Second Floor of the Eternal Dungeon, Town of New Beginnings.
Jones Jr. POV
18 hours before the fourth floor raid.
I walked down a side street off of the eastern plaza, searching for a new store or hidden property that might contain something interesting. The dungeon was constantly hiding gems within its older areas, sneaking in hidden shops and secret treasure chests. It was both rewarding and fun to thoroughly explore the town every day in search of anything new.
I was currently exploring to help relax myself before the raid to the fourth floor began. All the party leaders had agreed to meet tomorrow morning to make an attempt on the newly unlocked floor. The quest to unlock it was a lot easier than the quest to unlock the third, the reason likely because it was a raid floor which would require more people. More people meant more downtime between raids for recovery which would self balance the easier requirements to enter the floor.
I allowed my mind to drift as I simply enjoyed walking through the shaded alleyway. I felt like I could truly relax within the dungeon town, it was a safezone from everything. Not even other adventurers could attack me without repercussions from the dungeon. The main reason I even joined the raid in the first place was because I wanted to save up enough eternal coins to permanently live inside the dungeon.
Only the discovery team had been able to live inside the dungeon up until now due to the guild restrictions put in place. It rankled him that they could ignore the guild just because they found the dungeon, but then again that was the reason the rules were how they were. If a group couldn’t do as they pleased then they might try to hide the dungeon from the guild which would be even worse. Guild discoverers were given lots of special privileges so that no one would conceal a dungeon from the guild or local authorities; the rules had made things a lot safer than they were historically.
I shuddered thinking about all the stories and accounts of the past. History was one of my favorite subjects to study. Unfortunately after my father passed away my family couldn’t afford private tutors for myself and my siblings, I had become an adventurer to help support them. At least this job came with the side benefit of getting to occasionally enter and explore ancient sites of history. One of my conditions when I joined my current team was that we do at least one archeological job each year.
They were my favorite missions. We would either escort a scholar from the Historical Society or sometimes even be personally hired to recover some ancient texts. My team always teased me about it, but they never denied the paying jobs. Especially since I often gave my share of those expeditions to the rest of the group since the real payment for me was getting to indulge in my hobby. Nothing beat getting to talk to a fellow history buff, it also made our party very popular with the Historical Society.
As I wandered even deeper into the alleyway I noticed a small doorway with a sign above it. `Kororo’s Calligraphy’ the sign said in dungeon script along with a small picture of a ink soaked brush crossed with a scroll. I smiled to myself and walked inside the shop, the gentle ring of windchimes signaling my entry.
“Welcome customer, I’ll be with you in just a moment!” An older male voice shouted from deeper within the store, his voice reminding me of my grandfather.
I stepped into the threshold of the building and noticed the lowered tiled flooring around the door. I looked up to see that the rest of the store was covered in those mats that the Spiritkin had in many of their homes and restaurants. Already having learned the proper custom I summon my boots off of my feet and place them into my inventory before stepping up from the threshold and into the store proper.
My gaze wandered around the room passing over various counters and display cases. The shop appeared to be focused on writing and the tools needed to write. I also saw tools and materials for artwork as well. It reminded me of a scribes shop that I might find within any town or city. The main difference was the quality of the shop.
This small back alley store had more variety and higher rank items than any scribe or scholar might sell. There were shelves filled with dozens of different papers and parchments. An entire wall was dedicated to displaying the inks that were available coming in a wide range of not just color, but also mana type. There were pens, brushes, quills, practically every tool one could use to put ink onto a surface.
I spent several minutes marveling at all the tools and materials available within this shop before I reached what appeared to be the main counter. The main counter and the shelves behind it displayed samples of writing along with art that resembled magical sigils. As I looked closer at the displayed samples I suddenly realized what I was actually looking at.
These were engraved spells and skills.
Once I realized this I began to scour the displays for more information. Unfortunately the displays only held small samples along with names and prices of the things being sold. I had to reign in my excitement at finding such a treasure and patiently wait for the shop attendant to return. Thankfully he returned in a few minutes.
“Apologies for the wait, after my daughter moved out I’m the only one left working this shop. Things just take longer with these old bones. Now what can I help you with today” The older man said to me as he came out from a cloth covered doorway to stand behind the main counter.
