Alex took the gnome’s advice and searched for a place to rest. He wandered back toward the main square while seeing some new shops and the crafting quarters of the city. Alex entered the city hall and teleported back to Gavros. There he walked quickly to the nearest inn and promptly passed out inside.
Later in the day Alex left the inn with his hunger satiated and returned to the third floor. He followed the official’s directions eager to reach this Office of Dungeon Affairs.
The Office of Dungeon Affairs was a bustling hub of activity, tucked away in a corner of the main square. The building was a grand structure, with high vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with intricate carvings of various dungeon creatures. The air was filled with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional clatter of paperwork being shuffled.
Alex stepped inside, his eyes wide with curiosity. The interior was a maze of tables and cubicles, each occupied by a gnome official diligently working away. The air smelled of parchment and ink, a scent that sank into the building. He approached the nearest table, where a gnome with spectacles perched on his nose was looking through a stack of papers.
"Excuse me," Alex began, "I was told to come here. I'm new to the city and I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to do."
The gnome looked up, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, a newcomer! Welcome to the Office of Dungeon Affairs. We're responsible for the allocation and management of dungeon time. There are dungeons all over our lands and we make sure that order is maintained. We for the majority of our time help organize time slots for climber teams, notated found loot for research purposes and take a small take of ten percent. That last part is non-negotiable.
“When you visit one of our offices here or elsewhere you can learn where dungeons are located, buy equipment, as well as information about the dungeon itself. Usually only the name of the dungeon is free. There are few ways to level up outside of dungeon, so it is a floor requirement. Speaking of as a newcomer, you're required to complete at least five dungeons, but we encourage you to tackle more if you're up for the challenge."
Alex blinked in surprise. "Five dungeons? That sounds... daunting."
The gnome chuckled. "It can be, but it's also a great way to gain experience and level up. Plus, the rewards can be quite substantial. You see, each dungeon is filled with various monsters and treasures. The more you conquer, the more you earn."
"But how do I know which dungeons to choose?" Alex asked, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"That's where we come in," the gnome replied, gesturing to the orb on the counter. It was the same device as the one at the coliseum. "This device will display your name, path, and level. Based on that information, we can recommend suitable dungeons for you. Of course, you're free to choose your own path, but our suggestions are based on years of data and experience."
Alex placed his hand on the orb, watching as his information was displayed.
“In general, we recommend taking on our city’s dungeon first. The tax is reduced to eight percent and information is more widely available. As a spatial dungeon its rewards are very useful for carrying the items and rewards of other dungeons,” the gnome said with a wink.
“Items like my expanded bag?” asked Alex.
“Much better than those things found on the first and second floors. Those barely touch on the power of spatial magic. The most common items to come out of the dungeon are spatial rings. They can hold everything you could carry without weighing a thing. I’ve even seen a crafter receive a specialized ring for her herbs that could keep organic things living while stored. I’ll also warn you now that at about level 25 and by consequence this floor allows some ranger sub classes the ability to pick pocket Tower Points directly. To avoid this, you can store them in your ring which is harder to steal from but still possible.”
Alex nodded. “Thanks for the advice. Stealing isn’t something I really considered but it makes sense with the variety of path’s that some of them would become more nefarious depending on the person. And what happens after I complete the dungeons?"
"Well, once you've completed your required dungeons, you're free to explore the rest of the floor at your own pace or jump right to the next floor. You can join groups, participate in the tournaments, or whatever else you want to. The choice is yours. Though a word of reminder for you that is given to everyone. This floor goes from level 25 up to level 50. You can come back down to this floor to challenge dungeons but once you are past the level requirements the rewards diminish greatly. The first five dungeons you challenge will reward you more than the next five. It is also suggested that you challenge more than five dungeons because frankly no one will be level 49 or 50 when those dungeons have been completed.”
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“I see. So, it is beneficial for me to run more dungeons rather than less,” Alex paused at that. “Can you tell me more about some dungeons I should consider running for my other four required dungeons?”
“For a payment of 1000 Tower Points, I can give you the basic information surrounding some options for you.”
“That seems awfully low considering the prices of everything I have seen in the city,” Alex remarked.
“Information is also more easily replicated for better or worse. This charge is simply to help create some friction so to speak otherwise you would search out the information elsewhere which would take up your valuable time.”
“Very well then. Tell me what you’ve got. Don’t leave anything out,” said Alex. He put his hand out and transferred the points to the gnome.
