Chapter 79
They had been led to a separate meeting room with a long dark wood stained table and soft padded wooden chairs. Magical lamps held in sconces dotted the wall in spots and the room was not dark but nicely illuminated with indirect lighting.
The ceiling was painted a baby blue color and the rug was an amazing white without blemish. Magic, Jay thought to himself when he saw its completely clean surface. The walls were paneled wood, not a favorite of Jays, but it looked good in the manner it had been used.
Walter had taken the seat at the head of the table with Orin seated next to him. Jay realized that seating arrangements were a big deal on Eden and who sat at the head of a table was always a good indicator of who was in charge. The rest of the group picked whatever seats were closest in no particular order with the exception of Jay and M'redith who were careful to sit next to each other as they always did.
Walter took copious notes as did Orin's scribe who had also joined them at the table. The scribe set down a map of Kagan's Dome dungeon on to the table to help Jay and his group describe the various fights. The scribe used tiny metal weights to keep the corners of the map from rolling up.
The scribe was using a writing kit set in to a dark wooden case with golden fittings. It looked beautiful and the writing implements were smooth and polished. Jay thought it looked gorgeous and wanted one as soon as he saw it but was dragged back to the real purpose of their visit as Walter and Orin began asking the group questions.
Jay and Glimmerhide Group went over the dungeon run itself, what they had fought and when, and how the fight mechanics worked. They spoke of Yellow Boy and how he had appeared even though he had never been encountered in that dungeon before. They finished up with the description of the final fight which both Walter and Orin found impressive.
There was some discussion over Jay's status as a Traveler.
“It seems you find something hidden and new in every dungeon you go through Jay. Have you noticed that at all?” Walter said with a grin.
Jay shook his head, “Honestly when I'm in a dungeon I'm just trying to stay alive. I'm not really engaging in any introspection. But sure, I see what you mean.”
Orin was looking thoughtful and Walter laughed as he pointed at Orin. “There it is!”
Orin looked up as Walter interrupted his train of thought, “What?!”
Walter grinned as he replied, “You're thinking about how you can get Jay to run the other Church dungeons, aren't you?”
Orin had the good graces to look embarrassed. “What? If everything works the way they've said then this could change everything. People would come from all over even if they had to travel a great distance just to run Church dungeons once this news spreads. The more dungeons that work like Kagan's Dome the more dungeon runners we can accommodate!”
Jay smiled while his group remained quiet, “What are you suggesting?”
“Suggesting? The Church would love to have you activate our other dungeons if this pans out and there are no unintended consequences. You'd have to talk with someone else though, I'm just in charge of Kagan's Dome, not the others.” Orin replied as he scratched his head with one thick finger.
“I'm sure we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement.” M'redith interjected when it sounded like Orin wanted a favor instead of a contract for work.
Walter laughed, “The first one's free but the second one will cost you, right?”
M'redith laughed and a moment later the rest of the group laughed as well.
Walter nodded, “Fair enough. The Church of Gaia has already reached out for an official meeting between their representatives and ours for the purposes of additional Temple/Dungeon activations.”
Orin marveled, “That was incredibly fast.”
“Well, quite a few priests saw the rewards terminals activate. That kind of thing couldn't be kept secret even if we had tried.” Walter explained.
“What do you suggest?” Jay asked Walter carefully.
“I'd go with what I usually pay for special missions. Five gold a piece is a small fortune and more than fair for what they are asking you to do. I'd ask to have your Guild taxes paid by the Church if I were you. The items you are rewarded aren't taxed right now but that could change.” Walter paused to take a deep breath.
“I don't even know how they'd set the value of your items. I'd want the Church to cover any future taxes you may have to pay for items rewarded. That is a good policy in general. Get others to pay your taxes for you.” Walter rattled off without even pausing to think.
Orin nodded, “If the Church doesn't agree to cover your tax I'll do so myself out of Temple funds for the run you just did for us. I want to make sure you all come out of this happy with your experience.”
Walter did pause at that point and tilted his head to the side, “Do you realize that there are Church of Gaia Temples capping dungeons all over Eden?”
Jay shook his head in the negative but pondered over what he had said not quite grasping the significance.
“They're all going to want us once they find out.” M'redith said as her eyes stared off in to the distance at things only she could see. “We could go to any of them and they'd welcome us with open arms. We could make any one of those Temples a destination dungeon.”
Orin looked stunned and put a hand over his mouth as he realized something. “Oh my Goddess Kagan's Dome is a destination dungeon now isn't it?”
Walter nodded, “Your dungeon is about to go from a quiet, unnoticed corner of K'tharkle in to a busy hub for adventurers!”
Orin groaned. “I liked the quiet!”
“Oh it won't be so bad. You can only push through one group a day before the dungeon needs to regenerate. You'll be fine.” Walter said with a kind smile.
Orin pouted quietly.
Angelica looked around at the group with a strange expression, “It's too much. You guys are only level 1, sorry Jay, you're level 4. Still, you haven't even graduated yet. Doesn't this seem crazy to anyone else?”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Walter laughed, “It is DEFINITELY crazy. But crazy seems to work for Jay.”
Jay smiled shyly and M'redith leaned on his arm affectionately.
M'redith spoke up, “Your deal sounds pretty fair Walter. Would you offer that on our behalf when you meet with the Church's representatives?”
Walter grinned and tilted his head as he turned to face her, “What makes you think I'm meeting with them?”
