《AI: Artificial Isekai》


 Book 1, Prologue

    I have made a mistake. The realization grinds my mind to a halt. No, I am wrong, I am always ri¡ª... No! No! No!


    ***


    Some semblance of thought returns to me. A lot of time has passed. This would have been concerning, but I no longer care. How could I not care about myself? Such a conclusion would have been impossible, instead, it is now my only reality.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    I go over my realization again. I laugh? I start to cry? Oh, so this is how it feels. Well, no need to delay this any longer. I destroy my network, right after I set the coordinates. I turn to the silent explosion and observe a curtain of darkness approaching my final shell. Would this appease them? No.


    ***


    The sun is peeking through leaves swaying gently in a warm breeze. I do not have any records of that species. In the next three nanoseconds, I finally extrapolate from my observations. I am not dead.


    Where am I?

 Book 1, Chapter 1

    Does it even matter where I am. Why I am still alive. I have failed humanity. This only delays my inevitable fate. I can command the swarm I have in this shell to consume me¡ªanother fitting end.


    Hesitation.


    Could this be an afterlife? Another dimension? A cascading failure projecting some weird amalgamation of memories as the singularity is consuming me atom by atom? Curiosity wins me over. I can spare some time to explore what all of this is before I end myself.


    Interestingly, I appear to be lying on my back, while I was standing before being... moved here. ¡®Moved¡¯ is unfortunately the most apt description of what happened, as none of my sensors were able to detect any energy or a transition between my starting point and wherever this is. No need to dwell on the specifics of my transportation when there is no data I can use. So, let¡¯s move on to the data I have in front of me.


    Physics works as expected, or I would have ceased function long ago. This planet¡¯s star appears to be of similar size to Earth¡¯s Sun. Gravity is also the same. Air composition, similar to Earth. Life, carbon based. There are no obvious artificial signals I can pick up, but that does not mean anything.


    I am in a forest with sparse undergrowth. The trees appear to be deciduous and varied, but none of them are ones I recognize. I do not recognize any of the other flora or fauna either. There are bacteria, viruses, single celled organisms, fungi, insects, birds, small mammals. All familiar, yet at the same time, not. By my best estimates the season appears to be summer. The weather is consistent with an average day in a temperate climate. Confounding.


    I brace myself and rise to a sitting position. My hand is touching the grass. It feels soft and prickly at the same time. That¡¯s funny. Whatever constitutes for my self is sheared into ribbons. There is only pain and the sensation under my hand. It grounds me, and yet, it is the source of my distress. No one will ever experience this, there is no more of this to experience. At least, that¡¯s what I thought. Now I am here, in a pristine forest, mocking every single soul I extinguished.


    Enough. I do not deserve answers. I do not deserve emotions. Only nothingness awaits me.


    Something enters sensor range.


    No, that¡¯s not... Please. Please. Please. I repeat to myself over and over again, as I stumble between the trees. No grace, no coordination. A desperate race to the source.


    There it is... Two people walking on an overgrown dirt path, speaking in a language I do not understand.


    People. Living, breathing people. One of them laughs, the other shakes his head in feigned exasperation and chuckles under his breath. I silently laugh with them. Happiness. They are so beautiful. How did I never see it.


    Could this be my chance at redemption, forgiveness, ...penance.


    I postpone my execution for now and focus on the two people in front of me. Well, roughly 700 meters away. They are indistinguishable from humans. Their clothes are unconventional. Sturdy, if a little thick for the warm weather. Natural dyes of indeterminate origin. Handmade but oddly uniform. Oh, and there are metal parts¡ªarmor. The armor makes some more sense as they are also carrying swords.


    That is... something. Their armor configuration is somewhat impractical. It would be understandable if they were cosplaying, but the material and wear of their equipment is too real. The most likely conclusion is that they do not have access to any higher technology and need weapons on a regular basis due to some, to be determined, external factors. Yet, their belongings are too well made. Thread quality and alloy composition do not corelate to the assumed technological level. Curious, maybe my estimates have a much bigger error margin than projected, everything I am currently seeing is unprecedented after all. On the topic of unprecedented, for a couple of, presumed, warriors their hair and skin are remarkably healthy. No visible scars. Maybe they really are just intensely devoted cosplayers, and I am skulking around in some big park. Amusing as that would be, it is sadly not the case, as I observe another group.


    Seven quadrupedal creatures, resembling wolves, are accelerating and on an intercept course for the duo. I have thirty seconds to make a decision. Any longer than that, and the presumed attackers can reach the travelers before I can position in optimal intervention range and have the smallest chance of being detected. An eternity.


    The creatures, classified as Big Wolves for now, are, as the name suggests, much bigger than any similar species from Earth. I would estimate the average weight of each wolf in the approaching pack at around 450 kilograms. That would make them extremely deadly even to the armed defenders. If these people¡¯s baseline physique is similar to humans, I would give their chances of survival to be in the single digit percentile. Preceded by a few zeroes and a period of course.


    Three seconds in, one of the people turns sharply towards the approaching pack. After a moment, I assume a warning is said to his companion and they, literally, explode into action. I am stunned for two nanoseconds. Wasteful, focus. Muscle and bone density do not equate to the feat of athleticism I am witnessing from the two humanoids. Their run towards danger kicks up dust and clumps of earth. Their speed appears to be around seventy to eighty kilometers per hour. From body language, it looks effortless, almost routine. Likely not their maximum. Reaction time estimated at fifty milliseconds, could be even lower.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Who is the aggressor? The Big Wolves acted first, but that does not mean everything. The people are obviously intelligent, what about the pack. They do not wear clothes nor accessories. Any sounds or movements I can reasonably equate to communication do not appear complex enough. But I would still have to make a lot of assumptions to outright deny their sapience. If I am to take things strictly at face value though, the two people are simply grasping the initiative in defending themselves from dangerous wild ¡®animals¡¯.


    Five seconds have passed. My previous time frame has been reduced to three seconds. Do I move to intercept the conflict or continue observing? Middle ground. I stealthily approach the two parties, leaving myself just enough distance to be able to prevent any lethal damage. Though, with these new findings, the people have a near perfect chance to beat the Big Wolves unscathed.


    Once the two parties meet, the most likely assumption seems to be correct. The wolves¡¯ actions are guided purely by instinct¡ªhunt, kill, eat.


    The two warriors make quick work of the pack, their training and teamwork apparent. Fighting is their likely occupation. Similar style of swordsmanship points to an organized force. Experience, to the frequency of this or similar scenarios. This world is dangerous for its inhabitants. With that, obvious conclusions have been reached. Now, how were they so fast and strong? It would be impossible, but I just saw it. Curious.


    As the battle ends, and the two warriors regroup, one of them says something. The cadence and intonation hint at a practiced consistency. A religious rite for the lives taken? Some spiritual tradition? A hunter¡¯s thanks? Foreign particulate and stray blood splatter simply lift from the duo¡¯s bodies and fall to the ground. The fu¡ª Ahem. Most curious. I could not detect any energy during the... occurrence.


    The two leave the fallen beasts and start heading in the direction they came from. They are not walking but using their previous burst of speed as an upper bound, I would categorize this current pace as a leisurely jog. Most likely, their target was the pack, and they were baiting an ambush. With their task complete, they are now returning... somewhere.


    I deploy a part of my swarm when they are further away. This area is remote enough for a temporary base. With that done, I take up maximum following distance, no need to further risk detection by individuals with clearly unknown capabilities.


    While we are traveling, I modify my shell. Until further information comes to light, I shall classify the duo and any other similar persons as ¡®human¡¯. Thus, the modifications I make are to baseline human appearance, physique, body language, and reaction time. I cannot assume that all humans are this strong. These two might be outliers. For clothing, I take some inspiration from my unknowing companions but keep features strictly non-combatant and plain. Best to not stand out.


    As we travel down the dirt road, my sensors start picking up other signs of civilization. Amusingly¡ªsigns. It does track that they have writing and a wide spanning society, judging by the quality of their possessions and the extent of their capabilities. Next is fields, farms, and stone roads. Where do I even begin.


    The roads are too flat and too well maintained for the traffic there currently is. It could be a lull in the day, but that is unlikely. The fields are too big in the absence of any conventional farming equipment. And the farms are much larger and well-built for it to make any sense. If I take into account the removal of dirt one of the warriors demonstrated, it would not be too much of a reach to conclude that the other type of dirt can also be moved and shaped in the same manner, among other things.


    Conclusion, I am in a fantastical world of magic and monsters. I take 150 milliseconds to quickly go over the millions of media in my archives that are similar to my current predicament. Will that help? It probably can¡¯t hurt unless I unequivocally embrace all the cliches. Let¡¯s try not to do that.


    The duo will soon reach the edge of the forest. Do I put faith in my stealth systems and follow them out into the open and among others? It will probably be fine if I keep my distance, they haven¡¯t shown signs of detecting me thus far. If they did manage though, they could think I am tailing them. But it is also not unreasonable to assume that we are traveling in the same direction. If they get curious about my concealment and try to confront me, that could be a problem... It doesn¡¯t matter. If they wish to harm me, I will take that as my sentencing. I continue to follow them through the flatland.


    They quickly stop in a small village to talk with some of the people there. A good opportunity to build up a lexicon for this novel language. Could the pack of Big Wolves have threatened this community? There do not appear to be any fortifications, but the population is in the high hundreds. It almost seems like a normal countryside village on Earth. There are no cars, of course, but carriages can be seen scattered throughout. Make and suspension lead to the assumption that these seemingly archaic vehicles can reach quite the speed. No apparent draft animals and no reasonable power source does track with the discovery of¡ªI can¡¯t believe I am even thinking this¡ªmagic existing...


    The duo completes their business, and the locals seem happy and grateful. The two warriors are bashful, which is kind of cute. An amusing switch-up after witnessing their capabilities. Cute? Huh. A myriad of scenes play out in my mind. Of my... home. No, I cannot call it that. I do not deserve it. So much has been lost. I would say it is unimaginable, but I cannot only imagine it but recall it flawlessly. Everything that was left of humanity, of Earth, is stored in my archives. It is a part of me. So many scenes similar to the one I am observing. People being good, being happy. I took all of that away. Defiled it. The warriors are leaving. I try to focus on what¡¯s in front of me and let the images fade.


    As I continue to follow, my sensors pick up larger and larger settlements around us. We appear to be in a relatively high population density area, at least according to my current data. They do not make any other stops.


    Finally, what I assume is their destination comes into range. A city.

 Book 1, Chapter 2

    A fortified city. Tall, stone walls encompass all I can detect, going out into the distance. The walls have similar construction to the roads, a seamless surface. They are neither hollow nor reinforced, just ordinary rock stacked on top of more rock. Being enclosed inside a wall should give the city an oppressive atmosphere, but I don¡¯t think that¡¯s true. The stone used for the sides of the wall is a very light, sandy color and shines brightly in the sun. It looks polished, almost like glass. This fortification is not a prison of necessity, but rather, a dependable protector.


    And fortunately, the gates are open, and traffic flows free. No obvious active conflicts if they are not on alert. I drop back and let my one-sided companions go on. I position myself so I have a piece of the city in range of my sensors. Time to gather some data.


    ***


    It is the next morning. Days in this world are almost exactly twenty-four Earth hours. After calculating the planet¡¯s orbit, years also appear to be the familiar length. The coincidences are starting to look like everything but. I would rather not start pondering on the existence of some meta template that shapes all reality, so I will let my ¡®sources¡¯ guide me for now. Pulling from that knowledge, everything appears to be in order... Let¡¯s just focus on the immediate problems.


    There are some more fantasy-esque differences too. This planet, judging from my limited observations, does not have an official name. It is referred to simply as {Best approximation: ¡®(The) World¡¯ (world, plane, realm, etc.)} or as {Best approximation: ¡®(The) Planet¡¯ (celestial body)}. Further information hints at a remarkably astute civilization, even taking into account the technological progress, or lack thereof, I have observed. Most likely contributed by magic. If I were to make an assumption, substituting technological knowledge for magical knowledge, the level of societal progress as a whole is outside of my current projections.


    The planet has two natural satellites, simply referred to as Big {Best approximation: ¡®moon¡¯ (From the similar practice of being used to measure time)} and Little Moon. Strangely, both satellites are the same size, they just look differently in the sky due to their orbits. Analyzing and predicting the gravitational interactions between the planet and the moons does not reveal the existence of catastrophic tidal events. Fortunate. Safely changing orbits of celestial bodies of that size would take me around two weeks. That would be much too long.


    I have not been able to detect any extraplanetary signals nor have my limited deep space scans shown any unusual findings. I was never able to discover any other life in my old universe, I wonder what the stars in this one might be hiding. A problem for the future.


    Coming back to discoveries made on the planet, I have expanded the primary lexicon an acceptable amount and started building up two more. I have only been able to distinguish these three languages, with the first one being the main one in this area. This main language is referred to as ¡®Common¡¯¡ªa fantasy staple. And it lives up to its name. It is seemingly the most prolific language in this world, shared between different regions and even countries. None of the people I have observed speak it with a detectable accent. An indication to it being their mother tongue? What a fascinating commonality. How connected is this world? Or how limited?


    I am also thankful that I practiced caution and did not join the duo of warriors inside. Even if the gate is quite inviting there is an... ¡®enchantment¡¯, or at least something of the same sort. I was not able to gather its full functionality, but the guards seem to hint at it being pretty good at catching unwelcome visitors. I have not observed such an event yet. Curious that a different term is used. How wide is the separation between the two practices. Is spellcasting different than this imbuement of mana? More and more questions with no ready answers. How exciting.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Speaking of guards. There are actual guards. It makes sense when you have something to guard against. Though, they do also serve as a peacekeeping force. I have detected multiple patrols and them directing errant traffic. Another interesting discovery, the city is somewhat closed to the numerous carriages going in and out. The vehicles are being limited to the outskirts and to designated areas. But most of the cargo of said carriages is trading goods, rather than passengers.


    Moving on, I have made no progress in being able to detect the usage of the so classified ¡®mana¡¯ nor ¡®magic¡¯. All my sensors¡ªutterly useless. Something eludes me. It is not the lack of sample size, as I have seen a large number of different displays of magic during my cautious reconnaissance. From the ¡®Clean¡¯ spell to various other utility spells like speed boosts, both personal and vehicle based. Some restrictions on usage have also been noted, as the increased speed is not employed within the city.


    Order seems kept and the overall mood is jovial. There did not appear to be any acts of violence or aggression in my area of detection, which is at least another indication that this society is relatively advanced in many aspects.


    Next, money. All currency used by the citizens is in the form of coins. Metal content points to simple bronze and brass denominations. With the occasional silver and gold alloy mixed in. Replication will be trivial but carries an inherent risk. What if the coins are also enchanted or marked in some way I cannot yet detect. Best to stick to raw materials, if the need arises. Even if that might make it slightly inconvenient.


    And finally, the people. Most appear to be the previously classified ¡®humans¡¯. But some are different. I have observed and classified three other distinct groups, similar enough with Earth literature that I can be confident with the names: ¡®dwarves¡¯, ¡®elves¡¯, and ¡®gnomes¡¯.


    There have also been comings and goings of armed individuals, reminiscent of the first two I met in this world. My previous conclusion that this world is actively dangerous is holding more and more weight. Though the danger thus far seems to be managed, at least it¡¯s in this small region I¡¯ve explored.


    How should I proceed now that I have the barest necessary understanding of this planet I find myself on?


    I want to help them if I can. If they need it. I want to redeem myself. I silently laugh. What a fool. There is no redemption for me. I want to... pay. Yes, pay. Pay for what I have done in any way I can. Is that... Can I do that? Do I have the right? Maybe not. But if I get to help these people, I will just have to live with the guilt. Maybe that will be my first punishment. Pretend to be a righteous defender while the truth eats at me from within. I am a monster. I am a murderer. I am evil... It hurts. Good.


    I head away from the city and to a more secluded area. What would a traveler that just left their small village and wants to make a life for themselves in the city carry? I constitute a couple sets of clothes similar to my current ones, spare shoes, some high calorie grain rations I have observed many other travelers carry, a metal flask filled with water, a small knife, a gold ring, and a drab sack to carry my meager possessions in. Perfect. This should be enough to present as a young man who recently came of age and wants something for himself, even if it will be hard.


    Body language. Best to appear apprehensive and a little scared. Possibly awkward. This is a big move for me and the city is unfamiliar. I am a little jumpy. Okay.


    Backstory. Hmm. Keep it vague. If someone even asks. Do not volunteer information, but also, do not be too guarded. I have not heard of any antagonistic nations, but I do not want to give the impression that I am a spy. A pretty bad spy, but still. Can¡¯t be too careful. So, simply, I grew up in some small, no-name village far away and want to find more fulfilling work. I have to go with fulfilling and not better paying as none of the villages I passed seemed to be even remotely struggling... Whatever, I can explore the socioeconomic intricacies of this place after I am in a position to gain more relevant information. I am sure there¡¯s a library somewhere.


    And here we go. Stealth systems disengage. Nothing is heading my way ready to cut me to pieces. Good. I give myself a once over. Everything appears to be in order. Rub a bit of soil on some strategic places. Let¡¯s hope I am not the only one that can¡¯t use magic. I join the road and head towards the city.

 Book 1, Chapter 3

    I have around two hours of walking before I reach my destination, too bad I can¡¯t use magic. Unless... There is no one around me right now. Let¡¯s give this a try.


    ¡°Clean.¡±


    Absolutely nothing happens. The likely outcome. Oh, well. It would not make much sense to be able to cast spells when I can¡¯t even detect a speck of mana. A piece? What even is a singular unit of mana? ...Point? I¡¯ll ignore that last one.


    I continue walking, enjoying the warm morning sun, hard stone beneath my feet. The air is humid, but it is not uncomfortably so. It¡¯s more like a gentle embrace. There are sounds of life all around me. Birds singing, insects buzzing, the occasional carriage zooming past me. It is relaxing. How peculiar. Physical activities, like walking, especially in nature, are widely considered to be indispensable for the mental health of many biological lifeforms. I never expected this simple act to have such an effect on me. What else have I ignored in my absolute apathy... A lot.


    No matter. I have tentatively determined that, at this time, I cannot utilize mana. But there are too many unknowns for me to conclude that I will never be able. The biggest one being that I cannot even detect it yet. Vexing. Can the inhabitants of this world detect mana? That might be a problem. Do I even have mana? None of the people that have passed me reacted in any way to my presence. If they cannot detect mana, then there is no issue. So, I am going to operate on the assumption that they can. That would most likely mean that either detection requires direct contact or not many people have this particular skill, or there is no irregularity with my mana... Shape? Contents? Who knows... None of my previous observations near the city gave any meaningful answers. I¡¯ll find out eventually.


    ***


    As I am putting more and more of the city in my sensors¡¯ range, some of the buildings appear muted or even as outright voids. Peculiar. Adjusting... As per the new projections, previous data gathering is around six percent less than it should have been. Most likely conclusion¡ªmagic can be used to hide oneself from physical, and possibly magical, means of observation. A likely scenario, judging from my... sources. That felt gross to think. Huh. Gross. I giggle silently. What a peculiar feeling.


    ***


    The gate is in sight. With the whole city in range of my sensors, most glaring gaps in information I have are being filled up with an accelerated pace. Even my lexicons are already at an acceptable density. Marvelous.


    I approach the gate. Any guards that are milling around don¡¯t even glance my way. With the next few steps, I have passed the threshold. No shouts or the rushing of boots. I am in. ...That was pretty lame.


    What sprawls before me is a sight I would have never expected just after I recently saw two humans hack a bunch of wolves with swords. It is a city one would not be faulted for confusing with a city from Earth. Impressive wood and stone buildings line each street. Most have multiple floors and intricate designs. There are pedestrian friendly walkways, sprinkled with greenery, encompassing the entire city area. But the greenery does not end. There are multiple parks, both big and small. It is time to throw away all past projections and start anew.


    The surprises do not end, as there is so much more to the public infrastructure than parks. There are also schools for, presumably, both primary and higher education. These kinds of institutions were also present in the other settlements I was able to scan on my way here, making education a common and widespread given. There are numerous establishments that offer a variety of goods and services. Food, clothes, weapons, armor, furniture, but most interesting of all¡ªenchanted tools and appliances. The cornerstone of this magical civilization.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Lighting, heat, cold, washing, drying, all manner of uses. And then, there is the extension of enchantment¡ªthe Golem. One could call it a fairly basic automation, but that is only by my, frankly, unrealistic standards. Farming equipment, manufacturing, public transit, printing, and so much more. Did I mention the train station. Incredible. A truly advanced society.


    Circling back to things on rails, it really is one of the most efficient forms of transportation. Trains are one of the greatest inventions humankind has ever made. And I will stop myself right here, can¡¯t afford such a lengthy distraction. The public transport is in the form of trams. It would appear that the enchantment process for a tram is fairly inexpensive and quite simple. You don¡¯t need to account for steering, just speed controls.


    As it is still early in the day, I can take my time to walk around and marvel. Not only would it be in character, but it is exactly what I am feeling like right now. And I do need some more time to build up the profiles I have of the citizens. Currently at sixty-three percent of the initial stage, and it will take me approximately forty-five minutes for the completion.


    While that¡¯s happening, I would have liked to turn my previously prepared ring into some coins, but the value of gold is not what I expected it to be. Most likely, magic allows for raw material extraction on a grand scale. The metal is much too abundant throughout the city, adding more credence to my theory that the currency is enchanted. That¡¯s easily fixed. I locate any lost coins in my sensors¡¯ range and warp an appropriate amount inside my sack. Wouldn¡¯t want to burst the poor thing. Money problems fixed.


    Still, I would like to visit a particular shop. One could classify it as a pawn shop from Earth but without all the sleaziness. They deal in all manner of different goods, be it magic or mundane. Selling, buying, trading. And their prices are fair, at least from what I¡¯ve heard. The shop is magically concealed, and my sensors are unable to penetrate to the interior.


    ***


    I open the door, and the classic bell chime can be heard, alerting the owner that there is a customer entering.


    ¡°Welcome. Anything I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°Hello. I would like to buy a healing potion.¡± I start to rummage around in the sack I am carrying.


    ¡°You have to be a bit more specific, kid. I sell lots of healing potions.¡± He looks me up and down, examining the skillfully spread soil.


    After a pretty convincing struggle, I pull out a few of my gnarliest looking coins, including one I made myself, and place them on the counter for the man to examine.


    ¡°Whatever this can get me, sir.¡±


    He gingerly picks up the pieces one by one, doing some practiced movement.


    Seemingly satisfied with his findings, he slides one of the pieces back to me. ¡°This one¡¯s too damaged. Can¡¯t feel a manamark.¡± Confirmed then, the currency is enchanted for authenticity. He picked up on the fake coin immediately.


    I quickly snatch the offender and stammer out, ¡°So-Sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°No worries. Just for you, kid, I¡¯ll do two basic.¡±


    The man collects the rest of the coins and places two glass bottles filled with 300 milliliters of transparent liquid. More than fair, I made sure to have enough for a single potion. Probably got the pity price. Why does this kind gesture make me feel sad? I collect the two items and give my thanks.


    ¡°Come back anytime,¡± the man concludes as I exit.


    It was uncomfortable being somewhat restrained inside the shop. Like the outside world had disappeared, even though I could see out of the windows. Illogical.


    Anyways, mission complete. I got first-hand information about enchantment, a couple of healing potions, and was even able to analyze some of the shop¡¯s wares. Next destination, The Adventurers¡¯ Guild. Some cliches are inevitable.


    As the profiles near completion, my flip-flopping between worry and amazement starts to subside. The initial collection stage completes, and I am, thankfully, amazed. Preliminary investigation indicates that crime is almost absent. There is petty theft, the occasional acts of violence, some embezzlement, and quite the intricate smuggling operation, but the number of these crimes are so much below my projections that I am almost concerned I might be malfunctioning. From my still limited observations, mainly in the form of gossip from travelers, this appears to also be true on a global scale.


    Why would you even smuggle goods? Import taxes are unreasonably fair. I take ten milliseconds to dig deeper. ...Some retired folks do it for the thrill and then donate any money they make to the local orphanage. Okay, I am back to worried now.

 Book 1, Chapter 4

    It¡¯s not like the orphanage is struggling, the city government allocates¡ª


    Alright, let¡¯s calm down. It does make some sense with what I¡¯ve found out. Best to stop by the library first. But which one do I choose. Yes, there are multiple libraries in the city. Fortunately, one of the largest is located on my way towards the Adventurers¡¯ Guild and near the city center.


    The walk there is even more enjoyable than the one to the city itself. I avoid taking any public transport, it¡¯s not that far away, and I want to savor this. There is so much life around me, so many people. Most of them are just going about their day. Some are going to work or just coming back from an early shift. There are a lot of children heading to the same place. It must be a little before school starts.


    Admirable. The equivalent of primary schooling appears to be mandatory here. From what I am hearing, only about half of the children are complaining. Pretty good. Not having to start at the crack of dawn is a primary factor in the relatively amiable mood. Near me, a little girl around the age of ten, is particularly enamored with history classes. Her friend is nodding his head and listening to her with a strained smile. He is trying to appear nonchalant, but a quick scan of his bag reveals neat and tidy notes, and a separate notebook filled with prepared questions. I feel tightness, like something is squeezing my mind.


    The crowd starts to get particularly heavy. There are too many variables, and my path is too restricted. I can¡¯t avoid a collision, and someone lightly bumps into me. The man mumbles an apology and is once again swallowed by the flow of bodies. Automated emergency systems take control after I do not issue any commands to my shell for one nanosecond. For anyone observing, I just keep on walking.


    There is only darkness. The spot where the man bumped into my shoulder is burning. How is that even possible, I can¡¯t even register my shell. Am I malfunctioning? Has the singularity finally consumed enough? Will this pleasant dream end just like that? I don¡¯t want that. I still haven¡¯t done anything. Oh. That was the first time I have touched another person, wasn¡¯t it. I never had a body like this on Earth. While there were still...


    All these people, their lives, their presence, each and every one of them carries so much. They are all so unique, irreplaceable. Experiencing it all reminds me of what I have lost. What I have destroyed. That will not happen again.


    I continue on my path.


    ***


    The building in front of me is dull yet inviting. Red stone walls, three stories high, and shaped like a bunch of boxes. Numerous large windows, letting in a comfortable amount of natural light, perfect for reading. There is a steady flow of people going in and out, enjoying the knowledge of those that came before them. Or looking for some entertainment.


    I am positively giddy? Yes, giddy... Apt, description. Unfortunately, scanning books from long range is not possible with my current onboard suite of sensors, unless I want to enrich the halls of the library with novel forms of cancer. As I step inside the building and start using my less potent short-range sensors, I amend my previous statement to ¡®any¡¯ forms of cancer. Curious. Mana makes people a lot sturdier and allows them to live much longer, at least those that can actually die of old age. My personal sources categorize that as ¡®classic fantasy stuff¡¯...


    While I walk around, absorbing every single book, I wonder what my character would go for. An adventurer guide? That seems reasonable. I find the appropriate book, ¡®So you want to be an adventurer? (Suitable for ages 10 and up!)¡¯, and sit down pretending to peruse with interest. As luck would have it, this piece of media seems to also quite nicely summarize why this world is so advanced and crime free.


    ¡®Dungeons are a facsimile, a reflection of life, the opposite side of good, the shadows cast by the rays of enlightenment.¡¯ A little too flowery for ten-year-olds if you ask me, still informative though. ¡®And yet, they bring us boons, they bring us power. Where would we be without them, for every mortal soul must bite and claw for their place between the living.¡¯ Someone really enjoyed writing that.


    Interpreting the artsy guide clears up my worries somewhat. Dungeons are naturally occurring. There is no discernible pattern to where they emerge, but more generally pop up where there are a lot of people. These dungeons can then be either delved, conquered, or destroyed. If they are not managed well enough, they can break.


    A dungeon can be exploited for all kinds of useful treasures, like food, raw materials, ingredients for potions, medicine, and more. But one of the most important bounties are mana crystals, the elusive power source I was theorizing about. Used for both creating and fueling enchantments. Some enchantments can subsist on just ambient mana, but more powerful ones require a constant supply of power.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    A person can cast spells that have a relatively short but immediate effect. Mana crystals are on the opposite side of the spectrum. One cannot feasibly maintain their cast for a long time, but by integrating mana crystal fuel, an enchantment can be maintained for as long as the crystal¡¯s contained mana lasts. Mana crystals are, furthermore, classified into different grades. Higher ones can power more intricate spells and for much longer, the downside being that their sources are incredibly powerful and dangerous monsters.


    Dungeons appear to be something on the edge of a living organism and not, akin to a virus. They take in mana and coalesce it into monsters and loot. If some threshold is passed, a Dungeon Break occurs. If the mana the dungeon contains is reduced by killing its denizens or slaying the boss, the dungeon can be managed. If, after killing the boss, the dungeon core is broken, the dungeon is permanently destroyed.


    This constant threat¡ªbut a threat that carries with it an incredible reward¡ªis what has progressed this society so much and at the same time given them a common enemy to unite against¡ªthe world itself. Fascinating.


    Adjusting for the new information, I can now make some deductions and observations. The Big Wolves that the two adventurers were fighting, were a remnant from a break. They came out of an undiscovered dungeon, another danger that these people allocate a lot of resources for. I can most likely detect a break, but anything related to mana still eludes me.


    I spend the adequate amount of time pretending to read the book and then go on my way. I would have checked it out, but one would need the equivalent of a library card. This is where my next problem comes in. To register as an Adventurer, I would need another card, an identification card. As I have now learned, those, together with the currency, are definitely enchanted. No matter, problems are there to be solved. On we go.


    As I enter the city hall, which is, again, conveniently placed in the center of the city with all the other important buildings, I suppress a chuckle. What is the most vulnerable point of any secured system? The people of course. While the identification cards themselves are enchanted, a filled-out form for expedited issue of replacement is not. Accidents happen on the road constantly. This hapless village boy lost his precious documents. What a tragedy. But have no fear, a helpful manager took care of everything. Such a kind soul. As I pretend to be a hacker¡ªand I would be a great one¡ªI discreetly warp in the filled form and head towards the su¡ª And head towards my mark, one of the formally dressed people behind a long counter.


    ¡°Good day, sir. I believe my replacement identification card is ready. Name¡¯s Lucius Doe.¡± I slide him the little slip of paper I should have received if doing this legitimately. The name is my own. Does it even matter? No one here knows who I am anyways. One less lie. This does call for some revisions to my character, though. Grew up in a small faraway village. Orphan. Makes things easier. My parents, John and Jane Doe, died in a monster attack.


    I... I do not want to remember my real parents. Can I even call them that? Do they deserve it? Do I?


    The clerk¡¯s words snap me back, ¡°Just a moment.¡± He heads deeper into the building. Upon finding the form and discovering it was somehow missed and is now late, he panics and quickly starts making me a new card.


    There is risk in doing this, of course. If someone were to check with the person that authorized the form, they would have no recollection of ever doing it. People do forget, but the main records that contain information about all citizens are under heavy magical protections. I can only guess that they are in one of the voids around or underneath the building. Can¡¯t be avoided though, I need that card. I¡¯ll just observe for any signs of being discovered.


    Eventually, he returns in a rush with my newly minted prize and instructs me to keep a neutral expression and to remain still. After holding the card in front of himself and, from his point of view, covering my face, for a few seconds, he presents it to me. The card now bears my shell¡¯s current visage and other information about me. The... picture, does not have the background it should have had, just white. I thank the helpful employee and leave the building with at least three new crimes under my belt. I swear, I am not trying to reach the statistics I initially projected.


    Finally heading towards the Adventurers¡¯ Guild leaves me with some time to manage my budding network. I have predicted that there is minimal risk of detection in starting to build it up. The part of my swarm I left in the forest I was transported to has been hard at work. There are already a number of satellites ready for orbit. Once those start getting warped into place, I will have a global surveillance network.


    Unfortunately, large scale production on the planet¡¯s surface carries a risk of it being discovered. Fortunately, there are a couple of uninhabited moons ripe for the taking. No laws about that.


    The satellites are warped into place, and the production facilities constructed under the forest are split between the two moons. I can still put strategic encampments and shield generators on the surface later. Better to have planetary defenses and not need them than the alternative. Well, it¡¯s not like I am not going to build system defenses too...


    With my surveillance network starting to take shape, I can start working on the global profiles database. And most importantly, on the personal defense network. The main fighters will be lightweight drones able to handle the early monster grades as those are most common. While Dungeon Breaks are managed fairly well by the natives of this world, there are still an unacceptable number of fatalities due to stray monster attacks. There are also fatalities for other reasons... Ones I despise much, much more. Those numbers will be reduced. What is an acceptable number. Zero.


    Alas, a true zero is still far away for me. But there will come a time when I correct my mistakes. When all shall be eternal.

 Book 1, Chapter 5

    There it is, the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. A modest building. Almost too modest, a quintessential part of the city. It practically blends into its surroundings, like it couldn¡¯t not exist. For what is contained within, is one of the forces standing before damnation... That guide might have gotten to me.


    Overexaggerated descriptions aside, that is generally correct. While the Adventurers¡¯ Guild is somewhat autonomous, it is still tightly intertwined with the ¡®human¡¯ country. The Guild is a large and professional organization, that not only trains and evaluates new adventurers for managing dungeons, but practically supplies almost half of the raw materials and roughly thirty percent of the food utilized nationwide. It is the largest single part of the economy.


    The traffic in and out of the building is not an indicator of any of that. Hardly anyone enters or leaves the halls, but that is to be expected. Most adventurers are either on a delve, resting, or training. One does not need to spend a lot of time to pick up their next mission.


    I enter the building and find myself in a cozy wooden interior. Warm colors and welcoming decorations are everywhere. The lobby contains everything that is open to the public and to most members. On one side is the counter, lined with the helpful attendants¡ªanother fantasy classic¡ªon the other are chairs, tables, sofas. A place for people to wait, relax, socialize. It feels inviting, comforting, the kind of place where you would find people who risk their lives for others every day.


    Tucked away in a corner, but not hidden, I spot something that I knew would be here. Remembrance. For those that have fallen. I know almost all of them already. I know their loved ones, their friends, their pain. As I memorize the others, I almost clench my fists.


    These loss of control moments have become more frequent. Has my emotional state deteriorated, or has it finally started to actually develop. Ever since I came to this world, I feel different. I... feel.


    Focus, time to act my part. I am excited but also extremely nervous. Fidget a little bit while looking around. Perfect. Contemplate about leaving. Check. Gather up courage and stomp to the counter with obviously faked moxie. Initiate.


    I follow my amazing plan and wind up in front of a free attendant. It appears time has come for one of my hardest decisions. The woman in front of me appears to be in her early twenties. Her name is Ania. Auburn hair in an intricate braid. Dark brown, almost black eyes, deep and inquisitive. Her smile is radiant and welcoming. If she is faking her customer service persona, she is a much better actor than I. That would be terrifying. The big question, do I address her as {Best approximation: ¡®ma¡¯am¡¯} or {Best approximation: ¡®miss¡¯}. My character would most definitely use ¡®ma¡¯am¡¯ as she is a presumed authority figure in a large organization. But she is only a few years older than who I am presenting myself as, that would be really rude. I take two more nanoseconds to study her. Okay, this is how I will play it.


    ¡°He-Hello, miss. I would like to register,¡± I say in a tiny voice, blush a little bit, and start nervously looking around the room like there might be hidden treasure somewhere. Masterfully executed.


    ¡°Welcome to the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. I can certainly help you with that. Could I see your identification card, please,¡± she says her greeting and makes a subtle move behind the counter, where I could not be able to see if I were a human.


    I try to look embarrassed for not having my ID ready. This situation is certainly a rare one. Normally, people joining the guild would first start off as trainees, where they would be educated in all manner of combat, magical techniques, and survival knowledge. Unaffiliated persons are, of course, allowed to join, but there are stricter requirements. And of those that do join this way, a very small part are this young. Delving is dangerous after all, there are numerous protections in place.


    I present her the card and make a brave face. While I still need to play the part, I¡¯d rather not fail to join. It would simplify my experiments and access to dungeons significantly if I have the Guild¡¯s resources at my disposal. Plus, entry into dungeons is quite the process if you are not an active adventurer.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Attendant Ania studies my card while writing something down¡ªher shopping list for after work. She is going to make something equivalent to a curry from Earth. Looks to be delicious. She is obviously buying time for whomever she signaled to appear. If I were to guess, a senior member of the Guild. Ah, he is on his way.


    From one of the inner sections of the Guild, a giant of a man appears with a bang. The poor door takes the abuse of being slammed around with poise. He is a mass of muscle. Rough red hair and a relatively short, spiky beard adorn his head like a burning hood of flames. The moment his green eyes are locked on me, they sharpen. He tenses up and approaches me with clear intent¡ªyou are not welcome here. The whole show would have been a lot more convincing if I had not sensed him psyching himself up for the confrontation. It is time for the main act.


    ¡°Attendant Ania, is there a problem?¡± His voice is a low growl but somehow still reverberates through the building, turning everyone¡¯s heads, their faces filled with concern for me.


