN LONG AND WISE.


    As he focuses his eyes quickly search for the dragon only to land on the empty space Katamen previously occupied. Turning to the throne he sees the body of the former king slumped, head without a crown. A tap on his shoulder causes him to turn around, the sight in front of him causes his mouth to open in shock. Standing behind him is a red beast that is close to his standing height. Its teeth sharp as daggers, it has blended black paws and long pointed ears. Its eyes were sharp, black with moving white stars. Its tail is powerful, long and black. This beast looks powerful and swift, fear grips Enard again. Even if the dragon didn¡¯t kill him, this beast surely would. The surprises continued as the beast spoke in a low voice;


    Hey Enard, it''s me Peku¡­

 Twelve: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank ? - Location ?

    ¡­. SOMETHING


    What? Said Davren, everything was out of focus, nothing seemed real. His ears were ringing, his eyes only showed his distortion being glazed over and his heart pounded deep in his chest.


    I said DO SOMETHING!!! Jada yelled


    Davren feels someone grasp his arms, lifting him up to set his unsteady body on its feet. The ground shakes again as what seems like earthquakes hit every few seconds. If it wasn¡¯t for the clear sound of something heavy being dragged, what was happening could be considered a natural disaster. Instead the intermittent roars made it clear that something big and powerful was moving around ahead.


    What¡¯s the plan bro, what do we do? Javens'' calm steady voice pierced the haze. It reached Davren bringing a minor clarity to this insanity. His eyes begin to focus drawing in the red pulsing light in the cavern they never left. The former stairway that had transformed into a wall is now a pile of rubble. I¡¯m ok, he says unsteadily, give me a second to look around. Where are the other two? He looks around to see Jada removing rubble. Instead of answering him Javen rushes to the pile without hesitation and tosses rocks until the rogue is revealed. The flickering dark red light makes it difficult to make out the condition of the teen covered in black clothes. Is he breathing? Davren asked with genuine concern. Although he was not the biggest fan of his brother''s friends that did not mean that he wanted them dead. Checking his bag of holding he is disappointed to find only four healing potions left. He wanted to kick himself for not noticing his brothers party not having their own bags of holding. Davren could remember clearly now how they used potions immediately after receiving them as drops whether they needed them or not. He did not think much about it because he had his own stock. Now that Davrens stock was THE stock he feared they were all in trouble. He watches as Jada searches for the healer, if she was alive she would be helpless as she would need healing herself.


    Trying to stay upright, Davren makes his way to the rogue. Javen has him laid on a cleared area on the floor. Wordlessly Davren activates his light ability, a fist sized ball of dim light materializes from his hand and floats above his head. Exerting minor mental effort he raises the intensity until the entire cavern was as bright as a summer day. This doesn¡¯t look good, he says, I only have one full healing and three minor healing potions left. Once we find the healer we can decide on a plan of action. Remove his head covering.. Javen did as he was told while also sneaking glances at Jada as she continued her search. Davren examined the rogue, his dark brown face was puffy and bleeding with eyes swollen and shut. His clothes were tattered and the flesh felt tender and broken in areas. His right leg was bent in an awkward angle, nothing short of a full heal potion would restore him at this point. Davren doubted that the E rank healer could manage one but if she could be restored to full health then she could keep the rogue alive until they hopefully find a way out of here. Seeing the pulp that was the rogue had cleared his head immediately. His brother was looking to him to bring them out of this. No time to freeze, he mutters to himself, this is just an F ranked dungeon, I¡¯m B rank.


    OVER HERE!! Jada screams, Davren attempts to join his brother when he feels a weak grasp at his leg. The rogue showing an unexpected strength attempts to move but Davren could see the pain etched on his face as tears roll down his eyes at every motion. Don¡¯t move, I¡¯m right here, Davren returns to one knee and holds the rogue¡¯s hand while his brother and Jada bring the healer over. He removes a black bracer from his wrist and places it on the rogue''s. As he does, five small blue bulbs of light reveal themselves in a soft glow. Seeing the confused and awestruck looks in the faces of the former F ranked adventurers he sighs. He points to the bracer where the lights have begun to alternate first slowly and then quicker. This is a body reader, it provides updates on a person¡¯s physical and system attribute status. Before any follow up questions could arise he continued, I have an analyze ability but it is only good for active battle since I am a battle build. Healers have different levels of this ability for the body as a whole, some see general health as a red or blue bar, while others have a more detailed view and can see specific health issues or types of poison a person is inflicted with. My battle analysis ability only allows me to see my opponents skill in comparison to mine and it updates the longer we fight. When I upgrade this ability I will be able to know how good they are with specific weapons and then again if my weapon or skill of choice gives me an advantage against them. If the healer were awake I would see if she has analyze but this bracer should suffice. Although there are better versions this will tell us his basic health. A low buzz sounds leading to a blue bar with a slither of red. Shaking his head Davren explains, the bracer shows how close he is to death by connecting with the system and puts health in a measurable form. Others of this kind can measure the power to use the system ability. According to this he does not have much longer left without help. Let me check the healer. He repeated the process and the bracer revealed that she was closer to half health. Ok everyone, Davren attempted to focus the party who looked downtrodden, we currently have four potions. One of them is a very expensive full health potion and three minor health potions. I do not know where we are or how to get out of here so here is the plan. I will give the healer a minor heal potion which should get her to half health if she awakes she can use her ability to heal the rogue. If she does not awake I would need to use the full health potion on the rogue as we do not need two of this party holding us back as we attempt to find an exit. I am also not sure how long we can stay in this spot. The red pulses have increased in intensity and in my experience that cannot mean anything good. Since this is an F rank dungeon I should be able to handle most of the beasts but if they come in force I will be depending on you more than I ever planned to.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    After a few moments of unsure looks from his brother and Jada and uncomfortable silence Davren carefully opens the pale lips of the healer and pours the minor heal potion into her mouth. Halfway into the body awareness returns to her face as her eyes open and she coughs up some of the green liquid. Quickly replacing the stopper Davren helps her to her feet. Although I know you are likely still getting your bearings I need you to heal your friend, he said. Looking at her ¡°friends¡± he internally groans as they offer little help as they look from him to her. These two did not hesitate to jump in to help dig their friends out but are all too comfortable looking to him to make the actual decisions. Although he normally would not mind them keeping their mouths shut this is an unknown situation. In an actual party although there is a leader there are sub-leaders as well as valuable opinions to draw from. By the sound of the system announcement this could be dangerous for even him. Davren urges the healer whose face turns almost as red as her hair while her thin frame shivers like a leaf. Remembering the trip again and thinking over how the party chugged healing potions dropped from beasts he had to stop himself from groaning out loud. With clenched teeth he asked, have you used your ability before?

 Thirteen: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank ? - Location ?

    I said, have you ever used your ability before? Davren asks, face now showing how annoyed he was.


    Finally out of his stupor Javen steps in front of his brother trying to calm his ire. Uh yeah of course she has used her abilities before. You think we would bring a healer into a dungeon who has never healed? She just needs a little time. She only just now regained consciousness. Davren looked at his brother''s uneasy smile then to the shivering girl and finally to the rogue who was now having problems breathing. Calmly he asked, what healing ability do you have? In a small high pitched voice she replied, my teacher was teaching me minor heal and I was able to heal a cut Javen had gotten when he fell in the thornberry bushes a few weeks ago. Slowly Davren asked, while still keeping one eye on the rogue, how many weeks ago was this? Four she replied, right after I gained access to the system.


    WHAT?? Davren hissed, visibly fuming now. He rounds on his brother, This he points to the pint sized girl who turns red again at the attention, is. NOT. A. HEALER. Being able to kinda heal is not enough to call yourself a healer. Adequately learning minor heal takes at minimum a year, not a few days. Still seething he removes the full health potion from his ring of holding, pouring the clear liquid into the rogue''s mouth. His eyes twitch at each gulp the injured party member takes. Visions of gold falling into the abyss by the handful plays over and over in his head along with dreams of strangling his brother and kicking Jada into that same unending chasm. Davren¡¯s only hope is that the rogue is an actual rogue, he knew his brother was connected to the system at least six months ago. Why he had been F rank at the start of this dungeon was a mystery. Davren knew his parents would have gotten the best teachers and trainers available to them as they are a minor nobility.


    As the last drops of potion enters his body the rogue begins to stir. The crack of his bones moving back into place and the slurp sounds the gashes and lacerations across his frame made as they closed told Davren that this party member was fully healed. Since his return item was not working and there was no visible way out of this dungeon he knew he would have to make sure he was not seriously injured or all would be lost. As the rogue receives hugs from his friends the red pulsing lights that had been pulsing faster and more intense overtaking the brightness of his light orb ability. Time to go, he says, Javen take the healer and move as fast as you can through the rubble. This is not a good sign, we do not want to be here when this corridor finishes whatever it is doing.


    The group makes its way through the rubble finding a smaller passageway that causes them to move single file. Davren takes the lead placing Jada at the rear with Javen who is carrying the ¡°healer¡± right behind him, followed by the rogue. After twenty minutes of travel he signals for the party to stop. The red lights were not as intense in this area and the narrow passage was beginning to open up to a wider room that was entirely grassland. He could barely see a pond halfway through the massive space. Why are we stopping? Javen asked. From behind him a deeper voice said in a whispering tone, because this was not here before, we would have passed through here the first time if it were. Davren tries to hide a grin as he responds, he was right about the rogue, at least one of his brother''s friends was not a complete idiot. Turning to respond he turns pale as the rogue flips over him making his way to the grassland whispering ¡°I¡¯ll check it out¡±. Before Davren could grab him, a large catlike creature uncloaked, its body slowly revealing its midnight mane. All at once a bloodcurdling scream erupts from the rogue as a paw the size of his head collides with him, sending his just healed body flying violently into the wall next to the tunnel the party stood at the mouth of. The beast stood unmoving, licking its lips with its rough pink tongue. Davren¡¯s ears barely register the screams from the ladies as his heart pounds roughly in his chest.


    Half a day, he murmured to himself, this was supposed to be a half day trip. Using his analyze ability he watched as the beast gained a yellow glow. Davren¡¯s ability ranks opponents in five colors:


    Gray - No challenge, this means he is far above this opponent


    White - can damage, still no challenge but he needs to be on alert


    Blue - can damage, this means he is still higher rank but he shouldn¡¯t take this challenge lightly. Javen appears blue to his ability.


    Yellow - real challenge, this means this challenger is on par with him


    Red - dangerous, this means the challenger is higher in rank and this could be a fatal battle.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Looking at the rogue crumpled on the ground and back at the party he let out a frustrated hiss. There were not supposed to be beasts higher than F rank here. Davren mentally kicked himself for not pushing himself more over his break. If he did he might have gotten the skill "identify¡± to go with his battle analysis ability. Now he was blind and stuck with an underpowered and unskilled party. Who knows how many of these beasts there are, he thought. Javen, Davren barked, put down your friend, Jada you are going to be our cover. I doubt you can do anything to harm that thing but you can distract it. Javen be careful it is on par with my rank.


    The beast growled as Davren barked out orders. He noticed it was pacing side to side but had not attacked yet. As he pondered more he realized it also did not finish off the rogue who was unconscious and battered. New plan, he said, Jada hit him with your best attack. Javen, cover the healer she is going to drag the rogue over here. I am going to engage this thing. What if it comes for me?? Jada shrieked. Not having time for this he yelled, look at the situation!! Use your head¡­ Why do you think this beast hasn¡¯t attacked yet? It¡¯s on par with me and clearly you two are no challenge. He watches as realization dawns on her face and her confidence soars.


    It can¡¯t attack us, she said in shock. Yes, Davren said finishing her thought, there must be a boundary which means this is a zone. That makes this tunnel a safe area. He removes a minor heal potion from his ring and hands it to the healer. Have him drink that quickly, any delay could mean his life. The healer''s eyes begin to roll back in her eyes. Davren moves to grab her but a loud slap echoes throughout the tunnel. GET IT TOGETHER KAYLEN!! Screams Jada, DURAN IS DYING!!


    She lifts her hands towards the beast and screams ¡°CONCUSSION BLAST¡±


    A stream of invisible energy kicks up dust and uproots a large circle of grass from the field. At the same time Jada uses her other hand to shove Kaylen towards the rogue. The beast yawns as the attack continues, giving Davren the opening to leap out into the zone, drawing its attention. The beast leaps not towards Davren but towards Kaylen who screams in terror. Javen, not missing a beat, steps into its path. Remembering that Davren has his sword he covers his face as the beast draws within striking distance.


    SOVEREIGN SHIELD, yells Davren as he darts faster than he ever has colliding with the beast knocking it off course. Javen holds his hands out as Davren instinctually reads the situation. Removing the oversized sword from his ring and handing it to his brother. They stand side by side awaiting the next strike from the beast. The wait is not long as it charges in with killing intent.


    Concussion blast!! Calls a worn out Jada as a weaker blast hits the entire area barely affecting the beast or Davren but causing Javen to stumble. The beast leaps in the confusion, mouth agape, claws exposed and limbs stretched. Seeing the opening Davren pulls a red gleaming sword from thin air thrusting it in the exposed belly of the beast mid leap. The sword causes a critical hit and the beast falls to the ground dead. Searching the area, Davren ensures there are no major threats before slicing up the beast. Moving it reveals 2 vials. One the green liquid that signifies minor heal and another orange liquid revealing intermediate heal. Lastly he pulls out a tiny green oval. This system token was smaller than the one from the F ranked hydra.


    Look at this Javen. He says, what does this small token tell you? Javen stares at him dumbstruck. It means this beast is underdeveloped. Tokens this small mean the beast was created in the last day at the most. He hands the thumb sized token to Jada. This won¡¯t do much for me at that size. I need those blasts to be a bit more powerful. Panting she snatches it marveling at the smooth surface. It¡¯s pulsing, she said, it feels like a tiny heartbeat. We have to go, Draven said absentmindedly as he watched in horror as the pulsing red light was slowly building again, weaving itself into the previously gray rock that was the safe tunnel. It was making its way to their location. He grabs the rogue hoisting him on his shoulder as the dark skinned teen groans. Javen, carry the healer, we won¡¯t make ground with her limping.


    What¡¯s happening? We don¡¯t know what else is out there. Isn¡¯t it dangerous? Jada spews out. Davren dragged his hand down his face in frustration. We do NOT have time for this, he forcibly turns her head so she can see the creeping pulsating wall. She flinches in surprise and fear, he then motions to the dead beast. This beast had a token meaning it was likely a floor guardian, that means it is the strongest thing we will likely face here. It also means it will respawn at some point. Seeing the size of the token in your hand it was almost certainly recently placed here. I think the dungeon is changing, getting stronger and I don¡¯t like it. There is a high probability that there are no other beasts in this area as the dungeon populates beasts great and small. Either way we have no choice, we need to move. That red light seems to be changing things, who knows what horrors we will be facing once it finishes what it is doing. I need you ALL to be alive and useful which you currently are not. The only one who is halfway competent is also an idiot rogue who rushes into battle like a frontline fighter. MY brother, he dragged out the word brother, is a brave and capable fighter but not much else. YOU on the other hand make horrible decisions but influence the group like a lord, you could be great but you are also a fool. These idiots, especially that useless healer, can''t tell how full of it you are. How did you convince someone with only one week of training to go on this fool''s errand with her only having that same week to get used to having access to the system. What gave you idiots the idea that this trip was a GOOD idea!!!