"Excellent choice, my friend," the gnome said, grinning as he accepted the points. "Now, the first dungeon I'd recommend to you is ‘The Heart of Elements', focuses on elemental magic. This one has a reputation for being challenging but rewarding. It is divided into four sections, each representing a classical element. It’s a test of wit and magical prowess, perfect for a mage such as yourself."
Alex's gaze narrowed. "And what kind of rewards would this elemental dungeon have?"
"Elemental cores," the gnome answered. "If you manage to overcome the dungeon’s trials, you'll get a core aligned with a certain element. These cores can be added into items such as swords and wands to add the elemental effects of the cores."
“The next dungeon you could consider is the ‘Rocky Shores’ dungeon. It has a mix of combat variety for you to experience and would bring up the difficulty a little as you move on from the level 25 dungeons.”
“Can you tell me about the rewards for that one?” Alex asked.
“None of the others I can give that information for. You need to pay extra for that but know that the ones I suggest will have items that a mage such as yourself will appreciate.” The gnome paused letting Alex ask further questions. He did not. “Moving on. I have a defense-based dungeon called ‘The Twin Towers’. The further in the defense you can survive the better gear you can receive. It is a dungeon best handled with a team of five.”
“What if I don’t want to have a full team. I am usually on my own. Fighting solo. I don’t currently have a team."
"That is not good. Very limiting in your options. Unless you are lucky to find a wild dungeon that pops up on occasion for a day or two at most then you won’t be able to enter. The dungeons just won’t let you. You need at least one other team member and even then the dungeons are usually optimized for four or five people. If you don’t find another combatant to join you then you will not be able to progress through the third floor.”
“Earlier you said that an herbalist alchemist was able to run the spatial dungeon in the city. What are they doing in dungeons?” asked Alex.
“Crafters are a different path entirely,” the gnome started to explain. “The city’s dungeon is unique in that it is both a crafter and combat dungeon. If you tried to enter with a crafter in that dungeon then both path’s would be separated into their own tests in the dungeon. Just like there are joint dungeon there are also separate dungeons for crafters and combatants. The crafters would never be able to slay enough of the monsters in a combat dungeon and you would never be able to craft a potion to save your life. They just have a different path and requirements for progression.”
“That makes sense. The dungeons vary in type, difficulty, and the type of path required,” Alex said mostly to himself.
"Exactly, Alex. But do not fret over teaming up with others. It's the essence of these challenges. You might find it daunting initially, but once you start, you will see the various advantages of forming a team. Multiple skillsets can open up opportunities that you may not have alone," the gnome advised, steepling his fingers. “Few can climb the Tower to its peaks alone. Those who do are monsters in their own right or heroes.
"Now, back to the options of dungeons, another dungeon that you might consider is the ‘King's Tomb.' It's filled with traps, puzzles, and the undead. It requires a high level of strategy, rather than brute strength. And finally, we have the 'Garden of the Wild.' This is an outdoor dungeon filled with wild beasts and overgrown plants, and it requires navigation skills and survival tactics in addition to combat abilities."
“Thank you for the information. I will need to delve the city’s dungeon as you suggested and will consider your suggestions,” Alex said.
“Of course. These dungeons are some good picks that may suit you and are not too far from here. If you travel farther there are many interesting dungeons with rewards that may interest you more.”
“Could you point me in the direction of a dungeon that has scrolls?” Alex asked. “Like in the coliseum rewards.”
“Oh, you are in search of some of the best the third floor can offer. In that I can commend you for your boldness.” Said the Gnome. “Ability scrolls and items similar to that are usually only offered by dungeons that start at 45 and go further even past 50. It is a very lucky drop. Few get one in their first five dungeons when drop rates are increased. There are some a ways away from here. I would suggest looking into the relevant dungeons once you are at level 40 and have your team formed. Before that it would be difficult to find one.”
“What if I am in search of other rewards from dungeons? Could you give me a list of dungeons based on the type of reward? For example, items and consumable resources to increase my magic power?”
"Of course, Alex. I am always willing to sell information and can narrow down some options for you based on the criteria you desire. Though it will cost you more than I believe you can afford. A request like that will be ten thousand Tower Points at least. For now, earn some points and level up in your first dungeon or two. Then feel free to come back if you need more advice or have more questions. It's always important to be prepared when venturing into a dungeon," the gnome responded, a twinkle in his eye.
"I will think about all of this. Thank you again," Alex responded.
“Good luck on your adventures. I hope I can see you again soon.”
The pair ended their conversation and Alex stepped out of the Office of Dungeon Affairs with a forming plan in his mind. With the names of a few dungeons on hand Alex decided to head for his first. The spatial dungeon awaited.