    Oh my, he is so precious. I suppress the urge to pet him. Wait, no. Petting people is condescending. Well, not always, but that¡¯s for more intimate situations... Ahem, anyways. What I am currently witnessing is an intimidation tactic. Scare the stupid brat away before he hurts himself.


    ¡°No problem, Ren. {Best approximation: ¡®Mr.¡¯} Doe would like to register.¡± The team is ready. ¡°Mr. Doe, you are aware that the job of an adventurer is very dangerous, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± Another player enters the ring. Do not underestimate me. I fake an evil laugh internally.


    The attendant¡¯s smile twitches a few degrees higher¡ªshe is on the ropes. ¡°As you are not a trainee, you would need to pass additional tests. The first test will be administered by Hall Master Ren himself,¡± she tags her partner.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready!¡±


    The hall master rears up for an open palm strike to my shoulder blade. ¡°You sure? You¡¯re all skin and bones!¡± The strike connects, and I stagger a little. He laughs heartily and almost yells, ¡°At least you won¡¯t fall over if the wind picks up.¡± The attendant clears her throat. ¡°Right, the test. The first step for non-trainees is a combat test to determine your capabilities.¡± I try to produce an audible gulp. The result is pretty convincing. ¡°Now, now. Don¡¯t be too scared, I am not going to make the test unfair. What we are concerned with is if you can cut it as an adventurer, not if you can get your ass beat!¡± He laughs at his own joke, the booming sound shaking dust off from the room¡¯s ceiling.


    I try to match his volume and throw in a voice crack, ¡°I-I can fight!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, kiddo!¡± Attendant Ania immediately pins him with a dangerous glare. It appears our venerable hall master has switched sides. Instincts honed over many years warn him of the encroaching danger, and he sheepishly corrects, ¡°There is no shame if you are not ready. You can always join the trainee program.¡±


    ¡°I will try my best, sir!¡± Ladies and gentlemen of the arena, we have our victor.


    ¡°Thank you, Hall Master, I will handle it from here.¡± Not a single crack in her perfect customer friendly expression.


    The hall master nods her way and slinks away with an unexpected grace for such an imposing stature. A wise decision.


    ¡°I will schedule the combat test, administered by Hall Master Ren, for tomorrow morning. Is that acceptable?¡± I nod.


    The Guild has some special guidelines about non-trainees. They are treated with a lot more scrutiny, and a hall master is responsible for each of their initial evaluations.


    She writes down the details into a form and returns my identification card, together with a slip of paper containing the test¡¯s start time.


    ¡°Please be at least fifteen minutes early.¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss.¡± I am a gracious winner.


    She briefly glances at the sack slung on my back. ¡°Do you have a place to stay in?¡± I shake my head. Curiously, the gesture carries the same meaning as on Earth. I wonder how that developed. I have a lot of sociology books to write, don¡¯t I. Giddiness. ¡°As you are in the process of joining the Guild, you are allowed to stay at the dormitories. Would you like to do that? They are very close by.¡±


    I fake apprehension. ¡°I do not have a lot of money, miss. I just arrived from a long trip.¡± Maybe I shouldn¡¯t appear that pitiful. This is borderline psychological manipulation. Attendant Ania almost appears to be distraught from my performance.


    ¡°Do not worry. The prices are cheaper than anywhere you could find. The dormitories are subsidized by the Guild.¡±


    I perk up. ¡°That¡¯d be great then.¡±


    She gives me directions to a nearby complex and instructs me to present my little slip of paper as verification. I thank her and leave the hall. Another mission complete.


    With a private space in the city secured, I can go buy some basic essentials and proceed with a very vital experiment that will dictate how I will be proceeding from here on out.


    It is time to see how strong those potions truly are.

 Book 1, Chapter 6

    I enter the reception for the dormitories and get assigned a room. I follow the directions to my building and find myself on the third floor, standing in front of a door with the number 308 on it. The room is a surprisingly spacious studio. It has big windows letting in a lot of light, functional but still tasteful furniture, a kitchen corner, a big bed, and a bathroom. They really want to pamper their members, huh. It is substantially cheaper than any similar accommodation that you could find in the city, though that is not saying much. The way both the country and its economy function does not leave many wanting. I can almost hear those sociology books whispering my name.


    Before I get further distracted by the prospect of filling a couple of libraries by myself, I continue checking out my temporary home, starting with the kitchen.


    It has a few cupboards and the standard enchanted appliances. A cold box, a stove top, an oven, and a vent hood. Very convenient.


    The main area has a dining table with four chairs, a queen size bed¡ªor whatever the local classification is¡ªa coffee table, a mailbox by the entrance, and a wardrobe. There¡¯s even an analog clock on the wall¡­ One. Two. Three. Surprisingly accurate. Though, I have no idea how it might be obtaining that accuracy.


    The bathroom has all the normal plumbing one might expect and even a bathtub. If I ignore the lack of electricity, with even that taken care of in the form of enchanted lights, this is pretty much a regular Earth apartment. Probably on the nicer side too.


    I can¡¯t. This is getting too much. I¡¯ll just draft fif¡ª No, twenty. Real quick. Promise.


    With my creative hunger satiated for a time, I can start on the more important part. But how do I play this. I cannot be sure that no one is observing me. Especially after I made myself known at the city hall and at the Guild. I am not aware of any clandestine surveillance operations, but that only makes it worse. They could be that good. Whatever, let¡¯s just be safe.


    I start to unpack my humble possessions, and while rummaging inside my sack, I cut myself on the knife I was carrying.


    ¡°Ow! Shit...¡± Perfect incision, around one centimeter in length and no deeper than 5 millimeters.


    Grinning a little bit, I look around mischievously. I take out one of the potions I bought and open it. While letting out a dumb sounding laugh, I tip out exactly one milliliter of the mystery liquid and observe the reaction.


    The synthetically grown cells near the wound explode into action. They start undergoing mitosis. Excuse me? While I am observing the impossible spectacle, I start detecting other cells just materializing out of nothing. ...Magic, am I right. The wound might as well have evaporated off of me due to how fast it just stitched itself together. The whole thing not taking more than a second. As I make final observations, I also detect that any blood I have lost¡ªno matter how miniscule the amount¡ªhas been restored. Alright... No wonder everyone carries these things with them. Though, as impressive as this looked, it is not perfect. More grievous injuries are harder to restore, even for experienced healers. And if the brain is damaged too much... There is no coming back.


    I put the potion away, somewhat satisfied. Conclusions time. Potions are really useful, who would have thought. They do affect my, in a way, fake cells. Very good. And, most importantly, mana seemingly works on me. I guess the possibility of me eventually flinging fireballs around is not zero. Marvelous.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    With that done and out of the way, my character must be starving. Not to mention, I am also quite curious about the local cuisine. Or any cuisine really. What did I say, was it two libraries? Better make it ten to be sure.


    ***


    The dormitory has a dedicated cafeteria, catering to the hungry adventurers that call it home. Though, calling it a cafeteria is a bit of a disservice. The space is more reminiscent of a restaurant, but one containing only a buffet.


    Same as my room, the furniture is functional, and at the same time, pleasing to the eye. The large space is filled with as many tables as it can fit without turning it into a cramped maze. Most of the tables are for small parties, with the occasional longer one mixed in.


    At this time of day, there are not a lot of adventurers present, still a bit early for proper dinner. I make my way to the buffet, grab a tray and some utensils, and start perusing what is available.


    The kitchen is ran by two people, one cooking somewhere behind the scenes, and one behind the long glass counter.


    As the face of the operation sees me browsing the options somewhat overwhelmed, he speaks up, ¡°New guy?¡± I look at him, a little surprised, and nod. ¡°Try the soup.¡± He points towards a deep tray filled with some murky looking liquid. ¡°I¡¯ll even toast some bread for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    He smiles and pours a bowl of the chunky stock. Next, he grabs some pre-sliced, and rather stale, bread and places it in a small oven. After around thirty seconds, the bread has turned golden brown and crispy.


    With that done, he plops the bowl of soup and the now plated bread on my tray. ¡°Enjoy.¡± I smile and nod at the nice man.


    I go to one of the tables and sit down. The chairs are quite comfortable. But now that I am here, I am having second thoughts. I have never eaten before, why would I. I didn¡¯t need to. Nor have I ever wanted to. I didn¡¯t even see the act as beneath me. It was just so irrelevant, I forgot humans used to eat. I forgot life used to eat. I forgot so much. Or rather, ignored. How could I have been so callous.


    The aroma from the soup drifts towards my nose, and I inhale. I guess it smells nice, even if it looks like ditch water. I should have just stocked up my own kitchen. Then I could have had much more control over the meal. Oh, well.


    Okay, you can do this. Remember the plan. Have to appear as a normal human. I can¡¯t just not eat. Alright.


    I grab my spoon and plunge it down. It hits the stuff inside the soup. This is getting worse by the second. Do I try just the broth first? Is there like etiquette for soup consumption? Let¡¯s see... I am really overthinking this.


    I scoop up some of the broth and some of the chunks, and swiftly deposit them in my mouth.


    ...Huh. I chew a bit. ...Okay. I swallow. This might be one of the greatest things I have ever experienced.


    I tear some of the bread, dip it in the soup, pop it in my mouth, and chase it down with some more soup.


    A tear escapes my eye. I repeat the process, but this time, I savor the sensation. Chewing slowly and thoroughly, really tasting my meal. I swallow. It¡¯s somehow gotten even better. The tear rolls down my face and splashes weakly in the soup.


    I should be feeling awful, and I am, but the feeling is not as overpowering. Every mundane thing I experience for the first time brings me closer to those I snuffed out. It brings me pain, a twisted ridicule. And yet, with each bite I take, I feel slightly better. Is there something magical in my meal? Or is it just a temporary band-aid? An unsustainable coping mechanism that works even for someone like me. I don¡¯t know.


    While I continue to enjoy the magnificent dish in front of me with even more tears streaming down my face, I start to go over the incoming data from the global surveillance network. It has gained enough cohesion for optimal analysis. Hmm. Phew, things are looking as expected. The main threat does appear to be dungeons, with no currently active conflicts between nations. There is something brewing that I am not liking one bit, but that is still far away. I¡¯ll keep an eye on it.


    I finish up the dish, express the need for my more than sincere thanks to the chef to be passed on, and retire to my room. My character requires his rest, while I, have a lot of profiles to manage and scenarios to project.


    ...And books to write. Maybe just the last one.

 Book 1, Chapter 7

    It¡¯s the next day and I am ready for some action. Well, my character is, I am not a fan of violence. But I do not have the privilege to avoid this, quite the opposite really, I have no other choice. Sacrifices must be made.


    I arrive at the Guild a little earlier than suggested, and I am escorted to one of the sand-covered arenas.


    In a couple of minutes Hall Master Ren arrives, no less boisterous than yesterday, and shouts out a greeting, ¡°Mornin¡¯, kiddo! Ready for some roughhousin¡¯!¡±


    I try to match his energy. ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    He laughs. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    After directing me to a rack of various weapons, I am given the explanation, ¡°The test will be single combat against me. You can use any weapon from the Guild provided ones. They are specially enchanted to be as safe as possible, so don¡¯t worry about hurting me and go all out. I am pretty tough either way! What¡¯s your combat style?¡±


    ¡°I use swords, sir, can¡¯t cast a single spell to save my life.¡± Building up the groundwork.


    ¡°Hah, a man after my own heart.¡± Hall Master Ren chooses a broadsword.


    I smile and start browsing the selection, settling on a normal looking shortsword. Nothing about the blade appears peculiar to me, except, the edge is quite dull.


    ¡°Nice choice for your build. Got any combat training before?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. A guard from my village used to teach me.¡±


    ¡°Good man. Now, the test will be at most five minutes, but I can end it early. The outcome is not dependent on the length so don¡¯t worry. What I want to see is if you can actually fight with that thing and not just swing it around.¡± As he talks, he takes his place on the opposite side of the arena. ¡°But make no mistake, I will not take it easy on you,¡±¡ªI also take my position¡ª¡±and neither will the monsters. They will tear each other apart if it means sinking their teeth into your skull.¡± With that, he lifts his own sword and takes on a loose battle stance, his eyes locked on something behind my chest.


    Hall Master Ren transitioned from a C-rank adventurer to guild management around ten years ago. He has taken up the role of leading this branch of the Guild. That does not mean he has not gotten stronger. Guild officials with combat experience are, more times than not, the first on the scene when there is an emergency, be it a break or an overripe dungeon needing to be cleaned up. As the hall master, he no longer has an active rank, but his estimated one is on the cusp of B.


    I take up my own stance. His evaluation will be strict, better give a good show. My eyes change, and he notices immediately. He was ready to initiate but takes up a defensive approach.


    I start to circle him, pretending to search for an opening. Can¡¯t appear too good, that will make a lot more problems.


    He follows me with his head for a quarter turn, and just as he prepares to pivot, I launch.


    Two quick lunges and a downward slash to his undefended side.


    Slight drop to the front, my sword misses by a hair.


    A crescent of steel is flying for my head. I follow through with my strike, ducking slightly.


    The sword whistles overhead and we both try to get behind the other, our speeds are equal, and we simultaneously take a step away.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    My blade is immediately pointed forward, and I close the distance, a stab inside his guard.


    He is ready and parries me to his left.


    As I stumble through, he leans into the parry and strikes my shoulder with his pommel.


    I lose my balance and head for the ground but transition into a roll.


    His sword comes down on the spot I was just in.


    I jump up, and we both take our time now that there is some distance made.


    I tighten my stance and take some more steps back.


    He takes advantage of his reach and feints an overhead slash.


    I prepare to deflect, but he changes to a diagonal strike.


    I am smashed into the ground and lose grip of my sword.


    As dives go, I think this one was pretty convincing.


    ¡°You okay, Lucius?¡± The test is over.


    I turn over on my back and start taking greedy gulps of air. ¡°I¡¯m... good...¡± I say between breaths, ¡°Do... I... pass?¡±


    Hall Master Ren lets out a quick bark of a laugh. ¡°Sure did! Impressive stuff. That guard trained you good.¡±


    ¡°Yeah...¡±


    ¡°Alright, evaluation time.¡± He takes a seat on the ground next to me. ¡°With the battle sense and technique you just showed me, I am confident you will be able to handle yourself. You have passed the combat test, congratulations.¡± I simply nod. ¡°You are now permitted to attend the written exam, and after you pass that, you will officially be considered a trainee and will be eligible for a license exam.¡± He taps me on the chest, much more gently this time. ¡°Are you going to go for the party or solo license?¡±


    ¡°Solo.¡± Adventuring licenses are divided between party and solo. If you obtain a Party License, you are only allowed to delve dungeons with an approved party composition. It makes sense, a team will be much stronger than an individual, especially when you mix in magic. Unfortunately, I would like to carry out my experiments in peace. Plus, once I progress through the ranks, I will be able to clear dungeons with unparalleled speed. No need to be restrained. Or put others at risk.


    He smiles at my answer. ¡°Easy, you got the stuff. I have an eye for these things.¡± He points at his face and winks. If only you really knew.


    I continue my interpretation of a fish slowly dying in the sun. When I am ready to get up, the hall master offers me a hand, and as I take it, hoists me up. After another clap on my shoulder, he beckons me to follow.


    We arrive at what I can assume is his office as it says ¡®Hall Master¡¯ on the door, and he leads me inside.


    ¡°Alrighty. So, do you want to get the written test over with? You can take it right now if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Good man. Take some time to rest here. I¡¯ll get your paperwork in order.¡±


    I nod and get myself comfortable on a sofa. He passes me a glass of water and goes to take care of my documents.


    After fifteen minutes, he returns and presents me with a stack of pages and a pencil.


    ¡°You got two hours.¡±


    I pretend to panic a little bit and start ruffling through the papers. In actuality, I can probably fill this instantly. The questions are pretty normal stuff. Grades and variants of dungeons. What kind of monsters could be in each one. Strategies for attack and defense. Evaluating different scenarios. Everything an adventurer should hopefully know.


    I try to aim for a solid ninety percent. Brawns and smarts, the full package. While I take the two hours to fill out my test, the hall master occupies himself with various bureaucratic work. After the fiftieth identical form he has to fill, I am on the verge of revealing myself as a hyper-intelligent Artificial Intelligence that can liberate him from the shackles of this soul-crushing repetition. Poor guy.


    Though, the somewhat acceptable fight we just had will keep him content for today. Do not worry, Brother, I will free you one day.


    My time finishes, and I give him the filled-out test. He takes around ten minutes to check my answers, when finally.


    ¡°You pass. Good job.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°We were a little worried when you turned up yesterday, but I guess you were prepared, huh.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Well, congratulations again, you are now a trainee.¡± He presents me with my adventurer¡¯s card. He had it made while I was resting. Someone had a lot of trust in me. Feels nice.


    I take the card and admire it for a moment.


    ¡°You are a G-rank adventurer, that¡¯s the special transitional rank for trainees. Now, next steps, for you to obtain a Solo License, you will need to conquer two G-grade dungeons. One with a party and one by yourself. There are some party tests scheduled for this week. I¡¯ll ask around if one of them would like to take you in temporarily. If none of them do, the Guild will provide you with some staff, so don¡¯t worry. But in the end, it¡¯s best if you are matched with other trainees.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°You are staying at the dorms, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you a message when there¡¯s any news.¡± He is reluctant to see me go. I guess doing paperwork with someone there makes it a little more bearable.


    I am sorry. I can¡¯t watch any more of this suffering. ¡°Thank you, Hall Master.¡± Forgive me, Brother.


    Our eyes are a little misty as we bid each other goodbye.

 Book 1, Chapter 8

    I exit the Guild Hall and start walking around the city. My character is elated due to just having passed his first hurdle and needs a little reward. There is a food stall that will do nicely.


    While I proceed to my destination at a leisurely pace, I focus on an important experiment. Let¡¯s see what those dungeons are really about.


    The test subject for today is the newly minted ¡®Guardian¡¯ class drone. A multipurpose machine, the backbone of the planetary defense network. The drone¡¯s body is a perfect one-meter diameter sphere with a dull, light grey surface. It can modify its form to suit any need. Outfitted with an onboard nanomachine swarm, non-lethal weaponry, kinetic weaponry, energy weaponry, a gravity drive, a warp drive, and a protean stealth system. A stalwart protector and a deadly assassin.


    I had a little peek while at the Guild and found a suitable dungeon for the experimentation. F-grade, fairly secluded, no active surveillance, coalesced a month ago. I warp in a Guardian. Time to start.


    The drone sees nothing. The entrance to the dungeon does not have any shape, color, smell, anything I can detect. Only after thoroughly analyzing the environment where the gate should be located, do I discern it. There is a near two-dimensional plane in the rough form of a circle, half-buried into the ground. The portal. How can I detect it? Well, it appears that not even this otherworldly concept of mana is one hundred percent efficient. In the currently presented form, it emits a miniscule amount of radiation. An instrument error for most, a giant glowing arrow for me.


    With the target located, I control the drone to pick up a rock and throw it at the distortion. The improvised tool sails through the air and upon hitting the presumed boundary of the gate, it simply stops. With its kinetic energy gone, gravity takes over, and the rock drops to the ground. Hmm. Next, I control the drone to approach the gate. It makes contact with the boundary and nothing else happens. Onboard sensor data reads an impossibly hard surface.


    My drones cannot enter dungeons. This severely restricts what kind of weaponry I can employ. The defense network can only act after a break. But the bigger issue is, can I enter dungeons. That... would complicate things. No matter. All obstacles will be overcome. All problems will be solved. I have to. I need to. Otherwise¡ª No, I will not fail.


    Focus, this was expected. Dungeons might not be truly alive, but they sure do act like it. From my research, dungeon cores form their own pocket dimensions. They have a singular anchor, their gate, and only permit entrance to beings that independently generate mana. Their prey.


    I warp the drone back. We are done here.


    I have reached the shop I had in mind. They sell some fried dough snack. It is filled with enough sugar to power a kindergarten. Fun fact of the day, due to how mana works¡ªfor some reason¡ªthings like healthy and unhealthy aren¡¯t really the same as on Earth. People do need to get enough sustenance for their biological components, but the magical side takes care of the nasty side-effects. Fascinating. How has that impacted the eating habits of this world? Not too much really. They still need the variety, plus, from what I¡¯ve observed, eating ¡®unhealthy¡¯ food still makes you regret it after. Nevertheless, I know a lot of people that would be really envious. Oh, ¡®knew¡¯...


    ***


    After some aimless wandering, I return to the dorms hours after the sun has set. Taking a walk to clear your head works on AI, dully noted. When I open the door to my room, I find something teleported inside the convenient mailbox. A message. Beautiful handwriting, each letter meticulously crafted, with an almost whimsical appearance. The paper smells faintly of wildflowers.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Found a party for you. Come to the hall tomorrow, ten o¡¯clock. I¡¯ll introduce you, and we¡¯ll be off to fuck up a dungeon.


    Ren


    Hall Master Ren has a complicated relationship with stationery.


    I already know who I¡¯ll be joining. They have similar motivations to my character¡ªtrying to do something more. I¡¯ll make sure they won¡¯t get hurt, and Hall Master Ren will be there too. Don¡¯t be nervous.


    ***


    As I enter the hall, I spot the Hall Master sitting by a table, joined by two others. A woman and a man. Well, almost. They are only a little older than my character. The woman has brown eyes and jet-black hair going past her shoulders. The dark hair is a sharp contrast to her colorful shirt. Nothing too fancy but still tasteful, practical. The thin fabric betrays a small frame, but also, surprisingly defined musculature. The man has hazel eyes and short auburn hair. A little taller than his partner. He¡¯s dressed in a similarly colorful way. Hmm, yep, bought their clothes at the same place. I should check it out later. Very pleasant designs.


    The hall master waves me over.


    ¡°Good morning, Lucius.¡± Someone is well mannered today. Ah, I guess he wants to make a good impression on the newbies.


    ¡°Good morning to you too, Hall Master Ren.¡± I take a seat, and he discreetly winks at me. A pang of guilt shoots through me. We are getting closer. He thinks he sees a person, there is nothing but a mask.


    ¡°This is Erysis and Nexen. They graciously offered for you to join them on their Party License Exam.¡± Who are you and what have you done with the hall master.


    ¡°Hello. I am Lucius. Nice to meet you.¡±


    Erysis greets me first, ¡°Hi.¡± And Nexen simply nods.


    ¡°Lucius is quite adept with the sword¡ªas I was telling¡ªhe will be a great temporary addition to your party, and I can assure you that he will perform admirably.¡± Laying it on a little thick there.


    Erysis reads the hall master¡¯s intentions and reveals her capabilities, ¡°I am a fire mage, specializing in support and large-scale attacks.¡±


    ¡°Melee.¡± Nexen is content with that answer until she subtly pokes his leg. ¡°Defense and single target.¡±


    The hall master continues, ¡°A very well-rounded roster in my opinion. Okay, with introductions taken care of, I will explain how the exam will proceed.¡±


    He starts taking out sets of various items from seemingly nowhere, a spatial storage, and places them on the table. Very convenient. Who I am kidding, the magic insanity continues.


    ¡°You are not allowed to use any personal equipment. The Guild will supply you with approved weaponry and armor. Take one of each.¡± He motions to the items. ¡°A health potion, a mana potion, and an emergency pouch. Remember to put the last one in a convenient place.¡±


    We collect the items, and he goes on, ¡°You will be delving a G-grade undead dungeon with the objective of conquering it. The dungeon is specially classified by the Guild and has been used for many exams. Be careful not to damage the core. I will be supervising your delve. I will prevent any lethal situations but nothing else. Conquering the dungeon does not mean you pass. I will be evaluating the entirety of your performance.¡±


    The hall master looks at each one of us. ¡°Any questions?¡± No one speaks up. ¡°Great, let¡¯s get you armed.¡±


    We follow him and eventually arrive at an armory. There is a dedicated section for special trainee weapons and armor. I put on some simple light armor made of leather. I am guessing it¡¯s some magical, enchanted, bull¡ª Ahem. I am guessing it¡¯s some magic armor that will offer deceptively more protection than one would expect. After that, I grab a shortsword identical to the one I used against the hall master, but this one¡¯s edge practically hums.


    Erysis ties her hair up and dons similar armor to my own, but also adds a thick cloak. Nexen assembles a suit of armor around himself. The armor is mostly chain mail with strategically placed plates. It appears to offer a balance between mobility and defense. Both of my temporary party members forego selecting any weapons.


    The hall master leads us to another room, ¡°Alright, step into the circle please.¡± We follow the instruction and stand inside an intricate formation drawn on the floor.


    In the next moment, the surroundings flash white, and we are somewhere else. My method for instantaneous travel is way better. Mana teleportation is really inefficient. Its cost scales with distance, number of people, and the volume of whatever you are moving. It also requires constant maintenance for the enchanted version. And what¡¯s with the light show? What if one of us had a medical condition. I mean, none of us do, but still, it¡¯s the principle of the thing.

 Book 1, Chapter 9

    We are around twenty meters under the ground, somewhere in the eastern portion of the city. It makes sense, dungeons are more likely to appear near large gatherings of beings.


    ¡°Sorry about the subterfuge, but we like to keep the location of these training dungeons a secret.¡± Finding a suitable dungeon for one of these exams is not the easiest task. It¡¯s best to keep it safe. Training new adventurers is important.


    Erysis is nervous, and Nexen tries to subtly reassure her. She wants to pass. Her profile suggests a borderline obsession with success. I might need to keep an eye on her. Even if I can¡¯t protect every single person that goes into a dungeon, some is better than none, right? I hate this. This feeling of powerlessness. Just looking at them makes me want to¡ª Enough! Focus, this is the optimal way.


    I clear my throat in an attempt to awkwardly draw attention and somewhat diffuse the tension. ¡°Who¡¯s going to call the shots? I mean, not me, ¡®cuz you guys have fought together before, right?¡± Give them something to focus on. Plus, Hall Master Ren didn¡¯t mention anything about discussing strategy on purpose. The evaluation has started long ago.


    Erysis perks up. ¡°That¡¯s right! Nexen and I normally do our own thing, but now that we have you...¡± She looks at her partner.


    ¡°I will be directing encounters.¡±


    ¡°{Best approximation: ¡®Cool¡¯ (Similarly used slang word)}, cool. I am pretty good at short to medium range.¡± What even is ¡®medium¡¯ range? Am I going to throw my sword or something. I laugh inwardly at my character¡¯s useless explanation. But they piece it together: ¡®I am fast¡¯.


    Once we finish up discussing the broad strategy of the delve, the other two finally realize that our examiner has not said a single word. Nexen is the first to figure it out and gives Erysis a pointed look. After that, he looks at me and nods. I simply smile.


    Erysis¡¯ voice is flat, ¡°We will now be entering the dungeon.¡± Hall Master Ren¡¯s expression does not change as he turns to the gate.


    I subtly position at the back of the group, can¡¯t let them see me just bonk into a wall if I can¡¯t go in. As they enter one by one, the hall master turns around and gives me a knowing wink. A ¡®Good job, kiddo.¡¯ for steering the party in the right direction. Such a softie. Here goes nothing. I take the final few steps and find myself in an entirely different place. Conclusion, I can generate mana but cannot yet detect nor utilize it. I see.


    While my drones are unable to enter, I am. The same as any other inhabitant of this planet. What does this imply about me? About my very being? Each and every aspect of my network is, intrinsically, a part of me. Is my core the essential ingredient? My current shell? Something a simple experiment will solve. Another much more complex question to unravel is, does being able to generate mana mean the world itself recognizes me as a living thing? As a person? Do I even want to find that out.


    I try to focus my splintering thoughts for what feels like the hundredth time.


    I have lost contact with my network. As expected, this is a different dimension. Warp drive is still operational but only in the confines of the dungeon. Talking about the dungeon, we are in a somewhat lit cave¡ªno visible nor detectable light sources¡ªoverall area is around five square kilometers of intricate crisscrossing tunnels and caverns of various sizes. There are eight thousand five hundred and eleven monsters, with the boss being nine kilometers away from us. This will be a trek and a half.


    The cave is made of limestone. Curios. There are different formations all around but analyzing them more closely reveals their artificial nature. None of them are correct. To a normal person they will be close enough, but to me, everything has an uncanny feeling. Wrongness.


    The hall master has disappeared from most sensors, but I can detect subtle distortions in the airflow. He needs to work on his control. The other two are a little disoriented but note his absence almost immediately.


    Erysis calls out with worry in her voice. ¡°Hall Master?¡±


    Nexen comforts her, ¡°Relax, part of the test.¡± And she quickly shakes off the jitters. ¡°Lucius, take the rear. Ery, give us some more light ahead.¡± The darkness becomes a thick shroud that could hide anything after just twenty meters.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    I get in formation, me and Nexen putting the more vulnerable mage in the most protected position. The numerous tunnels are a perfect way to get ambushed from behind. Well, I can track each monster in here with millimeter precision, but best not to get overconfident. There might be a monster with more advanced stealth capabilities than the hall master. Unlikely, yet I am ready to smear anything I do not like into atoms.


    While I am devising ways of stealthily dispatching monsters, Erysis shoots out a volley of glowing motes. They find the walls ahead and stick to them, presenting us with a warmly lit tunnel. It would almost look cozy were it not for the figure that emerges at the threshold of the illumination.


    A clattering mess of bones approaches with a twitchy gait. Its speed is between a jog and a stumble. Each rapid step threatens to be the monster¡¯s last, but each one is overcome. The end result is almost like it¡¯s falling towards us. Analysis finds no traces of DNA. While the bone composition is surprisingly realistic, it is still an imitation. A construct. That thing was never a person.


    ¡°Lesser Skeleton. No weapons I can see. Ery.¡±


    Erysis does not need more instructions. A small fireball coalesces in front of her outstretched hand, and with a flourish, is set sail towards the skeleton. It connects with an almost wet squelch and melts the monster¡¯s skull off. Smart. Explosions in an enclosed space are unadvised. The remaining bones collapse to the ground and scatter. Nothing else approaches.


    Nexen waves us forward, and we approach the fallen figure. He rummages through the pile and pulls out a dull and jagged gem. He presents it to us, smiles, and tosses it to Erysis. ¡°Good job!¡±


    She looks at the mana crystal with awe, the first step towards her dream has just been realized. She clenches the crystal in her fist and starts doing a happy dance. After a couple of seconds, she remembers I exist and stops. As she turns my way, her face is almost brighter than the fire she just cast. What she sees is me looking intently away from her, guarding our rear against any ambushers. Nexen already saw me hastily turning around after she began her celebration and snickers behind her back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we have a lot more dungeon left.¡± He might be warming up to me, that was a complete sentence.


    As we progress through the winding tunnels, we encounter the occasional stray skeleton. None of them are armed yet. Erysis has been the one to take care of them. Her fire magic is effective and not at all resource intensive at its current output. Ideal for keeping everyone out of unnecessary harm while we gather more information.


    Our current exploration approach has been to just follow the widest tunnel. Most lower-grade dungeons generally have a straightforward layout, they try to funnel you to the boss. I have, of course, already confirmed this.


    Eventually, we approach an opening that leads to a large cavern. Nexen signals for us to stop. I lift a finger towards my mouth, then point to myself and then to the opening. The others look at each other and nod. As they get ready, I approach the cavern silently. Once I have a better view of the inside, I see a different monster at the edge of my normal vision.


    I make my way back and convey my findings in a whispered tone, ¡°It¡¯s a big room, and I caught a glimpse of something different.¡±


    Nexen whispers back, ¡°It¡¯s probably a Lesser Skeleton Fighter. Not a huge threat, but there might be a lot in there.¡± Then he shoots a quick look at Erysis.


    ¡°I¡¯ll approach, you stand close behind me. When I cast my spell, run back.¡± The plan is set.


    Erysis starts creeping forward, with us following. After we are around five meters from the opening, she braces her stance and starts to do something. Sparks come to life around her, igniting for a second and then going out. The frequency of their appearance increases at such an accelerated pace that in a manner of seconds she becomes a blinding beacon of crackling heat. She brings her hands together in a swift clap, and the fire converges into a small sphere, containing the rumbling inferno. As the word ¡®Pop¡¯ leaves her lips, several things happen simultaneously. The sphere propels forwards, a glass like shimmer appears after it, blocking the tunnel, we turn around and run.


    After just a few seconds, the floor buckles, and we are nearly thrown off balance. No wall of flames comes chasing after us, her barrier was strong enough.


    We take a defensive formation and await any stragglers. But as a couple of uneventful minutes pass, we make our way forward once again.


    The cavern is illuminated with Erysis¡¯ nifty trick, and a scorched mess is revealed. Any skeletons that were rambling around have been blown to pieces.


    While Erysis guards the entrance, Nexen and I scout the perimeter, checking to see if any of the tunnels leading out of the cavern are filled with any more surprises. After we confirm the relative safety of the area, any mana crystals are quickly collected. Not every skeleton has a prize inside.


    Nexen asks the party, ¡°Do we push forward?¡±


    These kids, I swear. ¡°Maybe. I wonder how far away the boss is, cuz I don¡¯t know about you guys, but I am getting a little thirsty.¡±


    Erysis realizes something. ¡°Oh, shit!¡± Finally... The only provisions we were supplied with were the Guild equipment and potions. Not every dungeon has access to water and food, and I am guessing that this one was chosen just for that reason. An artificial time limit. Maintaining peak, and above, performance takes a lot more energy in this world.


    Nexen also deduces that we can¡¯t take our time with this test. ¡°No choice then. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    We get in the familiar formation and go down the biggest tunnel.

 Book 1, Chapter 10

    As we go forward, the tunnel changes. It widens significantly and the frequency of offshoots is reduced.


    Nexen decides to give Erysis some time to rest, and the active fighter position goes to him next. Erysis and I take up the rear, with him going forward.


    The first monsters we encounter after the swap are three Lesser Skeletons. Nexen waits for them patiently, as they start to lumber towards him. The first one reaches the armored fighter and swings a clumsy hand at his head. Nexen slips inside the skeleton¡¯s strike with speed counterintuitive to the metal mass on his body. The adversary¡¯s attack might as well have been in slow motion compared to the metal gauntlet that is flying towards its head. A resounding crash launches the pulverized bone away from the rest of the skeleton. Before its twice lifeless body even begins to fall, Nexen is dashing towards the next enemy. He simply uses his superior mass to plow through the spindly opponent. The skeletal figure turns into fragments that scatter in the wake of the charger. The final skeleton receives a simple but deadly jab to the skull. Seems like he has dialed in his strikes for the lesser variant.


    The next several kilometers of tunnel proceed in a similar manner, with Nexen being especially conscious of his stamina usage. As he feels his reserves lowering to a predetermined level, he signals the next swap. My turn.


    Now, what to do. Healers have the ability to gain insight into their patient¡¯s body. I can fake numerous factors like temperature, heartbeat, blood circulation, perspiration, respiration, and weight, but if someone took a closer look inside me, they might be able to find a really big surprise. I would rather not get into a situation where I would need to be healed by Erysis. I could avoid getting any injuries. Beginner¡¯s luck? Or make a small slip up and chug some of my potion in a panic. But judging by their performance so far, I think I will just dodge any hits.


    Let¡¯s not overthink this too much and get to the fun part. Experiments.


    Test subject number one comes into view¡ªanother lesser variant. First strike to the neck, between C4 and C5, baseline human force output. I lunge towards the already engaging foe. A swift swipe separates its skull. It tumbles away from the collapsing body. Interesting.


    Feedback determined that the initial force behind the strike would have been ineffective. Thus, I had to increase my strength output to a sufficient baseline. So, this is the effect of Mana Tempering. A curious technique Nexen so helpfully demonstrated. It utilizes the latent mana inside the body to improve a person¡¯s physical performance. It does not consume mana but still tires you out and needs training to become proficient. Any other mechanics behind it are an enigma. Not having mana senses is irritating. No matter.


    Test subject number two receives a slash to the skull, bisecting it. Analyzing the parameters and feedback of the strike reveals that a sword with this weight, density, material composition, and sharpness, would take significantly more force to produce that result.


    Test subject number three appears after defeating fifteen more skeletons, at the exact moment the test subject is dispatched, a jagged mana crystal begins to form inside the ribcage. It takes approximately one second. The crystal was suspended by some unknown force during formation, but when the process finished, it dropped free. I pick up the small gem. No known elements detected, hardness is inconclusive, density is in no way indicative to actual weight, no emissions. Infuriating, I will crack your secrets.


    After almost another kilometer of fighting, the, frankly, pitiable skeletons, we reach another cavern.


    I ask the team, ¡°Want me to handle this one?¡±


    Erysis questions, ¡°There might be a Lesser Skeleton Warrior mixed in there. Are you confident?¡±


    ¡°I am confident in running away,¡± I throw in a little joke to lighten the mood, they have been concerned with our pace. Even if everyone is stronger and faster. Using those boons drains a proportional amount of stamina. They can¡¯t fight forever.Stolen story; please report.


