“The Delvers Guild is now boiling with uncertainty. We were fools to take advantage of them when we did. Now if Ignar kicks off a civil war inside his own guild. Who will empty the dungeons? Who will be stronger at the end of it all, the Guilds or the Triumvirate? Regardless of the outcome Corribaan will remain steady as always, although we may need to employ the mercenaries. How aggravating.”

-Feiss, Archmagus of Corribaan

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Not all perks and skills were equal within the paths. Some were quite weak without additional synergies. Perfect footing was not one of those skills, at least not to Demaras. Sticking a thirty foot landing wasn’t easy in the best of circumstances even with clumsy personal mana reinforcing his body. With his perfect footing perk, it was like landing on a perfectly level and dry floor. While the drop was terrifying the landing was almost relaxing. Until he saw the group below him.

One lizardfolk and four humans stared back at him. Clearly they were surprised that he had survived the drop from the surface when a quick glance told him that others were not so lucky. Years of experience in dungeons kept Demaras from panicking and after a deep breath he looked back at the team of delvers and spoke.

“I’m Demaras. With the Delver's Guild. Is there any chance you know anything about what just happened?”

The lizardman found his wits first and responded quickly and succinctly despite the chaos that surrounded them.

“I’m Olenic also with the Delver’s Guild. We don’t know anything, but we’re going to get the hell out of here. Too much open space for us to feel safe. Do you need help?”

The offer sounded genuine and Delvers generally worked together in crises like this to handle larger threats or escape together. Demaras shrugged and took another look at the area the new invisible dungeon environment was occupying. Blood ran down the roofs of several tunnels from the fallen camps a few hundred meters away. Some quick estimating had Demaras considering the impact of this new environment on his skills.

Luckily he could test his first theory immediately. A short range teleport carried him immediately past the invisible roof and the water barrier that had separated him from the team. Karev reacted first, the massive human swung with enough force to crush Demaras’ head with ease but in an incredible display of control stopped the swing just short of its destination. The swing itself was faster than Demaras could even flinch. Olenic, and the others had their hands on their weapons in a flash as well.

“No playing around weakling. We have to get out of here fast before we get swarmed. Even hundredfloor’s get wiped down here without some modicum of intelligence. Anything about your paths we should know?”

It took Demaras’ brain a moment to catch up with what Olenic had asked. Nearly losing his head had only reinforced just how much stronger this team was than him. With a step back Demaras raised his hands in surrender.

“I’m a movement specialist, no flight. Working on my guiding, I can do short range teleports, shadow jumping, flash step, and mana webbing. With the transparent environment my teleport is boosted significantly. That's what I was testing, I promise.”

Clearly the team understood his sincerity and relaxed, if only slightly. Karev pulled his warhammer back and reached out a hand towards the younger, weaker, and terrified newbie. The barbarian grabbed the young man's hand and shook vigorously.

“Don’t mind the reactions, everyone’s still a bit on edge from the sudden change. Let me introduce ya. Olenic is the scaly old lizardman, he runs point most of the time around here. Not that I’m complaining. I certainly couldn’t do it. He’s got a few nasty skills so be careful.”

Said lizardman scowled and turned his back on Karev and Demaras. Choosing to scan for potential monsters, or additional teams trying to link up and get out. Pointedly ignoring the crazy barbarian as he continued to speak.

“And over here we have our lovely Eliza. Her water magic is some of the most powerful I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing.”

Demaras could tell that the rough around the edges warhammer wielding man was trying to flirt with the water mage. By the way Eliza blushed and stammered out a hello was proof that it was probably working.

”Last but not least the ever mysterious twin archers. They may dress a bit pretentious but they’re the real deal. It's not like the multiverse really has much trendy style anymore. Luna and Eclissi saved my life not ten minutes ago so it's only fair that they get part of the treasure as well.”

The twins glowered at him for a moment until Karev got down on his knees and reached into the chest. Clearly the man had an item in mind because in one smooth movement he revealed a single empty vial with a thick rubber stopper. However upon closer inspection the vial itself only appeared empty, inside was some kind of liquid that raged against the glass. Eclissi had it in his hands in a split second. Demaras never even saw the man move.

“Thank you Karev. We will use it well. Unlike you would.”

Eclissi’s tone was appreciative and then mocking as the archer turned to assess the situation further with Olenic. Luna however was studying Demaras like a hawk. Occasionally glancing at Olenic’s back as well as if she were assessing him further. In truth Demaras was so far out of his depth. The hundredfloor team was so inviting and kind. It disarmed the young delver and the young man felt himself relax for the first time since he had stepped foot on Thurmvrel.

“And saving the best for last. Obviously. I am Karev, barbarian, slayer of dragons, killer of monsters, and destroyer of meals. Welcome to our little group for now. Let's get out of here and get you back to the surface kiddo.”

