Mathew woke up with a large stretch. It was already evening time once again. With the longer day cycle inside the Dungeon, he had slept for nearly twenty hours.
He wasn’t surprised to see Kris and his men still around. They were currently finishing up dinner. Mathew eye’d Agnox who was also eating. He got off the ground and sat down on an empty wooden log.
Kris handed him a plate of food. Mathew took it and started to eat. “Thanks. You all didn’t need to stay and watch me the entire time.”
“I said I would watch over you, and I did. I slept too, we took rotations. I also wanted to thank you again.”
Mathew nodded. “Then you are welcome. I did come to you however. So it is I that should be thanking you.”
“We can call it even, we are friends, and brothers forged by bathing in blood. Tell me Valrix, what’s your plan here?”
“At least reach the Apprentice floor. I’ll see if I complete it or not once I get there. Between now and then, complete as many challenges, grow stronger, and above all, leave this place with all the rewards possible.”
Kris laughed, “I don’t suppose you are open to working together?”
Mathew shook his head. “I’m doing this alone. It’s related to a quest.”
Kris seemed disappointed. Yet Mathew could also tell he was slightly relieved with such an answer. “Ahh a shame. What about the head of your village, or rather your HC Owner? Are the rest of your people here somewhere? I wouldn’t mind meeting them hopefully.”
“The place I come from is called Blue Oaks.” Mathew held his arms out to put himself on display. “As for their leader, you are talking to him.”
“You? The leader? That makes sense I suppose. Here, hold on.”
Mathew noticed the tab on his menu for Blue Oaks had a few notifications. On it a zone called ‘New Landsort’ appeared as an ally. “I wonder what Melton is thinking right now?”
“Good, we are now allies. Once we can travel, we can meet up again, and I owe you a beer or two, Mathew.”
Mathew didn’t care that Kris caught his lie. It was obvious as to why he did. “I appreciate this. I don’t have many friends out there. I’ve pissed off the wrong people, and didn’t ensure they stayed down.”
“Sometimes, mercy isn’t the best answer.” Kris said, looking down at his empty plate. “Killing those who could become a problem is for the best.”
Mathew couldn’t agree more with his answer. “Stay safe out there Kris. If I see you again, we can do a challenge or two together. For now though, I need to find a floor boss to take care of.”
----------------------------------------
Mathew spent the last few hours of daylight continuing his trek through the Novice floor of the World Dungeon. He set up camp, and enjoyed a peaceful night. One thought came to his mind during his musings.
“Will that happen every week? Every few days? I need to leave this place soon. Hopefully the next floor won’t have something like this. I don’t think I can fight twelve hours of high Beginner or low Apprentice ranked creatures.”
Agnox wasn’t paying attention, but caught the latter half of his thoughts. “We could always hide in a challenge. Nothing says we can’t.”
“Maybe. Sadly we would have to wait to see if another area quest like that happens. Something I would rather avoid if possible.”
“Still want to rush to the next floor?”
Mathew nodded, “I do.”
“Well, sounds like we have our work slashed up for us.”
“Worked out for us.” Mathew corrected.
“Tomato Potato.”
“Tomato Tomhato.”
“Same thing!”
Mathew couldn’t help but smile at the antics. “They are surely not.”
Agnox threw his hands into the air and rolled over to face away from Mathew.
The next morning was filled with traveling and continuing to complete challenges. So far, they were simple and straightforward. Minor tests of athletismis, speed, solving puzzles, and the occasional novice dungeon.
Mathew noticed he has yet to acquire a level. Even after eight days of fighting, including the twelve hour horde. He assumed that weaker enemies just don’t have enough experience to improve his current level.
Agnox and Jeffery on the other hand, still gained experience. Agnox was now level 20, with Jeffery pushing to the edge of Beginner rank. At the end of day eight, Mathew looked over his menu.
Name: Mathew McGonald
Race: Human [Apprentice]
Class: Summoner
Profession: Leader
Level: 25
Universal Currency: 249,021
Titles: Big 100, Child of Axiom, Classy, Dungeoneer III, False Life, Forerunner, Hearth Crystal Owner, Lawyer, Pack Leader, Solo Delver, Soloist, Survivor II, Willful Power
Axioms:
Glint of Bolster [Novice], Glint of Enforce [Novice], Glint of Piercing [Beginner], Glint of Resistance [Beginner]
Strength:
116
Vitality:
157
Dexterity:
142
Endurance:
110
Intelligence:
303
Wisdom:
312
Unallotted Stat Points: 0
Attentiveness | Beginner 0 -> Beginner 2
Channel Mana | Novice 9 -> Beginner 0
Conjure Weapon | Beginner 2 -> Beginner 5
Frostrim Chains | Novice 2 -> Novice 5
Piercing Weapons | Novice 9 -> Beginner 0
Rituals | Beginner 1 -> Beginner 3
Summon Jeffery | Beginner 7 -> Beginner 9
He had two techniques to rank up. The first was [Channel Mana]. There were only two upgrade choices, and the one he chose was Mana Defense. It made his mana harder to dispell.
