Standing quickly, I fall once again but Alice catches me quickly.
“Mum?”
“Ah, I forgot, my leg.” Looking at my missing leg, I shook my head and looked at Alice. “Alice, can you tell a guard to come in?”
Alice nods slowly and walks out of the room. Looking at the orb with shock once again, I stashed it away quickly. Such a thing…even with my ignorance of the world I knew what I had here was no small thing. If anyone just gained an orb that could create a dimensional dungeon then there would be hundreds around, wouldn’t there?
Alice walked back in with a female guard following her, who I knew as Susan.
“Madam Alisha, how may I be of assistance?”
“Can you please request for Tails from the Adventurers Guild to come here as soon as possible? Tell her it’s urgent.”
“Right away, Madam.” The guard leaves while Alice tilts her head.
“Mum?”
“Yes, Alice?”
“Can I go play?”
“Sure. Take your time.”
Alice runs off towards the basement, intending to play. Smiling at her disposition, I stared at the table in thought, not able to believe what I had just received. Soon, I heard footsteps and looking up I saw Tails who raised an eyebrow.
“If it wasn’t for the fact I had been forewarned, I would’ve thought you were someone else. Are you looking to see me to report what happened?”
I’d completely forgotten that I hadn’t reported to her or anyone else. Flapping my mouth speechless for a moment, I shook my head.
“C-can you isolate us?”
Tails snaps her fingers as I sense a barrier being put in place. I take out the orb with shaky hands and show her. Tails walks over and looks at the orb, confused at first, before her face changes expressions.
Confusion, shock, surprise, excitement, glee and then finally worry. Tails looks at me before speaking.
“Alisha, what the actual fuck is this?” She points at the orb. “You do know what will happen if anyone finds out you have this, right? This war with Harrington would pale in comparison to what will come if others learn of this.”
Pursing my lips, I nod and look at the orb myself. “I-I know, I don’t know what to do with it.”
“I see…You could place it down where the Tome of Lilith had been? It migh-”
“No. I don’t want those adventurers benefiting from this.”
Tails frowned as I cut her off and sat down next to me, a thoughtful expression on her face.
“I see. You’re right, after what those bastards did I don’t blame you for not wanting to share this sort of thing with them.”
We both sat in silence for a while before Tails spoke again. “Understanding your hatred for adventurers at the moment, I have a preposition for you. If you can truly control, design and place that Dimensional Dungeon anywhere, this plan will benefit you far more than anyone.”
“How is that?”
“We place it underneath the Guild. We have a floor cleared out fairly quickly and by placing it there we can then announce to the other adventurers.”
I’m about to interrupt Tails when she held up her hand.
“Let me finish first, then I’ll listen to your complaints. By placing it under the Guild, we can control who goes in and out…and how much they need to pay for it.”
“Pay?” Frowning, I think about it for a moment before realising what that would mean. “So we charge a price to enter my dungeon?”
“Correct. Depending on what your dungeon has, many will be willing to pay any price. For example, if you make the dungeon level 70 and it is filled with various monsters, many Gold Grades will pay a lot to get the materials, as long as they are earning more than what they paid for, whether it’s experience or materials. A level 70 dungeon with plenty to gain could be worth 10 Platinum Coins per person for entry. By doing it like this, it’ll let you set up the dungeon and gain far more benefits than those idiots would.”
I fell into thought at her words. I would passively gain materials from the dungeon, and with the idea Tails has provided I would also receive money from it on top of that. Selling the materials would mean I could potentially make a lot of money very quickly, and though I didn’t have much use for money right now, it would mean I didn’t have to worry about anything in the future. I could just focus on getting stronger with no worries.
The main problem I had is sharing this with those who had turned on me. Even now I wanted to hunt every single one of them down and kill them. Not because they turned on me, but because they dared to turn their weapons on Alice. Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Tails spoke.
“About those that turned on you, they’re currently spreading rumours about you and Alice, saying you massacred hundreds in the Tomb and in the lobby. They say that you’ve been taken by the Royal Guard and will be executed by them. They’re also spreading the fact that you only conquered the Battlefield of Eternity and Tomb of Lilith because you’re a spy from Harrington.”
“You know, Tails, you’re making me more sure of never using this orb as per your suggestion, right?”
