"Hen! Tell them to leave one alive. Rather, tell them to expect my arrival when those things stop appearing out of the walls. I'll go and capture a few myself." I say to Henry, "Gotta go find Agus!"
Of course I know exactly where our Runic Enchanter is; within his chamber. Not waiting for Henry's answer, one Blink and I find myself sitting on my favorite chair by Agus's work table. And not one to miss my chance, I tried to call his name spookily. "A~gu~s!"
"Please Zen! You're not some kid going treat or treating…" he replied coolly. "Why are you here?"
"Tsk! Stupid Mana Sense!" I suppose it's good that he is alert regardless of his current action. "You interested in capturing some Quagxytes? See, they're currently under attack down there and I plan to get in myself as soon as new creatures stop appearing and randomly copying people. So—"
"I need to prepare their cages, right?" He finished my sentence for me.
"—y… yeah." I agreed, pausing to see if he's gonna start reading my mind… "So, What am I gonna say now?"
"I can't read minds, okay."
"Well don't act like you do!" I chided him before chuckling. "How many should we capture?"
"Are there any uses for them?"
"Uh no, but…" I told him about what Henry had told me, "so I'm just curious about how they die in captivity. And we can probably test its phasing ability by making cages out of various materials?"
Then I proceed to tell him about the weird scientist who wanted to experiment on the walls of our killzone. Agus happened to know the man and would go find the guy to help him experiment in a better, less tedious way. After all, our new killzone is kinda large—how many resources we would need as well as the time it will take to do the experiment on such a large scale, in a common area to boot. I left him to it and Blinked down as the creatures had stopped coming out of the walls, and each had copied a person present.
Alas, being copies of ordinary people merely in their 20s, level-wise. Grabbing this batch of Quagxytes are as easy as literally grabbing them with my hands; one on each arm. Their punches do not even register as attacks to my armored arms, and I am more baffled by how I may hold these two captive while I catch more. Maybe… a large wave of Trilattic plates swarms out of its dimensional storage to encompass both creatures in several layers of armor. Too bad they are actually living creatures and are not Repository-able. Thus, in this exact same way, I collect as much as 7 Quagxytes in individual Trilattic Swarm containers. And was forced to walk back while carrying them on my shoulders.
By the end of the work hours, our digging team had almost made it through—my offer to finish the rest was unfortunately rejected as everyone wanted to be there for the occasion—and are confident they will get the job done by noon tomorrow. So I got busy experimenting with the creatures I caught instead. As a result, we have determined several materials that are capable of holding Quagxytes; easiest of all being mana barriers or construct—my Trilattic Swarm for example, wood—assuming they are sturdy enough, and displaced pockets of space. Anyhow, this gives us plenty of options to Quagxyte proof our mine entrance.
Skill level up, Lapidary 9 > 17
Skill level up, Inspect 42 > 43
Bleh, it's my own fault that all I did all morning was cut the large Mana core and watch someone else's adventure, then experiment with people whose brains are too smart for their size. Feeling like it's about time I once again grind for levels, so I gated myself to Beijing and flew to a Dungeon Billy mentioned previously; Guanzhong Chronicles Dungeon. I was told it is related to a Chinese writer Luo Guanzhong who wrote Romance of the Three Kingdom. The Dungeon itself manifests over The National Library of China and is unique in the way time passes during our run and how we are only left with our skills upon entry. I plan to spend the night grinding my combat skills and experience within.
** DING **
Guanzhong Chronicles
Level 27 Dungeon
Party limit: 1
Instanced: 24 / 100
Slot available
Please provide mana: 18,000
…
…
750 days available, enter?
Yes / No
'Yes!'
—
Slash Smash Stab! My Dao blade beheads the rebel trash before me, they call themselves the Yellow Turban. Traitors of our Han Dynasty! Today is the day their dog leader shall die to my blade and Skills… Leap strike! Amputate, Chop!—My name is Zane Zhang, born in a family of farmers. Since a young age, I have always been better and more Skillful in using various tools and weapons compared to my peers. Something I believe to be a combination of talent and hardwork, an advantage I further honed during my times completing chores around the farm. Cutting wood and crop harvest, repairing broken fences and galloping across the fields herding the sheeps, to name a few. Nobody else seems to understand everytime I attempt to describe the magical feeling of owning and using a Skill. Let alone the number I can see hovering above on my peripheral vision. After a few weeks of trying to tell people, I stopped and accepted that I am different. They will never understand.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
748 Days
0/0/0 Kills
When the rebels decided to wage war on our Han Dynasty, all able bodied men got conscripted to join. Unexpectedly, amidst blood and death, I strive. My talents are put to good use and my bravery unrivaled. I stare at Zhang Jue's head, his long hair flowing with the wind within my grasp. Our battle is almost over and victory is nigh. The few days following the death of their leaders were spent hunting down the rebels in yellow. By my own hands, I claimed the lives of more than 15 thousand men. Then in feasts and celebrations. I was promoted as a general; got provided my very own Guandao, and a well bred horse.
Unfortunately, the victor we may be, the war hits us hard. Our Han Dynasty was weakened by the constant conflict, and had had nary a time to recover when another group of rebels struck. In the following war, blood flowed like a river, both ours and our enemy's; this time almost 3 thousand enemy soldiers died by my hands. I claimed the heads of Wang Guo and Beigong Boyu before finally putting Bian Zhang to rest under my Guandao.
