Better head right, I get an ominous feeling from forward. I head over. When I reach the area located to the right, I gasp in surprise.
The whole room was covered in some sort of luminous green moss. Roots raced along the walls and ground, all joining together in the huge tree right in the middle of the room. It covered the entire center area of the room, the luminous moss glowing dully along its trunk. I couldn’t see the top, so I had to assume it extended past this room, up into whatever exists above.
When I looked around, I noticed a few small trees splayed around the outer area. Some small roots led to this, however no luminous moss glowed on them. I go to step inside, excitement and curiosity overwhelming me. I’m about to jump in when I hear a small groan. Suspicious, I pause and look around. There was nothing there. It came from the direction of one of those small trees. Perhaps something behind it? Or maybe…
Identify.
Trent (Aggressive)
Camouflaged as a natural tree, these Trent’s wait until their prey is next to them before striking out at lightning speed.
Lv 8
Health: 100/100
Stamina: 15/15
Mana: 30/30
Skills:
Regrowth ~ crouches down, increasing outside resistance. Cannot be moved. Heals user for 40 health over 5 seconds.
Cost: 15 mana
I sigh in relief. I nearly made a huge mistake here. Now, how to approach them. I spend a little bit trying to formulate a plan, but I throw them all out. The problem is I don’t have enough information. All I know is that their first strike is incredibly powerful, and they can Regrowth twice. So I reach its range, and then quickly dodge backwards. After that, I’m on my own. Luckily, they’re spaced out enough I can aggro one at a time.
With determined eyes, I walk forward. I don’t know their range, but I have enough agility now to be confident I can dodge. I walk slowly, readying my feet to throw myself backwards. One step at a time, I get closer and closer. Waiting for the moment…
NOW!
I jump backwards quickly, feeling the strong wind rush by as the Trent’s arm flies through where I once was. I back up a little more, giving it space. Groaning, the Trent rips itself out of the ground, fixating its dark green eyes one me. At first, it moves very slowly, dragging its mass behind it. However, it starts to rip off that mass, eventually reaching a human-like figure. I grip my sword tightly, fear in my eyes. This will be my first real opponent.
I ready myself, putting my sword in front and assuming a stance where I can dodge easily. Now I simply wait, as the Trent walks closer. Suddenly, it dashes, coming into my range. I nearly panic, before reigning myself back in. It brings up its right arm, and tries to take me down in a diagonal arc. I sway to the left, letting it barely miss me, before making a quick sweep with my own sword.
[Trent] -10 (90/100)
I see the Trent bringing its left arm up this time, I don’t have time to make a clean dodge. I collapse my legs quickly, letting myself fall to the ground. The air rushes past my head, as I quickly gather my sword and swipe at its left leg.
[Trent] -2 (88/100)
Shit.
It only made a small dent, the leg was like a trunk. I roll myself to the left to avoid the next arm sweep, before picking myself up and giving it some space. Since it hasn’t done any other attacks, I have to assume its arms are its only weapon. Legs are too strong to attack, and its arms are similar so that’s also an assumption. Its chest is where I did the most damage, and it’s not a trunk like the others. It seems to be a collection of roots, forming a similar skeletal chest to Humans in that regard. I can deal heavy damage in that area.
The Trent was suddenly upon me, quicker this time. It brought up its left arm and slammed it into my side. I was able to put my sword up as a defense however, and only got pushed back a little. I felt a pain in my chest.
[Luna] -4 (16/20)
Before the Trent could react, I grabbed my sword and jammed it into the middle of its chest.
[Trent] -24 (64/100)
This went on for a while, with me dodging its attacks and making a quick sweep or jab into its chest. At 40 health, the Trent crouched down and started Regrowth. Wary, I held back the first time, and was thankful I did. At the end of the skill, The Trent swung its arms away from its body, fluidly reaching anyone who was close by at the time. Knowing this, I continued to attack and dodge, backing away the second time it used Regrowth. I’d taken small damage from close calls with some of its attacks, but was relatively unscarred compared to the Trent.
[Luna] -1 -2 -1 (12/20)
[Trent] 18 + 40 (58/100)
I relaxed as the last Regrowth took effect. Thinking it was over, I almost made a fatal mistake. When the Trent finished its Regrowth, it didn’t fling its arms outwards this time. Wailing loudly, the defensive trunk parts of its body fell off. Its dark green eyes turned on me, and it started running extremely fast. I panicked, the trunks must’ve been weighing it down. I quickly bring my sword up to try and block it, but it changed direction and slammed into my chest. I got flung sideways, landing next to a wall.