“Oh? I’m only listing the crimes they are committing. The Guild is tracking and investigating who is saying what. I know your nature, you want to kill them for turning on Alice, right? Well, once the Branch Master has returned, there will be a purge. The Guild is remaining silent for now, waiting for the decree from the Royal Guard, and once the Branch Master has returned, he will no doubt sentence those that turned on you to exilement from the Guild. The Royal Guard then will exile them from Vale as they have broken the rule of attacking another in the city.”
“Which means…”
“You get to hunt all you like.”
Looking at Tails with a bit of surprise, I quickly remembered a vital point. Tails is an evolved monster, she had no qualms with killing if it needed to be done, I just hadn’t expected her to be so cold. From what she has said, she’s implying she would have no problem telling me exactly who turned on Alice and I and spread these rumours.
“So in other words, all of those that turned on me would be expelled. Wouldn’t that harm the Guild and Vale?”
“A bunch of lazy nobodies who play it safe constantly and never leave Vale or face danger? No big loss. The Branch Master has purged more than this in the past, the Guild does not fuck around when it comes to these situations, it takes it very seriously.”
I knew Alexander wouldn’t let them off, but to think they would be exiled from both the Guild and Vale…I found it hard to believe, but I felt a small smile creeping up on my face at the prospect of being free to kill those bastards.
“I’ll let you think about what you want to do with that orb, Alisha. I, Tails, hereby do swear to not reveal any information about the Blank Dimensional Dungeon Orb to none bar Alisha herself or the Branch Master Alexander of the Corrosive Dragon. If I do break this Oath, may my soul forever be tormented, even past the end of time.”
After making that Oath, Tails and I spoke at length about my travels in the Tomb as well as the final boss.
“So, the darkness Alice and you felt was a trap to lure you in, promising power if absorbed so Lilith could take over your body? Or rather, Alice’s body. A rather simple and straight forward plan, but foolish, even Lilith herself said so. I’m rather curious though, how did the soul fragment know of Celestia yet the memory recording says Lunaria?”
“Who is Lunaria?”
Stolen story; please report.
Tails shrugs. “I assume the previous Moon Goddess. The fact you defeated a Beta-Class monster though…”
“I didn’t…”
“You and Alice merged as per your bond. When a bonded monster and it’s master reach a certain point, they can merge to empower the master, though the merging you two undertook is very different. If you can not remember anything…it’s possible that you two merged to create an entirely new being, an existence on the level of a Demigod…”
“A Demigod?!”
“You said that the power had been similar to Tessa’s, right? She’s a Pseudo-Demigod, meaning she has a foot in the door to being a Demigod but failed to fully step into that realm. That arm of yours is likely the price you had to pay for using that form though, especially from your story it seems you still had both arms before merging. Thankfully it can be regrown, your fighting style really does rely on both hands.”
As we finish talking, Tails undoes the barrier and leaves with a final sentence.
“Once the decree is out, you’ll be fine to return to your normal self. Right now, you’re public enemy number one. The common person and adventurer has no critical thinking and believes what they hear, there is no point to saying otherwise until the decree is done. Your team isn’t in Vale right now, but I have sent a messenger to them to inform them exactly of what has happened. Don’t worry, I trust the messenger with my life, it is Elise after all. Once you’ve gotten yourself healed up, send a message to the Guild. You’re free to wander around as you want, just avoid any who have passed the Crossroads. Though the spell to hide your System information is strong, it can be broken very easily by those stronger than you. Just don’t give them a reason to do so and you’ll be fine.”
Sitting there while her final words rang in my mind, I considered what to do. I wanted to leave Vale, I no longer held any love for it, except for those I cared for. The idea of making money had crossed my mind, and if it allowed travel to be easier, then why not. My goal, to become Black Grade, remained the same. If I could become Black Grade, that would mean I could make my way back to Crater, even if it’s just to see Sally and Grey.
Using the teleport gates would however make it easier to travel the world. I had only really ever been stuck in Crater Hell or Vale, and I knew there was more out there, like the Underworld where I could speak with my mother. I wanted answers more than seeing her, but getting closure would be nice. Then there is also my cooking, which I found myself eager to improve on and see where it led. I felt like if my cooking could be pushed to its limits I could give those close to me more strength.
