(Curator POV)
The past few days have flown by in a heartbeat... Not really, things have actually been going at a glacial pace. Ever since their initial breach, the adventurers have pretty much settled in, at this point they’re like freeloaders but worse. What is wrong with everybody, come on!
Haaah, maybe I’m being little too hard on them. It’s just, after the gung-ho dive into the unknown attitude they exhibited on the first day, something like this is just tepid. Not that I don’t understand what their doing.
I’ve seen them harvesting materials and the like, meticulously hoarding them from others before getting the hell out of dodge. Dredging it up to sell for whatever petty amount of gold is offered.
In the end, I guess it’s all about moola.
Well, maybe I’m exaggerating things a bit. There are some people who have been up to some story-worthy things after the Dynamic Duo left.
There were the group of knights who, in their quest for glory, stumbled upon the scene of a monstrous wolf harassing a poor defenseless pig. The screeching of keratin on metal announced the start of a melee that would last for hours. As the knights refused to settle for the role of hunted, hunkered down protecting both inhabitant and home behind their iron walls.
The wolf unable to play its part of the hunter fought tooth and nail. But eventually, through their perseverance, the wolf laid slain. Worn from countless beatings and slashes. His body dissolved, broken from the water doused unto him by the knights.
And like that, this section of The Knights of Grey Steel (.Temp) comes to an end. As a side note, they helped fortify the youngest pig straw shack, it’s now actually a halfway decent iron fortress... Continuing on.
Somewhere deep in the woods at a lake little known about, sat a boy and a wolf.
The wolf injured and deformed from battles past simply could not put up a fight, at best only capable of rudimentary movement. And so it stayed in its little secluded haven, looking at its reflection in the water.
Stumbling through the woods lost in thought, the boy happened upon the wolf’s isolated haven. Gazing upon the injured monster, he was reminded of someone. His face softens and, his thoughts once tangled and conflicted became clear.
Taking a seat next to the beast he talked to it, not caring if it understood or not. Unmoving in its gaze, the only acknowledgment he received was the wolf’s ears twitching every now and then. And so went the first meeting of a broken beast and the lost boy.
Thus ending this section of The Boy and The Beasts Reflection (.Temp).
In a certain glade, a certain jackass was making my life a lot harder!
*Ahem*
In a certain glade, a pure-hearted maiden dressed in ornate robes accompanied by her friends became the victims of an audacious prank. Laughing in delight the whimsical fae thought them to be like the rest, but their interest peaked when the girl laughed along with them.
Suddenly the tricksters were swept up in a gust of wind and taken on a ride. Loop-de-loops and sharp turns, the surprised gasps of the fairies slowly turned into giggles realizing they had been pranked back.
After all, was said and done the fae crowded around the maiden, trading tips and having laughs. That was when she introduced the mostly childish fae to the concept of love, of her love. Like children discovering something new, they listened to her ramblings with rapt attention.
And now the little bastards are more annoying then they were before!
And so with having learned the concept of love from a pure-hearted maiden, the fae bade the girl farewell, disappearing into trees promising another meeting.
Concluding this section of The Maiden of Love (.Temp).
Well, that was some of the major things that happened, the good ones at least, I’m still debating about the last one, to be honest. But many tragedies also occurred during this time.
There are adventurers who are now corpses, mauled to death by wolves either by their own overestimation, cockiness, or a lack of preparation. I would consider these people lucky.
Under the pleasant warmth of the sun laid the bodies of people who have had an unfortunate run-in with the local fairies. At first, you could mistake them for taking a nap, but once you try to wake them, you will quickly figure out that they're just soulless shells.
How long have they been out? Hours? Days? Weeks?
They’re all people who have fallen prey to the fairies illusions. And in one stupendous way or another, have managed to piss or bore the fae off to the point they abandon the person, leaving them stranded. The only consolation is their death is painless. Boring, and drawn out but painless. Once the body dies, so too does the mind.
As is the nature of stories and really of life itself, successes and miracles exist in equal measure to failures and tragedies.
Oh well, that’s enough philosophizing for now. While a majority of the pack are content with playing it safe, there exist those who are willing to push forward to the second floor. I should get started on making the third floor, maybe go for something a tad different this time.
Things to think about later, right now I have a lot of digging to do. So much digging.
(Zhenya POV)
Haah, nothing beats a nice warm meal first thing in the morning, and today's the big day too.
