Jared fidgeted with his new bow, nervously looking between his friends as they walked. “So, are we just not going to talk about it?” He probed.
Evie shrugged, “Not really.” She said, staring ahead.
Jared whipped his head to her. “Why not?! I mean, he said some cryptic stuff and to top it all off, all of us owe him favors!”
“There isn't really anything we can do at this point. So let’s just do a dungeon for now and figure it out later,” Aldrin interjected as they reached the levitating platform to take them further up.
Jared opened his mouth to protest but stopped when Pierre gently nudged him, slightly shaking his head. Jared deflated at that and went back to fidgeting with his new bow and quiver. “I still need to drop off the orb to finish my Quest when we get up there, and we also gotta let Cannor and Eddock know that they are okay to leave.” He said, changing the topic once they boarded the platform.
Aldrin turned to him. “How did you come by this Quest anyway if you were playing along with bandits?” He asked, furrowing his brows.
“Ah, that, my friend, was granted to me by the System once I eyed the orb from one raid we reluctantly participated in. The bandits just plundered everything they could without really looking through it all. I believe it was the thrill of it all that they liked more, or it could be System fuckery and stuff,” he said flippantly.
Aldrin rubbed his chin. “Do you think the System is discreetly guiding us in a certain direction then?”
“What do you mean?” Evie asked, stepping onto the platform with the rest of them.
“Well, think about it, my random dungeon experience happens to change me and heralds great change, since that is what everyone keeps telling me. Then these two,” He gestured to Jared and Pierre. “Are in the same area where I emerge, are also from Earth, AND have a Quest that takes them here. Along the way, we meet your Adventuring group,” he then gestured to Evie. “And you already have a feeling something was up with me, thus drawing you into our little group after rescuing you in Lor-Vold.”
Jared was the first to break the serious atmosphere by chuckling. “When you put it that way, it does sound kind of ridiculous.”
“My point exactly!” Aldrin threw his arms up but quickly put them down when he noticed other groups of people looking his way. “So, my question still stands; do you think the System is discreetly guiding us to some end goal?”
Evie stared upwards, deep in thought, then took a breath to relax her shoulders. “Probably, or perhaps it's some Old Gods that came before the Progenitors that are pulling the strings. We won’t know until it is upon us, as usual. All we can do is hope we can hold on long enough to find out.”
The rest of the slow levitating ride upwards was silent as each of them pondered Aldrin’s question. Before long, the conical top of the inside of the spire came into view. The platform stopped in the middle of the conical tower. Guards were posted around the room at even intervals as they all guarded a circular elevated platform that glowed blue with runic writing around it. They were Elves, of course, in emerald armor that glimmered like scales with golden trim on each differing joint. Much like the other guards that stood at the front gate of the lower city, these also carried a double-bladed war spear and a bow, both of higher quality than the ones below.
Name: ??? Class: Noble Rune Guardian Level: 70 Tier: 4
“Purpose?” One guard demanded.
“Questing and Dungeons. Also, would it be possible to give a message to our friends down on the bottom floor?” Evie answered.
“Granted. Recite the message, then step forward.” The guard waved them to the elevated platform. He thumped the end of his spear down, igniting the runic writings that ran along the edge, making it glow brightly.
“To Eddock and Cannor, they are free to go on with their business here. We hope to see them again sometime soon if our paths cross again,” Evie told the Guard, who nodded in askance.
She then led the group towards the teleporter. Stepping first, a bright light enveloped her, then she was gone. Pierre went next, vanishing all the same, followed by Aldrin, then Jared. The group appeared high above the clouds in a botanical garden laden with white marbled paths. Butterflies, birds, and an occasional reptile looking creature met their gazes. Each of them colored in bright shades of reds, oranges, pinks, and blues. Taken aback by the beauty, the three young men stared in wonder, their eyes looking back and forth. Evie watched them with a gentle smile.
“Come on! You have to see the city!” Evie rushed them along as more people appeared behind them from the teleporter.
