“I suppose the best way to inform you about them is if you tell me what you do know and what you believe you know as well. I’ll correct any misgivings you have as we discuss.” Dalia says.
“Yeah, I guess that makes sense. It fits our deal still as well, since I didn’t really answer your question. Most of what I know is that there are portals that go to different locations. Inside of these locations are monsters that try to kill us. Sometimes there will be resources that can be gathered as well, like ores, “I say, remembering how I spent my day up until this point.
“I’m not sure anyone has come to a consensus on the dungeon locations. I’d always assumed they all led to the same planet, but I’ve been doubting that recently, especially after what I heard from The Voi-” I stop myself. I haven’t even told my party members about The Void Lady. Why did I almost slip up and share that with this strange dwarf woman who is technically a monster? She may be willing to answer my questions, but that doesn’t mean she is safe to share everything with.
“Ah, so my assumptions were spot on. You have been visited in The Void. I wonder what about you garnered their interest, though that does explain some of your more powerful abilities. I presume you’ve been there more than once, considering your title? Turning down a deal with a Demon is an impressive feat. Even aside from the benefits that can be gained by accepting one, the manipulation they wield is powerful. Are you comfortable sharing which of the Angels or Gods it was that granted you your abilities?”
“I’m not sure what you mean? I got my class the same way everyone else did. I hit Level ten and had choices.” I reply, trying to hastily cover up my mistake.
Does this lady have some better form of Thomas’ inspect ability? How can she see my skills, and how does she know about the offer I got in The Void? Even further beyond that, she said it was a Demon who tried to get me to accept. No wonder I felt those strange thoughts in my head.
“Michael, I’ve seen hundreds of classes and thousands of abilities. It’s rare for me to find one that’s new to me at this point. It’s very rare for me to find someone who has multiple abilities, let alone a class that I’ve never encountered or even heard of before. You’re the first in more than fifty years. I can recognize that what you have is far and away from what most others have. It’s very seldom that a class offers limitless growth without involving risk. If you feel comfortable, knowing the Angel or God that granted you this power might be information that helps both of us.” She says.
Giving up with a sigh, I say, “I’m not sure. I wasn’t even aware she was a God or Angel in the first place. I’m not comfortable giving you any more than you’ve already figured out, though.”
“That’s understandable; I have delved into things that are probably pretty personal. How about you get the next three questions since I accidentally asked two and may have overstepped? Would you consider that fair?” Dalia asks.
“Yeah, I suppose so. You said you’d seen other classes before. Does that mean that dwarves have classes too? Its not just humans?”
"Yes, that’s correct, and we Level up the same way that you do. Every denizen of The Planes is given a class upon birth. Some choose to change this upon reaching Level ten, like I’m assuming Humans have, but others simply stick with the class they were born with, either out of lack of Intelligence in realizing other options are available or out of necessity. The latter makes up what I assume is the majority of creatures you’ve found in the dungeons. They are usually stronger and faster, but trade away any mental stat increases in the process.”
“So they just become more animalistic.” I say, seeking clarification.
“Precisely. Most of them are drawn to and reside solely in the dungeons, as the mana inside slowly empowers them and the other ‘monsters’ that they may find make for good prey to kill as a way to advance.”
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“Wait, the monsters can Level up by killing each other?” I ask, using the second of my questions.
“Indeed. How else would you have supposed I was able to reach my Level? Though from what I have heard, the creatures that have been able to kill humans are able to gain incredible strength. It seems to be an unforeseen circumstance of your anatomy.” She answers with a frown forming upon her face for the last sentences.
“What do you mean? I’ve killed monsters before. They all bleed the same red that I do. What’s so different in our anatomies that makes me give more Exp. than the other way around?” I ask, using up my last question in the three I was given.
“Do humans not know? I do suppose that you are a new addition to The Planes. I can’t expect your scholars to have already unraveled the mysteries that have taken root in your Plane, when it took us nearly a decade to do so for ourselves. Michael, you’ve seen the creatures you kill slowly dissipate inside of the dungeons, correct?” She asks, looking up from her knitting.
