Mathew sipped at his morning tea from a thermos. Everyone had gathered, and he was mentally going over everything. Starting with himself, he had all his summons out and ready to go. Agnox was getting a couple glances, but he was behaving. Even going as far as talking to Zack about the armor, recognizing it as of Infernal origins.
The upgraded summon of Jeffrey wasn’t visually too different. His fur was thicker, and the mana cost did increase, but outside that, everything was the same. He had his own equipment all ready to go, the important things within arms reach on his body.
The only new thing he didn’t expect was a new knife from Zack. He had some extra metal, and made a few gifts for people. This included bolts for Damien and new armor pieces for Henderson and Leo.
However, Mathew had no use for the knife personally. This knife was great with fire magic, and was overall stronger than his. Yet it didn’t increase bleeding, which Mathew valued more, especially with his new throwing tactic he wished to implement. Someone else in the party did find value in it however.
“I’ll take it. I need a melee weapon anyways.” Agnox said.
Mathew handed it to him hilt first. “Just don’t stab me with it please…”
“No, this is good. Familiars are to mimic their masters to some degree.” Zack said. “You use small blades, he uses small blades. It’s perfect!”
Agnox and Mathew looked at each other flatly. “Sure…Anyways, I’ll have a hard time keeping it on me with no sheathe.”
“Nope, I got one here. Though I didn’t make it with you in mind. I can adjust it, give me a moment. You know, with that size, it probably is more like a sword for you.”
Giving the blade a few test swings, Agnox seemed happy with it. “Maybe.”
After that, the rest of the group seemed a bit warmer to Agnox. Henderson seemed the most on edge. Mathew didn't blame her. They were leaving the town alone, undefended. Sure it was for two, at most three days, but it was unnerving. She was wearing her usual metal battle gear, with the giant two handed blade resting on her shoulders.
Brown seemed to have the largest equipment upgrades outside of Zack. He was wearing more high tech equipment. Less metal armor, more plastic like armor. It was far lighter than any metal armor, and almost as strong. “I have a stock of medical supplies. Trust me, nobody here is dying so long as I’m alive as well. Di had a huge stockpile of tech based equipment since mostly everyone is going for the cheaper items.
Samuel wore equipment similar to Mathew. She had a wand as her magical focus, and an assault rifle for damage. Lindsey also didn’t have anything new, remaining in her leather armor with a short sword on her hip.
Leo didn’t have anything different since his last fight either. However, Mathew did notice he seemed a bit larger. More muscles, less fat. Most people who were above level 10 always looked healthier. With Leo, recently he became even more…human if that was a way to describe it. His hair was fuller, his jawline more pronounced, not to mention he was now the same height as Mathew.
Speaking of physical differences, Mathew totally noticed Zack’s far larger body. He was already the largest out of the group, but now he was an entirely different size. Pushing toward seven feet tall, and just as broad shouldered as any linebacker.
“Does their actions further affect their bodies than he expected? Stats make you better at things, but do they also compensate for that through physical changes?” Matthew wondered.
They took two vehicles to get to the Dungeon. On foot, it is roughly Eighteen hours away. Just a bit further than the city. In a vehicle through wild terrain, it only reduced it to eight hours. The plan was simple. Kill the monsters, claim the core, and be back by lunch the next day.
The drive there was quiet. Henderson drove one truck, while Brown drove the other. Mathew sat in the passenger seat with Brown, Damien, and Lindsey. Zack, Leo, Henderson, and Samuel were in the other.
Small talk did occur, but Mathew spent the time relaxing and readying himself for the fight. No matter what, they needed this core. A place for people to train, not to mention his quest given by The System. His personal goals could be set aside for the ones that improved everything for him. This town was an extension of himself, whether or not he needed it to be. Everything he puts into it, will support him in turn.
Soon enough, he won’t be needed to take out every Dungeon. Nor will everyone else in the current main team. Sure, he will help anyway he can, but if he looked at things globally, that was a lot. He couldn’t be everywhere at once.
Henderson’s voice coming out of the vehicle's radio brought him back to reality. “We are nearing the Dungeon. Let's go on foot from here.”