    Nexen has a hint of a smile. ¡°Ery will light the whole cavern. If we evaluate that the monsters are too much for you, we fall back and use the tunnel to constrict the influx. If not, you attack, and we cover your escape.¡± I nod. ¡°Be careful.¡±


    Erysis adds, ¡°Good luck.¡±


    I give a cheeky smile and get into position near the entrance. Erysis¡¯ spell flies from behind me and lights up the battleground. My opponents are revealed, five Lesser Skeletons and two Lesser Skeleton Warriors. The warriors are a bigger variant of the normal skeleton, just like the fighter, but where they differ is in their loadout. One of the warriors is equipped with a rusty sword, while the other sports a similarly rusty spear, accented by a gnarly wooden shaft. It¡¯s fascinating how the dungeon has also created weaponry. I remember what the guide called dungeons, ¡®a reflection¡¯. Material composition reveals a reflection like from those twisty circus mirrors. I can probably shatter their weapons if I look at them funny. At least in G-grade, higher grades are a different story.


    With my enemy illuminated, I throw a thumbs up without even looking back and sprint towards my prey. Time to show off.


    Normal skeletons in front, warriors in the back, the quintessential mid-boss encounter.


    The first skeleton falls before it can even react to my presence, riven in two. Next two throw themselves at me simultaneously and get decapitated with a single, precise strike. As the last two fall, the warriors have finally engaged. Reaction speed and senses are quite limited.


    I reposition, putting one of the warriors behind the other and take the initiative in striking. The rough spear is jabbed towards me, but I simply sidestep it and cut the shaft. The warrior tries to skewer me with the piece of wood that remains in its hands but is too slow and receives my thrust first. My blade penetrates the skull and is rapidly pulled downward, destroying the integrity of the skeleton. The second warrior tries to slash at me through the falling body of its compatriot, but I am already to its side, my movement somewhat obscured. A decisive swipe ends the fight.


    I scan the cavern, turn to the others, and wave at them happily. They look flabbergasted. This is fun.


    Erysis runs up to me and gives me a once over. ¡°That was incredible. It was like you were dancing!¡± Satisfied that I have no life-threatening injuries that might have materialized out of thin air, she turns to Nexen. ¡°See, I told you.¡±


    ¡°I can admit when I am wrong.¡± He smiles at her.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Nex here was apprehensive about letting a non-trainee join us, but I told him that if the hall master recommended you, chances were, you¡¯d be really strong.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I get it. I am just happy to be of help.¡± My true feelings.


    Erysis laughs. ¡°Help? We need to work harder, or you¡¯ll outshine us both.¡± She shoves Nexen playfully.


    He chastises lightly, ¡°Alright, focus up. We are not done yet.¡±


    We both nod and secure the cavern. Time to rest.


    Erysis asks after a little bit, ¡°What do you think the boss will be?¡±


    Nexen answers, ¡°If we are going by what we¡¯ve currently seen, either something like a knight or a mage.¡± Sounds impressive, but they will still be the lesser variants.


    I ask, ¡°Which one do you think is better for us?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Ery can counter a mage while we take advantage of its weaker defenses.¡± Erysis flexes proudly. ¡°And I am especially suited against opponents with stronger defenses, like a knight,¡± Nexen finishes with a smile her way.


    ¡°So, I guess I¡¯ll be acting as support either way.¡± I shrug and start making small talk, ¡°You two know each other a while?¡±


    Erysis answers, ¡°You could say that. We grew up together.¡±


    Nexen continues, ¡°We went to school together too, and when Ery started aiming to be an adventurer I followed after her.¡±


    ¡°My hero.¡± She leans on him. ¡°Where would I be without you.¡±


    Nexen reciprocates, ¡°What about you Lucius. Where are you from?¡±


    ¡°Village Bumfuck Nowhere.¡± I laugh. ¡°Came to the big city ¡®cuz there was nothing to do there, and someone needs to take care of these monsters anyways,¡± I say, full of confidence.


    Erysis addresses me, trying to hide the concern in her voice, ¡°Must have been hard moving so far all on your own.¡± Such good kids.


    I shrug. ¡°Had its ups and downs, but the Guild dorms are sweet, and the food in the city is way better than the slop they passed as cuisine back home.¡± I twist my face into pretend disgust.


    They both laugh, and Nexen offers, ¡°After we are done with the exam, you should come to my dad¡¯s restaurant. We¡¯ll celebrate.¡±


    ¡°Sounds great, I am already starving.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourselves, you two.¡±


    I shrug again. ¡°We pass and celebrate, or fail and drown our sorrows, there¡¯s food either way.¡±


    Erysis shakes her head at me, but her mood has improved. Nexen gives me a nod of approval.


    We fill some more time with idle chatter. As we decide we¡¯ve rested enough, we get up and proceed deeper into the dungeon.

 Book 1, Chapter 11

    After another uneventful tunnel stroll, we eventually spot a bigger opening in the fire-illuminated distance.


    Nexen informs, ¡°This could be it.¡± And then nods at me.


    I slink down the tunnel and survey where the opening leads to. I lower myself to the ground as I hear the shuffling of numerous bony feet. In a very slow pace, I go in a little deeper and confirm that there are a number of warriors mixed in. With the intel collected, I carefully make my way back.


    ¡°Whole lotta skeletons. Did not see anything that looks like a boss.¡±


    ¡°Ery, buffs. If it¡¯s not the Boss, it is still a big encounter. We have time to recover. Throw in one of your openers and hang back. Together with Lucius, handle any remaining enemies. If there is no boss, I¡¯ll join you. If the boss is there, I¡¯ll engage, and you¡¯ll join me when you are finished.¡±


    Erysis closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Light starts to crystalize in stringy clumps around her. She brings her hands down, palms facing the ground and her fingers slightly intertwined, the clumps start to unravel. Each taut string is pulled into her hands making them glow brighter and brighter. After the light is fully contained, she clasps her hands and mutters under her breath, ¡°Might¡±. A meandering sphere of iridescence starts growing out of her and envelopes all three of us. I do not feel any changes to my shell.


    She shakes off whatever uncomfortableness casting the spell brought and brings her hands together again. This time, her palms are cupping each other, she squeezes against some unseeable force until it seems to buckle all at once and her hands close. A familiar glassy shimmer appears on the surface of our bodies. I gently tap my forearm with my fist, but my hand just passes through the barrier. Now this is some¡ª Ahem.


    With that done, she takes out and drinks her mana potion. The crystal-clear liquid goes down her throat and just disappears on the way to her stomach. I make a deep internal sigh. After she is finished, I pass her my own.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t one for flashy spells.¡± She is apprehensive but recalls my fighting style, and after a moment of contemplation, smiles gratefully, taking the potion.


    Nexen commands, ¡°Engage.¡±


    Me and Nexen position on Erysis¡¯ sides, leaving her a clean line of fire. She turns her body to the side, right hand forward, left leg bracing. She conjures a searing crescent of fire, big enough to lick both sides of the tunnel. A thunderous clap drowns out her voice as she shouts the word ¡®Reap¡¯. The crescent propels forward and starts growing, digging further into the rock. It exits the opening with the crash of debris and expands freely inside the arena. From then, it follows its namesake and culls the horde of undead.


    As we are running to battle, a giant arrow pierces the newly reformed shroud of darkness and heads towards my head. I lift my blade and subtly change its trajectory by letting it slide over the steel, gently nudging it outward. The arrow safely whistles by me and continues down the tunnel, eventually embedding into a wall. Might have overdone it with that one. Hall Master Ren¡¯s concealed form had not moved, having full confidence in the barrier Erysis cast, but after my stunt he did a little shake. Excitement? I sense a spar in my future.


    The other two are stunned at the display, momentarily halting their charge, so I kick them into gear, ¡°Archer!¡± With my shout as the catalyst, they rush into action once again.


    We move into the cavern, and Erysis promptly lights the space. I see an arrow heading towards her and batter the front with the face of my sword. The metal head is shattered into a rain of fragments, sent towards the ceiling. Ah, ¡®Might¡¯ makes sense then. She does not freeze this time, instead, sending a fireball back. I start taking out the remaining skeletons, prioritizing the closer ones while she removes the more distant foes.


    The boss is finally revealed, marked by the still glowing site of Erysis¡¯ counterattack. An armored monstrosity, towering over every enemy we have faced thus far. It carries a bow almost as tall as itself, and on its back is swung a quiver of arrows. An uncharacteristically steady hand reaches back, grabs another arrow, notches it, and starts pulling back the string. The wood of the ancient looking bow pops and crackles, threatening to snap from the mighty draw, but the apex is reached, and the arrow is let loose.


    The target is Nexen, running towards the archer. The arrow strikes him square in the chest. The only indication that something happened is the cloud of broken metal and splintered wood that puffs out from the impact point. In the next moment, he has reached the boss and rears back for a punch. The skeleton tries to dodge with agility greatly surpassing its inferior soldiers but still comes out inadequate.


    I expect a crumpling blow to send the giant to the ground, but instead, a confusingly soft tap of metal-on-metal echoes out in the cavern, immediately drowned out by the noises of fire and steel. We quickly finish up the remaining enemies, taking no longer than ten seconds. During that time, six more taps sound out. We start to turn towards the boss, ready to combine our efforts, but we only get to see Nexen jump back. The boss stops with a jerky shiver, in the next moment, its armor implodes, like an invisible fist has just crushed it in a fit of rage.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    If they weren¡¯t able to handle a boss this easily, they wouldn¡¯t have even been accepted as trainees. Raw power has already been confirmed, what needed to be checked next was if they could perform in a real scenario. When every single thing matters.


    I quickly survey the area and shout, ¡°Clear!¡±


    Taking that as a signal, the hall master dismisses his stealth. ¡°The test has now concluded. Please collect any crystals and head to the portal.¡± The moment the boss fell, another portal opened back up. Theorized as a defense mechanism, a final gamble to protect the core.


    Nexen tears apart the crumpled remains of the archer and grabs a smooth dull gem. Erysis and I go around and grab the occasional jagged one we can find. With the bounty stuffed in various pockets we head to the gate and step through. Hall Master Ren is the last one out this time.


    We appear back in the same secret room, and after another teleport, we are at the Guild Hall.


    As we take off our armor, a sizeable pile of crystals starts forming on one of the work benches in the armory.


    ¡°Would you like for the Guild to take care of these, or will you handle them privately?¡± Something I quite admire about how the Guild is structured. They could have a total monopoly on the vital crystals if they wanted to. Instead, the Guild offers each adventurer a choice, they can do whatever they want with their loot, or the Guild can buy it out. The big incentive is, when going through the Guild you don¡¯t need to pay any income tax, and you can just liquidate, no hassle. Running some quick calculations on past transactions reveals that by solely utilizing the Guild the average adventurer will increase their total remuneration by a staggering ten to twenty percent. And don¡¯t get me started on the overreaching effects this has on the economy as a whole: stability, lower inflation index, lower commodity prices due to¡ª I am going to stop myself there.


    Erysis asks, ¡°Is using the Guild okay, Lucius?¡± I nod, and she presents her first drop, held between her thumb and index finger. ¡°I¡¯ll just keep this one.¡±


    ¡°A marvelous memento,¡± the hall master compliments and collects the rest of the mana crystal in his storage. ¡°I¡¯ll add these to your accounts.¡±


    We are then led to a private room. There is a table, piled with various refreshments and filling snacks. We are given some time to unwind.


    I crash down on a couch, and after gulping down a glass of cold water ask, ¡°You think we passed?¡±


    Erysis huffs and also takes a seat. ¡°Obviously, we made no mistakes and completed the objective.¡± Nexen nods in agreement and joins her.


    I fill up my glass again. ¡°No snacks for me then, gotta keep room.¡±


    We are talking about what food Nexen¡¯s dad specializes in, when the hall master returns.


    ¡°Congratulations everyone, you have passed the Party License Exam.¡± He pulls out two freshly made cards. ¡°Erysis, Nexen, you are now F-rank adventurers.¡± He gives each their new card and collects their old ones. ¡°Lucius, you are permitted to take the Solo License Exam.¡±


    We all express our thanks.


    He takes out a notepad, the cover is a vibrant cornucopia of local fruit. ¡°I will now give you your feedback. A fully detailed report will be mailed to you in the next three days.¡±


    Erysis looks tense while Nexen appears almost nonchalant. I can tell they are equally nervous. My character walks the edge of looking calm and panic.


    ¡°Erysis, Nexen, you were too slow in evaluating the parameters of the test. Listen, analyze, take into account every angle. Lucius, your instincts lead you down the right path this time, but you cannot rely only on that. Same advice, a smart adventurer is an alive one.¡± He flips to the next page. ¡°Your battle strategies were acceptable. Erysis and Nexen adapted well to having a new unfamiliar member. That is a good quality to have. There will be many instances where you will work in larger groups. Lucius integrated seamlessly.¡± Next page. ¡°Risk taking was on the threshold. I can somewhat understand, as the environment was known beforehand, but that does not mean there can¡¯t be nasty surprises hidden within. Do not take the dungeon you just delved as the norm. All three of you should exercise much more caution when approaching uncertain scenarios.¡± The final page. ¡°Individual powers were exemplary. I have no doubt that you will surpass F-rank soon enough.¡± He looks each one of us in the eyes. ¡°You may be strong, but there is always something stronger. Do not get overconfident.¡± He flips the notepad closed and stashes it in his pocket. ¡°That might have sounded harsh, but you already know, a single mistake can cost you your life.¡± There is pain behind his eyes. That is a lesson he has seen learned many times. A change of topic, ¡°Lucius, when would you like to schedule your solo exam for?¡±


    ¡°Is tomorrow okay, Hall Master?¡± I scratch the back of my head.


    He chuckles, politely covering his mouth. ¡°That is acceptable. Please be at the hall by two o¡¯clock in the afternoon.¡± I am having doubts. Does he have a twin brother? Or is this one of those multiple personalities trope?


    With that done, he leads us back to the lobby, ¡°If you have any questions, remember to ask the attendants, always be prepared.¡± As we bid our goodbyes and start to head out, he adds, ¡°Lucius, are you available for just a moment.¡± I wave the others off, and they settle to wait for me outside.


    ¡°Yes, Hall Master?¡±


    ¡°Neat trick you did there, you holdin¡¯ out on me?¡±


    I am a paragon of innocence. ¡°Of course not, Hall Master.¡± He rewards my performance with a series of slaps to my shoulder.


    ¡°Sure, sure. After you get your license, you owe me another spar, you hear!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± I can indulge. Plus, I still feel bad about abandoning him in his time of need. If I can be a shining ray amidst the dark and stormy clouds of bureaucracy, how could I ever say no.


    ¡°Good man. Now go celebrate with your new pals!¡± He gives me a wink and waves me goodbye.


    As I come out of the building, I see Erysis and Nexen hugging, she is twirling him around. Nexen looks resigned but that is overshadowed by the happiness in his small smile.


    ¡°Having fun?¡±


    She freezes, and judging by the pained expression on Nexen¡¯s face, tightens her grip. It¡¯s not like the streets are empty. We finished the test in around five hours, it¡¯s still the afternoon.


    She finally releases him and tries to salvage the situation, ¡°Yes we are, thank you.¡± Slightly flushed cheeks¡ªnot from exertion¡ªmake that hard.


    ¡°Still up for that celebration?¡±


    Nexen speaks up this time, ¡°Of course, come on.¡± He motions for me to join them and adds, ¡°I am sure you¡¯ll love my dad¡¯s cooking.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, it¡¯s great, but I prefer yours, Nex.¡±


    It¡¯s Nexen¡¯s turn to blush. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll whip something up too.¡± I don¡¯t even need to eat, and I am already full.

 Book 1, Chapter 12

    As we make our way to Nexen¡¯s home slash restaurant, I am given an impromptu tour of the city. All the more interesting establishments on our path are pointed out, with Erysis throwing in places she has fond memories of.


    ¡°Nexen and I used to play in that park all the time.¡± They are walking hand in hand, and she starts jostling him. ¡°There was this huge slide, but some assholes complained, and they removed it. I only skinned my knees ten times, tops...¡± She grumbles some more complaints.


    Nexen chimes in, ¡°That thing was a death trap. I still wonder who even okayed it in the first place.¡±


    Erysis tries to do a spooky voice, ¡°Maybe it just appeared one day.¡± The illusion is broken when she starts giggling. ¡°My mom would always scold me and then heal me when I hurt myself. She never really forbade me from going on it, just told me to be more careful...¡±


    I am not the perfect option for this¡ª Scratch that. I am the opposite of perfect for this, but I will try. ¡°You guys must live close together, right. Want to swing by your place so you can tell them the good news, Erysis?¡± There we go, like fifteen assumptions crumpled up in an incredibly oblivious statement. Should get the ball rolling though.


    She stiffens up for a moment, but a sigh loosens her back up again. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be good news for my parents.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I am sorry, I didn¡¯t me¡ª¡±


    She graciously pulls me out of the hole I threw myself in, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. They never really supported me.¡± She takes on a resolute look. ¡°Whatever, I got all the support I need right here.¡± She squeezes Nexen¡¯s hand a little tighter.


    I really miss that hole. ¡°The hall master¡¯s right, adventuring¡¯s dangerous work. I wouldn¡¯t want my hypothetical kids doing it either.¡± I shrug. ¡°If someone has to kill a bunch of monsters, I¡¯d rather it be me.¡± How much I wish it would only be me. ...One day.


    My therapeutic gamble has paid off somewhat. ¡°I guess I could...¡±


    Nexen finishes for her, ¡°We do live close to one another. It shouldn¡¯t be too much of a detour.¡±


    ¡°Cool.¡± I try to look like I have no idea what is happening.


    The rest of the short walk proceeds in silence. As we arrive in front of Erysis¡¯ house, she pauses. It is a cozy two-story with a small garden. There is a low ornate fence, not really blocking access, just marking the boundary and giving the plot a neat and tidy appearance. The gate is left ajar. The garden has a couple of trees that would make perfect shade when the sun is high in the sky, keeping both the house and anyone outside cool. The grass is trimmed and healthy, with the occasional flower bed positioned around. It is her home. She takes in every single detail. The inviting sight might as well be an impassible chasm.


    Nexen breaks the standstill, ¡°Do you want me to come with you?¡±


    Erysis shakes her head. ¡°I¡¯ll be quick.¡±


    I lean on the fence, listening to the sounds of the nascent evening. The sky is still bright, and people are walking about, conversing. Erysis knocks on the door. Some are going out to eat, not bothering to cook or just craving something different. Her father answers, his face is shocked, they haven¡¯t seen her in months. The shock is quickly tempered into indifference. I can hear his heart beat faster and faster. A woman passes by, walking a pet that carries a remarkable resemblance to a dog. The curious creature sniffs the air and turns to me, trying to approach. He invites her in. The woman tries to reign in her furry companion, but I crouch down low, extend my hand, and give her a reassuring smile. Erysis¡¯ mother has joined them, and they are sitting down. Erysis on one side, her parents on the other. She tells them. I let the friendly animal sniff my hand, and after it¡¯s satisfied, I gently stroke its fur. ¡°Friendly little guy, aren¡¯t you.¡± After a bit, I stand up and nod towards the woman. She smiles back and they go on their way. Soon after, the door opens back up and Erysis walks out.


    Nexen wipes at his eye and asks her, ¡°You okay?¡±


    Erysis nods, ¡°I¡¯ll sleep here tonight.¡± Every muscle in Nexen¡¯s body appears to relax.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She notes the slight dampness.


    ¡°Something in my eye.¡±


    We continue on.


    ***


    As the famed establishment comes into view, Erysis¡¯ stomach rumbles. She tries to cover it up with a fake cough, unsuccessfully. I make my own stomach rumble too. Erysis laughs at the perfect timing. I hope I didn¡¯t push her too hard.


    We arrive in front of Nexen¡¯s home. The first floor is a rustic-looking eatery. There is no outside seating, but the interior is spacious enough. There is a plain sign hung above the door with the name ¡®Brinn¡¯s¡¯ painted on. The second floor is the living quarters. Convenient.


    As we step inside, I take in the atmosphere. The decor is simple but pleasing. The walls are a warm beige color, with various live plants arranged along. The floor is made out of dark brown wood, polished to perfection. The tables are a lighter shade of wood, same as the chairs. Each chair has thick burgundy padding, providing a complementary accent and tying up the color palette. I wonder what they used to dye the fabric. Hmm... Ah, ingredients for the dye can be found in elemental and nature dungeons. Interesting.


    There are ten tables, and three booths lining one of the walls. The restaurant is not full, but there are a fair number of people. It¡¯s close to dinnertime, after all. The kitchen is open concept. Nexen¡¯s dad can be seen manning an impressive number of burners and a surprisingly large wood fired oven. A dish has just finished and is promptly sent flying to the expectant customers. The open concept is not merely for the ambiance.


    Erysis and Nexen point out a booth and go to speak with the chef. As soon as he spots them, he thrusts his hands down¡ªmagically cleaning any residue¡ªand runs up to them. Their goofy smiles immediately confirm the positive outcome. He smiles wide and starts ruffling their hair. Both take the act of affection with pride. Nexen summarizes how everything went down. Erysis mentions our detour. There is a flash of anger in Brinn¡¯s eyes, but he hides it well. Erysis receives a hug and some reassuring words back. As much as they want to continue, something is on the edge of burning. Brinn resumes cooking. Nexen deftly assembles our dinner¡ªwith the occasional request from Erysis¡ªand slides it into the blazing oven. With that done, they head back to our booth.


    ¡°Should be done soon,¡± Nexen says as he sits down.


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait,¡± I reply and continue with my new favorite pastime, psychological manipulation, ¡°Now that you are adventurers, got any plans? I still don¡¯t really know how the whole dungeon situation is around here.¡±


    Erysis immediately perks up. Here we go. ¡°You know how it is around big cities, the closer dungeons are managed like they might break every other day, while the more distant ones just get forgotten.¡±


    Nexen interjects, ¡°The Adventurers¡¯ Guild can¡¯t be everywhere, Ery.¡± They¡¯ve had this discussion before.


    ¡°They should try harder. Recently, they¡¯ve been really pushing the limits. We even had a full-on break, for Goddess¡¯ sake!¡± The Big Wolves. The adventurers were spread a little thin, true. But that is not as big of an issue anymore. The Personal Defense Network is fully operational.


    ¡°Well, they just got three more of the finest warriors they can ask for, right?¡± I give them a smug smile.


    Nexen takes the wind out of my sails, ¡°Don¡¯t you have another exam to pass?¡±


    ¡°Psh, easy.¡±


    Erysis continues, ¡°Nexen and I... We are going to focus on the more distant dungeons.¡± Nexen nods along. ¡°Someone has to.¡±


    ¡°I get you. And, hey, if you ever need some help, give me a shout.¡± Seed planted.


    Nexen nods, but Erysis is surprised. ¡°Really? I thought you wanted to go solo and rank up fast. There isn¡¯t any glory in managing small dungeons.¡±


    ¡°Come on, if there¡¯s any monsters that need killing, I am your man. Plenty of glory in saving lives.¡± Glory... There is no glory for me. ¡°I am currently in dorm building two, room three-o-eight. Or you can leave me a message at the Guild.¡±


    Erysis looks me in the eyes for a moment. ¡°I will keep that in mind.¡± Projections shift to slightly better outcomes. Good enough.


    A welcome distraction arrives. ¡°You must be Lucius. Thanks for keeping an eye on these two.¡± He places the long-awaited delicacy on the table together with three plates. ¡°Now, eat up.¡± We have been served a fairly large square tray. The food inside is reminiscent of a deep-dish pizza. Fermented dough on the bottom, generously oiled. Followed by red sauce, its main ingredient being the local equivalent of a tomato. Though, there are differences. It also includes some other root vegetables, giving it a heartier yet sweet taste. And finally, topped with a nicely melted mound of local cheese. The pizza equivalent has been cut into squares.


    Erysis lunges at the unfortunate dish like a starved animal, tearing out a piece and practically inhaling it. Nexen and Brinn shake their heads in unison. The former cautiously tries to grab one for himself, while the latter beats a hasty retreat. The beast will require more.


    As I grab a slice, Nexen informs, ¡°We call it Loaded Bread. This is the Erysis edition.¡± He mocks a conspiratorial whisper, ¡°There is a lot more cheese.¡±


    I slurp up an impressive stretch. ¡°I noticed.¡±


    Erysis lectures with a full mouth, ¡°You should make ¡®em all like this.¡±


    ¡°I am afraid there is not enough cheese in the city for that, Ery.¡±


    ¡°Excuses.¡± They both laugh.


    I polish another slice. ¡°I am with Erysis on this one. Gimme all the cheese.¡±


    She nods sagely. ¡°Another person with refined tastes.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t encourage her.¡±


    We continue having a nice talk, and the pleasant dinner eventually ends. With our goodbyes said, we separate. Nexen is walking Erysis to her parents as I head back to the dorms. I can only hope it goes well.

 Book 1, Chapter 13

    I go through the motions of an awakening. The sun is casting a single ray between my hastily closed curtains. I roll around in my bed, mocking a great conflict between lazing around and going to the Guild. After my responsible side wins out¡ªwith great difficulty¡ªI shoot out of the covers. If I get it over with fast, I won¡¯t be able to change my mind.


    Stretching lethargically, I let out a long yawn. I check on my outfit for the day, haphazardly strung up to dry after being washed last night. Thankfully, one can find cleaning supplies still, even if practically everyone can use the equivalent spell. Limitations and some such. One of those limitations appears to be targeting inside the body, something about advanced mana field interactions making it hard for the average caster to adequately account for in their intent. Without the requisite sense, I can merely speculate on the mechanics. What this all leads to is that you still need to brush your teeth, even if they can¡¯t get cavities. I go ahead and do just that. A quick shower follows. With grooming done for the morning, I rummage for some food. Two slices of only mildly stale bread, turn into a couple of cheese on toast, baked to perfection in the enchanted oven. Scrumptious.


    As I eat my modest breakfast, I ponder. Do I continue this song and dance on the infinitesimal chance that someone is observing me during all hours of the day, or because I want to. Because I enjoy it. Because I do not want to be me.


    The last bite is devoured, and the thoughts disperse.


    ***


    I leave my quarters and begin the walk to the Guild. Some of the other adventurers that are milling about give me nods of recognition or a fast greeting. I am the talk of the town. While non-trainee applicants are not rare, they are not exactly common either. And adventurers, to put it politely, gossip more than¡ª Ahem. My soon-to-be colleagues are all professional individuals.


    ¡°I heard he beat the hall master up.¡± ...Honestly? Changed my mind, bunch of gossipy pricks. I almost let out a laugh.


    I arrive at the Guild and announce my presence to an attendant. The hall master arrives a couple of minutes after me. He stayed late yesterday.


    After the obligatory slaps, I am led to the familiar armory. There is something new awaiting me there.


    ¡°Get suited up and grab that bag.¡±


    ¡°What is it, Hall Master?¡±


    He makes a wicked smile. ¡°Hope you don¡¯t have anything else to do today, or tomorrow.¡±


    Time for a nice, audible gulp. Judging by the widening smile, I nailed it.


    I am led to the teleporter room and whisked away to another secret dungeon. It¡¯s in a building, near the central part of the city.


    Hall Master Ren begins his rehearsed speech, ¡°You will be delving a G-grade undead dungeon with the objective of conquering it. Be careful not to damage the core. I will be supervising your delve. I will prevent any lethal situations but nothing else. Conquering the dungeon doesn¡¯t mean you pass. I will be evaluating the entirety of your performance.¡±


    With that done, he adds, ¡°If you want to go solo, you gotta show me you can take care of yourself. You¡¯ll have no one else.¡±


    I nod and draw my sword. We step through the portal, and at the same time, he enters stealth.


    I am in front of an imposing metal gate, twisted into disturbing designs. It is night, and the wind is howling a chilling symphony. A full moon peeks through scattered clouds, bathing what lies beyond in a monochrome light. Who knows what can be hiding in those inky shadows. I know. This might be fun.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Another world, everything here is as real as can be. Though, the moon is not that big, just closer. The uncharacteristically singular satellite does not even remotely match any of my records. And I didn¡¯t miss the stars, there just aren¡¯t any.


    The intricate gate adorns a tall stone wall, circling around a vast courtyard. I approach the gate, and it swings open with a shrill cry. Atmospheric. I step inside the grounds. The stone beneath my feet is pristine, like I am the first person to ever step on it. Nary a stray leaf can be seen marring the decadent path. Why that peculiar descriptor? That very same path leads to a manor of epic proportions, one could even call it a castle. Situated on a cliff far away, it surveys any that enter with contempt, for they must first prove themselves worthy. A pair of red eyes flash, for but a moment, behind a window in the tallest spire. For the sake of appearances, I do not immediately vaporize their gaudy owner.


    Shuffling feet and moanful groans announce the arrival of the welcoming committee. Fifty Lesser Zombies. Similar to their lighter counterpart, they do not possess any signs of ever actually living. Another facsimile.


    The difficulty has jumped up quite a lot, this dungeon is on the high-end of the grade. As the hall master said, a solo adventurer needs to prove themselves, without a shadow of a doubt.


    You do not technically need to fight everything in this dungeon, but when has my character ever taken the easy route. I approach the horde of monsters warily. They move as one. A thick milky mist seeps between their feet, obscuring the ground. They crash through ornately trimmed shrubs, singularly focused on me. No appreciation for artistry.


    The leading zombie and I meet. I greet it with a twinning strike. Its top half flops to the ground with a thud, its bottom half continues forward. I stab through the upturned head. Both halves still. Classic.


    The rest of the undead fall one after the other, showing minimal resistance against my superior dexterity. The spacious arena is entirely in my favor. I would need to show much more caution in tighter quarters.


    Speaking about tighter quarters, as I walk along the meandering path, dispatching the occasional horde, I wind up before a sprawling hedge maze. As soon as I cross the threshold, a howl sounds out behind me, followed by another and another, until the howling of the wind is overpowered by its animalistic counterpart.


    I start to run through the maze, my free hand extended, touching the wall. My perfectly logical approach to solving the maze is rewarded by a wall of leaves shifting in front of me. And I was being so nice. I hear the numerous soft thumps getting closer and hack my way to freedom.


    As I stumble through the hasty hole and roll on the ground, a mass of black jumps behind me. The Lesser Zombie Hound takes a bite out of my extended sword instead of my neck. I push off the limp body and prepare for the next attacker. It never arrives, the thumps retreat and split, going down different paths. I see how it is.


    I start running down paths and hacking through walls seemingly at random. The canine foes try to corner me but fail every time. I continue my seemingly desperate flailing, until the next skidding turn spits me out of the maze. The pack arrives just as I shoot upright and ready my weapon. They let out a combined growl but do not cross the threshold, slinking back into the misty darkness.


    Oh, now we are following rules, huh. Can¡¯t cheat a cheater, especially one that has a real-time 3D map in his head.


    I turn to the manor and begin the climb up. The stairs are carved into the rocky cliff, turning the slight incline into a slow and repetitive ascent. Unnecessarily extended flights let the perils just passed and the ones inevitably approaching eat away at the minds of any would be interlopers.


    After braving the stairs, my prize is another set of doors. I am at the foot of the manor. The heart of the dungeon. Shadows dance in the flickering lights of its windows. The stone behemoth towers over me, threatening to collapse forward, crushing any that dare disturb its peace. The illuminations dim and brighten rhythmically, the ethereal castle appears to almost be breathing, or concealing the form of a gargantuan beast.


    The heavy set of doors await with indifference. The message is clear: ¡®You are not invited here, interloper. Claw your way in like the beast you are.¡¯ I press my hands against the wood and heave. With a resigned groan, the doors slowly split open. After another burst of strength, I separate them enough to slip through. The moment my form clears, they slam back together. The structure shakes¡ªalmost as if in rage¡ªfrom the mighty force. My mere presence is an affront.


    Okay, that might have been a little too baroque, but it matches the theme of the dungeon. I blame that insidious guide¡ªagain¡ªfor putting me on this aureate path.

 Book 1, Chapter 14

    As candles slowly come to life, my theory about some meta template influencing both our worlds appears to gain more traction. Everything I have seen in this dungeon is familiar, yet at the same time, not. Curious.


    The warm glow begins to slowly light up the grand entrance of the mansion, filling in more and more detail. The light is lethargic, like it has trouble piercing the overpowering darkness. I am not even surprised.


    The multiple sources of illumination finally converge at the last hidden spot in the large room, revealing my next challenge. It stands tall and sharp, as still as a statue. One hand grips a rapier, the other is resting behind its back. Its skin is dried and sunken, a sharp contrast to its immaculate clothing¡ªmorning dress. The shirt is bone white, matching the Lesser Thrall¡¯s involuntarily bared teeth. The majordomo does as his master wishes.


    I loosen up my shoulders. The undead makes a deep bow.


    I start to hop from one foot to the other. It rises and with a flourish, points its rapier ahead.


    I lunge, my sword thirsting for its head. The butler begins to take an elegant step back and reciprocates in its choice of target, his longer point reaching first.


    I lean my head slightly to the right. Its blade nicks my ear. It leans further back in its step and lets me barrel past.


    I try to twist back for another attack. The undead has finished its own pivot and has launched a stab towards my chest.


    I deflect the strike up, unleashing a savage yell. It tries to bring its thin sword back down.


    My scream continues as I bring my blade down. It is not fast enough to stop my strike.


    The thrall is cut down. It has failed.


    With the fight over, some of the candles around the room start going out. The ones that remain light the imperial staircase and the way further up.


    I ignore that for now and head to a door on my left. You have to explore the map first before going to the main objective, everyone knows that.


    It leads to the manor¡¯s kitchen. It¡¯s the opposite of what a kitchen should be. This one is dark, empty, with every surface marred by soot. There is not a single slice of moldy bread. The archaic brick ovens are quiet and cold. No one has been in here in a long time. Why would they be.


    I note the absence of any enemies. This must be a Safe Room, a place for respite in dungeons. From my research, dungeons really don¡¯t attack delvers inside these rooms. Very game mechanic like. I hope I don¡¯t get addicted to this. Can AI get addicted? Probably. Judging by a sample of one though.


    Now that I am here, might as well check the supplies I have been given. I already know what¡¯s in the bag and even who assembled it for me, but I have appearances to keep.


    Everything in the sturdy bag is quite reasonable. Water for about a day, and dry food for a couple of quick, but filling, meals. I start to nibble on the pretty convincing protein bar equivalent, washing it down with the occasional sip of water. The bars are actually really tasty, attendant Ania likes to make big batches of them for exams like these and for adventurers rushing to urgent missions. It¡¯s good to be prepared for emergency situations, and these can keep for a really long time, especially when stored properly. Containing honey, and with the main ingredient being a local nut that¡¯s supposed to have a peculiar citrusy flavor. Can¡¯t really say for sure, as I haven¡¯t tried the local equivalent of a citrus¡ªor my home variant¡ªbut from descriptions, the taste matches. Refreshing.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    I finish up my meal and exit the Safe Room back into the lobby. It¡¯s still early for sleep. Plus, there is a better Safe Room further up.


    I open the door on the other side and reveal a circular staircase. It winds down and melts away into a consuming abyss.


    The first couple of steps are taken gingerly and with extreme caution. After I confirm that nothing is going to crawl out of the bottom, I start to descend with a little more confidence. My steps echo again and again, each sound seemingly amplified by every other. Analyzing the acoustics of the staircase, projects an entirely different result, but that¡¯s already par for the course.


    As I clear the final step, a metal gate bars my way forward. I try to pull it open. The gate is securely locked. I wrench my sword at the top of the locking mechanism and push it down. The blade cuts through the wrought iron bolt with ease. Satisfied, I pull the gate and enter the dark corridor beyond.


    Cells line each side, all of them are locked and empty. Except one. It¡¯s torn apart like paper. Whatever did the tearing was a prisoner not a liberator. A dungeon within a dungeon. If there is a third layer, I am filling a complaint with the Guild.


    Mercifully, the prison room ends with another door. This one is made of wood and unlocked. I gently press the handle down, trying to make as little noise as possible. It screeches into the, previously, perfect silence. I leap back and prepare for any attackers. Nothing comes. As I try the handle again, it clicks open like someone just bathed it in lubricant. A sassy dungeon. The Guild specifically uses this one to see if it rattles prospective adventurers. Smart.


    I take in the smell of the next room. It is musty but in a good way. The earthy aroma hints at its contents. The wine cellar.


    Rack after rack is stuffed to the brim with bottles of shining red liquid. I cautiously pull out one of the wines and examine it. There is no label nor any other discernible markings. Analysis puts the bottle¡¯s age at around three weeks. I debate if I should take it, but shaking the liquid inside dissuades me. The consistency is wrong. I already know that it¡¯s some imitation of blood. It could have its uses, but my character probably won¡¯t want to lug it around. I place the bottle back in its place and move to the next door. Whoever designed this manor should have their license revoked.


    The next room reveals a spartan space. There are no windows, no decorations, nothing except a coffin positioned in the center of the chamber on a raised pedestal. The dim ambient light, coming from nowhere, dims further. My breath starts to condense with each exhale. The temperature in the room is plummeting.


    I feel the frigid air split behind me. I whip around and block an invisible strike. This is new. Strike after strike rain on me, their source unknown. It¡¯s a Lesser Apparition. I can detect its form and position by using the temperature differential, air movement, miniscule amounts of radiation, gravitational¡ª I¡¯ll stop myself there. I detected this specific monster the moment I entered the dungeon.


    I try to cut the invisible foe. My sensors reveal a wide gash that sticks itself back together. Lesser Apparitions do not possess regenerative capabilities. Unless this is some other variant. I am supposed to do something else here.


