Chapter 27

5 days remaining… Maybe…

Jack and Frizzy both huddled together to watch through the scrying crystal. Both were excited to see the fight take place since it had been WAY longer than either or had expected. It was one of the better-known parties that had gained quite a bit of popularity within the community.

I really need to come up with a name for this place. ‘The community’ ain’t cutting it. Jack mused to himself, looking over the part as he sent a message to the mobs his residents were using to bring attention to the crystals.

The party was called Horizon and were a party of five. They had a mage, a ranger, a tank, a healer of some kind of martial artist. They had good chemistry and worked well together with honest comradery between them. It was the reason why he liked them over most adventurer. Unlike some of the other adventurer parties who sometimes left their dead behind or took REALLY dumb risks. Horizon was actually careful in scouting, getting information and trying new things to combat the problem. When they tried to bribe Mose, with a bone to let them pass, Jack nearly fell over from how hard he laughed. Even more so when Mose took the bone and gnawed on it. At least until martial artist got just a little close the skeleton. That got their asses kicked that day, lucky for them no one died.

Since then, they did research on Mose each time they faced that boss, they came up with new ways to beat her. Some more effective than others, some with close calls at other times. Yet they pulled through each time.

And now they were moving towards the barrier wall with the guard gate where the guard stood at the portcullis.

Jack was really looking forwards to this fight, if they beat the boss, he’d have a special reward for them. In fact, he was already working on it right now. they were properly scouting the boss area. Gathering as much information as possible

***

The leader of Horizon, Detvoris the tank of the party and a lizardman, sat crouched as he peered around the corner.

At standing, he was nearly seven feet tall, had deep green scales with red stripes down the length of his body. Heavy iron places covered his body like a second layer of scales. It was worn and a little beaten up but it was broken in so it felt as comfortable as a second skin. On his back was a single edge over sized falchion with a reinforced leather harness to support it. Both of which were replacements for the old board sword he once had. The falchion looked very, VERY, old but when he did a cut test with it, it easily out performed his old weapon. It was honestly the smartest choice he made while he and horizon were at the inn.

Like many who were able to make it to the second level, Horizon stayed at the Inn that everyone came to called The Restless Rest. At least that was what the sign had said. And the inn keeper, a skeleton who’s race he didn’t recognize, that everyone called Mr. Bones had sold him and the rest of his party their equipment.

Weapons, tools, and even some preserved goods along with beaten up but warm beds. When Mr. Bones didn’t attack anyone and actually offered supplies in exchange of payment, the inn was designated a safe zone. Especially since normal mobs didn’t get within certain distance to it. What mobs were inside also didn’t offer any threat, instead they moved and carried supplies or guarded the building.

Each of the weapons they had bought aged for certain, but each was of the high in quality. There was even a weapon for the party’s monk. Something called ‘knuckle dusters’, a pair of weapons that were meant for fingers to go through and overlap the knuckles.

It was a good thing to. The boss that they saw standing and waiting at the guard post looked to be anything but easy.

The guard post had an open area of twenty yards of cobble stones with a surrounding waist high beaten-up stone fence with a broken metal gate. Those automatons could be seen walking about. Aged and decrepit, digging through piles of rubble to either pill out some kind of bones or other automatons that were broken. At the back of the area was a massive wall that went on for MILES for either side that stood maybe forty or fifty feet tall. The gate in itself was possible ten feet tall with an iron gate and behind it were great oak doors bound with iron bands. There as a post hut built into the wall at the gate that held a window port. Then there was the guard themself.

They stood at the average height of an elf, they were dressed in some old beaten-up half plate armor with a full helm. Their breast plate an ancient elven style short sword driven through the belly all the way to the hilt. In the left shoulder a dwarven war axe rested. They carried a wood round shield on their left forearm, on their hip was broad sword, and in their right hand was a poleaxe. There was nothing ornate about the armor, it had patches of rust, deep cuts, and the green cloak that was likely a mantle of leadership were stain of old blood and a tattered hem.

What was most unsettling though were the skeletons.

