Kaden rose in time for a good dinner. Ashi and Eve joined him at the table, though Eve had very little to say, and spent most of the meal feeding Vip and Trinity. Sara was nowhere to be found, but if Kaden were to guess, he’d say the Guild with Noro. And that he approved. After dinner, he loaded the dishes back into the cleaning kit after applying his dishwasher.
Which is to say, he let Vip lick the plates clean.
“I was certain you would answer,” Ashi said in the quiet.
“You were right. You could have talked to me about my plan to go hunting in Hell. You could have convinced me. You didn’t have to run get Sara and Eve and Mr. Dervish like I’m a child.”
“The kinds of monsters we hunt do not know mercy or take pity. I would rather endure your anger than remember that once there was a Dungeon Master named Kaden Birch.” Ashi reached up to make him look at her. “There will be times we can only risk everything to survive. This was not. I will happily risk my life at your side.”
“Sara—”
“Was cruel, yes.” Ashi said. “It was wrong to say, yes.”
Ashi left him alone in the kitchen.
In the quiet, Kaden went to work. Tended his prismatic frog colony and plucked a mature Death Frog, and a Fire Frog which would apparently explode on contact, roasting anything nearby. The final frog was a warm green frog called a Life Frog, whose purpose was to heal the colony if a predator damaged it.
He needed Zanar Fly Larva to advance the colony, and a hibernation cycle, which would come with winter. Growth seemed so slow. Most of his skills were still second tier level one, and level twenty six felt far off even if he knew the truth was different.
Instead of the empty master bedroom at the farmhouse, Kaden headed to his dungeon, and though it was locked, set himself to non-combatant and slipped in, wrapped in [Stealth Aura].
The dungeon felt different, better.
Your Core requires Directed Mana x100,000 (36,000 acquired)
1000x Adventurer Party (407 acquired)
100x [Entity Seeds] (37 aquired)
1x Lieutenant Seed (1 acquired)
10x Loot Seed (10 acquired)
Optional, Required for next Rank: 1x [Secondary Boss]
The number of parties since had gone down, but the amount of directed mana they’d used had gone vastly up. A few more summoners had lost new beasts in his dungeon, and now that he was home, he could call for deliveries from the Druids.
He stealthed through the Dungeon, noting which mobs were left alone and which the Party had engaged. And enjoyed creeping up on the party as they planned their assault on the TriTerror.
Half the party was upset they weren’t going to challenge the [Bearzerker]. The other half had threatened to kill anyone who disturbed it. Maybe he needed to lower its level. Then again, Ashi’s advice had been solid, to give the dungeon time and not make constant changes.
Her other advice was probably solid as well.
As the party rushed the TriTerror, Kaden left them to it. The dungeon was challenging adventurers. Hurting them. Rewarding them for the danger, and that, for now, was enough. Already he imagined a new layer of tunnels. A labyrinth. That would be for later.
For now, the only change was increasing the loot the [Bearzerker] guarded. A suit of armor, a sword, a bow, that was truly a warrior’s loot. The Adventurers would never know he’d modified things, and judging from how loud the screaming was as Kaden left, there probably wouldn’t be witnesses anyway.
He escaped the dungeon and stole the boat to row back.
Interesting, there was no longer an attendant at the dungeon, or a line. Maybe that meant he’d fallen in popularity, but it didn’t matter. What did matter was building the best Dungeon possible. A place Adventurers would look forward to and dread at the same time.
It turned out that [Taming] a fish was possible, and also a great way to get dinner. It also turned out that taming a mosquito was a great way to get bit several times. Leeches could be tamed, random birds couldn’t—or he just couldn’t get close enough.
Kaden had begun to understand why Centurions focused on key skills and hid ones they didn’t want to focus on. There weren’t enough hours in the day to practice everything he wanted to. But he did know a way he could learn. He headed to the FarPortal and straight to the guild for a consultation. The silver coins it cost were a great investment, and soon enough, he sat down with a Guild Trainer.