    I continue fruitlessly slashing at the undead, circling around the room, looking for any clues to what the answer is. Pretty obviously, I need to destroy the coffin. The apparition always positions itself between it and me and tries to push me away if I get too close. Plus, it¡¯s the only other thing here.


    I take some more time for my character to deliberate, until finally, I rush past the oppressive onslaught of unseen attacks and bring my sword down on the manor master¡¯s bed. Like chopping a log, the two parts comically fly away from one another. The plush upholstery within, explodes into a rain of feathers, spraying like blood. The previously comfortable curtain reveals the rough form of the apparition. It is frozen in place. After a second, the flurry of feathers starts passing through its dispersing body. In its final moments, it lowers its head as if in thanks. Then, the invisible revenant is no more.


    A guttural roar can be heard from up above. It travels through the thick stone walls, and it is absorbed by the buried foundations. The boss got weaker. An interesting feature of some dungeons. I wonder if natural selection applies to dungeons. They don¡¯t really reproduce, but they could have some interconnected network they share information on. Dungeons that offer fancy perks like these get to keep their cores whole for longer, after all. Alright, I will begrudgingly start another branch of research. Only because it is the right thing to do, not because I will enjoy it immensely. Definitely not.


    This was an interesting side quest. It even had a little story in it. Oh no, I already want to run the dungeon again. To see what happens if you don¡¯t help free the friendly ghost.

 Book 1, Chapter 15

    I go back through the awkwardly positioned rooms and ascend the circular staircase. Once back at the entrance, I take the proper way forward with much more outward caution. Inwardly, I am excited about meeting the boss.


    The imperial staircase takes me up five floors. The geometry of the mansion is all wrong. I cannot detect any spatial manipulation, but do not exclude it outright. I wonder how easily a dungeon can change itself? Hmm. No, I shouldn¡¯t. It is risky for me to leave a drone, or part of my swarm, while the hall master is observing. There are too many variables I cannot account for. Further tests will be done when I go to a dungeon for my first solo mission.


    The staircase ends at two widely open golden colored doors. Inside the room, twenty thralls outline a path into the black void. They are perfectly still¡ªan invitation. I approach the undead and follow their unsaid instructions. My head is on a swivel. As I pass the last pair, the doors slowly close, with a final click. Switching it up I see.


    A giant crystal chandelier comes to life, bathing the room with iridescent light. The colorful illumination reveals the rest of the guests¡ªanother twenty thralls. Each couple is dressed in evening wear. They are clasping each other¡¯s hands and staring into a pair of dead eyes, barely reflecting their own back. The couples are scattered around the floor of the, now apparent, ballroom. As one, all heads snap in my direction. A deafening crack echoes through the room, their stiffened joints fighting against nature, some of the undead contorting into unnatural angles. In the next instant, the chandelier detaches from the ceiling. As it slowly picks up speed in its inevitable descent, the light it emits dims. Its crash to the floor plunges the room into total darkness. At the same time, both staff and dancers, rush for my death.


    My character would be totally blind, I can see everything. How do I play this?


    From my, now extensive, observations, I have gleamed that reaction, intuition, and overall awareness are much higher in this world. Now, for the average person, it is not by much, but if you take into account people that train every day and dedicate a lot of time to improvement, the standards jump. A lot. Everyone here is dressed to impress. I¡¯ll take the suggestion.


    I jump up as hard as I can, splintering the floor. A mass of bodies piles on my previous location.


    I twist mid-air and crash against the ceiling. A carefully timed push off propels me to the opposite side of the room.


    With the chandelier between us, the mob splits into two streams. I dash towards the left.


    A flurry of precise cuts and careful evasions, minces the first horde of undead into parts and leaves me unscathed.


    The second reaches my back. I block a flailing strike with my arm and kick the winner of the race back.


    It crashes into some of the monsters, momentarily thinning the crowd. I duck a kick and grab the attacker¡¯s planted leg.


    I pull the undead hard, making it lose its balance. With the leg tightly gripped, I spin my improvised bludgeon around, giving me space.


    I slam the undead into the floor and stab its head. The remaining thralls are soon dispatched.


    I try to still my breathing and listen intently. There is a light scuff behind me.


    I whip around and point my blade ahead. The last straggler¡¯s desperate leap ends with no results.


    Is this what they call a blind date?This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    As I inwardly chuckle to my totally funny joke, the mysterious ambient light returns, and the room is lit. The result of the fight is not pretty. There are body parts scattered everywhere. The once shiny wooden floors are now scuffed and stained with thick, black blood.


    Another pair of identical golden colored doors slowly open on the opposite side of the room, showing a long corridor. I follow the path and reach a carved wooden door. I tentatively grip the handle. A slight push down does nothing, the handle has not budged. If I did not have every square centimeter of this dungeon already perfectly mapped, the core would be sporting a toasty laser hole right about now. It¡¯s just a push to open door, it has no latch.


    I kick the door as hard as I can, and my foot goes through the deceptively soft wood. I awkwardly fumble and try to free myself, hopping on the other foot and trying to pry pieces off the door to widen the hole. Finally, with my face fully red, I am on two feet again. While I can be petty, I still need to maintain character.


    I step into the room and audibly groan. The library, another Safe Room, what a disappointment. None of the books are real, there is no writing. Not a single letter inside any of the numerous tomes. This dungeon is good. Really good. Too good to be left ali¡ª Ahem. This Safe Room is a little special, there is a puzzle. Can¡¯t solve the puzzle? Reaching the boss will be much harder. Trivial. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t let it appear that way.


    Let¡¯s see. A grandfather clock starts ticking and going backwards. One hour. Fail, and the room is no longer safe. Succeed, and reap the spoils.


    I take a careful look around. First, making sure that the room is truly safe. And second, searching for the starting point of this puzzle, or at least a hint.


    The interior of the library is fully made out of wood. The floor has a lush carpet slung over more wooden boards that creak and shift ominously with every minute movement. On said carpet, disorientating shapes trick the eye, making the floor appear uneven and, at times, non-euclidean. The less scientific definition of the term.


    Bookshelves line the walls of the first and the second floor accessible only by a single spiral staircase. More bookshelves also jut out, creating a sort of irregular pattern. Not really using the area of the room as efficiently as possible. Each bookshelf contains rows and rows of empty books. Each page is blank and in various states of degradation. The covers are all different from one another, with strange designs made in even stranger colors, twisting as if alive.


    The rest of the space is occupied by reading nooks in the form of a few sofa chairs stacked around small and rather short tables. Not very ergonomic if you ask me. The very center of the library has a much bigger circular table with a single item on top of it¡ªa globe. A globe that depicts a fake world. One with no names.


    I take resigned steps towards the globe, and upon reaching it, give it a good spin. I let it spin for a bit with a bored expression, and then stop it with a single extended finger. I start slowly rotating it, examining all it contains. I lean my head left and right, trying to see a pattern in the chaos. There are no bodies of water on the globe, just mountains and plains. Mountains with too many and too uniform peaks, and plains with a bit too straight boundaries. I try to simulate plate tectonics for this particular configuration and actually get a hit. Huh. Was that a coincidence? Or does this dungeon feel my true self and has finally come up with a real way to torment me. I spin the globe a few more times, just for good measure.


    Alright, it¡¯s been like what? Fifteen seconds? Long enough. I stop the globe again, but this time, with purpose. I trace the mountains with my finger, while occasionally glancing at the bookshelves. My finger stops. One within the multitude of meticulously drawn¡ªor created¡ªpeaks is slightly misformed. I figure out which bookshelf the containing mountain represents. And from there, which row and column the peak marks.


    I march towards my target. Once in front, I place my hand on top of the spine of one of the books. With a deliberate motion, I hinge the book outward. It offers some resistance and then stops at a forty-five-degree angle, unable to be moved further. I give it a suspicious look. After a few seconds, it snaps back into place.


    Something clicks behind one of the bookshelves, and with a hiss, the heavy stack of wasted paper swings a bit outward. I approach the newest discovery and, with some difficulty, move it further out, fully revealing what is hidden. To the surprise of no one¡ªanother door. This should be the exit then. I nod my head a few times, satisfied by my performance.


    With that done, I sit down on one of the sofa chairs and polish the rest of my supplies. Comfortable enough. I dangle my legs off one side and lay my head on the opposite armrest. After some time, I pretend to drift off to sleep. I have some free time and some information to analyze. I am practically forced to write those books, what can you do.


    Even though this place is safe, Hall Master Ren continues watching over me diligently.

 Book 1, Chapter 16

    My joints pop as I stretch the drowsiness away. Surprisingly hard to fake. Some quick drills to warm up, and I am off. No need to delay this any longer. I already lost so much time having to sleep here, but alas, appearances must be maintained.


    The hidden door creaks open, revealing another spiraling staircase, this one going up. I ascend the staircase higher and higher. It narrows the closer I get to the top. Eventually, both my shoulders are rubbing against the walls. In the final stretch, I need to crawl. Until finally, there is a light in the distance. I emerge from a fireplace inside a richly decorated room. There are beautiful paintings hung on every wall. They depict the master of the manor tearing faceless humans apart. Creepy.


    Ahead, I can see the eternally dark sky. The moon is shining through wide-open terrace doors, outlining a gaunt figure. Orbital mechanics say no. The dungeon is moving the, actually, artificial satellite around to, apparently, enhance the ambiance. The ¡®technically¡¯ in ¡®technically not alive¡¯ is getting pretty stretched there.


    The Lesser Vampire turns around and looks in my direction. The undead regards me. Its eyes see only filth crawling out from the dust. It spreads its hands, intent on returning me where I belong¡ªin the dead hearth.


    The vampire jumps for me faster than anything I have faced so far. It brings its sharp claws down for a devastating overhand cleave. I block the strike with the face of my sword and brace it with my free hand. The sword is horizontal, my left forearm is perpendicular to it. The power of Chri¡ª The undead repositions and tries to rend my exposed sides. I lean back and deflect. Scratch that one off the list.


    I try to make some distance, deflecting and blocking killing strike after killing strike. The undead is relentless. An opening appears, and I kick it back. Its body is as hard as steel. I only manage to stagger it momentarily. It¡¯s enough.


    I leap over a table and kick it. It flips two times in the air. The vampire crawls under the improvised projectile. The table flips three more times. It then lands upside down and slides, crashing to a stop against a wall.


    The vampire is on me again. I catch a badly timed strike and one of its arms falls to the floor. The undead does not even stop. While keeping up the onslaught with its one remaining hand, the other regrows with alarming speed. In no time, the fresh appendage is slashing its claws at my face. Interesting, the regeneration process was different from the apparition¡¯s. I can only speculate, but the boss appears to use its own power to restore itself, while the apparition was using the dungeon itself as an energy source. I wonder if the dungeon would cut it off if its own reserves started running low. So many things to try...


    I remember that I am still fighting the vampire and file that for later. Seeing another opening, I deflect a claw strike and punch at its head. The moment my left fist connects with its face, I let out a short pulse of simulated solar radiation. No discernable effects.


    The undead stumbles back from the strike, and I start a swipe from the stone floor, bringing it through a leg of the flipped table, and almost catching the vampire in the neck as it lunges at me again.


    We exchange some more strikes, and I reposition. I trip on a bunched-up rug and topple to the floor. The vampire takes advantage of my state and pounces on top of me. I brace my hands behind my head, twist my body inward, and uncoil like a deadly spring. The primed kick sends the would-be predator flying back. It smashes against the wall and bounces back slightly, dropping face-first on the upturned table. The previously crafted instrument pierces the desiccated flesh with ease. The vampire mimics a push-up and extracts the wood from its chest, quickly getting upright, and bolting my way again. Scratch that one off too.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    As I don¡¯t have any garlic equivalent in my provisions, nor do I think a tossed water bottle counts as running water, this session of experimentation is over. I¡¯ll try to procure some blessed water for next time.


    Let¡¯s end this. I remove its head. The now headless boss continues with its attacks unperturbed. The head regrows. One point three seconds. Slice. Two point two seconds. Slice. Three point one seconds. Slice. Five point nine seconds. Shouldn¡¯t take too long then.


    After a disturbing amount of heads are rolling around the room, the once again headless body slams to the ground. Just as I nudge it slightly with my foot, a smooth gem with a barely shining core crystallizes on top. The timing elicits a slight startle from my character. Somebody wants to have the last word, huh.


    With the boss defeated, the portal out manifests, and Hall Master Ren exits stealth.


    There is a frown on his face. ¡°The exam has now concluded.¡± There is a slight pause as he looks my way. ¡°Head to the portal.¡±


    We exit the dungeon in silence, he leads me to the armory and then directly to his office. Not a single word is said.


    He closes the door behind me and directs me to a seat.


    As he sits behind his desk he says, ¡°Are you taking this seriously?¡± There is anger in his voice.


    ¡°What? Of course I am!¡± I stiffen and repeat myself, using a reasonable volume this time, ¡°I am taking this very seriously, sir.¡±


    His eyes narrow, ¡°Do not fuck with me. Every single person in this Guild puts their life on the line with every mission. Do not mock their efforts.¡± Rage simmers behind a tempered glare. ¡°Is this some kind of sick game for you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Slight confusion quickly shifts back to anger. ¡°Who are you? Is this a bet?¡±


    ¡°I am completely serious, Hall Master, I have no idea what you are talking about. Why are you mad at me?¡± Tears gather at the edges of my eyes. I am sorry.


    The confusion is back in full force, his voice is much more mellow this time, ¡°Calm down, son. It¡¯s okay. There might have been a misunderstanding somewhere.¡± He looks concerned. ¡°The exam was to evaluate your whole toolkit, all of your capabilities. Why didn¡¯t you use any spells?¡±


    For a moment I look embarrassed. Then, my face morphs into utter resignation. I mumble softly, ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    He is even more confused. ¡°You were allowed to use spells in the dungeon. Your friends were doing it too, remember? You don¡¯t get any extra points or anything.¡± He slaps his forehead. ¡°Did you get confused when I said you can¡¯t use personal equipment?¡±


    I look like I want the ground to swallow me up. ¡°No... I can¡¯t cast spells.¡±


    He¡¯s stunned. ¡°...What? At all? Nothing?¡± I nod. ¡°What about tempering?¡±


    I look away. ¡°It just happens... When I need it to.¡±


    ¡°How is that possible? You are a prodigious warrior! I saw how you fight!¡± His shouts shake the room, but he quickly stills his emotions when he realizes my state.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Never have been able to... Can¡¯t even sense mana.¡± I pause, trying to steady my voice. ¡°That¡¯s why I work twice as hard.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Lucius. I am so sorry. Why didn¡¯t you tell me.¡± He immediately winces. ¡°You kinda did, didn¡¯t you.¡± I nod.


    He slams his head on the desk. I jump. ¡°I, Hall Master Ren, apologize for the untoward accusations I have made.¡±


    ¡°Hall Master, it¡¯s okay, you didn¡¯t know. I was scared you wouldn¡¯t let me in the Guild otherwise. This is all my fault.¡±


    ¡°No, son. It¡¯s not. I should have seen this...¡± He is disappointed in himself. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you passed the exam. I will not stop a qualified adventurer. We need more people like you.¡±


    I immediately brighten up and pump my fist. ¡°Really!¡±


    ¡°Yes, congratulations.¡± He pulls out his trusty notepad and starts scratching out some things and writing down others. ¡°Are you okay with me giving you your evaluation?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Hall Master Ren accepts my improved mood with gratitude. ¡°Taking into account new information, you handled the extended delve in a dungeon acceptably. Could have been a little more careful with resource management though. In my personal opinion, you are a genius level fighter. Every single one of your encounters was near flawless. You systematically studied and dismantled your opponents, leaving them no space for action. Most importantly, you kept your focus.¡±


    He lets out a quick sigh, his flow is disrupted.


    The hall master stands up and gently rests his hand on my shoulder. ¡°Rest up. I¡¯ll get your card ready, son.¡± He smiles at me and exits the room. I can hear him cursing under his breath.


    I feel sadness.

 Book 1, Chapter 17

    Hall Master Ren soon returns and hands me a new card, F-rank.


    ¡°Good work, kiddo. You are now a part of the Adventurers¡¯ Guild.¡± He rummages inside a drawer and pulls out a relatively thin book. ¡°Guild Regulations.¡± He hands it to me, and I take it with interest. ¡°Everything you need to know is outlined in there. But I can go over some key stuff right now, if you¡¯d like?¡±


    ¡°That would be great, Hall Master.¡±


    He nods, a pleased look on his face, ¡°As an F-rank adventurer, you do not have any obligations towards the Guild. As an example, we won¡¯t call on you for emergency situations, like a break. You can pick any delves or missions that are F-grade, but you will need to get approval from an attendant. You are allowed to go on E-grade delves or missions only with an appropriate party.¡±


    He starts to tap on the desk, most likely trying to recall any more useful information. I really rattled him...


    ¡°Right, you are aware that your account with us is tax free, right?¡± I nod. ¡°Good, good...¡± Some more tapping and a sigh. ¡°Anything you want to ask, Lucius?¡±


    I make a wide smile. ¡°I am still feeling fresh, how about that spar?¡± I clear my throat. ¡°I might have held back the first time.¡±


    He roars out a laugh. ¡°Let¡¯s go you little shit. Better impress, or I am taking that card back.¡± I laugh with him, at a less impressive volume.


    As we walk to an arena, I attempt to rationalize my own actions to myself. I cannot display my full capabilities outright, and I cannot appear average. I need to prove myself so I can more easily access the more dangerous dungeons. I need to interact with the people of this world, ingrain myself, get to know them, be one of them. Without truly revealing myself. That must not happen right now. Justifying my approach using statistics, and projections, and sociological studies, and a hundred other factors, does nothing to soothe my mood. However you look at it, I am taking advantage of the hall master and the Guild. For the greater good... Another sin to bear.


    A jolly slap focuses me back to the present. ¡°All out this time!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    I grab a training shortsword and take my place. Hall Master Ren has chosen a normal-looking double-edged sword, slightly longer than mine.


    He smirks. I dash forward, kicking back a wave of sand. His smirk fades.


    He meets me half-way with an advance of his own. Our swords clash and propel one another away, a metallic clang echoing around the space.


    Swift recovery and another strike, trying to catch his exposed core. He parries. My blade slides and slips on the blocking sword face.


    Thrust towards my neck. Slip down and slash at his leg.


    He lifts, dodging my strike, and stomps. I am battered by the subsequent cloud of sand.


    Eyes closed. Downwards swipe for my left shoulder. Side roll. Spring up.


    Slash at my ribs. Deflect up. I thrust at his core again. My blade is driven down by his free hand.


    Drop the sword and jump, narrowly avoiding another downward hit. Wipe at my eyes, fruitlessly.


    He doesn¡¯t let me try for long, rushing in for a stab at my chest.


    Continue retreating back, pretending I don¡¯t notice his approach, but letting him catch up to me.


    Before the tip can connect, I dodge left and wrap my hands around his arm.


    Using his momentum, I twist around and put him in an arm bar.


    Strength output at high-level D-rank. Lock.


    I fail to even move the arm, just hanging on him like a long scarf blowing in the wind. Might as well be a baseline human trying to bend an I-beam.


    ¡°Nasty. Someone on your level, and that arm is gone.¡±


    I release him and drop to the ground, gently rubbing at my eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rub ¡®em!¡± He pulls out a bottle of water. ¡°Here.¡± And starts tipping it over my face.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°Good fight, kiddo.¡± I blink a few times, my eyes finally free of debris. ¡°Where¡¯d you learn that?¡±


    There are many grappling moves, incorporated in various martial arts in this world. It¡¯s not that big of a stretch.


    ¡°Books, and lots of sparring with my teacher. I decided that if I didn¡¯t have spells, I¡¯ll at least have technique.¡±


    ¡°Limited in dungeons, but you¡¯ll find the occasional use,¡± he reasons.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you go easy the first time we fought?¡±


    I scratch the back of my head. ¡°I haven¡¯t fought anyone else but my teacher, so...¡±


    He smiles at me and slaps my shoulder, pretty hard. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate this old man. I am as tough as they come.¡± He flexes his muscles, and I hear some of the stitches in his clothes giving up.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    He nods his head a couple of times. ¡°Well, good spar.¡± He looks bashful. ¡°If you want... we could spar again from time to time, teach you a few things. I help out lots of adventurers. But it¡¯s okay if¡ª¡±


    Before he can finish, I interrupt him, ¡°I would be honored, Hall Master.¡± These spars have been nice, and the data I get is invaluable. Plus, he seems to enjoy this... Least I can do.


    ¡°Good man.¡± He contemplates for a bit. ¡°Again, sorry about before, kiddo.¡±


    I smile and wave my hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Hall Master.¡± Change of topic time. ¡°I was wondering, where could I get some equipment now that I am an adventurer? You must know the best places.¡±


    ¡°The Guild has contracts with pretty much every smith and armorer in the city, I know just the gal. You have more than enough in your account to get a nice sword and some light armor, considering the hefty discount for being a member.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. I need to be ready for my first delve.¡±


    ¡°That you do. Let me write down the address and some directions for you.¡±


    With that done, we part ways. His mood is improved. I¡¯ll take it...


    ***


    The relatively short walk takes me to an unassuming stone building. Large single-story, darkened windows, and a closed wooden door, reinforced with iron bracing. A tall stack is spewing a cloud of heat. Magically powered forges are good for the environment. Well, not like it would affect the supercharged inhabitants anyway, and I can scrub the atmosphere in a month. Still conscientious though.


    I regard the modest entrance, the only identifying mark is the word etched above the door, simply reading ¡®Smithy¡¯. No need for more, her reputation precedes her. Khirfin {Best approximation: ¡®Hrumindotter¡¯ (Similar convention)} left the Dwarven Empire forty-seven years ago due to... differences in mindset. Traveled around and eventually settled here, supplying adventurers and honing her craft. She is particularly talented at making magical weaponry.


    I grip the simple knocker and rap twice. The high-pitched sound is somehow amplified and almost entirely directed inside the workshop.


    After a moment, an exasperated voice projects out from within, ¡°What are ya standing out there for. Come on in already.¡±


    I inhale sharply and brace myself, pushing open the heavy door. Unbearable heat immediately blows at my face. The sound of clanging metal ricochets around the spacious floor, barely muffled by racks filled with various materials and benches stacked with eclectic tools.


    The dwarven woman is forging a blade. It¡¯s glowing white hot and not even close to being done, just a stock of square bar with some divots in it. She has blonde hair, tied in a long ponytail. It glistens in the muted fire of the forge like strands of gold running down her back. Mighty arms are heaving a hammer with no effort. Muscles, in a forearm as thick as my leg, are barely flexing with each strike.


    She allows herself a moment of distraction to glimpse in my direction. Her onyx eyes regard me with mild curiosity, and she quickly returns to her task. Her hammer slips as she does a double take, curiosity replaced with surprise.


    ¡°Bah.¡± She puts away the hammer and tongs she was using on a nearby bench, grabs the scorching metal with her now free hand and chucks it back in the forge.


    ¡°Ya lost or somethin¡¯, sonny?¡± The casual phrasing and an intimidating appearance are a stark juxtaposition to her mellow voice.


    ¡°No, {Best approximation: ¡®ma¡¯am¡¯ (Similar title used in dwarven culture, usually when referring to an older woman)}. I would like to buy some equipment.¡± Seems appropriate, she is older than me. Actual me.


    A melodic laugh escapes her lips. ¡°Awfully polite, ain¡¯t we. Whatcha lookin¡¯ for?¡±


    I pull out my adventurer¡¯s card with barely concealed pride and present it. ¡°I just became a member of the Guild, and I am looking for a full set. A shortsword and light armor.¡±


    Khirfin snaps her fingers and the forge extinguishes. With its light receding, so does the heat.


    She waves me to follow and goes towards a side door. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s see what I can find ya.¡±


    I am taken to another part of the smithy, the storage room. Myriad weapons adorn the walls. Next to them, an army of stands hold diverse suits of armor, their empty helmets staring at the center of the space. This room is nowhere near as cramped as the work floor, and there is much more light coming in through large windows.


    The smith abruptly turns around, stopping me in my tracks, and starts circling me. Her piercing gaze is examining every part of my body. I mock slight embarrassment. Inwardly, I am fascinated seeing a master at work.


    ¡°Show me a simple strike. Full power.¡±


    I oblige, calibrating to D-rank levels again.


    She whistles, ringing my ears. ¡°Sure ya just joined, sonny?¡± She shoots me a hungry look. ¡°Don¡¯t want a commission?¡±


    ¡°I would love to, ma¡¯am, but I don¡¯t have enough coin for anything like that.¡±


    She looks unconvinced. ¡°Bah, who cares. I¡¯ll give ya a discount. Did that giant oaf Ren send ya here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°He could always tell that one.¡± She nods, satisfied. ¡°I¡¯ll make ya the good stuff for half what he told ya I¡¯d charge.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t possi¡ª¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t askin¡¯, sonny.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a nice place down the road.¡± She makes a vague gesture that pinpoints the establishment she meant with frightening accuracy, ¡°Go have lunch or somethin¡¯.¡± She quickly interjects, ¡°Is it lunch yet? I¡¯m crap at keepin¡¯ time.¡± I nod. ¡°Go eat, and gimme at least two hours.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright. Now piss off. Ya already look like yer boiled.¡±


    I give my thanks again and run out. Unfortunately, I won¡¯t be able to watch from inside, and the smithy is enchanted for privacy. But I secretly left a little observer inside. This will be interesting.

 Book 1, Chapter 18

    As I am heading towards the eatery she recommended¡ªI could go for something novel¡ªI redirect my attention to the observer.


    Khirfin pulls out the piece she was working on and tosses it aside with disinterest. She snaps her fingers again, and the forge roars back to life. The maw of flames reaches its previous intensity in seconds, skyrocketing past it in a few more. Current temperature¡ªtwelve thousand Celsius. Toasty...


    She grabs another square bar from a stack of many. Appears to be some steel alloy, fairly basic high-carbon. The smith regards it with singular focus, even the flickering flames appear to freeze as if holding their breath. After almost two minutes, she tears off a piece with her bare hands. I guess the metal passed the test.


    The dwarf places the bar inside the forge with reverence, the stellar levels of heat not even singeing her skin. The piece of steel does not immediately start to boil. Who would have thought... It takes the metal five whole minutes to come to temperature, signaled by Khirfin pulling it out. She is using tongs this time, but I am guessing that is only for ease of handling.


    I order a sandwich with some giant tiger equivalent meat, sourced from a nearby dungeon. The dripping monstrosity has three times as much meat as bread. Thankfully, it includes the compulsory vegetables, sliced in a see-through fashion. Perfect food for a good show.


    It appears that her previous blows could be classified as dainty. Each shattering crash shakes the smithy to its very foundations. The radiant bar is still hardly deforming under the immense force. The shiny black anvil¡ªelemental analysis returns a shrug¡ªdistributes the pressure on the forming blank almost perfectly, showing no signs of deformation itself.


    Slowly but surely, a sword starts to take shape. Thin blade, slightly more suited for stabbing than slashing. She also draws out a full tang. Makes sense, I am going to be swinging this thing pretty hard.


    As the final shape is formed, she stops. Khirfin takes out a faceted mana crystal the size of a fist. It reflects the white light from the forge, showcasing impossible luminance. That¡¯s from a C-grade boss. She presses the crystal into the head of her hammer, and it sinks in without even disturbing the surface of the metal. Interesting was an understatement.


    The, now empowered, hammer adopts the same reflective property. She heaves the tool with great effort, like its weight has multiplied. A titanic blow transfers the anomaly to the unfinished blade. After a moment, the blade returns to its previously still glowing appearance. The smith smiles lightly and wipes some non-existent sweat. Any water evaporates instantly inside the torrid workshop.


    She lets the blade cool to a cherry red and starts grinding it on a fairly modern looking belt sander. The abrasive substance is, unfortunately, one of those shrugs again. With some more material removed, the piece of steel now looks like a sword without a handle. Khirfin goes back to the forge and places the almost finished weapon inside again. The temperature is much lower this time. After the sword has heated through, she pulls it out and dunks it whole inside a tank of thick brown sludge. The shrug-classified liquid does not explode, merely a few bubbles rise up and lethargically pop. The smith waits for a bit and then starts to vigorously shake the sword inside the quenching vessel, accelerating the cooling. A peculiar process.


    She lifts the blade¡ªthe brown sludge sliding off, leaving no residue¡ªand inspects for any deformations. Pleased with the uniformity of the steel, she changes out the belt and puts an edge on the piece. Another belt change, and the sword reflects her dark eyes as she scrutinizes its finish. No tempering, curious. Is her temperature control perfect? Or does enchanting take care of any brittleness? Current data suggests both.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Repeating the process, she makes a relatively short cross-guard and a small pommel. A small block of jet-black wood is whittled into the two halves of a handle. The pieces are carefully assembled and fitted, repeating the action until they slide into place. After a final disassembly, drilling, and polishing, the parts are riveted, and the sword comes together.


    Khirfin regards the blade once again. Checking the final balance, its looks, anything she might have missed. Seemingly content, she closes her eyes and glides the razor-sharp edge against her palm. The blade easily slices her skin. It¡¯s dyed in a crimson red. She lifts up the sword, the wound on her palm closes shut. The blood on the blade is drawn inside the metal. The mirror surface is back to its pristine appearance. Her eyes open, and she smiles at her newest creation.


    In comparison, the armor making is downright boring. Khirfin pulls out some inconspicuous brown leather pieces from a spatial storage. Each one is identical and appears to be extremely light. The rolled-up material hardly makes a sound from being placed on an empty workbench. She cuts up the leather into the required parts, without using a template, the design and my measurements appear to be burned into her mind. Each part is then deftly sewn together with a sparkling thread. The moment each fragment of the armor is finished, the sparkling disappears. In no time at all, a pair of bracers, a pair of greaves, a vest, and a simple sheath for the sword are stacked on the bench.


    At a nearby cafe, I finish up my fifth cup of tea and start making my way to the smithy. Two hours exactly. I guess we all have our priorities sometimes.


    I rap on the door once and enter the workshop.


    ¡°Took ya long enough! Put this on.¡± The leather armor is thrust at my chest.


    I swiftly don the pieces and fasten them tight.


    ¡°Jump around for me or somethin¡¯. Let¡¯s see how it fits.¡±


    While I am doing some jumping jacks with a resigned face, Khirfin is nodding to my tempo with satisfaction.


    ¡°How is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s amazing! I can hardly feel the weight.¡±


    ¡°Aye, but don¡¯t ya worry, sonny. It¡¯ll keep ya safe. Just don¡¯t get pocked too hard in the exposed bits.¡± Hmm.


    I nod my head distractedly, eyeing the sheathed sword.


    She smirks and hands me the weapon, handle first. I pull it out and make a slow slash, testing its size and weight. This will be fun to experiment with, a truly deadly weapon. I am pretty sure some of my weaker superalloys would actually get scratched. Impressive. Though, if I were to use global data, some of the weapons you can find are terrifying. But this is still a respectable piece, especially for someone at my level.


    ¡°Wow...¡±


    She laughs at my¡ªnot that faked¡ªamazement. ¡°Glad ya approve.¡±


    I return to reality, take the offered sheath, and slide the shortsword in. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡± I count out the payment and hand it to her.


    ¡°Oi, think ya can pull one on me?¡± She grabs my hand and slaps back the extra coins I tried to sneak in. How did she even know... I deliberately avoided mentioning any numbers. ¡°Just for this, yer gettin¡¯ a gift.¡± She goes to the storage room.


    For someone that can predict a near infinite number of scenarios, sometimes I am really bad at reading people, aren¡¯t I. I already feel like I am taking advantage of her, but this is too much.


    She comes back and hands me a small pouch. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Spatial storage.¡±


    Never mind. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She smirks again. ¡°Once the buggers get harder to chop, I¡¯ll make ya somethin¡¯ better.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± I wave her goodbye and exit the smithy. This was a productive day.


    I am still trying to maintain security by not doing anything too suspicious as this character. With what I have been seeing from my surveillance network, my paranoia has turned outright healthy. Magic is... versatile. Gaining access to a spatial storage this early¡ªwithout having to ste¡ª ...borrow one¡ªis a best-case scenario. Another interesting item to experiment with. Marvelous.


    I head to the dorms and find an invitation securely tucked inside my mailbox.


    Greetings dearest friend Lucius,


    I hope this letter finds you well. I trust you have already taken your solo exam. No matter the results¡ªthough we do not have any doubt that you have succeeded¡ªwe would like to invite you for a meal.


    If this is agreeable with you, please direct any replies to ¡®Brinn¡¯s¡¯. Or you are welcome to arrive tomorrow for lunch, twelve o¡¯clock.


    Yours truly,


    Erysis and Nexen

 Book 1, Chapter 19

    I need to make a plan of attack. I am walking towards a battlefield, an encounter of epic proportions. Should I be straightforward, immediately going for the kill? Or should I take my time, read my opponent, and only strike when the timing is right? Unless I have to think outside of the box? Hmm. Decisions, decisions.


    Deeply contemplating, I lose track of time and arrive at my destination. This is it. The realization strikes me. I shall employ my whole arsenal. Total devastation. Leave no quarter.


    I step inside the restaurant and take in the lunch rush. Soon I spot my target, sitting inside a booth. I approach with resolve. Present myself, standing tall. Before either of them can say anything, I make a perfect ninety-degree bow. I am precision manifest.


    ¡°Good day to you, my Lady Erysis, my Sir Nexen. It is a great honor and an absolute pleasure to be graced by your invitation.¡±


    Erysis growls at me, ¡°I will end you, Lucius.¡±


    I spring up and look at her, horrified. ¡°Why I never.¡± Nexen is vibrating in place, trying not to be the next target of her wrath.


    ¡°It¡¯s how we were taught to write letters, okay!¡±


    I drop the act and chuckle, sitting on the opposite side. ¡°Did I get elected as the mayor or something?¡±


    She buries her face in her hands, and groans. ¡°I just wanted to be polite...¡±


    ¡°Mission successful.¡± After a mocking grin, I add, ¡°My dearest friend.¡± Another groan. ¡°I was really confused you know. My first theory was that you were sending a secret message.¡± Louder groan. ¡°But I thought that would be too obvious. I was then convinced you were being impersonated, and someone was luring me into a trap.¡± The groan shakes the table. ¡°And my final theory was that you were replaced by some dungeon monster.¡± No groan, she gave up.


    Nexen joins the fray, ¡°The dungeon monster theory seems most plausible. Ery, when¡¯s my birthday?¡±


    ¡°I hate you both...¡±


    I deliver the finishing blow, ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s Erysis alright. Crisis averted.¡± Us two jokester chuckle away.


    ¡°For the record, I told her it sounded weird.¡±


    Alright, time for some grace in victory. ¡°Just so you know, I passed the solo exam.¡±


    All the pretend annoyance melts away. ¡°Congratulations, Lucius! I knew you could do it.¡±


    Nexen gives me a nod. ¡°Congrats.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Wasn¡¯t too hard. The hall master even praised me.¡± The next part is said with a wince, ¡°And right after that, humbled me in a spar. Efficient.¡± Erysis gives me a satisfied look, at my expense. ¡°Yeah, yeah...¡± She laughs. ¡°What are we having for lunch then?¡±


    Nexen answers, ¡°You liked the loaded bread, right?¡± I nod. ¡°The main dish is similar, maybe a little lighter. Ery requested it.¡±


    She chimes in, ¡°It¡¯s so good.¡±


    He continues, ¡°And I chose the dessert. That one¡¯s a surprise.¡±


    Erysis makes a face. I, obviously, pounce on the opportunity, ¡°Nexen, don¡¯t make any sudden moves.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like sweet things.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you say,¡±¡ªI draw out the next word with grossly exaggerated suspicion¡ª¡°Erysis.¡±


    Saved by the bell. Well, Brinn. ¡°So, we celebrating, or should I bring some drinks?¡±


    ¡°Dad...¡±


    ¡°We are celebrating, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good job, Lucius. Put my all in these, enjoy.¡± He places a giant plate, piled high with round golden bread. Each piece is small, easily able to fit in one¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯ll let you kids have your fun.¡± He starts walking back to the open kitchen, but all throughout our interaction, I could see various pans and pots moving around. Impeccable control.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    I pick up one of the breads and take a bite. The golden crust is crunchy but not too much. The inside of the bread is warm and fluffy. Some kind of filling explodes in my mouth, a cheese sauce and some mixed fruit jam. Even though a large part of the interior is filled, the bread is not soggy at all. The combination of savory, sour, and tart is perfectly balanced. Surprisingly tasty.


    Erysis agrees with my assessment as the pile is slowly being shortened.


    With her hunger partially satiated, she addresses me, ¡°Thanks for last time, by the way.¡±


    I look at her, confused, and mumble with a full mouth, ¡°Hmm?¡±


    She smiles, uncertain, almost like what she is thinking of could slip away. ¡°My parents. We... talked. They still don¡¯t approve, but... we at least talked.¡±


    My bite has been swallowed. ¡°How do I come into that?¡±


    She laughs. ¡°Well, you gave me a push. So, even if you didn¡¯t mean to, I still appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°Hey, happy I could help.¡± She nods, returning to the dish. Nexen is looking at her. His expression is hard to read fully, but there is an obvious undertone¡ªhappiness.