His hope was that his spells would be stronger. Other things like Mana Weapons or [Mana Shield] would also be stronger. He was doing fine offensively, it was time to focus on shoring up his defenses.
The next was [Piercing Weapons]. There were four upgrade choices. Each was related to how one could fight.
Skill Upgrade - Piercing Weapons
Defensive: Blocking with your weapon is more effective.
Impalement: All attacks ignore some armor.
Parry: Parrying with your weapon is more effective.
Throwing: Throwing your weapon is more effective.
The choice was obvious. Mathew selected Impalement. It resonated with him more and how he’s been using the weapons. Funny enough, he realized he could use his Piercing Axiom that way as well. So far he was more focused on speed, and now using it to focus his vision. He’s never considered further developing what Piercing was. Nor had he done that with any of his Axioms.
Mathew also noted the newly upgraded Axiom. It increased his Dexterity by 20 in total, Intelligence by 20 in total. Then both Strength and Wisdom by 5. The Wisdom was a new addition, and Mathew assumed it was related to how he directed it to his vision.
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On the morning of the tenth day, Mathew walked into another challenge room. This one was called ‘Challenge of Knowledge’.
Going in, Mathew assumed it would test his knowledge of The System, or perhaps something simple like math or science. There was a single stone door on the opposite side of the room where he entered.. Agnox floated in followed by Jeffery.
On the wall above the door was a diagram. At the top was a symbol. Below it were six more symbols. Followed by a myriad of an endless spiderweb.
There were no questions of any kind. Mathew looked around then back up at the symbols. As he did, the air seemed to become abuzz. He couldn’t look at the symbol at the top or the six below it without being forced to look away.
“What is that?” Mathew asked Agnox.
“I havn’t a clue, but it looks familiar…” Agnox floated up and started looking at the smaller symbols.
Mathew walked closer to look at them all. The diagram was gigantic. Easily a few hundred feet across. As he looked over everything, he paused at a symbol. Mathew tilted his head as he looked up at it.
“Agnox, does this one seem familiar to you?”
The imp floated over and looked closer at it. “Nope. Why, do you reconize it?”
Mathew just nodded, looking more at the symbol. He just stood there looking at it. Echos of ideas resonated from it. “It’s as if someone took the feeling of being cold and gave it a symbol.”
Agnox waved his hand infront of Mathew, and his summoner didn’t even flinch. “Jeez. Mathew? Helloooo. Are you there?”
When there was no response, Agnox shrugged and continued to look over everything. “Jeffery, I know you don’t know what this is, but it does look familiar to me! I just can’t place my hand on it.”
Jeffery, realizing there was nothing to fight, found a spot to lay down. He just sighed, slightly disappointed there was no reason for him to be in here.
“Those symbols at the top. They remind me of a story.” Agnox tried to look back up at them, but could only do so for a moment. “It’s almost as-” Agnox stopped as his eyes went wide. “Mathew!”
Agnox tackled Mathew to the ground. “Wake up, stop staring at these things.”
Mathew slapped away Agnox. “Hey, why did you knock me down!”
“You were in a trance, I know what this is. Don’t look at the diagram. At least, not for very long. It’s a map of the Axioms!”
“Map of the Axioms? What?”
“I didn’t reconize it because I’ve never seen one, why is there one on the Novice floor! This thing is a treasure. Not money treasure, but something clans will go to war over.”
“It’s just a diagram, Agnox. Why would someone go to war for a picture?”
Agnox shook his head. “It’s not just a picture. Our clan had one, a small one. I remember Murthros talking about it. It’s a map of the Axioms. How they can be combined, and so much more. How some of the Glints are related to one another as well. It’s a roadmap for someone to cultivate toward!”
Mathew slowly realized what Agnox was saying. “How do we get this back to Blue Oaks?” He didn’t look directly at the diagram, but he was looking in it’s direction.
“We can’t. These things don’t move. I hate to say it, but it will only be here. It’s why people go to war over them. It’s the history of a clan’s own cultivation. Those symbols are every Axiom they acquired and how it was related to the six prime Axiom’s.”
Mathew stood up and glanced back up. “Could I learn from this? Could you?”
Agnox shrugged, “I have no idea. I just know staring at it for too long can drive someone insane. Murthos was complaining how she never got a chance to use it before going to Earth.”
Mathew wanted to use this. Yet, it was the Challenge of Knowledge. Was the test to not use it? Then that would be a test of willpower. Unless it was knowing to not use it?
The door had yet to open up. Mathew looked over at Agnox. “Let’s use it. You can use it first. I’ll leave you alone for a couple hours. If nothing happens I’ll knock you out of it like you did for me.”
Agnox seemed like he was about to protest, but paused. “I hate to agree, but you are right. This isn’t a once in a lifetime encounter. This is a once in several.”
The imp was excited. “I can get an Axiom from this!”