And discovered he wasn’t the first Adventurer to hit the second tier and feel lost. The [Arcanist] across from him explained carefully how spells like [Split Second] and [Moment of Speed] had to be used in combat, and how second tier skills generally required learning from better users, stretching the skill, using it against stronger opponents. There would be no more easy levels, even though the skills were more powerful to start than their tier one equivalents. Skills like [Stealth Aura], [Backsmash] and [Backslash], as the highest ranked user, he would need to advance them by using them in new and different ways, or against more powerful opponents.
Kaden booked a session with an instructor for [WarHammer] and spent the next six hours being yelled at by a woman half his size with seven times his skill while Vip chewed on a bone the length of Kaden’s arm. According to the instructor, Kaden wasn’t holding Remembrance right, he wasn’t swinging right, he wasn’t following through, he wasn’t holding back. But when he finally got the notification, it was worth it.
His grip on Remembrance felt better. The way he shifted from one strike to the next, as well. And he would have paid again, but Kaden learned a new lesson: battle skills had to be hardened in battle before they could be advanced again.
Then again, he had twenty five levels to fifty, and a great many battles to harden them in. While Kaden practiced to understand the difference (and his instructor fauned over Vip), he dispatched the [FalCrow] to the Druid’s Tamer guide. There were supposed to be beasts being delivered, and every last one would be an Entity Seed for his dungeon.
A few minutes later, a messenger bird returned, speaking in the [Tamer’s] high pitched voice. “I was waiting on you. If you’re going to be there, I”ll send a shipment. You sure you have room for this many Beasts? I mean, lots of shamans sacrifice animals for power, but they have to stay somewhere while you sacrifice them.”
Kaden had all the room in the world.
Every last one of those beasts would both die immediately and live forever, absorbed by the Dungeon. With a few hours to spare before even the fastest delivery could arrive, Kaden set out to check on Birch Haven.
And was completely surprised to find guards at the gates, guards who demanded to see his reservation—until they checked [Identify]. Inside, the once-zoo bustled with activity as a low level [Air Mage] swept the streets with gusts of wind, and a [Builder] crew worked in what had been a [Vitreol] exhibit, but judging from the polished hardwoods and crystal windows, it didn’t contain small poisonous lizards anymore.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
It was good to wander the streets and remember what had been on top of what was.
“Mr. Birch! Is there something I can do for you?” Mr. Kela, the [Manager] came running. “I’m sorry, our first guests check in at any moment. Did I misunderstand about the top floor being available?” The concern in his voice made it clear this would be a panic.
Kaden shook his head. “It’s the best place in Verona. The view Centurions will talk about. I’ll need names in order to adjust Dominion so they can get to the FangWood Dungeon complex.”
“Ah, Mistress Scylla took the liberty of writing up guide scrolls for each of the dungeons. Many Centurions will pay and escort favored parties to a particular dungeon. Today we have the Royal Family from Chemaniz. When I was advised you were present, I thought it would be to greet them.”
“One family?” Kaden raised an eyebrow.
“They booked Birch Haven. All of it. They want complete privacy, and given that they’re paying for rooms we haven’t completed, I welcome them. A party of twelve with sixteen attendants is an excellent start.” Mr. Kela began to walk. “Our FarPortal was connected this morning, we’ve just made a few trips to ensure the patterns are functional.”
Kaden followed him all the way through Birch Have to the Grand Tree. Sure enough, [Crystal Shapers] had installed the patterns needed and empowered a new FarPortal. Hotel attendants waited nervously with [Storm Apes] to carry luggage.
So many workers at every desk. Kaden looked around. “Is Mistress Scylla here?”
“She’s been away, but in constant communication. Masters Malachor and Kovor have served as consultation, but in truth, I know everything that need be done. Will your business partner attend?”
Kaden noted the FarPortal coordinate marker and dispatched the FalCrow with a string of messages. “It’s up to them. Is there an actual protocol?”
