Holy crap this thing was long to write! 4,870 words
Enjoy :)
By the way, no one really noticed, but there were only 95 people who entered the forest. 5 guards stayed behind to watch the carriages and horses.
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The rest of the way was clear to the lair, allowing for the scouts to get a rest while they waited for Sergeant Hamilton and his friends to join them. The lair entrance was the same as last time, an opening between two large boulders that led into the darkness below. A dark glow emanated from it, outlining the area in a black light. Hamilton ordered the men to set up a base camp at the entrance, then he called the remaining squad leaders together.
"Okay men, time to go over the procedure for lair conquering." He instructed, folding his arms in front of him. "Remember, this is different from a dungeon dive. A lair has a set map that will not change, so have your map keepers keep up with the directions you take. There are multiple ways to get to the end, and we will need to clear every path of enemies to finish the job."
He pointed at the entrance, "From the low numbers of devil wolves and glow, turns out we are fairly lucky. This is a young lair, most likely the mana starting overflowing a year ago at the most. That means." He said with a greedy grin, "We have a chance to change it into a dungeon."
Steel called out from the back, "What's the difference between the two?"
Hamilton looked around, but didn't see the speaker. He shrugged, "The main difference is that dungeons are repeatable, but lairs are exist until they are conquered. A dungeon is a reservoir of natural mana, which keeps the monster souls immortal within it. It changes every time someone enters, and holds many treasures inside. A lair is a random overflow of natural mana, with nothing controlling it. After enough time, it pollutes the area and must be eliminated through the destruction of it's core."
"As you can see." He swept his arm around, "Only the cave is glowing, not the surrounding area. This means we can add a dungeon heart to the core, which will stabilize the lair into a new dungeon." He brought a out a shining blue crystal, "This is a dungeon heart, a very rare crystal with a slumbering soul inside.
https%3a%2f%2fwww.filepicker.io%2fapi%2ffile%2fQdKAgwRCSoSiPOLYclCE [https://www.filepicker.io/api/file/QdKAgwRCSoSiPOLYclCE]
They are only found in mines near ancient graveyards, and are normally empty. They can be used as soul gems or dungeon hearts, depending on the mage who works on it. This is a gift from Captain Harkin and the Archmage, in case of this very situation. Look forward to it men, we are going to be drinking tonight!"
The squad leaders cheered at the news. Lairs were one hit wonders for income, but a dungeon would attract adventurer's and provide new trade for the city, trade the frontier town surely needed. Steel was excited as well, it would be a great hunting ground once the area stabilized back to something the players could beat.
"Okay men, out job is to clear the dungeon of all corrupted wolves, this will free the core from any outside influence, allowing the dungeon heart to do it's job. Get your men ready, we'll be leaving in 20 minutes."
Steel hurried back to his squad, eager to head in. He cam back to find them taking a quick snooze under a rock, Nina meditating, and Hunie practicing her punches. She brightened up as he approached.
"Hey Master, we ready to go in yet?" She asked.
"Almost, more importantly, how are you feeling?" Steel asked, checking her status screen.
"All healed up and ready to go Master." She punched the air, "I haven't felt this ready for a fight since I was a bunny." Steel confirmed it, she was healed and her stats were good. Nothing visible wrong, he moved to check the rest of his squad, who also were in tip top shape.
A quick inventory count left him with 10 health, 7 mana, and 8 stamina potions, good enough.
He was interrupted by Hamilton's approach. The sergeant had a complicated look on his face.
"Scout Steel, I have to commend your efforts thus far." He said, "We would have lost more men if your team hadn't cleared the way, so it bothers me to have to tell you this." He looked honestly guilty, "I have to split your squad."
They all looked at him in shock. He continued, "You were given these new recruits in order to test your leadership and give them some experience in combat, both have been accomplished. The lair is inherently more dangerous than what you have all experienced, and the previous ambush showed that the wolves will target the weaker squads first. It's not only your squad, the remaining remnants of the other squads are also being split into the three raid groups."
