Chapter 50
A giant hand grasped at me, but my shield held, which stopped it from actually getting a grip. Coa let out a high-pitched screech in terror and tightened her body against my neck. If she was stronger, she’d be strangling me. I used my psi to shove it away and jumped away from the not so dead boss after all. The body lurch backed to its feet. It was still headless and its destroyed weapon was still on the ground. Suddenly, the shards of the weapon liquefied. At the same time the top of the monster was regrowing. The liquid weapon was flowing back to the minotaur and for some unknown reason I couldn’t stop it with my psi. Despite it not being fully regenerated it was swinging its fists at me. It seemed to be in a frenzy. I was parrying the blows with my psi, but it was steadily pushing me back with the number of blows.
I think that I have to proceed to the normal strategy. I pulled out one of my grenades and immediately slammed it against the thing’s chest with my psi, while turning and running. It attempted to remove the foreign object on its chest as it exploded, removing its arm and leaving a gaping hole in its chest. Sadly, they were already being restored. The damage wasn’t even preventing it from pursuing me! The blasted monster was armed again and had the weapon lowered and thrust forward as it charged.
I ducked under a pillar, but it went right through with a crash. How is that fair!? I can’t destroy anything, but it can? I tossed some psi-propelled rocks at it and other than a momentary slowing, the thing didn’t take any damage.
Can it actually destroy the walls? I was getting the glimmer of an idea. I skid sharply around a corner and then hopped through a hole. The boom and flying rocks that immediately followed told me that was a resounding yes.
I began leading it around in circles, taking advantage of gaps to make it break its way through obstacles to follow me. I was impressed that the boss could actually keep up with me. It seemed much faster than it was when I had first ran into it. Eventually I could even use the destruction it was causing to loop around it with the extra space I was given. In all honesty I probably could have ran for the exit by now. If I figure on it being near where I ran into the boss then I should find it easily, but I wanted to give myself as much time as possible to get as large a head start on this unstoppable menace as I can.
About sixty meters squared of passages reduced to rubble and I’m currently using this open space to dance around the furious minotaur that can’t touch me. I dodged it and let it smash another pillar. All this running around and rampant destruction served two main purposes. It let me regenerate all the psi I had wasted on our first fight.
And it let me set up this wonderful killing field. I switched off my shield and focused all my psi on this task. I started lifting up the many wonderful stones that the monster had provided for me. I couldn’t manipulate the walls, but once they were reduced to rubble they were fair game apparently. There were stones of all sizes and I began propelling them. Sure, it might have shrugged off one or two rocks, but I’d like to see it try that against hundreds of stones of all shapes and sizes. Now truthfully this torrent was a bit beyond my normal limit with how much I can lift with psi. Good thing, I’m not holding them for long. I pick them up, shoot them and then grab another. Except now multiply that by thirty and I’m doing that multiple times a second.
The minotaur had steadily been forced back and was now starting to show some serious wounds. Oh, that jagged fragment tore into its knee. That must have hurt, if that thing can even feel pain that is.
The beast was buried in rock, except I noticed a certain part that it had somewhat protected. I guess having its head blown off made it more cautious of that spot? I wonder how smart it actually is? Whatever, it’s time for the coup de grace.
I dropped a pillar on its skull and its head went splat.
Fuck, that was exhausting! I don’t have enough psi left to turn my shield back on. I feel better after letting loose like that though. Now, let’s get the hell out of here before the blasted abomination comes back to life again! The stone pile was already starting to rumble, so I’ll correct myself.
Let’s get the hell out of here before it manages to dig itself out!
I sprinted toward the location of my run in with the boss while scanning for the exit. It was supposed to be a ornate metal gate about three meters tall and two meters wide leading into a small tunnel. It should stand out given the difference between it and the ruined stone labyrinth environment.
Come on! It has to be somewhere around here! I was scrambling around searching when a sudden boom resounded in the distance. It was followed by a roar that felt like it shook the entire floor. Damn thing, why can’t you just stay down!?