At Karev's last words Demaras stiffened a bit. He wasn’t just any delver, he was a solo movement specialist. He had trained his skills to offer unique combat capabilities, and was well on his way to advancing. Just for a hundredfloor to call him a kid. Exactly what he was trying to escape. It took a supreme force of will for him to not show his frustration.

“Thank you for introducing me to your team.”

Reigning in frustration wasn’’t easy but Karev had been kind enough and the team clearly worked well together. Besides it wasn’t like he was going to reach the surface without them. As his words escaped Demaras’ mouth each and every member of the team winced as Olenic suddenly went still.

“It's not my team lad, but I am flattered. Olenic is the one that keeps us together, even through the council meeting right before we left. When did you arrive? Is there any news about Ignar and Leysara?”

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Demaras shook his head negatively at the questions that Karev assaulted him with. As if the man was desperate for answers that Demaras simply couldn’t give. Then Olenic’s voice cut through their conversation like a hot knife through butter.

“Enough chit chat. Eyes up people we’ve got to get moving. Eclissi, Luna get us to the floor. Eliza I want water webbing up for invisible monsters. Karev get your hands out of that chest. Demaras if you want to live I highly recommend following us.”

Being able to see through what would otherwise be hundreds of feet of stone was a blessing and a curse. It meant that the group of adventurers could see everything coming. It also meant that everything could see them. Still, seeing a swarm of large praying mantises converge on their location made Demaras’ neck hair stand on end.

Watching Eliza, the pretty hydromancer wash away the swarm with a flood of water was a sight to be seen. The roaring waters directed forcefully towards the complete destruction of the insects had Demaras wishing he had brought a recording device. Slowly and methodically the team made their way down the tunnel, helpfully illuminated by Eliza's strands of water that crisscrossed the space in front and behind the group with Demaras at the center. Knowing that he was the weakest person in the group he tried not to let it bother him.

Slowly they crept closer to the edges of the invisible environment. Above Demaras’ head he could see the peaks of sand dunes on the surface. He let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. At least sand was a more familiar environment than the eeriness of everything being transparent. Even if sand was rough, coarse, and got everywhere it was still preferable to being able to watch a massive slime alpha staring at him from the lower levels.

As they began to approach the edge of the transparent environment blood began to trickle into a tunnel just above them. At first it was just a slow stream of red liquid until without warning a dark river of lifeblood began to flow into the transparent tunnel. All without a sound reaching even Olenic’s trained ears. The Lizardmans nose twitched and his tongue tasted the air. There was nothing in the air besides his team, and the newbie. So when a pair of boot prints became visible from underneath the dark river, Olenic’s team moved as one. Staying low to the ground and closing the gap between the transparent environment and the much darker tunnel ahead of them in a matter of seconds. The entire team huddled to the side of the tunnel and watched the pair of boots make their way through the bloody floor.

In their coordinated rush Demaras didn’t even have time to blink twice before suddenly the entire team that had been working to get him to the surface was slightly concealed within the shadows of the cave. The young man picked up the pace to reach the edge of the transparent environment but a voice rang out above him that stopped Demaras cold.

“You there. Tenth floor. When did you get here?”

The voice sounded bored as if halfway through an insurance seminar. It was the underlying tone that turned Demaras’ blood to ice in his veins. Its intent whispered in his ears as if it were telling him that failure to answer correctly would result in death. A silent, dispassionate, stale death that would leave his body rotting and leaving nothing behind but dust.

“I got here yesterday. I was caught in the environment change. Please don’t kill me.”

Begging for his life normally would’ve been a humiliating experience but when confronted by someone so clearly beyond him. Demaras was willing to do anything to save his own skin. Especially after being abandoned intentionally or not.

“So you know of the conflict then. Who do you side for? Leysara or Ignar?”

No matter how Demaras craned his neck to get a glimpse of whoever was wearing boots in the blood above him. He still couldn’t see anything beyond the red river. Neither could he determine which answer was correct from the speaker's tone. Leysara or Ignar? The neutral party, or the rebels. Would a neutral party kill him for answering incorrectly? All these questions raced through his mind as the truth wormed its way out of his mouth.

“Leysara. She’s been leading the guild for longer than Ignar has been alive. All Ignar has is fiery speeches and pride. Leysara has results.”

Demaras’ words surprised even himself. He meant to lie and say Ignar because he didn't think that a neutral party would kill someone just for being on the opposing side. Instead the truth had forced its way out of his mouth. It had to have been a skill and a powerful one at that. With bated breath Demaras stood still as if awaiting judgment. Without another word the boots turned and walked back into the dark tunnel above. Not once did Demaras or Olenic’s team catch sight of who was wearing the boots.

Slowly Olenic’s scaled face peered from the shadows of the tunnel ahead and looked at Demaras. That was when Demaras started running to the safety of the tunnels. Eager to put the unseen inquisitor behind him he missed the looks the team was giving him as he finally made it to their position. Karev looked hurt, while Luna, Eclissi, and Eliza were stoic and stone faced. Oddly only Olenic looked as if he was about to overflow with anger and questions.

