The sun rose over the lip of the floating mountain, waking up those getting used to the extra few hours of gentle dawn light. The wind was strong, and snow fell all around the magical barrier surrounding the town.

     Christmas eve greeted the sleepy town in the sky and Jamie pulled themself out of bed once more. The new bed above ‘Savvy Scavengers’ was incredibly comfy. Say what you will about Christia, but that ex-old woman knew how to live in comfort.

     Stretching, the slender form readied themself for the day. An early gift for the town, the opening of Will’s Dungeon was at hand.

     Picking a less frumpy outfit than normal Jamie took a quick shower then scarfed down an egg-white omelet. Taking a moment to debate sliding down the rail banister, Jamie sensibly came downstairs after finding it wiggle at the slightest tap.

     “Mornin’ Andre, Duchess Debra Devonsworth the Debutant,” Jamie said, giving a quick bow to the action figure and curtsy to the pony. The two toys returned the gesture, both wearing small formal clothes, a tux and horse-sized gown crafted by old-man Richard the tailor in town.

     “I take it that the whole shop is ready?” Jamie asked as the pony whinnied her agreement.

     “Alright, everyone, in the wagon.” Jamie walked over to the once beaten and busted red wagon. Now fully pristine, shining brighter than when it was new, with a few surprises.

     Pulling the cavalcade of curious curios out the front door, the wheels started to hover just barely above the gravel pathway. Pulling them along, up the hill Jamie saw the crowd.

     More than the entire population of Barthel; a massive group of people surrounded the entrance to the old cave. Camera’s clicking, shutters flashing.

     Jerome quickly ran up to Jamie upon seeing them.

     “Looks like a few of the delivery drivers tipped off people on the diner’s just outside of town,” Jerome said, causing Jamie to pull up their hood, suddenly very glad they decided to wear their jacket to the event.

     “Anything we can do about it?” Jamie asked.

     “Zippy said we should let them get a few pictures of the opening and a couple of the ‘adventurer’ types that showed up. Just some muscle-geeks in cosplay if you asked me.” Jerome responded.

     “Then what? They take a picture of everyone who goes in? We’ll be targeted for interviews, never get a moment’s peace.” Jamie asked.

     “That’s where that wizard comes in play. He’s going to put a spell of darkness over the entrance, light just won’t go into the cameras. I don’t know what your plan was but give me that wagon, we don’t need them hounding you just yet. Let the adventurers or whoever deal with the media madness.” Jerome asked, holding open his palm as Jamie handed him the cart.

     “Take care of them. I was wanting to meet up with Billy Joe first. I’ve not gone through the change like everyone else, I feel… Squishy I guess you could say.” Jamie said, holding their arm and blushing.

     “Fair enough, Oh and the rules in front of the cave say that today is going to be parties of five, no more, no less. I’d use some of that time to try and round some people up.” Jerome said, walking away and toward the flashing cameras, animate toys in tow.

     ***

     “Hello viewers, this is Tucker T Tuckson and you are watching ‘The Zapp!’ I am here with one of the promising people here who have dubbed themselves ‘adventurer.’” The man in a dark blue suit and oily hair made spirit fingers in the air around the last word. His teeth impossibly white and his smile barely looked human.

     The gaudily dressed man handed the microphone to the person standing beside him. A tall muscular man not wearing a shirt but for some reason wearing gauntlets and far too many belts on his arms and legs for some reason.

     “Thanks, Tucker. Yes, we’re Adventurers, in this age of magic what could possibly be better? We come from a diverse set of backgrounds from truck driving to nursing and we’re here to test our stuff against this ‘dungeon.’”

     Tucker pulled the microphone back, speaking directly into the Camera. “We shall keep everyone updated on this…” The reporter was interrupted as the entire mountain began to shake.

     First it was violent, several reporters of every gender letting out loud panicked shrieks. After a moment it began to calm down, however, easing the panic but a quiet unease built as no one was willing to break the fresh silence.

     A lurching movement later and everyone on the mountain got a sickening feeling of the ground moving under their feet. Not shaking, but controlled movement. The camera pans around, catching everyone’s shocked and frightened faces, then at the other flying mountains as they have seemingly stayed in the same place.