Steel folded his arms, "Really, are you sure you are not merely picking on us again, commander?"
Hamilton visibly swallowed his words, and nodded at Steel, "I let my personal feelings about you get in the way earlier, and I paid for it. While you and I will likely never get along, I didn't reach Captain Harkin's trust with arrogance. Your team has been effective, so it is a shame to let go of that. Do no think , however, that this will make us even." Hamilton held his finger out, "This is for the good of the expedition and the humans of the town."
Steel gave him a wry grin, "Feelings mutual commander sergeant, but at least your being honest now. As long as you keep the bias out, I'm sure we'll succeed." He held his hand out. Hamilton took it after a moment, his eyes speaking volumes. He left, leaving Steel with a greater opinion on the man. At least there was some potential there to grow.
He turned back to his squad, "You heard the commander men, do your best, and always remember your part of the Shield Scout Squad." He saluted, but the others merely chuckled, and his eyes narrowed at the words "triple shit". Annoyed, he kicked the offender toward the lair entrance, inciting a riot of laughter from the others.
'Sigh, I guess I'll miss these guys." Steel thought sadly, "It ruins my other plans too, guess I'll have to work around it." He let each of them know to get the ears if they killed any demon wolves. Since they weren't under him anymore, the bodies would stop disappearing. He really had to figure this out later how to stop that, maybe a prayer at the church.
He ended up being with both Hunie and Nina in the center group, the others called over to help the other two. The center group had the rest of the players as well, Steel noticed. None of them seemed too unique, but he still read each of them just in case the time to interact would come.
Human, mage. Name: CracBoom. Obviously someone who enjoyed fire, as he kept bouncing a small ball of flame from hand to hand.
Human, warrior. Name: sIR Serious. Ignoring the obvious reference to an ancient organization, he seems cool and collected, and twirled his spear in amusement.
Half Human, barbarian girl. Name: Firesoul. Steel couldn't figure out the other half, but she wore a large battle ax on her back, and was cracking her knuckles in anticipation. She wasn't wearing any armor, so she must have gotten the quest from an outside source.
Unknown. Name: Unknown Mystery. Steel rolled his eyes and groaned inwardly. There was always one of these guys in a game, acting so dark and vague. Steel hated dealing with them, more because of their personality than their actual skill. Still, if he was here, he must have impressed someone.
A few other walked around, but they wore the generic guard uniforms and weapons, which made Steel discount them. It was obvious they weren't going to contribute much if they hadn't found their own armor and weapons yet. He mentally stowed them under the mental folder, Cannon Fodder.
"Okay men, into the cave!" Hamilton called out.
A resounding battle cry rose up from the expedition, and everyone marched into the cave with their formations, the central group first. The inside of the lair divided itself into three passageways, as expected by Hamilton. Steel waled through the middle arch, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. He wished his instinct ability would be more useful, but he must of had bad luck today, because he wasn't getting a single ping.
Still, the walls were spooky. Scratch marks and red areas lined the wall, and bones lay everywhere. He shuddered at the sight of a human skull, more from the atmosphere than the little fear generated by the bone.
A few minutes in, the expedition members came out into a cave section, where two devil wolves were fighting over a bone. At the sound of the men, they stopped fighting and barred their fangs at them. Steel began sweating at the sight of them. They only had 20 men, they would sustain some serious injuries of they weren't careful.
The first wolf charged the men, while the second howled for reinforcements. Being in the middle, Steal couldn't block with his shield. He didn't want the men to die, he needed them to clear this lair and get his rewards. He needn't have feared though.
Sergeant Hamilton dashed forward with a great sword, and with a furious yell, cut the devil wolf down the middle, it's tow halves falling to the ground with a thud. Steel's mouth fell open, and he quickly looked at Hamilton's level.