“You ready?”
Fredrica asked, finally content with her fourth plate of food. Oh wow, she is really practicing restraint today. Nah, She probably doesn't want to feel bloated today, knowing our schedule.
“Yeah, let’s get to the meeting. Don’t want to be late after all.”
Standing up from the table, we left the bar side of the A.A and headed upstairs. Down the hall, first door on the left.
*knock*
*knock*
“Come in.”
Entering the room, I was surprised to see Virgil sitting at the meeting table.
“Heya!” Greeting us with a flimsy hand wave, he wiggled himself into a more comfortable position.
Still carefree to a fault I see. Once we take the seats opposite him, Virgil clears his throat and immediately launches into business talks.
“First off, the A.A would like to apologize for the delay in scheduling this meeting. It took a while getting an expert opinion to decide a price, but we have settled on 500 GP.” Bringing out the items we submitted, he placed them gently on a piece of cloth for all to see. “So yeah take your time. Look over the items, then decide whether or not you want to sell them.”
I didn’t realize it at first, but Virgil is definitely acting a bit off today, behind his usual cheery demeanor was a man who hasn’t slept in awhile. I guess the rumors were true, the boss lady must really be working him to the bone.
“Any chance you could tell us more about these items before we choose?” Fredrica was the first to speak up, getting right to the point.
“Yep, one-hundred percent you can.” Making himself even more at home, Virgil stretched himself out and threw his legs up on the table. Much to Fredrica’s indifference. “But a word of discretion first, these are only face value evaluations we eyeballed, since these items are still legally yours.
“Now then with legal and contractual stuff out of the way. The first item on the list is this pile of parchment here. It’s more or less an improved version of the normal paper, increased durability, and mana storage.”
“Next the shadow paper and...” Virgil pauses, his gaze stopping on the eye. “I gotta say it’s kinda messed up, this is the first time a body part has popped out from this dungeon. It’s all damaged and squished, and I’m not even going to say anything about the smell.”
“Oh shut it, you weren’t there. It was a very stressful situation.” Fredrica backed me up by nodding.
“Fair enough, anyways.” He picks up the wispy paper and smacks it against the table only to have it pass right through. “Makes sense given how ethereal it looks, right? But look I can still hold it firmly in my hands.”
I had no clue what Virgil was getting at, but Fredrica, on the other hand, seems to have an inkling. “Are you saying this thing is a source of shadow essence!?”
“A for effort, but you have it the wrong way round. This paper takes in pure mana to fuel its shadowy properties, still amazing just not on the level you were thinking. As for the eye it was bundled with, it has similar properties to the paper, but really I can only see it being useful in alchemy.”
“Oh... Well, at least I can see the shadow paper being used as a material in tailoring or maybe even blacksmithing.” Fredrica was already brainstorming the practical uses it may have. Really she was mostly going in circles about its application in smithing though.
Leaving Fredrica to her pondering, Virgil moved on to the next items “This rubbery paper and goop can be used for a variety of industrial purposes.” A bit of a letdown, but what did I expect it’s paper that stretches and goop that is somehow still damp.
“Lastly this.” He gestures towards the two jars of prismatic dust. “Is an enigma. It may have some restorative or cleansing properties. But without conducting any meaningful tests, we aren’t completely sure.”
Ending this long Q and A, he lets us digest this new information before continuing. “So then what will be, sell or keep?”
We already made our decision beforehand, and nothing he said has changed that.
““We’ll be selling.”” Maybe with the omission of two things, “Except for the eye and dust, I want to keep those.”
“... Zhenya I said it once and I’ll say again. That’s kinda messed up, the dust I understand, buuut.”
“Ahhh shut it. You already know what I’m going to do with it!” Really this guy, we haven’t seen each other in a while, and he goes right back to messing with me.
“Aww, shooting me down already?
Well, if that’s all, I guess our transaction here is done unless Fredrica has something to say.”
“Why would I? The eye came from a beast she slew herself. So if she wants to keep it, she can keep it. But Zhenya, I didn’t know you had a penchant for keeping trophies. I won’t judge.”
“Really, the both of you...”
Receiving our payment, we filed out of the room. “See ya around Virgil, we can talk about the dungeon some other time. And remember to take care of yourself, you’re losing your touch.” With my parting words, I catch a glimpse of his grin droopping into a tired smile as I close the door behind me.