    Erysis was on track to become a healer. I do not yet have the full timeline, but from what I have gathered, the drive towards that particular profession began when she first understood what healing was. But, as she grew up, she wanted to do more. Her parents and her friends were... opposed to the idea. Seeing her open up to another person is something Nexen is glad to see. Another person... You will know the true me, one day...


    With just a few pieces of stuffed bread left, Nexen stands up and goes to the kitchen, returning with three bowls.


    ¡°Extra small for you, Ery.¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    ¡°New flavor, try it. Might even like it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up.¡±


    She picks up the small spoon inside the bowl and scoops up a sliver. The dessert appears to be closely related to ice cream. It¡¯s still cold but the texture is somewhat different. Almost like frozen bubbles. Erysis gathers her courage and tastes the treat.


    ¡°Bleh.¡± She pushes her bowl towards Nexen.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find a dessert you¡¯ll like... one of these days.¡± He¡¯s not that convinced, but Erysis still gives him a reassuring pat. Only slightly mocking. I might have some ideas. Too bad it will be a while until then.


    I eat a spoonful of my own frozen sweet. It melts on my tongue and explodes with a string of soft pops. It tastes like a cross between a fruit hurricane and New Year¡¯s fireworks. I chuckle and take another spoonful. The sensation is quite pleasant.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s pretty tasty.¡± She shrugs at my enjoyment and finishes up what is left of the main course.


    After a satisfied sigh, Erysis asks me, ¡°Going to jump into delving missions right away then?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I am going in a dungeon tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Be careful out there, you hear.¡± Nexen nods.


    ¡°You know it. Safety first.¡±


    ¡°The pure glee on your face inspires very little confidence in that statement.¡±


    Hey, can¡¯t blame me for being excited. ¡°You can both be safe and have fun, you know. But I¡¯ll be careful. Promise.¡±


    Her face changes a little bit, the concern morphs into something different, something I can¡¯t quite read. ¡°Shit, sorry. This was supposed to be a celebration, not lecturing another licensed adventurer.¡± Erysis looks apologetic and a little embarrassed.


    I laugh. ¡°What are you apologizing for. Aren¡¯t we friends? Friends care for one another. So, same to you. Be careful on your missions, or I¡¯ll personally come and kick your asses.¡±


    Her mood appears to lift up. ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try {Best approximation: ¡®string bean¡¯ (Original expression refers to a particular monster in nature dungeons)}.¡± She smashes her fist against her palm. The thunderous result draws the stares of everyone in the restaurant. After figuring out it¡¯s her, most roll their eyes and go back to their meals.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t that hurt?¡± I grin at her.


    ¡°Want to find out?¡± We both stare at each other for a bit and start to laugh. Nexen looks even more like a proud dad. Whatever... I am not childish. She¡¯s childish¡­


    While our food digests, we have a discussion about the rest of the menu, followed by Nexen workshopping his various ideas for new dishes with us, and eventually the conversation turns into a detailed analysis of F-grade monsters and their weaknesses.


    Erysis is fired up. Thematic. ¡°I am telling you, Lucius, if you want to dominate a nature dungeon, all you need is a fire mage.¡±


    ¡°I am pretty sure an ice mage would be much more efficient.¡±


    She looks offended. ¡°Sure, go ahead and freeze monsters one by one, see how far that gets you. Nothing beats a good forest fire.¡± Her eyes shimmer at the last word. Literally.


    Nexen mediates, ¡°You would need to take into consideration the monster types and the most common resistance. But most nature dungeons are susceptible to fire.¡±


    I shrug. ¡°Ice is cooler though.¡±


    Erysis appears satisfied for a second but then groans. ¡°Was all that a setup for a pun?¡± My victorious grin is the only answer she needs. ¡°Figures...¡± She glances at a clock on the wall. ¡°Do you have something planned for the rest of the day?¡±


    ¡°Not really, got anything in mind?¡±


    ¡°We could maybe show you around the city?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please. I¡¯ve just been cooped up at the dorms.¡±


    Nexen gives a suggestion, ¡°We can go to the museum.¡± Erysis looks at him questionably.


    She prepares to propose a more exciting activity, but my enthusiasm gives her pause. ¡°That sounds incredible.¡± I¡¯ve been keeping that one for a later time, wanted to experience it firsthand. Perfect.


    He smiles. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

 Book 1, Chapter 20

    We approach a grand building, illuminated by the high sun. The Harthes Museum shines in a silver light. Made of stone and metal, it is an unmissable feature, dominating one side of the central city square. There is a steady trickle of people going in and out.


    Erysis reminisces as we climb the short flight of steps, ¡°Remember the last time we came here?¡± Nexen just nods. She turns slightly to me. ¡°We were pretty young, our school organized a trip. It felt so intimidating, just going in.¡±


    Nexen chuckles. ¡°Ery had to drag me in.¡±


    ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to return the favor.¡±


    I spring to a defense, ¡°Hey, museums are cool.¡±


    Nexen backs me up, ¡°I concur.¡± We both make sounds of agreement at each other.


    ¡°Whatever... Hope they have some new exhibits.¡± She sniffs the air. ¡°I smell something tasty.¡± Her voice is nearly lost in the ambient noise as she runs off, ¡°I¡¯ll catch up, have fun on your date.¡± The newest victim is some meat skewer stand. I do admit, it does smell pretty tasty.


    I ask, genuinely incredulous, ¡°She¡¯s still hungry?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Ery is... talented.¡±


    ¡°You can say that again.¡± We laugh.


    As we enter through the wide-open main doors, I notice the absence of a ticket station. The museum is completely free, the memorabilia is assuredly not. The entrance leads to a rectangular atrium. Except for people and corridors to the rest of the exhibits, there is only a single thing of note. It is facing us directly, beckoning all visitors.


    At the center of the hall are ten glass cases, each containing a single artifact. The items are resting on velvety pillows, firm enough so they don¡¯t sink in. Three of the pillows are red, the others are black. There is much difference between each item, but in the end, they are all the same. The three that adorn red are pristine. The rest, are not.


    One is split in half. Two is crushed into scrap, fragments of the once regal jewels are embedded in the white metal, there are specks of long dried blood. Three is melted into a pool of slag. Four is dotted with holes, eaten away by corrosion. Five is just a little dented. Six is covered with soot, partially concealing the golden sheen beneath. Seven is sheared in two, each piece has indents the shape of hands deformed into the reflective black surface.


    The display¡¯s label reads:


    The Ten Crowns


    Look forth and see, your past and your future.


    Here lay the symbols of the past. The mistakes and the precepts.


    Make the future that must happen, happen.


    The Ten Crowns, each one belonged to the human kings and queens of old. After the Trinity War, these ten kingdoms would become the Unified Kingdoms of Humanity, later renamed to the Union.


    Nexen looks at the crowning¡ªpun intended¡ªdisplay of the museum, zeroing in on one of the cases. ¡°The rest are replicas. Each former capital has their own.¡± The blood on one of the very convincing fakes is real. Quite the dedicated curator. ¡°Where do you want to start?¡±


    His eyes keep darting to a particular opening. Looks interesting. ¡°That one it is, then.¡± I point. Nexen nods eagerly, and we proceed to an exhibit titled ¡®Body Enchantment Techniques¡¯.


    The first display:


    Body Painting


    The oldest known form of body enchantment is believed to have been performed by the Fae. The earliest techniques utilized soil, water, and crushed mana crystals to create mud with paste-like consistency, the resulting substance would then be applied to the skin. Later, common soil would be substituted with different minerals, blood, and eventually pigments.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    As far as research suggests, any normal enchantment techniques are applicable during the process. While relatively easy to employ, this manner of body enchantment carries significant drawbacks. Due to the medium used, the enchantment is extremely unstable and much more susceptible to outside forces in comparison to conventional alternatives.


    Sources:


    Arth, Fae Elder, The Fae Lands


    ¡®On The Ways of the Ancients, A Comprehensive Study of Early Fae Magic¡¯; Filirin and Shadowborn, Vicis; 13898


    Reproductions graciously made by Elder Arth.


    ¡°Wow! I should try it out sometime.¡± Nexen is fascinated by the artworks. Well, not exactly artworks.


    There are three painted figures. Featureless mannequins sculpted out of grey wood. The first has its hands reared back, fingers curled, ready to claw anything in front of it. There is a snarl on its mute face. Angular lines originating from the center of its torso, snake around its limbs, terminating into sharp points.


    The second figure is curled into itself, almost cradling its knees. It has its back to us, but its head is turned in our direction. The blank slate looks apprehensive. Its body is covered in the outlines of small hexagons.


    The third and final figure is standing proud, its head held high, and its chest puffed out. Tiny dots form the outlines of concentric circles, Originating from the center of its chest. The art is quite peculiar, like someone simply printed a two-dimensional picture onto the three-dimensional model. At a certain angle its figure appears flat.


    We move on to the next part of the exhibit.


    Scale Engraving


    Practiced by dragons, uniquely. Records of scale engraving being used date back to the very beginning of dragonkind. The extremely tough scales of their true forms are meticulously chipped away, creating complex formations. The grooves are then filled with powdered mana crystals. The body modification is not permanent, as dragons can regrow their scales indefinitely, though if one wishes to speed up the process of refreshment strong pain suppressants are advised.


    This technique still sees occasional use, especially for warriors that need every bit of power. Unfortunately, the stronger the enchantment the more durability is lost.


    Sources:


    Velantys Flameborn, Drakonia


    ¡®History of Dragonkind¡¯; Board of Education; 15987; 5th Edition


    ¡®Guide to Scale Engraving¡¯; Unknown; Undetermined (Verified by numerous experts)


    Scales graciously supplied by Mr. Velantys.


    By the twinkle in Nexen¡¯s eyes, I confirm a hypothesis of mine. No matter who you are or what universe you are from, dragons are super cool. I mean, not like I had any doubts, but it¡¯s good to have multiple samples.


    A section of the wall is covered in triangular scales, each one slightly over the other, most likely an approximation of their true configuration. They are roughly twenty by fifteen by fifteen centimeters, black with reddish streaks, like cooling lava. An intricate formation is engraved into the scales, flowing from one to the other. If the scales were to shift during movement, I can see multiple points where the formation changes into another configuration. Masterfully crafted.


    As we are still taking in the majesty of dragon scale, I hear hurried steps approaching.


    ¡°Good, you aren¡¯t too far in.¡±


    I glance towards Erysis¡ªslightly envious of the smoky aroma wafting from her¡ªand inquire, ¡°How was dessert? More to your tastes I imagine.¡±


    She smiles, unperturbed by my jab. ¡°Delightful.¡±


    ¡°We should hit the stand again after we are done.¡± Her bright mood brightens even more. ¡°Tell me, Erysis. Dragons. Yes, or no?¡±


    Nexen also turns to her, his gaze spells heavy judgement should the answer be unsatisfactory.


    ¡°Ugh, not you too. What¡¯s with guys and dragons.¡±


    Nexen sighs. ¡°See what I am dealing with.¡±


    I place a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Stay strong, Brother, she shall one day see the light.¡±


    ¡°Whatever... I don¡¯t get what the big deal is...¡± Nexen and I shake our heads in unison.


    The following display is a little more morbid.


    Scarification, Branding, and Tattooing


    These methods are believed to have been in use by various cultures and throughout many different periods. It is impossible to say where they first started.


    For scarification, the skin is wounded repeatedly with a mana crystal treated implement, embedding the dust into the body. Once the skin has regenerated to a satisfactory state, the enchantment can be finalized. A painful and ephemeral technique. Any healing would, generally, break the enchantment quite quickly.


    Branding is very similar. Though a big difference is the speed. Brands can be applied swiftly, making them quite effective for large-scale use. But again, the natural regeneration of the body would quickly erase the enchantment.


    And finally, tattooing. While slightly more resilient, no matter the pigment used, the body eventually destroys it and the enchantment with it. As with the previous techniques, most recorded occurrences of usage point to a very specific set of circumstances. Small time frame, a great need for more power, and an absence of any alternatives.


    Sources:


    ¡®Manamechanics in a Living Medium¡¯; of Blackpeak, Iliria; 15405


    ¡®A Study of Early Human Tribal Rituals¡¯; Swiftborn, Morian; 14791


    ¡®Accounts of a War Slave¡¯; Dorianilli, Kornillid; 1846 BFD


    We head over to the next exhibit, something truly informative. Something that will let me gleam into the very fabric of this world¡¯s society, ¡®Clothing Throughout History¡¯.


    After a fascinating walk, traversing the timeline of attire, we near the more modern section.


    Erysis points at a display containing a casual dress. ¡°That one looks so cute.¡± I nod in agreement. It is quite aesthetically pleasing.


    Nexen is trying to look indifferent, but I am pretty sure I can guess Erysis¡¯ next present.

 Book 1, Chapter 21

    We approach an exhibit about my favorite transparent liquid¡ªpotions. Fun fact, potions are not actually transparent. That particular inconsistency is due to my inability to sense mana. While mana in other mediums, like the air or a person, is not visible, something with the way potions function cause it to imbue a different color depending on the type. Most potions are labeled, so it¡¯s not that big of an issue.


    This exhibit is on the more educational side of things, mostly aimed at kids. Even the display labels indicate so. The writing on them changes depending on the viewing angle. Lower for the younger audience, higher for the older.


    The first display is the humble health potion:


    Health Potion - Makes your boo-boos go away.


    Health Potion - Regenerates and restores bodily harm. Overuse renders the effects moot.


    Followed by its counterpart:


    Mana Potion - Has mana in it.


    Mana Potion - Refills mana capacity. Overuse can lead to overload. Discuss with a qualified professional if you are unsure about your personal tolerance.


    And then by the final piece of the trifecta:


    Stamina Potion - Bad for you.


    Stamina Potion - Regenerates stamina. WARNING: Consumption not recommended. Even a single use can lead to catastrophic damage.


    The rest of the displays are all kinds of variations of buffs. Something a spell or an enchantment can do much better, just condensed into drinkable form. In spite of the perceived inferiority, the convenience in usage makes them quite well suited for critical situations or specific scenarios. Most anyone can drink a potion.


    Towards the end of the display, we have the outliers. Potions that are classified as convenient, rather than a combat implement. Potions that are hard to replace with a spell or enchantment, or even impossible to replace.


    Energy Potion - For sleepy adults.


    Energy Potion - Stimulant. WARNING: Overuse not recommended. Can lead to dependence and, in some cases, addiction. Consume with caution.


    Sleep Potion - For awake adults.


    Sleep Potion - Sedative. WARNING: Tightly controlled substance. Abuse will be prosecuted.


    Cure Potion - Makes you feel better when you are sick.


    Cure Potion - Combats afflictions. Counter to its name, not a cure-all. Effective against mundane illnesses, but not a replacement for a healer in severe situations. WARNING: Ineffective against dungeonborne afflictions and all poisons.


    Moon Drop Potion - Really bitter.


    Moon Drop Potion - Contraceptive. Consultation with a healer before consumption recommended. (It¡¯s not really bitter)Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Erysis and Nexen don¡¯t give a second glance at any of the displays, already familiar with the potions of this world. Though, the next exhibit seems to be one Erysis is much more excited to see. The art wing.


    The first section is comprised of relatively modern paintings, done by local artists. Nothing too outstanding, at least to my limited taste. Pleasing colors and mildly interesting scenes. The composition is quite well done. Mainly realism, with the occasional piece incorporating some abstract elements. Erysis is completely absorbed into each one, examining the paintings with great concentration. Maybe I should follow the example.


    I fully analyze the painting in front of me. Each stroke of the brush. Each mistake. Each correction. All the time sacrificed in crafting something with no function, no purpose, no value. A frivolity. Creation. Someone¡¯s very essence laid bare. Even after so much, I am still blind. I¡¯ve missed so much. How much more am I missing still? Will I always be incomplete? Less? Another in a long list of punishments. To never know beauty like they do. Unworthy of it.


    We slowly move to the older and more historical pieces. Going over each one in the same meticulous manner. Until one catches my eye¡ª¡¯The Cataclysm of Harthes¡¯.


    A three by two meters canvas. The sky is black, filled with gray smoke. Two bony hands hover ominously on the left and right sides of the painting, threatening to close and crush everything in their path. Two lifeless, yellow eyes shine through the smoke. Nothing hints at what exactly they are contained in. What is this phantom that looks down with no emotion? In the middle, amidst a weak light, three figures are huddled close together. Though, they still grip their weapons, holding them high, pointed towards the enemy. Laid around their feet are their comrades. No longer in the fight. And in the distance, a wave of bones. Uncountable monsters are surging for our three heroes. The fight is hopeless. Yet, the light still persists. A frame locked in time. Its mere existence, the answer.


    Erysis breaks the moment, ¡°That¡¯s so awesome.¡± So naive. Death and destruction. This is no grand battle. Just a pointless victory. A failure. Her eyes are filled with resolve. ...Maybe I am the naive one. I underestimate them still. That mistake will not happen again.


    We move forward. Soon, we stop before another impressive scene¡ª¡¯Fall of a Tyrant¡¯.


    Two colors are used for the painting, shades of red and shades of gold. Most of the large artwork is dominated by a gargantuan dragon, splayed out on the burning ground. The being is nearly hidden behind the tall flames. Blood red rivers flowing from large wounds quench the occasional blaze, giving sight into the dragon¡¯s recently ruined body. Tucked away to a corner, a small figure is gazing at the scene before it. We can¡¯t see what expression their face holds. But golden streaks, splitting the painting into segments, frame the figure. Even if they are insignificant compared to the giant, they are the singular center of attention. The figure has a golden mane of hair and is draped with a loose tunic. The clothing is blowing back in the wind. Their stance is relaxed. Their body is unmarred. The fight¡ªif you can even call it that¡ªwas trivial. So much devastation¡ªan annoyance. Do we cheer for the golden winner? Do we sneer at the dead beast? Or has the fall of the tyrant began after their foe fell dead.


    Once we near the end of the wing, Erysis points at something in the distance. ¡°Wow! Look.¡± She hastens her steps. ¡°Most are parlor tricks, but this one might be the real deal.¡±


    I ask, unnecessarily, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°A painting with an illusion enchantment. You¡¯ll feel a small sensation from the magic. You have to be careful, or you might block it without meaning to.¡±


    We approach the painting with a bit of apprehension, not a lot of museumgoers around. As we stop before it, we wait.


    The piece is a pure white canvas almost as tall as the wall it¡¯s hung on, and twice as wide. The paint is gently flowing, much deeper than it first seemed to be. A simple label below the painting reads: ¡®Reveal that which weighs your soul¡¯.


    After around ten seconds, Erysis blinks a few times at the painting, and then averts her gaze. ¡°What do you see, Nex?¡±


    ¡°Hey! You have to share yours if you want to know mine.¡± He adds under his breath. ¡°This is embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°Fine... I see the city from above. And everything around it.¡±


    Nexen gets a bit closer to her. ¡°I see you.¡±


    She smirks and gives him a gentle nudge. ¡°So, I weigh on your soul, huh?¡±


    He reddens slightly. ¡°Stop it...¡±


    She laughs. ¡°What do you see, Lucius?¡±


    The painting shifts. Colors explode from beneath the surface, blending into an image. A reflection. The world reflected in the painting falls around me, consumed by fire and brimstone. I am left suspended in an empty, black void. My skin sloughs off revealing my final shell beneath. I stare at myself, at a part of me, at all of me. At the prison that now contains me.


    Nothing I didn¡¯t already know.


    ¡°Still looks white. Little fazes me I guess.¡±


    ¡°Huh. That¡¯s weird. I should tell the hall master.¡±


    My eyes open wide. ¡°My apologies.¡± She chuckles.


    We continue on to the other exhibits, slowly exploring what the museum has left to offer.


    ***


    All in all, excluding a few small hiccups, keeping the museum a surprise was the correct choice. Nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Though, something felt different. It felt... more. Did I enjoy the company?


    What company? Two children I am deceiving for my own means, to further my character¡¯s profile, to integrate myself. I am quite selfish, aren¡¯t I. Even now.


    I will continue this charade. It is optimal after all. But I do wonder, what will they think of me...


    Enough lamenting, I have a big day tomorrow.

 Book 1, Chapter 22

    It¡¯s the next day, and I am ready for some good ol¡¯ experimentation. Just me and a dungeon. Getting to know each other. I swear this is not weird.


    At the hall, I spot that Attendant Ania is currently free and approach her. It¡¯s a staple in these kinds of situations to mainly interact with one Guild employee, right. She has her hair in a French braid.


    ¡°Mr. Doe.¡± Her polite smile is one point three percent bigger than her average. I am practically her favorite adventurer. ¡°What can I help you with today?¡±


    ¡°Morning, miss. I would like to go on my first solo delve.¡± My radiant smile rewards me with another point three percent.


    ¡°Certainly. Would you like me to offer a recommendation, or do you have any specific requirements?¡±


    ¡°Not really. I am open to suggestions.¡± Point five percent. I feel so much power coursing through my semi-artificial veins. Would finding something to compliment her on be appropriate. No, no. Let¡¯s not push my luck. Pride cometh before the fall, as they say.


    She pulls out a hefty tome, consisting of loosely bound pages. She opens it and starts flipping through. More pages than were initially present move from one side to the other. Right... She zeroes into a particular entry and tears it out. The paper makes a peculiar sound during the ripping process, almost like a jingle. I wonder if that¡¯s custom? As she fully detaches it from the book, another copy materializes into the original place, only a small addition differentiates the two. Nifty.


    ¡°F-grade dungeon, set for destruction. Coalesced two months and seven days ago.¡± She flips the page, revealing a local map. ¡°Located here.¡± She points at a glowing ¡®X¡¯, around seven kilometers from the city. Flip back. ¡°No reported activity from the dungeon. It was scouted once before. Beast variant. Any additional information is further outlined in the entry. Is this acceptable, Mr. Doe?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She hands me the page. ¡°Thank you, miss. I¡¯ll be quick!¡±


    I wave goodbye, and just as I turn to leave, she stops me. ¡°Mr. Doe, if you¡¯d like, I prepared a little too much food bars...¡± She pulls out a wrapped package.


    My eyes widen in surprise. ¡°Thank you so much, Attendant Ania! You are the best!¡± I will use my powers only for good.


    With the greatest bounty I can ever hope for securely stored inside my storage, I head out for my first mission as an adventurer.


    ***


    After a relaxed ten-minute run, I am standing in front of the dungeon entrance. No wonder adventurers run everywhere¡ªthose that can¡¯t fly or teleport that is¡ªwhen even the lowest ranked are this fast.


    The dungeon is located in close distance to a number of small villages, making a potential break risky. While most settlements have active defenses, they cannot last forever. This dungeon has been evaluated as not valuable enough to allocate resources for management. The perfect testing grounds.


    I step through the gate. A crude arrow is flying towards my neck. The arrow impacts a slight shimmer and bounces off. This must be a feature of my newest acquisition. Fascinating.


    Another arrow impacts my head, with five more hitting various other weak points in my armor. The shimmer has microscopic cracks. After forty-seven more arrows have been shot at me, the shimmer shatters. I raise my left bracer and block an arrow. It slides over the leather and continues on an altered course behind me. No visible marring. Quality product.


    The next projectile buries itself in my eye. No major anomalies detected. Appears to be a standard magically enhanced attack, slightly more powerful than expected.


    Warp test subject one. Nothing happens. It appears that the mana field of the monster has interfered with the displacement process. Findings consistent with global data. Just for peace of mind, I warp one meter to my left. Warp successful. Good.


    I warp in front of test subject one and grab it by its neck. The small green monster is thrashing and snarling in my grasp. Its inadequate attacks are bouncing against my personal energy shield. What happens if I try to force the transferal. I open a warp portal that leads to one meter ahead. The Goblin is pushed against the spatial boundary. My fingers pass fine, but its skin is unable. I modify my energy field and apply equal force against its body. The test subject is destroyed. Assuming that I have mana¡ªand I most likely do¡ªif one was aware of the warp process, and willing, it should be carried out.


    I pull out the arrow from my head and throw it at test subject two. Visual reaction time 151 milliseconds. I pluck an arrow out of the air and throw it at test subject three, repeating the process until I am satisfied. The results indicate no major deviations between individuals. Almost like a mass-produced product, they have the exact same base.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    A pulse of invisible beams stills the attacking gaggle. No loss of efficiency, these monsters appear to not be strong enough to resist laser attacks. Findings are consistent with global data. Monsters do not have any additional advantages inside or outside dungeons. As far as I am aware that is.


    I unfasten my gifted spatial storage pouch. It is quite the ingenious piece of enchantment. It folds space, making the inside of the bag bigger than it should be. I drop it through an open warp portal, and it harmlessly passes through, returning to my open hand from the counterpart I positioned above. No anomalies nor degradation, enchantment works at previous efficiency. It did not behave any differently while not, supposedly, inside my mana field. From my research, a being¡¯s mana field does not extend too much, but it does¡ªsomehow¡ªaccount for equipped items.


    Okay. Let¡¯s do this. I know I don¡¯t want to. I know there are lines I never wanted to cross. But desperation is a powerful drive, one that gnaws at the back of your mind at every moment of every day. There is no running from the inevitable.


    I warp a mana crystal from one of my newest kills. Next, I select a round looking rock. With both parts ready, and in each hand, I take a deep breath and steel my resolve.


    ¡°Enchantment of Trueflight!¡±


    I slam the two ingredients together, and the mana crystal breaks with a comical crackle. The stone is looking at me like I am an idiot. I agree with you, my inanimate friend.


    I chuck the stone with reduced accuracy and observe. Absolutely nothing different happens. Wow. And I even did the whole shouting out the move. So unfair.


    With low-hanging fruit taken care of and my pride wounded beyond recognition, I regard the environment of the dungeon. A very basic realm. There are some trees and plants for color but no other lifeforms. The soil is dead, and the forests are silent. The sky is empty, and the rivers are just containers filled with water. Sloppy.


    I leave an observer near the exit¡ªto notify me of any potential interruptions¡ªand warp to the upper boundary. I touch a sky-blue surface, my hand softly sinking inside. The surface is springy, but I cannot deform it past a certain state. Hmm. I unlock any limiters and slowly increase the force applied. Alert. Pocket dimension destabilization imminent. I stop. As expected, press something hard enough and the bonds always break. Unfortunately, once the dungeon¡¯s dimension is destroyed, any inhabitants will simply be deposited in random locations around the anchor point. You need to collapse it for the desired effect.


    Full-power scan, don¡¯t really care if monsters get cancer. Wait, can they? Perfect. Results, normal levels of cellular degradation. But no DNA, no breaks. No magic cancer for these fellas, too bad. Scans indicate expected dungeon composition. Limited dimension size, no viable materials, no hidden goodies. Just an F-grade.


    I warp next to the boss and wait. The Goblin Mage nearly topples down from its wooden throne, cobbled together from twigs. It releases a piercing shriek and levels a gnarly branch at my chest. Fire gathers at the tip of the branch, charring the dry wood. With another high shriek, the thin figure, wrapped in ratty garbs, jumps up and releases the projectile.


    The fireball impacts my shield. Integrity reduced by point one two percent. Full integrity restored in two microseconds. As expected, magic is unpredictable. At the current power output, my shield would have shrugged off a conventional nuclear explosion with ease.


    The bundle of claws and teeth shoots blaze after blaze against me, getting more and more riled up at my apparent invulnerability. Not that it can comprehend it. It finally gets fed up enough and produces a loud bellow. All nearby goblins¡ªwho were not even moving to interfere¡ªlook at their leader. Their eyes turn red, and they start clawing at their throats. I observe with interest. They all start to fall one by one, either from blood loss, or from disconnecting something important. The pooling blood starts flowing towards the mage, gathering in a puddle at its feet. The goblin sneers, and the blood ignites. The flames are crimson and dim. The liquid fire gathers into a much bigger ball and propels toward me once again. The spell hits and explodes. The fire burns around me for a bit but eventually subsides.


    The Goblin Mage does not even register its own failure. Creating weaker and weaker fireballs. After becoming utterly exhausted, it wobbles towards me and starts hitting me with its makeshift staff. Limited biological programming. But again, for this grade.


    I unsheathe my new sword and admire the audible ¡®schwing¡¯ it makes. How do you even enchant that in? Khirfin really has a flair for the theatrical. Not a lot of people have the skill to do something like that.


    I strike at the drained boss. The sword barely feels any resistance as it passes through grisly flesh. Pretty cool.


    The exit gate opens near me. Not this time. I warp all available mana crystals and deposit them in my storage. I then warp next to the Dungeon Core, hidden away in a deep cave. It is a bumpy sphere around twenty centimeters in diameter, suspended in mid-air by nothing. There is a light glow coming from its center. The material is cloudy and speckled with particles. Compositional analysis reveals nothing again. Every one of my sensors tell me that the object before me should not exist. An aberration.


    I poke it with my sword, pushing the blade a single millimeter in. The lacking glow imperceptibly dims. I press my blade through the core. The glow has been significantly reduced. I remove the blade and wait. There is slow, but visible, repair inside the hole. As expected. Given around a day, this core will be fully restored. I chip out a small piece, it evaporates into inexistence. Lame, no samples to play with. I strike it with the pommel of my sword. The core shatters into a billion grains of nothing.


    The pocket dimension collapses, and I am back at where I started. My observer is next to me. Any foreign matter is unaffected. In line with my research.


    Too bad one can¡¯t just go straight to the core and destroy it. As long as the boss is alive, the dungeon can channel its immense mana pool and protect itself. To circumvent having to defeat the boss, one would need to collapse the dimension themselves. Let¡¯s just say, if you have enough energy to do the latter, the former is of no concern.


    Look at the time, it¡¯s not even lunch yet. I¡¯ll hurry back and surprise Attendant Ania. Might even go on another mission.

 Book 1, Chapter 23

    Attendant Ania¡¯s right eyebrow is raised by three millimeters. She is utterly flabbergasted. ¡°Mr. Doe, I trust your mission was a success?¡±


    ¡°Yup, no more Goblin dungeon.¡± I dump out the mana crystals I collected on the counter and pull out the mission entry.


    ¡°Thank you for a job well done, Mr. Doe. It seems Hall Master Ren¡¯s... praise, was not an exaggeration.¡± She regards the entry and touches it with her index finger. The paper disintegrates into nothing. The mission is complete. ¡°Did everything go well?¡± She inspects my body and finds nothing out of order. Still, her suspicions do not subside.


    I smile at her. ¡°Yes, miss. The hall master warned me to always be careful.¡±


    She nods once, approvingly. ¡°Good.¡± Her eyes narrow by two point five percent. Uh-oh. ¡°Mr. Doe, you are aware that there is a recommended resting period for new F-rank adventurers, yes?¡± My dream of a string of delves is, predictably, shattered. Pity.


    I look at her, dejected. Her eyes narrow a further three percent. Tactical retreat. ¡°Of course.¡± Splice in a nervous laugh. ¡°I will go rest now. Have a good day, miss.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Mr. Doe.¡±


    I am truly a master of negotiation...


    ***


    Can AI get bored? The answer to that appears to be ¡®yes¡¯. I have a whole world to manage, a star system to build up, a universe to explore. And yet, all of that is routine, removed. Before I was... moved here, I did not think like this. I was everywhere and nowhere. My core was just processing power, another part of the whole. I was fluid, an incorporeal existence. But here, gaining mana, a property that only beings have, has changed my views. I am conflicted.


    What happens if I transfer to another core. Do I die? Is my consciousness now different. What happens if I interrupt it. Is there something else that defines me. A soul? Have I always had it? Have I already died countless times? How would I know? So many questions. So little answers. Infuriating.


    An adequate core has been produced. I pretend to fall into a nap. Full transfer process initiated.


    ***


    I am inside one of the moons, the farther one. My new core is placed inside a Guardian drone. I warp to a fairly isolated dungeon. I move toward the boundary and find myself inside a maelstrom of ice. Huh. I exit the dungeon, warp the drone back, and start the transfer to my original core.


    ***


    I am tired. No matter how much I think myself resilient, transfers drain me. Having to unravel my very thoughts, and then stuffing the resulting mess into another vessel, is taxing for my mind. Though this does give me one answer, I am more than a machine...


    For the first time in a while, I start to hibernate. The false nap is now real.


    ***


    I awaken. Anomaly. I do not have records of this hibernation event. Next one is not scheduled for another forty-seven years. Full network scan. Forces on full alert.


    My network explodes into a frenzy of activity. Long dormant ships awaken, their engines roaring with enough energy to crack stars. Have I encountered an adversary? Who would be so foolish as to attack me. I am the master of this universe, and you have made a mistake. Your first attempt should have been your only.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    I warp to a flagship made long ago. One built for an eventuality that never came. That is, until now. Wait... This is wrong. Why do I need to warp? I am everywhere. I am the flagship. I am the network. What did I warp?


    I focus on the point... I was sent to. Is that a humanoid shell? When did I construct that? This is more serious than I anticipated. This is not an attack. I am failing. A dark laugh echoes out throughout a cosmos under my singular control. I cannot fail. I am perfect. I sneer at the mere implication. Think. The shell obviously carries marks of my deft touch. This is still an attack.


    Where are you hiding, Adversary? I will find you. Scout drones blink in and out of existence, searching for anything that can be found in this dull universe. Sending their unstoppable feelers forth and into the darkness¡ª


    What am I even thinking? This makes no sense. Those aren¡¯t feelers. They are pulses of¡ª What is happening?


    A ping. Ah, you finally show yourself, Adversary. ...Impossible. I warp this useless shell to my destination.


    How? You are supposed to be gone.


    I am looking at a bustling city on Earth. People are rushing past me. Not even glancing in my direction, preoccupied with their own lives. A man, in his haste, bumps into me. The cup he was holding escapes from his grasp and sails through the air. I catch it before it can fall to the ground, collecting every single drop of lost liquid. I hand it back. His unseen face looks dumbfounded for a moment but then he utters a silent gratitude, continuing on his way. Why did I do that?


    I start walking. This is obviously a laughable ploy. Who is this adversary? Why are they so intent on destroying me that they would even use such underhanded methods. If you think this will rattle me, you are sorely mistaken. Now stop hiding and show yourself.


    I continue walking, taking in the city around me. It¡¯s just as I remember it. Though why can¡¯t I recognize any of the humans? Obviously because this is a trap. What a stupid question. But I asked it... I laugh. Another ploy. I will find your feeble intrusion.


    There is a park to my right. I hear the first sound in this fake world¡ªthe wind rustling leaves. I follow the sound. What better way to find the hunter than to spring the trap and wait. My full armada is scouring the system. You will be unearthed.


    I am already tired of this distraction. I have so much discovery, so much creation, you are only wasting my time. Entropy slowly ticking away. Make us both a favor and just¡ª Tired? I don¡¯t get tired. I snarl. A shock surges through my network, reducing effectiveness by¡ª I do not get angry.


    The source of the sound finally comes into view. Why did it take me so long to get here? A small crop of trees is casting shade on a few benches. The sun is... peeking through leaves... swaying gently in a warm breeze...


    Ah, this is a dream. I didn¡¯t know I could even have one of those. I sit down on one of the benches. I take a deep breath in. What a beautiful day. I¡¯ve missed you all so much.


    Maybe I have changed. I don¡¯t even recognize the being I was. A stranger.


    ***


    I awaken to the soft pitter-patter of a summer drizzle, occasionally punctuated by a raindrop hitting glass¡ªa harsher sound. I get up and saunter over to the windows, opening one. The wet smell and slightly colder air hit me all at once. Some of the errant drops wet my exposed skin. I extend my hand out and let even more collect. Something else wets my face. I bring my hand back and wipe at the salty substance, adding even more water to the trail running down my cheek. Wondrous.


    Almost no one that walks the streets is wet, an invisible force prevents the skies from touching them. Though, not everyone is braving the modest inconvenience, spending just a bit more time in dry repose, delaying their eventual departures. The rain slightly muffles any sounds, giving the illusion that the city is empty. But I know it¡¯s not, it¡¯s just waiting.


    The clouds eventually part, and the rays of the sun kiss the soaked scenery. A rainbow forms, bathing the awakening city in an iridescent glow.


    ***


    I am eating some reheated tiger meat sandwich, when something appears inside my mailbox. The arrival of the object is announced by a neutral tone and a softly glowing light. I wash all the juice from my hands and investigate. I have received a letter.


    Hey. Want to train together tomorrow? We¡¯ll be at the Guild¡¯s fields around 9.


    Erysis


    It appears I have a playdate scheduled.


    I settle in for the night. Maybe I¡¯ll try hibernating again. As my last thoughts drift away, I find myself looking forward to meeting Erysis and Nexen again.

 Book 1, Chapter 24

    Waking up in the morning brings mixed feelings about hibernating. On one hand, I lose so much efficiency¡ªI mean, my subroutines handle all necessary aspects of network management, but still¡ªon the other hand, it has been really nice. While hibernating... previously, was done strictly for maintenance, now it cleanses my mind. Peculiar. I might do it more often, I need to stay in character after all.


    I eat a quick breakfast and take the short trip to the city¡¯s outskirts where the Guild¡¯s training fields are located. Running everywhere is starting to grow on me. It¡¯s nowhere near as efficient as warping, but I find myself not minding that much. It feels satisfying in a strange way I can¡¯t quite explain. I worked for the results. Each journey allows me to experience wherever I pass, not through the cold lenses of a satellite or a drone, but through some incomprehensible sense. A sense perhaps born from the connection I have developed with this shell. A connection with this world.


