Owin had enjoyed his morning, but it was over so quickly. A mender had visited to check on everyone before they set off. Owin’s apparition damage was immediately healed again, reminding him just how powerful menders were. All of the Nimble Hogs wished them luck before dispersing, leaving only Owin, Myrsvai, and Vondaire with Chorsay in the lobby. Potilia watched from behind her counter, fighting to keep her eyes off her book.

It felt odd to be without Suta. Myrsvai had unsummoned him to “save money.” Apparently even familiars had to pay a portal fee.

Before officially leaving, Owin had given Miya most of his gold, hoping she would find a good use for everything he had collected. He had kept fifty for himself to buy a buff from Arimeda on the second floor, but that seemed less useful now that he had his extra buffs from Ernie and Katalin.

Chorsay placed his hand on Myrsvai’s shoulder. “Are you certain you want to go?”

“I’m not helpless, Chorsay.” Myrsvai stared right into his eyes.

The old man patted his shoulder. “I know, Myr. You will have a shard before you know it.”

Chorsay cleared his throat and positioned himself in the middle of everyone. “Keep an eye out for each other. The last floors are isolated. I never finished the Ocean. I don’t know what boss is waiting on the tenth floor. Just remember, there is no exit once you reach the top.”

“Bottom,” Owin said.

“Right. Bottom.” Chorsay smiled softly. “Your only option is to defeat the boss or die, and I am planning on all three of you winning.”

Myrsvai nodded. He adjusted his grip on his staff and prepared to set out.

“If any of you return without the others, you will be talking with me,” Chorsay said, looking right at Vondaire.

“I understand. I will be patient upon slaying the boss.” Vondaire gave an exaggerated bow. “I gain nothing from angering you.”

“Be off. Be safe.”

“Good luck!” Potilia shouted from the counter.

Owin waved to her as he followed Myrsvai outside. The day had barely started for most of Atrevaar. The sun had risen and traffic had started around the portals, but it was still calmer than the city would become later in the afternoon.

Myrsvai stopped at the portal guard, paid his fee, and stepped through.

Owin looked up at the guard. “I only brought enough to pay for a potion from Arimeda.”

Vondaire sighed and stepped in front of Owin. “This is for both of us.”

“Thank you.”

“You owe me.”

“At least we can skip paying in Vraxridge,” Owin said.

“A criminal? I should have known.” Vondaire strolled right to the Vraxridge portal and stepped through without hesitation.

“We shouldn’t linger,” Myrsvai said.

Owin watched the magus step through the portal. He didn’t want the burning feeling again, though with a higher constitution, he wondered if it would even hurt.

“Are you fucking joking?”

Owin reached for the lich bone knife in his belt. “Why are you here?”

Siora stepped up beside Owin. Her shield was on her back and her glowing sword was sheathed. Nikoletta stood a few paces back with some other Void Nexus hero. Siora didn’t look at Owin. She just stared at the swirling portal instead.

“I thought I was seeing things,” she said.

“I made a promise not to kill you,” Owin said.

“That’s a dumb fucking promise. I didn’t make the same one. In fact, Veph put an unofficial bounty on you.”

“I met Veph.”

Siora grunted. “I’d kill you now if it wouldn’t get me arrested.”

“The first time we met was just like this. My friends went through the portal first, and I waited.” Owin turned to her. “But this time, I’m the stronger one.”

Siora tried to raise an eyebrow, but the scars across her face pulled her skin tight. Her index appeared, causing her eyes to widen. “How?”

“Still want to fight me?”

“He is a demon in goblin skin,” Nikoletta said.

Owin grinned. “Maybe I’ll fuse with a demon when I get two shards just to make you angry.”

A portal guard appeared beside them with a hand on a sheathed sword. “I have been warned about the three of you. Any aggression will result in arrest.”

“We know,” Siora said. “We’re leaving anyway. We have a dungeon to conquer.”

“Which one?” Owin asked.

“Why would we tell you?” Nikoletta asked.

“Ocean,” Siora said.

Owin nodded. “Got it.” He stepped through the portal, leaving the Void Nexus heroes behind. A grin spread across his face.