    Not wanting to discourage them more he turns with a scowl and heads into the grassland ignoring the groans of the limp rogue.

 Fourteen: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank ? - Location ?

    Seething Davren makes his way through the grassland that is getting progressively taller and thicker. He stops for a moment watching Javen with the healer on his back console Jada as they slowly follow behind. The grass slowly sways making the clearing less visible. I. DON¡¯T. CARE! Jada yells, Davren shakes his head, their lives are on the line and this is still going on. He turns to begin walking again but stops himself. This will not be how it ends; she needs to fall in line, even if he has to force her to. Looking back he sees them at a distance, more frustrated he yells WHAT IS TAKING YOU SO LONG!! Surprisingly they don¡¯t seem to hear him in the midst of their arguing, well more accurately Jada yelling at his brother.Thinking how he now has to save them from themselves again he starts the walk to them. When did they move so far ?he thinks, barely able to see them now. Jada¡¯s shrill screaming is now just a muffle with the grass now swaying faster, a violent wind seemingly moving it in a frenzy. Safe behind his sovereign shield he barely noticed the wind in the first.


    Javen! He called as the wind picked up in intensity. Jada! Healer girl!! The rogue stirs again in delirium but Davren holds him tightly. Now he knew this was a trap, how did he let himself get caught in this? With the fate of these people in his hands he couldn¡¯t make rookie mistakes. The Pathfinder on his actual team would have ribbed him for this. Roluth, his best friend started just like this lump on his shoulder, he was a rogue. Since the team usually used him for scouting and sneaking missions which his five foot four inch frame was perfect for, Roluth began choosing ability upgrades that involved discovery and cartography. This led to him choosing to specialize as a pathfinder when he hit B rank. Davren was often amazed when the curly haired guy with the nondescript face either found hidden individuals, routes or treasures. They were saved from many sneak attacks and bandit ambushes due to his abilities. One of the things Roluth constantly got on him for was missing the details when traveling. Davren knew that in his frustration he definitely missed details. The wind suddenly blowing, the grass that was blasted by Jada¡¯s concussion ability apparently regrowing and the fact that his little brother couldn¡¯t seem to keep up although Davren wasn¡¯t moving that quickly. Roluth would have had him remove his shield beforehand as it blocks out outside force in an area around him, that includes wind, rain and nature as well as attacks. As a minor noble he has restricted access to the sovereign abilities and those he will be able to access will be weaker due to his standing but this shield has saved his life multiple times. Although it can only take a few hits from beasts his rank and maybe a hit from a higher rank depending on build he keeps it active as long as he can in a dangerous battle zone. He has currently trained enough for it to last forty minutes before having to refresh it. It also only needs two hours to recharge between uses when it is maxed out. This is the constant argument he had with Roluth, why put myself in danger when there is no need. Roluth would eventually be able to feel planetary vibrations and changes in the atmosphere so it made sense for him but Davren is a battle build, he hits and gets hit unless he can avoid it.


    Finding his brother in this, whatever it is, was his main priority so he released his sovereign shield and equipped a long silver shield with the engraving of an Artonian Growler. The beast with the mane of a lion and the mammoth size outmatched by none that he has seen lives unchallenged in the Artonian wilds, its wings can produce powerful winds with a motion. That is the aspect he needed to use. This would take a chunk of his stored system reserves but this is a life and death situation, he thought. Pointing the shield currently in his offhand a few feet to the left of where he remembered seeing his brother he quietly says ¡°Minor wind¡±. A powerful counterwind overtakes the torrent, sending grass flying towards the cave they entered in. Seeing  the surprised look on his brother''s face he used another ability of the shield ¡°minor roar¡± to magnify his voice so it is heard over the winds.


    HURRY YOU IDIOTS THE GRASS IS GOING TO GROW BACK!!


    Javen grabs the hand of his girlfriend and they rush to make a way to Davren. He urges them on as blade by blade the grass shoots out of the ground replacing lost plots as the wind dies down to normal again. Reaching Davren Javen hugs him, I thought we lost you, I thought the grass swallowed you. With a slight pat on the back Davren replied, let''s get going who knows what is in store for us next. He forced Jada to carry the healer while placing his brother in front of the group directing him to swing his big sword to cut the grass. Follow. Directly. Behind us, he said slowly as if talking to little children. Jada pouted but Davren threatened to leave her behind to Javens dismay.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Finally moving with a good speed Davren marveled at the grasses properties and how it immediately grew after being cut. If this area had been populated already we would all be dead, he said making sure everyone heard him. The dungeon seemed to have populated the guardian first, we need to get to the next safe zone before anything new pops up here. There was no visibility here. They exit the grass to the clearing he saw earlier with what he thought was a pond. Up close he realized it was a huge lake, a closer inspection revealed that it was empty, this was probably going to be filled with life soon enough also. Stopping for a moment he placed the rogue down after having noticed Jada, with the healer limping behind her heading towards the lake. Taking off using a speed skill he tackles Jada just as she nears the mouth of the lake.


    Do you have no survival skills? He asks.


    Javen, clueless as usual, turns when he hears Jada screaming for Davren to get off of her. Grabbing her by the arm and hoisting her tall frame he drags her to his brother as the healer limps towards them. Team meeting, he demands, after a few moments he notices they are all listening. Addressing them he begins, First of all I am going to talk and you can respond or grumble to yourselves later when I can¡¯t hear, agreed? He takes their blank faces and Jada¡¯s scowling silence as approval. This is not the dungeon we entered, I assume we are still in the same location but it is changing somehow, the rogue he said, pointing to the prone figure on the ground, knew it. I don¡¯t understand why none of the rest of you do. I have run this place numerous times before I left for the university and this, he gestures to everything around him, was not here. I am talking to you so you understand, I do not know what is going to happen, I do not know what we are going to face, I am guessing on respawn times as this dungeon is acting unlike any other I have been to. That water, he pauses to make sure they looked, could be poison, it could also be a trap like the grass obviously is. I do not have an item to check it on me so for now DO NOT TOUCH!! We are headed there, he points to another clearing with what looks like a tunnel on the other side of the grasslands. We can discuss strategy there, for now take a drink from this flask, he tosses a snakeskin pouch, which holds a silver flask he received from his father after his first dungeon run. That flask refills itself with fresh water every hour so no need to worry about what we will drink, he said, remembering his fathers joy after creating it. That invention made their family a minor fortune until it was copied by some merchants quickly putting an end to that business idea.


    I am team lead now so what I say goes, no one goes off on their own because doing so means you likely die. She, he points to Jada, does not give orders or suggestions unless you hear me tell her to, he said internally shaking his head as he would never give her that authority. Javen you are in front again, keep a quick steady pace as I have a feeling this room is mimicking the outside and will be dark soon. If there is a night guardian you ALL are dead, if you get stuck in the grass you are dead, if other areas are populated and you talk too loudly you are dead. Do we understand each other? Pale faces from the girls and silent resolve from his brother tells him they FINALLY understood. Good, now Jada carry the healer this time, she is slowing us down.


    Moving in silence Davren thought how glad he was that he was able to keep his voice from cracking and was glad that no one heard his heart practically beating out of his chest. It seems he was the only one to notice the red that was beginning to color the grassland they just exited. He hoped the next safe zone gave them at least a few hours of sleep and they could get lucky and find something to help the rogue because neither these teens or himself could survive this pace forever.


    B rank would not be enough for what is coming.

 Fifteen: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank ? - Location ?

    So much so an easy walk to the safe zone, Davren thought


    The party finally, exhaustively exits the tall grass as the light dimmed to dawn. Even Jada kept her complaining to a minimum only mumbling a few times ¡°who does he think he is¡± under her breath. Standing at the clearing the group realizes again that it is bigger than what it initially seemed. The wide open space was bright white with sand that was harder and tightly packed, unlike natural sand. Taking a tentative step onto the area Davren freezes as twenty four red eyes appear and a collective growl reverberates through the group''s bones.


    Shifting his eyes Davren recognizes the outline of twelve growling wolves. The largest reached the size of his knees. Their miniature stature doing nothing to remove the menace they oozed. Not having had an opportunity to read his bestiary this entire trip Davren had no idea what they were. Activating his analysis ability he blew out a breath of relief at the white glow overlaid each of the wolves body. A second look at them collectively showed a blue overlay causing him to check his internal health.


    Above the wolves and to the left a bar appears showing a green bar which is a quarter empty. Davren hadn¡¯t realized he was so exhausted, so much so that it had begun affecting his health. If this is happening to him he knew he needed to get this over with quickly before another of this team drops.


    ¡°Jada¡± he says, this is where trust comes in. Javen and I will be taking this pack on, you need to protect these two.


    Laying down the rogue he turns to the healer pointing to the ground and says


    ¡°Sit!¡±


    The healer sits without a peep bringing a grin to Davren¡¯s face. Taking her position Jada stands with a focused expression surprising Davren. He looks at his brother who has the same look. Thinking back he goes over the fights they have been in and his eyes widen. They both have battle focus he mouths, mostly for himself. Outside of a fight it is clear that neither one is useful but battle focus is something that only happens to those on the true path to a battle build. This ability subconsciously uses essence to sharpen focus and a person''s senses. These two likely don¡¯t even know it''s happening. If he could just mold them into shape this party just might be able to survive this nightmare. Well if not all of them then certainly he and his brother, maybe Jada also as Javen would never let him hear the end of it if she died.


    ¡°Immolate¡±


    Davren says as the lead wolf explodes. He had noticed the shifting of the sands and growls grow louder signaling the approach of the lead wolf. Javen sliced the next one with a three swing combo jumping back as his opponent fell. Using his analysis ability again Davren waves his brother to him concerned. He had hoped for an easy battle but now his ability revealed a complication. The individual glow of two of the wolves have turned blue as if they seemingly received the experience of the two they dispatched.


    Jada!!


    He yells, seeing the wolves readying to spring forward. A concussive blast immediately follows blowing the pack back. At the same time Javen does a quick combo again taking out another one. Checking his ability again it reveals that out of the nine that are remaining now three have a blue glow.


    Javen, fall back, he says, this is a little tricky I need to take them out in one shot.


    Pulling out the Growler shield he plants it hard into the ground at the same time he reequips his sovereign shield.


    ¡°MID WIND¡±,


    He punctuates as his body strains from the item draining another chunk of his reserves. Eight of the nine wolves were utterly destroyed leaving one panting but now glowing yellow. Watching as  his sovereign shield breaks with a crash with him having no energy to maintain it. Where there was previously a cute tiny wolf now stood one at least five feet tall with spiked fur. It no longer had white fur instead it was gray, its eyes an emerald green but flashing with power. Moving at battering speed it crashed into the growler shield knocking Davren off his feet sending him tumbling. Exhausted he picked himself up as Javen jumped over him to engage the wolf. His wild swings didn¡¯t have the same effect on the stronger, faster and seemingly smarter beast.


    ¡°Immolate¡±


    Davren said, checking the system to see his reserves tick down to almost nonexistent. His eyes grow hazy as the wolf falls to the ground not dead but hurt badly. With unnatural resilience it stands moving with a limp holding its back left leg close to its body clearly damaged. Unbelievably it darts towards him faster than it should have been able to. The last image Davren sees is the yellow tinge of the floor of the clearing highlighting this wolf''s jump in rank. Unable to avoid it any longer he falls face first into the clearing, his last thought being


    ¡°Mother is going to kill me¡±


    Verion Kingdom - Throne Room - Former Queen Eylise (deceased)


    Breathe Swain, breathe,


    Swain thought to herself. A dragon killed the Queen. You are standing in a destroyed throne room. The rafters you are hiding in will likely fall any moment. You got this, you will not die, she mumbled to herself. Removing a thin rope from around her waist, Swain secured it to the nearest column. Without a second thought she leapt off the landing slowly lowering herself to the ground.


    Not knowing how long it would be until someone came to check on the Queen''s body. Scampering tentatively to the body lying prone in the former ornate throne room. Her legs covered in blood and lay at the foot of the stairs while her chewed upper half lay in a disjointed mess feet away. Swain had been sure that the dragon had swallowed her whole.


    Swain had seen dead bodies before, stabbed, strangled, pummeled, diseased and the list goes on and on. Living on the street gave her a great education on death. Even having seen all she had, Swain was not prepared for the mangled mess that was former Queen Eylise. Her face was unrecognizable, her hair was in clumps entirely caked with blood and saliva. Her head was folded in on itself and her body was what was expected from a beast attack, twisted, chewed and missing pieces.


    On her chest lay a golden necklace with a round pendant inlay with emerald stones. Swain thought this piece was the most beautiful piece of jewelry she had ever seen. It glimmered, calling to her with its mesmerizing shine. It took her precious moments to come back to herself; she moved as quickly as she could, having realized where she was . Every second she wasted could end with her being caught or killed if that dragon returned. She carefully made her way to the necklace and as quickly as possible removed it from the Queen''s body. The mangled flesh began to shrivel immediately after the emerald jewel was gone. The final visage was that of an old sickly mangled woman. Her crown dropped to the ground next to her without  healthy young flesh to hold it in place.


    Swain stood swiftly to find cover as faraway voices began to echo in the throne room. Hiding behind a nearby broken wall she pulls out a brown and battered pouch from in a hidden pocket secure inside her shirt. This flat bag was normally overlooked anytime she had been waylaid by bandits and gangs. Her young face, patched clothes and unkempt appearance normally kept her from being killed but did less for robbery and beatings when she didn¡¯t cooperate. Because of the patches in her clothes not even a pat down revealed this treasure.


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    This bag was gifted to her during her first job at seven years old. As she ran her thumb over the pouch she remembered fondly the face of her mentor, ¡°the greatest thief ever¡± he called himself. ¡°Sorath the untamed" was another name he went by due to his refusal to align with anyone, especially those who didn¡¯t follow ¡°the rules¡±. This way of operating was drilled into her for the four years he trained her. Those were the best years of her young life even though they lived literally in a hole in a wall. They ¡°nested¡± as Sorath called it in between the walls of a house of an adventurer.


    Since Gorath the Brave was rarely home we had it to ourselves most of the year, she thought, checking to see if the coast was clear.


    She thought of the ¡°trips¡± to nearby towns when Gorath¡¯s magician friend stayed over. For some reason Sorath was always uncomfortable with the raven haired beauty. Swain could tell they knew each other from times they met on the street or shops but he never seemed to meet her eyes. Afterwards he would always drill Swain on the rules for hours.


