1 Hour after the embarrassing ‘Grand Entrance
“There, there.” Marley said, as she’s giving me headpats, while I just slump down on a log. By now everybody has gone back to what they were doing previously, having satisfied their curiosity upon meeting me.
The headpats are nice…
Wait! Since I have an avatar, would it be possible for me to go outside?
Excited at the prospect of going outside I stood up startling Marley.
[Yes, however, you must stay within a 12km(or about 7.4 miles) radius around the dungeon, it is possible to increase this limit past level 50.]
Aww poo, well that definitely placed a damper on my mood. Oh well at least I can visit this city I keep hearing about. That's still a huge area mind you, I just can’t go past it.
“Marley!” I suddenly said, “I know what I have to do!”
“Umm, what?” The Young Guard officer nervously said.
Smiling widely, and I grab both of her shoulders. “I wanna go out and touch actual grass! Not dungeon grass, but real grass!” I declared.
Marley had this confused expression, so I clarified, “What I mean is that I wanna go outside the dungeon.”
“Oooooh, ok, I understand.” Marley said, and then asked. “But are you sure going out alone is wise?”
Tch, she’s right, and I don’t know If I can reasonably defend myself since I have absolutely zero experience with swords and only basic self-defense techniques. Why would a history professor such as I need sword training?
System can I bring my creatures with me? If so then how many?
You can only bring a maximum of two dungeon creatures with you. This cap may be increased after leveling up to level 65.
Wait! So what happens if I go beyond the limit?
You will be teleported back to the dungeon entrance.
Ah, ok good to know. Then it's decided, I’m taking a Young Guard and another from my 1st Dungeon Infantry Regiment, purely because I just want to see the reactions from people at seeing a Night Elf line infantry.
“Alright, your concerns are valid, and as such I’ll take one from the Young Guard, and a second from the 1st Dungeon Infantry Regiment.” I said, scratching the back of my head. “I would like to bring more, but I’m only allowed 2. Is that fine with you?”
“Oh absolutely!” Marley exclaimed.
Bidding Marley farewell, I began to walk around the camp to search for somebody to pick. Essentially choosing the next Young Guard I see.
And ahhh, I love hearing those cannons roar. Continuing on, I saluted the cook, who smiled and waved back, as I passed by her tent. Huh? That's odd, I do not remember summoning any cooks, but then again they must’ve automatically spawned when I started summoning actual soldiers. I wonder what other camp followers have appeared?
Either way, I’m glad, cause I don’t see them as summonable options otherwise my girls would be starving! An army marches on its stomach as Napoleon once said. I have faith that the girls at the Town hall and barracks are fine when it comes to food and water. I’ll pay them a visit later.
Soon thereafter I spotted a group of four, sitting on logs near tables having a hearty meal and laughing merrily. Yeah I won’t interrupt them, I pan to the left and quickly spot a lone woman reading a book underneath a tree.
"Hey!" I called out as I approached her. She perked up, glancing away from her book. “What are you doing here alone?”
Closing the book the guardswomen replied “Oh y’know, I’m taking refuge, away from the noise at the moment.”
“Ah, I see.” I said, smiling before placing my hands on my hips. “I’m planning to go outside the dungeon, and I need to have an escort of two. Wanna come? It’s perfectly ok to decline!”
She rose from her seat, tucking her book into her backpack and securing it on her shoulders. With a swift motion, she retrieved her musket and offered a brisk salute.
“Ma’am I’d be honored to accompany you!” The woman declared, dropping her salute.
“But before we go, do you have a name?” I ask, to which the girl nodded.
“Mhm, Officer Marley bestowed me with the name Jeannette-Dubois ma’am” Jeannette responded.
“Well then Ms Jeannette I’ll be in your care.” I say as I offer a quick bow.
Alright! Bodyguard 1 get! Now onto bodyguard 2. So how am I gonna get to the barracks… Oh wait! I forgot I am the Dungeon Core, I can just teleport Jeannette and I there!
“Ok Jeannette stay near me I’m about-“ I was interrupted when a voice behind me yelled for me to wait. Turning behind only to face a panting Marley.
“Madame, before you go, here take this. I noticed that you do not possess a pistol.” Marley says handing me a flintlock pistol, and a cartridge pouch.
"Thanks, Marley!" I expressed gratitude as I swiftly took the pistol and holstered it on my right hip. I then grabbed the cartridge pouch, slinging it over my shoulder and adjusting it until it settled comfortably at my right rear.
Once I was finished, I motioned Jeannette to stand near me, as I snapped my fingers and both Jeannette and I were teleported inside the second floor of the barracks, completely startling both Sasha and Vaeri. Fortunately it was just Sasha and Vaeri currently up here.