Level 20
'What the heck!' Steal cried out in his mind, 'I know the guards are stronger than the players, but this seems way too much for the situation! He's overpowered!.' Steel had another thought, how strong were the older members of the city: Harkin, Bob, Mema, M.M, and the Archmage. He felt a cold shiver, he'd have to re think his manners around them.
The second wolf had succeeded in summoning 4 demon wolves in that time frame, and they came out of the shadows around the party.
"Men, attack! Don't let a single one escape!" Hamilton commanded. The men fell upon the wolves, slashing and hacking at them with all their strength.
Steel easily blocked a paw swipe from one of the wolves. With his full armor on, he did not worry too much about damage. A shout behind him made him roll out of the way, and the barbarian girl charged through his previous spot, leaping into the air and cutting the wolf's head off. It died with a whimper, and disappeared into the light. Steel noticed he didn't get any exp this time, it seemed to not be on at the moment. He ignored it, focusing on the next wolf.
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It didn't take them too long to kill the other wolves. Hamilton killed the second devil wolf, and the rest of the party made short work of the demon wolves. Steel wiped the blood off his shield, one of the cannon fodder had been launched onto it's shield piercer by a demon dog. Thankfully, the game didn't read it as a Pk, so he was still good. He even inherited 2 mana potions from his loot drop.
They reformed the formation and resumed marching through the tunnels. The corridor winded downwards slowly, the only light coming from the dark glow that covered everything. Steel appreciated the irony, darklight. He'd have to mention the name to the captain when they got back, Darklight Dungeon.
They faced no more wolves as they made their way through, rather, no more devil wolves. A few demon wolves had appeared, but Hamilton had effortlessly cut through them without breaking a step.
'What was the point?' Steel thought, 'Why not send the most experience guards here instead of sacrificing all the noobs. I bet Captain Harkin could have cleared this place all by himself without breaking a sweat. Hamilton by himself makes all of us worthless.' The only thing Steel could come up with was that there were bigger problems that had Harkin's attention than this. It did seem strange to receive a quest so early in the game that had the failure result catastrophic to the city. Steel smelled something more to this, which meant more loot and rewards!
His thought were interrupted by an order to halt from Hamilton. The group had come into a bigger cave area, and Steel could see the other two exits from the other passages. The remaining men were coming through, joining back up with the central group.
Seeing the other groups jolted Steel's memory. He hadn't seen Nina the entire time! Hunie did her own thing, and he had seen her kicking a demon wolf earlier, but he hadn't seen Nina at all. A quick check made him sigh in relief, she was in the front, her short stature hiding her from his view. Actually, he noticed, it seemed as though no body else had noticed her either. Hearing Hamilton declare a short break for a meeting, Steel walked over to Nina.
"Hey Nina, how are you holding up?"
She smiled brightly at him, "Sir, Private Nina is doing a-okay, sir!" She saluted him, making him chuckle at her earnestness.
"Good to hear Private." He smiled, "Now I have a question for you." She tilted her head cutely, "Why is it that no one seems to notice you? I even had a hard time finding you earlier."
She put her head in her hand for a moment, thinking, before brightening up, "Sir, that was my passive ability sir!"
He blinked, "From your new class?" She nodded, "Can you explain your class?"
"Sir, yes sir!"
Nina and Steel sat on the stone ground as she explained the nature of her newly acquired class. Her Guardian Assassin class operated off a similar mechanic as her previous assassin class. She automatically used stealth when not fighting so as to avoid aggro from possible ambush attacks, though this used stamina up slowly and thus she didn't always use it. As a guardian assassin, she had 3 new skills besides two previous skills from the normal assassin class. She also had a new skill and she wasn't sure how she had received it.
The five were:
(I'll make them pretty later, too lazy now :p)
Acrobatics: A passive skill that relied on strength and agility. It allowed her to use everything in range as a stepping board, allowing for wall jumps and back flips.
Assassinate: A basic assassin skill. Activating it teleported the user behind the target and made the next attack automatically crit. The downside was that it didn't automatically attack, thus leaving the user open to counter attacks.