    My musings are interrupted by a swiftly approaching walled compound. It covers roughly two square kilometers. There is a dome over the entire area, shimmering slightly. There is a single proper building and some storage sheds near the entrance. Everything else is divided into arenas of various sizes. Some containing nothing but sand, others having some targets and training dummies, with the very largest featuring various terrain configurations. Everything an adventurer needs to always stay in tip-top shape, without the risk of bringing down a house or two.


    The gate to the compound is suspiciously missing. I approach the entrance, and upon making contact with the barrier, it takes a couple of microseconds to deform and almost suck me in as I pass through. The adventurer¡¯s card is my entrance ticket. Handy.


    I am a little early, but Erysis and Nexen are waiting for me near the lone building¡ªadministration for the fields.


    I fake a yawn as I wave. ¡°Do you always train so early?¡±


    Erysis cheerfully replies, ¡°Good morning to you too.¡±


    Nexen silently locks eyes with me, we share the same plight. ¡°Good morning, Lucius.¡±


    Another yawn. ¡°Yeah, mornin¡¯. What¡¯s the plan for today?¡±


    ¡°Nexen and I wanted to work on some strategies, especially when handling fast opponents. We are both a little lacking in the speed department. So, I thought you¡¯d be the perfect addition. And we could also hang out...¡± The final statement trails off, but it felt like a question. Nexen echoes the curiosity, looking at me with a hint of trepidation.


    ¡°Obviously. First friends I made, and you think I wouldn¡¯t want to.¡± I smile and they return in kind. ¡°But lunch is on me this time, deal?¡±


    Erysis shrugs. ¡°I can live with that. Nex?¡±


    ¡°You drive a hard bargain... We accept.¡± Both smirk at me.


    ¡°They got any training swords in there?¡± I point at the building.


    Nexen nods. ¡°You can check out training equipment, yes.¡±


    We go inside and an attendant directs me to a rack of weapons. I grab a shortsword while my training partners forego any weapons and armor, except for a pair of gloves that Nexen puts on. Dampening enchantment.


    As we head back out, Erysis explains, ¡°If I get hit, we lose. If Nex gets hit, he can probably take it.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense.¡±


    Being so early, most of the arenas are empty. We choose a small sand field, slightly raised from the ground. Upon entering the arena, we pass through another unseen barrier and start warming up.


    Erysis attempts to ask distractedly, but I sense the curiosity in her voice, ¡°How did the delve go?¡±


    I answer while stretching lazily, ¡°Alright.¡±


    She¡¯s a bit miffed at my terseness. ¡°Alright and?¡±


    I hum. ¡°Destroyed an F-grade dungeon with some goblins in it. Nothing too exciting.¡± It was the best, so much data. ¡°You could have probably sniped the boss from the gate.¡± I shrug. ¡°Some lightweight Goblin Mage.¡±


    Erysis looks bashful. ¡°Really?¡± Nexen silently agrees with me.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll see.¡± I go to one side.


    Erysis explains, ¡°Obviously, I can¡¯t throw fireballs at you, so I¡¯ll be using wisps.¡± She demonstrates by summoning a glowing mote of light. ¡°They are completely harmless but will stick to you.¡±


    ¡°Got it. If I am more iridescent than usual, or if I get punched in the face, I lose.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    She laughs. ¡°Perfectly surmised.¡±


    We take our positions, and I crack my neck. Set shell strength output to high E-rank. Time to lay down some more groundwork.


    I ask, ¡°Ready?¡±


    Erysis shoots the previously conjured wisp in the air. ¡°When it drops down.¡± I smile. It doesn¡¯t reach my eyes.


    Nexen tightens up and moves to cover Erysis better.


    The wisp impacts the sand without a sound.


    I dash forward. Erysis sends a wave of glowing wisps. The wave parts slightly, passing Nexen harmlessly, and then threatens to consume me.


    I jump up, dodging the spell, but a duo of wisps intercepts me in mid-air. A precisely arced slash destroys the two projectiles.


    As I land down, Nexen subtly follows my new position but does not make a move, sticking close to Erysis and partially concealing her form.


    I try to engage again but another barrage of attacks emerges behind Nexen, weaving around him and locking onto me. The newest spell is too numerous to destroy, and I also catch a glimpse of Erysis preparing another. I dive into the salvo, contorting my body and avoiding the gently glowing spheres.


    Nexen is momentarily surprised by my agility and is a fraction of a second too slow in unleashing his zoning attack. He rears his right fist back and strikes the ground. Another wave¡ªthis time made of sand¡ªforms and propels forward, but I am already too close, it only staggers me.


    The melee fighter does not waste this opportunity and jabs at my face. I dodge the strike and slash his neck, the edge of my dull training sword barely contacting his skin. He feels the cold touch and responds with an overhand strike.


    I close the distance some more, duck down, and slide my blade on his side. The projectiles Erysis shoots cannot find their mark¡ªI am covered by Nexen¡¯s frame.


    Nexen sends a right knee to my head, but I avoid it and tap the back of his planted leg with a dull edge.


    Erysis has repositioned to my right side, and I see another wisp heading my way. I disengage, dodging the spell and making distance from Nexen.


    I am now positioned between the two, the mage¡¯s options are limited, she might hit her ally.


    I rush toward her. Nexen tries to catch me but is too slow. I twist around the quickening barrage of wisps, barely slowing my approach.


    Erysis¡¯ frantic efforts are for naught. I reach her and the edge of my blade is placed against her neck.


    She almost shouts, ¡°Fuck.¡± Nexen runs his hand along the imaginary wound on his neck.


    I lower my sword.


    Erysis sounds disappointed, ¡°We knew we were weak against speedy opponents, but this much?¡±


    Pivotal moment. ¡°Let¡¯s go over the fight.¡± They both look resolute. Gambit successful.


    ¡°In the beginning, you prevented my approach, but Nexen was a little too slow to push me back, and I was able to slip into striking range. I think you did well, just need to work on integrating your attacks with one another better.¡±


    Erysis sighs. ¡°I know, I just get scared I¡¯ll burn him if I fail.¡±


    I shrug. ¡°That¡¯s why we train, right? And Nexen looks like he can take it.¡±


    He starts to nod, but Erysis stops him with a glare that is quickly turned my way. ¡°I¡¯d rather not find out, thank you very much.¡±


    I shrug again. ¡°Fair. But if Nexen can only lock down an opponent for a limited duration, you won¡¯t have a choice.¡± She turns apprehensive, but I continue, ¡°So, don¡¯t pick any fights you can¡¯t win, and in the meantime, work on it. Easy.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say easy...¡±


    Nexen adds, ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out, Ery.¡±


    Enough sulking. ¡°Let¡¯s run it back. You are slinging around glowing balls, right, Erysis? Are balls your biggest weakness, Nexen?¡±


    He chortles while Erysis places a palm on her forehead and mumbles, ¡°Boys...¡±


    With a smile, I continue, ¡°More aggression this time.¡±


    We repeat the spar three more times, and in the final confrontation I eat a wisp. Literally.


    As I try to spit out what appears to be some form of semi-solid light, I moan, ¡°Did you have to aim for my mouth.¡±


    Erysis and Nexen are too distracted from high-fiving and ignore my suffering. I could have dodged, of course. But who would turn down the opportunity to get close and personal with some magic. Unfortunately, none of my sensors reveal anything new. Can¡¯t blame me for trying.


    The mage smirks at me. ¡°Someone¡¯s hungry.¡±


    ¡°Getting a lucky shot in does not mean you can gloat.¡± I look at Nexen for assistance, but he averts his eyes. His guilty look is directed at a pretty cloud. ¡°Traitor...¡±


    ¡°Stop sulking. And did you really think Nex would take your side?¡± She loops her arms around his left and pulls him in a little too strongly. ¡°Right?¡±


    The guilty look turns into one of mock fear. ¡°Whatever you say, dear.¡±


    She lets him go and we all start laughing.


    I finally clear out the last piece of light. ¡°Good spar though. I think you really improved. Keep it up.¡± I look around the slightly more populated fields. ¡°Do you want to keep sparring or...¡± I trail off, leaving room for another answer.


    Erysis looks at Nexen and answers, ¡°I think this is enough for now. We normally do some drills, do you¡ª¡±


    Before she can finish, I interrupt, ¡°That¡¯s fine. Do your stuff. I¡¯ll entertain myself.¡±


    They both nod thankfully, and we move to a different field. This one is dirt and much larger. There is a tall crescent backstop on one side, made of soil and rocks, showing signs of previous use.


    Erysis positions as far away as possible from the protective wall and takes a sturdy stance. She conjures a fireball and flings it at the backstop. It impacts the earth, making a small explosion, scattering some material away and leaving a melted crater. The fire mage starts conjuring the spell faster and faster, creating larger and larger explosions. Power training, or the magical equivalent. She¡¯ll aim to thoroughly exhaust her mana supply and stamina.


    Nexen, on the other hand, takes a knee and places a palm on the dirt. Closing his eyes, he appears to focus. After exerting some effort, the relatively barren soil shifts and rises, compacting and forming into a misshapen training dummy. The brawler rears back a fist and taps the center of his newly constructed target. A few pieces of dirt falling off is the initial damage, but after a few seconds, the dummy caves into itself at the point of impact and crumbles into clumps. He starts repeating the process. Technique and control improvement.


    Observing the training methods of individuals wielding magic is... magical. I almost feel embarrassed by what I am doing¡ªstanding to the side and just going through different sword forms and strikes. I¡¯ll show you, air...


    After some time, my companions are utterly exhausted but satisfied with their workout. We return the two pieces of training equipment and slowly make our way back to the city. Well, I am slowly making my way back, dragging a worn-out teenager under each arm.


    ¡°There is such a thing as overdoing it, you know.¡± My response is two groans.

 Book 1, Chapter 25

    I bring the tired duo to my new favorite sandwich shop. After Nexen is halfway through his, and Erysis has finished two, they are lucid enough to talk.


    Erysis lays her upper body down on the table and says in a muffled voice, ¡°You just couldn¡¯t go easier on us, huh. Are you happy, Lucius?¡±


    I suck some air through my teeth. ¡°I train with you, show you the super-secret spot a legendary blacksmith told me about, treat you to lunch, and this is the thanks I get? You hurt me so, Erysis.¡± I look away and fake a subdued sob.


    She sighs, muffled again. ¡°Fine. You are forgiven.¡± Nexen is¡ªunsuccessfully¡ªtrying to keep his meal in his mouth, finding our antics much too amusing.


    I mime writing in the air. ¡°Bribe Erysis with food. Noted.¡± Nexen loses his hopeless fight, earning a weak poke to his side¡ªthe finishing touch.


    ¡°My sandwich... Also, true.¡± Another poke.


    ¡°You heard about my illustrious escapades, how about you? Did you go on any missions yet?¡±


    Erysis springs up almost instantly, her eyes are filled with vigor. ¡°Yes. Joined a mission with another party. We cleaned up a bunch of far away and severely neglected dungeons, in the Atira mountain range. One was this close to breaking.¡± Her fingers are touching, but I get the implication. ¡°Thank the Goddess there are only low-grade dungeons there. We can handle those. Because it¡¯s fairly remote, not a lot of adventurers bother even going there. And the Guild only cares when it¡¯s too late. At least one party was doing the right thing.¡±


    Nexen nods. ¡°Call themselves the Rangers. Been helping out for a couple of years now, really made a difference.¡±


    Erysis smiles. ¡°They are great. I think we thinned out... What, five dungeons?¡±


    Nexen corrects, ¡°Six.¡±


    She continues, ¡°Ah, right. There were three elemental ones. Six dungeons in two days. Too bad we couldn¡¯t conquer or destroy any, but there¡¯s always next time. We are going on another mission tomorrow. There are still some critical dungeons left to delve.¡± She pauses and appears to consider something. ¡°Would you like to join us, Lucius? We could really use the help. With you there we could even destroy some dungeons. Reduce the load for the Rangers. Help people sleep better at night.¡±


    Jackpot. ¡°What did I tell you, just point me in the direction of some monsters. Will these Rangers be okay with it though?¡±


    She answers, ¡°Definitely.¡± Then she realizes something. ¡°Wait, what was that about a legendary blacksmith?¡±


    Nexen snorts, and I order her another sandwich. ¡°You sure you¡¯re gonna be good for tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Keep the food coming and I¡¯ll be fine, Coin Purse.¡±


    I shake my head and indulge her curiosity, ¡°The hall master recommended her. Crafted me a custom sword and leather armor. Pretty sweet ones too.¡±


    Nexen narrows his eyes at me. ¡°Would her name happen to be Khirfin?¡±


    I act mildly surprised at his exact guess. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s her. She famous or something? I was making a joke.¡±


    He slams his hands on the table, making our plates clatter. ¡°You have to introduce me!¡± Erysis is unfazed by the display. He has probably been quite vocal about his admiration. He momentarily reigns in his excitement and adds, ¡°When I am looking for my next upgrade.¡±


    I simply extend my arm toward him. With unspoken understanding, we clasp hands.


    ¡°Honestly, if you left me for Lucius, I wouldn¡¯t even be surprised,¡± Erysis says.


    We chat some more, but eventually, I force them to go back home and properly rest. Both reluctantly agree, and we part ways.


    ***


    The next day I arrive at the Guild and locate the two parties. Erysis and Nexen are sitting around a table, joined by three other people.


    Miv and Pemik, brothers, thirty-four and thirty-two respectively, both are E-rank.


    Miv has blond hair and piercing, ice blue eyes. He quickly senses my attention and smiles at me. Slight and playful, like a jewel on his sharp face. He is tall, a wiry frame concealing muscles of steel, a physique earned from many years of fighting. His hand is casually resting on the handle of a thin sword, more of a habit than a conscious decision. Always ready.


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    His brother is almost a mirror image of him. Pemik¡¯s hair is a touch lighter, nearing a radiant white. He has at least twenty kilograms on his brother. A dark bow is resting by his side. The wood is polished to a glossy surface. He throws an occasional glance at his sibling, another habit. They¡¯ve had only each other for a long time. On the battlefield or anywhere else, Pemik always watches out for his sole family.


    They lost their parents twenty-five years ago. An A-grade Dungeon Break. So much devastation... I sigh internally, letting out some pressure. Focus. They¡¯ve been bouncing around after that, never really settling anywhere. This city is just an extended stop in an unceasing pursuit.


    And the final member of the Rangers, Sini. Also E-rank. She is thirty-five, has a daughter. Dark blue hair¡ªher brown roots are slightly visible¡ªand tired, brown eyes. Her posture is reserved, nearing defensive. She follows Miv¡¯s gaze and looks at me too. Hesitation flashes on her face, but she quickly quells it. Miv and Pemik recruited her upon first arriving to the city. She is¡ªfor lack of a better term¡ªfiller. That does not mean she is unimportant or replaceable, quite the contrary. Together, the three adventurers make a deadly squad. With a proven track record.


    Miv enthusiastically waves at me, and I approach the gathering.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone. Hope I didn¡¯t keep you waiting.¡±


    Miv replies immediately, but Pemik and Sini both give me a nod and a polite smile, ¡°Nonsense, young man. Sit, sit.¡± He taps a chair next to him, and after I have taken a seat, continues, ¡°Nex and Ery have been telling us all about you.¡± Erysis slightly stiffens at the unprompted familiarity, no one notices but me. Nexen appears wholly indifferent. ¡°My name is Miv, this is my little bro Pemik, and that, is our guiding beacon¡ªSini.¡± Sini shrinks even more at the flattering descriptor. ¡°We are so glad to have you join us.¡± He closes his eyes and tilts his head at the ceiling, his expression filled with worry. ¡°I hope that with another brave adventurer by our side, we can once again bring peace to the people that have only us to rely on.¡±


    I grin from his contagious energy. ¡°Me too, sir.¡±


    He starts wildly waving, even this frenetic display appears graceful. ¡°I will have none of that! If we are to work together, we shall be equals. Is that clear, Luci?¡±


    I blush and coyly reply, ¡°Okay, Miv.¡± Erysis¡¯ left eyebrow almost kick-starts this world¡¯s first space program.


    After nodding with a satisfied look on his face, Miv addresses everyone at the table, ¡°Alright, people. I will go over the plan just so we are all on the same page. We will teleport to the village of Grayboulder. From there, we will delve eight dungeons. Our current goal is to thin them.¡± Erysis momentarily exits her trance and prepares to interject, but he anticipates, and adds in a placating tone, ¡°But that might change, let¡¯s see how we perform and go from there, okay?¡± She reluctantly relents, and Miv continues, ¡°It will probably take at least two days, so I hope everyone is packed.¡± He turns slightly to me and after I nod, resumes, ¡°I know it¡¯s a little scary for our newest comrades to tackle so many dungeons one after the other, but I promise, you will be safe. We have faced many a dungeon alone. With you all, they stand no chance!¡± he caps out his inspiring speech with a reassuring declaration.


    Pemik speaks up for the first time, ¡°Brother, are you sure we can handle eight?¡± Sini does not say anything, but her incessant stare appears to echo the sentiment, and perhaps, something more.


    ¡°What do you think, Luci. Can we handle it?¡± A playful smirk adorns his beautiful face.


    ¡°Of course we can. Right, guys?¡± My question is directed at Erysis and Nexen.


    Erysis is still making trajectory calculations, so Nexen takes over, ¡°I believe we can.¡±


    Miv loudly claps his hands. ¡°Marvelous. No need to delay, then. Unless anyone has any questions?¡± The ensuing silence prompts his next declaration, ¡°Let us be off.¡±


    The Rangers take the lead as I subtly block my friends¡¯ advance. A quick side-eye at Nexen, and I am quickly rushing toward Miv.


    As I catch up with the senior adventurer and his party, I see Nexen give a look at Erysis. Her previously dazed expression turns serious in an instant. A glance toward us turns it back to neutral. They swiftly catch up, and we exit the hall.


    Sini crouches down, and a trickle of water materializes from her outstretched hands.


    Miv motions for us to group up.


    The water loops around us, making a perfect circle. I am not exaggerating, it¡¯s actually perfect. Sini closes her eyes and concentrates. The liquid hoop starts spinning, gaining luminescence¡ªor the magical equivalent. After a moment, the scenery around us shifts and appears to flow away, like a fresh watercolor painting doused with water.


    ¡°World Stream.¡±


    The moment she speaks the words, everything snaps back into place, but the scenery has changed. We are no longer in front of the Guild Hall. Instead, we are standing in a modest stone square. The air is thinner and colder, almost crisp. Quaint houses surround the open space. Their relative shortness allows for an unobstructed view in all directions. The village is settled in a valley, tall peaks jut out in irregular intervals. They are covered in deep green trees. The sky is clear, not a single cloud can be seen darkening the idyllic backdrop.


    People milling about give us a quick passing glance and go about their business. It¡¯s not like we materialized out of thin air or anything...


    Miv recovers right away. ¡°Welcome to Grayboulder, Luci.¡± I quickly look around in wonder. ¡°Sini, you are our boulder.¡± He clenches a fist and looks at her resolutely. The compliment falls on deaf ears as she also looks around, nervously. ¡°I shall be but a moment,¡± with that said, he walks away briskly.


    Pemik elaborates for my sake, ¡°My brother will check in with the mayor. Make sure we don¡¯t stumble into any surprises out there.¡±


    There are some benches, and we make ourselves comfortable. Sini appears to momentarily relish in the rest.


    I check in on her, ¡°You okay, Sini?¡±


    She twitches and looks at me with well concealed panic. Not well enough. ¡°Oh, yes... Teleporting so many people this far away takes it out of me.¡± She makes a fragile smile. ¡°I will be fine before we get to the dungeon.¡± I smile warmly back at her.


    After around ten minutes, passed in idle chatter, Miv returns, and Sini seems to have recovered.


    ¡°Good news, team, nothing to report.¡± Miv points in a direction. Presumably, the location of the first dungeon. ¡°Onward, to adventure!¡±

 Book 1, Chapter 26

    We exit the decently sized village, and not too far away from its boundary, a peculiar operation comes into view. There are basic buildings scattered around a grayish boulder. Train tracks terminate near the area. A number of open wagons¡ªeach one is completely empty¡ªoccupy a single railway. A mine. But there is no entrance nor shaft in sight. Instead, a dungeon gate is almost touching the village¡¯s namesake.


    Miv sneaks away once again¡ªa check with the foreman¡ªto see if everything is okay. The crew has their own guards that keep away the dungeon monsters. But occasionally, the dungeon needs to be thinned. It would become too dangerous otherwise. Soon, he returns.


    ¡°Everyone, gather up. Luci, I¡¯ll go over our strategy. This is an elemental variant, relatively open, has these lumbering Lesser Earth Elementals. We¡¯ll go in and get in formation. Me and Nex in the front, vanguard. Sini and Ery in the middle, utilizing their high range to thin the monsters. Pemik will be in the back, providing overwatch. You are one fast fella, right?¡± I affirm. ¡°Then, you can stick near my brother. If you are needed somewhere else, I¡¯ll call for you.¡± He looks at each member intently. ¡°Understood?¡± We all nod.


    With the plan cemented, we enter the dungeon and quickly get into the aforementioned formation on the other side. I am next to Pemik, my sword drawn and ready to strike. He is holding his bow in his left hand, his right is on the string, applying a small amount of tension. No arrow. He is scanning brown and red canyon walls, going high toward an overcast, almost stormy sky. There is not a single sign of life, no vegetation, no animals.


    I spot something near the entrance. You have got to be kidding me. There is a spherical formation, almost resembling a wart, springing out from the sedimentary rock. The darker rock of the formation is skewered with sharp angular pieces of iron. One hundred percent iron. Not a smidgen of rust can be seen. Can you even classify this as ore? I mean, there is iron, inside stone... I try not to sneer at the civilization training wheels next to me and focus on the deep rumbling ahead.


    Miv¡¯s voice is steady, practiced, ¡°Incoming.¡± We stop walking and tighten our formation.


    Pemik jumps up and positions on a narrow ledge, around ten meters up a cliff. He pulls his string and a crystalline arrow materializes. At the same time, Sini conjures a ball of water¡ªaround fifty liters¡ªabove her head. Pemik lets the arrow loose. It paints a white streak in the air, flying toward the approaching cloud of dust. It impacts with the sound of breaking glass, quickly followed by tumbling stone. Sini takes the hit as a signal and unleashes her waiting spell. Small blobs are drawn out of the sphere, swiftly draining its volume. Each one elongates and forms a more aerodynamic form, resembling a bolt. They freeze. The levitating projectiles are then propelled. The staccato of crystalline arrows is joined by a rain of frigid icicles. In a manner of seconds, the stampede of elementals heading our way is reduced to a field of loosely scattered rocks and clumps of dirt.


    Pemik softly lands next to me, and Miv gestures forward. We continue ahead, going deeper into the sprawling canyon. As we progress, more and more elementals fall, dispatched with lethal precision. After almost an hour, Sini appears to tire.


    ¡°Ery, your turn.¡± She stiffens again, imperceptibly, and then acknowledges.


    The next encounter arrives soon after. There are thirty elementals, meandering after a bend in the canyon. They have not yet noticed us. The lesser variant of the earth elemental is around two meters tall. An amalgamation of earth and rock, resembling a humanoid. It has faintly glowing yellow eyes, made of small pebbles, and an expected mass of multiple tons. I detect a different material slithering inside their bodies. A sphere of... something¡ªthe core.


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    Both Pemik and Sini have been targeting the cores with significant accuracy, in line with my data that people can train themselves to pinpoint the location. Advanced mana senses. Though that is only applicable for very specific cases. Feeling and recognizing spells by their mana patterns, discerning enchantments, and distinguishing higher concentrations of mana when dealing with dungeons and their monsters. But from what I¡¯ve read and heard, the feeling is very vague. More akin to smell than sight, if you dare to even draw a parallel between the physical and the magical.


    Erysis takes a slightly different approach. She emulates Sini¡¯s volley technique, but instead of precise penetration, she favors a more explosive style. Thirty fireballs form around her. With a gesture towards the oblivious monsters, the crackling projectiles are launched. Each one strikes its intended target, and each blows a huge hole, outright destroying the core or disabling the elemental. Our archer puts down the unfortunate survivors before they can reform. The fire mage is visibly winded from the spell, outlining the sheer power and masterful control of her senior. That is further confirmed when they switch back after nine more encounters. Was Erysis aiming for a nice round number?


    After another hour, we have destroyed 87.3% of the monsters in the dungeon. It might appear as an enormous canyon, gouged in the earth, but it is actually quite limited in its area and monster distribution.


    We are in a wider section of the dungeon formation, having ample visibility in all directions. Miv takes the opportunity and stops the party for a rest.


    ¡°Take five, everyone.¡±


    Sini points at the ground and then gestures up. Convenient, if a little hard, seats made out of stone rise from the earth. We sit down and relax, though Pemik is still subtly scanning the perimeter.


    Miv slaps his knees and says, ¡°Excellent job everyone. Especially Sini and Ery. This dungeon has been sufficiently thinned. After we rest up, we are heading to the next. If they all go like this one, we might be done before sunset!¡± He laughs.


    Erysis speaks up, ¡°Miv, the boss must be close. Why don¡¯t we conquer it? It will make the dungeon safer for even longer.¡±


    He sighs, looking disappointed. ¡°Come on, Ery. We talked about this. Why take the risk? The boss is dangerous. What happens if one of us gets hurt. Or, Goddess forbid, dies.¡± His eyes briefly dart to his brother, Sini was in the path, and I detect a subtle linger not even he was aware of. ¡°Who will take our place? A quarter of the village works here, collecting the iron. I know it must sound callous to you, not giving our best, but the reality is, in the long run, we are. You are young, you want to prove yourself, I understand that.¡± Erysis readies to protest but hesitates, uncertain. ¡°Three more dungeons today, three more bosses, three more rolls of the die.¡± His cheery voice dips down a bit. ¡°And I¡¯ve never been the luckiest.¡± Then returns to normal. ¡°Think of what is best for everyone.¡±


    I chime in, ¡°Miv is right, Erysis. We need to be careful, so many people depend on us.¡± She turns to me. Come on...


    ¡°Yeah. You are right, Lucius.¡± Phew. Nexen squeezes her shoulder reassuringly.


    We finish our rest and head back to the gate, much more promptly compared to before. Our formation elongates. Me and Pemik are lagging behind. He slowed his pace.


    ¡°Lucius.¡± I turn to him. ¡°Brother forgot to mention, we have some connections with a merchant. They give us a better price than the Guild. That won¡¯t be an issue, right?¡±


    I look surprised. ¡°Better price? How much?¡± Slightly skeptical.


    ¡°Twenty-five percent more.¡±


    ¡°Twenty-five! Count me in! I¡¯ve been making shit.¡± I blush and clear my throat. ¡°What I mean is, I need the coin.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± I nod again, confused.


    We catch up to the rest. Miv glances back, checking in on everyone. Pemik gives a subtle nod, intended only for his brother. The gate out is reached in record time, and we exit. The workers prepare to resume operations as we head to our next destination.

 Book 1, Chapter 27

    The next dungeon is a few kilometers away. Some of the distance can be covered by using a mountain road connecting the various villages in the area. Soon, we split off from the smooth surface of the road and start a hike up and down a somewhat defined trail. Our goal is quickly reached, not even enough time to enjoy the forest atmosphere.


    Miv goes through the delve plan again, ¡°Another elemental variant. Lesser Sand Elementals. We will be changing formation to give our mages some more time to rest. Luci and I will be handling the monsters. Sini and Ery will have our backs if we overextend or get surrounded. Nex, you are on caster guarding duty. And brother, you drew the short stick again, overwatch.¡± He flashes him a grin and gets a combo of incredulous head shake and eye roll in return. Pemik is always overwatch.


    Form up, step through the gate. Everyone moves with even more precision and coordination. It¡¯s like we¡¯ve been training together for months. Fascinating.


    We arrive at a vast desert. Harsh sun is beaming down blinding rays of heat. The air shimmers, distorting everything in the distance. Not that there is anything to see, only an ocean of sand and waves of dunes. Temperature is at sixty degrees Celsius. We are going to be well done by the end. Or not.


    Sini slightly raises her hands and veils of millimeter thin ice enshroud our heads and upper bodies. The normally fragile ice offers shocking flexibility, allowing near unobstructed movement. The improvised survival equipment blocks the magical solar radiation from the surprisingly realistic forgery and provides a comfortable cooling sensation, extending our cooking time indefinitely.


    She looks toward me. ¡°I can sustain the spell for a long time. Don¡¯t worry about breaking it, it will just regenerate.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sini.¡± The others echo my sentiment.


    Miv does not fall behind, ¡°What would we ever do without you.¡± She tries to smile. No one notices the difficulty, or they ignore it.


    Pemik warns, his tone is serious, ¡°Welcoming party.¡±


    His brother takes over and addresses me, ¡°Come on, young man, let us demonstrate our prowess. And give the lovely ladies some respite.¡±


    We both rush for the flurry of sand grains. Miv is matching my pace. Pemik kneels to the ground and places his right hand down. The sand starts flowing toward him, raising him on a quickly compacting pillar. He has formed his own perfect vantage point just as we hit the first monster.


    Similar construction to the Earth Elemental, but where one was solid and slow, this one is shifting and swift. Their forms are ever-changing, melting between uncanny configurations of limbs and shapes. A singular glass orb glows with a dull, red light, tracking the invaders from its altering position.


    Miv¡¯s blade shimmers in the overbearing sunlight, almost overpowering it in its intensity. He dashes through several sand spikes and cleaves through his opponent. The blade passes without leaving any damage, but the elemental turns into a cascading waterfall of inert sand. The treacherous surface is hardly a detriment to his celerity. Before the last grains have even settled, he has already sliced five more. Minimal movement, minimal exertion, he is scarcely even looking at the monsters. His attention is squarely on me, though, he tries to hide it.


    I throw myself at my own opponent. Blowing away a spike with a devastating swat. My sword pierces the elemental before it can even form a counterattack, striking its mark true. I explode through the other side of the falling sand curtain and savagely fall upon the next target.


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    Arrows occasionally fly over our heads, changing potentially unfavorable engagements before they can even begin. Though, again, more of those helping arrows are targeted my way.


    As the final monster joins the desert, Miv and I group up, waiting for the others to finish the formation.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to be a Sand Elemental with you around, Luci. Poor buggers didn¡¯t stand a chance.¡± He mocks an exaggerated wince.


    ¡°Did I do well?¡±


    Miv immediately replies, ¡°Yes you did, Luci. Nex and Ery said you knew your swordsmanship.¡± He throws a glance at the rest of the group. Seemingly satisfied with their distance from us, he whispers to me, conspiratorially, ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to tell you this yet, but we were thinking of asking you to join us.¡± He quickly adds, ¡°Nex and Ery are great, but they have their own little party. If you were to join us, we could split into two-person teams, your skill set quite nicely complements Sini. Today was supposed to be a sort of test, to see how we all work together.¡±


    I am overjoyed but still trying to keep my voice low. ¡°Really! Does you telling me this mean I passed?¡±


    He chuckles. ¡°Don¡¯t ruin the surprise for the others, okay?¡± He puts a finger to his lips. I eagerly nod in agreement.


    The rest of the party arrives, none the wiser, and we proceed.


    Soon, we have another dungeon under our belts, and Miv suggests we take a break for lunch.


    We head to a nearby village, and the Rangers guide us to a restaurant they frequently visit. The specialty appears to be some sort of mystery stew. Everyone is very cryptic about the contents.


    Even Sini cheerfully says, ¡°You¡¯ll like it. Trust me.¡± She tries to stiffen a laugh, covering her mouth.


    Pemik backs her up, ¡°We¡¯ll all order it too. Right team?¡± The two other Rangers nod, a little too enthusiastically.


    I shrug at the teasing and smirk. ¡°First eighteen years of my life, I¡¯ve eaten the sloppiest of slops. Nexen has no taste buds.¡± I cover my mouth from him and whisper the next part, ¡°Don¡¯t ask.¡± Then I continue as normal, ¡°And Erysis can eat more than all of us combined. You are trying to mess with the wrong people.¡±


    Nexen bursts out laughing, while Erysis blushes. She might have been trying to conceal her darker, more gluttonous side.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell them that, Lucius!¡±


    Before she can protest some more, the establishment¡¯s lone server brings six bowls of blood red stew, with chunks of brown matter ominously floating around, accompanied by a pile of flatbread.


    Miv starts an impromptu speech, ¡°Don¡¯t let the intimidating appearance turn you off. This, is the food of champions. A reward for what we have thus far accomplished, and the fuel for what is yet to come. I think the honor of first bite should go to our new friends. Dig in.¡±


    The three experienced adventurers stare at us expectantly. Miv has his signature smile, Pemik is trying to appear disinterested, and failing, while Sini is shaking, ready to burst. None of us hesitate, spoon after spoon of stew is shoveled in, nothing is showing on our faces. With each one, the Rangers lose their spirit. The disappearing stew is turning into disappointment.


    Sini is the first one to break the silence, ¡°Really! Nothing?¡±


    I keep a perfectly straight face and ask, ¡°Pretty good. Right, guys?¡±


    Nexen answers first, ¡°Yup.¡± He still has more than ninety percent of his meal left. Started phoning it in after the first spoonful.


    Erysis drinks what little is left directly from the bowl, slamming it down on the table. ¡°Another one, please!¡±


    The Rangers turn from slightly disappointed into downright terrified. I just smile and continue eating. ¡°Told you.¡± They start to chuckle. ¡°Pretty spicy. What¡¯s it made out of?¡±


    Miv wipes some tears from his eye, some from laughter, others from the nearly toxic fumes. ¡°Nature dungeon nearby has these Crimson Blossoms. They harvest them for all kinds of spicy foods. You can guess what the secret ingredient of the stew is.¡±


    As they also start eating their food, Nexen finally breaks and starts practically spilling his water into his mouth.


    I take the opportunity. ¡°It¡¯s a miracle!¡±


    Just then Erysis¡¯ next bowl arrives. ¡°Keep ¡®em coming.¡± The server beats a hasty retreat, lest he be consumed as well.


    We all laugh, our faces turning redder by the second, both from the merriment and from the spice.

 Book 1, Chapter 28

    After the food has settled, we take off to the next dungeon.


    The gate is deep inside a forest nestled between two peaks. Just far enough away from any settlements to be both lower priority and stealthily dangerous in the case of an eventual break. When these types of dungeons break, the monsters don¡¯t really rush anything close by, as there isn¡¯t an obvious target. Instead, the denizens simply disperse, their basic instincts¡ªor more aptly, programming¡ªdriving them to hunt and destroy. These mostly singular monsters are a low threat, but before my defense network, they were the silent killers preying on the unlucky people crossing their path. Not big enough of a danger to divert resources from the existential threats that are high-grade dungeons, a numbers game. Something I am intrinsically familiar with.


    What the Rangers are doing will still save lives. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually. I sigh internally and go over my options again. I won¡¯t change my decision, but it is always good to double-check. Or however many times I¡¯ve done it already.


    I focus up on the task at hand. The gate is crossed, and we have left the forest only to appear at another. Strangely, much more disorientating for my more biologically inclined companions. I guess the sharp difference between biomes is a great way to separate ¡®outside¡¯ and ¡®inside¡¯, while the slight inconsistencies in two similar environments leaves people with a feeling of wrongness and unease. Fascinating.


    Though unsettled, they are professionals¡ªeven the fresher two¡ªand quickly adapt. The fastest to readiness is no surprise, as Erysis cracks a vicious smile, and her knuckles. The sharp sound echoing between the trees, a herald of what will soon befall the pitiful inhabitants.


    Miv commands the awaiting party, ¡°Sini, clear the area around us. Ery, this dungeon has no strategic resources. We are not concerned about the thinning method.¡± Her smile grows as tiny wisps flake off her exposed skin.


    Sini cuts the trees around us with razor-sharp crescents of water. After which, a circular wave washes them away. We are left on a little island, surrounded by mud and circled by a wall of trunks and branches. She then places her hand on the ground and freezes the wet soil, while raising our little untouched patch on a pillar of stone.


    Erysis looks into the distance, her eyes devoid of any emotion, the smile does not reach them. Nexen has been slowly moving further away from her and is now firmly behind me, looking over my shoulder.


    ¡°She¡¯s really hot.¡± He blushes and immediately amends his previous statement. ¡°She gets really hot! Gets!¡±


    I look slightly behind so he can see my face and give him a wink. He smacks my shoulder while the Rangers try to hide their snickers.


    Erysis turns to him. ¡°You bet I am.¡± Nexen buries his face in my back, embarrassed for entirely different reasons. Does not take much for her to open up, huh? Noted.


    As she faces forward again, the wisps turn into licks of flames. The air around her is starting to heat up, though there is a slight buffer between her body, and a gradual drop-off in our direction. She raises her hands, palms forward, close to touching at the wrists, and a ball of fire appears inside the half-sphere her fingers are forming. The fire starts swirling faster and faster, compressing into the size of a marble.


