Almost the entire group of patrolmen stared pointedly at someplace, anyplace other than the vulpine leader. One of them appeared about ready to lift up his hand as a volunteer, but then a nearby companion smacked him on the shoulder and whispered into his ear before he blanched as if in recollection, and brought his rising hand down quickly.
*Snort* A sound of derision came from the fox-like man. “Alright, I believe I understand your reasonings. No one will be pressed into joining us. Just keep an eye out for the miners, and show them the location of the cave upon arrival.” After that, he led with me in tow to the cave entrance.
Looking down at the darkened entrance I felt a surge of apprehension as I recalled the very recent experience of fleeing for my life from this very same place. Swallowing a gulp of saliva buildup from the anxiety I was feeling, I braced myself and followed the vulpine leader in, with his mage-light leading the way.
As before, the first part of the cave proved easy to see into with the aid of the very bright mage light. This was akin to a spotlight in the deep of night shining through the darkness. I estimated that I could see close to 50 meters ahead of us as we made our way deeper into the foreboding cave.
As we progressed, I had to ask him a burning question that had been recurring in my mind. “Sir, I recalled before when we were entering here the first time, that your actions and instructions were quite a bit different from your revealed capabilities later on. What was up with that?” I asked.
Jax turned to look at me with a wry smile. With pride and a challenge in his voice he responded with. “Why don’t you try figuring it out?”
“Hmmm.” As we made our way, I gave it some thought. I had sort of assumed that the use of the weaker light versions at the beginning, was to preserve energy for an emergency. But then I recalled that the whole conversation about the levels of light spells available was discussed beforehand, and they each reported as only having that which they showed to have at the beginning.
In addition to that, there was the very verbal reprimanding of Steven when he sought to avoid going into the cave and was thus dragged along. He legitimately appeared very resistant to the idea of joining us. I had no doubt that his expressions and intent were real. After that, the patrolmen went far above and beyond the call of duty to preserve the both of us along the way and subsequent retreat, despite the claim that we were to be treated as expendables and bait.
I felt that most of it came down to a form of subterfuge. Loudly proclaiming one thing in order to allay the suspicions or fears of another, this could then be utilized to capitalize upon their underestimation of your abilities when all chaos breaks loose.
Verbalizing my assumptions to Jax, he gave me a look that espoused great surprise and appreciation at my reasoning. “You are actually 100 percent correct.” He spoke. Then adding on. “Although the chances are slim, you never want to make the assumption that the cave or dungeon you are going into is not housing sentient and crafty beings. As was the proven case here, the creatures within or even the dungeon core itself, may have been listening in or observing us through remote means and making plans based on our discussion.”
Giving me a somewhat endearing look with his gruff face, he said. “You never want to reveal your greatest trump cards before a real fight. Keep as much hidden as you can, in order to save your life, or that which is precious to you in a moment of upset. Even your allies should never know your full capabilities.” A prideful and crafty smile crossed his face at that declaration.
I contemplated what he said as we continued further into the cave. That was honestly really good advice, which I fully intended to take to heart going forward.
By this point in our far more relaxed exploration of the cave, I had noticed that we were reaching a point where the far-reaching effects of his mage light was beginning to notably shrink.
“Sir.” I spoke of worriedly. “Are you getting tired for some reason? We can return back if you’d prefer. No need to push yourself for the small favor of the slime acid.”
“Haha! Is that what you are worried about?” He laughed at my expression. “No, no. This is actually the countering effects of the shade or darkness stones. They have been cultivating here due to the presence of the dungeon core and its minions. Hence why we called in a mining team to excavate the premises before it gets sealed off.”
Waving his hands at the encroaching gloom, he continued somewhat morosely. “This is what they are coming here for. To gain at least something of value from the tragedy that created it.”
He continued leading the way for a few meters more, before coming to a stop. “This should be far enough to find some good deposits of shade stones while avoiding the less pleasant memories associated with this cave.”
Turning to his left, he then walked a short distance, with me quickly following behind. It took no more than a dozen steps before we came to a weird looking wall the bled darkness from several spots.
Manipulating his mage-light to come much closer to the wall, banishing the great majority of the dark mist seemingly coming from it, he showed me what there was to see. “See these points of black mist that comes out from the wall?” He asked.
I nodded to his question, before he continued on. “These are shade stones in their natural habitat. If I were to bring the light even closer.” He then did so, pushing it up near completely against one of the stones on the wall.
Near complete darkness invaded our position, giving me a real fright that his light was going to go out. This would leave us in the very middle of this Very scary cave with the dead bodies of children, young adults, and monsters strewn about. Not a very heart-warming situation. However, I forced myself to calm down enough to focus on what he was showing me.