Guardian Resolve: One of her new skills. It passively increased her endurance when taking the initiative in a fight. It could become active as well, doubling her endurance and stamina costs for 5 seconds with a 5 minute cool down that removed that passive effect during the cd.
Resolute Strike: Another new skill. She used her dagger to strike three times in quick succession. It could not crit, but could be used repeatedly. It had a high stamina cost to compensate.
Unshakable Mind: Her last new skill. It passively increased her resistance to mind attacks and status conditions.
Her last skill made Steel keep a neutral face.
Soldier's Desire: The skill activated when a designated person fell into the danger zone. It automatically increased her physical attributes for a short time, allowing for her to rescue that person from what ever danger he or she might be in. She had put Steel's name down when it had asked for a target.
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Steel had no comment on the skill.
'Still, she has some pretty good abilities now.' He thought, studying the smiling girl in front of him, 'She'll most likely become the hardest assassin to kill if she keeps this up.'
He patted her on the head, "Remember to use your abilities to protect, and I'll be proud of you."
She saluted him, a serious smile on her face, "Yes sir, what ever you say sir!"
At that, the remaining expedition members grouped back up together. Steel did a quick head count. Only 53 members were left, but all the squad leaders were still alive, which really meant that only the strongest remained.
"Men, the only thing left now is the final chamber." Hamilton informed the men, "We have to kill the alpha, and then we'll be home free."
Everyone prepared their resolve, grips tightening and gulps made. The end was finally in front of them, and so was the largest obstacle. With straight stares, the men marched into the final tunnel, Hamilton heading the herd.
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In all actuality, the tunnel before the final room was pretty anti-climactic. The walls, floor, and ceiling still glowed, but the bones and scratches were missing. It was almost as if nothing came this way. They marched into the final room, and awe spread through the ranks.
Black crystals covered the room, making it shine like a geode stone on the inside. At the back of the room, a gaping hole was releasing black sparkles into the air, reflecting the light off the crystals around it. Hamilton took a battle ready stance.
"Take care men, it's coming."
Out of the gloom, the alpha appeared, slowly slinking its way to the center of the room from the shadowed light. Steel could get a better look at it now, being that he wasn't running for his life at the moment. It stood at the same height as a devil wolf, and the same muscles bulged underneath the fur. Different, however, was the red glow it's tail and paws gave off in the light, shining like blood as it made it's way across the room.
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It growled softly at the group, a mad intelligence in it's eyes. Gazing at the men in front of it, it seemed to grow a smile.
[tr]
Opponent InformationNameLevelThreatHealthAlpha Devil Wolf18D335DescriptionThe final corrupted form of a wolf, Alpha Devil wolves have overcome the pain their body went through as a result of too much darkness mana. Their minds have been left mad, but the experience has increased their intelligence and power. The corruption of magic has warped their minds into desiring to inflict as much pain as possible. It is said their soul still cries out within them for death. Killing one is a mercy.
'335 health! No way at this stage in the game.'
Steel shook at the strength of the wolf in front of him. It was even rank D! The devil wolves were rank E, like the Hungry Bunnies, and he couldn't beat them. Also, it was level 18. His gaze wandered to Hamilton, who had his sword in a type grip.
"Men, charge, For Rostwood!" Hamilton cried, and they released their battle cries. The wolf answered them with it's own battle howl, and 3 devil wolves appeared.
"Take down the devils, I'll handle the alpha!" Hamilton called, and the battle began.
Steel launched himself toward the nearest devil wolf. He didn't know if they could summon, but he didn't plan to find out. He charged shield bashed it's head, this time hitting with the shield piercer directly into the head.
-15 impact damage
-35 pierce damage, Critical
Health:
A good shot! The wolf howled and knocked its head around, distracted for a moment. As it focused on Steel, a short figure appeared behind it and activated her resolute slash on it's legs.