I rounded another corner, only to be met with a dead end. Shit! I turned back around and went a different direction. The wall on my left had a large number of small holes, so I glanced through and saw the gate. Okay, goal located, but now what path connects over to there? A chain of explosions were getting closer.
A gap! There was a tiny gap at the bottom of the wall ahead. I stored away my extra items and then slipped my pack to my side, and slid through. The space between my body and the top of that hole had definitely been only a few centimeters. For the first time since I’ve been stuck as Seri, I’m glad I’m small! I got back up on my feet and ran. The distance to the gate was only a few hundred meters. The wall behind me erupted, sending shards of rocks my way. My shield was still not back up, so I held Coa to my chest as I felt some of them impact my back. Thankfully, they weren’t actually thrown or that would have hurt.
Fuck, why did I think that. I grabbed the giant slab that the minotaur hurled at me with my psi, orbited it around my body and sent it flying back whence it came. Whether it had any effect on the brute, I didn’t care. Less than fifty meters now. The gate swung open. I did it!
Where’s the tunnel!? This is only a small cave! The open gate was behind me and the ‘tunnel’ was just a small opening that went beyond the gate about ten meters or so? The sound of the giant hooves were right at the gate now, and I saw the thing lean down to stab with its giant weapon when the gate snapped shut. The minotaur wasn’t diverted by this turn of events as it stabbed between the bars, but as the tip pierced through, the air shimmered and I felt that sense of vertigo again.
The labyrinth on the other side of the gate was gone. It reopened as if telling me to exit. I accepted the invitation and found myself in a circular room. The walls were covered with gates similar to the one I had just left. In the center of the room was a dais surrounded by arches that looked to be at the center of the light that was shining down from above.
This must be the interim room that you are brought to after defeating a boss. The altar in the center of the room transports you to the next set of floors. Which means, I’m finally done in this dungeon for the day. Next time, I’ll trust those notes when they say something is immortal.
As I neared the altar, I detected the presence of three individuals up there, which raised the question of why it seemed like they were just waiting around. Are they ambushing people right after they fought the boss, and before they have a chance to leave? That doesn’t seem correct, they appear to be idling carefreely. Recovering from dealing with the boss then? This room is supposed to be a safe zone with no threats, so that’s possible.
I hopped up the steps and the open area was pretty bare other than markings and symbols etched on the stone slabs. There was a large, bulky statue of a knight at one end, but the way out was nowhere to be seen. There really was nothing here.
“Oi!” A voice called out. I turned toward the group of three that were lounging against one of the arches. “We have to wait for everyone to gather, Shortie.” I narrowed my eyes. This guy had instantly received a position on my shit list.
“What do you mean, ‘wait’?” I asked in return.
“Exactly what I said, Shortie. Someone is still engaged with the minotaur so we have to wait for them. It’s annoying, but it’s how this works.” He shrugged.
Damn book, it didn’t mention this! I walked to another pillar and rested against it. I wasted my time by soothing Coa. Getting her to calm down from her hysterical state of mind. I’m starting to think it might be a bad idea to keep bringing her with me, but I don’t have anything else I could do with her. Other than sending her to the ship anyway.
The group of three were now eying me suspiciously and were not thinking very nice things. I could understand their reasons though. They were wondering how I not only appeared totally uninjured, but how even my normal looking clothing seemed fine. Their ideas ranged from me being extremely high level, stealthy enough that I managed to entirely avoid it, or that I must have abandoned my party to their deaths. The general consensus was leaning toward me having paid for an escort and then ditching them when the goal was in sight.
Do I really look that harmless or heartless?
I caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of my eye. A group of four, two guys and two girls, had just arrived through one of the gates and they were not in good shape. One of the men had his arm across the shoulder of the girl helping him to stay upright and walk. His left leg was basically gone, all that was there was a mangled mess. The other guy was piggybacking a girl wearing a light blue robe. She seemed to be unconscious with cloth wrapped around the top of her head. I could see a small trickle of blood running down her cheek, so the wound wasn’t bandaged all that well.
