Stomping down on the head of the head of a Acidspitting Lizard, I breath out and look around. Currently we were nearing the end of the eleventh floor and were in a large room. Just like the safe zone, this room was completely different to the earlier floors. No longer just a dirt walled room, this place, according to Xia, looked like a colosseum. There were stairs that led to an upper section of the room where there were about two hundred seats, and according to Xia this is where people would sit to watch others fight. I found it strange but just shrugged it off.
The monsters here were level 32, meaning that we were making progress at a rather quick rate. The monsters here also felt…smarter, they seemed to know how to dodge or avoid blows from me, although they weren’t usually fast enough, it did take longer to kill them since they dodged my intended killing blows. Stretching my arms above my head, I turn towards Aubrey.
“Are you sure you don’t want to loot any of these?” Watching as she pulled her hand out of the monster I had incapacitated earlier, she turned her head to me and smiled.
“Nope! We’ll get more from floor seventeen and onwards. We’ll fill our bags there.” Hearing her sound excited, I had already started to realise just how much Aubrey loved her loot. When I asked, she giggled and said it was exciting for her, since she can’t fight she instead loved getting loot and making money. I wonder, what did Aubrey spend her money on?
Looking around at the room of monsters I had killed, I sigh. After fighting The Blade, I felt bored. That fight had me excited, it had taught me so much. Fighting monsters that were mindless bored me greatly. Though the recent signs of them being smarter raised my hopes a bit, I still felt bored, but I knew we couldn’t just rush to the twentieth floor.
“Aubrey, why don’t more people level like this?” Asking her this question, Aubrey turned to face me with a serious face, something that had become rare in the past two days.
“Because they’re not freaks like you, Alisha.” Aubrey puts her hands on her hips. “First of all, out of all the Bronze or Silver adventurers, who the hell can solo a mutated boss room? Your strength is unreal, and while there are indeed others like you out there, the common adventurer ain’t some powerhouse. Next, you do know that if you don’t kill a monster and only assist in killing it you only get a portion of its experience, right?”
As I nodded, she continued. “Well, you’re getting all the experience except for the handful that you leave for me. The average group, about five or six adventurers, will spread their experience between each other, and they only have so many supplies. Yet thanks to the fact we both have a monster constitution we recover our injuries faster, have more stamina and naturally have a bit more strength. And since you’ve been killing things yourself, you’re gaining a ton of experience!”
Crossing my arms while thinking, I heard Xia speak next. “Madam, you also have an advantage due to your eyes. I believe you have the beginning level of Star Gaze, meaning you see through most darkness. Because of that, the monsters here lose their element of surprise, which is the biggest danger to adventurers and mercenaries. Since you can not stop using Star Gaze, you do not know how dark it is. Without our eye magic that gives us sight of several metres, we would not see a hand directly in front of us.”
“You also have your stupid strong smell, which picks up smells way too easily. How can monsters that rely on absolute darkness even gain an advantage over you?” Sighing while shaking her head, I had indeed forgotten that the average adventurer didn’t have these tools.
“Most people head to hunting zones that suit their level range to level like this, though it is a bit slower since they still work with others. However, don’t get cocky, Alisha. Once you’re level 50, you can’t gain experience below 50 and monsters become very dangerous. They gain more intelligence, become tougher to kill and some even have unique spells. Sure, you’ll probably still kill them as easily, but you can’t just think they’re as easy as now. Stronger people than you have died because they got cocky!” Pointing at me while speaking, Aubrey then crossed her arms and nodded.
Letting everything sink in, I smiled bitterly as I remembered how careful I had to be back in Crater. Those monsters back then, when I was still weak, had intelligence and knew how to dodge or counter. Is there a difference between the monsters there and here? Shaking my head of the questions I couldn’t answer, I thanked Aubrey and Xia as we continued towards the next floor.
As we’re walking down the stairs, we arrived in a large room, the stairs in the middle. It was the first time we hadn’t entered a tunnel when arriving on a new floor. Aubrey didn’t say anything, nor did the System say anything, so I knew it was normal. Though, Aubrey hadn’t been telling me anything about the monsters or floors, except to guide me to the next floor as soon as possible.