The first creature Damien scouted using his abilities and skills showed it was called a Volakar. True to the description given by the original scouters, it was a dinosaur. To be exact, it was a lime colored one. It stood on two reversed bent legs, much like a bird. It’s head was triangular in shape, with a mouth full of tiny and pointy teeth. It’s two front arms had three long and sharp claws. Feathers were over it’s arms, legs, and head. With a few more around the rest of its body.
“Compared to the wolves, this seems less hearty. It’s smaller overall.” Zack said.
“True, but they are also faster.” Damien said back. “Those of us with ranged attacks will be at a disadvantage. Yet, they also travel in packs, according to the previous scouting party right Mathew?”
“Correct. I hate to say it, but we need to stay together for now. Just like old times.”
“Pft, like you know how to stick together. Hasn't each of your biggest accomplishments been done alone?” Samuel asked.
“Not really, I have my summons.” Mathew gestured to the two wisps floating around him. “I couldn’t do any of that on my own. Combative wise, all I have is a simple ranged attack, and my knives. Without them, I’m weak.”
She rolled her eyes, “Fine, I guess that’s a fair point. Still, it’s weird hearing you trying to be safe. You are the same man who wanted to fight the Infernal Dungeon solo.”
“That’s before I realized over a hundred people lived in it. The goblins were the same, right?” He asked.
Henderson nodded, “It was a horde, but we only had to fight maybe five at most in a single scuffle. Outside the dungeon, we found plenty alone. Inside? It was a group around every bend in the tunnels.”
“What about this one, we really expect it to be a cave system like the goblins?” Zack asked.
“What was the Infernal one like? Did Agnox ever tell you?” Henderson asked.
“I am right here and can be asked directly. Mathew is my Summoner, not my voice.” A floating fat imp said.
“Okay, did you ever tell Mathew about the dungeon?”
“Yes. It was large straight tunnels. Grid like in pattern. It was warm, just like home.” Agnox smiled slightly thinking of the warmer climate he was used to. “Not like you hairless apes would know what warmth felt like. You live in snow and ice for fun!”
Brown chuckled, “We swim in cold water for fun too.” Agnox scrunched up his face in disgust.
“So, we do this together. Clear out the Dinos and claim this core. That seems easy enough.” Leo said, finally speaking up. “Enough talk, let's get to work. If you won’t let me try this alone, then I guess I can settle with the most kills.” He pulled out Lucky and loaded shells into it. This way he saved mana in the long run.
“Easy now, Leo,” Henderson said. “We only have room for one cocky legal advisor.”
Mathew put up a hand in defense, “Hey, I learned my lesson.”
She stared at him flatly, “Mmmhmm, sure you have.” She pulled out her large sword and activated her skill, inspiring five of them. With such a large party, she couldn’t cover everyone, so Zack and Leo were left out as the only other two who could handle themselves when it came to defenses. Brown, Samuel, Lindsey, Mathew, and Damien all were buffed up.
“Man, makes me miss Dr. Garcia’s buffs.” Mathew commented idly. The group formed a semi cluster. Damien, Samuel, Lindsey, and Mathew were to the back, with Samuel in the center. Henderson, Leo, and Zack were the three up front taking the lead. Jeffrey stayed near the rear with Brown, helping cover their rear. Agnox, Whis, and Wispy were floating above. Agnox kept an eye out since he could actually warn them if he saw something. The two wisps could react, but only by attacking.
It didn't take long before the first fight broke out. Two Volakar charged them from the front. It was a swift end to the fight by the three frontliners. Nobody else had to help.
“Yup, it’s going to be a pack tactics type of fight I feel.” Zack said. He poked the body with his shield, ensuring it was truly dead.
“So like the wolves then.” Henderson said with a gruff sigh. “I guess we can’t complain too much. They seem easy enough to kill. Mathew, think you can one shot them?”
“Hmm, maybe if I hit them. They are much faster than I expected, even with the previous thoughts. I didn’t even have time to react before you three were in a fight.”
“Tch, then just leave it to us. Keep any stragglers away.” Leo grunted and started walking forward.