“After the war.” Speaking softly to myself, I closed my eyes. “After the war I’ll leave here. I want to make sure everyone is okay. Three or four years, get as much money as possible and leave this place.”
Perhaps there is good here, and it’s only the adventurers. After all, people like Summer and Xeno would also be here, but after the Tomb I just don’t care anymore. I’ll continue to be an adventurer, but I no longer hold any sense of care for any of them.
Opening my eyes, I look to see Alice enter the room, walking over to me and sitting in my lap. She turned her head to look at me with a smile.
“Mum, can we play?”
“Mm, once I’m healed sweety. Mum has a surprise for you in a few weeks, we’ll play then, ok?” Planning to take Alice with me once we could hunt those idiots, I wrap my arm around her as she giggles. Suddenly, a green flame bursts in front of me, a figure walking out of it. It’s Rod.
Rod looks over me as Alice jumps off my lap in surprise, and as I reassure her it’s okay, Rod grunts. “System backlash related injury and a leg you cut off yourself. Did your monster regeneration not heal it? Well it’s fine. I’m going to tell you now, this Regrowth will be your last. Even after you pass the Crossroads, you will not be able to have your limbs regrown until at least Epsilon-Class. That System backlash injury is simply that heavy. Now, prepare yourself missy, you’re about to experience pain far worse than you’ve ever had.”
Feeling a bit of doubt at his words, considering the sheer amount of pain I’ve experienced in the past, I prepare myself as Rod pulls out a dagger and slices a part of my leg. Before my regeneration can begin, he swiftly cuts off a large portion of my body where my shoulder usually would be as I’m engulfed in deep green flames.
At first, it wasn’t bad, but in the next moment absolute pain ran from my shoulder, causing me to scream in pain uncontrollably. He’s right, this pain, it’s like nothing I’ve experienced.
“Oh, quiet down, it’s not that bad.” Hearing Rod’s irritating voice and resisting the urge to punch him, I swallow the scream and bite my lip, hard. Keeping myself from screaming, I felt my leg slowly return and next, my arm. After what felt like an eternity, the green flames disappear as I gasp.
“System backlash, nasty stuff. Whatever you did to cause it, don’t do it again. The price next time will be huge. Well, it’s not my problem. Your master will make payment, right?” As I looked up, Rod had already stepped into his green flames as he Travelled away. I understood now why Getsuna hated that man. Looking at my newly grown arm and leg, I felt how weak they were, meaning I had to once again undergo training to strengthen them. Thinking of going to Flowing River, I remember that right now I’m ‘arrested’ and couldn’t easily just travel anywhere.
“I thought he wouldn’t be here for another three days. Why did he come sooner?” Sighing as I stood up with some difficulty, I saw Alice looking at me in concern. “I’m okay, Alice. Do you want to go for a walk?”
“Mm! Where are we going, Mum?”
“Ah, I hadn’t thought of that.” I wasn’t exactly able to just go to the Guild or do anything exciting, and as I’m thinking, I heard a voice.
“Madam, why not go and visit a clothing store? You’ll need more dresses and outfits while you’re disguised, I know a good store.” Looking at the doorway, I saw Susan standing there. Tilting my head, she stood at attention. “I apologise, I overheard the screaming and thought to come and investigate. After ensuring you were okay, I remained here in case you require any help.”
“It’s fine, and call me Alisha.” I hated when others called me ‘Madam’. “Your idea is good though. Alice, what do you think?”
“Mm! Let’s go, Mum!” Seeing her smile, I knew she didn’t really care about shopping, but wanted to spend time with me. After Susan left, I took the bag that contained the dungeon core, stored it in our storage and went through the teleport, heading to a clothing store Susan had recommended.
***
As I held Alice’s hand while we walked down the street, pretending to be normal citizens, I started to realise how adventurers viewed those that didn’t level. The amount of disdain they held while they looked at Alice and I who seemed like normal people is high, it’s like they didn’t consider us as people. I’m currently suppressing my strength and magic, a technique that Tael had taught me meant to be used to have an opponent underestimate me and reveal an opening. Alice is trying her best as well, though if one looked at her closely they may find she isn’t low level, but even if they saw her true level it would only show as level 5.