“Be polite. They are guests here and due respect, but we have strict rules about treatment of employees or other guests.” Mr. Kela tensed as the FarPortal activated.
Eve stumbled through, and Kaden caught her hand set her upright. Vip sprinted in a circle until she picked Vip up and squeezed the small dog. “Congratulations, Kaden. I don’t need to repeat what I said when I found out you’d bargained for the zoo, do I?”
“No need.” Kaden wouldn’t ask her to admit she was wrong. She was wrong whether she admitted it or not. “I still think a petting zoo would have been good.”
Again the Portal flaired, and this time, Ashi stepped through, using [Hover] to keep her balance. She wore all her wraps, and Mana Stones covered her body as she stepped to his side. “It is a moment to be proud of. A work to be proud of.” The last, she directed to Mr. Kela.
The door to the tree opened, and Sara walked in. When she looked to Kaden, she looked away, keeping her gaze on the floor for a moment.
Kaden approached her. Angry. Hurt. And yet, Ashi’s reasoning made sense. “I’m sorry. I was trying to protect everyone I care about. That includes you.”
“We all want Trella back. At least, I do.” Sara lifted her gaze to meet his. “But losing you won’t bring her back. I reached out to Mom. I asked her why this is so important, and what else she had kept from me—”
Before Sara could explain, the portal mage on duty stood at attention.
Kaden had seen people come through FarPortals. He’d never witnessed this, though. The FarPortal became a fountain of light that grew stronger and stronger, until it was a complete rainbow column.
A man and woman stepped through first, followed by a dragon. An actual dragon, eight feet of coiled lizard with rainbow scales and crystaline wings and a long tail with a heart-shaped point at the end, and a head that matched Trinity’s blind head. Behind the dragon came two young men, both younger than Kaden, a set of triplets with identical long black hair and [Alchemist]’s robes, and then [Shield] after [Shield], four [Healers] including a Priestess of Varun, and two of the cleanest, most honest looking [Thieves] he’d ever seen.
A servant to the right of Mr. Kela stepped forward to speak.
[Multispeak] translated for Kaden.
“Welcome to Birch Haven, King and Queen. We welcome you and hope you find our hospitality worthwhile. Let us handle unpacking your Inventory cubes while you enjoy a meal.” The servant bowed at the end.
As did everyone else.
Kaden did not bow, this was his place.
Eve didn’t bow, and the look on her face was pure terror.
Ashi didn’t bow, which didn’t surprise Kaden in the least.
Sara started to bow but stopped because none of the other Party members did.
The King studied Kaden, and Kaden returned the favor.
[King Chemaniz - Herald of Arcana]
The King of Chemaniz is known for the royal vaults, and his collection of magical artifacts that cannot be matched. In battle he was never fastest, never strongest, and always victorious, as his intrinsic link to the royal vault left him always better equipped. Cross him at your peril. Steal from him and it will only be once.
Level: 113
HP:???
Mana:???
“Welcome to Birch Haven. I am Kaden Birch, Dungeon Keeper and caretaker of the Fangwood Dungeon Complex.” Kaden now dipped his head just slightly. “This Asha Vanter Opton Rahm, Sara Scylla, and Eve Black. I love your dragon.”
The last bit just slipped out.
The dragon defied his attempts at [Identify], always becoming slightly fuzzy.
The King started to speak. The Queen started to speak.
One of the triplets shouted, “Evelyn! What happened to you?”
The rest was chaos. Eve took three steps forward and dispapeared into the FarPortal. The dragon began chewing on the corner of a desk, and everyone spoke louder and louder, until Kaden took out Remembrance and smashed it on the ground so the head screamed, the ringing louder and louder.
“Eve is a member of my party, and making her way on her own, independent of her family,” Sara said. “I ask that you respect that.”
Blank looks from everyone told Kaden exactly what was wrong, but Ashi translated with [Multispeak] before Kaden could, except it was no longer a request, but a command and condition.