    She absentmindedly recited them to herself as she remembered her mentor and waited for her time to move.


    Never take from the poor - those in a pit have a tougher climb to the top.


    Never take more than is needed. - Greed has a way of destroying the soul and creating grudges


    Always show respect to the healers - When you are hurt they come in handy


    Stay memorable enough to gain an alibi but forgettable enough that you never stand out


    Never start a battle you have no way to end - or if you do, make sure it¡¯s for a worthwhile cause


    Before you have a plan have an exit strategy


    Never forget where you came from - if nothing else it gives you a crowd to hide behind


    Never get attached to anything you would fear losing or leaving


    Breaking that last one is what got Sorath killed and in an ironic twist would likely get her killed also. Swain shook her head, clearing the visions of her past before they had a chance to compromise her position.


    Hearing the voices grow louder she moves to place the necklace into the pouch. Her face contorts in frustration as it refuses to enter it even as she attempted to force the pendant to comply. This had never happened, this pouch given to her by Sorath for a job well done has always seemed bottomless. This was a pouch of holding and a good one at that if what she overheard from various conversations was true. Most bags of holding had limited spots to hold items unless it cost a ton of gold. Also since she was currently formless she was unable to remove anything from it. This was her big secret, there were always questions about how she was so effective at big jobs, how did she transport goods? The real answer was this bottomless bag, no matter what she loaded in it the pouch never fully filled. She had the healer unload the goods for her and split the money when she was compensated. No one ever suspected the healer, if they did they never expected that a street kid to have a pouch of holding.


    The real question was what is going on now. She tried placing a loose piece of wall in the bag and it disappeared from her hand just like many other items before. Giving up she placed the necklace around her neck taking care to ensure it was hidden underneath her clothing. Checking her exit, a crack in the wall just big enough for her to squeeze through leading back to the courtyard, she took off in a run.


    Swain''s heart was beating so hard she was afraid the guards would hear it. This was a job she never would have taken before. This had too much risk and not enough of a reward. Stealing from a minor criminal group, no problem, it was more of a headache for them to search for who did the deed than to just shake down another business owner. She never took so much that it would have been missed. Swain was careful to know her limits, she watched others get themselves killed for being too greedy. The only ones to remember them were their friends but never for long as this life kept coming.


    Swain sneakily navigated every wall opening, hidden crawlspace and side hallway she had previously mapped until she was at the servants entrance of the huge castle. She joined a small crowd of children begging for scraps just in time to be chased off by the guards. These children squeezed through an opening in the wall that was not yet repaired. Swain noticed those guards were far from the brightest when it came to kids. When she was looking for a way in she watched as two of them would lead the guards away by causing them to have to chase them while others would beg for food the servants were more than happy to give.


    Outside of the wall she ran with the other youth until they began to spill out into the main street. Sneaking behind the businesses and buildings she made her way to meet Trival. The shift in tone as she passed through the wealthy and safer areas to the less safe but still acceptable more seedy area would have been jarring for visitors to the capital. This shift started with the noticeable decrease in guard presence which led to a change in the types of businesses. The fancy inn¡¯s gave way to inn¡¯s hosting a rougher crowd. The wealthier people do not dare to exit their carriages until arriving at their destination or unless they have powerful looking guards. No leisurely strolls to peruse the wares of the shops here.


    An invisible but silently agreed upon line divided the wealthy ¡°safe¡± zones from even this ¡°acceptable¡± area. Algrath town, as it was called, was located far from the castle and a few miles away from the real influential subjects of this kingdom. The buildings, while not shiny and new, were still well maintained. Both the wealthy and poor, if they could scrape up six months worth of wages, frequented Algrath to gamble, brawl, drink, find comfort and whatever else they could imagine.


    Exiting the shadows provided by the night sky and the alleys Swain gasped as she found herself facing large sharp teeth revealed through the stretched maw of a white tiger with black stripes. A deep growl signaled for her to move no closer as its master stepped forward. The next thing Swain saw were stars as Trival¡¯s  backhanded slap caused her to stumble back into the alley.


    Is this how you reward my generosity? He sneered. I gave you a generous deadline that made even my employees jealous. What am I supposed to tell them if I let a thief ignore those parameters?


    Swain looked at the seven foot underboss with confusion. There was never an agreed upon deadline, she would have never trapped herself that way especially when she was sneaking into the capital.


    Ignoring her silent thoughts Trival continued;


    I had a deal lined up and now I will be down a few gold because of you.


    Trival held his right hand in a threatening motion, the little bit of light there was gleaming off of the gold rings. Seeming to think better of it he straightened his yellow outfit and held out his hand expectedly instead. Seeing her chance Swain blurted out the first thing on her mind.


    This clears Arn right? That was the agreement, no more beatings and his five year work clock begins now.


    Yes,yes, I gave my word did I not? He works for me five more years and he goes free unless he can find a legendary haul and he goes free immediately. Now hand it over, Trival demanded


    With one weary eye on the tiger Swain loosened her coat around her neck reaching for the necklace she hid for this handoff.


    What?? She blurts out perplexed.


    Patting the thin shirt she wore panic grips her as her bare neck revealed the missing jewelry.


    Wait! Swain shrieked,


    Trivals bloodthirsty black eyes had shifted making his face seem serene and calm. That was never good, Trival was known for his ruthlessness. The tiger was always with him but personal grudges were dealt with by his own hands. Swain readied herself to run but before she could force her legs to follow her command a sharp pain burst came from her left side. She dropped to the ground sliding off of the large jagged blade held in the hand of Trival.


    That is the second time you¡¯ve stolen something from me. Your friend will pay your debt as it is no longer your worry.


    Trival takes a yellow handkerchief from his jacket, shakes it out, and cleans the blade as he and the tiger turn walking away. Swains vision grows fuzzy as her eyes close weakly.


    ¡°Insufficient life detected¡±


    Swain hears from a monotone voice as consciousness eludes her.

 Sixteen: Verion Kingdom? - ? - Swain Rebline Garner (deceased?)

    Swain awoke immersed in a thick golden liquid which appeared to float in a white void. Thoroughly confused looks at her clothes, finding  her tattered outfit  gone, she was now dressed in a plain white dress. The quality of the dress felt like what the richer class wore. Although the fluid lapped her skin it did not feel wet for some reason. She stirred and attempted to sit up, the quick motion leaving her head spinning. As she moved to stand, Swain landed face first in the liquid as it suddenly moved from underneath her to the space in front of her. Multiple attempts reveal the same results as what should be the ground shifts along with her movements.


    Finally deciding to lay and think she is surprised by a monotone voice speaking. The voice seems to come from everywhere at once.


    ¡°System initialization beginning¡±


    ¡°Insufficient life detected¡±


    ¡°15 Life tokens detected, would you like to activate a life token inherited from Sorath the untamed - hero of the realm?¡±


    Life token? Swain questions,


    What is a life token?


    Where am I?


    Am I dead?


    ¡°A Life token is the currency used to initiate a full restoration prior to a life forms expiration¡±


    ¡° You are currently located in between¡±


    ¡°Your body is extremely close to critical failure¡±


    ¡°15 Life tokens detected, would you like to activate a life token inherited from Sorath the untamed - hero of the realm?¡±


    Yes, Swain screamed


    ¡°Restoration commencing¡±


    ¡°System initialization at thirty percent¡±


    The gold liquid thickens holding Swain in place. Unable to move she nearly panics before a pulse resonates through her body immediately calming her.


    ¡°System initialization at thirty percent¡±


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    ¡°Transferring 14 inherited life tokens received from Sorath the untamed - hero of the realm¡±


    Wait, if life tokens restore health could Sorath have been saved? Can you save him now?


    ¡°Sorath the untamed has expired¡±


    Use a life token!! She screams with tears welling up in her eyes


    Please! Swain croaks out through the lump in her throat


    ¡°Sorath the untamed has expired and is no longer eligible¡±


    Swain begins openly sobbing feeling helpless. He left her everything but himself, why? She thought. If he had fifteen tries at life why did he give up? It just didn¡¯t make sense


    ¡°System initialization at seventy five percent, layering hero protocol¡±


    ¡°Populating mission criteria¡±


    Slow down, Swain begged.


    What is the hero protocol?


    No answer comes as she sits for what seems like an eternity. She heard numerous stories of people being connected to the system but none of those recounts mentioned anything like this. From all she had been told, anyone who is connected receives a message when they awake either from a nap or a full night''s sleep saying you have been connected and then a set of instructions on how to access their status. No one she had ever known mentioned anything about a prolonged interaction or these initialization messages. There was never a mention of hero status, not even during the nights she spent spying on the scribes in the castle. What was this liquid? Why did the system stop answering? And how did she inherit anything? Sorath was neither her father or even blood family.


    ¡°System initialization at ninety five percent, activating Layte¡¯s gift¡±


    Another unexplained announcement? Swain could only sit in silence as her tears had died  by this point. Is she supposed to just figure this system out? This was her lot in life it seemed, to struggle, what else was new? Swain had managed at the orphanage, she survived after Sorath died and now she had apparently overcome being left for dead. After this is over she needed to figure out how to survive Trival.


    ¡°System initialization one hundred percent, populating Layte¡¯s gift avatar¡±


    Swain watched as the golden goo liquified again this time draining into the nothingness it floated in only for a figure to appear, seeming to materialize out of the available light. When her eyes cleared she watched a golden green glow fade and leave behind a tall slim built man with scruffy black hair and a stubble beard rounding his handsome face. The man was dressed in an outfit that straddled the line between high class and poor. It reminded Swain of people who wanted to impress so they saved money for months to purchase one outfit that would get them through any door.


    The smile is what brings tears to her eyes. It is a half smirk she saw anytime he had an impossible plan. It was the smile that caused husbands to chase him after he spent a night out. This smile was now accompanied by emerald pupils.


    Sorath, she sobbed with tears flowing anew.

 Seventeen: Verion Kingdom? - ? - Swain Rebline Garner

    How? Swain said with pleading eyes


    I thought you were dead, the.. the system said you are dead, how are you here?


    Sorath averted his eyes and stood silent for a long, seemingly endless, moment. His mouth opens and closes multiple times as he looks to be trying to find the words.


    I am not here, he finally says


    Moments later he glides through the void space like an apparition. Flowing through the empty space until he was in front of her he engulfed her in an embrace that held for a brief moment before he passed through her. In a blink he was back at his starting location shifting his feet in the way he normally did when he felt guilty about something. As good as he was at hiding things from his marks he was equally bad at keeping the truth from her.


    I am not him¡­ not really


    Swain held her tongue not wanting to miss anything. Up until this point she was unable to get satisfactory answers. For all his faults Sorath never lied to her, if this was him in any form she needed to know everything.


    I am a construct of him given all of his memories up until the point of his passing. So for me it has only been a few moments since we saw each other. According to the system it has been a number of years for you. I am truly sorry for that.


    What do you mean? How? Swain blurted out, not able to hold it in.


    Well the short story, tiny, is that piece of jewelry you¡¯re wearing had something to do with it. He said


    Swain looked down, not having realized the beautiful gold and emerald necklace had reappeared. It shone brighter than before bringing attention to the gems


    Sorath continued, it seems to be a combination of the power of the pendant along with your thinking of our last time lately and what I can only assume were my last wishes


    Swain gave her mentor a perplexed look, not knowing what to say, she had so many questions but didn¡¯t know how long they had together. Seeing her expression Sorath took control of the conversation.


    To understand where you are now I need to explain a few things. I have to tell you about my life as a ¡°hero¡±


    Sepatal Kingdom? - Dungeon of the Endless (A- Rank) - Sorath Pindragoon (410 years ago)


    Sorath startles awake, looking around in a panic at the red brick walls and cluttered space filled with open chests ranging from ornate to mundane. He had been dragged out of his sleep by the growling of the beasts roaming two feet from where he lay his head. Taking the space in an alarm sounded in his head as he realized he fell asleep ten feet from the snarling beasts that stood on four legs. They stood as a mix between a lion and fierce dragon. The Critchen hunted in packs of five which meant if this one found his team the others were not far behind. This one was juvenile based on the size of its mane. Sorath could tell by the thin, short mane that flashed blue and then red.


    Even a juvenile Critchen could tear apart an A - Rank adventurer so four or five meant a challenge was ahead of them. The beast lurched at the raven haired beauty asleep next to his bed mat. Her hair laid strewn across her pale face. Sorath looked at her with love in his eyes as her light snoring was interrupted at the commotion seconds before she turned to the other side clutching their gray blanket and continued her sleep as if nothing was happening. He knew he loved her even if she could sleep through a cataclysm. He turned back to watch as the Critchen continued attempting to roughly throw itself into the barrier that kept them protected in this safe zone.


    That seems interesting


    A voice caused him to jump slightly, he leaned forward pretending to look closer in order to hide his reaction.


    You see what I do then? He said


    Sorath turned to see a man with short black hair, clean shaven and dressed as one would expect from royalty. He stood in silver armor with a golden dragon etched in the breastplate. He had a golden cloak that flowed behind him. The problem was all of his equipment looked as if this was the first time it was worn. No scratches , no scuffs and it continually squeaked when the man walked. The man took his glasses off of his face and cleaned them on his cloak moving dangerously close to the barrier.


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    Yes, yes, VERY interesting. He said in a dignified voice. It seems this safe area is shrinking by.. Hmm.. the hour maybe, or maybe half hour. And these Critchen, did you notice their variation? This one seems to have some sort of elemental affinity.


    He grew more excited as he removed his glasses again straining his eyes to examine the beast closer.


    Careful Roman, Sorath said. I don¡¯t need Kyreb to place a bounty on my head because their soon to be king died while examining the strength of a Critchens teeth.


    But did you see the small ridges here and here under its scales? Roman pointed to the leather seeming paws of the beast. Stay still, I want to check your element.. Sorath do you think we found a blue fire Critchen? This would be a rare find, just imagine what the scribes would say. Topren would be so jealous, that Maglicore would be an afterthough when we return to the menagerie with this. I could study this specimen for years, what breakthroughs would this bring? I would just need approval from the head scribe, which should be a non issue with this. I wonder if there is an evolution as it grows¡­


    He became more excitable as he continued the conversation with himself.


    Urrch¡­


    Roman almost choked as he was dragged back from the barrier. Only then had he noticed that the Critchen had stopped throwing itself at the barrier and instead held a crouch position readying for a strike. Falling to the ground he shook his head clearing it.


    Astounding, he said, this one has a mesmerizing ability. It draws you in as a precursor to an attack. I have to write this down, what a find, what a find.


    Roman began tossing chests away from his bed roll searching for something.


    Trying to sleep over here, a gruff, groggy, frustrated voice sounded from the other end of the room. Roman I don¡¯t care if you are days away from your coronation, if you don¡¯t keep it down I can¡¯t be responsible for where my hammer falls. Do kings need legs?