As we got to the end of the stairs and into the room, we continued down a corridor, and after a minute of walking, we got a System notification as we stopped.
Warning! The Twelfth Floor of the Tomb of Lilith is mutating!
Feeling the ground under me moving suddenly, I felt a hand grasp me and turning I saw Xia grabbing both myself and Aubrey. Before I could say anything, the ground vanished as I found myself, just for a second, floating in a void. After that second, the ground returned and stumbling as I regained my footing, I looked around. We were in a giant room, around us were about 50 other people, all adventurers of Silver Grade.
As I felt Xia release her hand, I looked around and saw two massive doors on one side of the room, and like the rooms we’d been in before, it was shaped like a colosseum. Looking towards Aubrey, who was also looking around, our eyes met as she shook her head.
“I have never heard or seen of this mutation.”
As I’m about to reply, I felt something. A presence. This presence…spinning around to face where I felt it from, I saw who I hoped to see staring right back at me. Elizabeth. So, she was in here? Opening my Status, I felt a bit shocked.
Level 38 Elizabeth
Mageblood Human
Beginner Summoner
Health: ???/???
Level 38?! Blinking in surprise, I knew she’d been out for two days before I came into the Tomb of Lilith, but I had thought she’d be out in a hunting zone as Aubrey said, not here. With her level, shouldn’t she be deeper down? Behind her, I see Leon, Amelia and Bloom who were all looking towards the doors.
As I looked at Elizabeth, I saw that she was a mess. She had light armour on her that was damaged, a broken sword in her hand and her hair was a mess. She also had heavy bags under her eyes like she hadn’t really slept well. Staring back at her eyes, I realised she wasn’t actually staring at me, but rather around me and there was confusion in those eyes. After a few seconds, she shook her head and turned her attention back to the door.
Thoughts ran through my mind about why she’d looked away, and at first I thought she hadn’t recognised me because of my clothing and hair. As if to remind me, Aubrey spoke up.
“Hm? Alisha, is something over there?”
Sighing, I remembered that I wasn’t obstructed by the darkness due to my eyes, it was like it was a normally lit room. Elizabeth must’ve sensed my presence because of the so-called soul link which caused her to look towards us, but then looked away. Did she think it was a fleeting feeling? Looking at Xia, I saw her looking towards Elizabeth with some confusion in her eyes.
“Madam, I sense a presence over there that feels similar to yours…but different.”
“Ah. Yea, Elizabeth is over there.”
“She is?!” Turning to where we were looking, Aubrey squinted her eyes as if she was hoping to see further in. We could hear the noises around us of adventurers speaking, but it seemed like no one could see others, as they stood in groups of three to ten.
“The darkness here feels heavier now. What does it look like here, Alisha? I can tell there are other adventurers around us, but not how many. As I said, I’ve never seen a mutation that gathers others into a singular room.” Answering Aubrey’s question, she frowned slightly before shaking her head.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“Well, depending on what happens, we’ll likely be assisted in some form. Oh well, it’s unexpected so hopefully it won’t count.” Hearing Aubrey speak, I shrug in return. “Shall we go over and see Elizabeth?”
Crossing my arms and looking back at Elizabeth, I pursed my lips. More than anything I wanted to run over there and hug her, hug the woman who has been there for me so many times. But I felt scared and guilty. Would she blame me for her arm being lost? I didn’t want to find out that she hated me, the thought made my heart sink as I imagined her yelling at me.
At that moment, a loud female voice rang out. “Everyone! If you can hear my voice, move to my location. There don’t seem to be any monsters here so it’s safe to move. We should be sticking together!” Looking towards the source of the sound, I saw it was a tall female with black hair.
“Fool.” Aubrey mutters with a sigh. Looking towards the source of the noise Aubrey shakes her head. “There are monsters that can imitate the voices of adventurers, though it is random. Alisha, does everyone here look normal?”
Looking around, I nod. “They do, but couldn’t they also be mimics?”