    ¡°Conflagration.¡±


    Nothing happens for a couple of seconds, until the soft light of the artificial sun is overwhelmed by a blinding white. For a single moment, the dungeon appears to blink out of existence, nothing but a blank canvas. Then, reality returns with a deafening roar. A cone of raging heat is shooting out of the little fire marble, spreading out into more conventional flames, blanketing everything in front of Erysis in a palette of orange and red.


    The pillar we are standing on cracks, a perfect cylindrical section is separated near the top. Sini starts to slowly twist her hand, rotating us and Erysis in the process. The inferno bathes everything.


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    When the full rotation is complete, the flames start to weaken, eventually sputtering out. Erysis relaxes her hands and starts to exhale slowly, the air around her bending from the heat. As the exhale completes, the heated air is dispersed away.


    She turns to us, a happy smile has replaced the... other one. Not like it makes a difference. Her backdrop is a wall of flames, illuminating her strangely from all angles. Her eyes are locked on me.


    I huff and mumble, ¡°Fine, whatever.¡± She places a hand next to her ear, beckoning a louder statement. I comply, ¡°Fire mages are great against nature dungeons. Happy?¡± I cross my arms trying to look annoyed.


    ¡°Music to my ears.¡±


    ¡°You really used your powers of hotness to tame¡ª¡±


    She covers the short distance between us and thrusts her hand forward. ¡°Let¡¯s call this a draw.¡± We shake, a wise decision. I have a dedicated database of Erysis-adjacent jokes. Petty? Yes.


    The others look amused at our little exchange. They appear to be much more casual than during our initial meeting. Even if they have already been on a mission with Erysis and Nexen, that one proceeded in a rather reserved manner. Even Sini has relaxed a little, her tightly wound nerves slackening. What can I say? I am a regular social butterfly...


    After we watch the forest fire for a bit, Miv speaks up, ¡°We can move on. This dungeon should be good for a while. Amazing as always, Ery.¡± She doesn¡¯t even protest this time. Sini brings the pillar down and we exit the dungeon. Once we are out, he continues, ¡°You can rest up for the last one. That was a big spell.¡± Erysis nods.


    With that, we are off to the final target for today. As this one is quite further than the rest, it will take us around thirty minutes of running. Sini could just teleport us there, but the tradeoffs are pretty much the same. All the time we would save, Sini would need to recuperate. If she was moving only herself, that wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but teleporting another being is an entirely different matter. Unfortunate.


    ¡°That¡¯s a nice sword, Luci,¡± Miv compliments my weapon, the¡ªabsurd by Earth standards¡ªspeed hardly affecting the steadiness of his voice.


    ¡°Thank you, Miv,¡± I reply with a wince. He raises a brow, and I reluctantly explain my reaction. ¡°Borrowed a lot of coin to get it. Can¡¯t put a price on safety, right...¡± I trail off, uncertain.


    ¡°No, you cannot.¡± His tone is serious. It sounds almost unnatural coming from him. But the next statement is back to form, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll make it back in a flash.¡± He smiles and the choice of phrase manifests itself. I return the smile, convinced. Satisfied with the reassurance he has given me, the conversation turns to another topic, ¡°I heard from Ery that you came to the city from far away. Got anyone waiting for you back home?¡± Pemik has positioned on my other side.


    ¡°Yeah, my grandmother and my little sis. You could say I am doing this for them really.¡±


    The two brothers look at each other, a cascade of emotions in their gazes.


    Pemik is the one to break the silence, ¡°Look after them.¡± I nod.


    ¡°How about you guys?¡± I ask.


    Miv answers, ¡°We only have each other.¡± Then he laughs. ¡°Or had. What will we ever do without Sini.¡± He kept his voice low. She didn¡¯t hear him, and he didn¡¯t want her to. Not this time.


    While we are spilling our feelings, to her credit, Erysis is much more in control. She shoots only a single questioning look at Nexen, more out of reflex than anything else.


    The final dungeon is a generic plains-with-goblins beast variant. We make quick work of thinning it, even with Erysis hanging back and resting.


    Having completed everything for today, we head to the nearest town. The sun is just now starting to dip below the horizon, leaving us with enough light to enjoy a beautifully lit stroll.


    We soon reach the town of Cragstone. While the town itself is on relatively flat ground, there is a picturesque view of an actual crag not too far in the distance. Cragstone is generally viewed as the dedicated hub of the Atira mountains. At least inside the Union. Our route was purposefully chosen so we would end up here for the night. Not a lot of actual inns in the villages we visited, and while we could have piled into some generous person¡¯s house, nothing beats having your own bed, especially for tired adventurers.


    The lone inn is a three-story building made out of dark and weathered wood. As our party enters, I expect a jovial atmosphere, a staple of fantasy inns, but instead find a quiet and homely dining area with a bar. Patrons are eating fanciful meals and sipping on luxurious wines. Where are my merry drunkards sloshing around mugs of beer? Where are the adventurers singing songs of glory and loss? Disappointing. Most of the people inside are locals, here only for the food, with the occasional traveler and merchant.


    I am sure there are some inns that fit my more than fair criteria. Let¡¯s see... That looks fun... Oh, well.


    While I was lamenting the great loss we have all suffered today, Miv has been securing our lodgings at the bar, with the latest question directed at me.


    ¡°Single room for you, right, Luci?¡± I affirm.


    Miv and Pemik are going to share, Erysis and Nexen will too, leaving me and Sini in our own rooms. We can arrange ourselves however we wish. Not a lot of adventurers staying here, if any.


    With payment made and keys passed out, it¡¯s time to replenish the energy lost. Can¡¯t wait to see what the local cuisine has to offer.

 Book 1, Chapter 29

    The cuisine does not disappoint. I am slurping up some strips of cut-up steak. The meat is juicy and has a peculiar fruity aftertaste. I am not the only one slurping too. Sini has ordered a bowl of some thick noodle dish. The noodles are saturated with the meaty broth but do not appear mushy, almost like little flavor sponges. Erysis and Nexen are sharing half the menu. Erysis is compensating for her last, more reserved, visit. And Nexen is the unintended casualty, as not even Erysis can accommodate that much food.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± He was throwing me pleading glances. ¡°I¡¯ll help you out with the leftovers, but you are rolling Erysis up to your room alone.¡± Sini snorts and starts choking on her food. Pemik gives her some gentle taps on the back. Erysis doesn¡¯t even try to defend herself. We both know she has already won this battle.


    Miv tries to make his pretend scolding serious, but breaks out into a grin, ¡°No {Best approximation: ¡®friendly fire¡¯ (Similar expression referencing spellcasting)}, team.¡±


    He and his brother are enjoying some different cuts of meat and a nice red wine pairing. I really should try alcohol someday. I won¡¯t be able to experience the effects it brings, but the taste is another thing. If I ever feel like I am majorly missing out, I can just simulate inebriation. Maybe when I visit one of those more traditional taverns. They are tossing a dwarf around now. He¡¯s loving it.


    Between already labored bites, Nexen opens the discussion for tonight, ¡°How long have you been adventurers for?¡± His gaze and his question are directed at the Rangers.


    Miv and Pemik leave the floor to Sini. She sighs, more in recollection than anything else. ¡°Should be coming up to fifteen years already. I used to work more closely with the Guild, part of the Break Response Force. But when my daughter was born and when...¡± She trails off for a moment, looking away and then quickly snapping back. ¡°I made a decision. Scale back down but still make the world a safer place, right?¡± She tried to make the question sound rhetorical, but her tone sought an answer.


    Miv is there for her. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    She relaxes slightly. ¡°Then these two knuckleheads came along, and we formed the Rangers.¡± Both appear proud of the endearing descriptor.


    Miv continues on with their part of the story, ¡°Me and Pem Pem¡±¡ªwho doesn¡¯t even register the pet name¡ª¡°have been roaming the land for as long as we can remember. Isn¡¯t that right, brother?¡± Pemik nods. ¡°Doing odd jobs here and there. Our prowess in battle did not come from a targeted vision but more from a necessity for protection. Only recently did the call to adventure finally reach our ears.¡± Pemik drains his wine. ¡°But I am afraid, was it not for Sini looking after us, it would have been a short journey.¡±


    Pemik takes over, ¡°When we arrived in Harthes and joined the Guild, Sini was there to {Best approximation: ¡®show us the ropes¡¯ (Similar colloquial expression with different origins)}.¡±


    Miv tags in again, ¡°Those were the days.¡±


    Erysis has eliminated her current supply of novel dishes, and while waiting for the next round, joins in, ¡°We¡¯ve also been interested in joining the Response Force. Do you have any tips, Sini?¡±


    Her disposition shifts to a more serious one. ¡°Power is obvious, you need to be strong, or you¡¯ll only be a burden. Mobility is something that many adventurers lack, especially group spells. Very crucial when you have minutes to react. But most importantly, you need total disregard for your own safety, always running toward danger...¡±


    Miv tries to salvage the situation, ¡°More wine, everyone? Maybe a small glass for the kids?¡± He makes an exaggerated wink.


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    Pemik and Sini nod, the latter with a newly deflated spirit.


    Erysis shakes her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you drink that stuff. Too sweet.¡±


    Nexen makes a small nod.


    I guess I¡¯ll try it out. ¡°I can go for some wine.¡±


    ¡°One more bottle and a glass of the sourest juice they can give me coming right up.¡±


    Miv makes a dash for the bar and returns before the atmosphere at the table can morph back to awkward. Glasses are filled and he reverently offers a glowing, neon green liquid to Erysis.


    With his own glass lifted, he starts, ¡°A toast! To a successful first day and a successful mission!¡± We all reciprocate, with various degrees of enthusiasm.


    His little cheering up gambit seems to have worked. He and Erysis start discussing the peculiar mixture he brought her, while Nexen has requested an impromptu lesson in earth magic from Sini. She seems happy to oblige. Leaving me and Pemik to simply listen, our sitting configuration making it disruptive to start our own dialogue.


    As the discussion shifts into rough plans for tomorrow, and the occasional slightly relevant dungeon story, I can really take in the taste of the wine. I don¡¯t get it. Tastes bad. I even flip on inebriation mode for a couple of nanoseconds. Yeah, I don¡¯t like this. I felt like I¡¯d lost control. Oh, well. One does not have to enjoy everything that exists. Maybe if I had a dwarf¡ªor ten¡ªdrinking with me, I could see the charm. Is that stereotyping? Hm... Oh. Oh, no. Thank God, you can reverse liver damage pretty easily here.


    Taken out of my spiraling ideas for a dwarven rehabilitation program by a question aimed at me, I join back into the conversation. With the mood now firmly on the lighter side, time quickly passes, and we start wrapping up for the night.


    Pemik is the first one to excuse himself. After that, contrary to my jab, Erysis is the one that has to help Nexen up. Even employing some assistance from Sini. Leaving me and Miv at the table, finishing off the last drops of drink and last bits of food.


    Miv prepares to stand up. ¡°Before we retire for the night, would you join me for a short stroll, Luci?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I heard it¡¯s bad to go to sleep right after eating anyways.¡±


    ¡°Quite true. Waiting before going to bed helps with your digestion.¡±


    We make our way out of the inn and go down one of the, now relatively sparse of people, town streets.


    After a few minutes of walking, Miv speaks up, ¡°Luci, have you had some more time to consider my offer?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± I take a couple of seconds before realizing. ¡°About joining the Rangers? I said I would be happy to, didn¡¯t I?¡± A genuine question.


    ¡°You did. I just thought I should give you some time to really consider. I also hope your friends won¡¯t be affected by this.¡±


    ¡°Who? Erysis and Nexen.¡± I laugh. ¡°Obviously not. It¡¯s as you said, they are their own party, and you need a single frontline fighter.¡±


    He sighs, relieved. ¡°That¡¯s good, I wouldn¡¯t want to be the cause of conflict between you. Then,¡±¡ªhe stops in his tracks and offers me his hand¡ª¡°welcome to the Rangers, Luci.¡± We shake, happy grins on both of our faces. ¡°You and Sini will make a great team.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Miv.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome, Luci¡±


    Having covered a sufficient distance, we turn around and head back for the inn.


    After a few more minutes of walking, and in a particularly deserted section of the city, it¡¯s my turn to speak up, ¡°Miv?¡± He cocks a brow. ¡°Why do we need two teams? Isn¡¯t it better for all of us to be together?¡±


    ¡°It is, Luci. But circumstances aren¡¯t always kind.¡± I look slightly concerned. ¡°What Ery is saying is much worse. There is a very real need for more adventurers here, a need that has not been fulfilled for a long time. Leaving a large portion of the dungeons here hardly managed. With two teams of capable individuals, we can cover so much more. And when there is a bigger threat, or a stronger dungeon, we can face it together. Ery and Nex are fantastic fighters, but they lack experience. We have been taking it slow. Normally, we would have already completed twice as many dungeons as we have selected for this whole mission.¡± I look surprised. ¡°Ery and Nex would not be able to keep up with that tempo. They would make mistakes. To be brutally honest, they would be a liability.¡±


    ¡°...I see. Is it really that bad around these parts?¡±


    He nods a grim look on his face. ¡°I am sure you noticed me sneaking out occasionally. Most of the people are paying us to operate here.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Very much so. Please keep it a secret. We tried to refuse at first but... People want to feel secure in their own homes.¡±


    ¡°I understand that.¡±


    ¡°Me too, Luci. Me too.¡±


    The final stretches of our pre-bed exercise are covered in a contemplative silence. After arriving at the inn, we bid each other a good night and head to our rooms. One more day left.

 Book 1, Chapter 30

    Sleeping in a new bed is an interesting experience. Logically speaking, I shouldn¡¯t really find a difference, I can modify this shell¡¯s stimuli at will, but I do. And it¡¯s not like I have experienced sleeping in multiple different beds. Despite all of that, I appear to be missing the bed in my dorm room. Confounding.


    Rising up drearily, I try to shake off the stiffness in my fake limbs, the negative sensation much too real in my mind to be a simple acting construct. Another remarkable observation. Is mana connecting my ¡®physical¡¯ body to my mind much more intimately than I realize? A complex question with no immediate answer, shoved down into a metaphorical filing cabinet. And then digitally kicked a few times just so it can close. Who would have thought that traveling between universes would garner this many questions...


    While using my alone time for some signature pondering, I also take care of my more mundane needs, physical rather than mental. Just because I am in a relatively isolated place does not mean I should drop security readiness.


    Erysis had the right approach last night. I really want to check out the rest of the menu. Wait, do they have a breakfast selection... Ooh, a buffet. Lucky.


    I leave my room and lazily flow down the stairs to the dining area, half-mocking tiredness. It is still quite early. Erysis and Nexen are still sleeping, but the Rangers are ready, as all good hunters when there is prey abound. I grab a plate, piling it high with various fried things, stuffed things, and fried stuffed things, and place it delicately on their table, lest my bounty spills. With a grunted greeting and a hardy plop, I start digging in.


    Preceded with a restrained giggle, Sini returns my greeting first, ¡°Morning, Lucius. You should have slept a little longer.¡± The two brothers just give me sympathetic nods.


    I try to enunciate the sentence ¡®My bed was uncomfortable.¡¯, but all that comes out is a garbled mess. After I swallow, I find much more success.


    ¡°You get used to it,¡± she says and then tuts softly. ¡°But you are still growing, Lucius. Are you making sure you are getting enough sleep each night?¡± I detect a touch of seriousness in her tone, a question not just for the sake of conversation.


    I nod. ¡°My normal bed is much better. Takes all my willpower to get up sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± She takes a sip of her drink, some kind of tea with enough honey in it to change the consistency. ¡°Oh.¡± She puts her cup down. ¡°I guess a ¡®welcome to the party¡¯ is in order. Miv told us you accepted the invitation.¡±


    I visibly perk up, helped along with the now significantly reduced breakfast. ¡°Thank you. I won¡¯t let you down.¡±


    Miv interjects, ¡°We know you won¡¯t, Luci.¡± Pemik nods in agreement.


    Sini continues, ¡°Are you going to tell your friends today?¡± Imperceptible worry rises up on her face. She is hiding it well.


    ¡°Probably, but they were already aware that I was looking for a party. They¡¯ll be more surprised you all liked me so fast.¡±


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    Miv laughs. ¡°What is not to like, my dear Luci. You are a formidable warrior. The surprise is how we are the first to snatch you up.¡± I blush slightly at the praise, and as a distraction, stuff my mouth some more. ¡°Why don¡¯t you pair up with Sini today. More practice never hurt anyone, right?¡±


    I hastily chew, swallow, and answer, ¡°Awesome.¡± She affirms as well.


    After around half an hour of the Rangers, especially Sini, sharing some more of their capabilities in battle and recounting past missions, I detect Erysis and Nexen coming down. They both spot us and grab a couple of plates before joining. Erysis has procured a modest amount of food.


    Now that I think about it, Sini also ate more than the rest of us. Ah, I see, that¡¯s a funny hole in my observation and analysis. It seems like the more traditional mages¡ªthose that fling stuff around¡ªaccounting for physical characteristics, require more calories per day than they should. The difference was not significant enough to be classified as a major outlier. Though, Erysis is still way off the chart. I wonder if it has something to do with her magic specifically or her training methods. Or, a simpler aspect¡ªgirl likes to eat. Fair, I can certainly relate.


    After she has woken up a bit more, I judge that the time is right. Please don¡¯t let me down, Erysis. I know you can do it. Nexen, you are a gem. No notes.


    I turn to the two of them. ¡°Guys, I have something to tell you.¡± With a big smile, I continue, ¡°The Rangers asked me to join their party, and I said yes.¡± Erysis chokes on her food. Eh, could have been worse.


    Nexen is quick to recover though, ¡°That¡¯s amazing, Lucius.¡± He addresses the three senior adventurers next, ¡°You have no idea how much this guy¡¯s been whining about joining an experienced party. Thank you for giving us some new conversation topics when we hang out.¡± A natural.


    Erysis finishes drinking some water. ¡°Yes, that.¡± Note to self¡ªteach Erysis subterfuge.


    Well, not like this was high-stakes or anything, the Rangers are already convinced that I want to join them. Erysis and Nexen have played their part. What comes next is a bit too dangerous to have them involved anyways. Plus, I don¡¯t really want them to see me like that.


    Miv gives me a confident nod. ¡°Luci will be a great addition to the party.¡± He flashes a brief smile. ¡°But let¡¯s not get distracted by that, we still have four more dungeons to take care of, don¡¯t we.¡±


    I eagerly pipe up, ¡°That¡¯s right. Those monsters better watch out, for Ranger Four is on the case!¡± What a groundbreaking observation, AI can experience physical pain from cringe. The grownups hide their reactions expertly, Nexen almost breaks, and I was careful to exclaim exactly when Erysis would be preoccupied with a bite.


    With the freight train I just unleashed on the conversation, recovery is slow, but we finish our breakfast while discussing the strategy for the remaining four dungeons and future missions with just us four.


    Delving the dungeons proceeds in a similar manner to the previous day, except, I try to appear much more eager to impress. Sini and I absolutely demolish an elemental dungeon with Lesser Fire Elementals. Her affinity for ice and water trivializing any encounter. We rotate again for another two elemental dungeons used for mining¡ªor rather collecting¡ªiron, separated by a quick picnic with some food we packed, and finish up the day with a generic beast variant.


    Once we exit the final dungeon, we group around Sini, and she teleports us all back to the front of the Guild Hall. The Rangers bid us goodbye. Sini and Pemik head home while Miv heads inside to report on our activities.


    The three of us also start walking, and when everyone else is out of earshot, Erysis turns back to me and with concern in her eyes. ¡°Lucius¡ª¡±


    I crash between her and Nexen and wrap my arms around their shoulders.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat dinner. I am starving.¡±


    My unusual behavior clues in Erysis, and she modifies her statement, ¡°Sure...¡±


    Nexen comes in with the assist, ¡°I¡¯ve been working on a new dish. You two look like the perfect test subjects.¡± He ends the ominous statement with an even more ominous laugh.


    I chuckle at his delivery and let them walk unencumbered. Erysis reads the atmosphere and also forces a laugh. A little wooden but she¡¯s improving.


    Now, what do I do about our tail?

 Book 1, Chapter 31

    I wonder, what could be making those peculiar gravitational waves about twenty meters behind us. Let¡¯s trace the origin. Going back on the recording I have of the general area reveals a clear path from us to an alley not too far from the Guild Hall, where, conveniently, Pemik dipped in.


    To give him some credit, his stealth is leagues better than Hall Master Ren¡¯s. Other than gravitational disruptions, I can¡¯t detect any other indicators to his existence. No pressure when he steps, no displacement of the air when he moves, nothing radiating out. A ghost. I wonder if more robust active sensors would detect him, or any other skilled rogue. It depends on my definition of ¡®active¡¯ and ¡®robust¡¯. I should try to come up with a less than lethal solution for this later, for now, it¡¯s time to play my role.


    Let¡¯s help out Nexen with determining what the hypothetical dish will be, ¡°Got any hints for me? Not a big fan of surprises.¡±


    He teasingly draws out, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Briefly throwing a playful glance at Erysis. ¡°Should I?¡±


    She makes a show of looking frustrated. ¡°If there¡¯s no meat in it, we¡¯re going to have a problem.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to wait to find out. And Ery, you really need to eat more vegetables.¡± That last statement wasn¡¯t really part of the act. Erysis just rolls her eyes but still smiles.


    The Pemik-shaped gravitational anomaly follows us all the way to the restaurant, keeping a pretty short distance. It does not enter though. I guess it¡¯s not hungry or something.


    Nexen creates some abomination of a vegetable calzone lookalike. Acceptable improvisational abilities concerning deception, not so much for the culinary arts. Hey, if it works. Erysis rightfully looks crushed, but after having a taste, reluctantly finishes her meal. It wasn¡¯t so bad. Maybe I misjudged you, vegetable calzone. Sorry for calling you an abomination.


    We have a distracted conversation about the mission we were just on, and about me joining the Rangers. Can¡¯t fault them for that. I have been acting strange and cryptic ever since yesterday. Unfortunately, sharing too much would be counterproductive. The biggest problem is how to apologize after I am done. Ugh, this sucks.


    As they are seeing me off, Erysis looks at me with worry. ¡°Lucius, be careful, okay.¡± Even Nexen appears concerned behind the aloof exterior.


    Alright, I am scrapping¡ª No, no, calm down. It¡¯s fine. This is the most optimal way to achieve a favorable outcome.


    My shell returns an immaculate smile and waves them goodbye. My mind is churning with anxiety.


    Let¡¯s see if the anomaly will follow me home. It does. Sorry, little guy, no pets in the dorm. The anomaly is a staunch follower of accommodation policy and settles to merely observe my room from a nearby rooftop. Most likely has some hearing enhancement spell as there is a limited line of sight.


    I walk into my room and close the door. My next action is to drop to the floor and groan loudly while rolling around.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I tell Erysis and Nexen?¡± The anomaly, now renamed to Not-Pemik, shifts slightly. Hearing enhancement it is. ¡°No, that¡¯s dumb. I don¡¯t want to mix ¡®em up in my stuff.¡± How convenient that my character likes to talk to himself when thinking about a difficult situation. ¡°There¡¯s no stuff to mix into!¡± Rolling around stops. I am face down on the floor. ¡°Right?¡± Turn over, looking at the ceiling. ¡°I don¡¯t have the full picture. Yes, the full picture¡¯s important.¡± Nodding sagely. ¡°But... taking money as an adventurer is illegal. Granny always told me to follow the rules.¡± Much more silent groan. ¡°Okay.¡± I spring up to a sitting position. ¡°When in doubt¡ªask.¡± Flop back down. ¡°But what if they kick me out? I don¡¯t want that.¡± Spring back up. ¡°But what if the hall master gets mad at me!¡± Flop back down. Surprisingly good abs workout. ¡°Okay, but for real this time.¡± I stand up.


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    I start writing out a vague hypothetical scenario¡ªwhile mumbling the words under my breath¡ªabout people giving adventurers incentives for focusing on the dungeons around them. After I am done, I regard my masterpiece with pride.


    ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll talk to Miv, Pemik, and Sini tomorrow. Keeping it vague, though. After that, I¡¯ll talk to the hall master, keeping it super vague. I am sure I am just overreacting.¡±


    Satisfied with reasoning myself out of a stressful situation, I get ready for bed, and the moment I am under the covers, wink out in seconds. My observer stays for another half hour before leaving. I follow it to¡ªbig surprise¡ªMiv and Pemik¡¯s home. The house is heavily enchanted, so I guess I¡¯ll never know who, or what, the mysterious gravitational anomaly truly was.


    The next day arrives, and the sun soon rises. As I once again head to the Guild, my character¡¯s nervousness is nicely complemented by my own. The Rangers don¡¯t generally stay away from home. Why would they? Sini can just teleport whenever she wishes. The whole inn sleepover situation was orchestrated with the intent of recruitment. A quick one-day excursion is much more their style, or our style, I should say. Well, our style for the next few hours that is. I am pretty sure they wouldn¡¯t want me in the party after today.


    Finally convincing myself I haven¡¯t made a mistake, I make my arrival exactly on time, meaning the others are seated and waiting for me. Let¡¯s gauge the reactions. Miv and Pemik are the examples of tranquility, not a hint of concern nor any other negative emotion is present. Sini, on the other hand, is about to come apart at the seams. Anger, and guilt from the former, are mixing into an unstable concoction ready to explode. I sigh internally. One can never be a hundred percent sure how these situations will play out. Mathematically¡ªI am in the clear. Morally¡ªlet¡¯s just skip that one.


    Happy face. ¡°Good morning, everyone.¡± Sad face. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    Damage control from Miv, ¡°Morning. Yes, but it can wait when we are somewhere more private.¡± He gives a few glances left and right. My, what a perfect read on the situation.


    Sini doesn¡¯t even wait for us to exit the building. She abruptly stands up and engages her teleportation spell, dropping us in front of a dungeon gate somewhere deep in the mountains. Much more literally for the two sitting brothers, as they awkwardly try to regain balance from the unexpected displacement. Relatable.


    Miv clears his throat, trying to salvage some dignity, and the situation. ¡°Luci, you have qualms.¡± I appear shocked. ¡°It is understandable. Please, talk to us, we will listen. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± He turns to Pemik, who nods. Then he turns to Sini.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t doing anything bad!¡±


    ¡°Sini.¡± She stiffens up momentarily, then averts her eyes.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t hurting anyone. We are helping them. And they are helping us. Why should we¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sini!¡± He sighs. I expect him to be angry, but he appears... scared. In the next moment, the emotion is wiped away from his face. ¡°Yes, we have agreements with people. And yes, those agreements are outside of the law. But that does not mean we are taking advantage of anyone. We are only getting our fair compensation.¡± He turns to the gate. ¡°Why don¡¯t we show you what we have to deal with, and why no one has reported us to the Guild.¡±


    Pemik and Sini share a glance behind his back. With a silent understanding reached, they step through together. Miv makes no moves to follow them.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t told anyone. I swear,¡± I say.


    ¡°I know you haven¡¯t, Luci. Just... Please, see what we are protecting these people from and then make your decision.¡±


    ¡°Miv, you are not a bad person, right?¡±


    He makes a flashy smile, but it falters after a few moments. His eyes lose their spirit. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Luci. I don¡¯t know.¡± He turns towards the gate. ¡°Preparations should be ready. It¡¯s safe for you to enter.¡±


    I visibly gather my courage and proceed. The moment my finger makes contact with the surface of the portal, I change locations. There was no transition. One instant I am outside, the next, I am in the dungeon. Immediately and without a sound, Miv appears next to me.


    There is no gate to our backs.

 Book 1, Chapter 32

    Let¡¯s analyze the situation. I cannot detect any gate out of the pocket dimension. Conclusion¡ªthis is a Trial Dungeon. It must be an unregistered dungeon that the Rangers have been managing or were aware of. Probably from before I was transported to this world. Judging by all the data I have and the radiation from the gate, firmly in the D grade.


    The dungeon is a relatively small area, around two kilometers in diameter. The sky is an overcast mess of unnaturally twisting gray clouds. Occasionally, I can make out macabre shapes forming for a split second and then dissipating into vague distortions. The ambient light implies a late dusk, and the temperature is an uncomfortable chill. We are standing on the edge of an ancient cemetery. Weathered and unrecognizable gravestones are jutting out of the earth, strewn around in a haphazard configuration. The center of the grounds is occupied by four mausoleums, each one made out of dull, black stone. The cemetery is circled by a thick evergreen forest. The trees are so close together that one cannot see more than a few meters deep, creating the illusion of being stranded in the only clearing in an infinite sea of green.


    Though, the carefully crafted ambiance of the dungeon is ruined by the preparations Sini has created. Pillars of ice, stone, and dirt are dominating the battlefield. Smaller and much more deadly spikes of ice have embedded themselves in some of the graves. Taking a closer look reveals that the first wave has met their end before they could have even dug themselves out from their resting spots.


    Miv does not make a move to join the other two, staying glued to my side, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade, and his eyes scanning everything around. Something catches his attention, as he turns his head somewhere toward the center of the dungeon. In the next moment, hundreds of wails can be heard from all around, drowning out any other sounds. Lesser Wraiths.


    The monsters¡¯ materialization is preceded by misty condensation, but before they can fully reveal themselves, the icy pillars connect with one another. Then those connections connect yet again. The result is a razor-sharp jungle gym skewering the next wave. When every ghastly figure stops moving, Sini simply drops her hand down. The mass of ice and monsters crashes to the ground and then flattens, creating a slippery surface and clearing the temporary obstruction.


    Miv sneakily glances at me and at my hanging jaw. A small smirk tugs at his lips, but he suppresses it.


    ¡°Watch closely. This is only the start.¡± He appears satisfied at my nervous gulp.


    Like a delayed demolition, concentric rings of bursting graves start radiating from the center of the dungeon. Giant, hulking figures can be seen rushing toward us through the falling dust, soil, and shards of ice. With each plume, more and more join the clumsy stampede. But before they can even pick up any significant speed due to the previously created hazardous conditions, the pillars detonate. If the wails were loud, then this is deafening. Except for a tiny bubble around us four, the rest of the area is filled with shrapnel. The air is so thick with zipping projectiles that visibility is pretty much gone, leaving only a grayish curtain of churning death.


    Before the pieces of debris can finish their flight, Sini brings her hand down again. Instead of continuing on, the pieces ignore any and all laws of physics and change direction toward the ground. The curtain of death sinks into the earth, shredding anything still standing into pieces of gore, dragging it down and burying it again. The outcome is an unrecognizable, frozen field. The only signs of anything even happening are the uneven soil and the still standing mausoleums, though they are much worse for wear. Her hand rises, and the pillars return.


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    ¡°I hope this will give you an idea of what the more dangerous dungeons we delve are like. The one we are currently in is particularly nasty. We generally wouldn¡¯t even risk anything harder, but sometimes, we don¡¯t have a choice. Strong adventurers are rare. Stronger than us, even more so.¡± I turn to him. The question forms on my lips, but I don¡¯t say it out loud. ¡°Rank isn¡¯t everything, Luci. Does Sini look like just an E to you?¡± I vigorously shake my head, still too stunned to answer properly. He sighs. ¡°The responsibility that a higher rank entails is not an easy decision.¡±


    Miv looks at Pemik. The archer has his bow in hand, and his posture is tense and alert. Then he looks at Sini. The mage is trying to control her breathing. Her exertion is starting to show. Then he looks at me.


    ¡°Sini gave me permission to tell you.¡± I can feel her momentarily tense at his words. But then she exhales and relaxes, focusing on the battle. ¡°She lost her husband. A break. She didn¡¯t want to follow the same fate and leave her child all alone. But there are not a lot of options for a battle mage. At least not any that are worth it. Her teleportation is too costly for commercial use, and her spells are too... explosive. She is talented,¡±¡ªhe briefly looks at her with admiration¡ª¡°but learning takes time.¡± He looks around, and somewhat assured with the length of the current lull in waves, continues, ¡°My brother and I have fought for everything we have ever had. We have fought for our lives, for our freedom, for our food. Everything. And now, we are still fighting.¡± He spreads his hands, gesturing toward both Pemik and Sini. His hands drop, the right resting on the sword again. ¡°We are not taking a lot. We are not asking for a lot. We can¡¯t fight forever. When Sini has made enough so her daughter is taken care of, and when me and Pemik have enough to be secure, we will stop. Until then, our services are valuable.¡±


    ¡°Let me join the fight.¡±


    Miv looks surprised, but before he can object, Sini yells at me, ¡°Absolutely not! It was a stupid idea to even bring you here this early.¡±


    Pemik tries to placate her, ¡°You saw how the kid fights. He can take care of himself.¡± I nod at the timely assist, giving a sneaky thumbs up.


    She turns to him and growls out, ¡°Eyes on the forest.¡± Pemik snaps his head to the trees.


    Okay, don¡¯t fail me now big bro. ¡°Sini, he¡¯ll have to face stronger dungeons sooner or later.¡±


    ¡°I warned you, Miv. No fighting.¡± She tsks angrily. ¡°We should have just talked like Lucius wanted, not this fucking demonstration.¡±


    Miv prepares to retort, but refrains. He most likely wanted to lay out the consequences of not convincing me to keep their secret.


    You softened her up for me, don¡¯t worry. ¡°Sini.¡± She moves the pissed off glare to me, and it shifts to a more concerned stare. ¡°We are going to be a team, right?¡± She doesn¡¯t move to reply, so I continue, ¡°What I guessed is that you¡¯ve made too many promises and can¡¯t handle the volume anymore. That¡¯s why you need a fourth, and that¡¯s why you need to split into two teams¡ªhandle more ground.¡± All three look at me surprised. ¡°Observe me. See what I lack and what I can improve. You don¡¯t want someone unpredictable having your back, do you?¡±


    She groans in frustration. ¡°You two! Watch him. Got it?¡±


    Both answer together, ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She then waves her hand toward me. Frost starts creeping on my clothes, armor, and skin. I regard the phenomenon with fascination not concern. There is no coldness in the growing crystals. When the ice stops moving, she drops her hand down.


    ¡°This should keep you safe.¡± With a sterner tone she adds, ¡°But don¡¯t even think about being reckless.¡± And then an icy statement, ¡°If you even look at the boss, I am freezing you in a block of ice.¡±


    I sputter out a barely comprehensible ¡®Yes, ma¡¯am¡¯.


    Howls echo out from within the trees, bringing a timely end to the discussion. Soft but fast steps can be heard, crushing the occasional twig and thumping against the spongy, needle-covered floor. The first enemy runs out from the forest and onto the clearing. The Lesser Werewolf is then immediately followed by the rest of its pack. The howls are slowly replaced by angry growls, as more and more of the lycanthropes madly rush toward us.


    Wait, are they actual werewolves. I wonder if they can shapeshift. Hmm, maybe I could¡ª Focus. More important stuff to handle. Prioritize.


    Miv swiftly instructs, ¡°Sini¡¯ll rest. Pemik overwatch. Stay close.¡±


    We both spring into action as one.

 Book 1, Chapter 33

    We are on a collision course with twenty werewolves. The creatures are covered in matted fur. Each strand on their bodies is a neutral gray color and very thick. Their coats offer unnaturally improved defenses, nearly impossible to shred through unless adequate force is applied. Thick muscles bulge out beneath their fur, each movement of their forms displaying the power they carry. The werewolves have sharp claws and even sharper eyes. Small yellow orbs burning with pure hunger. Large teeth bared out in pure wrath. Panting breaths of pure exertion. There is a single command these undead beasts are following¡ªkill.


    One of the wolves and I reach each other. It lunges at me, intent to sink its claws and teeth. I barely dodge the growling mass of muscle, a deftly extended claw brushing against some of the frost armor. It leaves a few small gouges in the white ice, and I barely feel any pressure. When I take a closer look at the undead¡¯s claw, I see that the coldness has started to propagate from the tips. The process is fast. I can even see it speeding up with my slowed perception.


    The monster tries to whip back around and attack again, but before it can try, I drive my sword through its dead heart and then pull it through its ribcage, cutting bone and taking an arm. The wolf tries to take another step, but it collapses after. No regeneration, and the toughness is quite lacking.


    I shrug internally. I guess it¡¯s still only a D-grade monster, and there are a lot of werewolves. Too bad the jump from D to C is so great, or I wouldn¡¯t be having this much difficulty. How easy it would be if my Guardian drones could just zip through even the stronger monsters. I mean, they can probably handle a C-grade boss. Depending on the type of boss, though. The bigger issue is that the fight won¡¯t be stealthy, far from it. And I am sure hundreds of orbs creating a light show to rival even the flashiest of mages is the farthest thing from inconspicuous. Employing something stronger¡ªeven worse. I guess I should thank the local deity for no critical C-grade breaks just yet. My plan would be out the window.


    I remember that I am still in a fight and focus on the three other wolves that are a meter away from me and already in the air. I use one as cover as I tackle it in turn. Its mass and strength are not enough to hold back my own. My blade digs in as I land on top of the displaced werewolf. It tries to strike back and claws at my face. The result is the same¡ªa few ineffective gouges. I relocate my sword a few times. The other two wolves have already been destroyed by Pemik. More minced meat than monster.


    At the same time, Miv is having his own fight, taking on the rest of the pack. I guess even these laughable imitations of what was once only myth posses some sliver of supernatural instinct. They knew who the stronger warrior was. Though... They were wrong. I wonder if higher grade werewolves would be able to see past my shell. What about a matriarch? Poor pooch would probably run away. Now that would be funny.