“Hello World!” I declared once the teleport was finished, I noticed Jeannette was hanging onto my leg like her life depended on it. Poor girl must’ve been freaked out… I’ll make it up to you I promise!
Vaeri, however, was the first to recover. “So the Great Mother has finally graced us with her physical form.” Vaeri proceeded to cusp both hands together and utter something in Elvish.
Honestly speaking I have no idea what she’s saying so I turned to Sasha and whispered. “Do you have any idea what she’s saying?”
Sasha just shrugged, “Ah I haven’t a clue either.”
Vaeri finished doing whatever it is she’s doing and finally addressed both Jeannette and I, “So what does the Great Mother need from us? And also who’s that clutching onto your leg?”
“Ah, this lovely lady holding onto my leg is Jeannette-Dubois, a member of the Young Guard.” I stated, as Jeannette let go, standing up she dusted her trousers before offering a sheepish smile while scratching the back of her head. “And to answer your first question, I am going outside the dungeon and am looking for a second guard. Specifically one from the 1st Dungeon Infantry Regiment.”
Vaeri nodded, “Then I know the perfect candidate, Earalyn. She may not be as skilled as say Jeannette when it comes to firearms, but I can assure you she’s very good at lightning and water magic. I’ll go grab her now.”
“Wait a minute, hol up, something ain't right. Since when can you use magic?!” I asked, showing a shocked expression. When did I give the 1st Dungeon Infantry Regiment the ability to use magic?
“Ah, since we were summoned. I’ve had the regiment practice magic when those undead aren’t actively attacking.” Vaeri explained, “We’ve decided to use magic, only against troublesome adventurers.”
Moon Elf, fantasy race, figures.
Vaeri proceeded downstairs leaving Sasha and I alone. “So,” I said, then continuing “What happened here when they first used magic?”
Sasha let out a long sigh and facepalmed, “It was ridiculous. Before all that happened, we searched the barracks some more, and found a hatch that led down to the cellar. The cellar itself was empty, but on the far side of the room was a tunnel, upon further exploration this tunnel leads directly to the townhall and since then we’ve been giving the Austrians and Ottomans supplies to sustain themselves.”
Sasha paused to take a drink from her water flask, and continued, “Shortly thereafter Vaeri and her regiment made the cellar their home, relocating all their belongings there. So one day we heard an explosion and the entire garrison was thrown into alarm thinking a bloater had destroyed a portion of the wall. We were wondering where Vaeri and 1st Dungeon were, until we heard more explosions coming from the cellar. I took some girls with me to investigate and what we found was shocking. We saw objects float, fire created from thin air and some others. I don’t know how to describe it except witchcraft and sorcery.”
Oh wow, so the Moon Elves threw the Opolcheniye into a panic just by practicing magic. That's actually pretty funny.
“So I take it that the misunderstanding was solved?” I asked.
Sasha nodded, “Yes, Vaeri apologized to us profusely for causing a panic, and I don’t know what she did but we’ve never heard anything coming from the cellar everytime they practice their witchcraft.”
“Umm, what is magic? And what is witchcraft” I heard Jeannette speak up.
Oof, I do not know how to answer that. Sorry Jeannette, you are asking the wrong people here.
“Uhh, maybe you can ask Earalyn when comes? Cause I don’t know.” I truthfully state.
That was until Vaeri came back with another Moon Elf, who has soft deep-silver skin, that at certain angles seem to glow, and she has short silver hair, topped off with pale-blue eyes with a tinge of silver.
“I’m back, and I’ve brought Earalyn.” Vaeri says as she gestured to the elf in question who removed her helmet and proceeded to do a quick bow before equipping it back on.
“Earalyn reporting for duty, It’d be an honor to accompany the Great Mother!” Earalyn declared.
I nodded, “Then, Earalyn. Stay close, you too Jeannette.” As I said that, both Jeannette and Earalyn drew closer to me. Though in the case for Jeannette, holding on for dear life as I proceeded to snap my fingers.
The three of us suddenly found ourselves near the dungeon entrance this time startling a group of four adventurers looking to challenge my dungeon. I spot two Humans, one Dwarf and one Wood Elf. Though the Dwarf looked old, well old in Dwarven years at least, I mean he’s got gray hair showing.
“Ah, so the avatar has manifested.” He comments, after he said that, his three companions all visibly paled.
Wait, how does he know? Was I that obvious? I mean of course my outfit is novel to this world, but I could’ve been another creature!