-10,10,10 slash damage
-10,10,10 slash damage
Health:
'Almost down!' Steel thought, and then a huge fireball roasted the wolf in front of him. He turned to see that pyro mage turn to the next devil wolf.
Biting back his KS comment, Steel moved to the next wolf as well. The other two hadn't been cc'd enough, and they both had managed to call two demon wolves from the shadows. The fight was getting pretty chaotic.
Hamilton and a few from his squad were fending off the alpha, him slashing while it took bites out of the air in front of him. While it looked like a stalemate, Steel could see Hamilton was slowly getting pushed back.
He pounded a demon wolf that had lunged at him, knocking it back and dazing it long enough for some guards to cut it to ribbons.
'I need more.' He thought, blocking a swipe from a devil wolf, 'I don't have enough skills to make a dent in the alpha, and these devil wolves are becoming a problem.' All around him, guards and players were hugging down potions, and Steel knew none had as many as he had. Another devil wolf fell, but the alpha howled again, summoning two new devil wolves, who then also summoned 4 more demon wolves.
He finally realized why so many were sent. These were spawning tactics, mobs that grew in number the longer the fight went on. A strong warrior could kill a hundred, but be overwhelmed by a thousand. That was a common saying in one of his mind classes Hellina taught him at night.
'If the alpha doesn't go down, then we all die' He thought, watching a demon wolf tearing a guard in half, 'We can't respawn like they can.'
"Hunie, Nina, we have to kill the alpha!" Steel yelled over the fighting. They nodded, hearing his orders. They ran toward the alpha and Hamilton, who had been knocked back by a paw swipe. Steel caught him with his shield, pushing back against the force Hamilton gave off.
"Scout Steel, what are you doing?" He asked incredulously.
Steel smiled at him, "Just think of me as your shield sir, since both of you hands are focused on your sword."
Having no time to argue, Hamilton jumped back at the alpha, slicing a paw as it passed by his head. Steel took a look at the boss's health:
Health:
The group had hurt the alpha, but it was clear they still had a fight in front of them. Steel braced his shield against an incoming swipe, casting all of his defensive skills. The blow still managed to dislodge his position, his feet dragging in the ground before he fell onto his back. The level 18 power was no joke!
Angered by his weakness, he chugged a mana and stamina potion before jumping in front of another paw. This time, he channeled the Shield Piercer and dug himself into the shield. He was sent flying, but not before the entire paw had sunk into the earthen spike.
The alpha howled in pain, and it's paw rose into the air.
-20 pierce damage, critical, maim
Main was a status acquired from focus attacks on a body limb. Until healed, the limp could not take any pressure, so it couldn't be stood on or be used to hold anything.
Health:
"It's weakened men, strike at it now!" Hamilton roared out, his great sword flashing in the darklight. They fell upon the alpha, but it wasn't done yet. It flatted down and swung it's body around, it's tail sending most of the members flying backwards. It retreated, and the sparkles from the hole began moving toward it.
"Don't let it heal!" Steel cried out, recognizing what was happening.
They charged the alpha, but not in time for it to recover it's paw. It leaped back at them, all four limbs back up to snuff. Hamilton activated a skill as it flew toward them, the same one he had used on the first devil wolf earlier. He sliced down in front of the head, sending a shock wave that it the alpha head on. Unlike the devil wolf, however, the alpha was merely knocked down by it, and got up angry.
Health:
Hamilton kneeled down, breathing hard from the exertion.
"Heh, heh, that skill takes a lot out of me if I fail to kill on the first strike." He explained to Steel, who had taken position in front of him, "I'll be okay, but you have to keep him off of me for a minute."
"I'll do my best sir." Steel said, eyeing the alpha, "But I haven't managed to block him yet."
Hamilton managed a chuckle behind him, "Remind me to get you a shield tutor when we get back whelp, your form's terrible."
Steel's retort never left his mouth as he activated his full combo again, this time using Earth Wall to create stone supports behind him. He managed to block the paw this time, though it came from a different angle then before. Evidently, the bosses learned in the game. Unfortunately, Steel didn't see the second paw coming from the right, and he hurtled off into the wall, blood coming up from his mouth.