     The trees in the distance began moving… No, it was clear to even the viewers now that the mountain town of Barthel has begun moving, but no one knows as to where.

     A short brown-skinned figure comes out of the cave. Large moth wings on its back as it opens a suitcase it had been carrying with it. The goblin was wearing a simple robe, like a housecoat with holes cut out for their wings.

     Sitting in the chair the goblin then started pulling out a table from the suitcase. Far too large to fit inside, it almost hurt to look at the luggage as the furniture was removed.

     Finally, pulling a sign out, the goblin leaned forward, draping the table cloth and sign over its new stand.

     “Open Registration.” Was printed in large bold letters, quotes and all.

     Tucker T Tuckson started to walk toward the table, everyone else still amazed at the sight, but his reporter instincts told him that this was a moment of history.

     “Greetings short… uhm fellow? I am Tucker T Tuckson and we’re here with ‘The Zapp!’ I am sure you must know this but we are all wondering, my viewers included…” The reporter took a moment to straighten his hair and take a deep breath.

     “Exactly what in the nine hells is going on here?” The greasy-haired man’s face paled as he listened to the words of shock come out of his own mouth.

     The goblin, however, was unphased, “Well, Tucker, I am unsure of the number of hells for your species, but this; is a terms of service agreement.” The goblin said with a smirk on his face, holding up a physical item.

     The Item in his hand didn’t seem to have a side, it looked like paper, but the thing itself appeared to be entirely two dimensional as it would not bend in the slightest.

     The reporter recovered, hopefully, this shocking turn of events will let him save his career. “And what, pray tell, is covered in this?”

     Finally, the goblin pulled out a large set of spectacles and set them on his short stubby nose. “Quite a bit, but the highlights include a knowledge that Majesty Will does not hold themself accountable for the stupidity of mortals. That those who enter do so in good faith, knowing that they will be magically held to their word. That not all wishes are possible, including but not limited to wishing for more immediate wishes, instant death, or revival of a person who is long dead.”

     The reporter smiled his large impossible smile again, “Those rules seem quite fair, is there anything else my viewers should know about this ‘dungeon’ and what will happen when they enter?”

     A large smile spread across the goblin’s face, matching the unnatural look of the reporter's own and then spreading further. Sharp teeth shown inside of his mouth, surrounded by such a kind face. “You will have to enter to find out. Some things are best not spoiled.”

     ***

     Billy Joe sat in the town hall enjoying her gyro alongside Jamie. She was much taller now, so normal chairs felt too short, opting to stand against the wall together so their friend didn’t feel left out, Jamie munched away.

     “So, it seems we’ll want to wait a little while before we head up there. Gather some folks. I don’t know if everyone else knows you need exactly five for today or what.” Jamie said with a mouth full of falafel.

     Billy Joe, choking down a mouthful of mutton. “Yeah, I agree, but who do you think we can rope into our party?”

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     Jamie thought for a moment, then brightened, “Well, Mark and Gus are good friends. Those two have been playing with branches and fake sword-fighting each other for years.”

     Billy Joe, finishing her sub far too early for her liking frowned but nodded. “Yeah, Gus can be a bit of a meathead sometimes but Mark is good people.”

     The two friends turned their back on the busy town hall. Filled with food vendors, the relocation effort having given this town a significant diversity made for interesting carnivals. The hall was filled with what was normally yearly stalls lining the walls for people to buy foods from four to five cultures a day depending on the time.

     The outside of the town hall was no better as out-of-towners flocked from the portals on the road, to the massive green one Zippy had made when he came.

     The major lack of roads or at least well-maintained ones was a hindrance to the newcomers who seemed afraid to touch even a single blade of grass.

     Still, shuffling through a near tide of people they made their way to Clarice’s butchery and deli.

     ‘Ding-Dong’ the metallic chime came as the two entered the shop.

     Clarise was up front minding the register as Christia was picking up a bag-lunch. Giving a polite wave to their mentor Jamie walked up to the butcher.

     “So, seems you’ve finally come with that knife. I tell ya, me an that gnome were up all night makin’ this, If that knife does what you say it does, then you have yerself a deal.” Clarise said.

     “Honestly, I’m just going by the information Will gave me,” Jamie replied, pulling the knife from their pack and handing it over the counter.