“Was I that obvious?” I plainly stated
The Dwarf gave a hearty chuckle, “Kid, I’ve been exploring dungeons for the past 300 years. No other dungeon creature can suddenly teleport between floors flanked by two creatures, one Human and Moon Elf for that matter. Since this dungeon is still relatively young, it has no creatures capable of teleportation, and judging by the increased mana signals you emit pales in comparison to your two companions. Hell I’m so old that I remember a time when dungeon avatars would regularly interact with us outsiders.” The Dwarf said, then he suddenly sports a gloomy and downcast expression. “It saddens me that avatars don’t interact with us anymore, thus leading to the world forgetting that dungeons are very much alive. Dungeon killers certainly have not helped.”
Oh wow, well that was sure something..
Then the Dwarf had a puzzled expression. “Speaking of, I heard from the guild that you have humans as creatures, but they never mentioned anything about Moon Elves being dungeon creatures?” He said, a sentiment echoed by his companions.
I shrugged, “Oh, I for sure thought the party that survived floor 3 would’ve told the guild about my Moon Elves. I guess they forgot. Anyway my name is Amelia Yokakko! What's yours?” I asked and offered him a handshake.
“Jagruik Mineriver, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Jagruik said, returning my handshake, then he gestured to his companions. “The Wood Elf next to me, his name is Yinxalim Ineli, the humans behind us are Arthur Short, and Emma Short.” Upon the mention of their names each person either waved or bowed
"Well, Jagruik, I won't keep you any longer. Good luck! But above all, remember to have fun!" I bid farewell to the group, gesturing for my two companions to accompany me. Pushing open the hefty door, I led the way into the outside world.
“Hah, we will!” Jagruik said, as we soon parted ways.
Emerging together, the three of us experienced the outside world for the first time. Before us lay a city in the making, its landscape dotted with tents serving as temporary shelters or vital facilities. Beyond, the lush embrace of pristine forests framed this burgeoning settlement. There’s a dirt road that connects my dungeon to the settlement.
I take a deep breath, and let out a drawn out exhale, “Smell that fresh air.” That was then when the three of us were garnering a large amount of attention. Of course, it’s basically guaranteed that everyone just lazer focuses on us, we basically stick like a sore thumb! Especially with the uniforms we wore.
“Alright, Jeannette, Earalyn. Stay close, we won't or rather can’t wander far, I just plan to walk around.” I said, as the two soldiers drew their muskets, but ensured that their muskets were set to half-cock. I panned to my right where I spotted two Conquistador-esque soldiers wielding halberds, staring intently at us.
“Um excuse me, do you know where the current adventurers guild is?” I asked, raising my pointer finger.
This snapped them out of staring at us before one of them answered. “Um, move down the road, and at a four-way intersection, turn left, and straight ahead there should be a large tent that has a post outside depicting a mug, sword, and a shield. That's the adventurers guild.”
“Alright! Well thank you miss, mister.” I said before we began walking down the road, and passing a couple of farmers loading crates onto a wagon who took a brief glance at us and continued on with their work. While Jeannette and Earalyn were diligently scanning our surroundings.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
About 20 minutes of walking, still the Yokakko Povenator:
We, or rather I decided to walk at brisk slow pace, you know just to admire the hustle and bustle of this settlement as well as the foliage. Honestly speaking, we’d be at the Adventurers Guild by now if it weren’t the fact that I keep stopping every few seconds just to admire every fantasy fauna that I happen to come across. By now the people got used to us and have stopped incessantly staring, which was good cause I was starting to become self-conscious!
So we reached the intersection that the guard mentioned and we took a left turn to what I can assume as a residential district. As for why the Adventurer’s Guild would be in a residential zone I have no idea, but then again it is temporary. Overall there wasn’t anyone here. Probably out doing either farming or construction.
That was until halfway through the street Earalyn placed her hand in front of me completely stopping me dead in my tracks.
I look towards her and she’s showing a serious expression staring intently at some bushes in between two tents to our left. Earalyn set her musket to full-cock and pointed it at the bush. Jeannette seeing this also mimicked the Moon Elf.
“Is something the matter?” I said as I drew my pistol and also pointed at the bush.
“Yes, just now I casted ‘Scan’ and I counted 6 red dots.” Earalyn said, “They could be anything, from animals to people.”
Just then a band of six jumped out brandishing all kinds of weapons, from knives, short spears, and frankly all manner of weapons. I counted 3 men and 3 women, and all look like they’ve just got out a dumpster. Except not really, I mean who wears a bright yellow shirt and pants while trying to rob someone! Everyone else seems like they got the memo and tried to be inconspicuous and wore much less brighter clothing.