The man appeared to be in his late seventies with mostly gray hair and a face that displayed his age. Wrinkles and crow's feet along with the wizened look of his eyes helped to complete the image of an elderly man. Based off of the spikey fluffed tail along with the round tipped ears I was guessing he was some kind of wolf spiritkin.
“No trouble at all sir, I was wondering if you could tell me more about your wares?” I say to him and receive a smile in return
“Of course! My name is Kororo and my shop sells the finest inscriptions and engravings in the whole town! My daughter is a far better craftsman than me, but these old hands can still write and my core isn’t dead quite yet.” The man chuckled to himself for a moment before continuing.
“Now I of course sell the tools and materials needed for anyone interested and able to go about making their own scrolls and books, but I would warn you from attempting to use them without proper training. After all, why risk your own well being and waste your own time when I’ve already done the work right here.” Kororo says while gesturing around himself to the many locked away books and scrolls.
“Unlike enchanters who use engraving to enhance equipment, my goods give you direct access to the skills and spells themselves. I have both Skill and Spell books that can allow someone of the proper aptitude to unlock the Skill or Spell themselves. I also have scrolls that can be used a single time to activate the Skill or Spell inscribed onto them, scrolls also don’t have any requirements to use other than needing a small amount of mana as the activation trigger.”
Kororo spent several minutes explaining to me the intricacies and applications of his work. I made sure to commit every word to memory as well as I could. I had no idea if this shop would still be here when I got back from the raid tomorrow and what was being sold was too valuable to pass on. I spent some time learning about all the Skills and Spells that were sold within Kororo’s shop.
After half an hour of discussion and browsing I eventually decided on what I needed to buy. There was a unique and somewhat niche grouping of Skills that I desperately wanted to have in hopes they would unlock a new class variant for my next rank up.
[Skillbook] Glimpse of History (Greater)
Peer into the history of an object gaining further insight into its past.
This skill augments the basic system identification feature at a cost of mana.
[Skillbook] Advanced Button Pusher (Greater)
You are advanced at your ability to push random buttons.
For an extreme mana cost you can ignore the use requirements of an object or item.
[Skillbook] Invoke Icon (Superior)
You invoke the will of an ancient icon for 1 minute.
This skill only works on icons that you have some link to.
I was hoping that having these skills would help me achieve the same class as my father and follow in his footsteps. Currently I was only a Treasure Seeker (Greater) however my father was a Tomb Raider (Superior). If he had had the money I have no doubt he would’ve left me a legacy after learning how much we were alike, however he wasn’t able to leave anything like that before his death. I hoped that having skills linking me to history and archeology would help me gain his class or a least one similar to it.
“Could I buy these three Skill books as a set and get a discount?” I asked Kororo pointing out the skill books that I wanted.
He panned his gaze over the Skill books I gestured to and seemed to think for several moments before speaking “The Skill sets usually also come with a few scrolls. If you buy five scrolls and the three books I’ll give you 15% off all of it”
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Sounds good. Then I’ll take two scrolls of Stabilizing Sanctuary (Greater), two of Full Detox (Greater), and a dealer's choice for the last one” I say, finishing with a grin.
Kororo chuckles and a smile adorns his face as he starts picking up my items from within the locked storage areas behind the displays, talking while he does so.
“So lively, you remind me of my daughter. She’s so bright and energetic. Always trying to take our humble craft to the next level. I never really bothered to go beyond the teachings of our Lord, but she constantly strives to improve. I see that drive to improve in you as well.”
He pauses as he places the last item onto the counter, a sealed scroll that I won’t know the contents of until I open it later. “Would you do me a slight favor, honored customer?” Kororo asks me after a terse moment of silence.
“If it’s within my ability, certainly” I respond politely, I know from others that being in good graces with the Spiritkin can be a massive advantage.
“My daughter recently moved to Spirit Mountain, along with the others seeking further fortune in the frontier. It is a place at the edges of Wyla’s branches and I worry for her. If you would please deliver this letter to her for me, I already placed her information on it.” Kororo says, handing me a sealed envelope over the counter.
I look down at the envelope, reading the information on the outside of it.