Even if they tried to kill him, Owin wouldn’t let them die.

Revenge doesn’t have to involve violence.

Katalin had been certain Owin would be better off letting the two murderers live. And maybe she was right. He wouldn’t let the Ocean Dungeon kill them, but he wouldn’t let them get a shard if he could help it.

Owin didn’t even notice the pain of the portal and soon appeared in Vraxridge. Myrsvai and Vondaire were watching him as he appeared.

“Get lost?” Myrsvai asked.

“No. We have some company.” Owin pointed behind him as Siora, Nikoletta, and the other hero arrived.

Myrsvai’s index appeared.

“Ah, the Hog killers,” Vondaire said. “I remember them from our first encounter.”

“The Maimed Magus?” Siora asked. “You’re a Nimble Hog? After everything that happened?”

Myrsvai tapped his staff on the ground. Suta appeared in a burst of fire. He immediately raised his hands and jabbed in the air.

“Suta, these are Owin’s enemies,” Myrsvai said.

The familiar’s eyes flicked between each of the Void Nexus heroes. “Rip them in half?”

Nikoletta pushed Siora out of the way. “What did I say? The fools work with the Abyss.”

“No, Suta,” Owin said. “They can’t do anything here. If I attack, you can join me.”

Suta nodded. He stood directly beside Owin and fixed the cloth wraps on his hands.

“He might as well be your familiar,” Myrsvai said.

“Who is this ‘Maimed Magus?’ Why do you know a demonic magus?” Nikoletta asked.

“You act as if there aren’t abyssal menders,” Vondaire said. “Move out of the way so people can go to Atrevaar.”

People were having difficulty maneuvering into the portal, as they had barely moved upon appearing in Vraxridge. Owin and Suta followed Myrsvai to the middle of the platform where a fountain lazily spurted water into the air. Vondaire took the time to chat with a portal guard near one of the entrances.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“The Maimed Magus was a Magna Regum prodigy. You haven’t heard this story?” Siora asked, staring at Myrsvai.

“I suppose I’ve heard the title,” Nikoletta said. “I don’t know the story.”

“He was attacked by a hero company that was kind of infamous for hunting in the dungeons. Couldn’t be proven, but . . .” She gestured to Myrsvai. “The entire company attacked him, and he killed every single one.”

“A simplification. They followed me like hounds and I defended myself.” Myrsvai placed a hand on Suta’s shoulder.

Owin watched Siora’s face. She caught his eyes and scowled.

“I was a kid. Barely twenty years old. Nothing good comes of killing heroes. And I already know you two. I know everything I’ll ever need to know. Hunting those weaker than you. Killing an old, kind man.” He shook his head. “I believe people deserve chances to grow and change. The Nimble Hogs are an opportunity, a second chance for many. You have already set off down a terrible path. Artivan was only kind to everyone.”

“The old bastard isn’t even dead,” Siora said.

“He’s dead,” Nikoletta said. “Ruvaine wouldn’t let an anomaly like him live.”

Siora looked back at Owin. “Then why did she let a goblin leave the dungeon?”

“Not dead?” Myrsvai asked quietly.

“I’ll tell you later,” Owin said. “I only learned recently.”

Vondaire appeared between Siora and Nikoletta. “I hate to break up this reunion, but you are causing a stir within Vraxridge. It turns out the Maimed Magus is more recognizable than I would’ve thought, and of course our little goblin friend is quite the talk around town.”

Owin looked around the portal circle. Every single person was watching them. If he wandered around town, he could find Ernie and Katalin, but knowing what they said, Althowin wouldn’t want to see him. Not yet. He would rather stop on the way back after getting a shard so he could see them and meet with Althowin.

“We should go,” Owin said.

“I hope I never see you again,” Siora said.

Owin smiled. “You go first.”

Siora eyed him warily, then guided her party through the portal to Minolitana Prima.

“Is she going to the Ocean?” Myrsvai asked.

“Yeah.”

“This is going to be an interesting experience.”

Vondaire rolled his eyes and stepped through the portal.