“Halt!” Jeannette yelled, “In the name of the Empress stay where you are!”
The bright Yellow Girl over there began to start drooling at the sight of us, “Hey now missy’s, why don’t you come with us~” She said, making lewd gestures. Her five companions just looked at her like she’d gone mad.
Ugh, couldn’t this girl get anymore insufferable, and it’s a girl doing it too! Which makes this worse.
“Listen, we don’t want trouble, I just want to go to the Adventurers Guild. So we’d appreciate it if you stepped aside, and nobody has to get hurt.” I stated in as plain a voice I could muster.
The group of six began huddling together, before Yellow Girl stepped forward and said, “We tried to be nice, so now we’ll have to do this by force.”
He unsheathed and began dual-wielding daggers.
“Fire!” I declared as the three of us fired a volley, killing two. I missed and hit a tent instead. Oops! Looks like somebody’s gonna be pissed when they come home.
Vaeri instead of reloading like what Jeannette and I are doing, slung her musket on her shoulders and her hands began emitting electricity, causing two lightning bolts to form in each hand.
She hurled both bolts, striking Yellow Girl with pinpoint accuracy who fell to ground and began convulsing. Hot damn Vaeri must’ve had a grudge against him. Makes sense considering she was being extremely sus.
But! I’m now locked in a sword duel with this Catgirl holding a shortsword. My two guards are preoccupied, though I did hear another shot and a body going down.
It’s clear at my lack of sword training cause I’ve only parried once and I’m just dodging her sword strikes. I pan to my right and witnessed Vaeri now holding her musket locked into a melee with a man using nun-chucks and doing some seriously impressive acrobatics. I pan to my left and watched as Jeannette bayoneted a girl through the head.
Agh! I shouldn’t have been distracted as this Catgirl kicked me causing me to drop my saber. My bicorne also fell off!
“That's It!,” I declared, “No more Mr. Nice Guy.”
And I assumed a pose, raising my fists. Ok just like my self-defense instructor taught me. The Catgirl has stopped striking, careful to be cautious, what she didn’t expect was a sudden leg sweep and me grappling her in a chokehold.
“Ack, P-lEasE.” The Catgirl said, straining as she did so.
12 more appeared surrounding Earalyn, Jeannette and I. All twelve dressed in a black suit and tie, short black hair and dark tinted sunglasses.
Oh goddamnit where did these guys come from! I released the Catgirl, causing her to spring back into action and backflipped away from me. Before she and the rest of her group ran off.
“Well this is a bit of a pickle.” I commented.
So these newcomers are dressed much more elegantly as if they’re servants of some noble or something like that.
Somebody dressed in a very elegant black top hat and tuxedo slowly approached, doing a slow clap. “Well, well. Some new Dungeon Core thinks she’s hot shit huh.” The man stopped to come face to face with me. “You three have been troublesome, and it's time to put you in your place.”
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What the hell is this guy’s deal! I just wanted to see the Adventurers Guild! I’ve done literally nothing to deserve this!
“What do you mean by that? I just wanted to see the Adventurers Guild.” I said, my face was heating up with anger as I glared at this man.
The man broke into a laugh, with his lackeys following along. “Heh, hahahahah. You’re funny, but unfortunately it’s time for you to go, the Bangania Dungeon sends his regards''
The man walked back towards the circle, and I could see that we’ve gathered a crowd of onlookers, and why aren’t the guards doing anything! This is not right! I could even see adventurers with weapons drawn and ready for a fight.
“Eliminate them, and then we go into the Dungeon and take her Core.” The man said, raising his fist before, and soon his twelve lackeys began glowing before each lackey had one large dark sphere.
I admit I’m actually scared right now, and suddenly I understand why the adventurers and guards aren’t doing anything right now.
“Well, ladies it was nice knowing you in person. Seeing as I won’t be seeing you in person for one week.” I said, embracing both Earalyn and Jeannette into a tight hug as the twelve guys launched their spheres at us.
I closed my eyes waiting for this to be over… but it never came, I opened my eyes and found that we were encased In a white barrier.
I glanced upward and beheld a striking sight: a Foxgirl adorned in a lovely red dress embellished with delicate floral patterns, she is also wearing black elbow-length gloves, and red heels with black stockings. Her long brown hair was elegantly tied into a ponytail with a Chinese hair pin adorned with a flower motif.
That man is glaring at her, “Stay out of this Karland! This doesn’t concern you!”
Wait! This woman is THE 100 floored Karland Dungeon! Oh thank you!.
Karland giggled, “Oh but it does concern me, Bangania.” She said, “If this is your way of trying to get back together with me? By killing Dungeons in MY homeland?”