From: Kororo Kisa
To: Amaki Kisa
Master Inscriber of Spirit Mountain Village, Fourth world of the Eternal Realm.
I smiled when I saw the last bit. The fourth realm likely meant the fourth floor. I would be heading there tomorrow which would make this a relatively easy task to complete.
“Fortune smiles upon us, it seems. I’m actually heading to the fourth realm tomorrow, I can deliver it to her then” I say, the man's face becomes even brighter.
“Fantastic, thank you for the help token bearer. Have a good evening and may the Eternal Lord bless your travels” Kororo says with a slight bow to me.
I take the que and place my new items into my inventory along with the envelope before leaving the shop. Hopefully the shop will still be here when I get back from the fourth floor. Everyone else will be so jealous that I was able to find such a gem during my walk.
----------------------------------------
Second Floor of the Eternal Dungeon, Town of New Beginnings.
Holt POV
15 hours before the fourth floor raid.
“Cheers!” Everyone shouts as we slam our mugs of ale together.
Everyone breaks off into separate conversations afterwards, enjoying each other's company before the raid tomorrow. It was a good idea to call everyone together like this. Even after all the bonding we’ve gone through from fighting the goblin village, we can always use some more comradery. Nothing brings people together like fighting and drinking.
“Hiding in the corner by yourself again Holt!” A voice shouts from right next to me startling me out of thought.
I turn towards the voice to see the faces of my party leader, Kal and our party's rogue, Jones Jr.
“Not hiding captain, just enjoying my drink in peace” I tell him with a smile.
“Well then you won’t mind if Junior and I join you then!” he says in his jubilant tone before plopping down in the seat next to me.
Captain Kal was the one who called everyone together for this party, he even spent his own EC on renting out a large space to have the party. The World Tree Inn that makes up the whole second level of Wyla’s interior space on this floor is where all of us are staying until the raid. The rooms are rather cheap and it comes with a lot of amenities that make it far superior to the Guild’s housing in the outpost outside. Kal had rented out a large space in one of the three taverns that the Inn had within it; he refused to tell anyone how much it cost him.
“So Holt, has Junior told you about the shop he found earlier today?” Kal’s voice once more drags my attention to the present.
“No, I’ve been studying all day. I haven’t had a chance to speak with him until now.” I respond, briefly turning my gaze to Junior before turning back to the captain.
“Always studying. Listen, I appreciate all the work you put in since you're our healer, but you really should get out more.” Kal says with a sigh
“I’m out now aren’t I?” I say annoyed, Kal was the one who forced me to come to the party in the first place.
“Yeah, but I meant for you to actually try and be social instead of holing up in a corner like a scared animal.” He says in his goading tone, I know what he’s doing but I can’t help but fall for it.
I snap my attention to Junior and he flinches slightly
“Tell me about this shop” I say with a bit of my annoyance leaking into my voice
He freezes for a moment before giving Kal a look over my shoulder as he launches into telling me about the inscription shop he found. The subject is so fascinating to me that I forget my annoyance at Kal and give Junior my full attention. I barely even notice the wry smile of Kal as he slips away to go `help` some other unfortunate person socialize, I’ll get him back for this later.
----------------------------------------
Second Floor of the Eternal Dungeon, Town of New Beginnings.
Holt POV
12 hours before the fourth floor raid.
I lift up another completely smashed member of our raiding party and proceed to cast Detoxify with just enough intensity so that they could walk back to their room. I learned my lesson about making people completely sober without consent after getting chewed out by Kal, turns out for a tank like him it takes a lot more expensive stuff to make him drunk.
As I finish up with the last person from the other parties I turn to my own. Kal is completely down, the booze that the Spiritkin make is both cheaper and more effective than what he normally has to drink to get smashed. Junior is actually perfectly fine. He never drinks enough to go beyond tipsy, preferring to just have a nice buzz as opposed to being disabled by the alcohol. Mary and Kip are tangled up together drunkenly making out on the floor.
I sigh deeply. They are hopelessly in love with one another but refuse to admit it when not completely out of their senses. You’d think that would resolve it but no, every time they come to they both pretend to not remember anything. Their adherence to their family traditions are exhausting. I cast a gentle sleep spell on the two of them and pull them apart.
