Tobias, for the second time in his life, was about to enter The Adventurer's Forge. He was prepared, but the same could not be said for the majority of the four he had brought with him.
Mateo was an obvious choice to bring along. With his general ambition and his [LESSER ELECTROMANCY], the faster he could grow the better. His skill was already fairly strong, and anyone who could get [ELECTROMANCY] to a higher tier was one to be feared. Although, he was the one afraid right now. Apparently everything Tobias had told them was 'horrifying' and 'absolutely some kind of Demon plot'. Ridiculous. It was only one of those things.
Geoff, despite how easily scared he was, had a level and kind head on his shoulders. Him getting stronger was the whole guild getting stronger. He had no abilities right now, but the [DUNGEON] been able to gift Tobias one. Hopefully, it was still feeling generous. The boy had fainted at the entrance to the cavern already, and even after waking back up he was already about to faint again.
Sam was a lot more than people gave him credit for. He had an ability known as [DEMEANOR]. If he acted in a certain way, he could play the part perfectly. The [SPY] class would be even better for him than it would have been for Tobias. His most often played role was the oblivious drunk. Who cares if the town drunk hears your secrets, it's not like he'll even remember past all the booze. Sam remembered, and had brought the guild some of the best information they had.
Hendrick was simply there because of his [TRANSLATE] skill. He had unlocked it after being the one to spy on enough tourists that he picked up most of a few different languages. It was like a specialized version of [FACT'S PERSISTENCE], used only to translate things. Tobias wanted to see if he could use it on the sign above the archway, or possibly even more of the [DUNGEON]'s secrets.
The final member of their impromptu party was the [LIEUTENANT]. It was an odd thing, usually either napping in his hood or wherever it went when it disappeared. A day into the journey back it had undergone a change, with all of the blue besides its eyes turning to a deep red. It was even more intimidating now, although it was easy enough to dispel such fears when it could be bribed with coins and belly rubs.
They reached the arch.
"Hendrick, see if you can read that."
Tobias pointed a finger at the runes above the door, trying to restrain [FACT'S PERSISTENCE] and [LOREM IPSUM] from making him read it. The skills seemed to call towards the runes, desperate to see just what came after Welcome.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Hendrick took one look at the runes, and a blank look came over his eyes.
"I...I can't. Nothing happens. What is it supposed to say?"
Tobias looked him in the eyes.
"It is nothing but a greeting. And still, there is so much power behind it that it makes your head swim. Does it not?"
The boy just gave a weak nod.
"It does."
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[ALERT]
People in her [DUNGEON]? Lasair flew down to the entrance, and found the little thief. Behind him were four others of about his age. Three were seeming pretty scared, and one just seemed excited. Alongside them was Midas. Who had changed color. What the fuck Midas?
[STATUS LOADING...
[STATUS]: MIDAS
[CLASS]: [MANAMANDER], [LIEUTENANT], [ALL THAT GLITTERS]
[LEVEL]: 10
[AFFINITY(S]): CHAOS
[BONDED]: [DUNGEON CORE]{LASAIR}, [BLESSED]{MAYHEM}
[ABILITIES]: MANA CORRUPTION , ADVANCED SENTIENCE
What the fuck Midas?
Thankfully, Apollo drifted into the room, meaning it was no longer her problem. Good luck little guy, and remember to give them [HARMONIOUS IGNORANCE].
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Apollo drifted into the Aviary with a 'good luck' from Mama echoing in his mind. The thief was here. No matter the fact that Mama had forgiven him, the wisp couldn't help but feel a bit of a grudge towards the boy. He had been too slow getting back to stop him before, but that was not the case now.
"Welcome to The Adventurer's Forge."
He watched as a shiver passed through the group, Mama's power washing over them as the name echoed.
"I am the [KEEPER OF THE FLAME], Apollo. This [DUNGEON] knows one of you. Who are the rest?"
The thief stepped in front of the other, hand drifting towards his dagger. How Apollo wished he would get the excuse for a bit of a spar. But alas, the boy remained civil for now.
"These are my fellow members of the Willowdale thieves guild. We have come here in hopes to grow our strength and take part in the gifts of this [DUNGEON]. Is there any objection to that?"
The boy seemed very cautious, as if this wasn't expected. Sure he hadn't been here last time, but had the kid really not expected to meet another [LIEUTENANT]? Mama already had five, and the thief was surprised when finding out there was a second? Shameful, really.
"No, I am simply here to supervise, and to provide said 'gifts'. First, show me what you can do."
The boy nodded, and gestured to one of the others behind him.
"This is Mateo, he can-"
"I did not say tell me thief. I said show me. Gifts must be earned after all."
Mama had told him to give the boy the ability stone no matter what, but the thief didn't know that. Plus, revenge was fun.
So Apollo only grew happier as two golems walked out of the core room, with two birds perched atop their heads. The boys would likely be getting classes and gifts from Mama, but there was no reason not to make them work for it.
He wouldn't kill any of them, but he would have some fun.