[Luna] -7 (5/20)
A bit farther, and this fight would be over. Luckily, my arms and legs were ok. Unluckily, my chest was heavily damage. The accumulation of the previous wound and this one means I couldn’t bend or move properly. Looking up, I saw the Trent searching for my location. I couldn’t dodge anymore, this fight is over.
No.
I refuse to give up. If I can’t dodge, I need to block. No, calm down. I can’t block anymore. Blocking requires me to put all my strength into it, which means if it changes direction I can’t react quickly enough. However, I took martial art training a long time ago. Part of my sword training was the ability to let blows flow off of you. Instead of just blocking, you guide the attack away from you. Okay, think. I close my eyes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
[Luna]: Why would I need to learn this? I’d rather just dodge, and then pummel them to death! Take that training dummy!
I felt something slam into my head, reeling in shock before realizing it was my Masters training sword.
[???]: And what if you are too weak? Injured? What if you can see the attack, but aren’t capable of dodging it? Do you think it’s smart to limit yourself, because you want to ‘pummel things’? For one of a curious nature, you’re very close-minded.
Feeling the sharp pain on my head, I collapse into a pile of tears.
[Luna]: I- *sob* I’m sorry Master. Please don’t hit me.
The instructor softened slightly at the display, leaning down to pat me.
[???]: You have to understand Luna, those who are rigid are the first to die on a battlefield. Fluid control, versatile knowledge and an adaptive state is what will keep you alive. You must be prepared to change at a moment’s notice, otherwise you will fall. Now, take up your sword…
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Laughing slightly, I force myself upwards. I was a silly little girl back then, and my Master was the best thing that had ever happened to me. I ready my sword, putting it into the Snake Step. It’s been a while since I’ve used my Masters teachings. The Trent was upon me, its arm swinging much faster than before. I drew my blade up, turning it slightly so that the attack would flow down its blade. I moved my sword, calmly and evenly, letting the attack change it’s direct by small margins.
Feeling my chest groan in protest, I let the attack flows through, hitting nothing but air as I twist myself around; turning the enemy’s momentum into my own. My sword sweeps across at lightning speed, cleaving the Trent in half.
[Trent] -45 (13/100)
I looked down, my eyes widened with triumph. I had done it. All that was left was the finishing blow. I lean down quickly, and rip my sword through its head.
[Trent] -15 (0/100)
I sigh, collapsing onto the ground. I pause for a second, trying to hear something. Nothing moved however, letting me know I hadn’t accidently stumbled onto another Trent. I just need to rest for a bit…
It took 10 minutes or so for me to recover. I chugged my last health potion halfway through, recovering my lost health. My lack of stamina is really limiting me. I laugh a bit, remembering my Masters words. I’d become rigid again, only focusing on the things I wanted. I can’t invest into only three stats. Health and stamina are a priority now. First, however, the other Trent’s.
It takes a few hours to dispose of the other few Trent’s, having to rest in-between. Using the Snake Stance, I didn’t take any damage. When I finished, I’d gained three levels. 15 points to spend. I open up my Status Plate, and frown. Now that I think about it, there’s no information on what each stat does. Well, let’s start with health. I quickly invest 3 points into Vitality.
!!
Oh wow, how fortunate. Vitality raises health as well as stamina. It’s a two-for-one. I thought endurance would mean stamina, but apparently not…well, I’ll figure that out later. I quickly spend the other 12 into Vitality, gaining 5 health/stamina per point. I felt my body change again, but I wasn’t sure how. I was now at 95, feeling quite good about myself. Unfortunately, I’m out of health potions. I’ll have to figure that out later. My curious nature peaks up again, now that the enemies are gone I can explore this room for as long as I want.
I start wandering around, checking things out. The luminous moss comes off, but it stops glowing when it does. Something must be making it glow, and the only thing that I can think of is the huge tree in the middle. I focus on the tree, feeling oddly intoxicated by it. It’s as if it was calling me. I walk forward, my curiosity and desire getting the better of me. It draws me in, making me feel as if it was natural for me to touch it. Slowly, I reach out my hand…
I touched it. Suddenly, I grow dizzy, before collapsing onto the ground. I feel my consciousness drift…
Dammit…
Must’ve had memory Residue…
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Seraph reaches down, picking up the broken figure of what once was a growing Trent Baby.
[???]: Let it go Seraph, you know there is nothing you can do.
[Seraph]: It doesn’t mean I can’t try. I’m sick of finding these babies dead…
[???]: I know, but that is the nature of this Dungeons existence. To kill.
[Seraph]: But why. We were given life, an existence. Why are we programmed to kill? My Trent’s simply desire to be in peace, but they are driven by their instincts to massacre anything that is not of the Dungeon. They even kill their own babies…
[???]: That is our life. We do not know why we were created, but at the very least we must continue…for the creatures that live in this place.