The guy hurried ahead of the other pair and came up to the altar area. “Can anyone here use healing magic?” He asked with hope in his voice. His eyes bounced between myself and the other party. I shook my head and the other party also returned a negative response. He clenched his fists in frustration.
It was when that the other two caught up that there was finally a response from the dungeon. “The strong have gathered and the weak have been culled.” A voice utterly lacking in any emotion rang out. It sounded robotic. “Forge onward and upward, Challengers. Aim for the top.”
The altar shook and then the etching of the center area began glowing. All of us moved in and then the platform under us began to rise into the air. Despite that and the initial shaking, there was no feeling of movement at all. We were just steadily going up and up closer to the source of the light that had been pouring down all along. The illumination grew brighter until it was blinding and then we were there.
We were now standing on a small patch of grass and nondescript trees. I scarcely noticed the four battered people immediately go for the exit door portal thing that was not far away from where we had appeared. I was too taken in by the tableau spread out before me. I had thought I was prepared for this, but I guess maybe I truly hadn’t believed after only reading about it.
It was a wide crescent beach stretching out as far as I could see in all directions. The waves lapping at the glistening white sand while the sun shone overhead in the cloudless blue sky.
Of course, there were a number of details that ruined the picture perfect scene. Such as the group of soldiers engaged with a two meter tall hermit crab or the adventurers in full armor diving into the water. There was even a group fishing out eel monsters from the shore. Then there were things that while normal at an actual beach seemed bizarre here, like a group of people lounging in chairs, while surrounded by a ring of guards, or a restaurant slash bar that was selling food and drink which was likewise being protected.
This was a pretty good opportunity. If I could eat here then it would save me some time after leaving the dungeon. The smell of the food wafting in the air after hours of being in the dungeon helped contribute to that decision. It has nothing to do with the fact that Coa is urging me to go there and I want to spoil her after terrifying her so badly. Really!
It seemed like the three man party had made that their destination as well, so I initiated operation petty revenge! The man that had called me shortie, suddenly stumbled when he stepped on some object that felt like a rock. In truth, it was just my psi manipulating the sand by his feet. In the restaurant itself, I made sure that the chair he chose was ever so slightly adjusted that he sat on it wrong when he lowered himself. I couldn’t really think of anything else that wouldn’t be too obvious or wouldn’t make him antagonize the restaurant staff, so I finished with slipping sand in his boots. Vengeance is mine!
I wrapped up eating my seafood, because of course a restaurant at a beach inside a dungeon sells seafood, and left. This was going to be my first time using the exit portal so I was prepared for another dose of vertigo but it never came. Once I passed through the gate, I had already said goodbye to the sunny beach and was now looking at a sky just entering the first stage of night.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
“Mistress! You’re back! Are you injured? How was it? May I drop a nuke on the city? Did anything interesting occur?” Was heard from a certain AI’s worried voice.
[I feel like you mixed something dangerous in there. Anyway, no I’m fine. I might have underestimated the dungeon a tad, but there weren’t any major problems to speak of. Just made me waste some time. The beach was beautiful though. I’ll take a picture of it to show you next time. Some enterprising merchant had even started a business there selling food.] I answered.
“That’s surprising. Anyway, Mistress I have something to report.” A small screen popped up in my vision showing my inn room. Someone opened the door, I didn’t neglect to notice that the sound of opening wasn’t that of the lock being picked but someone turning a key, and came inside. The person that entered quietly closed the door behind them while slipping a small wand out of their coat. They stood there with the wand in front of them for a few minutes before they seemed satisfied and went further in. The first thing they did was check the bag I had left, which they showed no real reaction to it just being dungeon monster stones. They probably doubted it would be of any importance, but were possibly told to check it out anyway? Then the person walked over to one of the walls where I had detected the odd magic signature.