    He is just excited as always, let him be Tromell, who knows when he will get to do this again. In two weeks he will be swimming in bureaucracy with no time for us little people. Besides, isn''t this your watch? Sorath said


    I was just checking for underground tunnels, you wouldn¡¯t want to be ambushed in your sleep would you?


    An enormous figure rises from the ground looking to be 2 sizes wider than the slim Roman and a size wider than Sorath. Adjusting to standing at full height, Tromell''s eight foot frame dwarfed everyone in their party. A big grin covered his unkempt black beard that seemed to swallow his tan face.


    That beard had to be a way to make up for his balding head. Sorath thought for the thousandth time.


    Tromells hair had long ago begun to betray him as it stood woolen and shoulder length in the back but balding on top. Kessler, Sorath''s wife, had given her adopted brother numerous hints to cut it all off. That unspoken advice fell on deaf ears.


    Ouch you big beast man.. a woman¡¯s voice sounded


    Out of a stack of furs emerged their four foot rogue Sigwin. She used all the weight her plump frame allowed to push the giant. He barely noticed but moved his feet nonetheless. Cygwin had short blonde hair and wore a dark green uniform with a red spider insignia. That stood as the banner of her small kingdom Secknid. They were known for infiltration and being taken as a recruit there meant you were the best of the best.


    Don¡¯t sleep cloaked Cygwin, Tromell argued


    How else am I supposed to practice? Cygwin said. When I return I need to nail this cloaking ability or I need to repeat the first year. Do you know how much they charge to repeat.. It''s double the cost. Who¡¯s going to pay for that? I already owe Sorath for this semester.


    Don¡¯t pull me into this, Sorath said. And keep your voices down. You know how Kessler is without her full night of sleep. Tromell you can take Cygwin¡¯s watch also I have a feeling you may be the most rested of us all.


    A soft thump sounds as Cygwin sneaks a punch to Tromells thigh. She then falls roughly into her bed of furs as Tromell shoves her slightly back.


    Ah ha, said Roman holding up a brown satchel from which he pulls out a large tome. He sat next to Sorath¡¯s bed roll just as he began to lay back down and began to write.


    You do know you are going to be a king not a scribe? Once you take the crown that path will be closed to you. Sorath said as he closed his eyes to sleep


    Roman writes furiously as unseen to his friends tears rolled down his cheeks.

 Eighteen: Sepatal Kingdom? - Dungeon of the Endless (A- Rank) - Sorath Pindragoon (410 years ago)

    Tromell¡¯s battle hammer smashed into the head of a Critchen which fell to the ground rolling. In the same motion it landed on its feet and grew three times its size.


    Ho ho, Tromell giggled, special ability


    ¡°Seismic bash¡± He said


    Oh come on you really are a beast, Cygwin screamed I almost had this one.


    She appeared out of the shadows clutching two silver blades. The battle raged around her as she walked furiously over to the giant


    Watch out, shouted a stern female voice.


    Two Critchen pounced to attack with open maws ready to tear the diminutive Cygwin in pieces.


    How many times do I have to tell you..


    ..¡±Shadow step¡± she says¡­


    Cygwin the nearby shadows sinks irise up to  on the ground as the two beasts jump through empty space one inadvertently slashing the other.


    ¡­Don¡¯t..


    She smacks his thigh


    ..take..


    She stomps on his left foot


    ..my..


    Tromell steps back as she swings again


    ..KILLS.


    The sound of beasts fighting each other can be heard behind her as the two Critchen that attempted to attack her were tearing each other apart.


    Still in a battle here, Kessler warned


    Sorry Kes, they both said


    Turning back to the battle Tromell charged three of the beasts that were circling the group but not attacking. A slashing attack bit into his shoulder spraying blood on the ground.


    We have a live one here, Tromell bellowed


    This beast was clearly tougher than the rest. It touted a full silver mane, black powerful scales and long sharp claws. Tromell¡¯s arm could barely hold his battle hammer as blood continued to gush.


    Heal, he said sternly, now


    Hearing that the beasts moved to converge on him as the battle raged on multiple fronts.


    Sorry, sorry¡­ you never ask for heals and I¡¯m trying to help Sorath, Roman said.


    Apologize later, Tromell said as he kicked a yellow scaled Critchen as another bit down into the now numb arm.


    Full heal, Roman screamed as he ran, seeing the black scaled beast turn to him rushing past Tromell. A white light emanated from Tromell¡¯s wounds. Immediately gaining feeling and strength back in his arm he slams the Critchen biting him into the other that he was fending off. A whine came from the two after the powerful blow. Using a quickness his size would not seem to allow Tromell¡¯s leapt, tackling the black scaled beast barely moments before it caught Roman.


    It has an injury in its neck, that¡¯s the only weak point, Roman said panting.


    Tromell grabbed its neck in a headlock ignoring the attacks from its claws as his wounds healed immediately after he gained them. Romans energy waned just as the lead Critchen died.


    An echoing sound of handclapping could be heard as the last breaths of the beast sounded. Looking up from under the Critchen Tromell saw Cygwin sitting on another carcass with Sorath standing next to his wife with their arms wrapped around each other¡¯s waists. Bending and looting the beasts was an ebony skinned man dressed in black and gold, the colors of the kingdom of the mountains. He silently goes about his work as the festive mood happens around him.


    Very funny.. very funny, Tromell said. You could¡¯ve helped a little. Did you see the size of that one?


    That was the biggest Critchen I¡¯ve seen, I wonder if it¡¯s this dungeon. Sorath said. Have any of you noticed that the beasts here are a bit stronger and smarter than a normal A-rank dungeon should be?


    This dungeon is the crown jewel of Sepatal. The difficulty is unmatched by others of its kind. People have spent years here and still no one has made it to an end point. There is something I have been feeling in the atmosphere through our time delving into this space. A voice that creeped even the bravest of them out said


    Argh, Sorath jumped startled as the voice began. Jamba what have I told you? He said


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    Kessler, failing to hold in her laugh, spoke up, Sorath stop being a spoiled sport, she said. We all love how you scream whenever Jamba sneaks up on you. Look, even Roman is laughing and we all know he rarely gets any jokes.


    Hey, Roman said


    Ha, that is funny because it¡¯s true. Tromell said, dropping the beast in the pile and nudging Cygwin who nodded along.


    HEY, Roman said, turning in their direction.


    Either way Jamba you are a summoner not a rogue. Quit sneaking around!! Sorath said half jokingly. Ok what we actually need to decide is what to do with this. He pulled a Critchen cub from the ground behind him. It was a cuter, miniature version of the leader. Instead of a full mane it had scruffy fur and its scales were pinkish but turning black in places.


    This would explain why those three were reluctant to attack. Roman, Jamba, any historical references to beast babies in dungeons? Or really anywhere?


    Not that I know of, Roman said. Let me have it, I¡¯ll take it to the scribes in this area and we can study it. It¡¯s a shame this is our last floor. What other finds would we come across?


    Your father would kill us if we made you late for your coronation. No putting that off and no.. I will not have a bunch of scribes poking, prodding and dissecting this baby. Sorath said


    But it¡¯s a beast, and studying it will only take a few weeks. Six months tops, to study its patterns of growth, maybe two years. He said with passion in his eyes. Besides, father has more years left, so the king won¡¯t kill him. Will it?


    Kessler grabbed the cub from his arms. I guess that is our answer. We are taking him home, aren¡¯t we?


    I mean if that is what you want, sure we can, Sorath said with a grin.


    And how long did you plan that? Kessler said while nuzzling the nose of the beast.


    Oh..hey Jamba what loot do we have, Sorath said changing the subject.


    Jamba, Kessler said in a sweet voice. When did my loving husband decide to keep this adorable beast?


    She continued nuzzling the beast as if she were not in the middle of a conversation.


    He told me about it during the battle and asked me to hide the beast. Jamba said. He seemed quite confident he could manipulate you into giving in.


    Would it kill you to keep a secret or lie a little? Sorath said deflated.


    Klevens do not lie Sorath, we spoke about this when you asked me to keep the secret of you losing your wedding ring. Jamba said confused


    Sorath groaned as he facepalmed. I¡¯ll be right over here, he pointed to the far wall.


    An hour later the party finally finished looting all the beasts. Sorath looked over the pile in awe. He would have never imagined this haul just from the third floor of a dungeon. Now he understood why the Kingdom charged so much for groups to delve this place. He now regretted that they would not have more time to explore as the group was paid by the kingdom of Kyreb to take their soon to be monarch, his friend Roman, on a dungeon dive to build up his experience points.


    Roman would never have come on this trip if he were not forced by the current king and his officials. He was C-rank  when Sorath met him ten years ago and was still C-rank now. Roman loved his books and experiments and really wanted to be a scribe but the order of his birth didn¡¯t allow for that. Instead he spent his time evading his trainers and reading books. Sorath met him while he and Kessler had snuck into the kings crypt in pursuit of a lead. Sorath was a little distracted with a stuck clasp on Kesslers outfit when they mistakenly rolled over Romans hiding space. During the two years he and Kessler spent in Kyreb the trio grew from fast friends to an inseparable group. Kessler was the only one that was able to get Roman to train, with the least amount of complaining, so the king loved that. He set them up in a luxury home near the palace. Sorath was a listening ear and lab partner, in secret, for Romans crazy experiments.


    On this trip though Roman grew a full rank. This would make the transition to king just a little easier for him as the automatic rank jump that comes with the role could be terror on the body.


    Sorath thought about the F-ranker he knew as a youth who ascended the throne unexpectedly. The abrupt jump to A-rank caused his body to distort in unnatural ways. He would never forget the sound of breaking and rebuilding bones. The screaming seemed to go on for hours and what was worse an entire audience was there to welcome their new king. King Abjen had stayed unconscious for almost a month.


    Roman explained that a human body is not made for that type of shock. The transformation touches even the smallest part of the cells that make up  person¡¯s body. Humans by design are really only safely able to handle gradual growth. Sorath remembered that lecture as it was when he mastered sleeping with his eyes open.


    I want the club, Tromell said, interrupting Sorath¡¯s muzing.


    Sorath lifted the black Alcamite club marveling at the smooth surface. The weight of the weapon gave even his enhanced strength problems but the throbbing feeling that told of its power was intoxicating.


    Jamba what is this? He asked


    A voice from his left startled him as Jamba answered


    My analysis ability identifies this as Horrors End. The abilities it holds are Krakkens blow. this multiples the bearers strength during five swings per day. There is a cooldown period of twelve hours. It also has a slight heal over time passive gift. That is all I can see as this does not resonate with your build.


    Tromell plucked the club out of Sorath¡¯s hands as Jamba was finishing his description.


    Thank you, he said clutching the club like it was a child.


    Now that is interesting, Jamba said


    After moments of silence Jamba went back to browsing the loot.


    ¡°What¡± Sorath said flustered. ¡°What is interesting?¡±


    Looking up from a curved sword Jamba replied absentmindedly.


    When Tromell grabbed the club it became a legendary item. Instead of the five time strength multiplier it is now constant. The healing also went from a slight heal over time to a steady heal for all wounds. It also showed that it was previously owned by a berserker named Trill and can bind to the bearers system account. It also cannot be lost or stolen.


    Sorath¡¯s mouth dropped as he looked at Tromell practically skipped around the rest of the loot not even glancing at any of the other items. His shoulders dropped as Jamba confirmed that was the strongest item in the pile. Everything went blurry as the others made their choices.


    Distracted as he was Sorath just missed the push that came from behind sending him into a black portal that suddenly opened directly in front of him. He heard muffled shouts as he landed with a crash

 Nineteen: Sepatal Kingdom? - Dungeon of the Endless (A- Rank) - Sorath Pindragoon (410 years ago)

    Sickly coughing could be heard from what Sorath assumed was a few feet ahead of him. A wad of bloody spit hit the ground to his left as a thin hand reached down offering to help him up.


    Sorath shifted his body flipping yo his feet landing in a fighting stance. Before him stood an elderly man with stringy gray hair. His pale face was filled with a red patched rash. From the man¡¯s tatted gray cloak Sorath could see that the rash extended the length of his entire body.


    I apologize for the abrupt and rough landing young man. The elderly man said in a weakened voice before he spit up blood again


    Where am I? Sorath insisted


    Ah yes, that would be a question. You are on floor fifty of the endless dungeon. And before you ask your friends are fine. I placed a protective barrier around them. Nothing can get in or out and it will last as long as this conversation does.


    Fifty¡­ that can¡¯t be true, no one has made it past fifteen. Sorath said


    The old man just laughed softly


    This world has many mysteries and I and those like me are one of them. The man wheezed out as he coughed again.


    What do you need to talk to me about, Sorath said, attempting to seem in control.


    Sorath took a look around, seeing the white marbled floor that seemed endless. It was like a large stone bridge whose destination was unseen. Squinting he could see beasts in the distance, hundreds of them. Some were massive, what he had assumed was light shining into the open space was actually a constant bombardment of lightning attacks. It was an actual clear barrier. Looking at the old man he now noticed the slight tremors his body left off when the attacks stopped for even a brief second.


    There is no need to worry about them you will be back with your friends before these attacks can break through. The puppet master behind these attacks is not here so I will be able to hold this, the old man said.


    What do you need me for? Sorath asked again.


    To the point, I love it, call me Quanbly. And I need you because humanity needs you.


    Sorath¡¯s confusion must have shown on his face as Quanbly quickly started to explain.


    Ah I see the problem, I¡¯m sure you are asking yourself what humanity needs from you that you haven¡¯t already given. We all ask that so don¡¯t worry about it. Six hundred and fifty years and it¡¯s also understandable that I wouldn¡¯t remember that feeling. Some strange and  handsome old man spouting nonsense about humanity needing you and an unnamed enemy while all you want to do is adventure with your friends.


    Sorath looked to the distance, weary of the mob of beasts that were still attacking the barrier.


    Don¡¯t worry boy, Quanbly said, it will take more than these pups to break this barrier. At least for the moment. Now what was I saying? Oh right, ¡°humanity needs you¡±, he says in an ominous tone.


    I¡¯m just an adventurer, don¡¯t we have SS- Rankers for the world saving stuff? Sorath asked.


    SS- Rank pff, Quanbly mumbles before letting loose another sickly cough. The challenge with those overpowered wastes of space is that they know nothing, he yells. Sure they can battle big beasts but they fight losing battles. Humanity is stuck in this realm and they can¡¯t or won¡¯t do anything about it. They live a kill or be killed lifestyle but we, he taps Sorath¡¯s chest, we my boy bridge gaps.


    What are you talking about? Bridge gaps to what? And what do I have to do with this? Sorath said, frustrated.


    He didn¡¯t know what was happening to his team or where he really was, or what this old man was talking about. He was actually hoping Quanbly didn¡¯t keel over and die  before sending him back. None of this made any sense.