“What was that about? And why did you say you were with Leysara? Aren’t you just a tenth floor? What did he mean by conflict? Why would Ignar and Leysara fight each other?”

Like a dam bursting, Olenic simply couldn’t hold back anymore. The lizardman had enough on his plate and wasn’t going to leave well enough alone. They had been there for the council meeting, heard the speeches, the lesser debates. Soon after that they had all left for Thurmvrel and without running into new delvers below the surface information was severely limited. So when Demaras saw their expectant faces he let out a deep sigh and looked at Olenic pointedly.

“I’ll talk as we walk. Information for transport to the surface. That's the deal.”

Demaras’ terms were simple, and Olenic looked at his team and nodded. They had to know what was going on off planet, especially within the guild. Now out of the transparent dungeon environment the team normally would’ve moved faster to get to the surface. However all of them realized that the more time it took to get to the surface, the more Demaras would talk. So as they began to move, Olenic placed his hand on Demaras’ shoulder and smiled. Taking the hint Demaras began to talk.

“You were all at the council meeting where Ignar brought his opposition to the table. I was there as well. I heard his words but they did not ring true to me as Leysaras did. Regardless this is what happened in the three months since the council was convened. Rumors swirled immediately of conflict but besides drunken bar fights there wasn’t much. Until the bar fights got more violent, people started to use skills against other delvers. That's when...”

The young man trailed off, feeling for his vials of potions on his bandolier. Demaras licked his lips nervously. Eying the tunnel, hoping that they were coming up on the entrance.

“That was when reports started to come back. Of teams not making it out of dungeons in one piece. Full teams, powerful teams just vanishing without a trace inside of a rift. Hundredfloor teams mostly, us tenth floors aren’t that good until we get our guiding. After that everything got all quiet, teams didn’t delve as much and there were more open dungeons on the remote planets. Leysara tried to give a speech about needing the patrols but nobody was listening. That was a few days before I left. Figured I needed to be stronger before any real conflict breaks out. Without my guiding at the very least I’d just be fodder for hundredfloor teams.”

As Demaras spoke each of the listeners had different reactions. Karev’s face grew pale as he scanned the tunnel, Eliza’s body seemed to turn in on itself when Demaras mentioned teams not making it out of dungeons, while the siblings tried to appear as stoic as ever Eclissi’s frown carved rivers down his cheeks. Olenic was the only one who remained unphased by Demaras’ news of their guild. While the young movement specialist took a breath Olenic’s voice filled the contemplative silence left in the absence of information.

“With what we just witnessed it’s safe to assume that true conflict is on the horizon. We’re going to have to act decisively as a team, or as individuals in order to survive.”

Ahead of them the tunnel opened up into a sandy cave and clear blue sky that promised freedom.

“Anyone who wants to leave and join a side to try and influence this war needs to go now with Demaras. I won’t tolerate a divided team and I can already tell that some of you agree with Ignar, and others Leysara.”

Olenic said his piece without looking at any of his teammates or even much inflection in his tone. Trying not to leave a hint of which side he was for, if he had even picked. Karev let out a sigh and sat down on the rocky floor of the tunnel, feeling small bits of sand stick to his skin as he looked at his friend. Placing his warhammer across his knees he closed his eyes and began to think. Meanwhile Eclissi, Luna, and Eliza all looked at their leader like he had grown a second head.

“Are you serious right now Olenic? We’ve been down here for months together and now because of some tenth floor whelp you want some of us to leave?”

Demaras winced but Olenic stood strong in the face of Eliza’s outburst. They may have been working together but this wasn’t the lizardmans first team. Any camaraderie or bonds they cultivated only had a short time to grow while a poison such as possible civil war was too much for their team to survive. He knew this beyond a shadow of a doubt after the scene at the edge of the transparent tunnels. Apparently Olenic’s lack of an answer was enough for Eliza. The hydromancer looked at her former teammates and scowled.

“I am siding with Leysara, and I encourage all of you to do the same. Any who would leave with me and head directly to Leysara herself. I have a few favors that I could call in now. Eclissi, Luna please come with me.”

Together the archers nodded silently, stepping towards the hydromancer even as Demaras took a step away from Olenic and Karev. He cast a look over his shoulder and nodded at the lizardman and the human.

“Thank you for saving me down there. I wouldn’t have made it without you and I will remember it. I owe you all a life debt even if we end up on opposite sides I will repay it one day.”

With that the group broke their separate ways. Eliza leading the archers and Demaras out into the sands and Olenic and Karev inside the tunnel. In the half darkness of the tunnel Olenic looked at Karev and sighed deeply. With less than half of the manpower they turned back into the depths as the barbarian’s grin returned.

“We were always going to have to choose, after I heard the speeches I knew what was coming. Only fools failed to realize what Ignar had started, and conflict between thousandfloors is no joke. Even if he is right, I’m going to have a word with him about his speeches once we reach that level.”

Karev's answering laughs echoed within the tunnel as the pair began to walk deeper into the tunnels.