With that done I detox Kal just enough so that he can walk back to his room and then fully detox Junior since I have permission from him to do so. Junior alertly snaps his attention to me, he always goes on full alert the minute his buzz is gone. I swear the man can only relax when talking about history or when he has alcohol in him.
“Junior can you take Kip back to her room, I’ll get Mary” I say to him
Junior gives me a nod and picks up Kip’s small frame in a princess carry before walking back towards their rooms. I walk over to Mary and pick her up before following. This is why I never like to go drinking as a party. Only two of us can handle ourselves and I’m always the responsible one left getting everyone back home. It’s a pain in the ass.
“Mmm - thanks Hol. . . Gud fren . . .” Mary mumbles from her position in my arms.
A smile manages to find its way onto my face. They may be a handful but I still love my friends. Mary is always so sweet, even when completely slogged, it's impressive to a certain degree. I just wish she and Kip would make up their minds and either end things or throw away their family traditions, the indecision is causing both of them pain.
I don’t like seeing my friends in pain.
----------------------------------------
Second Floor of the Eternal Dungeon, Town of New Beginnings.
Captain Kal POV
2 hours before the fourth floor raid.
My gaze panned over the determined faces of my party. I went a little overboard last night, but Holt always had my back. Although he refused to cure my hangover this morning, his petty vengeance for making him leave his magical studies. Fine by me, he needed to socialize more to build up the trust with the rest of the raid. As a healer it was important that everyone trusted him. While our party trusted him with our lives, the rest of the raiding group needed to be assured that he would help anyone in the raid. The fact that he made sure everyone got back to their rooms safely would show them all that he could be trusted to heal any of them.
I moved my attention over the rest of the raiding group. We were made up of four teams of five: Red Thunder, Five Phases, Redemption, and my own party Tarumguard. Between the four parties our raiding group had four healers, two support casters, three attack casters, three archers, two rogues, two warriors, and four tanks.
Strictly speaking it wasn’t ideal. The Guild actually had dedicated raid teams that had a much better balance of members, however none of them were here since the dungeon hadn’t displayed a raid floor until now. Our patchwork raiding party needed to get as much progress as we could before the dedicated raiding teams arrived.
“Alright everyone, listen up!” I shouted as the last few members arrived to the meeting point.
“We’re going to be the first team onto this floor. From what the unlock quest told us it’s going to be a raid floor with the primary enemy being Orc’s. Remember Orc’s are a Superior rank evolution so we need to be cautious and alert, we’ll likely be fighting an uphill battle the whole time. So long as everyone remembers their roles and keeps their ears open for orders from myself and the other party leaders, we should be fine. Now I’ll hand things over to leader Shrike” I said, stepping aside and allowing team lead Shrike from Redemption to continue as I finish speaking.
Shrike spends half an hour giving everyone as much information as he can on the only confirmed enemy we know of, the Orc’s. They are a Superior ranked evolution of goblins and are known for having a high strength and endurance, almost all of them are warrior builds. That being said, people often forget how clever they are since they bear little resemblance to their lower rank evolutions.
Before Shrike finishes he makes sure to distribute the new information that Junior had found for us during his walk. We know that somewhere on the floor is a place called Spirit Mountain and that it contains a Spiritkin village. Finding this place is going to be key for our operations because having a safezone to recover will be a massive advantage. If we were lucky it wouldn’t be too far from the start of the floor.
Once Shrike was done with the full briefing he stepped back and turned things over to me again. I stepped back into the central position and started speaking.
“Thank you leader Shrike for the briefing. We’ll begin the raid in two hours, we’ll have to fight through the goblin village again to reach the entry point to the floor so everyone prepare yourselves. Your party leaders should already have informed you of the updated battle plan so that we don’t lose anyone this time. Remember if you die, you're done. We cannot afford to come back for you. Once we know the situation on the fourth floor we’ll reevaluate that policy.” I finished and paused for a moment looking everyone over.
Silent looks of determination and resolve stared back at me from every member of the raiding group. We all knew that this was our chance to get ahead, our four parties had been behind the elites of the Guild from the start. This was our opportunity to get ahead of them in this dungeon. I matched my resolve to that of my raid members.
“We’ve got this everyone! Let’s begin!”