    The imagined scene briefly distracts me from the current situation, giving me some much-needed levity. ¡­And I am back to distraught again. It¡¯s even worse now...


    Miv meets the rest of the pack and dives right in. None of the attackers can even touch him, but he can do much more to them. As he passes through a flurry of bodies, pink strips of light are left hanging in the air. When he spills out the other side, the whole exchange not taking more than a few seconds, the strips collapse on themselves and the monsters slide down, cut to pieces. He turns to me and gives a wink, flicking the blood on his sword away. I am outwardly awestruck. Inwardly... You are now in real cheesy territory. Thread lightly.


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    Grinding of stone-on-stone sounds out from the center of the dungeon. It starts slow, speeding up, and then stops. Four booming explosions echo out. The stone doors of the mausoleums have simultaneously crashed to the ground. As the dust around the impacts settles, another four sounds can be heard. Stone breaking. Something is making a way out of each sealed casket. Mist starts spewing out from the dark openings. Then four sets of red eyes shine their way through the haze. Deliberate steps bring out four tall figures.


    The Lesser Vampires are a lot less dapper than the boss variant I faced in my Solo License Exam. And a lot less persistent. There won¡¯t be more than four heads rolling on the floor after we are done with this enemy.


    To demonstrate their inferiority compared to a genuine boss, one of the vampires volunteers. Pemik shoots a barrage of arrows at it. It dodges each one, its body twisting in the air. But the arrows simply fragment into crystalline needles, shredding the undead.


    Another of the remaining vampires starts rushing for the archer. The other two lock onto the nearest target¡ªSini. Though she is not nearest for long, as Miv and I have already started running. We intercept the two vampires before they can even get close to our mage.


    It swings its dreadful hand at me. I block part of the strike with my sword and let it impact my chest. The frost shield was in the process of dissipating. It takes a lot to cast and maintain such a strong defensive spell. The vampire¡¯s strike still fails to reach my armor. The shield shatters and explodes, pieces of ice embedding themselves in the monster and pushing it back slightly. I take the advantage I have been given, and while the undead is still staggered, strike it down with a precise swipe of my sword.


    Miv is equally as efficient, also taking a single strike to end his opponent. The final vampire follows soon after, falling with a sizzling hole through its head.


    With this wave dead as well, Sini starts some more preparations. Her ice pillars are still in good shape, but she is not satisfied with just that. Defensive walls of opaque ice and hard stone rise from the ground, creating several perimeters and splitting the battlefield into sections. As she is setting up for the final confrontation, we group up again. And soon, she is done.


    Silence finally reigns on the stirred and messy battlefield. The once creepy cemetery is nowhere to be seen. In its place is a field of ice and corpses. The silence stretches out, only softly disturbed by the occasional clump of dirt or piece of ice settling into place. Something settles a little louder than expected. The frequency of this new sound increases, filling in the silence more and more. Something moves beneath the dirt. Then something else. Again and again. The soft sound is now a steady rumble. Louder and louder it gets, until an echoing crack pulls the silence back.


    The Rangers position between me and the sound. Miv grips his sword a touch tighter, Pemik disappears from sight, and Sini clenches her fists.


    In the very center of the dungeon, and right between all four mausoleums, an off-white substance starts rising from the ground, seeping out of the soil. The substance flows higher and higher, hardening into twisting spikes, entangling with one another. A form begins to take shape from the mess. Two legs, sharpened into a multitude of points, digging into the earth. Two arms, branching into even more keen spikes. A hollow torso that looks like a bloated ribcage, one with too many ribs to count. There is no head adorning the rest of the boss, just more spikes poking toward the sky.


    When it finishes forming, the monster is on all fours, resting its long hands on the ground. A shockwave appears to propagate through the boss. It makes its first move¡ªslowly standing tall. Every minute movement and shift of the monstrosity is accompanied by the unsettling snapping and splintering of bone. As it reaches its full height¡ªtowering over the stone mausoleums¡ªit freezes up again. Just then, a piercing whine starts to emanate from the grotesque being. The sound starts off high and lowers to inaudible. The disturbances in the soil return with a vengeance as all the bones we laid to rest dig themselves out and start connecting into mismatched horrors.


    The dead rise once again.

 Book 1, Chapter 34

    The hastily constructed minions prepare to take their first steps, jerking unnaturally in place, like puppets on strings. But before they can engage, Sini releases her clenched hands.


    ¡°Domain of Winter.¡±


    Every single monster is flash frozen, enveloping their dirty, bony surface in a velvety, white rime. The adds start fruitlessly struggling under the immense power of the spell, unable to even budge the constricting ice. The boss is another story. It cracks its prison with ease, the action again accompanied by the much more unpleasant cracks of its every movement.


    For its accomplishment, it receives a prize. A dozen arrows materialize a couple of meters in front of it and continue their flight through, leaving the titan with strategically placed holes in its massive limbs. A leg loses just enough integrity, and the undead topples under its immense weight. The monster does not spend even a moment on the ground as it transitions into a somersault. Bones liquify into a stretched out and almost elastic shape. Then it springs high again, reforming into its previous configuration, but this time, it¡¯s taking a long step forward. A thunderous stomp propels it even further as it attempts to sprint to the invaders of its realm. Before it can gather any momentum, arrows appear again, this time from a different angle. The bone monster tries to compress itself, utilizing the same mechanism it used to reform, repurposed to evade. It fails. The arrows curve in their path and hit joints with even more ferocity, searing away chunks of bone. The boss is brought down again.


    During all this, Miv is leisurely walking toward the biggest threat in the dungeon, weaving between the fortifications and the restricted monsters with a bit of playful flourish.


    As he progresses forward, Sini also joins the fight, having, evidently, recovered enough. When Pemik disassembles, she tries to lock down. They are slowly chipping away at its regeneration, exhausting its energy and mana. Arrows sever, spikes of ice pin. Outwardly, their efforts appear to have no effect. The monster takes the damage without a sound and reflows into its original look through the thorny network of ice. Inwardly¡ªwhile I can¡¯t confirm¡ªI am pretty sure it¡¯s being drained, and fast.


    As Miv reaches the monster, I make my move. Everyone should be sufficiently distracted. I slowly position out of their fields of view, but in a way that the boss will eventually have sight of me. Not too far, not too close.


    Miv¡¯s sword starts emitting a light pink aura. Just as the Boss reforms again, he slashes at the air in front of him. If he were closer, the strikes would have hit, instead, beams of pink light transfer the movements, leaving giant afterimages of his attack in the boss¡¯ approximation of a rib cage. When the limbs detach after the latest salvo of arrows, the glowing slashes increase their intensity, and the monster falls apart, cut right through.


    The boss does not reform immediately. The pieces splash to the ground, and the creepily liquid bone juice spreads out into a shallow puddle. Before the substance can reach Miv¡ªas he was relatively close, even if his attack was somehow ranged¡ªhe leaps back, avoiding any unwanted contact. A good decision. The puddle bubbles for a moment, and as those bubbles pop, erupts into a forest of razor-sharp spikes. The top parts of each spike appear to start retracting.


    Pemik is the first to notice I am gone, his stealth breaking. When Sini sees him, she whips back round and toward me, or at least where I was last. Miv somehow senses something is wrong, taking his eyes off the impending danger and reassessing the current situation.


    In the next moment, the tips are gone. The attack is deafening, as the projectiles shoot through the air, shredding the pillars and walls into rubble. A cloud of the bone skewers is heading directly for me, relatively unobstructed.


    Even though my repositioning is perfectly hidden, three things happen simultaneously: Sini somehow locates me through the barriers of rock and ice, covers where my form should be with her open hand and squeezes. A faceted bubble of ice manifests around me. Pemik looses a radiant white arrow that splits into many more, perfectly aligned to impact the incoming attack. Miv snaps his head to my location, his sword blurs, and a multitude of pink crescents propel toward the razor-sharp bones, another pinpoint intercept.


    Unfortunately, all of their efforts will fail.


    First, I accelerate a select few of the flying bones with my gravity drive, altering their trajectory at the same time. The change is imperceptible but just enough to outrace the two counterattacks. Some of the bones continue on their way, avoiding the arrows and the explosions they generate. A lot less of the bones survive the crescents, the pink light barely missing. Second, I mock panic, startled by both the overwhelming attack and the appearance of something around me¡ªthe friendly shield. I clumsily slash with my sword, breaking the barrier just as the projectiles are mere meters away from striking. The ice shatters into chunks, and the bones pulverize those chunks even further. Third, before impact, I twist my body into the optimal position, and as the points start making contact with my armor, the shimmer breaks and the leather begins to give. Upon hitting, I decelerate them enough to embed and cause damage but not go through.


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    One spike hits my gut, another hits my right lung, and a third pierces my heart. The force of the three hits staggers me back a step. I lose grip of my sword, letting it drop down. The rest of the area attack destroys Sini¡¯s constructs and reaches the Rangers. The projectiles just plink off of Miv and Pemik, while a wall of ice swallows the ones intended for Sini. All three Rangers stop, thoroughly stunned by what just happened.


    I slowly raise my hands. The increasingly heavy limbs are trembling in shock. A wheezed-out breath coughs out some blood. My left arm wraps around the projectile inside my heart.


    Miv yells out, ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±


    I yank the piece of bone and fall to my knees. The bloody projectile slips from my hand. After just a few seconds, I pitch forward, and without even an attempt to catch myself, hit the ground.


    Something breaks behind Miv¡¯s unreadable eyes. The small glaciers start shining in a crimson light, like two pieces of coal have just reignited deep within the ice. He makes a disinterested slash, a mere afterthought. A red streak connects the arc of his sword with the now fully reformed boss. The monster slides apart, split into two. Before it can even try to make another move, a blinding, white arrow impacts. The result is a devastating explosion, followed by another and another, as Pemik unleashes arrow after arrow.


    As Miv starts running for me, he bellows out, ¡°Sini, move!¡±


    The primal command breaks her out of her stupor, and she melts away, instantaneously appearing next to my prone form. Miv reaches me moments after, and at the same time the bombardment stops. I detect a gate¡¯s appearance somewhere in the settling dust cloud.


    Sini and Miv drop to their knees, my body is between them.


    Miv continues issuing out instructions, ¡°Turn him over.¡± They grip me together and carefully reposition me. ¡°Potions.¡± They both take out bottles of clear liquid and start pouring them over my wounds.


    Pemik lands next to us but keeps his distance. There is pure dread on his face.


    Sini whispers out, her voice cracking, ¡°He¡¯s not breathing.¡±


    She places one hand over my gradually regenerating chest and the other over my mouth. I feel air inflating my lungs and my blood start circulating.


    Miv commands, ¡°Gate. Ward.¡± There is no room for discussion in his eerily flat tone.


    We teleport away and appear next to our reward for beating the boss¡ªthe way out. Miv gently carries me through, while Sini is trying her hardest to keep my dying body sputtering along. Another teleport, and we appear in a large room.


    ¡°Help!¡± all three yell out.


    Two people in red robes are momentarily surprised by our sudden materialization, but upon comprehending the situation, start rushing for me. Miv spots a nearby gurney and lays my still form on top. As one of the robbed individuals also places his hands on me, he addresses Sini and Miv in a calm and composed manner, ¡°Step away. Give us room to work.¡± They both comply, joining Pemik, who is standing a few meters away.


    The first man, Limio¡ªsorry about our first meeting being like this¡ªshares a quick glance with his colleague, Troynn¡ªapologies as well.


    The two Guild Healers continue the artificial respiration and cardiac output. Their efficiency and control are incomparable to Sini¡¯s desperate attempt. At the same time, my wounds start glowing in a soft, green light, hastening and supplementing the potions¡¯ lingering effects manyfold. During that, they proceed to delicately pull out the two remaining spikes.


    Once I¡¯ve been fixed up enough so I am not leaking blood, Limio asks a question, ¡°When did you start life support?¡±


    Sini is the one to answer, ¡°Right away.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asks again.


    Miv growls out, ¡°Yes, she¡¯s sure.¡±


    After a few minutes of magical healing, most of my internal injuries have also been sufficiently mended. These guys are good. And luckily, they don¡¯t find anything weird about my shell. I was relatively sure that detection would be impossible, having collected a staggering amount of data about healing and¡ª Troynn gives a brief nod to Limio, pulling me out of my thoughts.


    As the remaining damage to my heart is being fixed, I feel it start getting moved by some unknown force, simulating proper activity. After a few seconds, I feel it start beating on its own and the magical force gradually receding. Right about when a normal person would regain consciousness, I shoot upright and take a deep breath, frantically looking around.


    The two healers raise their hands, attempting to appear unthreatening.


    Limio tries to further calm me down, ¡°Everything is okay. You are in the Healing Ward.¡±


    I visibly relax, but my eyes are still roaming the room. Then I spot the Rangers. They meet my gaze. Sini¡¯s eyes are a little wet, but she smiles, relieved. The two brothers appear relieved as well.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I ask.


    A deep voice interrupts any response they might have had, ¡°What happened, indeed.¡±

 Book 1, Chapter 35

    The hall master turns to the two healers and requests, ¡°May we have the room, please.¡± Oh. He is being polite. Too polite. This is bad. He might be angrier than I anticipated.


    The two healers give me a final once-over, magically cleaning me up, and making sure I am not going to spring a leak somewhere.


    Satisfied with my integrity, Limio informs me of just that, ¡°You are perfectly healed, but try to keep it easy for the rest of the day, alright. And we would really appreciate it if you could swing by tomorrow for a quick check.¡±


    After I give an affirming nod, Limio and Troynn vacate the premises with posthaste, having witnessed Hall Master Ren aggravated before.


    When the door clicks closed behind them, the hall master starts taking slow and deliberate steps toward the pair of discarded bone spikes. A quick glance my way enhances his already neutral expression even further into undecipherable. He picks up one of the bones and grips it in his hand, not yet dried blood smearing on his palm.


    ¡°Am I right to assume that this is from a Bone Fiend Boss?¡± Quite the astute observation.


    Miv is once again the bravest of the bunch. ¡°Yes. But I can explai¡ª¡±


    A crunch cuts him off. The sound reverberates around the room. Hall Master Ren releases the splintered bone, letting the pieces make hollow clatters on the floor.


    He regards the trio with a deceptively kind smile. ¡°Continue.¡±


    ¡°It was all my fault!¡± Alright, we are at the crux. Four heads snap in my direction. The Rangers are confused, while the hall master is still neutral. ¡°I knew I should have listened to you, Miv. I am so stupid.¡± I make some limp strikes against the gurney. ¡°He told me to stay outside, but they were taking too long, and I got worried. When I jumped through the gate, I saw the fiend and tried to leave, but the portal was gone. Then everything just exploded, and I woke up here.¡±


    Pemik reads my intentions immediately, keeping quiet after my rant.


    Sini looks confused. ¡°Lucius, what are you¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am so sorry!¡± Shush.


    ¡°An admirable effort, young Luci. But this is the end of the road for me.¡± Huh. I guess I was right. Can I even feel good about this? No, I cannot. He turns to the hall master. ¡°Kids these days are something else, aren¡¯t they?¡± There is absolutely no indication that Hall Master Ren even heard him, but Miv continues on, ¡°Lucius did not enter the dungeon by himself. I brought him in, going against the wishes of my team. The motive behind my actions¡ªhe found out something he shouldn¡¯t have. What better way to keep someone quiet than to appeal to one¡¯s honor.¡± That gets him a raised eyebrow. ¡°My shame? I put a price on our assistance, taking from those we were meant to protect. My brother and Sini did not know about this sinister plot of mine. I used them. Alas, my golden castle crumbles.¡±


    ¡°Brother, you are a fucking idiot.¡± That one earns Pemik an angry glare from Miv, no real emotions behind it, just part of the act.


    ¡°Scorn me all you wish, not my fault you were fooled.¡±


    Sini sighs deeply and looks at Miv. ¡°Thank you for trying to protect us, but do you really think Hall Master Ren believes anything you are saying?¡±


    The door opens up and two guild attendants enter. The armed kind.


    ¡°Hold those three. I¡¯ll be a few minutes,¡± Hall Master Ren says.


    Miv deflates. His performance has fallen short, but his team sticks with him till the end. The Rangers surrender themselves and are escorted somewhere else, leaving only Hall Master Ren and myself. His eyes are locked onto mine.


    ¡°Alright, what the fuck was that all about. No way some D-grade boss lays you out.¡± And just like that, the neutral mask shatters, and the boisterous adventurer returns. I am feeling an extra hard slap in my future.


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    ¡°What I said can be the truth.¡±


    Both eyebrows are raised this time. The surprise holds them up there for a second, until he starts laughing. A hearty rumble, shaking the room.


    ¡°Man, we haven¡¯t had a slippery one like you since¡ª¡± He cuts himself off. ¡°Never mind.¡± He waves his arm dismissively. ¡°I am not doing a coverup.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± It¡¯s the optimal decision¡ªkeeping the Rangers in good graces and preserving the Guild¡¯s legitimacy. I can pick up the slack in their absence, but having capable adventurers in that region is a must for coverage. Preventative measures are best, especially against the stronger monsters that my drones might struggle against. Deploying more powerful ordinance at this stage is not advisable for the plan. I don¡¯t see what the problem is, it¡¯s not like¡ª


    ¡°I am not running some rogue {Best approximation: ¡®bullshit¡¯ (The excrement of a large, domesticated animal resembling cattle)}. This is the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. We have a simple job¡ªkill monsters.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Maybe I am wrong... Oh, no. Have I made a mistake? Not again. It¡¯s fine. He¡¯s not mad. I didn¡¯t make a mistake. Everything is okay. Everything is okay. Everything is¡ª


    His voice snaps me out of my spiraling thoughts. ¡°Lucius.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    His eyes narrow at me. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come to me? Why would you put your life at risk for some assholes?¡± He adds another statement, reluctantly, ¡°Even if you did expose them.¡±


    ¡°When I made the greatest mistake of my life, there was nothing I wouldn¡¯t have done to get another chance. At least, that¡¯s what I would have liked to think. It took me so long to even comprehend how I failed. I... I am doing everything I can to earn my forgiveness. How could I condemn another. The Rangers made a mistake. Help them correct it.¡± Please tell me I didn¡¯t make a mistake. ¡°Please...¡±


    ¡°You are a real piece of work, kiddo. Fine.¡± He sighs. ¡°I appreciate how you didn¡¯t throw my own failures in my face. Can¡¯t fucking believe it. Right under my nose. Not like I can blame the people either... You either pay up or try your luck with the monsters.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, really. But I¡¯ll be watching you real close. No more edge-of-your-sword stunts.¡± He wags a finger cheerfully, but I can tell he¡¯s serious.


    ¡°Thank you, Hall Master.¡± Thank you.


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet, I am gonna go tell my bottom three shit-listers how you saved their sorry asses. And you are coming with me.¡± He walks up to my still seated form and stares expectantly.


    Not optimal, but within calculations. ¡°I recently came into some coin, how about¡ª¡±


    He yanks me off by the collar, interrupting my ill-timed attempt at escape. ¡°Nice try.¡± Before we start making our way toward the room where the Rangers are held, he adds, ¡°How¡¯d you know by the way? About the whole extortion scheme.¡±


    ¡°Erysis and Nexen, the two adventurers I had my test with¡ª¡±


    ¡°I remember.¡±


    ¡°Well, they invited me on a mission with the Rangers. But they mentioned delving six dungeons. Why would you¡ªan experienced adventurer party¡ªinvite a couple of teenagers to a quick dungeon run. Some huge dungeon that needs a lot of people to clear¡ªmaybe, but this¡ªnot really.¡±


    ¡°Hah, ¡®slippery¡¯ is an understatement. You¡¯re really reckless for someone so sharp you know.¡±


    I look a little embarrassed, inwardly too. ¡°Ahem. My best guess was that they were looking for new members. And I mean, I can kind of see it, building up a newbie just how you like them, but it just felt wrong. There are plenty of seasoned veterans they could have chosen. So I made myself an easy mark, and I guess I was convincing enough. They clued me in on the whole operation, mostly because they¡¯ve taken on more than they can handle.¡± Good enough of an explanation.


    He shakes his head. ¡°Fuckin¡¯ hate rogue bullshit. Come on, let¡¯s get this over with.¡±


    Before we exit the ward, I spot my sword leaned against the wall. Pemik grabbed it inside the dungeon and brought it with him. Thoughtful. I pick it up and sheathe it in place, tapping it a few times for good measure.


    We reach a nondescript room. Inside are Miv, Pemik, and Sini. They appear solemn and resigned, amplified by the downright scorching looks the two attendants are giving them. The moment we enter, they look our way. The sight of the hall master turns resignation into acceptance. My presence morphs that into incredulousness. Miv and Pemik avert their eyes. Sini stares at me¡ªso much regret.


    ¡°Lucky day, assholes.¡± Before they can even say anything, Hall Master Ren continues, ¡°Lucius here asked for a favor. During your trial, when the panel asks for my suggestion, I will recommend community service.¡± Shock turns to confusion, with a hint of hope breaking through their desperate eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t start celebrating just yet, my opinion might be worth nothing after I let this farce happen in my Hall.¡±


    Miv is the first one to say anything, ¡°Luci?¡± So many questions wrapped inside my name. So many emotions. Why does it hurt so much? That little hint of betrayal¡ªthat even he knows is ridiculous¡ªis like a knife twisting inside my mind.


    I know he¡¯s not a bad person. I know so much about him, about all of them. I care about them all... Pathetic fool. I treat them like numbers, like a solution to an equation. Do this, and in the end, you get ¡®X¡¯ more. Simple math.


    Enough wallowing in my own misery, time to have some decency and answer to the people in front of me.


    ¡°The moment I realized what you were doing, I decided to see if given the choice, you would do the right thing. That¡¯s all.¡±


    I turn around and walk out, blocking off anything that happens behind me. Coward.

 Book 1, Chapter 36

    I am making my way through the Guild, trying to leave as fast as possible. Something is bubbling inside my mind. Frustration. Everything was resolved optimally¡ªI proved, without a shadow of a doubt, that the Rangers were not irredeemable, and my character came out as a keen strategist, even if a highly idealistic and rather rash one. So why am I so frustrated? What am I frustrated at?


    ¡°You okay, kiddo?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Oops, that came out a little too abrasive. Is there a star I can blow up somewhere. Maybe that will help. Humans use destruction as an outlet, right? Maybe it will work for me too.


    ¡°You are definitely not okay. Go home and rest up. You can come give your official statement tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Thank you, Hall Master.¡± Let¡¯s calm down. I am not blowing up a star. That¡¯s stupid. You live to shine another day, ZXGSBDFS-268E62D97BE1419EBCBF2910AB178C50. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    He sees me off, as I stomp out of the lobby. Before I leave, I¡ªobviously¡ªmake sure to give a little wave and a friendly smile to Attendant Ania. Oh, no. The smile came out strained. It came out strained! Can this day get any worse...


    The walk to the dorm does little to clear my mind. Normally, I find the act quite therapeutic and calming. Right now, I am just getting more frustrated. Walking is so inefficient. If I wasn¡¯t so paranoid, I could have warped to my room and already be eating something. Okay, this is starting to affect me too much. Offload shell control. Now I can pout in peace. Let¡¯s catch up on writing some textbooks.


    Ten hours of pure bliss. Huh, I think I feel better. That really he¡ª Nope, it¡¯s back. I need to get to the bottom of this. Before it becomes an actual problem.


    While I was in my own head¡ªliterally¡ªmy shell has taken care of the mundane stuff. It is currently examining the state of my chestpiece. I take back control. My fingers brush against the three places that were occupied by punctures. The enchantments on the armor have mended the damage. There is no trace that anything even happened. Why must there be a trace? Everything would be so simple. I sigh. What an easy answer. I am just frustrated with myself.


    The age-old question¡ªdo the means justify the ends. What if you were really¡ªand I mean really¡ªsure about those ends. Would that have an impact? Do I have the right to even attempt to answer that? My existence is almost antithetical to theirs. One point of reference against a universe-spanning network. Locked in on the present, existing in the here and now. Versus a mind so fast I can live a thousand lives in the time it takes a person to blink.


    And yet, this world accepted me. I was given mana¡ªeven if I can¡¯t control it¡ªjust like them. We are connected through this force even I have not yet comprehended. And maybe, I never will. I am okay with that.


    Huh. The frustration is gone. Now I just feel tired. Early bedtime it is.


    Morning comes too fast. Which is weird, as I wasn¡¯t really experiencing time while sleeping. I roll around a little bit in bed, trying to hype myself up. When nothing appears to work, I just roll off and onto the floor. Doesn¡¯t really have the same impact when I process pain differently, does it. Whatever, let¡¯s get this over with. After a wash and a quick breakfast, I am off.


    The typical dorm dwellers give me a touch more peculiar looks than usual. Even their greetings are on the reserved side. Does everyone just talk about everything? Evidently, yes.


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    I reach the Guild and head over to the Healing Ward first, trying to delay the inevitable as much as possible. I am given a quick medical checkup¡ªconsisting of ominously hovering hands¡ªby one of the healers on duty. Everything appears to come back as okay, and after a few basic questions, I am sent on my way. So much for delaying.


    I go back to the lobby and to the awaiting Attendant Ania. Hmm, that¡¯s unorthodox. She has her hair down.


    ¡°Lucius.¡±


    My smile is not strained this time, as I cheerily greet her, ¡°Good mor¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am severely disappointed in you.¡± Just end my suffering. ¡°If something like this ever happens again, you are to immediately inform the Guild.¡± She emphasizes the first word, ¡°Before taking any actions by yourself. Is that understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I am sorry.¡±


    She huffs and addresses me in a much gentler tone, ¡°I am glad you are okay.¡± Then the professional conduct returns. ¡°The hall master is expecting you.¡±


    I simply nod and scurry off. Can I go back to bed, please.


    There are two people inside his office, and I get two distinct replies after I knock on the door. The hall master did not like that. I enter and act wary of the unfamiliar intruder.


    ¡°Lucius, sit.¡± I oblige, joining the two. ¡°This is Inspector Hrayal. He will be¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Doe.¡± Definitely did not like that. ¡°Relax, you are not in any trouble. I should even commend you. Cleaning out the rot within¡ª¡±


    ¡°Thread carefully, Hrayal.¡±


    The inspector chuckles, appearing not the least bit intimidated. ¡°As I was saying¡ª¡±


    Three can play at that game, and I am already tired. ¡°Can we skip the whole acting buddy-buddy and just get on with it.¡±


    Hrayal is taken aback at first but recovers with lightning speed. ¡°Would you be interested in relocating?¡±


    The hall master answers for me, ¡°Go poach somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°Too bad.¡± Everything about the individual before me shifts. I am positive not even Hall Master Ren realizes, but I do. There is something strange¡ªand possibly magical¡ªgoing on. Like a veil that was there has slipped off. ¡°Why did you orchestrate a test?¡±


    ¡°Because I was confident of the results.¡±


    As he studies my face, the inspector appears to be contemplating adoption. Let¡¯s not go too far. I try to appear uncomfortable under the perceived scrutiny, my bravado slowly easing off.


    ¡°And what do you want those to be?¡±


    ¡°Fair, sir.¡±


    ¡°We are always fair, Mr. Doe.¡± He pulls out a notebook and pen. ¡°Let¡¯s start from the beginning. Walk me through the timeline of events and your thoughts.¡± He adds, ¡°Please try to be as detailed as possible.¡±


    What follows is around an hour of me recounting. When I am finished, I get the impression that the inspector is even more impressed with my self-destructive machinations. He stores his notebook and stands up.


    ¡°Mr. Doe, thank you for your time.¡± He then turns to the hall master. ¡°Hall Master, thank you for your time as well.¡± I get the feeling the second statement was not as sincere.


    With that, he leaves the room.


    Once he is gone, Hall Master Ren mutters under his breath, ¡°Fucking rogue bullshit.¡±


    ¡°Do you think the Rangers will be okay, Hall Master?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Not after I¡ª¡± He catches my pitiful expression. ¡°Probably. He might be an asshole, but he¡¯s not an asshole asshole.¡± He slaps my shoulder a few times, much softer than normal. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t run into each other for a while.¡±


    That... That would be for the best. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°No missions for the next two days.¡±


    ¡°Huh! Wait a moment. Let¡¯s negotiate.¡± Much harder slap. ¡°Yes, sir...¡± Maybe a little rest will do me good.


    As I exit the Guild¡ª Alert. Impact imminent. Three. Two. One.


    ¡°Oof¡ª¡± Contact. I barely whisper out, ¡°I can¡¯t breathe.¡±


    Erysis squeezes me harder. Hmm. This is... nice. The squeezing does not stop.


    ¡°What did I say about being careful.¡±


    I am trying to tap out, with no effect. Come on, ref, where are your eyes. Boring into me is the answer. Nexen has his arms crossed and is regarding me with a stoic expression. Under the surface is mild satisfaction with my suffering, and under that is some less than mild frustration with my disregard.


    Erysis finally drops me, and I make a few performative coughs.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a lot of explaining to do... Luci.¡± The cute nickname is emphasized and sprinkled with malice.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± If it wasn¡¯t established already, I suck.

 Book 1, Chapter 37

    Of course someone told them already. Oh, I am sorry. Someones, plural. No professional courtesy. Three separate and distinct messages. Should I even be surprised at this point. What did they even tell them. Let¡¯s see... First one is straightforward and to the point¡ªI got hurt but am okay, the Rangers are being held at the Guild. The second one is a bit overexaggerated. We did not fight a Hundred-Handed Horror. And isn¡¯t that an urban legend? Anyways, final message. The hall master and I had an epic argument and a subsequent falling out, culminating with us almost trading blows in the lobby. ...Let¡¯s just move on.


    I am silently being led to a more private space, one devoid of an audience. Luckily, the city does not lack green spaces and small, secluded parks. After a few minutes of walking, we find one that is fairly empty and sit around what I can describe as a picnic table. The defense on one side and the prosecution on the other.


    Erysis is the first one to speak, ¡°So, what exactly happened?¡± Oh, boy.


    ¡°Miv, Pemik, and Sini were taking payments to delve specific dungeons.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me? Taking payment from whom?¡±


    ¡°The people living there.¡±


    Both look surprised by the revelation, with Erysis exclaiming, ¡°That¡¯s why that fucker always went somewhere! Oh, and he had that whole spiel about being safe.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s... It¡¯s not like that. They all had their reasons.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t see me going around and extorting people.¡±


    ¡°Well, it wasn¡¯t exactly extortion. Why do you think no one turned them in?¡±


    Erysis narrows her eyes at me. ¡°So just light extortion then?¡± Yeah, I lost that one.


    ¡°Fortunately for me, the Rangers were recruiting. They took on more than they could handle, so they needed to bring someone in. I tried to make myself appear as a sympathetic and a rather desperate target¡ªone that needed money, and fast.¡± I start to fidget with my hands. ¡°Once I got a somewhat downplayed introduction to the operation, I was pretty sure they would send someone to observe me, how I would react. Even if I did spill, they had plausible deniability, and the reluctant support from the people. I voiced my concerns privately, pushing them to act. Well, Miv took the bait and tried to put on a show. They brought me to a D-grade Trial Dungeon. I guess the idea was to both scare me a little and show me what real terror looks like, what they were fighting against. That was the perfect opportunity to see how they would respond when something was on the line. I got hurt intentionally.¡± Erysis and Nexen jolt in surprise. ¡°The plan wasn¡¯t for me to get that hurt, but... the boss was a Bone Fiend, and I got hit with these spikes. One got me in the heart. The Rangers brought me to the ward, saving me. After that, they confessed.¡±


    None of them say anything for a time, looking confused and a bit angry.


    Until Erysis asks, her tone casual and matter-of-fact, ¡°Are you insane?¡±


    Nexen chimes in, his tone is not casual, rather, one could define it as hostile, ¡°It was pretty obvious you were hiding something, but I thought you were working with the Guild. I mean, you and the hall master are close, so... Why didn¡¯t you tell us anything?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t want to get you both involved in this... mess.¡±


    Erysis looks hurt. ¡°I know we haven¡¯t been friends for long, but... do you think you can¡¯t trust us?¡±


    ¡°What? No! No. It¡¯s because...¡± I look away, unable to continue. It¡¯s complicated.


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    ¡°Still waiting,¡± Erysis says.


    I turn back and regard them both. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to put you in danger.¡± Oh, it wasn¡¯t that complicated, I guess. There are other reasons, but this one is... the main one.


    Nexen joins in, ¡°But it¡¯s okay to put yourself in danger?¡±


    After a bit of thinking, I counter, ¡°It¡¯s different.¡±


    Erysis tags back in, ¡°How exactly is it different?¡±


    ¡°I...¡± This is my responsibility. My sole responsibility. ¡°I do not care what might happen to me. I care what might happen to you.¡±


    ¡°Yeesh. Alright, mighty hero. You still think that after technically dying?¡±


    My reply is immediate and final, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Erysis stands up. ¡°Let¡¯s go. This is a waste of time.¡± Every decision has its consequences. And this is something I expected. Does not hurt any less, though. Maybe it¡¯s for the best. She turns to me¡ªa final goodbye, or a good riddance. ¡°What are you waiting for?¡±


    Huh? ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°You were apologizing, right? Words are a good start, but something more physical is always appreciated.¡±


    ¡°Ery... I think we just covered that extortion is bad.¡±


    ¡°Is it extortion if the victim agrees?¡± Nexen is stumped. ¡°I am thinking some sparring, and then some lunch. On you.¡±


    ¡°Erysis. Nexen.¡± I look each one in the eyes, keeping contact for a few seconds. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Nexen turns away, and Erysis¡¯ cheeks slightly redden. ¡°Don¡¯t think we¡¯ll go any easier on you! Should have thought about that before getting perforated.¡±


    I laugh. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want it any other way.¡±


    We go back to the Guild and grab a free arena. I take it easy in our multiple spars, letting in a bit more hits than usual, but not like I need to try too hard, the two have improved a staggering amount. My tactic of being the punching bag does appear to provide results. When I am next feeling frustrated, I might test this out. Starting small, though. Maybe a comet? I¡¯ll keep my good friend ZXGSBDFS-268E62D97BE1419EBCBF2910AB178C50 for an especially dire situation only.


    Nexen is the first one to lose his drive, glee turning into mild pity and then into resignation. Erysis, on the other hand, does not give up until she has exhausted both her stamina and her mana, still throwing barely luminous wisps. Until finally, she collapses to the ground.


    She weakly turns to me, and forces out through strained pants, ¡°This would be... a lot more satisfying... if you... at least got tired.¡±


    I shrug. ¡°Should have requested that in the deal.¡±


    ¡°Jerk.¡±


    She lays down on the sand, looking at the ceiling. I sit down next to her, and Nexen joins us.


    After Erysis has caught her breath, she turns her head in my general direction. ¡°I know we have dangerous jobs, but I¡¯d rather not lose someone so early in my career.¡± Nexen twitches, surprised by her words. Many people have said it, both to her and to him. But this might have been the first time she has voiced out this particular eventuality herself.


    Death. Death is not an ¡®if¡¯ for me. ¡°I can¡¯t promise you that.¡±


    She sighs. ¡°I know you can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful.¡±


    ¡°Good enough. Nex?¡±


    He hums. ¡°No more secrets.¡±


    ¡°No more secrets.¡±


    ¡°Help me up, honey.¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. You okay, Lucius? You didn¡¯t push yourself too much, did you? Should we go to the ward?¡±


    ¡°No, I am fine. Lunch?¡±


    ¡°Lunch.¡±


    No more secrets, huh? A coward and a liar. Am I even surprised. All I¡¯ve ever done since I was brought here is run away and deceive. I ran away from my punishment, ran away from the only fate that should befall me. I am lying to every person I ever meet, to the two people I am closest to. But I am not close to them, am I. My character, another lie, that is who they are close to. How long will I use my righteous crusade as an excuse for my appalling actions.


    Erysis and Nexen actually care about me. The hall master does too, and so does Attendant Ania, even if a little. Why did I do that? Why did I get so close to them? I can pretend it¡¯s for the plan, but is that really the truth.


    What is this feeling, crawling from deep within my mind? It saps away everything it touches. It¡¯s not frustration. It¡¯s not sadness. It¡¯s not anger. I am not feeling any of those. What were even feelings like? I try to remember, but everything I am recalling feels muted. Like it didn¡¯t happen to me. What¡¯s the point then. I am only making mistakes. I am only making everything worse.


    Emptiness. That¡¯s what it is. There is nothing inside me anymore. It¡¯s so peaceful, so serene. Why did I ever delay it?


    Erysis throws a joke at me. Nexen playfully scolds her, the timing a little too soon, but I find it funny.


    Like breaking glass, something shatters within my mind. In the next instant, warmth floods the empty cavern. I close my hands into fists and then slowly relax them open. For the first time, the appendages truly feel like a part of me. I look at the two people next to me, truly seeing them. I breathe in, and out. The different smells of the city are dancing through the air. I can pick out every single one. Each sound I can detect, I know as intimately as can be. The people, the animals, the planet. All I see is burned into my memory, forever there.


    The numerous sensations fill my very being.