[Seraph]: You do that my friend, but I must create my own purpose.
[???]: What?! No, you don’t mean…don’t do this, my friend.
[Seraph]: I must. Sometimes we must choose our own path. Please give the Council my regards.
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I pick myself up, placing myself into the middle of the room. Speaking in an ancient language, I call upon the Creator. I feel myself slowly change. My roots grow thicker, my trunk more solid. I grow, and grow, until I cover half the room I existed in. Then, I grow again, only upwards this time. I shoot through the whole dungeon, reaching the top of it. As I pass through the top, I feel my consciousness fade…
Using the last of my energy, I called to the Trent’s. To come to this sacred place, and to sleep with me. No more will they have to cry. I sing, sing for better days. For a better existence. To sleep. Until someone rescues us from this horrible nightmare. I sing, until my very existence fades.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I gasp, swinging my body up. The pain comes again, but this time I’m prepared. Gritting my teeth, I wait until it fades. This place is more than it seems. I walk back over to the tree, and touch its trunk. It faced a tortured existence, I truly felt for it. Something whispered inside, but I couldn’t make it out. Confused, I leaned closer, placing my ear onto its surface.
[Seraph]: Friend…
[Seraph]: I beg you…
[Seraph]: Let my kind truly rest…
[Seraph]: Free them from this tortured existence…
You’ve received a Quest!
Seraph’s Cries
Find the Trent on each level, and end their suffering.
Reward: ???
Success: Kill all Trent’s
Failure: Go down a level without killing the Trent’s
[Luna]: Of course I accept…
The Quest ‘Seraph’s Cries’ has been accepted!
[Seraph]: Thank you…friend…
[Seraph]: I’m so tired…so very tired…
After that, the whispers stopped. I back a bit from the large tree, before saluting it with a heavy heart. This place is a lot darker then I had first thought. I clench my fists tightly, the Gods did this. Who knows what else is crying in this demented Dungeon. I’m going to have to start taking this more seriously.
I frown, noticing the Reward part on this quest. Isn’t Seraph dead, how would I get a reward? I guess I’ll find out. Looking around, I noticed the moss had lost their glow. I looked at them closely.
Tigen
A green moss.
Perhaps it might be useful. I gather the moss and put it next to the skeletons remains. For the Trent, I take each of their bodies and lay them against the large tree. Normally I would take their mana, but it felt wrong to do it. They almost looked like they were resting. It’s decided.
[Luna]: I name this tree Yggdrasil! May you rest in peace Seraph. I will be sure to end your companions suffering.
I move past Yggdrasil, focusing my view on the next room. I enter it, the fearsome sight providing a contrast to the beautiful green behind me. I froze in terror. The ground and walls were littered with innumerous amounts of bones. Some shined, while others had become brittle with age. Stepping onto them, I feel them crack under my weight. Looking around, the room was almost completely empty. In the direct center of the room, to the farthest end, sat a skeletal figure on some sort of throne. This throne was also made out of bones.
Identify.
Skeleton King (Aggressive)
A Skeleton who’s been through many battles. It wields a terrifying sword, and its bones are hard to damage.
Lv 9
Health: ???
Stamina: ???
Rage: ???
Skills:
???
Shit…
Can I win this? Perhaps I should come back later. No, I will face many trials in the future. I can’t back off here. But I cannot rush in blind. First, I need to practice. I back out of the room walking over to the room with the skeleton bones. I realise my sword won’t cut it. Fine, I deal with that merchant before training. Then I train. But I don’t have anything of value. Unless…
I pick up the bones, inspecting them. I was right! Each one counts as a weapon. Which means I can enchant them. How did I enchant the first time? I didn’t. The Void seemed to gather on the sword and do it for me. However, it was the sigil that had inscribed the power. Let’s see if drawing it will create the enchantment.
I pick up one of the bones, and shave it down until it has an extremely sharp edge. Then, grabbing another bone, I slowly draw the sigil. I feel power flow through me into it, a small amount at a time. When I was halfway done, my hand slipped. The sigil suddenly glowed brightly, before the bone shattered in my hands.
[Luna]: -5 (90/95)
Shit. I ripped out the bone that embedded itself into me. So making a mistake while enchanting can have dire consequences. I pick up the next bone, this time sitting down and placing the bone on the ground. Making sure it won’t move, I try it a second time. A few minutes later and I finish, feeling a bit drained. The sigil glows brightly for a second, before going still again. Inspecting the bone, I see it’s got some dark attack now.
I do this for each one, reaching level 3 in enchanting by the time I get through them all. With level 3, the Dark Attack (Weapon) sigil has increased to 15 damage. It’s time.
[Luna]: Lucifer!
[Lucifer]: Yes?