“I didn’t know the story,” Owin said.

“It was many years ago. There’s much more to the story, of course. What she knows is more rumor than fact. When we have time, we can exchange stories.”

Owin nodded.

“You go first this time so we don’t wait.”

Suta grabbed Owin’s arm and dragged him into the portal. He had a few moments of darkness to think. His mind mainly focused on Myrsvai’s arm. Why did he have a replacement for his lost leg but not his lost arm? Was it rude to ask?

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Siora shouted.

Owin waved as he appeared outside the portal. “Ready to ride the ferry together again? Try not to attack me this time.”

Nikoletta whispered something in Siora’s ear, which Siora apparently agreed with. They spoke quietly as Myrsvai manifested.

Vondaire stood near the exit with his arms folded across his chest. “Come on, children. If I need to escort you like your parent, I will. All of you, this way.”

Owin, Suta, and Myrsvai joined Vondaire, but the umbra had yet to move.

“Let’s go, Void Nexus. All of you are joining us on this adventure.”

“We’re not going through the dungeon as a party,” Siora said.

“Of course we’re not,” Vondaire said. “You think I would subject myself to their mindless wandering? I will go first, followed by whoever wants to go next. I really could not care less. We might as well go in order so we know who is before and behind us. It helps us pace appropriately. That way, we can avoid being on any floor with a Shard Hero.”

“He’s right,” Myrsvai said. “Not all Shard Heroes are courteous enough to make sure a floor is clear.”

Siora scowled as much as she could with her scarred face. “He’s right. We’ll go in the middle. Before the goblin.”

“No,” Owin said. “You will go last.”

Siora’s scowl deepend. “Why?”

“That’s the way we’re doing it. If you go first, we’ll follow you right away.”

“You’re a real piece of shit,” Siora said.

“If they get close?” Suta whispered in his ear.

Owin mimicked punching, which got an excited nod from Suta.

Vondaire led the way through Minolitana Prima, into the beautiful seaside city. It smelled of the ocean, which Owin didn’t hate as much as he expected. He knew once he was submerged in the dungeon for a few days, that opinion would change dramatically.

“How did we end up here at the same time?” Nikoletta asked.

“The timing couldn’t be accidental,” Vondaire said. “Your leader has an obsession with the Nimble Hogs, doesn’t she? Perhaps she was spying and decided to send you.”

Siora grunted. “Doubt it. Veph has better things to do than spy.”

“Then what of the umbra lingering outside the Nimble Hogs?” Vondaire asked. “One Sylmare Virtress?”

“How . . .” Siora wiped sweat from her forehead.

“I am not one to judge. I have done my fair share of spying. I saw the goblin here nearly blow himself up while working with an alchemist last night.”

“You what?” Owin asked.

“I enjoy knowing what’s happening.” Vondaire pointed to a building off the main road. It was made of white plaster and red, salt-covered bricks. “That is the Bank of Graisetus. It’s said they have more dungeon gold in their vault than anywhere else in Verdantallis. Can you imagine?”

“Do you do this for money?” Nikoletta asked.

“No, of course not. You have the wrong idea. I do this for fame.” Vondaire gave her a genuine smile then gestured to the stairs down to the ferry. “After you.”

“Fame? Really?” Siora asked.

“I know. With the company I keep, I am falling behind. You two were already familiar with the magus and the goblin, and yet you have no idea who I am.”

“He is stronger than both of us,” Owin said.

“While it is true, I prefer the goblin doesn’t reveal all of my secrets.” Vondaire gestured down the stairs again. “Somebody start moving so I am not forced to shove you all down the stairs.”

Suta waited for others to pass and clung to Myrsvai’s left side where he was missing an arm. He looked up at Myrsvai, who seemed to be listening to something.

“I know,” Myrsvai said. “It’ll be fine.”

“What?” Owin asked.

“Just worried about the water.”

“It isn’t as bad as it sounds,” Owin said. “You don’t swim and you don’t need to hold your breath. You just move a little slower.”

Suta held onto Myrsvai’s cape. He nodded.

“I need to pay your ferry fee too, don’t I?” Vondaire asked.

