Chapter 13

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[Dungeon]

I became aware of the adventurers when they stopped to get ready outside. They had walked up the mountain before circling around to come at me from the opposite side. I couldn’t see why, but from what they chatted about, I gathered that the path was blocked. A shame, but I couldn’t do anything about that.

As I observed them further, I found out some things. Firstly, the man from before had led them back to me. I knew he wouldn’t disappoint. He was named Sigurd, and the others that had followed him were called Jenna, Lorelei, Kael, Jackson and Sebastien.

It seemed that Sigurd was an outsider to the group, and since he had explored the dungeon a little, he would be leading the group through the dungeon.

I laughed hysterically when my initial changes had been an immediate success. Sigurd tripped and fell down all the stairs in a confused cacophony of flailing limbs and grunts of pain.

“I’m fine, fine!” he called out to the others, unworried, though blind and in potential danger. I saw smirks forming on most of their faces.

“Stairs” he called out a moment later. “Watch out for the stairs” he added, cursing under his breath as he clambered to his feet.

When the others got to the bottom he tried to explain himself, but he just ended up red and embarrassed.

Shaking his head, Kael clapped him on the back.

“Whatever you tell yourself son. Whatever you tell yourself” Kael said, trailing off.

“Son!” Sigurd exclaimed indignantly. “I’m older than you!”

“Doesn’t matter though. I’m not the one who fell down the stairs.”

Sigurd sighed, shutting up wisely.

Now that they were inside the dungeon, I could observe them properly. Outside of my mountain things were blurry and unfocused, but here? My vision was crisp and sharp. With nary a thought I could see them properly.

At the bottom of the stairs, they regrouped in a quick and organised manner. It spoke volumes of their professionalism and skill and even though there was no reasonable threat on the level, they hadn’t been sloppy as they couldn’t confirm that. Especially as something had changed; the stairs. What else could change? I imagined they were asking themselves.

They sorted themselves out and Sigurd stood up; brushing himself down with a slight look of embarrassment. He tried to put it behind him though, and took off, showing them the interesting sights.

A series of “wow’s” resounded as they observed the caverns. From the luscious grasses, filled with deep greens and the trees with their drooping branches to the abundance of small animals and life that filled the space with its unique atmosphere. They were stunned. It was jaw dropping if I do say so myself. I was glad they felt the awe that I was inspiring.

It was a shame that all too soon they got over the wonder and trance like state I had put them in.

With the death of the mysterious man, I had realised what a boon it was to kill. I had received enough mana to level up several times and almost fill my reserves. And although it was true that it had been boosted by the multipliers, I would still have got a decent chunk from the kill itself.

And though I wouldn’t mind claiming the life of one of them, I was still happy just observing them. It would be funny to see them stumble through the levels in such a trance.

Since they were inside, I wouldn’t be able to build. Whenever I moved away from them that godawful incessant pounding returned halting any progress.

Though I hated it beyond belief, I did understand the reason for it. If I could build whilst they were exploring the dungeon, then it was a bit unfair. I could just imagine how pissed off I would be if as I was wandering along, the path just changed on me.

As they progressed, they challenged anything and everything. From the trees to the rabbits and insects. They collected everything as well. All the various types of plant. All the dirt, rock and dust. All the carapaces from the insects and skins from the creatures. Absolutely everything was collected, stored and packed away as they marched onwards.

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As a result of their method, they took absolutely ages to get anywhere and by the time they made it to the second level, several hours had passed.

Just like before, Sigurd was wary off the root stairs and I supposed he had an especially good reason to be. If I had already changed the entry before, there was a good chance I was going to change this one. I wasn’t. But, he couldn’t know that.

The others were just as wary, but, braver. Kael - the rogue - went first, jumping along with fleet footed agility. Once he had made it, the others reluctantly stepped down making their way to floor two.

Emerging on the tree tops seemed to surprise them. I was almost certain Sigurd must have told them this would be the case, but nonetheless they seemed to find it surprising. Perhaps it was the fall that awaited them if somehow it collapsed that was the reason.

At the branches to the sky paths they paused.

“Which way?” The soft voice of the healer asked.

“I haven’t gone that way, I prefer the comfort of the ground.” Sigurd responded, chipping in.

“Well, we have to catalogue the dungeon, so I imagine that we have to do both. Sigurd’s right though, the ground is far more appealing.” Seb said taking hold of the conversation.