Bangania fell down to his knees, “YES! YES! If I gather enough Cores and give them to you then maybe you’ll love me again! And we can finally be together…”
Huh?! What the huh?! How did this turn from me wanting to touch grass and walk to the Adventurers Guild, to being mugged then onto a quarrel between exes!? I mean seriously, why am I involved in this? Well anyways, no matter how much I complain, I’ve been unceremoniously dragged into this!
“Umm,” I began, but the man glared at me and interrupted, “Shut it! This is between Karland and I, not you!”
Karland landed in front of him, three of the lackey’s made an attempt to get at Karland, but she just slices them in half with one single hand motion, while not even batting them an eye,
“I have told you for the past 500 years that we will never get back together again, you blew your chance when you killed my friends. In fact you’re proving my point right now by trying to kill Amelia, my first ever friend in 500 years. So yes this does involve her,” Karland said glaring daggers at Bangania.
Holy moly are her eyes glowing red? Anyways I pan to my left, and I watch Earalyn hands begin to spark, and to my right Jeannette’s musket is ready. I picked up my saber and sheathed it, since it’s clear that I am not great with it.
Bangania stood up, and began madly cackling, and his face grew into a twisted smile, “Heheh, AHAHAHAH, if I can’t have you… THEN NOBODY CAN!” Then he pointed to the three of us, “Automatons! Kill her creatures, and either knock or restrain the avatar, I’ll take the Core myself.” He jumped to the skies, with Karland doing the same.
The barrier dissipated causing the 9 remaining lackeys to attack. Jeannette was quick and fired her musket. Aaaand the shot missed…
Earalyn uses force lightning, it's super effective! As two Lackey’s were electrocuted to death, then she does some kind of zig-zag pattern with her hands and out comes a torrent of water every time she slashes using her hands.
Looks like Earalyn’s got herself handled. Oh what’s this a challenger approaches? Well then, COME AT ME!
Raising my fists, I swerved to the left dodging a sword strike. I knee him in the stomach causing him to drop his sword.
It's a fair 1v1 fist fight! Except he bends down to grab his sword. Big mistake buddy, so I uppercut him, causing his head to fly off.
Uhhh, I’m pretty sure my punches aren’t THAT strong, and is that some green liquid? Wait are those wires and circuitry jotting out from his neck! Yoooooooo, I thought these were real humans for a second. They’re more built like androids, at least to me they are.
Suddenly I was grabbed from behind, another stands in front and punches me in the stomach. I held back a scream, but it was tough. I attempted to hit the person that grabbed me with my elbow, but it was for naught, cause as soon as I even made the attempt, I was hit in the face.
This happened three more times before Jeannette hit the guy with the butt of her musket before bayoneting him in the face. I finally elbowed the person who grappled me, which caused me to be released.
Turning to face the person it was, surprise, surprise! Another lackey!
“Payback,” I said, before punching him in the face, knocking him down instantly. I didn’t stop there, I was pissed! So I grabbed him by the collar and I punched him again, and again.
This went for at least 12 more seconds, stopping once I saw his face becoming mangled with his outer skin, flesh, and wires.
“Well, that sure was the randomest of random encounters I tell you what.” I comment, dropping the man’s body, and going over to pick my bicorne to place back on my head.
Until a body fell on top of me, knocking me down to my stomach. With some help from both Earalyn and Jeannette, both free me by sliding the body off.
And getting up I could now confirm that this guy was Bangania, who also stood up, albeit a bit shaky. He stares longingly at Karland, floating above him, “I LOVE YOUUuuu-“ Bangania said, his voice growing quieter as his body, as well the bodies of his lackeys, began dissipating into blue particles, until there was nothing left.
In fact the area around us reverted back to its previous state, almost like nothing even happened here. Except for the absolutely huge crowd of on-lookers who bore witness to this, and I dare say it an incredibly dumb fight that did not even need to happen. Except for the bullet hole in the tent, no that's still there, and the corpses from the first group who tried to… rob us? Whatever they’re still there.
Karland, released a huge sigh, “Where did I go wrong.” She said, before touching down to the ground just in front of me.
She suddenly beamed a huge smile, before encasing me between her huge breasts!
“Mmmphfmmpfpmfhs.” I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in heaven right now, but is it really worth it if I suffocate?
She finally let go after what seemed like forever as I was gasping for air.
“Oh I’m so glad to finally meet you Amelia!” Karland exclaimed, sporting a smile that just about threatened to split her face in half. “And I’m so sorry that you got dragged into my personal life, but the fortunate part is that we won’t be seeing him for a week.”