“Yes,” Owin said.

“You are lucky the Unity Force paid me so well for my service.”

“I didn’t think portal guards would get paid a lot.”

“I was more than a portal guard. Do you not remember my assistance when Taralim was sent to capture you?” Vondaire stopped at the ferry entrance and paid for the two of them. Nikoletta, Siora, and their other party member were already through.

“Of course I remember. I just thought you were following for fun.”

“For fun? Nothing I do is for fun, unfortunately. Not everyone has that luxury. I was part of Taralim’s team, which . . . I cannot actually say what we did. It would be best to just avoid that blood sucking dunce whenever possible.”

Myrsvai argued with the ferry guard about paying for Suta before simply dismissing the familiar. Suta vanished in another burst of flames. As soon as Myrsvai was through the gate, he resummoned him, much to the frustration of the ferry guard.

A few unaffiliated heroes in a party were waiting near the end of the dock. They waved upon spotting everyone. As soon as they noticed Owin, a knight rushed over. She looked like she had been through plenty of tough fights.

Hero

Avani Conastra

Knight

Level: 47

Strength: 196

Constitution: 258

Dexterity: 112

Intelligence: 259

Wisdom: 130

Charisma: 128

“You’re Owin the goblin,” she said.

“Yes.”

Avani scanned the rest of the group and stopped at Myrsvai’s missing arm. Her index flashed in front of her eyes. “And the Maimed Magus? You’re friends?”

Vondaire stood to the side with a scowl on his face.

“Yes,” Owin said again, unsure of how to respond.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Myrsvai said. He let go of his staff and shook her hand. Suta immediately grabbed the staff and held it until Myrsvai took hold once again. “Good luck in the dungeon.”

“You too.” Avani nodded and rejoined her party. They all spoke excitedly, looking over at Owin and Myrsvai again and again.

“Must be nice,” Vondaire said.

“I don’t know them,” Owin said.

“That’s the point of fame. People will know me before long, though I am currently held back by the speed at which you all move. Perhaps I will hop straight to Stobrukha to climb the Sky Dungeon next.”

“Before even going back to Atrevaar?” Owin couldn’t imagine climbing all the way through one dungeon just to jump to the next. Even going through four floors had been exhausting the two times he had done it. “Somebody I met said you need wings to do the Sky Dungeon.”

“If you are a simpleton, I suppose.”

Suta tugged on Vondaire’s jacket. “Ferry.”

Avani, her party, Siora, Nikoletta, and the other Void Nexus hero had already loaded onto the ferry. Owin hurried over and caught a glare from the ferry captain, who happened to be the same woman as his last trip.

Owin found a spot to sit directly beside Siora. While Vondaire and Myrsvai sat on the other side of the ferry, Suta followed Owin and sat a little too close. The familiar’s shoulders butted up against Owin’s, but Suta refused to move.

“Leave us alone,” Siora said.

“No.” Owin leaned forward and looked at Nikoletta. Her eyes glowed yellow. “I’m not scared of you.”

“I don’t give a shit if you’re scared. We’re here to get a shard. I would’ve gone somewhere else if I knew you would be here too.” Siora scratched at the scars on her face. “Could’ve gone back to the Great Forest.”

“Why did Veph put a bounty on my head?”

“I don’t know why she does anything. If you weren’t a Hog, I’m sure she wouldn’t even care about your existence. But you are and she would pay for a full set of unique items if I brought your head to her.” Siora sighed. “I’m not going to try to kill you right now.”

“Maybe in the future,” Owin said.

“I haven’t forgiven you,” Nikoletta said.

“Remember, you attacked me first. All I wanted was a health potion and you never stopped chasing me. I hate both of you and nothing will change that. I promised I would make you regret meeting me.”

Suta also leaned forward. His eyes glowed red and some drool dripped from his mandibles. All three Void Nexus heroes watched silently until Suta sat back without saying a word.

“What’s wrong with that familiar?” Siora asked.

“Nothing. He doesn’t like you.”

Suta nodded. He adjusted the wrappings on his hands then jabbed the air a few times.