A horrifying expression appears on Aubrey’s face. “Nearly fifty deviant mimics in one room? It’s…possible. We know Elizabeth is at least not one, and since it’s a mutation there could be mimics amongst them…Alisha, we should stick to ourselves. No, we should go to Elizabeth first, so she doesn’t join that group.”
Taking a deep breath, I knew I would have to face her sooner or later. Looking at her group, they hadn’t moved yet, with Bloom shaking his head while looking towards the woman in the middle. Did he also have suspicions, like Aubrey had? Looking around, most groups moved, with Bloom’s group and one other not moving at all.
“I-I think it’s fine, they don’t seem to be moving.” Sounding a bit strange as I spoke, I went to look away before I felt a hand on my shoulder.
“Alisha, I won’t pretend to know what you’re feeling. But regardless of what happens, know this. I will always be by your side, regardless of what happens.” Hearing Aubrey’s words, I felt a happiness well up within me. Taking another breath, I turn and smile at her as she returns it.
“Thanks.” Leaving her with that one word, I started walking towards Elizabeth with Aubrey and Xia closely behind me. Moving my scarf up a bit around my mouth as we walk, soon the sounds of our footsteps must’ve reached Bloom and his team as they look towards us.
“Oh? Missy, yer outta bed already?” Looking at me with a grin, he looks me up and down before nodding. “Yer new look ain’t half bad.”
“Shut up, Bloom.” Aubrey, Amelia and I all spoke at the same time as Bloom laughed. Ignoring him, I smiled at Amelia and waved at Leon before turning to Elizabeth, who stood there looking shocked.
“H-hey” Smiling at Elizabeth nervously, she suddenly embraced me.
“Thank goodness you’re okay. I’m sorry, I’m sorry I couldn’t h-”
“No, don’t say that.” Returning her hug, I felt relieved that she didn’t yell at me. “It was me using a spell well outside of what I could handle.”
“I hate to interrupt.” Looking at Amelia, she smiled. “We can have an emotional talk later, we need to figure out where we are and what is happening. Those doors look ominous.”
Nodding, I felt Elizabeth separate from me before turning to Bloom. I had noticed his smile had disappeared, he was staring towards where the group of people were.
“Oh, this is Xia by the way.” Gesturing to Xia, she bows slightly towards Elizabeth who simply waves and gives me a confused look. “I’ll explain later.”
Turning to Bloom, I started explaining the room we’re in, how many people were here and why we hadn’t joined the others who had called out.
“Good, ye made the right choice. I ain’t got a good feelin’ bout this…” Seeing him looking and talking so seriously made me question who it was that was in front of me.
“Bloom and I can see the doors, Elizabeth and Leon can’t. Alisha, what is your condition like? You only just got out of bed the other day.” Looking at me with some concern, Amelia looked back at the doors then back to me.
“I can fight. I’m not at my peak, but other than the floor boss I haven’t really had a problem with anything else…”
“The monsters here don’t feel as threatening as in Crater Hell, right?” Turning to Elizabeth, we shared a smile of knowing.
“Han’ on.” Turning to me, Bloom had a frown on his face. “Ye made it past the boss? Where is ya group?”
As I thought to keep it silent, Aubrey spilled the beans. “She solo’ed a mutated tenth floor boss.”
A deafening silence rang out among us. We had been whispering so all we could hear was other adventurers speaking. Before long, Bloom started laughing, loudly.
“Bloom? You’re here? Hurry up and come over here! We need to be sticking together!” Hearing the same female voice that spoke before, Bloom shook his head with a grin and shouted back.
“YA ALL ARE FOOLS. MUTATED FLOOR? DO YA FOOLS FORGET ABOUT THE MIMICS?!”
Hearing everyone go quiet, it did indeed seem like they had forgotten. Shaking his head, Bloom looked at Xia before raising an eyebrow.
“Restricted level, 33?” Bloom looks at me. “Missy, is she yer servant?”
Unsure of what he meant, I turned to look at Xia and looked at her information.