This also gave me my first good look at the person’s face and honestly I didn’t know what to think. Were they male or female? They could definitely pass either way. The body lines, that could have given me a more accurate idea, were obscured by the clothes they had chosen. As I studied the individual’s actions I left the dungeon, and the soldiers still garrisoned there, behind. They placed their wand on the spot on the wall and an glowing inscription appeared there momentarily before flickering off. Refreshing the magic? If so, it’s good to know that it doesn’t last forever. They did the same to the other location, before exiting the room as smoothly as they entered and locking the door behind them.
[When did this happen?] I typed.
“Approximately twenty minutes after Mistress entered the dungeon. The infiltrator is not someone that has crossed Mistress’ sight. Also before Mistress asks, I’m not positive whether that individual is a boy or girl either. Based on analyzing their movements and other small details, I’d estimate that they are a female, but I am regrettably only seventy percent sure.” Lynn explained.
So they’re even androgynous enough that Lynn can’t determine it? That’s impressive! [Nothing else happened then? All that’s left is my business at the brothel.] I wrote.
“Mistress, how will you prepare for that? If you return to the inn, you’d have to walk a long distance in your attire. That is not something I’d recommend. You also lack a place to store your bag, which will detract from your beauty.” Lynn stated.
[The pack I can’t do anything about, but I already have a plan regarding how I’ll change clothes. It should benefit the effect of my entrance as well.] I replied.
Yes, I just needed to ‘shop’ around for what I desired. I hit an unexpected jackpot after only a few minutes of searching. Seems like a party was going on at this mansion and thus a great number of carriages were lined up and overflowing out of the long driveway with some parked on the street. Which carriage would be good? I need one without any kind of family crest, but I’d still like it to be relatively fancy if possible. I also need one that isn’t blocked in, which excludes any of the ones on the driveway.
That wooden one over there should work. There’s some gilding around the doors and there are curtains blocking view of the inside.The driver looks to be sleeping too, so obviously he doesn’t expect to be needed soon. I made my way over and shook him.
“Huh, what? Is it time already?” He shooked his head groggily and focused on me. “Here, you’re not one of the footmen, what are you bothering me for?”
I introduced a slight influence into his mind with my psi. “I am here to rent your carriage for a short while.” He was about to protest, but I gave him a nudge and he waited for me to finish. “I’m offering you two gold coins.” I flashed the money at him.
He gulped. “Two gold coins? And what would you need me to do? I have to be back for my Lord and Lady.”
“We both know that your lord and lady won’t be done in that party for a while. You’ll be back in no time with two shiny gold coins in your pocket. All you have to do is take me to a certain location and drop me off properly.” I stated.
Any hesitations he had had were wiped out at the thought of the money. I didn’t even need to use my psi anymore. He was rationalizing it all by himself just fine now. “Where do you need to go?”
“To Madame Lorelei’s.” I said with a smile. “Do we have a deal?”
He hid his surprise well and nodded. “Deal. Right now?”
“Yes. How long will it take to get there from here?” I asked.
“I’d judge not that long. Most will already be busy with their evening entertainment.” He answered.
“I need a little bit of a time to finish my preparations, so don’t rush too much.” I gave him another nudge for good measure. I handed him one of the gold coins now. “You’ll get the other one after I arrive.”
I slipped into the carriage. I fixed the curtain blocking the door window, laid down Coa on the wooden seat and then got to work. About twenties minutes later, there was a slight knock from the driver’s seat before the motion of the carriage came to a stop. We must have arrived. I placed the set of four sapphire earrings in my ears. I flipped my braided hair onto my shoulder and draped Coa along my left arm. The feathery dragon mask finished off my look. It was regrettable that I can’t do anything about my bag, but I’ll just have to make do. I quietly knocked back and I heard the driver get out of his seat. “Coa. Sorry, but you’ll need to be a good, quiet girl tonight.” I sat down and waited.
The door opened and I stood and the driver had his head bowed while he held out his hand to help me down. I placed my hand delicately onto his and stepped lightly down the coach steps. Before removing my hand, the second gold coin slipped from the gown’s sleeve onto his palm. He didn’t straighten up as I glided gracefully past him. I eyed the mansion in front of me. I detected magic, but it was hard to determine any details from out here. The magical reactions were too jumbled to make out. I didn’t recognize either of the guards and I expected them to stop me at the door, at least temporarily. Contrary to that though, they merely opened the doors and granted me entrance.