The world turned red in front of him, indicating low life. He tried to move his arm to grab a health potion, but it was impaled on one of the crystal spikes.
"Cough, frac, I'll die from blood loss." He muttered. There was nothing he could do, so he resigned himself to death. A warm flavor came into his mouth, spreading a warmth throughout his body. He opened his eyes to find Hunie kissing him, her mouth filled with one of his health potions. She smiled at him.
"I've returned the favor, Master." She curtsied at him.
Steel dragged himself off the spikes, than drank two more health potions for good measure. His health was still low, as the potions had had to fix the various holes in his body first and had leaked out some.
"Hurry Hunie, we have to save Hamilton." He said.
Hunie smiled, "Okay, but he's fine at the moment. She's taking care of it." She pointed behind her, and Steel saw.
A small, fiery assassin was on the back of the alpha wolf, striking it repeatably with her daggers.
"Don't. Hurt. My. Commander!" She cried out, chugging her stamina potion after every strike. Really, she had all three in her mouth. Steel blinked.
Even though she was level 1, her skill had obviously increased her abilities to the point where instead of an annoying fly, she was a housefly. The alpha bucked and barked, trying to dislodge the crazed little girl off it's back. Steel and Hunie ran up and joined in, striking at the legs while it was distracted.
Finally, Nina went sailing off it's back, and landed on top of one of the guards in the back group. Steel didn't look for her, he was concentrating on the monster in front of him (not the one behind).
Health:
Nina had managed to put a small dent in it's health, greatly impressing Steel. He resolved to reward her later. The alpha turned and fixed it's furious gaze on Hunie and Steel. He merely grinned.
"Hey Fluffy, it's been a minute."
With a resounding slash, the alpha fell to the ground, a large slice on it's belly.
Health:
Hamilton stood staring resolutely at it's fallen form. "Good job Scouts, now, Lets finish it off!"
The alpha had one last trick, however, and blasted darkness out of it's mouth at the guard members.
"It's trying to heal, don't let it!" Steel heard Hamilton's voice. Activating charge, Steel rushed in the direction of the hole, hoping the wolf was in front of him instead of an opening into the ground. Luckily, he was correct, and ended up charging right into the back leg of the alpha, who turned and growled at Steel.
It leaped at him, claws and fangs out stretched. Steel smiled, and fell onto hi back, his shield covering his body.
"Fire this way!" He yelled out.
The shock wave shot out of the darkness, cleaving the alpha and knocking it down. With a howl, it died and dissolved into blue light. The darkness and other wolves disappeared as well, leaving the remaining guards behind in the cave.
A silent moment, then the cheering began. Those who were still alive roared with excitement, they had won! A black treasure chest materialized where the alpha had fallen, and Steel approached it slowly.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, "Good call Scout, you did well." Hamilton said to him, clapping his back.
He gestured at the chest, "That is the reward the gods from for us upon the defeat of a boss in a lair. It'll be taken back un-opened to the city, where the lord will divide the spoils for the expedition."
He took out the dungeon heart crystal, "Now that all wolves are dead, we can make this place into a lair." He walked over to the hole in the back, the sparkles still escaping into the air. He realized the crystal over the hole, but instead of falling, it motioned over the whole, absorbing the sparkles into it. Slowly, the darklight of the cave began to lesson, the crystal shining in blue and black.
A cry of pain came form behind them, forcing Hamilton and Steel to look back.
Hunie was clutching her chest in pain, tears falling down her face.
"Hunie!"
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Cough. cough, better appreciate this chapter, my eyes are killing me ;)
Well, this marks the highlight of the plot, kinda, and the first book is almost done! Once it's done, it editing time, which means I'll try to edit 1-2 a day, hopefully with a new chapter to keep you guys happy.
Give reviews plz, let me know hos the story is
Thanks guys.