Mathew pulled out the mat he used when culviating, and handed it to Agnox. “Get something good.”
Mathew sat down against the side wall, giving Agnox plenty of room. In all honesty, he was using Agnox. He wasn’t going to risk his life if Agnox was wrong. They couldn’t leave the challenge until it was completed.
An hour went by, and Mathew was looking over his ritual book. Taking notes on how to further improve or modify them. That’s when a person being thrown into the room startled him. A beaten and bruise person landed with a thud.
Mathew looked at the man and instantly jumped to his feet. “Who are you?”
As soon as the question was asked, a group of four people walked in. Two women, two men. Mathew saw how they looked at the beaten man and realized nothing good was about to happen.
“Good. No traps in this one either.” One of the women stated. She was asian, all four of them were. She then saw Mathew and smiled. “Oh good! A new worker. Don’t try to leave with your token, I’ll shoot you faster than you can pull it out.”
Mathew blinked. “Is she threatening me?”
One of the men, who had a giant hammer, walked over to the body and nudged it with his foot. “Hey, get up. Solve this puzzle for us.”
The other man, with no visible weapons, was looking at Jeffery and Mathew. “Hey, sorry. We didn’t realize this was occupied.” He pointed over at Agnox. “What’s with the winged pig?”
Mathew smiled in a friendly manner. “Sorry, but yes this Challenge is occupied. If you wouldn’t mind letting me solve it, we can all leave with no worries.”
“Pft, and let you take the rewards? No thanks.” The first woman said. She pulled out a rifle that was charged with mana and pointed it at Mathew. “Sit down, shut up, and when we leave, you will come with us. Otherwise, I’ll kill you here and now.”
“Holy fuck, she doesn’t see me as a threat. Who are these guys? Granted, they are better than the first three fuckheads I ran into. Yet, these four seem just as arrogant if not worse. How many assholes are in this place?”
“Suz, leave the guy alone.” The second woman said. “Don’t you realize? He’s alone with a wolf and another red creature. What do you think that means?”
The question went unanswered as the gun was lowered. “Tch, fine. You got lucky today mister. However, I don’t like that pig.” She raised it up and pointed it at Agnox.
Mathew didn’t give her a second before a [Mana Bolt] flew at her head. She dodged it, missing her attack at Agnox.
“I’m afraid that pig belongs to me.” Mathew stood up and summoned his spear to his hand. “Now, kindly fuck off.” Jeffery had impecible timing as he let out a threatening woof.
“Oi, relax.” The weaponless man said. “We can’t leave until the puzzle is completed. Besides, I really hate to fight in such a small room.”
“Should have thought of that before your woman there threatened something that belongs to me.” Mathew said.
He glanced at Agnox, “Hurry the fuck up. I don’t want you to die. I can’t fight them and protect your ass.”
“We obviously got off on the wrong foot.” The second woman said. “I’m Alice. The trigger happy girl is Sussie. Hammer man is Marcus. And the last one is Jimmy.”
Mathew pointed at the nearly unconscious man. “And your trap detector?”
She didn’t even look at the man. “Someone who is serving a punishment.”
“Works for me. Just sit tight, once the puzzle is solved, you are free to do whatever.”
Mathew didn’t sit down, but leaned against the wall. “Also, be sure to not look up at the diagram. You will go insane and possibly die.”
“Pft, like I’d take-” Susie started, but Alice cut her off. “Enough. Don’t fall for his trick. He is telling the truth.”
“She’s smart. Or has a lie detecting skill. Maybe both.”
“How can a picture do that?”
Alice pointed at Agnox. “That thing hasn’t moved, and is staring at the wall. You think it’s deaf, or that man is telling the truth?”
Susie frowned, but didn’t fight back anymore. Marcus looked over at Mathew. “So, what’s the challenge?”
Mathew came up with a half lie on the fly. “You stare at the diagram, solve the puzzle. He’s been working on it for almost an hour. No clue how much longer it will take.”
Marcus nodded, and picked up their prisoner. “Look and solve it pretty boy.” He shoved the mans face toward the diagram. His body went limp. Marcus sat him down in a position he could still look up.
It was just the five of them and Jeffery. Tension continued to grow in the room. Mathew decided to break it. “So, where are you four from?”
“California.” Alice replied.
“Virginia.” Mathew answered his own question.
“You have a name? Or do we call you the monster tamer from Virgina.” Susie asked.
Mathew rolled his eyes. “I do, just call me Valrix.” He said, using his fake name again.
Susie just glared at Mathew. “That’s a horrible name. Who names their kid that?”
“Well, my mother was a bitch, and my father had little to no spine. You do the math there.”
“Oof, I feel you there Val.” Jimmy said. “I have the whitest name an Asian kid could have. I was always called Asian Jimmy growing up since we had two Jimmy’s in my class.”
Mathew just nodded. Silence filled the room again. He glanced at Agnox once again, wishing he would hurry up whatever was going on with him.