At the extreme point of the contact between light and darkness, I could see the barest traces of a pitch-black rock with a geometric shape. Reaching out my hand to grab hold of the stone, I gripped it hard and pulled.
Seeing my action, Jax then pulled back the light to better illuminate our general surroundings and thus leaving me to pull at a still somewhat misty black object. Interestingly, the darkening mist that it had been putting off earlier was much reduced, almost being pushed to the physical surface of its previously seen shape. As I noticed that, Jax then spoke up.
“I’m betting you can see the change in the amount of shadow it’s putting off now can’t you.” He didn’t phrase it as a question this time, although I still nodded. Continuing on he said. “That is the result of when you force two conflicting elements against each other. Despite this being the home and origin point of the shade stone, the up-close presence of my mage light greatly drained the energies of this lower tier shade stone.”
Almost as if waxing eloquent he added on. “If this were a Terrace Tier Mage stone, then with us being here in the midst of its origin cave, I’d be lucky if my mage light looked like a flickering candle, far out in the midst of the cave.”
Reaching out a hand to tap his finger on another section of the wall which produced the black mist, he said. “I’ll bet that these are all Basic Tier Mage stones, with possibly a few Inferior Mage stones close to where the actual Dungeon core previously rested.”
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
These terms of Inferior, and Terrace mage stones were still mostly unfamiliar to me as Victoria and Gertrude had really only discussed Basic mage stones in some depth with me. That was except for when Victoria briefly went over how higher-tier assimilation potions last longer depending on the level.
With this great learning opportunity in front of me now, I would be lacking if I didn’t take advantage of it whilst I was stuck in the middle of a dark creepy cave with no escape. As I had that thought, I was finally able to work the shade stone in my hand, loose from the grip of the cave wall.
Slipping it into one of the now four empty pouches around my waist I went for the next patch of shadowy darkness and pulling out my belt knife to work away at it at the same time. I certainly didn’t use the blade as that would just prematurely wear down the blade, but instead I used the hilt to hammer away at the surrounding stone to crack loose the stone from the walls embrace.
As I did that, I began my inquiry to the silent vulpine who watched on as I worked. “Would you go over the different tiers of mage stones with me? I’m not very familiar with them.”
The mage-light made as if to stutter for a moment, reflecting the surprised look on Jax’s face.
Then, looking as if he was trying to put a more reverent look on, he said. “Not to disparage respected apothecary Victoria at all, but I must ask. What in the world has your master been teaching you?!”
“Hahaha!” I had to laugh aloud at that. Giving him a deadpan-look, I flatly answered. “Plants. . . Lots and lots of plants. . . . Oh! And the occasional animal part.” I added somewhat flippantly.
I could hear his face palm as I continued to work away at my now fifth shade stone. My new method of hammering around it with my knife hilt was really working out!
“Alright. . .” He finally said. “I’ll tell you what was taught to me. If there are any discrepancies discovered with talking with your master, don’t blame me.”
I nodded my acknowledgment after which he began his explanation.
“Mages, adventurers, and other professions use the following as a general guideline for the level of tier assimilation they have reached. There are other terms sometimes for those outside the mage profession, but these are generally multipurpose titles for the tier that you have reached.”
“Someone who has yet to assimilate any mage stones is called a Novice. They generally focus on learning mental exercises to strengthen their will and other traits useful to a mage or adventurer prior to the age of 14. Someone who has begun the path of assimilation as they have consumed a Basic Mage stone, which is the lowest tier available, is considered an Initiate. That is to say, they have been initiated into the tiers of magic assimilation and growth. Next up is the Inferior Mage stone, giving the successful consumer the title of Acolyte. Following that is the Terrace Mage stone, which is what granted me the ability to cast Mage-light. That makes me an Adept of the Light element.”
*Ahem* Clearing his throat he continued. “Those that have reached the Terrace stone assimilation are considered to have reached the max potential of the average sentient being. Most of those average individuals have to work their entire life, before they are capable of just barely completing the challenge required to successfully assimilate a Terrace stone. Those like me, who have succeeded at a much younger age, are considered talented.”
He showed a look of self-important pride before continuing. “Beyond that, you are now reaching the levels that are highly sought after for the purpose of monster conflicts, dungeon delving, and city leadership. Next on the list is the Superior Mage Stone, which gives the bearer the title of Master.” Giving me a side look he added, “I know that after your teacher’s run in with that lascivious Tom with the out-of-city adventure group, that her previously attained title of a Master mage is now being doubted as being too low-tier to accurately represent her true level. Many suspect that she has successfully assimilated a Perfect Mage stone, and thus elevating her to the position of Magus.” The appreciation in his eyes of that title was very notable.
He looked to see if I was willing to share any details regarding that rumor. I pointedly ignored that, as I continued to work away at the stones while listening to his explanation.