“Yeah, well uh, um, yeah… that sure was something.” I said, scratching the back of my head.
“Hey, quick question. That Bangania person, was he related to that mercenary group that tried to shatter my core not too long ago?” I asked.
Karland shook her head, “Fortunately no, if it was him. Then you wouldn’t be alive, rather you’d be unconscious since he’ll personally show up to take the Core. I’ve had a couple of run-ins with them myself. I mean seriously that creep has a floor dedicated to showing off his Core collection.”
Wait what? This guy has an entire floor filled with other Dungeon Cores!? “Hang on! Does this guy seriously have a floor like that!”
Karland nods. “Yep,” She said rather bluntly. “How did I know that? He told me, I can’t do anything about it because my range is 1 km away. Otherwise I would’ve beaten him to a pulp and shattered his Core.”
“I-I see, then another question two actually: why didn’t the guards and adventurers do anything? And how did you and Bangania find me?” I said.
Karland placed har right hand on her chin. “Hmm, my guess would be that they detected a fight between dungeon avatars, thus choosing not to interfere. As for your second question, oh that's easy, I followed Bangania here after he entered my dungeon claiming that he’s found and I quote, ‘another dungeon to my gift collection’ and here I am with you.”
“Ahh, I see.” I said, “But still doesn’t answer my first question though.”
“Well as was demonstrated here today, fights between avatars and their creatures can get very nasty for virtually everyone else, have the potential to be fatal, and result in much destruction.” Karland explained. “And even though the landscape and or any damage caused as a result revert back to how it was previously. Say a house was obliterated as a result of a fight between two avatars, then once the fight has concluded then that house will reappear. Like nothing even happened. The same can’t be said for anyone unfortunate to be caught in the crossfire.
“Ah, ok, that actually makes sense.” I said, “Say, would you like to accompany me to the Adventurers Guild? It's right ahead.”
Karland smiled, and simply said, “Lead on.”
We continued walking to the Adventurers Guild, this time the three of us were joined by Karland. By now the crowd which had gathered has been dispersed, going back to what they were originally doing.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Dragdville Adventurers Guild, Receptionist Anna,
I looked up from my quilt when I heard the tent open, only to find 4 absolutely gorgeous women walking inside. I briefly studied them, the group consisted of two Humans, one Foxkin, and one Moon Elf. The Foxkin is wearing a red dress that resembles something you can find in Far Eastern countries. On the other hand the three next to her are wearing some unfamiliar uniforms, save for the girl in the middle of the trio, her hat resembles the hat that I saw Markus wear.
“Excuse me ladies, is there something I can help you with?” I said, getting the attention of the four.
“Yes you can!” The girl in the middle of said trio spoke, approaching my desk. “I would like to register as an adventurer please.”
Then she turned to her companions, “Do you two want to join?”
“I go wherever the Great Mother goes.” “I am sworn to protect the Empress!” Both the Moon Elf and the other Human said simultaneously.
Wait! Empress? Great Mother? Ah whatever I am not paid to judge whoever enters the guild.
Then she turned to the Foxkin, “What about you?” She asked.
The Foxkin smiled, “You know what, sure. This'll be interesting.”
The girl just nodded. “Yes! We have a party of four.”
“Individual or party?” I said, pulling out two separate forms from the drawer and placing them on the desk.
“We’d like to form a party.” She responded.
Removing the left form and placing it back inside the drawer, “I see, in that case, sign this party form. Write down your party name, though that's optional, full name and signature at the bottom, then your other party members must also do the same. Don’t worry about classes and the like, It’ll be taken care of once I scan the form.” I explained, passing the form as well as a feather and ink to their side.
The girl took no time in writing on the form, before passing it onto her other companions and in turn they did the same. It didn’t take them long to finish filling out the form as they handed it back to me.
Taking the form, and reading it.
Party Name: Boney’s Warrior-Terriers
Party Leader: Amelia Yokakko
Names: Amelia Yokkako, Earalyn Sikweaver, Jeannette-Dubois Seyrais, Karland
Signatures: AY, [very fancy scribble], JDS~, KD
Alright, everything’s in order. I grab my scepter which was propped up against my chair. I activate it causing the gray crystal at the end to begin emitting a soft green glow.
My scepter began emmiting a green glow as I scanned the form, in which green squares in a grid pattern momentarily appeared before vanishing and four cards materialized on top of the form.
I levitate all four cards to me so that I can perform one final check.