This time I didn’t react to his sudden appearance, making sure to show no surprise on my face. I need the best weapon I can get, so no weakness.
[Luna]: I need a new weapon. Tell me what you can give me in exchange for these enchanted bones, and that moss.
Lucifer walks over, taking his time to inspect each. When he sees the moss, his eyes widen slightly before he resumes his inspection.
[Lucifer]: These bones are useless, besides their enchantment. Unfortunately for you, enchanting has become more common since Travellers have come to this world. I can get a bit of money for them, but not a lot.
[Luna]: What about the moss?
[Lucifer]: Now this is where you’re in luck. Tigen is rare, and it’s used for middle tier healing potions. It’s worth quite a bit. I can get you a nice weapon for this, but…
[Luna]: Yes…?
[Lucifer]: You need some clothes as well. I guess you’ve forgotten, but you’re walking around naked. Any attacks are going to cause heavy damage.
Looking down at myself, my face turns red. I’d forgotten.
[Luna]: Very well! Get me the best armor and weapon you can!
[Lucifer]: Okay, but I need details. What weapon, and what armor?
[Luna]: Get me a longer sword. As for the armor…something light that allows freedom of movement.
[Lucifer]: Okay, give me a second….
Lucifer disappears for a bit, before reappearing again with a smile on his face.
[Lucifer]: You’re in luck. While the armor is pretty common, and doesn’t offer much resistance, its design allows for faster movement then you could have without it. As for the weapon, it’s quite special…well, I’ll let you see it.
With a wave of his hands, the bones and moss disappear. In their place is the armor and weapon. The armor look is completely black, with no out of the ordinary qualities. It looked sturdy, seemingly made of leather, but nothing exceptional. I look closer.
Greave’s Leather Chest
Defense: 10
Resistance: 10
Armor made with the intent of easing movement.
Quality:
Excellant
Grade:
A
Special Effects:
Agility +3, Agility +3
Unique:
Reaction Time
Greave’s Leather Leggings
Defense: 5
Resistance: 5
Armor made with the intent of easing movement.
Quality:
Excellant
Grade:
B
Special Effects:
Agility +3
Unique:
None
Wow, this is excellent. What’s this ‘Reaction Time’ on the Unique slot. I knew there was more to this Unique slot than it let on…guess I’ll have to find out in the battle. I’m hoping it is exactly what it says, better reaction time. I turn around to thank Lucifer.
[Luna]: Thanks Lucifer…
He’s gone. I’m never going to get used to that. Might as well start calling him Batman. Well, let’s check the weapon next. My eyes widen, excitement filling me. It was a longer sword, but its color shone a deep blue. I looked closer.
Poseidon’s Keeper
Damage: 30
Durability: 50/50
Forged in the depths of the ocean. This weapon is fluid and fast, being quick enough to surprise even the owner of the blade.
Quality:
Perfect
Grade:
A
Special Effects:
None
Unique:
Tidal Healing
Wow. Lucifer outdid himself. This sword is excellent. It didn’t have the added Agility like the armor, but its description seemed to suggest otherwise. Picking it up, I took it for a few swings. Surprisingly enough, it was exactly like the description said. It felt like your sword was gliding through the air, rather than cutting it. With the lack of resistance, the sword flowed faster. Odd that it’s a weapon from the ocean that’s doing this. No matter, it’s perfect for the Steps I want to learn. I set the sword down, and use the sigil to enchant its hilt. 15 Dark Damage on top of that, very nice.
I quickly equip my new armor and pick up my sword again. Time to train. For now, I’ll just focus on re-learning three of my Steps. The Snake Step, Leopard Step and Shadow Step. A step in my martial art is a single idea taking shape. The Snake Step was about taking the opponents power, and turning it into your own. The Leopard Step is about flowing from one attack to another. Without relenting, you overwhelm the opponent by never stopping. It’s hard, and requires intense focus.
The last Step, Shadow Step, is the hardest to learn. You constantly shift position and location, gliding through enemy attacks and only making quick ones of your own. By being in a constant state of movement, you strike from where they cannot see, causing confusion and fear in your opponent. In other words, the ‘shadows’.
After a few hours of practice, I decided I had them down. I walk back to the room with the Skeleton King, entering it with dread. Slowly, I walk towards the figure on the throne, watching it become larger and larger. What I hadn’t noticed before was a sword next to the Skeleton King. Completely black, it was as large as the Skeleton King himself.
I was thinking of claiming the weapon afterwards, but I wouldn’t even be able to wield it. When I reach halfway, I suddenly hear a roar. The Skeleton King stood up, its eyes glowing a deep red. It picks up the sword as if it weighs nothing, letting out another huge roar. It looks me straight in the eyes.
[Skeleton King]: Come, let us Dance with Death.