Seeing my lack of comment, he simply shrugged and then continued. “Following that, we are getting into the truly unachievable levels, as there is only one individual in our current city which has achieved the title of Arch-Magus. He is, as his title portrays, the arch-mage or head of our mage guild. He successfully assimilated a Legendary mage stone.”
His voice cut off at that point as if ending the conversation. I felt something was lacking as this didn’t appear to be the end. And so, I prompted him further. “Is that it? Or is there more?” I inquired.
“Hah!” He barked out a laugh. “No there is more, but its only hearsay and not fully substantiated.” Closing his eyes as if trying to remember, he began speaking again. “There are stories, of individuals that can repel tsunamis, challenge elder dragons, and settle city sized earthquakes. They are believed to be the hidden protectors of entire continents that come out only in times of great dire need.”
He took a deep breath as if to add reverence to their names. “They are called Sentinels, consumers of . . . if it is to be believed,. . . Mythical tier mage stones. Beings of such great power, that we can only hope that they have benevolence towards us. For to consider otherwise is a great terror to those that truly believe in their existence.”
“Lastly.” He said, before making a weird sign across his body, seemingly as if to ward away something. His eyes took on a fearful and hesitant look. “Lastly, we have the Demi-Gods. They assuredly exist, as right-hand servants to the deities that govern our realm. Elevated to their position by the deities and devils themselves.”
He swallowed a knot in his throat before adding. “They are not to be spoken of lightly. . . If we were anywhere else, or if any of my men had asked to come along with us, then I would not have spoken on such. So please, don’t ask further.”
I nodded and remained quiet at his request. From my vantage point, he seemed a bit more relaxed now that the topic had finished being discussed. But there was still a trace of fear in his eyes as he occasionally cast them about at the dark confines of the cave. He didn’t appear scared prior to his discussion, as if nothing here before could worry him. However now, it was similar to the age-old adage, speak of them, and they will come. Know of them, and they will know of you. I felt a rush of chills dissimilar to that of my ability rush up and down my arms as I contemplated that thought.
Forcefully pushing it to the back of my mind, I continued to pull out shade stones from the wall. I’d already filled 2 of my waist pouches that had originally held my healing and slime acid potions. A third was well on its way to being full. As such I asked Jax, more so to change to topic and break the awkward silence. “Jax, are there usually so many elemental stones in a cave or dungeon like this?”
He appeared relieved at the change of topic and readily responded. “This many in dungeons, yes if the dungeon core was of a strong element compatible with its surroundings. In regular caves, not so much. I mean, if you dig down deep enough, then you’ll start to find earth stones. There are certainly a few within this cave, but they are difficult to differentiate from the surrounding walls and shade stones.”
“Thank you.” I replied to his explanation. He gave a simple nod in response.
As I continued to pull out the shade stones, I felt something different pulling on my senses along the wall somewhere. It felt . . ., sad. And filled with pain. Even as I felt a hint of those negative emotions, I was still drawn to it, like a piece of iron to a lodestone.
Going by feel, I began working at only the shade stones that felt like they were getting closer to that feeling. I took only enough time at each spot, to verify if the feeling was growing stronger or weaker before pulling out the single stone I was working on. Doing such, caused me to start heading deeper in to the interior.
Taking a look at the Vulpine, who had been faithfully maintaining his spell of mage-light, I saw a tinge of concern come over his face. Not of fear, per-say, but of hesitancy to face an undesirable truth or reality.
I tried to ignore his shown emotion, in favor of finding whatever it was that was stimulating my exterior sensation of sadness and pain. It wasn’t long before I found the concentration of emotion growing markedly stronger and then fading again as I moved on. Moving back to the position that I felt it most strongly, I then moved my right hand up and down the wall. It was lower to the floor where I felt it most. Only about an arms-length from the ground.
As I worked away at the loose granular stone walls, I heard Jax come up closer behind me. “Apprentice Andrew. We shouldn’t go any deeper than this, or else we will find things, better left unfound by those such as us.” He didn’t specifically say it, but I had an image flash in my mind of just as we started to flee, when both leaders tossed out the light stones. They had illuminated some of the leftover remains of diminutive figures and white bones stripped bare of flesh. I shuddered at the recollection and mentally agreed with him.
Staying put where I was, I continued to work away at the wall until my hand encountered a different texture. Asking Jax to bring the light closer, he did so, and I got a better look at what I had uncovered. It was also a black stone, except it was different from that of the shade stones. Instead of putting off a mist of darkness or shadow, it had a kind of pearlescent and opalescent sheen to it. Like a dark opal but with the swirling luster of a pearl. It was truly beautiful in a haunting kind of way. I finally pulled it loose and showed it to the vulpine leader with me.