Chapter 85

Press Release: For Immediate Distribution

Church of Gaia, Central Basilica

Kagan's Dome Dungeon Reopening

After a brief downtime Kagan's Dome is once again available for dungeon runs. It should be noted that this dungeon now provides rewards based on a point system, making it the only dungeon with a temple built over it to do so.

Rewards are not handed out randomly. Instead after completing the dungeon you will be assigned a number of points. Those points may then purchase a small or large reward. The reward being a selection from three options of which you may choose one.

After some investigation the Church has been unable to locate any other dungeon on Eden that uses the unique point system now found in Kagan's Dome. The dungeon has been fully mapped including traps, bosses, fight mechanics, and even rewards which work under a special system.

Anyone wishing to try their hands at this new destination dungeon should speak with the head monk, Brother Orin. Time slots will be given out on a first come first served basis.

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After Norri had returned there had been a lull for a bit until books began to be dropped off by Librarians. Jay arranged them all on one table and set the empty cart to the side. They'd use that to return any books they didn't need before they left.

There were no books titled 'Rod of Siphoning and You, a Beginner's Guide' or anything of the sort. It seemed that many of the books merely mentioned the rod. They decided to make two piles, one with books with info on the rod, and one with books that merely mentioned it in passing.

That took about an hour of reading, well, scanning really. Once they found mention of the rod then they slowed down and actually did some reading.

The two piles had grown. The pile of books that mentioned the rod only in passing was much higher than the stack of books that had actual useful info.

They were left with a handful of books that would be useful to them. Jay took the other pile and arranged the books on to the return cart.

“Ok. I guess everybody take a book? We can work faster that way I think.” M'redith suggested helpfully.

No one disagreed and everyone took a book and got comfortable.

Nort's Majic Primer, Advanced: ..can produce unexpected and unwanted effects when combined with water.

Magical Accidents VI: The rod may only hold the magical tapestry for a short moment. Immediate discharge is advised.

Zar's Complete Rods, Abridged: ..rings completely disenchanted!

The Starbridge Cycle, Vol.X: NOT for use by the unskilled. Great care must be taken to guard against inadvertent siphoning.

There were more and Jay wrote them all down in his Mighty Book. Being able to easily look up their findings in the future would be of great help.

They were just wrapping up when Glenda popped her head in again. “Hello? Hi!” she said brightly upon finding them still in the room. She walked in and sat down at the table with Jay.

She didn't speak but sat still as if waiting. Enough time passed that Jay was getting ready to ask her what was going on when someone knocked on the door. Glenda hopped up and opened it.

In walked Walter. “Jay, Glimmerhides,” he said nodding to Jay and then the group. “You did it again I see.”

“Did what?” Aiden asked.

“Drama. It seems to follow Jay wherever he goes. A ring returned that turns out to be a political bombshell. A fight against a Glimmerhide when you should have been at class. Changing how a dungeon under the Goddess' temple gives out rewards without asking first or at all. Now a book from a living library that I've never even heard of.” Walter said hotly.

The group stayed quiet as he talked through his frustrations. “I've heard other things too though. Zuzu, for example.” Walter said in a pleased voice. He was talking about the time Jay had used his special ability to find treasure to locate a child's missing toy. Jay wondered how he could possibly know about that but that was Walter – he seemed to know everything. “Change follows you but so far it has been for the better. I've no idea how your current circumstances could possibly turn out to your benefit but I'm absolutely sure they will based on what I know about you.”

Jay smiled, “Thanks? I think?” he replied.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“You have been excused from classes for the next week or two. Glenda knows the curriculum better than some of the instructors. She'll be giving you lessons during your travels.” Walter said with a sigh.

“Our travels? What travels?” Aiden asked, confused.

“It has been decided that you all need to go with Glenda and return this book. Now. Today. The head of the Guild wants all of you and that book off the property by sundown. Immediately would be preferable.” Walter said.

Jay grimaced, “I'm not popular anymore, huh?”

Aiden and Norri chuckled while M'redith looked pensive, thoughtful.

“Not as much, no. It wasn't your fault, you didn't know about the book, but no one will want you on their land if they know a monster is hunting you.” Walter said with a shrug. “You're welcome to return after the book has been returned. Your rooms are paid for already so don't worry about that.”

Aiden turned to Glenda, “Wait. Is a monster hunting us?”

Glenda shook her head. “No.”

Aiden relaxed with a sigh.

“Monster just hunt Jay. He touch book.” Glenda added to Aiden's dismay.

Walter focused on Jay. “Up until now when you have gone outside of K'tharkle I've paid for you to use a portal. That won't be happening this time. So everyone be sure to bring what you need for a few days travel at least.”

They would be going on foot. Aiden and Jay had no idea how to ride a horse. Norri wouldn't have any trouble and M'redith would most likely be fine on a horse but they couldn't have half the party on foot and the other half mounted.

So they would be walking. Another reason for walking, the library was in the middle of nowhere. There were no roads nearby. No easily used path to reach the library existed. The group would have to fight its way there through thick forest along with whatever lived there.

Norri looked over at Glenda, “So you're going with us, right?”

Glenda nodded slowly.

Norri smiled, “Good. Full group!”

Aiden chuckled.

“I'd ask if you had any questions but Glenda is far more knowledgeable about the library than I am. She can probably answer your questions as you travel.” Warren finished as he stood up.

He shook each of their hands. “I have to return to my office now to have a conversation with the Captain of the Guard regarding the book and what might show up here looking for the book. I'm not really looking forward to that.”

“Sorry for making so much work for you,” Jay said honestly.

“It's ok Jay, I don't think you could help it if you tried. Just keep doing what you're doing, it seems to be working for everyone involved.” Walter replied with a smile. Walter let himself out and the door closed behind him with a click.

Glenda stood up, towering over the assembled group. “We leave soon. Can't miss light. Travel by dark dangerous. Go. Buy what you need. Return. One hour.”

Everyone was silent as she left the room to make her own preparations.

Jay and his group stood up and tidied the room up before leaving. They returned to their rooms and changed in to their armor and travel clothes. Bags were packed and weapons readied.

Jay had really good luck with dungeons up until that point. He had almost everything he needed for a dungeon run but was missing a few key items. A trap disarming kit for example. Rain gear for inclement weather. There were other things but Jay just couldn't remember what they were. He was too nervous.

There was a monster immune to normal weapons hunting him right now. It knew where he had touched the book and was racing to get here, to get Jay. He shuddered. They'd leave soon, there was no reason to tarry.

The group gathered back at the library and waited for Glenda.

Aiden spoke up first, “Do you think we have time to shop before we go? I'd like to pick up some things.”

Glenda arrived at that moment with a Guild guard on either side of her.

“Plan changed. We go now.” she said.

She handed each of them a sack with food and water along with some other items. The sack went in to their backpacks as the Guild guards looked on silently.

Once they finished the guards herded them towards the main gate. There was a cart waiting. It was owned by the city guard and there were two there up front. Jay and his group climbed in to the back and got comfortable. It appeared no one trusted them to leave on their own and wanted to make sure they did so.

They watched the various shops pass by and Jay was struck by how long the trip took. It was a long ride before they reached the city wall. The guards watched quietly as Jay and his group all got out of the cart and spoke with the gate guard who had been expecting them. He got a look at each of them and checked something off on a clipboard that was attached to his post by a length of cord.

Finally cleared they walked out of the city, leaving its safety behind them.

Five minutes later the city was gone from view completely as their group pushed through thick underbrush and made their way towards Ashagi, the living library.