Name: Amelia Yokakko
Adventurer Level: 1
Class: Undetermined
Race: Dungeon Core
Gender: Undetermined
HP: Undetermined
MP: Undetermined
Hold on! Did I misread it because I swear it said ‘Dungeon Core’ in the Race section, and why is the levels section changed to Adventurer Level? Rereading it again yielded the same result as, yep it said ‘Dungeon Core’ on it, I wasn’t going crazy. I grabbed my guild card from my left breast pocket and confirmed that it did indeed change to Adventurer Level.
Oh boy… the head honchos over at every regional guild branch in everywhere are gonna lose it when they read Amelia’s file.
I stamp Amelia’s card and place a magic seal over the stamp, soon after a picture of Amelia appears at the top left corner. I lower it back on the desk, and I move on to the next.
Name: Karland
Adventurer Level: 1
Class: Undetermined
Race: Dungeon Core
Gender: Undetermined
HP: Undetermined
MP: Undetermined
Another Dungeon Core! Oh man. I just stamp her card and move onto the next.
Name: Jeannette-Dubois Seyrais
Adventurer Level: 1
Class: Elite Line Infantry
Race: Human (Dungeon Creature)
Gender: Female
HP: 250
MP: 0
I shouldn’t have been surprised when it said dungeon creature next to Human, but it did. I repeated the process on Jeannette’s card and I moved on to the last card.
Name: Earalyn Silkweaver
Adventurer Level: 1
Class: Line Infantry
Race: Moon Elf (Dungeon Creature)
Gender: Female
HP: 220
MP: 150
My eyes went wide eyed. A Moon Elf! As a dungeon creature, man that dungeon in Dragdville is something else entirely. Scratch that the Grandmaster himself is going to go absolutely ballistic when he eventually reads the files.
After finishing with the last card, I levitate their respective cards in their hands.
“Woohoo!” Amelia yelled, raising a fist to air, “Adventurer resignation complete, say let's go over the quest board and pick out our very first quest!”
The trio and Foxkin all walked toward the quest board.
Suddenly I receive a system notification.
Hahahaha, watching those four is going to be very interesting… I can’t wait!
Sincerely God of Adventure Vynus.
Oh brother, what have I done?
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Amelia POV
Now that I’m officially registered as an adventurer in the guild, what quest should we do? It has to be nearby which is a bummer.
“What about this?” Jeannette said, picking a parchment from the top right, “It says Orc tribe requests for feral dire wolf extermination. Apparently these wolves are attacking their sheep, and every time they’d rally their warriors the wolves are faster and scatter.”
Hmm, that actually sounds fun, but unfortunately it's beyond my 12 km limit, which is a shame since I also want to help this tribe, but oh well.
Due to some bizarre circumstances the God of Adventure and the Goddess of Dungeons have made a joint decision to remove your travel restriction. You are able to freely travel anywhere in the world, and you’ve been granted the skill ‘Return’ allowing you and your creatures to be teleported back inside your dungeon from any distance. This also applied to Karland.
YIPPEE! I can travel anywhere! “Alright! Let's take it!” I most likely am not gonna travel far from my dungeon, but it's great knowing that I can go anywhere and come back instantly.
Taking the parchment I walked back to the receptionist lady and handed her the parchment.
“Uh, are you sure? This quest is reserved for level 20 adventurers.” The Receptionist said with a hint of uncertainty.
I nodded excitedly, smiling wide.
“O-okay…” she said, reluctantly stamping the quest before handing it back to me. “The tribe’s location is about 24 km northwest, basically just follow the road north and then head west. Should be about a four hour walk, at least that’s where they were located last time I checked.”
We walk back outside, I’m so excited! I can’t wait to go on this quest!
“Guys wait here, I gotta do some stuff at the dungeon real quick!” I said, teleporting myself to my Core Room.
Alright, let's give myself a musket, specifically a Brown Bess musket. Afterwards, a Brown Bess and a cartridge pouch materialized in my hands costing 10 mana. I slung my musket over my right shoulder, and secured my cartridge pouch for my Brown Bess to my left rear.
Oh what’s this? There’s a group doing the challenge? I take a peek at floor 3 and sure enough it's none other than Jagruik’s group, I’m sure they’ll be fine! Anyways I pop back into my Core Room.
My next order of business is to create a fourth floor. As much as I am confident with floor 3 one can never be sure.
Navigating over to the Floors Tab.
I want to create a new floor!
> Please select a theme for floor 4:
>
> Plains
>
> Ocean
>
> Desert
>
> Tundra
>
> Star Fort
>
> Countryside villages
>
> Taiga
>
> Mountain
I picked the ocean theme, let's see some naval warfare! My surroundings changed from me standing in the gray room to floating over a vast ocean.