739 Days
19,017/4/1 Kills
—
"Ling of Han has died of illness, alone on his bed. It is about time you all; his corrupt Eunuchs follow him to the grave!" I yelled at the eleven of twelve eunuchs that managed to run away towards the riverbank. Charge Strike! Slash Smash Stab… They stood no chance against the might of my blade! After days of tempering myself through the forges of war, my numerous Skills have fused and returned to simplicity. Where there was once Chop; I now understand how it is simply a stronger, mightier Slash. The same is true with how Pierce is a more profound use of Stab, or how Amputate is the combined usage of both Slash-and-Stab… Gradually, as my mastery rises, all becomes one; Slash Smash Stab!
Even now, as I target eunuch Li Song with a Charge-Stab, I feel there is more to this Skill… Leap Strike—and another three die to my beloved Guandao; pierced, bisected and crushed under my strength. Sidewinding! I dodge the arrows shot by these lowly people, now standing with my back facing Zhang Rang. Sidewinding-Slash~before the skill ends, I flow with the air brought forth by yet more arrows and Charged, Smashing onto another enemy, then with a Stab, I flow into a Leap. Ending the remaining enemies midair, with rapid stabs of my blade. I now stand alone before the reddening river, bathing in the satisfaction of victory. I am inspired!! Charge like a river flow oh so serene, Leap below the thundering avalanche, movements Flowing and ever changing as Arts should be.
733 Days
19,034/14/2 Kills
—
The last of our enemies fell before my weapon. I watch Luoyang fall into ruins and fire, while its former ruler; Dong Zhuo, runs with his tail between his legs like the cowardly dog he is. The battle was concluded rather easily, our coalition of warlords had managed to successfully cut off their supply and outnumbered the enemy. Following that, what little imperfection mar their walls was enough for me to utilize. Allowing me to Flow up their defences undetected; sometimes leaping, sometimes climbing and drifting. Then, once I stood atop the walls, nobody within was powerful enough to stop me. Yet again, thousands die to my attacks.
Despite successfully taking control of the city, our strategist decided against occupying the devastated city of Luoyang… A few days passed and a rookie team led by Cao Cao encountered defeat and was forced to retreat in the hands of Dong Zhuo's well trained army led by Xu Rong. Yet was fierce enough during combat that Xu, too, decided to retreat. Hence, days passed; our coalition broke apart. And due to my familiarity with him, I chose to follow Sun Jian.
724 Days
19,327/15/2 Kills
—
"Together we rallied troops of righteousness, with a purpose of saving the nation. The rebels and bandits are on the point of destruction, and yet people can act like this. Whom can I work with?" Said Sun Jian to his elites and I, when he heard of the attack done by his former allies; Zhou Yu who was leading Yuan Shao's army, during our campaign to retake Yangcheng. Alas their misdeed bore no fruit as Sun Jian, along with our reinforcement Gongsun Yue; whom I saved from an arrow, and myself. Managed to keep them at bay. They then retreated a few days later. On his triumphant return, when he left to travel home, Gonsun died to an arrow shot by one dead lucky bandit.
I continued to follow Sun Jian. Now on our way to occupy Xiangyang, where we engaged with Huang Zu multiple times. Our conflict always ended in his retreat, until he finally ran towards Mount Xian and was finally slain even after the sacrifice of his subordinates. After this victory, Sun Jian and I part ways; him on his way home, and I for more adventure. Unfortunately, the next I heard of him was news of his death in the wilderness… I am currently walking the perilous path of a lone wolf, rarely do I indulge myself in alcohol—yet tonight. There shall be indulging in abundance.
713 Days
21,105/17/3 Kills
—
While I venture alone, helping people in need where I walk and punishing those who deserve justice. I caught news of Dong Zhuo's death at the hands of his subordinate. Then of Cao Cao invading the Xu province and his infamous act of plundering and killings of the innocent.
691 Days
21,369/17/3 Kills
—
I made my way to the Xu province to provide what aid I can give, and was met with Liu Bei, who had heard of my might and invited me to join his cause. After much convincing and witnessing his kindness and prowess, I digressed. Days passed while I continued to follow Liu Bei, assisting him with his various endeavors regarding his new territory. Meanwhile, we caught wind of Cao Cao's various exploits at Yan Province. And I personally received a letter from Sun Ce, the son of my dear departed friend.
Zane Zhang, I have heard tales of your exploits and valiant deeds from the numerous letters my father has sent back to me throughout the year. I dare admit I am curious and very much looking forward to meeting you in person.
It is with pride and hope that I invite and request for your aid in my conquest to take over Jiandong. Together, along with my mighty generals and valiant army. We shall claim the lands whereupon I, Sun Ce, shall build a dynasty that would bring forth pride and glory in the name of my father, Sun Jian!
With blessings from Liu Bei, who provided me with a mighty travel horse, supplies that would last me weeks, and my trusty Guandao. I depart to rendezvous with Sun Ce and his army.
Note:
Just following the larger timeline and kinda making details up regarding the story of the 3 kingdoms. :D.
Dao is a single edged blade.
Guandao is blade above mounted on a pole.
Meta note: dungeon's data format.
Guanzhong Chronicles
Level 27 Dungeon — lv = person entering
Party limit: 1
Instanced: 24 / 100
Slot available
Please provide mana: 18,000 (1mana=1hr)
…
…
750 days available, enter?
Yes / No