“Dude, easy. We are a team, can we pretend to like each other?” Lindsey said.
Airman Brown put a hand on Lindsey’s shoulder “Just leave him Liz. Not worth it.”
The group continued toward where they expected to find the portal. Along the way twelve more Volakar’s were slain. Most of them by either Henderson or Leo, while the others were taken out by lucky strikes from the ranged fighters.
Mathew wanted to try to throw knives, but it wasn’t a good time nor place to try. With too many people, plus how fast the creatures moved, it was impossible. Agnox on the other hand, really enjoyed himself. “If I knew I could get such high class escorts, I would have abandoned Morthrus way sooner.”
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“Stick with us, Agnox, and you will go far.” Zack said. “Humans are the race of progression! Nothing will stand in our way. Every single good fictional story has the humans rise to the top in an apocalyptic situation. Aliens, magic, asteroids, zombies, you name it. We prevail.”
“Are they only good because the humans win?” Samuel asked.
“Of course, why would the stories where the main character loses be fun?”
“Hey knuckleheads, giant magical portal eleven o’clock.” Damien said, pointing.
In Front of them was a dirty yellow portal. Like when you mix a little bit of black into your yellow paint. It swirled clockwise, and as Mathew focused on it, a blue screen appeared telling him all he needed to know.
Volokar Dungeon: Novice + 1
Unlocked
Unclaimed
Number of Attempts: 1
Mathew smiled at what he saw. It was a Novice rank, making this an easy cake walk for them all to finish off. The entire group was above Level 16, with him at the top at Level 21. “Did it look like this with the Goblin one?” Mathew asked.
“No, the ‘+1’ and the last line is new.” Henderson said. “Does this mean we can only attempt to clear it out once, or that somebody already tried to clear it…”
Everyone looked at each other, all thinking the same thing. It didn’t need to be said, it was obviously the later choice. A grim tension rested over them. If someone died trying this, who was it?
Were they from the base they were at, or was another group that attempted it? A single person? It was unknown. Either way, the additional ‘+1’ was another thing to consider. It was easy to assume it would be more difficult than a normal Novice dungeon, but by how much? 1%? 10%? 100%?
“Ahem, If I may?” Agnox said as he floated above everyone. Seven heads turned toward him, all waiting for him to speak. “Right, the +1 means the Dungeon claimed a Hearth Crystal or Dungeon Core from someone else. The attempts means how many groups, or single person has gone in to try and defeat them. It’s kinda obvious, but I enjoyed the clueless expressions on all of your faces.”
Leo crossed his arms looking very pissed that Agnox waited to tell the group something important, “Any reasons you didn’t tell all of us this information sooner?”
“First off, lose the attitude, or I’ll be less forthcoming with information without proper payment. Secondly, you don’t always think of everything till it comes up.”
“Why you…” Leo gripped his weapon, but it was Damien who calmed him.
“Listen Leo, this isn’t the time or place. He told us now, that’s all that really matters.” He looked up to the imp, “Please let us know if you remember any important details of dungeons.”
“Can do, but I won’t be telling him. He seems like he wants to kill me.”
“Agnox, can you not antagonize one of us? Is there a rule against that for us?” Mathew asked.
“Eh, it’s a gray area. Not causing direct harm or anything. Didn’t withhold the information willingly either, so I’m all cleared. Listen, I’m trying to help, I could have just not said anything at all.”
“He has a point.” Lindsey said. “Lets just go in already. I want to see what’s inside.”
Everyone nodded agreeing. One by one they all went through the portal. For Mathew, this was his first time. The sensation was odd. It reminded him of an elevator when it drops a little bit. An uneasy sense of motion sickness washed over him as he stepped forward. He stumbled as he was not expecting the uneven ground.
All around him was a sparse forest. The grass was a fresh green color and came up to his waist. Thin white trees with bright yellow leaves dotted the area around them. A few miles away a mountain loomed above them.
“Woah, okay, is there a size limit to Dungeons?” Zack asked in astonishment. “This place is huge!”
“Eh, it depends on how much it costs you when you build it. This isn’t that expensive. A cave system costs more than an open area.” Agnox said.