I took in the atmosphere of the building almost immediately. I was in an entrance hall with a number of doors on the ground floor and a spiral staircase that led up to a second floor ahead of me. At least I immediately understood why the magic had felt off outside. There was magic everywhere. Spots on the walls, the paintings, the windows, just about everything I could see had some touch of magic to it. I couldn’t let myself get drawn into that examination, I had to remember my current role. I was a noble lady. I could express interest in decorations, but gawking like a buffoon or standing around like an idiot was right out.
A butler came up to me and bowed and offered me his hand. I accepted it and he led me up the stairs in the back to a pair of doors above. Upon opening the doors, I was suddenly assaulted by the sounds of a party. Conversations and dancing and other merrymaking was going on. Not really what one would normally expect from a brothel, but this place was obviously more like a cabaret club. Most people were wearing fancy masks, except for a number of girls that were dancing or hanging off men here and there. Of course, they weren’t just with men. There were a number of masked ladies that were also enjoying the attention and flirtations of the women.
As I entered, I was the center of attention for everyone that glimpsed me. I might have helped it along by doing some psi amplifying of my presence for a brief moment. I could see from their thoughts that they were wondering who I was. I didn’t match any of the individuals on the ‘normal guest’ list, which meant in their minds that I must be someone with foreign connections. I noted down the fact that based on my jewelry designs, some were thinking I was from the Grand Duchy of Granait, wherever that was. I walked forward while bestowing a smile to people that met eyes with me.
A path in the crowd was suddenly opened in front of me. A woman without a mask was sauntering toward me. Her tall beastlike ears stood up from her mane of pale blonde hair and the smile on her face was seductive to say the least. Her dress accentuated her figure while revealing the top of her very ample assets. A large, fluffy tail swayed back and forth behind her with each step.
Despite all that though, I was practically forced to look at her eyes. They were dark at the edges but lightened until eventually they were white at the center. She performed a most elegant curtsey upon reaching me. “My Lady Seri, I am most gratified that you accepted my invitation to visit my most humble abode. I, Madame Lorelei, promise you a most fanciful evening.” She declared. She clapped her hands once, silencing the room. “My guests, I must regrettably call it a night. My dear Challi shall be my substitute.” She clapped again, signaling the party could resume. “Now, Lady Seri, let us retire to my parlor for a private chat.”
I felt like this evening had just gotten away from me somehow. At the same time, I was getting what I was after, but this was way too easy. I was now being noticed by everyone in the room as I followed Lorelei. They all wanted to know who I was, though there were some reactions of understanding when they heard my name. I couldn’t pick them out of the crowd though. One thing that did momentarily surprise me was that I saw that presumed noble girl walking around the hall serving drinks. That explains her knight being on guard outside earlier, but why would she be working here? A mystery to consider some other time.
At some point Coa had fallen asleep, which was probably her way of staying nice and quiet. I wish I could do the same. My mind was now on full alert. There was a high possibility of some kind of trap. Trying to read Lorelei’s mind though was a fruitless endeavor. The only thing there was the humming of a tune that was in sync with the motion of her amazing body. We went up a flight of stairs and she stopped at a door there. She drew a circle on the door with her finger and it swung open. After being so inundated with magic before, this room really stood out because there was nothing in here of a magical nature. Even the light was being provided by a number of candles.
She sashayed over to a lounge chair and laid down with her head resting on her hand. There were no other chairs in this room and she was gesturing for me to come sit with her. Instead of doing so, I stayed standing. She made a wounded expression. “Does Your Highness not wish to begin with pleasure rather than boring business?” She enquired with a lick of her lips.
The way she addressed me set off alarms in my head. This woman knew about what happened at the fortress. Not a huge surprise, since it’s been a few weeks but still.