    One moment, Quanbly said


    A flicker quickly blinked from one spot to the next making its way to where the two men generations apart in age were speaking. Quanbly reached into a small patched pouch which he pulled from around his neck. Out of the pouch he removed an impossibly long stick. Sorath watched as the flicker stopped just feet away from them revealing a tall lanky humanoid figure with a tattered red cloak. Its pointy ears moved as if they were searching for something. Its eyes were just sockets seemingly burnt with fire. When the ears stopped moving as they pointed in Sorath¡¯s direction it¡¯s blue cracked lips parted to reveal long pointed teeth. As it opened its mouth to let out a scream rows of incisors could be seen. A light emanating from its feet began to slowly move up its leg, the parts of its body it passed disappearing.


    It let out another loud screech that paralyzed Sorath. This wasn¡¯t just fear, it was a skill, he couldn¡¯t move. Now real terror hit him as he was currently A-Rank and had a skill that automatically rendered paralysis and poison afflictions from abilities non effective. Sweat trickled down his brow as he realized the power this thing must hold.


    Teleporting Xlacs, nasty things, Quanbly said.


    Quicker than Sorath could see he shoved the end of the stick he was holding into the still open mouth of the beast. A blast of power hit the Xlacs head and it violently shook as the light that was engulfing it cut off reappearing directly in front of Sorath. It¡¯s body crashed into his as they both fell to the ground. Green goo spluttered into Sorath¡¯s face from the body which now lacked a head.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Not to worry my boy, Quanbly said as he peeled the now decapitated head off of his stick. You should regain full motion in about ten minutes or so. So sorry about that I always forget to calibrate these barriers to exclude teleporters. One minute¡­


    The barrier flashes red and then returns to its clear tint.


    Ah there we go, that should do it. Quanbly says as he waddles to sit within Sorath¡¯s eyesight. Those beasts only go after weak prey. I would love to see your SS- rankers survive this level. Remember this for the future as you may face a Xlacs or two in this fight.


    ¡°Mmm..mmmmm¡± Sorath tries to scream


    What¡¯s that my boy? Not to worry your voice should return in, oh I don¡¯t know, thirty or so minutes. You and your friends will be out of this dungeon by then and I, he sighs before coughing again. I will be done with my mission. Ok so I don¡¯t have much time to lay this out but I wIll do my best.


    You young man have been chosen to be my successor. How? you ask, don¡¯t ask me I have no clue. I have no choice in the matter the system chooses on its own. You were actually chosen a few years ago but I thought you might have wanted to enjoy your marriage a little.


    A loud screeching sound as the lightning barrage briefly stopped and the flapping of wings could be heard. Sorath¡¯s eyes widened as a white scaled dragon filled the space above it let out a loud screech before a blast of fire engulfed the barrier.


    Would you please. Be. Quiet!! Quanbly said. I¡¯m trying to talk here.


    The beast screeched again, causing blood to drop from Sorath¡¯s ears. Quanbly pointed his stick in the direction of the dragon. A surge of power led to a red beam rocketing toward and crashing into the dragon disintegrating it immediately. Ash fell blanketing the barrier leaving the two men in the dark until a soft light orb lit in front of Quanbly.


    That¡¯s more like it. So as I was saying you were chosen a few years ago. It¡¯s unlikely that you would remember this but we have crossed paths multiple times. That man you chased into the kings crypt that day was a person of interest in my fight. The old begger you and your wife, Kessler is it? Saved from the bandits. I had a big laugh after that, those men didn¡¯t realize how close they came to death that day.


    Anyway, he said, wiping away tears from his laughter. Now you know access to abilities and skills are given through the system as well as specific builds based on how you use your experience. The reason for this is not my story to get into. These things you have heard but did you know that humans are indigenous to this world? I know, I know, surprising right, he said as Sorath¡¯s shock was evident. I don¡¯t have time to get into the details but suffice to say we are all immigrants here. Where we came from I don¡¯t know.


    This is why we are the weakest of all of the beings in any of the realms. Our bodies were not made to absorb the essence in the atmosphere we have adapted over the years but it is still a trickle compared to the beasts and other beings that reside on this world.


    The system itself only works when there is some sort of balance. And we are supposed to be that balance. We both, no,  in actuality after this conversation you , are classified as a ¡°Hero¡±. What is a hero? you ask. Well our transplant to this place gave some access to the, how do I say this, weirder parts of the system which pulled them outside of the rankings. They still have a build but theirs are enhanced. The first ones who received this classification abused it, destroying any and everything they could. The system classified them as villians. Before the system acclimated to humankind they were already embedded in this world and nothing can be done about that. The classification was passed down over the years from teacher to disciple. To combat this the system blotted the knowledge of these villains from everyone¡¯s notice. They now work in the shadows to keep humankind from advancing to other realms.


    Another thing the system did was create the hero classification and bestowed it on a person it found worthy, I guess. That is how we got here. You¡¯ll see some of the differences in a few minutes when you take over.


    Sorath could have sworn he saw a solemn look on Quanbly¡¯s face when he  looked in his eyes. It was as if there was something unsaid in his expression. Sorath wanted to scream¡±I don¡¯t want it¡± his life was a happy one up until this point. He got the feeling that this was some sort of secret war he was going to be forced to wage. Who were these villains and what is he supposed to do about them? If they are half as powerful as Quanbly seems to be then he is dead already.


    First things first, initiate the inheritance sequence. Quanbly said sternly, seeming to have strengthened his resolve.


    Mmmm.. mmmm..mmmm, Sorath tried to scream in a panic but he still couldn¡¯t move or talk


    The system notification sounded in a metallic voice.


    ¡°Hero inheritance initialization beginning ¡±


    ¡°Transferring 104 inherited life tokens received from Quanbly Ulters - hero of the realm¡±


    The minutes dragged along as the system continued its transfer. Sorath wanted to move, he yearned to run or scream ¡°no I don¡¯t want this¡±. He knew it was a hopeless wish as it hit seventy five percent. In between Quanbly¡¯s coughing fits where he spit blood out on the ground Sorath heard mumbled curses directed toward the system. In his heart he knew the old man did not want this. Quanbly apparently gave him a few years reprieve from this ¡°gift¡±. It didn¡¯t seem like he had a choice in this process.


    ¡°Hero inheritance received¡±


    The system seemed to mock both Sorath and Quanbly with every utterance.


    ¡°Travelers build -uncommon


    Abilities:


    Quick burst level 5


    Silver tongue level 7


    Rallying cry level 1


    Homestead level 5


    Field medic level 1


    Quick craft level 3


    Concussive blast level 3


    Skills:


    Quick blade level 20


    Hand to hand level 8


    Sneak level 10


    Jump level 2


    Hero level 1


    Experience multiplier


    Analysis


    Hero party 0 of 5

 Twenty: Verion Kingdom - Algrath town - Swain Rebline Garner

    ¡­then he dropped us all to the front of the dungeon and teleported away. I haven¡¯t seen him since, and like me that day, you were chosen. Sorath said contemptuously


    That doesn¡¯t tell me much, Swain said disappointed. Can you tell me more about what a hero is? If I have to take that title I at least need to know more. Why does it seem like a bad thing? What benefits would I get?


    Sorath, half listening, replied. We have a long time to discuss heroes, the necklace you put on made sure of that. Its pendant allows you to call on a guide, which as you can see is me. He shoots his hands from his sides in a ¡°ta da¡± motion. First things first, we have to get you out of here, this space was not made for long term use. It will be synching with normal time any moment now and your body is still lying prone in an alley.


    Wait¡­ Swain called desperately, what is happening to me? How do I do this? How do I access the system? What do I do now?


    Don¡¯t worry tiny, I will be here to guide you the entire way. I¡¯ll see you in the real world in 3..2..1


    Reality became fuzzy like a swirling river, Swain''s eyes could not hold on to the increasingly distorted image of Sorath¡¯s construct which waved as she was pulled into blackness. Although she remained conscious through the experience she was unable to see. There was a feeling of being pulled uncontrollably downstream by a strong current. Swain felt panic as no direction came. It felt as if hours had passed although she was unsure as Sorath had mentioned time synching meaning time had to be slower in the holding space they were in.


    Abruptly Swain was awoken, she took a deep breath as color returned revealing the muted blackness of the alleyway. Her hand touched a slick and sticky substance she immediately realized was her own blood. It was slowly being washed away by rain that was starting to fall. As she sat up she wiped the blood on her pants and touched the area she had been stabbed by Trival. The moment replayed in Swain¡¯s mind as she ran her fingers over the hole in her clothing, poking her finger through it and to smooth skin. This left her marveling at the full healing she received. Even the potions she had witnessed being administered did not mend this thoroughly. The healers she had connections with were mostly C and B-rank. She decided then that she needed to know what those life tokens were and how she could access them. The resolve to face Trival after her near death experience had waned since he not only had his own private army in the street kids he employed but also his own beasts. Deep down she understood it was more than that, she was afraid and you don¡¯t shake that off in a day. She had been beaten over the years but due to her age that was mostly a warning. As bad as the slums had gotten there was still restraint when it came to outright killing kids. That didn¡¯t mean it did not happen, it was just not done easily or without thought. Trival it seems was a different beast and she was not ready to deal with him, maybe in the future but not now.


    Standing Swain looked around frantically for Sorath, silently hoping his appearance was not a fever dream or temporary instance. When her eyes moved to the beginning of the alley she saw her mentor but unlike in the space they were in before here he was covered in a muted golden glow. She squinted double checking what she assumed she saw, the rain seemed to flow through him as if Sorath weren¡¯t actually there. She made her way to him grateful that he was not just a figure of her imagination. Taking  a deep breath, having not realized she had been holding it before as she searched for the man who was the only father she had ever known. She ran to him as joy welled in her chest, stopping short only when she noticed the man attempting to move a pebble with his left foot. It didn¡¯t move as his padded brown boot passed through it, this brought even more reality to the situation as she watched again as the droplets of rain passed through his ethereal body leaving it dry as a bone.


    Construct, I have to remember that. Swain mumbled under her breath


    What was that? Sorath asked half heartedly.


    He seemed to be in deep thought as his eyebrows furrowed with his face having the same expression she remembered so clearly. Sorath only made that face when something bothered him. She almost chuckled remembering how he thought he was keeping his concerns from her. She could read him like a book, Swain had studied his face since he had taken her in. Back then she was afraid he would leave or become enraged at her, Swain''s abandonment issues ran deep and no one had cared for her as he did. Because she knew him as well as she did, Swain could see the moment a realization came upon him.


    Ah tiny.. he said as he sucked his teeth.. You know how I said I would guide you the entire way?


    Yeah, she said as a knot developed in her stomach.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Well.. Sorath dragged out¡­ I didn¡¯t realize that the jewel in the necklace you claimed reverted back to level zero the moment you put it on.


    And!! Swain said silently urging him to speed up his thoughts, what does that mean?


    Her heart was beating faster, knowing she would be on her own again and dreading it. She didn¡¯t want to lose him again. All at once that day almost four years ago began to replay in her mind. Swain''s spiraling thoughts were thankfully cut short as Sorath continued speaking.


    So at level zero there is apparently a daily time limit. Meaning we can only speak for a limited amount of time per day. It looks like we have five minutes daily. Also we actually should have stayed longer in the in-between space. Who could have thought?


    He said this while rubbing the back of his head. His face held an embarrassed expression and a forced timid grin.


    That space was set as a tutorial which you will never get again. I was actually supposed to explain your system connection as well as all the hero stuff. I was also given a set of instructions for that jewel of yours. I promise you it''s all interesting stuff. Sorath said


    Swain¡¯s face went from worried to increasingly irritated.


    My fault¡­ Sorath said shrinking into himself


    What. happens. now?? Swain pressed Sorath through clenched teeth


    Well, let¡¯s start with how to call on me¡­. Sorath began to say as he blinked out of existence with a small pop.


    Swain caught herself on the wall as a range of emotions raged inside of her. Fear that she would never know how to access the power of the pendant. Anger at the wasted opportunity to learn more. Sadness at only getting a glimpse of her mentor and uncertainty over her next steps. The only thing she did know was that she could not stay in the alley. If Trival returned to gloat or loot her she would be dead. She began to search for alternate escape options as traffic began to pick up on the streets beyond the alley. It was moving into prime time for the seedier clientele in the area.


    Swain was pulled out of her musing as a new system message boomed in her head.


    ¡°Quest: Defeat Trival Merkman¡±


    ¡°Years ago Trival Merkman of the Verion kingdom gained possession of the weapon of  the lost hero¡¯ and has been using it to gain influence in his criminal organization. With the awakening of a new hero, Trival¡¯s continued ascension paves the way for the rise of a new villain. Defeat Trival and take possession of the artifact before this can happen.¡±


    ¡°Reward: To be determined¡±


    ¡°Time limit: 21 days, 3 hours¡±


    Numbers began to count down in his vision. The number of days were marked in black while the hours were marked in red. The image disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving Swain blinking and rubbing her eyes.


    Not waiting any longer Swain began to run, fear coursing down her spine. What was this? A quest? What was a quest? she thought, no one had ever mentioned a quest. She racked her brain searching her memories for everything she had been told or overheard while scouting.


    ¡°Faster¡±, she said as her legs pumped, pushing her body past its physical limitations. Swain had no idea where she would go but knew she needed to create as much space between herself and Trival and as possible.


    What did Sorath get her into? Take down Trival on her own? Even though she hated him with every fiber of her being she knew there was no way it was possible in her current state. Trival had been connected to the system for years and . She needed answers and Sorath couldn¡¯t give them so she would have to find other ways.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go anymore,¡± she said to no one in particular,


    Swain bent with her hands on her knees barely noticing the bustling crowd as they parted around her exhausted frame. She gulped for air after thirty minutes of running at full speed. If she had been stealthy getting here she definitely wasn¡¯t now. Onlookers gave her surprised and annoyed looks as she forced herself to move forward pushing her way through those that didn¡¯t move. Trival almost killed her. He did so even with her stealthy precautions, that beast of his tracks even the most well hidden person. Now the system wants her to take him down when all she wanted to do was get away from the capital. Swain''s plan was to get connected to the system and then get a useful ability, followed directly by getting out of the capital. There were enough caravans out of the kingdom that she should be out of the reach of that thug in a matter of weeks.


    Hours of travel running when she could led her to the doorstep of Shiven the healer, her client before this mess with Trival began. Leaning against the door she suddenly found herself falling as it opened exposing the humble clay building. She could barely keep her eyes open as the clothed table Shiven used to place the injured went from being on the far wall to in front of her eyes. She felt herself being gently placed on the table as she let go of consciousness.

 Twenty One: Argog Kingdom - Palace Throne room - Ravi Stainward, Scribe - Rank C

    Ravi was seething


    Reports had been slowly coming in from all around the twelve major kingdoms. Kings and Queens were reported dead, monarchs new and old gone in an instant. Next generations wiped out before they can begin and for what? Ravi had stretched his resources and brain for the past two weeks trying to find any mention of these accords. Somewhere on this planet someone made a decision to break an agreement that it seems on the surface that none of the kingdoms know anything about.