“It’s magical, where is this place? Another planet? The other two portals connected to the ground or rock face, this portal was just hovering in the air between two trees.” Henderson looked toward Agnox, waiting for an answer.
“Nope, it’s a subspace made by The System, or at least that is what I was told. Our Dungeon wasn’t part of our Planet if that was your thought. If anything, the Dungeons are closer to your planet than anywhere else if I had to guess.”
“Fascinating.” Lindsey said, she was kneeling on the ground taking some grass and putting it in a plastic bag. “I’m going to want samples of this place. I can’t wait to study it all!”
“You can study it later after we claim it.” Mathew said. His head on a swivel. “Where do we start going?”
“I say we split up, cover more ground.” Leo said. “It’s obvious we can kill the dinosaurs easily.”
“I kinda agree with Leo.” Henderson said. “This isn’t a tunnel system going straight and down. And we are strong enough to kill off most things.”
“That’s stupid.” Zack said. “You never split the party. Literally rule one on any adventuring guide.”
“I kinda wouldn’t mind splitting off.” Damien said. “So long as I’m with Zack.”
“You are idiots, I agree with Zack, we should stick together.” Samuel said, her arms crossed and looking agitated. “Splitting up is how we are going to die.”
“I agree with Samuel and Zack.” Mathew said.
Leo sighed, “Put to a vote then, who wants to split?”
Leo, Henderson, Brown, Damien, and Lindsey raised their hands. While Zack, Samuel, and Mathew had theirs lowered. Agnox had his hand raised as well.
“Hey, I thought you were on my side?” Mathew glared at Agnox.
“I agree, if we split up, then I can reach Level 10 faster.”
“Your vote doesn’t count, but it doesn’t matter, we are splitting up it seems, with the groups decided as well. Damien, you might as well join Zack’s team.” Leo said.
“This is going to end poorly.” Mathew muttered with a shake of his head.
“At least we have a healer with us.” Zack said. “Mage, tank, DPS, and Healer. Our group is solid.”
“What about ours? We have a tank, DPS, healer, and range too. Not to mention our DPS has healing as well as an off tank” Lindsey said with a smile.
“Please, we obviously are better off. Your Tank is at most an off tank as well. Henderson has no proper tank skills.” Zack said.
Henderson groaned. “Guys, I am literally right here. We can be a bit more civil about this.”
“Oh yea, think you are better than us?” Lindsey asked.
“It would be better if we were grouped up. Safety in numbers.” Mathew said
“Wanna bet on that?” Zack said, with a half shit eating grin.
“Hey, no betting on who is going to die.” Samuel half yelled. “Plus we are in enemy territory, can we focus on the situation at hand?”
“Yea, let's bet. First one to the boss and kill it wins. Money?” Lindsey said, looking determined.
“Nah, how about something better. If I win, you have to help me at the forge for two weeks.”
“If I win, you help me study the Dungeon for two weeks as well.” Lindsey said, sticking her hand out.
Zack grabbed it firmly. “Deal.”
Mathew rolled his eyes with a groan, “Not going to ask the rest of us if we want in?”
“Nope, deals made. Let’s go guys.” Lindsey said as she slowly walked away.
Zack smirked and turned to his group. “My money is that the mountain top has the boss. Makes the most sense to me.”
“Nope, I’m not going anywhere unless it’s back through that portal.” Samuel said. “We are half our expected strength, this is suicide.”
“Do you have such little faith in us?” Zack asked her.
“Last time we got in over our heads, two people in my team died. One of which got very lucky to live.” She glanced at Mathew as she mentioned him.
“Hey, look. I hate to admit it and jinx us, but we might be fine. If we want to take it safely, let the other group find the boss and we can just train on the creatures here. No big fights. I only care about the core in the end. Especially if they have a second one here.” Mathew said.
“I kinda agree with Mathew. We can just lose on purpose. Not like both groups are on the same team.”
“And lose the bet? Nonsense!” Zack exclaimed. “We are going, come on. I’ll protect you all.”
Mathew didn't say it aloud, but mentally one thought came to him. “Like how you protected Madison?”