“I don’t think I can fight on that” Jackson mumbled, eyeing up the path before looking back at his shield.

“Come on bud, what’s the worst that could happen. So what if you fall and break your back. At least you’ve got some stories. That’s the most important thing, right? Nothing to worry about.”

“Shut up Kael!” the nervous tank retorted, stress evident in his tone.

The rogue just laughed harder at that.

Sebastian seemed to let it go for a bit but hissed out “Zip it” at him after the laughing persisted.

“Right, so Jackson can’t really fight up there. The armour, shield, and weapons will really hinder him and since it seems to be single file there’s no real point in taking him along.” Jackson nodded to that, signalling that he was fine with the plan and for Seb to continue, but Sigurd jumped in first.

“I’ll keep him company then, I’ve not explored it and the ground is where I belong. I won’t be much help anyway. Probably fall off and have you rescue me.” he said snorting at himself with a self-deprecating laugh.

It took them but a few moments to decide that Lore should stay as well. Since it was single file and fire wasn’t the best choice in the tree tops she wouldn’t be much help. Kael would lead with Seb and Jenny wobbling along after him.

It took them the best part of an hour to explore the treetops. And a poor job they did of it too. Kael was the only one happy up in the sky path and as such they only went as far as to challenge some of the mobs and ascertain what it was like.

Despite the rogue’s pleas to continue, Seb made them turn back as soon as he could. They hadn’t even managed to find any of the treasure chests.

“Find anything” Lorelei queried once they returned.

“Not much, no treasure at least”

“It was further on I tell you. We should have stayed the path for a while longer. I’m sure we’d have found some treasure.” Kael interrupted.

“Maybe so. But, maybe the mobs are the prize here though. We’ll have to take the snakeskin to an alchemist to find out. But, I’d rather we came back and didn’t risk it. We’re paid enough as it is, let’s not fuck it up aye.”

“Aye” he responded slightly subdued.

They continued down the tree, taking the stairs two at a time, well, some of them did, Sigurd being little didn’t have the choice, but the tall Jackson and Sebastien settled into it naturally.

At the bottom of the tree they looked around briefly before setting off.

It took them a while but eventually they managed to catalogue the whole level, though the secret evaded their penetrating gazes, much the same as the eagle nest on floor one had. No deaths for the water elementals today.

The camps were of great interest to them and they sketched out a small drawing of it. Though none of them were artsy enough to do a decent job of it. I would have done much better.

Eventually they made it along the stream to the opening that lead down to the swamp.

As they peered over the waterfall, I once again listened in to their conversation.

“It doesn’t seem safe, there must be another way down.” Jenna told the others, worried.

“Look, it’s a soft landing and we’re adventurers. A little fall won’t hurt us, we’ll just get a little wet. Look down there. We won’t stay dry even if there was another way through, it’s a swamp after all.” Sigurd replied, rebutting her gently.

“Fine, but if this ruins my robe you’ll owe me, little man” she said with a slight smile.

“I think you mean that the dungeon owes you. If you truly believe that you would still have had fine robes by the end of the swamp, I will gladly pay for replacements fair lady” he responded with a smile yet shifting the obligation to pay.

“On three! One, two, three!” they shouted together before jumping. They had all grasped each other’s hands and so when Jenna tried to abort at the last minute she was dragged over the edge with a high-pitched yelp. I laughed at that.

A few seconds of free fall and a loud thump and splash later, they landed in a heap on the soft marsh. Somehow during the fall Jenna had managed to twist and position herself so that she landed on Sigurd. I laughed again. I truly liked this lot, despite the seriousness and talent they were fun. I wouldn’t be upset if they died here, but I would miss the joviality they brought with them.

With a sigh she stood and maliciously pressed the little man’s head into the muck as she climbed to here feet. A form of petty revenge I’m sure.

“Torture, torture!” he exclaimed laughing. “Kael, Kael. Help me!”

As she clambered off of him he raised his head and sucked in a gasp of air. He glared in fake anger before climbing to his feet and running a hand through his wet hair and wiping his smiling face.

Over to Sigurd’s left was a clear pool that he wandered over to and washed off his armour and head quickly. With another glare at Jenna he re-joined the group on the left to guard that flank.

“I’m gonna get you back little lady.” He whispered in her ear as he got into position. She just smiled innocently back.