(Lyra POV)
Leaning back into my chair, I let out a long sigh. After a long day of running around solving minor problems while getting to know the regular adventurers and workers. It’s nice to finally take a load off. “So how did the meeting go?”
I preemptively fire off my question sensing Virgil’s presence surface.
“Huh, you’re getting really good at this, aren’t cha?” Caught before he could pull any shenanigans, Virgil materializes himself back into reality, preemptively splayed out on the couch. I’ll let him off the hook this time since we’ve been running ourselves ragged.
“It comes with the territory. If I didn’t get used to you popping in and out I would have died of a heart attack by now.” Deflating into a pile, I let my cheek hit the cold surface of my desk. The slight chill never fails to soothe a tired mind.
“The meeting went fine, they sold everything except the eye and one jar of dust. Zhenya should be taking it to her alchemist friend.” Virgil responded with a tired raspy voice.
An expected outcome, I can always contact... Rudi? Yes, Rudi was his name for a full rundown of the items to record and catalog.
Once we register these items, along with the paper harvested from the trees, grass, flowers, and everything else. We should have a fairly comprehensive compendium of every harvestable material, at least for the first floor.
“Good. Next, how’s security keeping up?”
“Well, we apprehended eight idiots today, trying to smuggle in firebombs.” I guess no matter what age we live in, there exist these types of morons who would get everyone killed if left unchecked. “At least it’s better than yesterday.” Virgil, sensing my discontent, quickly topped off his statement with some good news.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
“And thank the goddess for that. But still, between these morons and all the emergency rescue missions, we’re running ourselves a bit thin...
You know, today we fished up five more bodies from the dungeon. Two dead and three vegetative husks. Totaling twelve deaths, and it’s barely been two weeks since opening day.
And that’s not even accounting for the poor souls whose minds have been trapped in an illusion. Luckily though, their minds are still ‘alive’ so, we’re keeping the bodies nourished by force-feeding them soup. It should be a few more days before we get someone who can dispel the illusions."
As I went on listing casualties, Virgil slowly nodded off into dreamland, all the while absentmindedly grunting in acknowledgment. An art he has developed over the years.
Oh well, we can continue this once he wakes up. We’ll need our energy for the coming days, the election is quickly approaching. Letting a small yawn escape, I feel the sweet grasp of sleep coming for me...
(Zhenya POV)
Out of the A.A and on to main street. If I remember right, Rudi said his shop has a red roof and that it was on the way to the dungeon. Ah there it is, snuggled between two larger stores. It was only one story tall, but fairly wide.
Setting foot inside Rudi's store, the lighting was suddenly dyed a soft orange as it passed through the stained glass windows, a gentle glow compelling me further in.
Strolling through the aisle my attention was pulled towards the array of colorful potions nestled within their wicker baskets. Sitting atop dark wood shelves and display counters that contrasted against the creamy white walls and light wood flooring.
“Welcome to Rudi’s Alchemy lab!... Oh, it’s you.” Popping out from behind the counter was the store’s namesake. Now donning a simple but comfortable form-fitting shirt and pants combo with a worn brown robe draped over him, rather than his usual bandoleers and leather armor.
“Really, that’s some way to treat a friend!
Even after I went out of my way to get you these extremely rare alchemical ingredients from the dungeon. Never before seen by any other alchemist!”
Slamming both jars in unison onto the counter, I give him the shittiest grin I can muster.
Rudi acted disinterested but his gaze was bouncing up and down assessing both items. “Okay, you got me. What do you want for this.” With such a juicy meal sitting on his counter, it didn’t long for him to cave in.
“I don’t want anything, this is a gift for a friend. Buuuut, remember that discount yo-.”
“Fine, a discount on whatever you purchase today. Now let me see!” The moment I gave him the go-ahead, Rudi snatched up both jars and started analyzing them with manic fervor.
Leaving Rudi to his devices, Fredrica and I perused his wares. Gotta make full use of this discount after all.
A wide selection of medicines ranging from health potions to medical supplies lined the counters. But what really caught my eye were the ones out of reach.
The distinct coloration of a potion that I oh so fondly remember him tricking me into drinking lay in a basket among a few others labeled experimental.
Picking out whatever items caught our fancy, we returned to the front counter. "Ahem!”
“Oh, you’re done already?
Alright, let me just ring you up, three minor health potions, and a medical kit for your friend and... nothing for you?”