Following along behind Evie like little sheep, they emerged from the botanical garden building and onto a marbled road. Unlike the part of the city below, the upper city had managed to weave their buildings into these massive trees like normal Elves would. Every building had one such tree growing from the middle of it. Their trunks were big enough that smaller buildings that Aldrin assumed to be homes wrapped their way upwards along the trunk, creating small platforms of neighborhoods. Along the branches, Aldrin could make out other buildings that blended into the wood and foliage, making him wonder if the tree were the buildings or if the buildings were the tree.
Sunlight trickled through the canopy of pristine green leaves of smaller trees that lined the marbled road that swayed gently in the wind. For the first time in a while, Aldrin felt he was in a magical realm, as the quietness of the upper city added more to the mystique it radiated. A few Elves that walked the streets talked in hushed whispers, carrying scrolls, or were followed by magical orbs that floated a little above their hands.
“The Dungeons are past the residential area.” Evie said as she walked forward, taking in the fresh, crisp air that rolled along her skin.
Jared inhaled, filling his lungs with the sweet air, “The air here. . .” he inhaled deeply again, closing his eyes.
“One perk of living on a floating landmass among the clouds.” Evie said, enjoying the air as well.
Pierre was transfixed by nature as he fell slightly behind the group, taking in the wonder of the giant trees. Further ahead, he saw a leafy deer trotting down the middle of the road without a care in the world before darting into a home that held a wide entrance covered by moss and flowers when it spotted the group of four.
Jared whistled in appreciation, slowly turning in a circle while he walked, “I have to give it to the Elves. They really know how to make a place feel mystical.”
“They like prosperity and harmony with nature. One day you should take a trip to see their capital city. However, my home is even more beautiful than this.” Evie beamed as she noticed their perked up looks from her words.
They made their way to a small building that was overrun with vines and moss, with lilac flowers blooming. Entering the building, they were met with dark wood furniture, miniature versions of the crystal light that lit up the spiral towers, and a chestnut brown haired Elven woman who sat behind a desk. She glanced up from the scribbled notes she was working on, greeting them with a warm smile, “Welcome! Are you here to be teleported to one of our Dungeon chains?”
“Yes,” Aldrin answered for them.
“What is the level range?” The receptionist asked as she pulled out a small white crystal from somewhere underneath the desk. She then slotted it into an open socket that was on her desk.
Aldrin looked at Evie being the highest at level 54, with the rest of them being 21 and 22, “At least level 25.”
“Perfect sir! And the name of your group?” She asked, moving the crystal over one slot, making it glow blue.
“Uh. . .” Aldrin stammered.
Pierre stepped forward. “For now, just call us Sunjumpers.”
“A bit on the nose, don't ya think?” Jared elbowed Pierre, earning a glare in return.
“Got it. Team Sunjumpers reserved for the Vault of the Jade Monk. The recommended level is 25.” She repeated the information to them, handing the small crystal, “Please take this crystal and place it in one of the doors behind me. It will light up the doorway and teleport you directly to the Dungeon entrance. Once finished with the dungeon, you will be teleported back outside, then please head to the nearest island outpost hub. The crystal will help you navigate. I wish you and your team the best of luck on your run and may the loot rain gloriously!” she beamed.
“Thank you, ma’am,” Aldrin replied, taking the crystal in hand.
They moved around her to a door that held a small indent that fit the crystal perfectly. Aldrin placed the crystal, and the door frame glowed with runes. He twisted the door knob, opening it to reveal a vortex of blue energy. He stepped through, appearing in front of a large vault door that was carved into a mountainside. The others appeared behind him not a moment later as the portal quickly dissipated. Together, they walked up to the entrance, and each placed their hands on the vault door.
Welcome Adventurers and Contenders!
Dungeon: Vault of the Jade Monk
Level 25-30
Do you wish to enter with the present group?
Y/N
Aldrin selected yes and instantly teleported into the dungeon resting area. Wide, smooth stone carved halls met his vision and in the center sat a wide rimmed fountain with glowing crystal blue water. Directly behind the fountain was a gaping, pitch black entrance that pulsated gently. A sliver of anxiety spiked first in his stomach before spreading like fire through the rest of his body.
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“Hey,” Evie gently said, placing her hand on his shoulder. “It’s not the same as before.” she reassured him.
“She’s right. It’s not,” Pierre said, nodding his head in agreement.