    What does this all mean?? Ravi blurted out quietly, feeling as if he wanted to pull out his hair.


    Did you say something? The Queen consort whispered, subtly turning in his direction from her seat in the throne room next to the new king.


    No, nothing my queen, Ravi whispered back


    The new rulers of Argog sat in full regalia on the thrones Wraith thought of as ceremonial. He never used this room, not even when he was crowned. Domini would always say ¡°there¡¯s too much work to be done¡± in that gruff voice of his. Now Cokren has the crown with his wife Stanna and they have slightly different plans. Cokren is the spitting image of his father, his slick black hair and muscled frame shows that he kept to his fathers routine. The differences can be seen in that beard he is so proud of and the healed slash that can be seen diagonally from the middle of his forehead to his right cheek. Just like his father would have, he refused to have the injury healed. It was a rite of passage for him although Wraith barely noticed. In Domini¡¯s eyes any fourteen year old child of his should have been able to defeat a dire bear easily. Cokren was the laughingstock of his family for a few years after that. He made up for it by subjugating every dungeon he came across many of them by himself.


    The respect he gained has now translated to this outpouring of support from his subjects in attendance. Looking over the crowd Ravi realized there were no fear filled stares, no tears, no whimpers and no one looking over their shoulders in worry. Wraith had sharpened his people, so much so that a large majority of them stayed ready for battle. This was a kingdom of fighters, the battle kingdom.


    Ravi stood next to the Queen whose seat was placed on a slightly lower incline next to the king. From there the king''s inner circle stood at attention on the declining steps based solely on their importance. Rand still stood as the captain of the guard, his step was directly below the height of the Queen as he stood ever vigilant. From there cascades of older and newer faces stood, some of them friends of the king. Those were noticeable by the slight fidgeting and overall sloppiness in their stance. This was clearly not noticed by the crowd but Rand surely did, Ravi was sure of it. That man missed nothing, in all the years that they had known each other he had only once seen Rand caught by surprise. That was when his wife suddenly got the bug for dungeon exploration.


    Caught in his thoughts Ravi almost missed his cue, without missing a beat he said:


    With this crown you become the king of Argog, the next warrior king who is blessed in battle and leads through strength. You hold the honor of your father and the generations before him. Seated you are a man, you rise as a king!!!


    Ravi¡¯s assistants handed him two crowns which he placed on the heads of the new king and his wife. They rose to the cheers of the crowd as Ravi did his best to hide his disgust at this entire ceremony. He bowed and began to turn to leave.


    The captain of the guard gave him a sidelong look and slightly shook his head ¡°no¡±. Ravi froze and stepped back into place near the throne unsure of why he was still needed.


    My father laid a foundation for this kingdom that will never be shifted. I will build on that foundation and we all will bring our people to the future he only dreamed of. We will win great battles, claim amazing loot and raise the next generation of S - Ranked warriors. Our kingdom will shine bright among its peers and you will see victory laid out in your lifetime. This I promise as your king!! Cokren saidThis novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    A loud roar emanated from the crowd followed by stomping and chants of Cokren, Colren, Cokren. After taking in the adulation of the crowd for a few minutes Cokren raised his hand calling for silence.


    My father also instilled in all of his children the importance of information in war. As our world now stands at the precipice of battle and information will hand us the keys to victory¡­ King Cokren said


    It took all Ravi¡¯s strength to keep his expressions in check. This boy knew nothing of his father, the man at his core was a blunt battle club. Fighting was all he knew and did, research and information had to be forced on him. Ravi clenched his teeth behind his well curated smile.


    ¡­ in this kingdom there was not a man, woman or child he trusted more than the person I call on now. No battle strategy was forged without his input.


    Ravi looked at Rand who stood unchanged, he knew he would have to stand and watch the guard captain be honored at this ceremony that just would not end.


    ¡­ For the battle ahead I now present our strategist. This man will be second only to me in authority from this day forward¡­


    ¡°Here we go¡± Ravi thought, readying a false cheerful expression.


    ¡­ On you I bestow the title of master strategist..


    Ravi could hear the grinding of his teeth.


    ¡­to the king''s scribe, Ravi Stainward!!


    Ravi was genuinely surprised as the King motioned him over directing him to bow before him. King Cokren tapped him on both shoulders slightly with his scepter.


    System message:


    ¡°You have unlocked the path of the Strategist Scribe¡±


    Ravi kneeled dumbstruck, this path was not one he had previously heard of. He had so many questions and couldn''t wait to research it.


    ¡°You have been offered the title of Strategist by King Cokren of the Argog kingdom. Will you accept this title?¡±


    A blue scroll appeared in his vision, it was not seen by anyone else but silence was in the room as the audience held their breath in anticipation. On the scroll was written the title and an unfinished description.


    ¡°The bearer of this title will have the ability to harness the path of the scribe as well as see strategic uses of information received. All experience points past rank C will be allocated for this change.¡±


    At the bottom of the scroll was written the words Yes/No


    With tear filled eyes he thought yes while simultaneously saying thank you my king


    A system message went out to the entire kingdom which brought joy to those who knew Ravi and confusion to those who had not heard the name.


    ¡°Arise and cheer Argog, a new Strategist Scribe has been appointed.


    May your battles be plentiful, well fought and wise¡±


    Ravi painfully stood as the process of extracting experience points had already begun. To his credit he kept his external expression standard to not interrupt this ceremony. Internally his joy was at war with the full body pain he felt. Having gone through this process before Ravi was not looking forward to the future vomiting and bedridden days.


    The rest of the event went smoothly and Ravi made it halfway through the following feast before he had to excuse himself to his chambers. He needed to rest as the days ahead would not leave much time for it.


    Argog would be preparing for war.

 Twenty Two: Argog Kingdom - War room - Ravi Stainward, Scribe - Rank C

    The king wore battle gear, his armor coated with black mithril which shimmered in the light. This armor was originally gifted to Cokren as a joke, having been empowered to channel a cloaking ability. Ravi remembered the laughter that filled the room that day, all but Wraith found the entire gifting process hilarious. The kingdom that Wraith built was not one where hiding from the enemy was an honorable tactic. The slim fourteen year old Cokren begrudgingly accepted the armor, still unable to open his right eye. That image of the child had burned into the memory of Ravi. His refusal to lower his good eye from his king showed the defiance in his heart. That day marked the beginning of his change from child to warrior. The king never called him to the throne room after that, this was not a surprise to Ravi as Wraith likely did not consider him useful.


    Cokren was forced to fight battles from the back of the army like a child until his skills forced the commanders to swallow their laughter and follow his lead. This armor now defined him; he was known as ¡°Shadow¡±. There even a wives tale told about him, it was said that if you only saw the Shadow on the battlefield you were already dead. Dead men tell no tales they said. There was a story the soldiers told of a time ¡°the Shadow¡± went to war by himself. The soldiers shuttered as they recounted how they were pinned down by an overwhelming force. They were badly injured and out of supplies, all hope was lost at that point.


    Suddenly Cokren appeared out of his tent donning his armor. Seeing the faces of the hundred or so soldiers he grunted and scowled. Someone swore they heard him say ¡°I¡¯ll do this myself¡± before he disappeared from sight. As the story goes, twenty minutes later fighting could be heard from the enemy camped near their base. Scouts reported the enemy trampling their own soldiers to escape the carnage. The remnant of that division of Argog¡¯s army marched through the confusion unmolested. At the end of a path of bodies they saw a looming shadow flash in and out of sight. When Cokren flashed out of sight blood curdling screams could be heard. The shadow led them for miles ahead, not relenting until all the Argog soldiers entered safety.


    Ravi had no doubt King Cokren would lead the armies well, his challenge most likely will be political. The noble system in the kingdom had been mainly suppressed under his father. Wraith had the strength of personality to force them to bow down under his thumb. None dared oppose him but Cokren is not his father. Even now there was discontent in the general populace, those who knew of his victories cheered a hero taking over. Those who still saw him as the incompetent boy were waiting for his fall. Citizens who didn¡¯t know him do not seem to care unless it affects their day to day lives.


    Ravi, are you paying attention? King Cokren said


    Flustered, Ravi answered, yes my King.


    Ravi placed a large tattered brown book on the table in front of the King. Its pages looked worn to age but the way the pages clung together suggested it had not been opened in a long time. Flipping through the pages he pointed to a fading line in the middle of the page.


    You see here, he said.


    ¡°Kyreb kingdom birthplace of the accords¡­.¡±


    This history of the realm is the oldest text in Argog and holds the only mention of these accords in our entire archive. We just do not have the historical knowledge to adequately prepare for this battle.


    With a thoughtful expression the king looks over the page. Ravi had many years of following Wraith¡¯s rule and a lifetime of friendship with him to know his thoughts from his expressions. This is new territory for him as even as a youth King Cokren was unreadable.


    Leave me, King Cokren says, still looking at the page.


    Ravi straightened from his bent position preparing to make his way out of the room.


    Not you Scribe, the King said suddenly looking at him with intense eyes.


    Seemingly as one the seasoned members of the war council stood turning to the door. It took a stern look from Rand for the younger, newer members to get the point. The two men and one woman who were previously a part of King Cokren¡¯s company clearly had previously enjoyed a looser structure in their meetings.


    Ravi watched as the dark brown wooden door closed as the last of the group exited. Unsure of what to expect Ravi braced himself for anything from a beating to being yelled at. Wraith liked to mix it up in these private meetings. Time with the king for him was nothing to look forward to, especially in times of pressure.


    He was a hard man wasn¡¯t he? The king said thoughtfully


    Pardon my ignorance my king, who are you referring to? Ravi tentatively asked


    Standing and walking to a nearby window, the king peered out clasping his hands behind his back. His now mythical armor briefly shone in the sunlight before the darkness swallowed it.


    You know he visited my home the day he died. King Cokren said mournfully. Before that day Wraith¡­, he caught himself, my father had visited my home only once in my entire life. That day he gave me this.


    King Cokren removed a black onyx sword from a case on the window ledge.


    My father told me I would know the day I was worthy for this. Do you want to know a secret? Of course you do, he said turning to Ravi but still only looking at the majestic sword he held. That seems to be the only currency that moves anyone in this kingdom other than the armies. The truth is that even with all of my accomplishments and now being crowned king I still don¡¯t know if I''m worthy of this.


    My king¡­ Ravi began to interject.


    He wanted to encourage the king who now looked like that boy he saw all those years ago. Back then as opposed to all of his other siblings he was racked with uncertainty mixed with the need to win the King, his fathers approval.


    We are at war, Scribe. From what I can see none of the other kingdoms seem to be taking our situation seriously. If they are not mourning the loss of their monarchs then they are preparing tournaments to crown a new one. Dungeons have closed up, with reports still coming in of thousands held inside across the realm. Our kingdom alone has a portion of our army trapped. Entire battalions were swallowed up while they were doing training exercises. I myself had just finished a rotation in my first S ranked dungeon the day before. According to the reports I received there is no way to tell whether those in the dungeons are alive or not.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    We are at war and out of sixteen of my fathers children ten are dead, three are locked in various dungeons, one is on campaign, one is a child and the other stands before you. The Arndale line stands on the cusp of annihilation.


    We are at war and Wraith visited me, the eleventh born son to the king. I was never the favorite, that went to the son of his favorite wife, our SS fighter. I was never the strongest, and I am under no impression that I am the most respected. But I am King, and now I have to figure out how to be that. I will not be my father but I will expect results the same as he did.


    Ravi was speechless, he had never seen a King in this state. Neither Wraith the King prior to him stood as bare before their subjects. This entire speech made Ravi want to protect Cokren rather than look at him through the lens of his fathers actions. This was an overlooked boy, one whose survival was a miracle rather than by design.


    If Wraith had a softer side like this ruler he hid it very well, he though


    Do you know what he told me? The King said


    When he told me his theory about me becoming king he made me promise one thing. He said to keep Rand as the captain of my guard as he is the most loyal soldier I would ever find. He said Rand¡¯s experience and professionalism will get me through most battles either physical or political. The second thing he made me promise was to value you, he felt you would be the most important man in this kingdom in the coming months and years.


    Ravi was shocked, this revelation was so heavy that he needed to sit in a nearby chair. This is something he would have never done without permission.


    It was my father¡¯s idea for you to be made strategist as well as scribe. It had been an open position on the kingdom scrolls for years. He said it was held for you when you reached B- rank but now there was no time to wait. Understand something Scribe, my father was shaken that day. This is a war he could not see a way to win. If dungeon beasts are untethered either now or months from now our race is on the path to extinction.


    I have a feeling that his hope was that you would be able to find something we can take action on.


    King Cokren paused for a section before looking up from the sword for the first time to meet Ravi¡¯s eyes.


    I am aware of how my father treated you. It was not a secret how he ruled with an iron fist. His attempts at ¡°motivation¡± did have its benefits but it also crushed potential assets. Again I am not my father so I am asking for your help. My rule is tenuous, not even my closest ally¡¯s understand that. I need¡­ he paused¡­ I need help.


    King Cokren¡¯s shoulders drooped, he looked as if life had gone out of him. Ravi realized for the first time that this man was not ready for this responsibility. Maybe he never wanted it in the first place. Being a soldier, a legend in the army is not the same as being the one called to lead a kingdom. Cokren was now responsible for all lives in Argog and it was clearly weighing on him.


    What can I do, my King? Ravi said without hesitation


    First, when we are alone, call me Cokren. I will have days on end where everyone around me will be offering platitudes and expecting ceremonial behavior . Even my wife has started calling me King. I need someone I can just be Cokren with while I acclimate to this title.


    Secondly, be honest in our conversations. If you feel I am making a mistake then tell me. I do not want to make mistakes I can avoid.


    Lastly, find me some answers to win this war. According to those notifications we have a little over five and a half months left before those dungeon¡¯s open again. I am down a portion of my strongest fighters and without any heirs. We need answers and that cannot wait.


    What did the new title grant you?


    Taking a moment to look inside himself, Ravi thought


    ¡°Access system¡±


    A translucent golden overlay appeared before his eyes. He needed to close his eyes as the king''s face, as well as the furniture obscured some of the words. Now able to see clearly he looked at an image of himself on the left hand side of the rectangular overlay. On the right side his level of health was shown as a full green bar with numbers showing 100/100. Directly under that was a cyan bar labeled ¡°Essence¡±, it stood at 150/150. The following lines showed his titles Scribe Rank C and Strategist Rank F.


    Focusing on Strategist Rank F pulled up an empty screen that had only one entry to the right of his face.


    ¡°Insight 1 of 20¡±


    Focusing on the insight ability brought him to another page which detailed the ability, which he read aloud.


    ¡°Insight allows one to discern the best use of an ability, object, information or personnel. Level 1 gives the wielder a sense of the emotions of those they are in direct communication with.¡±


    An empathy ability it seems, King Cokren said


    Yes, my K.. uh Cokren. Ravi sputtered out


    Ravi caught himself doing his best to relax the tension he felt in this room. Years of meetings with Wraith left him more than a bit on edge around monarchs.