In my other hand are two bags filled with clothing of all types. The shop we had visited had been rather helpful in getting us stylish clothing arranged, and we had bought plenty. Alice also held two bags, and currently we were heading towards another store to buy groceries as I had been rather keen to make a decent meal.
During our shopping, I remembered the task of opening a restaurant and selling food, a task Gastron had given me. I changed the plan slightly, this time intending to do it in Gency, away from Vale. It would take some time to travel there, but I didn’t want the adventurers here benefiting from it. As we walked, a familiar figure appeared, walking down the road towards us.
Pursing my lips, I knew I couldn’t run up and hug Aubrey. I could feel Alice’s emotions of excitement as she saw Aubrey as well, but it seems she held back as well, understanding we couldn’t just run up to her. Aubrey looks up at us with a glance, but doesn’t look away as she frowns. As she quickens her footsteps, I keep my face straight, hoping that she doesn't…
“Alisha?!”
Ah, shit. Out of the corner of my eye, I could tell others had turned at the mention of my name and I felt dozens of shocks but I ignored them. I gave Aubrey a confused look before continuing to walk, not wanting to speak in case others could tell that it is actually me.
“Oh, it’s just a low level. I thought the demon got free for a moment.” “Thank god, it’s just another monster that became docile.” “That scared me, did you hear that awful bitch Alisha killed a thousand adventurers?” “Ah~ I could’ve gotten a really good reward if it was her.”
Hearing those comments around me, I hid my feelings as I continued to walk. No one paid attention to us as soon as they saw our fake Status, except for one pair of eyes. I knew that stare, it’s Aubrey’s, she continued to stare at us as we walked away, not walking towards us or following. I felt bad, but I knew that if I dropped this facade it would just cause trouble for Tails and Roland.
Doing our shopping rather quickly, I led Alice through some alleyways and back to the teleport hub, breathing a sigh of relief that our disguise hadn’t been blown. I hadn’t expected Aubrey to just run up to us like that, nor just recognise us right away. I knew she’d been levelling by herself due to the fact she needed lifeforce, but to think that scenario would really just occur.
As we walk towards our teleport, a Royal Guard comes up to me. Looking me up and down, he holds out a hand that had a blue gem, a memory stone, on it.
“Madam Roxy, Madam Tali, I have a message for you two.” As I accept the memory stone, he nods and returns to his post. Alice and I use our teleport circle and return home. Alice goes off to play as I store the clothing and food away, and sitting down I crush the memory stone. Roland’s figure appears before me.
“Alisha, Alice. Knowing your personalities, or rather Alisha’s, you two will likely not survive a few days stuck inside. I have sent an urgent request to Rod to have your injuries healed and if my prediction is correct you would’ve headed into the city.
“I am contacting you as I have a request for the two of you outside of the city. We want you two to go on a trip, ten merchants are leaving Vale and heading south. It will take you close to Mt Lunaria and I will send word to Alexander to inform him that you’re heading there. The convoy consists of twenty wagons and the Royal Guard will be sending thirty men to protect it, all ranging from level sixty to eighty.
“I want you two to be our ace in the hole. I am concerned that this convoy may fall into an ambush from Harrington, it’s about the time that their scouts will start making moves. You’ll stay in your current disguises, and will be noble children heading to the town Hiems for life experience, a very common reason for noble children to leave the city. You’ll be in a wagon that the Royal Guard uses, with a select few who will act as your body guards, they will be the only ones who know your true identity.
“If you wish to accept this, tell Susan and she will inform me. Tomorrow is when the convoy sets off, it will take them three months of travelling to reach Hiems, and for you another two months to reach Mt Lunaria if Alexander has not found you by that point.”
The image fades as I sigh. I knew that Roland had many Delta and Beta Classes under his command, why doesn’t he send one of them? Then again, perhaps he needs them stationed here. Deciding to accept the request, as we did need to head to Mt Lunaria anyway, I headed out and told Susan. She burns a slip of paper and tells me she’ll lead me to the meeting point tomorrow.
Before heading back in, I heard an angry yell, and perking my ears I heard Aubrey’s voice.
“Don’t bullshit me, I know she’s here. Either let me through or I’ll tear you apart, let me see her!”