Jared scoffed, “Besides, you’re on your way to being a big bad vampire. Some dungeon monsters shouldn’t scare you.”
Aldrin smirked at that before taking a shaky breath, “Thanks guys.” He tried his best to sound confident, more so for himself since the last time he set foot in a dungeon, his entire team died.
“There is also something I need to do when I get out that I will need help with,” He added. “I need to take care of my old team’s affairs. Something that I didn’t have the time to do, nor the mindset. They had families and I would like to at least send some coins we gained from the bandits so they can at least live comfortably.”
Evie nodded, “I will take care of it and also get these two registered officially in the Adventurer’s Guild.”
“I would do it but you know. . .” Aldrin gestured to himself.
Pierre looked between the two, “We can’t join ourselves?”
Aldrin turned to answer, “You can, but it's a long process and then you would have to take an exam that is both written and a field test. Having someone sponsor you bypasses the long process and field test. Also, depending on who sponsors you and what level you are currently at will also determine what rank you among the Guild.”
Pierre frowned, a bit embarrassed at not knowing. “A few questions, if you don’t mind?”
Aldrin smiled, trying to put his friend’s mind at ease, “Pierre, Jared, it’s alright if you two don’t know. I’m not judging you. You guys were thrown into a “civil war” between Giants and then escaped. No one taught you the fun side of the world, only the bad.” He placed his hand on Pierre’s shoulder, then gave a quick glance at Jared, who nodded. “Besides, you guys have helped me so much already. It would be my pleasure to help you out in return for once.” He chuckled.
Pierre relaxed a little, letting out a breath. “Thank you Aldrin. It means a lot to us both.”
“Now what would you like to know?” Aldrin asked, stepping closer to Jared to include him. He looked behind to see Evie still standing a bit away, so he waved her over. “You are a higher level than I was before I reset, so you might know more to help them out.”
“What is the written test? And why does it matter if someone sponsors you?” Pierre asked first.
“The written test is basically seeing if you know the Guild tenets, rules, and conduct. Sponsorship Adventurers also don’t have to go through the probation period where they are assigned Quests. After the probation period, which is usually about two months, you are then allowed to choose your Quest. The reason being, the mortality rate is the highest in the first two months, confidence is key, arrogance is death.” Aldrin answered.
Evie spoke next, “The System will assign you a Quest based on your skill level but since you have a sponsor, when you get your plate, it will be transcribed with a mark that lets the System know that you do not need the probation period.”
“Also, there are six ranks just like there are six tiers of Classes but each rank has three sub ranks and each rank up requires a test from the System. For example, I was Gold Rank 2, and I was preparing to rank up into Bronze Rank 3.” Aldrin said.
“And these tests come from the System? I mean, how does it know if you’re ready?” Jared asked.
“You just go to the Adventurer’s Guild, any for that matter, wherever you are, and then you present your plate to the administrator there and tell them you’re ready to rank up. They will transcribe your plate with a new runic line that lets the System know you’re ready. As I said before, confidence is key, arrogance is death. A lot of the new ones do a few Quests and become too sure of themselves from their quick rank ups and challenge above what they are ready for and end up dead still. Luckily, that’s neither of you.” Aldrin said, looking between them with a wry smile.
“And the reason for no field test for us?” Pierre asked.
Both Aldrin and Evie chuckled knowingly to themselves. “Look where we are. This is your field test or would be if you were sponsored the official way. But since you’ve been running with this guy,” Evie jerked a thumb at Aldrin, “Fighting off bandits and the like afterwards, I’d say you both have been through enough field tests.”
Aldrin swatted her thumb away, to which she smirked in return. “Normally, you will see four to five in a group. Those are all trained and vetted Adventurers who passed all their trials and tribulations, as the Guild likes to say. Sometimes, a group will pass by with seven or eight people. Those extra three are more than likely sponsorship Adventurers.” Aldrin said, “Now there are Adventure Companies which are like subsects of the Adventurer’s Guild. Companies are groups of Adventurers that have banded together under a name that takes on specific Quests. A prime example would be the Holy Order. They specialize in the undead and cleansing.”