I don’t think the current floor size is big enough for ships to maneuver, especially since I want to have a big island at the center, and smaller islands surrounding it.
I wish to expand the floor please.
Expanding the floor beyond its 10x10x10x10x5 grid dimensions will cost 50 mana. Would like to expand by another 10x10x10x10x5 grid dimensions?
Yes please!
I sensed the floor expanding beneath me. Satisfied with the space, I proceeded to craft a large island at the center, encircled by five smaller islands arranged around it. So far the Islands themselves are barebones and have nothing, but as a finishing touch I added a day-time cycle, as is standard for my dungeon. In total I used up 55 mana.
Let’s see what I can summon.
> Creatures:
>
> Shark: 10 Mana
>
> Kraken: 70 Mana
>
> Nockgunner: 10 Mana
>
> Axe-Gunner: 25 Mana
>
> Hand Mortar Crew: 35 Mana
>
> Militia
>
> Prussian Landwehr: 15 Mana
>
> Austrian Landwehr: 15 Mana
>
> British Fencibles: 15 Mana
>
> Russian Opolcheniye: 15 Mana
>
> French National Guard: 15 Mana
>
> Line Infantry
>
> British 42nd Regiment of Foot (Black Watch) 35 Mana
>
> Austrian Infantry Regiment NR.1 25 Mana
>
> Austrian Infantry Regiment NR.34 65 Mana
>
> Bavarian 5th Line Infantry Regiment 25 Mana
>
> Yokakko 1st Dungeon Infantry Regiment 45 Mana
>
> Ottoman Nizam-I Cedid Infantry 50 Mana
>
> British 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers) 55 Mana
>
> Elite Infantry
>
> French Old Guard 650 Mana
>
> French/Polish Vistula Legion Grenadier 50 Mana
>
> French Young Guard 100 Mana
>
> French Dutch Guard 100 Mana
>
> Austrian-Hungarian Grenadier 110 Mana
>
> British Coldstream Guard 120 Mana
>
> Skirmisher
>
> Prussian Silesian Schuetzen 25 Mana
>
> British 95th Regiment of Foot (Rifles) 45 Mana
>
> Cavalry
>
> Russian Cossacks 60 Mana
>
> French 4th Hussar Regiment 60 Mana
>
> Irregular
>
> Spanish Guerrillas 20 Mana
>
> Russian Partisans 20 Mana
>
> Ships types (Water Floor Exclusive):
>
> Sloop: 7 Mana
>
> Brig: 7 Mana
>
> Galley: 7 Mana
>
> Schooner: 10 Mana
>
> Barque: 15 Mana
>
> Frigate: 20 Mana
>
> Ship of the Line: 35 Mana
>
> (Non Hostile, passive, or domesticated creatures such as pigs, sheep, and chickens are free of charge and won’t count for the creature capacity, however they won’t attack outsiders. You can summon creatures on ships in addition to the crews summoned alongside the ships.)
Oh wow, look at all those ships! Maybe make this floor pirate themed, you know, make the adventurers have to join a pirate crew and fight off the British navy, or any navy for that matter. Ideas for when I come back. Oh and I’m definitely adding the Kraken as a way to punish adventurers for dallying too long.
For now I summon a sloop, and a frigate, I’ll designate the sloop as a French ship, and the frigate British. I guess I gotta give them a name. Then they’ll both be referred to as the Leclere, and the HMS Mermaid.
I wish that I could introduce myself to the crews, but my party is waiting for me back outside the guild’s tent, though I will come back to polish the floor a bit. And also I put up a sign on the floor 4 entrance door that says ‘Out Adventuring! Will come back soon to finish floor four, please be patient!’ If anybody disregards this sign then they’re going to drown and be shot at by the sloop and frigate. I also checked to make sure the 30 minute survival timer doesn’t teleport people to the next floor, which I’m happy to report that it does not… yet.
“Alright I’m back!” I said, as I teleported myself back.
Karland smiled, “Oh good You’re back, we can begin the quest. Say how was your dungeon Amelia?”
“Oh it’s great, somebody’s doing the challenge on floor 3.” I said, “And shall we say some ‘nautical nonsense’ on my newest floor. It’s unfinished though”
Karland placed her hands on her hips, “Well let’s get going, that tribe isn’t gonna help themselves.”
"Before we set off, there's one thing I must do," I announced, striding toward a patch of grass. Crouching as low as possible, I extended my hand, gently tracing it across the grass. Yes ladies and gentlemen I did indeed touch grass, it’s really an accomplishment. I stood back up and walked back to the party, who all had confused expressions, or in the case of Karland an amused one.
“Well, let's go!” I said, as we began walking down the road.