There were dozens of them, all slumped around the clearing of the guard post. Elves in museum pieces of armor, from robes, to leather armor with steel scales. Deep cuts were around the neck, the armpits, and legs. The dwarven skeletons with their heavy plate armor laid among the elves. their armor also something from an ancient time. Their breast plate pieced, the weak points also punctured or slashed. All with the necks of the armor stained and rusted. Likely a result of the hamstrung fighters having their throats cut once they were weakened. When everyone that invaded that was dead, their bodies were moved aside leaving a clear path to the gate.

This scene told a story, and it was one of violence and blood.

“I don’t like it big guy…” Tivel, the party’s ranger and gnome said, while also peeking around the corner.

“Your thoughts?” Detvoris asked as he watched the boss who’s head would occasionally look in their direction, clearly aware of their presence but did nothing about them.

“The boss looks strong and seems to be a fighter of some kind. Can’t tell which kind though. Probably Martial type based on gear, weapons, and the left overs. Clearly and undead but… he’s not an elf. Too stocky and those weapons he’s carrying are not meant for speed or strength but a balance of both. If I had to guess, maybe a weapon master.”

“You think ranged attacks are best?” Detvoris asked as he picked up a stone, testing the weight of it in his hand.

“Maybe… I’m doubtful though. That armor would make most iron or steel tip arrows useless. Even if they get in the gaps since the boss is an undead. We’ll need decapitation, crush the head in, or torch the body enough that we can weaken then move in for the kill.” Tivel said as he checked his twice blessed dagger and short sword. “We have oil and beakers. Just need to light a cloth and throw.”

“Doubtful,” Detvoris rumbled before tossing the stone under hand high in the air towards the boss.

When the stone came within twenty feet of the boss, it twisted itself to the said with the shield raised. It’s spear darting in hard and fast to strike the stone out of the air with its steel tip. Breaking the stone from the force of the impact into a cloud of dust and pebbles. With the perceived threat gone, the boss returned to its at rest stance. Ready, waiting, professional. Just like any high-ranking guard who took their duty seriously and pride in what that did. Then it turned its head and looked at both Detvoris and Tivel yet made no move to approach or threaten them. If anything… it was almost like it was… amused or maybe curious as to what they will do next.

This boss, was smarter than the level one boss and it was skilled.

“Thought as much.” Detvoris nodded as he took the boss’ measure. “The tricks that worked on the first boss likely won’t work here. Magic and defense will be our best choice here.”

“Yeah, no kidding. Wasn’t the fastest I’ve seen someone move, but damn that was an accurate hit.” Tivel commented, revising any tricks he might have cooked up before that display.

“Let’s gather the party, tell them what we know. Then organize on our attack.” Detvoris stated, already stepping back with his hand on Tivel’s shoulder.

They walked through the street and alley ways to reunite with the party. Their camp site was two blocks away from boss area inside old build that likely a home for someone in times long since passed. The hearth of the ruined home was lit with small pot of soup cooking. Everyone was sitting by the fire while listening to Detvoris and Tivel’s information on the boss.

“Sounds like a good challenge.” Silla, a moon elf and the party’s punch expert. “I can run as distraction. Out of all of us, I got the best reflexes and hardest to hit.”

“Yes, but if we did that than you are in the area for any area of effect spells I cast.” Morkal said, a Fangari of the fox decent and mage, her hands holding her wand while sitting in that ever dignified and proper manner. “I suggest moving in and out as you attack, create openings for me to bombard him. Tivel would also be best for surprise attacks while he’s distracted.”

“Agreed,” Ragril, a Satyr and the party’s healer, confirmed while cutting a piece of apple for himself. “It is the safest strategy until be better understand our opponent.”

“Are then any objections to this plan?” Detvoris asked everyone, looking to each member of the party to let them know that if anyone had an opinion they would have his full attention. When no one spoke up Detvoris continued by giving instructions on what to prepare in terms of equipment to try and get any additional edge they might need.

Once they had their potions ready, their bottles of stick sludge, antidotes just in case there was poison, and then their bottle of holy water. They mixed some holy water into their canteen of vegetable oil then dipped their arrow heads and coated the edges of their weapons. It wasn’t as affective as pure holy water in itself, but it was a sound strategy against undead.

With preparations made, they all left as one. Detvoris taking the lead for any surprise attacks, Silla at the rear to protect it, Moral in front of Silla for ranged attacks, Ragril was in the middle for healing support and safety. That left Tivel right behind Detvoris for additional offence. Each of them knew their role and how to guard one another’s back. It was the basics but the basics were the foundation for a reason.