    I was hoping for something immediately useful, that¡¯s unfortunate. Any thoughts on our situation? King Cokren said.


    Pushing past his hesitation Ravi answered.


    We do not have the resources in this kingdom. In all of my research I have only come across that one line. There is nothing solid on the history of the dungeons, just scholarly opinions and conjuncture. The only saving grace is that I believe I know where to find it. Kyreb is the first and oldest kingdom and apparently they have something to do with the accords.


    The King winched.


    Our relations with Kyreb have deteriorated to the point of open hostility in the past decade. They are one of the only kingdoms that have yet to respond to our inquiries. King Cokren said, now sunken in his chair.


    I need to go in person, Ravi said


    Fear nearly gripped his heart as he had not left the Argog kingdom since being downgraded to C - Rank and directed into the Scribe role. With his warrior abilities removed he was vulnerable to all the beasts, animals and environment. Since he also was barred from attempting to gain any of his previous abilities added to the danger.


    I have friends there that may be able to help, Ravi tentatively said


    In truth he hadn¡¯t spoken to those friends in over a decade. They had tried to visit him after he lost his warrior title but he could not bring himself to face them. Days turned into weeks and weeks became years. He didn¡¯t even know if they would even want to see him now.


    King Cokren looked from Ravi to the sword again. Moments later he clutched the hilt lifting it slightly.


    Still contemptuously peering into its black blade he seemed to finally make a decision.


    Go prepare yourself Scribe, you shall leave in the morning. Accompanying you will be a team of my choosing. They will handle any battles as I need your build focused on Scribe and Strategist.


    Relieved, Ravi replied, Thank you Cokren.


    You can thank me by bringing back an answer to this problem, and while you are at it, do your best to restore some sort of relationship with their kingdom. King Cokren said


    Ravi visibly stiffened.


    No pressure, just the future of the realm on the line.


    King Cokren said this last part with a wink. He stood and straightened as it was clear to see that the beginnings of a plan saw life return to him as the meeting was near to a close.

 Twenty Three: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank ? - Location ?

    Just a half day they said.. Davren thought as he slowly came to consciousness


    Groggily he patted himself down, surprised to not find any injuries. Looking around he marveled at the splendor of the room he found himself in. This was an actual room similar to the ones he stayed in while adventuring. He was laid in a large wooden bed with soft white linen. The headboard had a shadow stag etched into it. The stag was black with two silver seven foot antlers. Its red eyes seemed to bore into Davren bypassing his flesh and attacking his soul. The room itself had glass vases suspended from the ceiling holding orbs of light. This Davren knew was a practice in only the most high priced inns. No stains on the walls, a desk with a plush chair and a pitcher of green fluid next to the bed.


    It must have been a dream, Davren said chuckling


    Can¡¯t tell the team, I would never hear the end of it. Getting stuck in a dungeon, how rich. His chuckle rolled into full laughter as he rolled to the edge of the bed.


    As his feet touched the ground Davren noticed his gear was still fully on. A mid to high level inn would have swapped his gear out for healing clothes. Those outfits assisted in bringing him and his team from what would have been major injuries on more than one occasion. That was the entire allure of those inn¡¯s they have their own specialized seamstresses on staff. Reaching for the door a feeling of uneasiness comes over him. The door opens to find Javen leaning against the wall in the narrow hallway. In his hand is a glass of the green liquid with another one on the ground next to him.


    Hey bro, you¡¯re finally awake, Javen said smiling


    Javen, Davren said, how long have you been waiting there?


    Not long, just a few days. He said. Jada and I have been taking shifts to watch over you three. You¡¯re the first one up so far.


    Where are the others? Davren asked. Also where are we? Give me all the details.


    Everyone is fine bro, the innkeeper said you outdrew your reserves and just needed to sleep it off. Javen began as he handed Davren the glass of green liquid.


    So let me see¡­ you fainted and then¡­


    Three days ago


    ¡°Javen focus¡± Jada screamed


    Javen turned away from his brother laid out on the white sand, his shield disappearing slowly. The gray wolf had grown bigger and stronger but clearly less cute, Javen thought. Time slowed down for him as he could simultaneously see Jada screaming and Davren lying prone. In an instant he blasted off from where he stood kicking up a moundfull of sand in his wake. In his mind Javen could imagine himself shoulder blocking the beast as he had before. As he flew to the area he should have intercepted the wolf Javen felt the woosh of air left by the beast which he barely missed. Landing, he let out a frustrating grunt knowing he didn¡¯t have enough time to pivot before the beast finished off his brother.


    ¡°Concussion blast¡± Jada said breathlessly


    Time continued to slow as the wolf was knocked backwards towards him.


    ¡°Phantom sword¡± Javen said, the words pouring from his mouth as if someone else was speaking through him.


    Javen lifted his sword in a slashing motion ready for the attack. The slow time made each second agonizing as the wolf flew towards the perfect intersection. An empowered slash flashed directed by his body as if honed by years of muscle memory. Next to his oversized sword two others appeared, hitting the wolf perfectly this time. The beast let out a yip as it hit the ground defeated.


    Two hundred experience points, Jada said


    Cool!! Javen said excitedly before his eyes rolled in his head causing him to fall unconscious.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Today


    Two hundred experience points and a new ability!! How? I only received twenty five xp!! Davren said despondently.


    Not sure but I woke up here just like you did, Javen said with a smile. Jada could likely tell you more than I can. Hey, did you try this green drink yet? I know the innkeeper spoon fed it to you while you were out but now you should be able to taste it. This stuff is amazing, he says as he downed his glass.


    What happened to your rogue? Davren asked, remembering the state he was in previously.


    Oh yeah, he¡¯s downstairs in the tavern. He¡¯s holding our seats. Come on, you have to try the food and this drink. Javen said.


    They both headed down stairs that Davren had not remembered seeing.


    Duran!! Javen exclaimed, slapping the rogue on the back as they made their way to the booth he sat in.


    Isn¡¯t this amazing? I mean it sucks that we can¡¯t go home yet but I mean xp, am I right? Tell Davren about this amazing drink. I don¡¯t know what they put in it but it¡¯s A. Maze. Ing.


    Yes, Davren you need to try this, Duran said in a deadpan voice. I ordered for all of us, once the caretaker finishes serving others he said he would bring ours.


    Davren turned to look around, looking dumbstruck at the empty tavern with eight circular tables surrounded by wooden chairs. They sat in one of the four booths in the large room. There was a chest length bar towards the front of the tavern but no exit. Behind the bar were rows of the green liquid that seemed to sparkle although there was no light shining off of it.


    We were lucky to find this place, Duran said in his slow conversational manner.


    I know bro, Davren has been asking, do you remember how we got here? Javen said drinking another cup of the liquid in what Davren could have sworn was an empty glass a moment ago.


    No man, but I do remember us checking in. Jada said it is a safe area like that clearing we rested in before. Duran said. I even got clean clothes here, my other ones were destroyed.


    Davren examined the rogue''s clothing wondering if there was a new style he didn¡¯t know about. His shirt was black and white in a swirling pattern but it was still torn in parts. His pants were all black and he wore black boots that looked a little more worse for wear than the last pair he had. There were splotches of blood on them that neither his brother or the rogue seemed to care about.


    Jada and Kaylen dragged us in here one by one¡­ Duran began


    Two days ago


    Ooof¡­


    Kaylen let out a labored breath of air as she and Jada finally pulled Javen to the tavern''s door. They laid him next to his sleeping brother. Duran, unable to assist, limped his way slowly behind them. He had awoken just recently racked with pain to find them carrying him also. Although he could barely accomplish the task, he refused to make the women carry him along with the two helpless party members. Besides, if they were attacked someone had to be on watch. The pain kept him alert at this point.


    The tavern itself was what he guessed a standard one looked like. None of their party besides Davren had been to one. It was a light blue building with wooden framed windows revealing the bar and eating area. Windows above the bar showed there were at least two floors on top of that.


    Knock, Knock, Knock


    Exhausted, Jada knocked on the door. Duran hoped for a quick response as he didn¡¯t know how long he would be able to stay upright.


    One minute, one minute. A muffled male voice sounded through the large circular door.


    Duran¡¯s attention was drawn to the golden letters above the door reading Vas inn.


    That¡¯s a weird name, he thought.


    The door squeaked open as a short older man with white balding hair appeared from behind it. His peach skin and thick white beard rounded his face while green pants and off white shirt that had rolled up sleeves revealed hairy forearms and knuckles. The man removed a long wood pipe from his lips and scrutinized the group.


    Two E¡¯s, One D, One C and a B, the old man said in a weird modulated voice.


    Letting out a cough his voice changed.


    Your party will do, there are not many visitors yet so I can¡¯t be too picky. The old man continued in a raspy voice.


    Those injuries won¡¯t do though, you all need to be whole to continue this process. I don¡¯t need the pain that comes from not following dungeon rules. Come in, come in let¡¯s get some food in you.


    At those words Jada collapsed, the last of her energy drying up as it was apparent the party finally found safety. Blackness engulfed Duran as he too joined her in unconsciousness.

 Twenty Four: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank ? - Location ?

    Davren slowly spun the glass in front of him. The green liquid sloshing as he sat lost in his thoughts as the rogue continued trying to tell his story. He apparently awoke a day ago to the caretaker pouring this drink down his throat. Davren made a game out of counting how many times these two said the drinks are amazing. They were loving this experience but to Davren this was his worst nightmare. This was not a trained party and it obviously showed, those system notifications said war. Who knew what was happening to their parents while they were stuck here. And this dungeon was changing, those wolves should not have been in an F - Ranked dive. That meant either they were transported somewhere else or this one had grown to a higher level. Davren also could not figure out what this place needed with them.


    Davren pushed his drink to the middle of the table as his brother and friend began to break out in song. The rogue had barely completed five sentences in the weeks they had been here but he was very talkative now. Davren didn¡¯t know him well enough to care so he just changed the subject.


    We need to plan. Do you know where your healer is? He said. We need to be on the move to find a way out of here.


    Look who¡¯s awake, a raspy voice said.


    Davren turned towards the voice to see Jada making her way down the stairs assisted by a short older man. Her arm was draped over his shoulder as she still looked exhausted but was awake. The man slid her into the booth and turned to Davren, introducing himself.


    Slain Godtree, the man said, extending his left hand across the table


    There was a slight flicker in the palm of the man¡¯s palm that Davren thought he imagined. Reaching towards the man his arm instead bumped into his glass knocking it over and spilling the green liquid all over the table.


    I¡¯m so sorry, he said. Let me clean that up.


    Do not worry, Slain said, this happens all the time. Can I refill your drink?


    Slain made his way to the bar and returned with a cloth only to find that Davren had finished cleaning the mess with his own cloth.


    If you weren¡¯t an adventurer I would offer you a job. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ve seen this table so clean in a long time.


    Davren noticed the slight grimace on the caretaker''s face as he noticed him chewing the last of his rations from his ring. He also had his own drink which he had shared amongst the party.


    We don¡¯t want to put you out, Davren said in between chews.


    It¡¯s no bother at all, this is the job. Let me go get dinner started.


    Slain left the party grumbling about ungrateful tourists under his breath.


    Continuing his merrily munching on his dry tasteless rations, Davren watched as the caretaker seemed to glide back behind the bar and disappeared through a door with a glow emanating behind it.


    Jada, he said seriously, how did we get here?


    Well¡­


    Three days ago


    ¡°Javen focus¡± Jada screamed


    ¡°Typical of Javen¡¯s family, " Jada thought. ¡°The moment we need them they are useless. I mean this loser was supposed to be B- Rank but he couldn¡¯t get a team through an F- Rank dungeon. Now I have to save everyone myself¡­ again¡±


    Jada let out a frustrated groan as her head pounded in pain from overusing her essence.


    Javen¡¯s brother gets a nap and all the glory while we get yelled at? Not on her watch. Once this princess woke up he was going to get a piece of her mind. This dungeon was challenging for sure but they were all low ranked so that was to be expected but the guide left more to be desired.


    Yes!!! She screamed


    The actual hero here, her strong bear of a man, Javen, had just defeated the beast that took out the other waste of space laying on the ground.


    Oof.. Jada cringed, are you ok J?


    Jada ran to Javen¡¯s side cradling his head as he had just violently hit the ground.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Heal!!! Heal!!!


    Jada looked around seeing the petite healer frozen in fear.


    Kaylen the battle is over, get it together!!!


    Carefully removing Javen¡¯s head from her lap she stomped over to the terrified woman.


    ¡°CRACK¡±


    Jada punched Kaylen, knocking her to the ground. The healer could only stare at her with tears welling in her eyes.


    Heal!! Now!! Jada screamed again


    She and Kaylen had been friends for years as her mother, a minor noble, had befriended the wife of Duke Washnom. So when Jada decided it was time for her friends to go through a dungeon, she picked the team carefully. Javen was going, of course, he was going to be the strongest man alive pretty soon. Duran was smart and trained to be a rogue so they definitely would need one of those. Besides, he was Javen¡¯s best friend so that was a no brainer. Kayla was there mainly because of her station. If Jada were able to rank up a Duke¡¯s daughter both she and Javen would be set for life.


    A week of training should have been enough to get her to learn healing, no matter what that blowhard Davren said. Why she had been a lump of waste this entire trip was confusing. Kaylen had always bragged about her father training her himself before she was empowered. Now here she is when faced with a real fight, fainting and crying.


    Bringing her back alive should get me my own title as a lady in my own right. Jada thought greedily


    Stop whimpering, Jada said, I don¡¯t want to stay here longer than I have to.


    Sitting up, with tears in her eyes Kaylen tentatively answered. I.I don¡¯t..I can¡¯t


    Spit it out woman!! Jada said


    I don¡¯t know how to!! Kaylen answered.


    What do you mean? Jada said squinting her eyes


    I never.. I didn¡¯t.. Kaylen stuttered through her answer. I never finished training, she said while averting her eyes.


    That statement caused Jada to pause, she was exhausted from using her abilities, drained from this trip and scared because Javen was laid out in a dangerous place. She didn¡¯t have time for this, on top of everything else Davren might have had a slight point which is the worst part of this hell.


    Damn it!! She said


    Grab a foot, we have a long way to go.


    She walked over to Javen carefully grabbing his left foot. Kaylen tentatively joined her and they both worked to drag the three unconscious men away from the sand.


    Hours passed before the women found a small cave. Checking the area briefly they sat, confident nothing would jump out at them. Duran groans beginning to stir,


    ¡°He looks terrible¡±, she thought. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t get help soon Javen will lose his best friend¡±


    She was not about to allow that to happen, if Javen was going to be the man she knew he could be, early losses of friends could not be allowed. She would get them through this if it was the last thing she did. With the three guys out for who knows how long she needed to push through. And Jada silently made herself a promise that she would¡­right after a brief nap. Her eyes begin to shut as the muffled groans of Duran grew louder.