Level 55 Xia (Restricted, Level 33)
Starbound Human
Arcane Spell Swordsman
Health: ???/???
Aubrey explained before I could say anything. “Xia is bound by an oath of servitude to Alisha, Bloom. Xia never once helped either, only observed.” The group looked confused before turning to me. Smiling bitterly, I shrug.
“It’s…complicated. I’ll explain later.” Nodding, Bloom looks at me.
“Why are ye here, solo’ing bosses?” Knowing I couldn’t avoid talking about this, to avoid worrying Elizabeth…or increasing her worries, I briefly explained the task and reason why I was given it to everyone, as well as why Aubrey was with me. Scratching his chin, Bloom did something strange.
Leaning in, he stared deeply at Aubrey’s eyes. Wondering why he was doing this, he sighed and stood back up and shook his head. “What are ye thinkin’ Branch Master? Such an impossible task to give her.” Strangely, it was as if he wasn’t muttering but speaking directly to Alexander. As I’m about to ask him what he was on about, a loud bang rang out from the doors. At the same time, a notification came up from the System.
Mutated Dungeon Quest:
In her prime, Lilith commanded an army so fierce and loyal that even the Gods trembled. Although now a shadow of its former prime, this army is still as fierce and loyal to their Queen as ever. In an effort to raise moral, Her army will face you in combat, showing Her that they are still worthy of serving Her for when she awakens.
Defeat Her army, and survive the waves of enemies.
Wave: 0/10
Top Kill Counts:
1. Lissa
2. Joan
3. Kirk
Top performers will receive additional rewards.
“Oh fucking great, a mutated quest on top.” Sounding frustrated, Aubrey sighs. She’s been in her serious mode this entire time. Hearing a loud bang from the door again, everyone turned to it seriously, including the ones who had gathered. Seeing everyone preparing themselves, Bloom spoke up.
“Amelia, Leon and Alisha. Don’t ye use yer Domains until I tell ye to. Avoid conflictin’ em with others.” As I nod, I wonder how he knew I had a Domain. What surprised me was that Amelia and Leon also had one. Turning, I look at Xia.
“Why are you restricted? Are your stats at level 33?”
“The restriction is due to my pledge to you, Madam. A servant can not be a higher level than its Master. I am stronger than my level shows, that includes when I am restricted like this.” Pursing my lips, I made a decision.
“Fight with the others, but avoid assisting me unless my life is in danger.” As those words left my mouth, a bang sounded out and turning towards the doors, they flung open as the sounds of monsters rang out.
From the doors, a swarm of monsters slowly walked out, and looking past them I saw a sight that overwhelmed me. Hundreds of monsters of all types were coming. There were all types from the previous floors, and some new ones I hadn’t seen before. Glancing at some of them, I saw their levels ranged from 32 to 38.
The monsters charge, or rather start swarming, straight towards up, their footsteps shaking the earth under us with how many were coming. Quickly standing next to Aubrey as she stuck to my side while holding Alice and her magic tool, the first lot of monsters arrived. Throwing out a punch at a monster who quickly arrived, I killed it in one hit, however I didn’t get any experience.
As I’m pulling back, more monsters quickly arrive. Knowing I had to pace myself here, I avoided surrounding myself with wind and only used my physical strength. I quickly realised however, I wasn’t going to get out of this without assistance. Our group very quickly became a circle, with Aubrey in the centre.
“Aubrey, don’t use ye blessin’.” Hearing Bloom speak quickly, I knew why he said that. If this is wave one, what the hell was wave two going to look like?
“From the depths of the fiery pits, I summon thee, Blazefyre!” Hearing Elizabeth’s shout, I felt a heavy heat erupt from behind me as the smell of fire and burnt flesh entered my nose. Quickly glancing behind me, a two metre tall blob of flames that had arms was swinging wildly at the enemies as Elizabeth used her only arm to defend herself with the broken sword.
Hearing screams from others around us, I knew the other groups were also in a bad situation. Keeping my breathing steady and back to the others, I kept pacing myself while killing anything that got close. Not knowing how long this would go on for, we kept going, never separating.