They made their way closer, approaching with care and their eyes surveying for any signs of impending attack. They would make it to the boss area un threatened and the boss just staring at them. Making no move to approach, or suggest that it was going to attack. Detvoris noted even though the boss was aware of them and that there was even more of them now, and a bigger threat now, it still seemed unphased by their presence. That fact that it didn’t immediately take a fighting stance even if they were outside of the boss’ area worried him.

“I don’t like this…” Detvoris announced once they were but a few feet from the boundary of the fighting area.

“I don’t like this either… since he noticed us something felt off about this one…” Ragril confirmed, clutching his staff a little tighter. “It’s measuring us, gaging us.”

“I’ll take lead, test the waters before we fully start this battel.” Detvoris informed, makng sure his shield and sward were ready before he took a step into the boundary.

That was when the dungeon boss approached. it was not a hurried pace, using the spear as a walking stick. Its posture still carrying that calm collected pace of a guard doing their job. No one moved as they watched, everyone outside fo the boundary yet they had weapons and spells alike ready to act in an instant. Detvoris for his part was in a ready stance as the undead walked closer at a pace that said they were in no hurry. By the time the undead stopped a good ten feet away from Detvoris, it stood there. It simply stood there to stare at him before taking its spear and driving the butt cap of it into the ground where it stood up once the dungeon boss let go. Then with that same had that implanted the spear, it held out a palm towards Detvoris, is palm facing up. Waiting expectantly to given something.

Everyone in horizon remained still, watching, waiting, ready. It was Detvoris who moved first. Lowering his falchion by placing it back into the harness on his back while making sure his shield was up and ready. Detvoris then approached the dungeon boss of the second level, quickly learning that he stood a fair deal taller and vastly broader than the dungeon boss.

When Detvoris stood just out of sword’s reach of the dungeon boss who still stood with their hand out and facing up. Waiting for something to be placed into it.

“I am Detvoris, leader of the Horizon. We wish to pass and see what awaits up to the next layer. Will you let us pass?” Detvoris addressed the level boss, his voice firm and direct while trying to remain polite.

Detvoris was unsure if the level boss would even understand or if there was a specific meaning behind its actions. Yet it since it didn’t act like a normal dungeon boss, so why not try and unusual method to pass.

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To everyone’s surprise, the dungeon boss shook its head at them. Its outstretched hand moved to its side to reach into a pocket where it pulled out a thin slab. This slab was the size of a playing card with a lanyard hole on the top while being made of brass. There was a script written along the border of the slab that framed the depiction it held. The depiction was that of three figures, one an elf dressed in regal robes, next to them was a dwarf fitted with armor like a proud warrior, and the las of the three was a figure they who face Detvoris couldn’t see as their back was to the viewer. The inscription was, ‘we signify as partners in trade and neighbors of shared land, that we meet in this as friends. That we who bare this pass come invited as welcomed guests.’ The dungeon boss then placed the pass in their opposite hand. Then with the clutched slab to point at Detvoris and his party before gesturing to the gate that it was guarding.

It was astounding… a dungeon boss that communicated. It just conveyed a whole explanation of rules, what it expected, and what they needed to do to pass. All without saying a single word.

But why?

Why would a dungeon boss tell them how to pass? Why would it not simply attack them once one of them was close enough? This was far from normal.

“Can you speak, guardian of the gate?” Detvoris asked, wanting to know more, wanting to understand more.

At his question, and Morkal furiously scribbling down notes to document every little thing that happened, the dungeon boss shook their head. Placing the Slab back into their pocket.

“Do you have a name?” Detvoris asked, unable to help himself. Now all the more floored when the dungeon boss nodded. “Can you share it with us?”

The dungeon boss did nothing at first. Staring at them quietly, the silence stretching on to the point where it became uncomfortable. Then it grabbed its spear, lazily so the head pointed at the ground. Using the tip to scratch out a name before going back to a stance of rest.

‘Adam’ the name said.

“Sir Adam… would you let us pass if we do not have that token?” Detvoris asked while everyone in the Horizon party watched on to see Adam the dungeon boss shake their head no. “If we did, you would let us pass without a fight, yes?”

Adam nodded then.