     Clarice opened a freezer door and went inside, leaving Darius to man the front as Gus and Mark could be heard outside.

     “Think those two will want to go in?” Billy Joe asked, having to duck to fit inside the building.

     Darius looked up, “prolly, but Ma won’t let em. Say’s it’s a dungeon so of course it’s dangerous. Honestly, it’s kind of hard to argue with that logic.” The dwarven brother shrugged.

     Just after he had responded Clarise blew open the riveted freezer door. A loud bang could be heard throughout the building. “SWEET MERCIFUL MEATS!! Take a taste of this turkey! Do it!” Clarise said as she stuffed a slice of turkey breast into Jamie’s mouth.

     Chewing and chewing, the meat was a bit dry, kind of unremarkable without any seasoning but it was indeed turkey. “Sure, it’s turkey, what’s so hot about it though?”

     Clarise beamed from ear to ear, scarfing down a piece of the dry unseasoned meat. “Because! I made it using just some beans and potatoes, a few other veggies but that was it… I think I paid less than a dollar for the whole thing, I’m gonna be RICH!”

     Everyone in the room including her own son looked at her with an eyebrow raised, she quickly changed her tune.

     “We… We’re going to be rich, right… Partner?” Clarise held out her hand to shake.

     Jamie, deciding to get revenge for stuffing the miraculous but mouth dehydrating turkey into their mouth. “Welllll, I suppose you wouldn’t mind your son out there and his friend accompanying me on today's stroll then? If we’re going to be partners after-all we need trust don’t we?”

     Clarise let out a defeated sigh. “Sure, you can take em, but you better keep em safe. No offense Billy but you look like you could bench press a small car. If anyone could keep them out of harm it’d probably be you.”

     Billy Joe blushed, the giant woman shrinking back at the compliment, “no offense taken.”

     ***

     It didn’t take much to convince Gus and Mark to join the two of them in the dungeon.

     “We were wantin’ to go, but Ma said it was too dangerous. Honestly we were plannin’ on sneakin’ away but you just saved me a weeks worth the composting duties by getting her to agree.” Gus said with no hint of shame.

     “Y-Yeah, we’re more than happy to join,” Mark said, his voice cracking at first before he lowered it back down. The Orc was fully decked out, wearing legitimate leather armor and had a small wooden sword in a belt-loop on his side.

     “Hey, how come you already got gear?” Billy Joe asked.

     “Huh? You don’t know?” Mark asked, actually confused. “My mom and dad do their work at ren-fairs. No one was more ready for a swift fantasy twist than those two. I was fully equipped a week into the wizards returning, the whole family was.” The Orc spoke quickly.

     “Oh yeah, hey Jamie, remind me to walk Mark home, would you? I would love some custom equipment. None of my old clothes fit too well so why not start with some armor ya know?” Billy Joe grinned.

     Jamie sighed, “I don’t know what’s with everyone geeking out about this. That stuff’s heavy, it’s not like there’s any danger around here.”

     Gus looked away from the group, spitting the words, “you would be right. Maybe eight or nine days ago.”

     Jamie and Billy Joe looked downcast, the Fomorian woman looked ready to cry before Gus continued.

     “I don’t really know if hide is better than kevlar or whatever is out now. But, it’s what we’ve got. And, if the hide isn’t good enough, there’s a little red rope in a bottle who seems quite good at making things magical. I for one, plan to get myself and those I care about protected. If magic is the most sure way I can keep everyone safe, then so be it.” Gus said, commitment in his voice as he unknowingly just spread dog crap from the bottom of his shoe onto his mother outdoor furniture while trying to heroically pose.

     Mark laughed under his breath at the silly display. “Anyway, it seems the line is dying down.” In front of the shop along the main road, the amount of bystanders had trickled down quite a bit.

     “That’s… Weird, I didn’t notice anyone leave yet.” Billy Joe said, concern in her voice.

     “So was that shaking earlier, but it stopped soon enough, that was nothing compared to when the mountain took off,” Mark added.

     “Now’s as good a time as any. Last time we were there the dungeon gave us starting equipment, so I don’t think we need anything. Want to go ahead and check it out?” Jamie asked.