“Of course,” The Queen said, looking to her daughters. “It would be rude otherwise. Children must be allowed to suffer and fail so they can appreciate their parent’s guidance.”
[Queen Chemaniz - FateWeaver Initiate]
The Queen of Chemaniz is not famous like her husband, but this is by her design. As mistress of the Tempus Dragon, she has learned that true power comes when it cannot be resisted, or when those she manipulates never know it happens.
Level: 99
HP:???
Mana:???
Kaden looked to Ashi. Her sister was a FateWeaver, and he was curious if there was any sign of recognition, but Ashi kept her face a perfect presentation of calm. “Then it is a pleasure to have you here. Fangwood is ready for you.”
His presence here was supposed to be a formality, but an actual dragon? It was more than he could resist. The dragon certainly could resist, and it did, shifting out of focus every time he tried to [Identify].
“Beast Master? How odd. Tempus does not wish to be subjected to your skills.” The Queen said it with expectation. “If you had ever met a dragon, you would understand.”
“Oceanus didn’t seem to mind,” Kaden said. “When you arrive to run FangWood, I’ll show you the entrance of the Dungeon Complex. From there, it’s up to you. The bottom dungeon is erratic, do not enter it or I won’t be able to have you back for another visit.”
The King exchanged a glance with his wife. “Your concern is noted. You are dismissed.”
Just for that? He’d—
“We have a Demon Cult to erradicate, after all,” Sara said. “That has to be our focus.”
Fair enough. Kaden choked down the retort he’d been working on. Without doubt he’d think of a better one in the middle of the night. “Mr. Kela, I leave them in your capable hands.”
Ashi pressured him to leave by the front door, which took him all the way out of the zoo and into Verona’s streets where a steady rain had begun to beat down. His Needful Cloak became slick and waterproof and heavy enough to block the wind.
“It’s working!” Sara said. “Did you see the guest log? Birch Haven is booked—fully booked—by one family for the next four days. Four days of just them.”
Ashi spoke softly. “Do you know where Eve has gone?”
Dominion gave Kaden the answer. “She’s in her room at the Holding. Either of you know the triplets?”
Sara shook her head.
Ashi shrugged. “We who are truly royal do not associate with those who deign themselves so. When their line has existed for thousands of years, when they have mapped the heavens and challenged the System itself, I will respect them. Until then, I give more weight to your words than theirs.”
Sara picked up her pace. “When we get there, let me talk to Eve. I know her. I know…some of what she’s worried about. I don’t want to know more, if it’s important to her that we don’t.”
“I will go instead. Her petty fears are known to me.” Ashi took the lead as they entered the guild and stepped through the FarPortal.
Ashi bypassed the stairs, hovering straight up to the rooftop entrance that let them snipe monsters, and using it as an entrance.
Kaden had never been nervous around Sara. She’d always been welcoming and kind, and in turn he never feared her Cosmic Horror. But now, he wasn’t sure what to say. “I spoke to the [Rangers]. Asked them to help with your quest.”
“I got their message. A [Stateri] Quest Broker put out Faction Quests for level forties to back us up. I’ve negotiated with a [Mage], but honestly, it feels wrong giving orders to someone fifteen levels higher.”
“Rangers don’t have leaders. We have Cutter. We have your Mage. If we can get a few of them, we head in get it done. This…” Kaden sighed. He knew it. He’d checked with the Guild and confirmed it. “Everyone there has to die.”
Sara took his hand. “They want to give our world to Demons. I won’t let that happen. If I have to kill them permanently, so be it. Trella would help us. She will help us, eventually.”
“Sara.” Ashi called from an upper window. “Come. Only you.”
Fine. It wasn’t like he really wanted to connect with Eve. She had the same warmth and charm the Prismatic Frog Colony did, without the benefit of giving him explosive, poisonous frogs.
Instead, Kaden headed to Echo Lake, willed the Dungeon Door to lock once the party dragged their healer’s corpse out, and waited.
After nearly two hours, he saw the first wagon.
It was time to grow his Dungeon.