“Nah, actually I want to buy the experimental potions, like the one you gave me when we first met.” They’re very all or nothing, but I can’t deny the fact that his... hungry healing potion? Hungry potions?
Let’s go with that. Hungry potions effectiveness when it comes to healing up wounds, despite its drawbacks.
“Those aren’t really ready for sale yet, they still need to be field-tested and- and...” Trailing off, he suddenly breaks out into smiles.
“Actually since we’re friends and you already experienced the side effects of one. Yeah, I think this can work out. Hell, we can even call this a product test.”
That’s the spirit Rudi, the morally questionable spirit!
Retrieving the experimental potions, he packages the items up in a paper bag.
“Okay, altogether that will be three-hundred and forty-five GP in total, including discount.”
Paying our due, we were about to leave when Rudi called out to me.
“All playfulness aside, I want to say thanks for the ingredients. If these have the properties I think they do, then it should be a huge boon to my research. Although can I ask you to get me another eye?
I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but this eye is almost unusable in its current state. The thing is mangled beyond belief, and since it hasn't been properly preserved it’s become a dried-out husk.”
“Will do. Oh and by the way, how about we go get some grub tonight, we can catch up and I'll introduce you to Fredrica, I think you two are really going to hit it off.”
Gazing longingly at his new toys, Rudi (Heart wrenchingly) agreed to my offer.
Exiting the store saying our goodbyes, we then swung by the provisions store to pick up the usual assortment of items. Oh, and before I forget a quick detour to the post office before heading off into the dungeon.
“So, you remember our training, right?”
“Yeah, I’ll throw him down this time for sure!”
Ever since Fredrica and I returned from the dungeon fuelled by defeat, we single-mindlessly worked on our techniques, all to beat that giant at ssireum. With her strength, experience, and what I managed to observe during the first match together, we developed a strategy that’s sure to win.
The only thing I regret is all the scrutinizing stares we had to endure from the A.A regulars while we were training.
In any case down the rodo hole, we go heading towards the second floor.
(Curator POV)
“And here we have it folks, the final stretch! Big Bad, neck and neck with his newly found rival in speed Fairy #2, Hildebrand, and their black dog steed. All for the prodigious title of Grand Rider/Runner.
Through the valley of roots, Hildebrand making great use of their mount’s abilities, completely bypasses the treacherous terrain, all they have to worry about are the trees. But not to be outdone Big Bad shows off his impressive agility weaving a path through this entangling ground by jumping from trunk to trunk.
All that’s left now is the finish line, Hildebrand is keeping a marginal lead. But with the gut-pounding pride that comes with the role of last boss, Big Bad ingests the last remains of his lunch powering up for one final push!
And It’s a photo finish!” Dramatic pause to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Of course, I could have announced it right away since I was the camera, but that's no fun.
The crowd gets antsy as I put up airs calculating the results. Alright, let’s not leave them hanging for too long.
“The results are in... And the winner is... Big Bad Wolf! Showing everyone whose top wolf. Ladies and gentlemen in the first-ever inter-dungeon Grand Prix (land league), we have just witnessed the birth of a champion!
Next up after a brief half time intermission, we will be holding the aerial league race! There are many notable competitors lined up for this one, birds of all species and sizes accompanied by their equally skilled riders. Place your bets now or forever hold your peace!”
Thank god I don’t have to breathe, so much is happening that I can barely keep up. This grand Prix biz is really pumping everyone up to try new things. It’s a little thing me and the faeries whipped up once Alice kept her promise and taught them how to competently ride a wolf. Which, of course, the fae took and applied to many other things.
Of course, this is all taking place on the second floor away from the hustle and bustle. But not all, the duo of Zhenya and Fredrica has returned. I noticed them entering the dungeon not too long ago, after listening to their conversation, I decided to include them into the proceedings.
“Ahem, canines and gentle-fae It seems like we have a surprise half time show lined up!”
On treetop branches, inside brushes, camouflaged in the night sky, and even underground. The various dungeon dwelling denizens quickly positioned themselves around the dirt ring.
“Aha, So you’re a person of your word, I see.” Dokkaebi overjoyed to finally see some action exclaimed. He was the only one of the three bothers not to join the races due to the overflow of participants we received for this event. Or perhaps it was some sort of warriors instinct that told him there would be familiar challengers coming his way.