     “Don’t we need a fifth person? I thought you said it was five?” Billy Joe replied.

     “Last time I was in there, there was a rest area inside the front door before the actual dungeon. I think it’s for gathering your groups together, if we can’t go in all we have to do it go grab someone else and come back. It’s worth a shot.” Jamie countered.

     The other three agreed and one human flanked by a Fomorian, a High Elf, and an Orc skipped down the street arm-in-arm, laughing and singing a song from an old movie about yellow bricks.

     Soon, the party came upon the outer-ring of paparazzi still outside of the mine entrance. Many of them had put down their cameras for some reason and two of which appeared to be conducting an interview with a small brown person with wings.

     “And what will happen when a group completes the dungeon?” One interviewer asked, her large red hair stacked high on her head.

     “I’ve told you before, they get their wish. But no changing after you start, tis against the rules.” The small being said.

     “Uhm… Hi,” Billy Joe greeted the small being, raising a hand in greeting as the goblin shooed the reporters away.

     “Adventurers? Well you come at a good time. None have finished their runs yet, at least, none of have come all the way back yet. As such you will get extra prizes for braving the unknown. Whooooo ooooohhhhh,” The goblin splayed and waived their fingers, trying to make spooky ghost noises.

     Mark and Gus laughed, holding onto each other's shoulders. Jamie, politely continued while Billy Joe sputtered as the short person seemed highly offended.

     “What kind of prizes?” Jamie asked, curious.

     “Majesty Will is working out their payment system. As such the first day will have an amount which they highly assume would be too much for a normal bout in the dungeon.” Jamie and Billy Joe nodded along, her attention sobering upon tale of loot.

     “Alright, anything to worry about?” Billy Joe asked.

     “I do not see the point myself, but Majesty Will wishes for all who enter to read and sign one of these.” The goblin handed out the two-dimensional scroll-like screens.

     Jamie and Billy Joe read through it fully, not that they had much of a choice. The screen had been designed to be readable even by the illiterate. The symbols on it would instantly translate into something legible inside of the person’s mind. This time, however, it seemed the translation system was a little off.

     “‘Best be prepared, things may hurt, but I will help.’ What does that even mean?” Billy Joe asked.

     “I do not know-how. But Majesty Will has created a world where multiple things can be at once. A place bigger on the inside, a place with multiple places in that.” The goblin, rolled his hand in a bored fashion, clearly not one to sweat the details. “I’m out here to translate, the scrolls are also being worked out. Although I hate it, I am duty-bound to inform you of any miscommunications you find.”

     Pretty much, the party found out that while the genie was indeed a magical miracle-maker, even they were not all-powerful. Some things were just simply beyond them.

     So, the four of them signed the poorly written waiver. Expecting whatever magical help would come their way.

     The four walked into the main hallway. A large stone door in the way, Jamie put their hand inside of the mouth of the gargoyle.

     “I’d like some magical armor,” Jamie said aloud, the truth rune binding them to their word as the combination rune glowed on the back of their hand. “Alright, your turn. Just say what your wish is.”

     “Same, or give me some cool weapon or something. You can pick!” Billy Joe said excitedly.

     Gus stepped up, placing his hand inside the mouth of the gargoyle, sweat falling down his face in fear. He had always dreamed of going on an adventure, but now that it was a step in front of him, he didn’t know if he could do it. His palms were cold, sweat building up as he felt the air catch in his throat. He looked forward blankly, his mind almost staring through the stone as panic overtook the halfling high elf.

     A hand on Gus’ shoulder, green and heavy. “You can do it buddy.”

     Gus took a deep breath, “I don’t really have one, but if I had to wish for anything. I want to be a hero, someone people look up to. If you can do anything to help me with that, it’s fine by me.”

     The Gargoyle shook, a new addition, as its four eyes glowed, horizontally slit like a goat. The large mandible mouth closed slowly around Gus’ hand as he couldn’t pull it free. Just as Gus was ready to scream out and ruin his absolutely flawless machismo act the gargoyle let go. Gus was breathing heavy, tears running down his face as he held his now free hand.

     “H-Huh, what was that?” Gus said, looking at his hand. Cradled inside of his palm there was a small purple stone. Carved into the facet was one word.

     Class.