“There are also some groups that deal with wars, infestations, hunters of all the like, dungeon runs, world records, maps, anything that has a worldly effect that the System deems worthy of a Quest. There is a group for it. NOW, that is only how combat classes work. Profession classes go to the Artisans Guild and that's a whole different area of expertise.” He quickly added.
“Although, you can still get Quests without being an Adventurer or Artisan, in my case, who and what I am is deemed worthy of the System’s attention. Mercenary work is also another way, but it's not sanctioned by the System. The person offering the mercenary contract also offers the reward. Whatever experience you get from doing the job will come from what you have to kill or obtain.”
“I see, thank you.” Pierre nodded thoughtfully.
Aldrin winced at the glazed look in Jared’s eyes. “Sorry, that was a bit of a lot at once. I can explain in chunks later or if you have more questions. I was just eager to help out.” He apologized.
Pierre waved him off and Jared regained himself, then rolled his shoulders. “So shall we begin?” He asked.
Each of them looked at one another and grinned. Together, they walked towards the wide gaping entrance with the pulsating inky black substance. Stepping through, they were now in the middle of the jungle. Birds called to each other as the insects sang their tune, hidden amongst the foliage. The sun above rained down from above through the thick canopy of trees that were littered with vines. Aldrin noticed a large lime-green six-legged lemur staring down at them briefly before it darted off.
System Alert!
Your Sunwalker Debuff is waived while in Dungeons due to magical saturation and artificial sunlight.
Dungeon Objectives!
Objective 1: Find the 3 Jade Statues
Objective 2: Find the Vault
Objective 3: Slay the Monk
Aldrin quickly scanned it, “I’ll draw them to me. Everyone else just kill them as quickly as you can. Evie, do you have any healing spells that your class gives you?”
“One sustained, and three burst heals,” she answered, pulling out her new gear.
Aldrin pulled out his new blade from his Inventory. There was a sharp, shrill scream that pierced his mind, making him drop the blade and hold his head. He grunted in pain as the scream echoed, then faded. He warily stared at the dull and chipped dark steel greatsword.
Name: The Ebony Blade, Sin-Screamer the Etcher of the Void
Growth Weapon
Current Tier: 0
Enchantment Slots 0
Lore: This Bastard Broadsword is known for imitating the screams of the souls that are trapped in the blade when it is swung. It made a name for itself when it was given to The Condemned Progenitor’s daughter, the Progenitor of Unholy, as a gift during the wars.
“Did it speak to you?” Evie asked, watching him hold his head. “They say Artefact weapons have personalities.”
“No, it just screamed,” Aldrin answered, massaging his temples.
“What kind of scream?” Pierre asked.
“Painful, like a death scream,” Aldrin said. “Granted, it is called Sin-Screamer, but I didn't think it would apply to me as well.” He chuckled as he warily picked up the blade.
“Feeeeddd meee…” Aldrin heard thousands of ghostly whispers in his mind, flinching at first, then chuckled to himself. He stared down at the blade again. “Well, if it's cursed, what is one more to add to my list?” He gripped it with both hands before hefting it over his shoulder.
“I say we head deeper in to find a center point of the dungeon?” Aldrin offered.
They nodded and began their first trek through the dungeon. Distant roars bellowed from further in that were mixed with screeches and shrill screams of monsters they had yet to encounter. From what Aldrin could tell and from how Jared complained, it was humid as any jungle should be. Smaller insects buzzed around, but in Dungeons anything could be lethal, so they kept vigilant in case something small could cause them disease.
Jared groaned for the thirty-seventh time, making Aldrin look back as they all took turns leading. “What is it this time?” Aldrin asked over his shoulder, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice.
“We forgot to actually get supplies because we were so wrapped up in what the imp gave us,” Jared explained his frustration.
A blank look crossed Aldrin's face. “Shit. You're right,” He smacked his forehead.
“Everyone, just be extra careful then,” Pierre said, his eyes never straying from the skyline of vines above them.
Aldrin sighed, “I’ll just have to hunt for you all. They say Dungeon monster meat gives boosts? I’ve never tried it personally, though. How about you Ev-”
Evie stopped abruptly, putting a hand out beside her to stop Pierre from going forward. “The jungle has gone quiet suddenly.” She hissed quietly, crouching low.