“Where might we find these tokens, sir Adam?” Ragril called out from behind the wall, just outside of Adam’ area.

To answer, Adam raised his spear, using it to point to the surrounding area around them. Making a vague gesture of somewhere out there then replanted his spear to pat the pocket he put the token he had shown before in. telling them they either had to find them out in the dungeon or they would have to fight him and take it.

“And what if we decide to fight you?” Silla asked, her neck popping as she flexed her fingers, getting herself ready for a possible fight depending on what everyone decided on now.

At Silla’s question, Adam raised his hand once more, pointing to each and every member of horizon. Letting everyone know he saw them to make it clear he was referring to each of them specifically, then he pointed to the piles bone and armor that was pushed to the side of the space they stood in.

Detvoris understood right away what Adam was saying and while he didn’t appreciate it, he understood.

‘I will fight each one of you, and will do my best to have you join the others that you see here.’

“You seem sure we will die, Sir Adam.” Detvoris said, keeping his voice neutral. “If we chose to fight, is there any chance we might win at all?”

At that question, Detvoris noticed that Adam was now looking at him and each member of the party more closely now. Considering them and measuring them with an appraiser’s eye the same way how a gambler or professional soldier might to measure someone’s chances. When Adam stopped staring so hard at them all, he raised a hand. Keeping it open and flat with the palm facing down before teetering from side to side which was followed by a shrug.

‘You have a chance, it is so so. Can’t say for sure though.’ Was the message that Detvoris, and likely the rest of the party got by that display.

Then as if getting ready for their choice, Adam retook his spear. Walking backwards to keep his eyes on them all while the decided on what they wanted to do.

The Horizon party all gathered together. Some debated on what they wanted to do. But it ultimately boiled down to wanting to fight the strange boss.

Together, they all entered the dungeon boss’ area with weapons drawn or spells that were half way cast. All prepared and signaling their choice.

And Adam answered in kind.

He charged with his shield bared, spear in hand. Closing the distance in short order. He used his spear to make a faint, going for Detvoris’ head to make him raise his shield. Adam to duck down and sweep his leg into Detvoris’ knee to make him buckle and faulter. In the same motion, Adam used his momentum to swing his spear head at Morkal’s throat. Making her break her spell to jump back into Ragril, clearing the way for Tivel to try to jump in and aimed for Adam’s flank as Silla did the same for the opposite side.

With the backend of the spear, Adam deflected the Tivel’s slash. Making it go wide while using his shield to stop Silla’s punch dead it its tracks. The sound of the impact ringing the shield like a gong. With the next move, Adam twisted to thread under Silla’s arm and behind her back to throw her in the direction of Detvoris. Swinging his shield to bat Tivel away while they similtaniously ducked from an ice bolt that left a gouge mark on his helmet.

Detvoris dodged around the party member thrown his way to try and take the aggression off of them. shoving himself between Adam the dungeon boss and Ragril just as the spear was thrusted at the healer. Blocking the blade with his shield and catching the shafted of it between the shield and his falchion. Twisting his torso to snap the weapon in half and finally making Adam Jump back to disengage. Blocking the thrown vial from Tivel with his shield just to be struck with a fire bolt that quickly followed the vile. The shield’s surface erupting into flames and distracting Adam long enough to not notice the second vile thrown by Silla at his feet. Gluing a boot in place while Adam threw off his shield.

That should slow him, and without his main defense or weapon the fight should be easier Detvoris thought. That was until Adam cast his broken spear aside then with each hand, grabbed the short sword that was in his chest plate with his left hand, and in his right, he drew his broad sword. Drawing both out in the open, freeing one from its scabbard and the other from his chest. brandishing both to show he can still fight. Flicking his blades down to cut the laces of his boots to free his feet. Diving into a roll to avoid the fire ball thrown at his chest then springing back to his feet to twist away from the vile thrown at him by Silla.

“Don’t let him get close!” Detvoris roared, charging in to meet Adam head on and intercept him.

Flipping the short sword into a reverse grip, Adam used the blade to block the Flachion Detvoris swung. Preventing his decpatioaton with Detvoris’ attack getting caught on the short sword’s cross guard. Yet as Adam blocked, he drove his right knee into Detvoris’ shield with the force of a warhammer. Rattling Detvoris’ arm from the impact. But Detvoris endured it, absorbing the attack and created and opening they needed.