M'redith gave him a look. “I doubt they could keep you away.”
Walter smiled and nodded, “Ok. I'll bring it up if they ask.”
Norri raised a hand but then quickly lowered it with an embarrassed expression when everyone looked at her. “Um, can we do the run on our schedule and not the Church's?”
Aiden and M'redith nodded at that and M'redith spoke up, “We pick when we run the dungeons. If there is another group the group gets bumped or we pick another date. Once. If they refuse to bump a group a second time we'll move on to the next dungeon. We'll give them at least two days notice of our run. Is that fair?”
Walter laughed, “It's fair to you but not so fair to whoever you bump. Still, I'd think the Church would do whatever it took to get you in the door, even if it meant bumping another group. I'll include it as part of your deal.”
Orin sighed, “That's it for me, we have everything written down that you saw during your run. We've made records of your items as examples of what can be found here. We've already notified – ha, as if they needed it with all of the commotion – notified the higher-ups in the Church. You all did well today. I'm sure Walter will be in touch with the Church's offer.”
“You think the Church will make an offer?” Norri asked.
Orin chuckled dryly, “I'm surprised there aren't already armed Church Guards here to 'escort' you to meet with someone.”
Walter nodded at Orin, “Yes, well, there were a few incidents that needed to be handled on my way here. They were all sorted out however and Jay and Glimmerhide group will not be interfered with in any way by the Church or its representatives. I made that abundantly clear I believe to those in charge.”
It was quiet for a moment as everyone pondered what it would have been like to be 'arrested' by Church Guards. Thankfully Walter had fixed that before it became too great of a problem.
Orin looked down at the table before raising his head once again and he spoke breaking the silence, “Thank you. I haven't said that yet which is awful or me. So, thank you all for what you've done. If Gaia were here I'm sure she would be pleased.”
Jay's face held an unreadable expression and he replied seriously, “I'm sure too.”
Orin looked at Jay oddly. He couldn't be sure if Jay was a non-believer that was being a little flippant or a real believer who was just being honest. It could be difficult to tell at times. Still, Jay had been nothing but helpful up until that point so he decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Orin nodded with a kind smile.
The room was suddenly filled with the smell of hot cheese. Jay looked around in confusion and his gaze settled on Aiden who was leaning down under the table they were all sitting at with a little cloud of steam rising up in front of him.
“Aiden?” Jay asked as everyone turned to look at the plume of hot steam.
“Mmm?” Aiden murmured.
“What..what are you doing?” Jay asked in confusion as he leaned forward to get a better look.
Aiden gave out a long sigh and sat up, chewing. “Ok. Listen. I'll tell you but none of you can make fun of me for it, ok?”
Aiden now had everyone's undivided attention. “Aiden.. what did you do?” asked M'redith like a scolding mother as she stared at him with an accusatory look.
Aiden smiled guiltily and held up a small shiny flat pouch roughly the size of his hand. It was colored silver and was semi-rigid. “I was hungry.”
“What's in your other hand Aiden?” Jay said with a smile.
Aiden hesitantly raised his other hand from under the table. It was holding a gooey grilled cheese half cut in to a triangle.
“Where the Gods did you get that?” Norri asked.
Aiden motioned with his other hand holding the flat pouch. The pouch appeared sealed shut.
“It's my second item from the dungeon run.” Aiden gave out a long sigh. “Ok, I'll read you the description but no making fun of me, you guys promised.”
No one had promised anything of the kind.
Aiden began reading.
Jurg's Fromage Pouch – Rare – This pouch always contains one piping hot grilled cheese sandwich. The cheese is random and will be either American, muenster, or sharp cheddar. It will be precut and will be either cut diagonally in half, cut across in half, or not cut in half but with the crust cut off. Upon withdrawing the sandwich the pouch will seal itself for one hour. After the hour has elapsed the pouch may be used again. The pouch may not be used to store any other item. While the pouch must be bound before use the actual grilled cheese may be eaten by anyone.
Everyone was quiet for a moment before M'redith finally spoke.
“You.. “ she paused and pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers, “..you chose a sandwich maker for your second dungeon reward?” she said in exasperated confusion.
Aiden had taken a bite of the steaming hot sandwich and nodded as he chewed. “A magical sandwich maker! I get a free grilled cheese once an hour! Nine different combinations!” he said excitedly. “It's like it was made for me!”
Jay laughed and Aiden looked at him accusingly, “You said you wouldn't laugh!”
“No I didn't!” Jay insisted as he continued laughing. “You crack me up. Also, can I try some of your sandwich?”
Everyone had a good laugh but it was all in good fun and Aiden finally shrugged happily – it was a little funny.
Orin and Walter looked on with complicated expressions as Aiden shared his grilled cheese with Jay across the table. These were the people the Church was counting on to activate their dungeons? They seemed like nothing more than children at times. Other times they were like a dungeon running team of skilled archaeologists, finding long lost and forgotten things in dungeons. They found things no one else could.
Hidden loot. Hidden titles. Hidden boss modes. Hidden reward mechanics. It was a strange dichotomy that only this group of mostly level 1 people was capable of finding those things thanks to Jay's status as a Traveler and his various Class Abilities.
Jay shrugged, “In his defense the sandwich is delicious.” he said as he wiped a bit of molten cheese off his upper lip.
M'redith chuckled.
Aiden looked over at Orin and Walter, “What? I get hungry a lot.”