When I nod in the affirmative, she continues, “The creatures of The Planes are born into Mana. From the moment they are born, all of their surroundings, their food, and even the water they drink and bathe in is little more than pure Mana given form. As such, they eventually became creatures composed of Mana, and when they die, that Mana is released. Humans will follow along the same path eventually. It may take years before those born into your realm are creatures of mana, but it will happen. However, due to the fact that you aren’t completely composed of Mana yet, it is assumed that something about your bodies grants all of the energy that it has stored to the ones who slay them, rather than the sliver that is received from those comprised solely of Mana.”
She lets me sit and process for a moment before asking her next question, “Do humans plan to come through the other side and into the rest of the planes?”
“I… I’m not sure. I haven’t really spoken with many other groups. I wasn’t even aware that was a possibility, but I guess it makes sense if we’ve been added to The Planes you keep mentioning. Once they figure out that it’s possible, they might.” I say as I begin contemplating what would happen if they did. Humanity isn’t exactly known for its peaceful nature. “Right now there isn’t a lot of organization, so it probably wouldn’t be for a while if they did.”
“That’s comforting to hear. I believe we’re running out of time that I can keep the dungeon locked onto my location, but I believe you are owed one more question before I have you go.” She says as she nears completion of her knitting.
“Are others considering coming into my Plane?” I ask, not completely sure that I want to know the answer.
“I would assume so. There are some planes filled with those who wish only to grow in power, and the ability of humans to give them all the energy that they’ve stored is a promising lure. However, your realm seems to be connecting to others slowly, starting with more of the calmer and weaker realms first. It may be some time before your realm fully connects to the rest of them, but by that time, I hope for your sake that humans are strong enough to defend themselves.” She answers.
“That must be what She meant by different waves.” I mutter to myself as I stand to take my leave.
“Oh, I nearly forgot myself. Here you are, dear. This should offer you a bit of protection.” Dalia says with a smile as she reaches out to hand me the knitting she’s finished.
Forgetting for a moment that this is no ordinary sweater, I almost drop it at the unexpected weight when she places it in my arms. “I don’t mean to be rude, Ms. Dalia. But I think this might be worth giving to someone else. My class has a debuff that doesn’t allow me to wear armor.” I say, with a slight embarrassment. Turning away gifts isn’t something I like to do, but this one in particular seems like it might just give me a bit of a hard time for no real benefit.
“I know that, dear. There’s not a body I’ve seen that I can’t find some way to protect. Therefore, I didn’t make you armor. I made you a sweater. It was a bit of a pain to work around, but I figure it’s a worthwhile gift to let you know I appreciated your time. Your smith friend who has been banging on the portal for the past five minutes to get in might even find it worthwhile to look at. Dwarves are the best smiths in all The Planes after all.” She says with a bit of a smug grin.
“Off with you now; I’ve got to return, and you've got a boss to slay.” She says with an air of finality, ushering me out the door.
As I step out the door, I go to turn back and let her know that I appreciate what she’s done, but upon looking, she’s gone. Her house and everything in it just completely vanished. I quickly remember what dungeon I’m in, as I feel a rush of cold wind blow across my body, almost completely nullifying the heat I’d gathered in the comfort of Dalia’s home. I look at the sweater in my hands, my system recognizing it as a [Valrum Sweater]. “Hopefully Valrum is good at holding in heat.” I say as I pull it over my head and check its stats.
[Valrum Sweater - Epic
Requirements-
Strength - 350
Must not be worn alongside any upper body armor
Made with Care - This sweater was expertly crafted out of the mythical metal Valrum by the Master Smith Dalia Hearthhands and seeks to keep its wearer safe against trials that they may face. While wearing this sweater, the parts of your body that are shielded by it receive a +250 effective Defense bonus. The parts of your body that are not covered receive a +50 effective Defense bonus.
Loopholes Loopholes Loopholes - The crafter of this item sought a loophole to exploit in the system that binds the original wearer. While wearing it, any enemies that you fight will have weak points you can exploit exposed to you. Any enemies more than 20 Levels above you will not have their weak points exposed.]
As I’m finishing reading this, I feel a sharp pain erupt in my back and turn to see a large Snow Golem rearing back to chuck another snowball at me.
“I can’t have one moment of peace, can I?” I shout frustratedly at the snowy monster.