Tivel jumped in then, slashing at the back of Adam’s leg and buckle form the impact. Spark flying while the edge missed the gap in the armor to grieve instead. Unable to find purchase, Silla dashed in hard and fast to kick Adam in the side. The blow connected explosive force that sent Adam tumbling across the battle area along with the unmistakable sound of a bone snapping.

Tumbling head over heels, the short sword left where it was dropped, Morkal Chased after the tumbling dungeon boss. Who quickly regained their footing to twist their hips into their swing. Their broadsword whistling through the, going straight for face and eyes. Forcing the martial artist to duck and lean back to avoid the blow. The tip of the blade just nicking her cheek and nose as the sword swing was followed by a spinning back kick to her abdomen. Knocking the wind out of Silla’s lungs. Sending her flying back from the blow and clearing her away as Morkal blasted the relentless dungeon boss in the chest with an explosive ball of blue fire. Engulfing him in the fiery explosion that left angry scorch marks on the ground and spots in everyone’s eyes.

When everyone’s vision was cleared up, they all found that Adam the second level boss was kneeling and using their broadsword for support. Their left arm was missing, their chest plate now melted slag with the remaining parts glowing with left over heat or falling his form. Even the helmet was partly destroyed, revealing a lower half of a face that was missing cheeks and lips. Teeth bared in an ugly snarl as the rest of their exposed flesh showed rot and thinning and gray. Now with a large hole in his chest, Adam pushed himself up to stand once more and face them. Sword at the ready yet again, uncaring of their missing limb, destroyed armor, or hole in their chest. They only stood resolute in standing between the Horizon party and the gate.

Tossing his own Shield and sword aside, Detvoris saw that this was fight was going to drag on far longer than he wanted. The longer it went on, the higher the chance a mistake was going to be made, that one of them will tire out and that is when the dungeon boss was going to move in for the kill. Already Adam had shown he was immensely skilled, did not tire nor felt pain, and already came close to killing some of the party. This needed to end and Detvoris was going to take the gamble.

Detvoris ran in to take Adam off guard who responded by trying to side step Detvoris. Swinging his sword at Detvoris’ leg to crip him for the lizardman to jump over the swing to plant a clawed foot into Adam’s chest. Raking his claws against the zombie’s chest as he continued to turn away, avoiding most to the damage. Only to have Detvoris catch his remaining arm then throwing him over his shoulder for the zombie to land flat on his back.

Tivel tried to join in, stabbing the prone Adam in the side of his chest with the bless dagger. Making the flesh and muscle it pierce sizzle and burn while Silla jumped in with a heavy blow aimed for Adam’s head. The warrior undead, tilting his head at the last moment before Silla’s knuckle duster fist struck the stone floor where his had been causing it to slinter, crack and shatter from the force that blow. Ragril threw seeds all around the scuffle while using magic to cause vines to entrap the momentarily still Adam. Further slowing and trapping the dungeon boss with vines that ensnared and pierce the fierce undead warrior.

“Jump away!” Morkal yelled, the spell she had been building up crackling with barely restrained energies that demanded to be release.

The second everyone tried to back off, Adam released his grip on the sword and grabbed Detvoris’ vambrace with a stunning amount of strength. Preventing the party leader fully escape as Morkal release the spell.

A bolt of crackling lightening stuck the struggling Adam in the chest. His body burning and sizzling as it charred. The currents of electricity destroying the zombie’s body with Detvoris getting a heavy dose of the same electricity. Causing his arm to be burned before he was able to escapes with his arm hanging limp shock.

Everyone stood still now watching the dungeon boss with caution. Eying the body with weapons and spells at the ready. All of them waiting for the notification that said they had defeated the dungeon boss. With each second that passed, they became more certain that Adam was not dead. Something that became more certain when his right hand twitched. Slowly flexing and turning, feeling around for possibly a weapon that did not exist. His body mostly destroyed, barely holding together, yet still wishing to fight. To stop them, to safe guard that gate from those who wanted to tress pass.