“It wounds me, that you even considered the possibility!” Fredrica was really playing this up, I am definitely sure she's unaware of the audience watching her. Maybe she's a natural show-woman.
Dramatically throwing off her armor, she stepped into the ring, with Zhenya providing some last-minute coaching. “But enough talk, let’s get this started!”
Thoroughly enjoying the gusto, Dokkaebi got into position, and with a mutual understanding, the ground shook as they started.
Getting thrown left and right, Fredrica focused on keeping her footing. Opting not to match power with power, she instead took a defensive posture challenging her tower opponent to knock her down. A far cry from her first performance, whether this was a testament to her training or misplaced confidence is still in the air.
“Now!” On Zhenya’s call, Fredrica counter attacked. In a repeat of their previous match, she lifted Dokkaebi up and dropped him back down leaving his broom leg once again firmly impaled in the ground. Forced to switch weight on to his real leg, Dokkaebi suddenly found himself on the defensive.
Continuing the theme of rehashing the last match. Fredrica deciding now was the best time to match Dokkaebi in a battle of power, released all the energy she had stored up. Pushing forward as the ground buckled underneath her, for a brief moment, Dokkaebi was on the back foot.
However, this was just what he was waiting for, simply twisting his waist Dokkaebi used Fredrica’s momentum against her, throwing her off-balance.
But Fredrica anticipating her opponent’s movements, caught herself before she tumbled to the ground in an amazing display of agility, saving herself by the tip of her toes.
“Oh ho, I can see the results of your training, but it is no use!” Despite his defiant words, Dokkaebi had a huge grin on his face, genuinely happy with Fredrica's growth. The mental limiters he placed on himself were starting to become undone as he lost himself in battle.
But at what should have been the apex of their clash, Fredrica went limp loosening her stance, focused on maintaining balance.
Like a dancer who just lost their partner, Dokkaebi was infuriated. “What is this? Have you lost all that fighting spirit already! A pity.” Twisting and turning, Dokkaebi started getting more and more wild with his movements, trying to end the match as soon as possible.
Fredrica almost lost footing numerous times during Dokkaebi's relentless assault but, through her quick thinking and nimble footwork, she always managed to stand firm.
Hmm, sooner or later, Fredrica’s bound to slip up, but why do I feel likes something’s up. Zhenya hasn’t uttered a word since then, but she has this smug smile on her face...
Wait a minute, did Fredrica get a little taller?
“Enough! If you do not have the spirit to continue fighting, then I will end this!” Dokkaebi tensing his body easily lifted Fredrica up into the air.
As he was about to go for the winning blow, I stopped him. “Dokkaebi stop, you’ve already lost. Look down.”
Following my instructions, Dokkaebi’s gaze drifted towards the floor. His broom leg was buried deep in the ground, going past what would be considered knee level.
“Well, would you look at that.” Letting out a hardy chuckle, Dokkaebi lowered Fredrica back down. “I did not anticipate that you would use the very ground against me!
And may I apologize for any scathing words I may have said, I tend to get heated when amidst a match.”
“No worries, I have a similar tendency to get a bit frenzied when in the thick of things.” Offering a hand, Fredrica helped pull Dokkaebi out of the hole he dug himself into. Of course, he could’ve gotten out himself, but it was the sportsmanship that mattered most.
Turning the helping hand into a handshake. Both sides gave each other their regards.
“It was a close match I got lucky this time. Any longer and I would have lost.”
“No, your strategy was brilliant, you had me right where you wanted. There was no luck there, only the skills that you have honed.”
“Eh hehe, you’re exaggerating. If you went all out, I would have lost in the first couple of seconds.”
“So you could tell...”
“I’ve seen my fair share of people who have strength augmenting skills, so I can tell when someone’s holding back.”
“A victory is still a victory never the less, you may travel past this point freely as you wish, but do not forget I am always up for a match if you so desire.”
With that Dokkaebi gifted Fredrica the belt he lent her, I think it was called a satba. He also kind of pressured Zhenya into promising him a match. She was feeling kind of left out watching Dokkaebi and Fredrica’s bro moment, so when he asked for a match out of the blue, she instantly agreed.
Anyways with the halftime show wrapping up, the crowd was left absolutely pumped for the main event, doubly so now that there are more human obstacles.
As the duo headed deeper into the dungeon, I turn my attention back to the aerial race.