“Oh? Does that mode of address distress you? Would My Lady perhaps be preferable? Or is there another title? Possibly Countess or Duchess or possibly even Your Majesty? You really are so fascinating.” She was observing me with a wondrous expression.
“I’m not going to play these games with you. Call me whatever you want, but I want to get down to business.” I asserted.
“My, you really are no fun, Seri.” She released a delightful giggle before turning stoic. “I refuse to contact Ghost on your behalf.”
I wasn’t surprised at all that she knew why I was here. “I can tell you’re not worried about retribution from them, so what would you lose by helping me.”
“Absolutely nothing. That does not mean I should help you. There are no benefits for me in doing so, therefore I decline to do so. You have no chips to play to turn that decision around and petty threats mean nothing to me. Feel free to kill me or torture if you so choose. This parlor has no means by which to protect me and I would not struggle in anyway.” She expressed. A smug smile was playing on her lips.
Damn that humming in her head. “You say that, but I don’t think there are no grounds for negotiation. You wouldn’t have brought me to this room if there was nothing you wanted.”
“Very true, there is indeed something I desire from you. I wish to ask you questions and for every question I ask you, I’m willing to release some information regarding Ghost to you.”
“I’m getting tired of all the runaround about Ghost. I believe you greatly neglect my capability when it comes to torture.” I stated.
“That is quite possible. I admit I do not want to end up like those bandits.” Another warning bell. No one was around to see that. “I suppose I’ll have to offer something first. Let’s see, I’m sure you’re aware of the observers that have been spying on you?” I nod. “They have no connection with Ghost other than that of being hired help. They weren’t even hired directly, but through a chain of intermediaries. Another freebie is that Ghost is one of my many employers, which is why I’m not afraid of death at your hands. If you killed me then you would ruin any chance of coming to an agreement with them.”
“I doubt they care much about a brothel manager. I’m sure you’d be easy to replace.” I said.
“Quite right. Madame Lorelei is completely expendable. The Oracle Lorelei on the other hand, is extremely precious.” She replied.
An Oracle? As in those people that give prophecies? For some reason I had gotten the impression they belonged to the church, but I guess that was a stupid assumption on my part. Of course, some would end up in employment elsewhere. I could just leave. It doesn’t seem like she’d prevent that. If she’s not going to help me then there really isn’t any point to sticking around. I’m really interested in what she could tell me though. Is the reason she knows so much because of being an Oracle? Or is she just trying to psych me out?
“I’ll entertain you for now. Ask your first question.” I announced.
“Oh my, thank you! I’ll begin with my most burning one. What are you?” She asked.
“Mistress! This woman is dangerous! Get rid of her quickly!” Lynn warned.
I chose to ignore Lynn for now. Lorelei had piqued my curiosity. “Can you repeat that? What am I?”
“Yes! What are you! You first appeared twenty-six days ago at a small town in the northern area of the kingdom. You disappeared after making a giant ruckus with a pack of demon wolves. Then only eight days later, you appeared in the Empire at a border fortress. A border fortress that identified you as a princess! A princess from nowhere! Then you started showing off those metals of yours and started looking for Ghost of all things.” She sighed and waved her hand. “Of course, these are all insignificant.” Her eyes took on an unearthly glow. “I can’t ‘See’ you.”
“What?” This was confusing. She had placed a lot of emphasis on the see and she knew way more than I felt comfortable with.
“I can’t ‘See’ you! This has never happened before! Your beautiful self is right before my eyes, but you are utterly blank to me. The details I have picked up are entirely from ‘Seeing’ others you have made contact with. I’ve sat in meditation for the slightest hint about your identity to absolutely no gain. I even began using my talents in other broader terms. You are not a Hero. No Hero exists in the Empire. You are not a Devil for the same reason. Lastly, you are not a Spirit either. There is only one Spirit on our continent at this point in time and you are definitely not them. They are nowhere near here. You are an utter enigma!” She was now speaking feverishly. “That’s why! That’s why! I absolutely must know!”
“What are you!?”