Aldrin felt a presence within his sphere, then snapped his body in the direction, angling his greatsword to lunge if needed. “Left, on the tree, I think? Something is messing with my sense sphere.” He sharply said.
The other three turned, their weapons drawn, with Aldrin taking point, Pierre a step behind, Evie and Jared slightly spread out on Aldrin’s flanks. Aldrin used his Predator Vision to gleam any sense of life, but none blared white in his vision.
“It's not a living thing,” Aldrin whispered, his grip tightening on his greatsword.
A mossy tree broke apart, revealing a malformed man made of Jade that was wielding a crossbow.
Name: Jade Golem Ambusher
Level: 25
Tier 2
Lore: An animated guardian of the Jade Monk meant for ambushes.
It fired three jade bolts before diving behind another tree. The team dove out of the way to avoid the bolts. Aldrin then sensed the Golem appear behind them.
“Behind us!” He called out before turning into a swarm of bats to head to where the Golem was. When he appeared, he saw the Golem step inside the tree trunk, like it was made of water, and appear to the right, firing a bolt point-blank at Evie.
Her reflexes were faster thanks to her higher stats as she quickly ducked, throwing down a stone rune that erected a barrier in front of her and Jared. The bolt bounced off harmlessly as Jared returned an arrow in the direction the bolt came from. After the failed attack, Aldrin felt the Golem disappear from his sphere completely. He rushed back to the group, as they all stayed alert.
Each of them eyed the surrounding trees. “I think it's gone. It failed its ambush, so it probably went to set up another.” Aldrin said, feeling for any wrongness within his sphere.
“Well, that was exciting,” Pierre sarcastically said, sheathing his daggers.
They continued their trek at a slower pace than they had started out with. Aldrin kept them updated in case another Jade Golem Ambusher was hidden inside one of the mossy jungle trees. A moment later, they came to a quiet stream. Evie tested it with one of her remaining magical tablets to see if the water was good enough to drink. She gave a thumbs up once the tablet dissolved without a trace. Aldrin kept watch as the other three took turns getting drinks of water and refilling their waterskins.
Afterwards, they followed the stream until they came to a lake that was filled with various sized boulders. Understanding that they were probably dealing with golems, they eyed the boulders with extreme scrutiny. Pierre threw a pebble he scavenged from the riverbed at one of the boulders. Of course, the boulders didn't move, so they cautiously stepped forward.
Steadily, they maneuvered around the boulders, coming around to the largest one at twelve feet high to see a miniature Jade Statue of a toad on a pedestal on the largest boulder. “How much you want to bet as soon as we take it, the boulders come alive?” Jared teased.
Evie looked at him strangely. “It may not even be the boulders that come alive.”
Pierre was the one to wade through the water, as it came up to his waist the further he went in. He took out his daggers and attempted to jam them into the rock, only for them to bounce harmlessly off.
“Magical barrier?” Evie yelled at Pierre.
Pierre turned to her and shrugged before circling around the boulder. He searched for any signs to grab onto to climb the boulder, yet he could find none. “Aldrin, could you jump this?” Pierre called back.
Aldrin looked at the boulder for a minute, “Probably, yeah. I could try.” He said as he started to wade into the pond.
Reaching the boulder, he stood next to Pierre as they both looked up at the jade statue. Aldrin crouched, bunching as much power as he could in his legs, then lifted off. He easily cleared the height difference, landing atop the boulder next to the jade statue. He carefully looked at it as best he could for any obvious signs of traps or enchantments, but saw none. Wiggling the statue back and forth, it came loose as he held it in his hands. It lit up in emerald green flames that didn’t burn him. The flames shot out to all the boulders in the area, making them crack and mold themselves into living toad statues that held the same bright fire in their eyes.
Name: Enchanted Toad Golem
Level: 27
Tier 2
Lore: Long thought for decoration during the Jade Monk’s life, these were one of his many defenses for his territory.
Dungeon Warning!
Jade Golem Ambushers: Active
Enchanted Toad Golems: Active
???: Inactive
???: Inactive
???: Active
“SEE! Somebody owes me money now!” Jared yelled, nocking one of his arrows with his Trick Shot: Explosive Arrow skill. He let it fly, ensuring the start of their first official Dungeon battle.