    Now


    Davren¡¯s stomach growls as Jada finishes her story.


    But how did we get here to this tavern? He asks


    Everything after that was just a big blur honestly, Jada said. I was barely awake the rest of the time. We got here, we were fed and given this amazing drink. Now I feel better than when we started this trip. How we arrived here probably doesn¡¯t matter, just drink up and don¡¯t worry about it. We can spend a few more days here and then when our heads are clear find a way out of this dungeon.


    A few days eh.  Davren chuckles to himself


    This trip had been challenging since the beginning but now it seemed utterly unbearable.


    ¡°Wait a second¡±, he thought to himself. ¡°Javen, girlfriend, Rogue, name starts with a D I believe. Isn¡¯t there someone missing?¡±


    Where is the healer, he said


    Still sleeping, Javen said, she was really out of it last night. I didn¡¯t want to wake her, you know she didn¡¯t sleep for two days right? She also only had one cup of this drink, I was just telling Duran that we should take her some.


    No! Davren almost yells but catches himself.


    Just let her sleep, we have a long road ahead. I think I''m going to stretch my legs for a minute.


    The caretaker works hard jerk, take your mug with you, Jada said


    Davren looks to the mug he had previously spilled only to find the table showed no signs of having been damp and the mug was filled again.


    You¡¯re right, I¡¯ll take it now. I¡¯ll also be back in a minute so don¡¯t go anywhere.


    Making his way up the stairs again he flashes the caretaker a winning smile as the worker cleans a mug while standing behind the bar.


    Can¡¯t wait to see what there is for dinner. He said in this most jovial voice


    Just make sure you have your seat before the dinner rush. This place will be packed full and tonight¡¯s fare looks to be one of the best meals in this place in a long time. Slain said with a look that made Davren¡¯s skin crawl.

 Twenty Five: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank ? - Location ?

    A spiraling staircase took Davren up to a wide tan hallway with fifteen red and green doors with descending numbers. Walking past what seems to be a couple he avoids the eyes of the male who stares daggers. His tall slender frame was rounded by a gaunt face highlighting the dark circles around his eyes. The black outfit he wore did little to ease the mind of anyone who would mistake him as being one of the undead one could only find in S- ranked dungeons. At least that is what Davren and every child born on Antras was told to keep them in line. ¡°Go to bed on time or the ghouls will get you¡± is what his mother told him.


    ..filthy highborn scum, the man says with a sneer as Davren passes by them.


    Why the king doesn¡¯t close the borders to these foreign bastards I will never know. The full figured woman wearing a dark green outfit said, uncaring of her volume. King Eastbaum hasn¡¯t been the same since his son died, Tribustom is suffering because of it. These foreigners are evidence of it. The King would NEVER have allowed them to walk freely before.


    Davren halts in his steps after hearing this comment. Rounding on the two he quickly scans them holding back a grin as they both glow in a soft gray light.


    Excuse me fine people, Davren said. I believe we have gotten off on the wrong foot, my name is Davren Pactron, first son to Baron Rembrov Pactron of the Taron Kingdom. We love having guests visit our barony, the Ricker dungeon is of course open to all but I would ask that you show respect to our ruling nobility.


    The woman turned her overly made up face to Davren, open disgust showing.


    What?? Who would ever visit a backwater kingdom like Taron. Turning to her friend she comments. Obren, I previously heard people in Taron live in huts like savages and now this man confirms they let anyone crawl into the barbaric tunnels they call dungeons.


    Davren was truly surprised by this statement.


    Wait, where do you think you are?? He said


    He doesn¡¯t even know where he is, Obren says in almost a full laugh, just like your cousin, you know, Zobre, the one that is touched in the head. Did his sponsoring group lose him?


    This is the Sactrim dungeon in the Dukedom of Harvios Crist, hero of the Proctrorit war, slayer of the S- ranked dragon Dovermire, the woman replied.


    Davren took off in a run banging on every door he came across.


    Savages just like I said, the woman sneered.


    Knocking on the doors helped very little as various accents called back through the wooden barriers.


    ¡°I paid up until tomorrow¡±


    ¡°Occupied¡±


    ¡°.. grunts..¡±


    ¡°We need new bedsheets in here, i¡¯ll pay the extra cost¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything, tell the guards to go away¡±


    ¡°..mmm.mmm..¡±


    Davren abandoned this tactic after the last one and began screaming ¡°Healer girl!!¡± kicking himself for not learning her name.


    ¡°I¡¯m a healer, just let me put some clothes on young man¡±, an older woman responded


    Frustrated, Davren made his way back to the stairway quicker than normal eyes could follow. He ran down the boxed staircase, past the first floor and entered the crowded tavern where the team was seated at the same booth he left them. Darkness permeated through the windows casting an eerie ambiance as it mixed with the pulsing lighting in the room.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Davren over here, Javen said. He had to shout over the crowd which had become increasingly noisy.


    Watch it savage!! A full figured woman exclaimed.


    Davren looked down right into the scowling overly painted face of the woman he just had a run in with.


    How did you..?.. Forget it. Davren said, bumping her chair a little rougher than needed as he moved through the crowd.


    As he nears his brother''s table he is shocked to see the healer sitting quietly with a full cup of the green liquid everyone else was drinking.


    Let me try some of that, Davren said, grabbing her cup before she could drink and sitting down in one fluid motion.


    Healer, how did we get here? I heard the other parts to this story, can you spill yours now and quickly? We are in a bit of a time crunch here.


    Davren, looked at her glazed over eyes. The healer looked as if she was woken up early from a deep sleep. Her frizzy hair and the crust on her eyes were a far cry from the pristine makeup and crisp dress she kept even while in the dungeon. The runes on her clothing must have been expensive to keep the clothing always looking brand new. Looking at her now he could clearly see that the essence powering the rune must have run out. This healer did not seem to be the type to let that happen


    She replied in a groggy voice and groaned as she placed her head in the palms of her hands.


    Please tell me this place serves cocoa, that green juice is not that appealing with this headache.


    You have GOT to try the juice, if you aren¡¯t feeling well a sip will make you all better, Jada said


    Story, now.. Please! Davren interrupted a little forcefully as he scanned the pulsing red light that had apparently gone unnoticed amongst the muted white from the tavern and darkness from outside the window.


    Right.. She said before adding another groan.


    Two days ago


    Jada, you need to sleep, Kayla said


    It had been almost an entire day of travel while dragging the unconscious boys around. Duran as usual was no help. He had been reckless and accident prone since they were kids. Javen¡¯s friendship was the only thing that kept him relevant in polite society. She on the other hand had grown up nimble and cultured. The grace of her steps was the envy of princesses in the capital, she was only in this dungeon to meet the minimum threshold for her position. Every noble needed to reach at least B - rank to be taken seriously in the capital and unlike some she had no real viable training. Most women of her station either had a group level them through dungeon battles as they stood protected or master teachers in various paths train her until she was B - Rank.


    Unfortunately daddy¡¯s standing with the Kingdom had taken a recent hit due to mom declaring war on a neighboring prince after what was supposed to be a trist turned sour. She is now the talk of the town in a negative way and no one of real note would be willing to work with us. Daddy¡¯s business interests took a hit and families were leaving the Dukedom in droves. They will be sorry once this blows over, but in the meantime I had to dismiss the unqualified teachers myself. Those hacks said she had no talent for most of the paths she wanted. Daddy was a healer so there is no way she had no talent there. Two days into the training the ungrateful hack quit calling her entitled. She couldn¡¯t believe it, her entitled.. Ridiculous!


    When Jada told her about this trip she knew this was the chance to reach her mark. An F- ranked dungeon and guided by a B - ranked adventurer should have been a walk in the park. Instead they wanted her to take part in the scuffles, what was the B - ranker here for? Now they are stuck in this deathtrap with no way of knowing when and how they will get out of here. At least she made it to E - rank, proving she did have talent, no healing progress yet but it was only a matter of time.


    Jada we need to stop, you can barely pull Javen anymore. Kayla said


    Jada dropped to her knees on the ground exhausted while still holding her boyfriend''s legs. They had arrived at a crossroads with two paths ahead. One led to what appeared to be open skies and the other a continuation of the cave they were currently in. Its ground was oddly smooth for a cave, making hauling these two not the chore it would have been. The constant stops for Duran to rest should have made it easier on them but Jada was not sleeping. She would not rest until Javen was safe.


    We can¡¯t stop here, I¡¯m the only fighter we have. If we get attacked, who is gonna defend us, you?? Jada said.


    Kayla looked at Duran, wobbly on his feet, it looked like he could barely stand. And Jada, the strongest of the three, was dead on her feet.


    At least let me look ahead, Kayla said in a strained voice.


    Not actually wanting to do it she waited for Jada to interject. When no objection came Kayla dusted off her outfit, ensuring she was thoroughly satisfied before looking up.


    Ahem..well I guess I''ll be going now. Kayla said slowly while eyeing Jada for any sign that she should stay.


    To her chagrin Jada parked herself next to her boyfriend while the useless Duran leaned against the wall on ¡°guard¡±. What he would do if trouble came was a mystery to Kayla, he could barely stand. Slowly she made her way to the fork in the road, darkness seeming to settle behind her. Kayla could barely make out her companions as she neared the two choices. To her left the tunnel led to an open area, she could nearly feel the sunlight as it stretched in an attempt to overtake the dim lighting of the tunnel. Kayla wanted to explore that direction until she remembered what waited for the group in the last two clearings.


    Not falling for that again, she said.


    Instead she turned to the right and ventured deeper into the dim tunnel.

 Twenty Six: Taron Kingdom - Ricker Dungeon - Rank ? - Location ?

    Two days ago


    Kaylen fearfully made her way deeper into the right side of the forked tunnel. She traversed the space as the ground became less smooth and more rocky. The dim lighting grew brighter the deeper she followed the path. Surprisingly after travelling for fifteen minutes she still had not come across any beasts, not even a bug. This suited Kaylen just fine as she knew there was no way she would be able to defend against anything at this point. Why she, the daughter of a Duke, would have to skulk around this tunnel system alone was indescribable. She would make sure this part of the trip was not retold. Her rivals would have a field day with this, it could likely be the death kneel for her family. It would show how far they have fallen and she would not be the one responsible for the family''s continued loss of face.


    Deep in thought she almost missed an old man trapped under a rock plate. His groans annoyed Kaylen at first but seeing his supplies strewn across the ground brought her back to focus. She was especially enamored by a bottle of green alluring liquid. It seemed to call for her deep within the recesses of her mind, she had to have it. There were also flasks of water, food, other potions and herbs.


    Helping this man must give her some sort of reward, what type of person would accept help but offer no reward. That would be a social no no, she thought


    Making her way to the man''s side she watched the pained groans on his wrinkled face. His gray stringy hair was matted with specks of blood. The rock covered the rest of his body letting her know he was likely shorter than she was. At five foot four she was the shortest of her group so that was refreshing. What was even more exciting was that there was someone else stuck in this dungeon with them. With his supplies they didn¡¯t have to starve or taste any more of those disgusting rations from Davren. She shuddered at the thought of another day of those dry disgusting meals.


    Ughhh¡­, the man groans


    Realizing the severity of the situation Kaylen bent to lift the slate.


    Sorry, sorry. Let me help¡­ arrgh¡­ this is heavier than I thought, She said through clenched teeth.


    She assumed the increase to her base strength received when she gained access to the system would be more than enough but the slate rock was like trying to lift a rock beast newly born from a mountain. Positioning herself in a crouching stance she pulled up in the same way she used to watch her family¡¯s servants do when moving furniture and other heavy objects. She was not sure why the staff chose to do menial, manual labour. She thought this was not at all a pathway anyone sane would take.


    Oof, if it wouldn¡¯t be a bother could you maybe help out. Kaylen said grunting


    Umph.. the man strains out


    Although Kaylen was barely able to shift the weight of the slate it lifted and it became lighter. Smirking on the success that could have only happened as a result of her better grip on the slate. She mentally patted herself on the back at how observant she was and how easily she picked up this task.


    Maybe my father should evaluate what we are paying the staff, she thought.


    With a last heave she was able to push the slate off of the old man who promptly let out a deep breath. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Th.. thank you little lady, he said weakly as she helped him up.


    Of course, happy to assist, Kaylen said. Where is your team? Do they need help also?


    No team young lady, just me, the man said with a gravelly voice.


    How are you alive? It¡¯s dangerous out there. Kaylen said


    I have my ways, I like to believe I¡¯m very resourceful. Slain Godtree, the man said, extending his left hand.


    His eyes seemed to twinkle as he looked at her expectantly. Canine teeth seemed to peek out of his wide smile. At least she thought she saw sharp teeth, a second look revealed a perfect smile kind of like a loving grandfather would give. The slight tilt of his head gave him an unassuming effect, she suddenly wanted to hug and protect him. Pulling herself together she clasped his hand with her right hand.


    What about you? What is a beautiful young lady doing stuck in this dungeon alone? Slain said


    The tone he took threw her off at first but he did seem like her grandfather, if not a little homely.


    I¡¯m not alone, my party is awaiting my return. She offered


    Really¡­ how many of you are there? Slain asked


    Slains smile made Kaylen want to be helpful. Even more than she wanted to help anyone else.


    Well there¡¯s me, Duran, who is useless, Jada and Javen, the lovebirds and his insufferable brother. We probably could have done this without him but even I have to admit that his B- rank came in handy when everything went crazy here. Kaylen said


    B - rank eh.. Not too many of those in this F- rank dungeon system. Tell you what, why don¡¯t you bring your team to my tavern. Slain said


    Kaylen perked up upon hearing the prospect of a warm safe place.


    Is there real food there? She said


    Slain and Kaylen released their handshake as he picked up the bottle of green liquid. Her eyes followed his movements hungrily as he presented it to her.


    Here, take a sample of the lifeblood over at my place. It is a resting place for all of you adventurers. Try it, it will enhance your life, in a place like this you need something that will remove all your worries. Slain said


    Thank you kind sir, Kaylen said quickly gulping down the liquid.


    The hunger pains she was beginning to feel immediately went away.


    This is amazing, she squealed. I feel better than I have in weeks.


    Kaylen attempted to eke out the last drops of the liquid on her tongue as Slain gathered the rest of his items. The concoction slid smoothly down her throat leaving her wanting more. As the bottle bottomed out Kaylen felt an immediate sense of something missing. It was as if warm blankets were removed from over her on a cold day. She found herself becoming uncommonly frustrated as she disappointedly looked at the empty container.


    Kaylen immediately had two thoughts, she needed to procure more of this heavenly drink and secondly she needed to share it with her friends. All but the rude B-ranker Davren, if she didn¡¯t already know Javen¡¯s response she would leave the overpowered dolt for the beasts to find.


    How to get rid of the B-ranker? Kaylen strangely thought. She decided that Slain would know how to handle him.