Detvoris went to pick up his falchion with his good hand, moving closer to the determined undead that called itself Adam. His respect for the warrior immense as he lifted up the falchion. Ragril said a prayer for the still struggling warrior. Silla rested her hand at her sides to bow to Adam who was about to meet their end. Morkal making a promise to herself that document this dungeon boss. Tivel rubbed his wounds and smiled with mirth at the undead who still wanted to fight.

When Ragril’s prayer ended, Detvoris cleanly took Adam’s head with a sing slash.

Attention!

You have defeated the Second Layer Dungeon Boss!

Notice!

You have defeated “Adam, The Gatewarden”.

In life, this warrior lived a life of duty and honor. A pillar of a community who dedicated themselves to the people. From the young do the old, there were none who knew his name and did not love him. In his last moments, he stood guard. Fighting to his last breath all to give the last of his charges one last chance to escape. He only fell once the city was truly lost. Even then, he made sure to take as many invaders down with him as possible.

“"Please, Adam… you have done enough. Please… rest. Let go. There is no one left to protect…”

You have earned:

2,500 Exp

100 gold coins

And one magic item made by the ancients.

(Randomly Generated)

Everyone in Horizon got the notification, everyone read it. Their victory felt bittersweet. Each member of Horizon grabbed a piece of what remained of Adam’s armor, his sword and shield. Giving them back to what remained of the warrior who died for the city and its people.

With their rewards received, they didn’t bother to count the coins. Nor did they open the two-foot-long box to see what magic item they had gotten. Instead, they took the entry token to go into the next layer and the elven short sword once they saw it had an adamantine edge. All members agreeing to go back to the Restless Rest to recover then go back to the Adventurer’s town to make their reports.

With Horizon leaving, Detvoris turned back to look at Adam once more. Watching the body be reclaimed by the dungeon to spawn back once more. remembering what the undead guard had mimed. They had a chance and it was so-so. Had they not had a plan, there was more than a chance that at least two of them would have been dead.

***

“That was Awesome!” Frizzy proclaimed when the fight was over. Hopping from foot to foot with excitement while Jack just sulked.

“Yeah… I guess it was awesome…” Jack pouted with his arms crossed.

From outside his tower, he could hear that the residents of his dungeon were all either cheering for the fight or groaning in frustration. Likely because some placed their bets poorly and others were counting their good fortune. But all had clearly enjoyed the first fight of the second layer boss.

Jack had wanted to make something special for this layer. Something that would test and push people to actually have to use skill to show they were ready for the next challenge. And what better way to test and challenge someone that with a very skilled warrior and zombie?

The dungeon boss did better than he expected, acting like a guard should. Giving directions when asked, informing others one what it needed to pass and most of all, being one hell of a fighter to keep trespassers at bay. The armor did a great job and the adventurers also proved themselves quite skilled and capable for the next set of challenges. Speak of which he really needed to work on that soon. It was a great fight without question… but if he was being honest, Jack was disappointed that the party didn’t open the box to see the prize inside.

“Hey, I know that look.” Frizzy chided, nudging his side with a big grin. “You wanted to see them play with their new toy.”

“Yeah… made is special since they were the first ones to beat the boss.” Jack pouted while splitting his focus to start working on the third layer of this dungeon. Already deciding that it should be a two-mile-thick band and have some more interesting features to go with it. Maybe make the terrain a fair bit harder and a few more features for adventurers to find. Maybe make it like a park? Details for later.

“Don’t worry Teacher, I’m sure the next time they come back we’ll see them use it.” Frizzy said with a confident grin. “Also think about all the adventurers that will be coming to fight Adam now that they know where he is.”

“Yeah… Yeah. You know what, you’re right!” Jack said as he felt some more excitement return. Looking forwards to more adventurers coming to challenge his second layer boss. “Should see some more people coming to the dungeon as well once word really starts to get out. I just hope they bring some really good supplies I can absorb and use later.”

“That’s the spirit Teacher!” Frizzy declared to feed into his enthusiasm.

Before Jack could say anything else, a new notification appeared in his vision.

Attention!

The Dungeon has now reached level 3!

Notice

The dungeon has reached a milestone. The dungeon upgrade menu will update along with the dungeon options to represent this milestone. Would you like to see these options now?

Yes/No

“Frizzy, we just got some options.” Jack said after reading his notice with certain tone of eager anticipation.

Had Frizzy not known better, she could have almost sworn she saw Jack jaw shift to make a menacing grin.