The new delvers were Good. Capital G.

Despite Puck and Duchess’ valiant efforts (and wasn’t it a surprise to see them working together), it only took a flick of the man’s fingers and a mana-bright spell to finish them off. It was flashy, too, a crackling bolt of lightning turning them charred and ready to respawn.

He must be a mage! Clare pounded Kepler’s arm, still clasped around her waist, excitedly.

[Mm,] he replied, and she frowned, noticing the side conversation he was carrying on with the system.

The delvers were talking again. It seemed like the woman was upset at the mage for using lightning near so much water. They dropped the argument in a minute as Astrid sent Kooky and Jumper up through the leftmost blessed spring.

The snake worms snapped upwards, nearly catching the woman’s arm before she slashed them both in a single sword stroke.

And that one’s a swordswoman… Clare felt worry trickle down her metaphysical spine. She’d thought Kepler and her had been really prepared, but… They’re really high level, aren’t they? Or maybe they’re the standard for this world.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

If these two decided to smash their core, Clare wasn’t sure their monsters could stop them.

Kepler frowned down at her. [What is it?]

Nothing. Obsessed with their safety as he was, he’d freak if he realized the potential for danger.

He rubbed her jaw with his thumb, where she tended to tense when she was stressed. For a moment, she thought he’d push for an answer, but he instead displayed a system window.

* Qualifications met! Skill learned!

* Universal Translation: You can understand any sapient speech you hear.

In their territory, the woman spoke up. “Let’s talk about this later—” She was cut off again. Astrid had gathered the rest of the snake-worm pack, and Sulky, Snappy, Chunky and Mr. Wriggles were too eager to sit still—snapping out through the other blessed spring only to be slapped to the ground and crushed by the mage.

Clare swallowed, as she realized that even a mage-build could slap their monsters around with just physical stats. We’re so outclassed… She mumbled.

“Damn, these things are nasty for such a young dungeon.” The mage wrinkled his nose. “Are you sure we even want it here, Ira?”

Kepler and Clare froze.