“How long has the moon been there?” A small child of EmberMoon whispered to another child.

“I heard since last night. Apparently yesterday, at the festival, she was hurt. They brought her here in secret. Everyone thinks miss moon is travelling with haste in the carriages.” The second child whispered as well as they made their way out of the cave.

“Why bring the moon here?” The first child, a little younger than the second continued.

“Magic is very dense in a dungeon, especially in the lake. She had some internal injuries that healers wouldn’t be able to fix. They put her here for the magic water to seep into her. With the influx of magic, she has a better chance.” The second boy paused slightly looking back. “I heard mr moon had to be dragged away. His body absorbs magic with greed. If he was here, she wouldn’t be able to absorb as much.”

“Oh. Sad they are rarely separated.” The smaller child gave out a giggle. “Teacher said today the fruit can be picked!” The children left the cave. More came and went, all being hushed by the adults that also passed through. They were heading to the fields and the school.

“You awake?” Larn asked sitting near the waters’ edge.

“I want to say no.” Auna whispered, she did not open her eyes.

“Everyone was screaming, and yelling when they brought you in last night. It took three adults to pull Jensen off of you. His body was greedily drinking in the magic in the air. We all were worried it could prevent you from absorbing enough. As you know you have a harder time absorbing magic, it is why your mana pool doesn’t recharge as fast. You body is just more fragile than his.” Larn touched her forehead softly.

“I’ll be okay. The healers at the festival are fairly good at magic. They are not just doctors. I heard they can do the impossible, like regrow fingers. They did their best, said it was up to my body and mana supply now. Their magic boosts the natural healing properties of a persons’ body. The catch is it drains mana. Good thing I have a stupid amount.” Auna gave a goofy eyes-closed smile.

“Yes, good thing. Though from what I can see your mana is nearly empty anyway. I can see mana of people and things, yours is weak. Usually, you have so much you almost glow.” Larn sighed.

“I know. I am just resting. Hey. Did you hear? My sword broke. I had to borrow one, that also ended up broken.” Auna sighed and shifted deeper into the water, now only her shoulders and head stayed above the water.

“I did. We are making you a new one. One that should be able to withstand your savage usage of swords. It will not be delicate in anyway.” Larn smirked as Auna finally opened an eye.

“Really? I’d love that. In my defense it broke on a metal slime, not necessarily from my usage.” Auna smiled a genuine face splitting smile.

“It broke because of your previous savage use. Swinging it back and forth like it was double bladed.” Larn smiled again as he saw Auna had started to lightly snore.

“How is she?” The alchemist, Allison crept slowly over.

“She is going to be okay. Just be quiet while you do your work. You could also just sit and watch over her instead. No one will think you are slacking. A 26-year-old alchemist deserves some rest.” Larn gave the sitting woman a strong pat on the shoulder before leaving.

“I’ll guess I’ll make sure you don’t drown yourself.” Allison sat far enough away to not disturb her, close enough to pull her up. She pulled out some notes from her recent experiments.

“Hey miss alchemist.” A teacher gave a bow to Allison as she led the children back to the lower floors.

“Hello teacher.” Allison gave a wave, going back to her scribbling have a second later.

“Teacher, why is miss moon in the water still?” A child asked as he was guided to leave via the dungeon podium.

“She is resting, we should let miss moon be.” The teacher answered softly.

Soon the field workers also travelled through the cave to go home. They spoke softly among each other. A few gave a short bow to the alchemist. She was well liked by the people of the dungeon. She was creating different potions, and bettering the crops yield through experimentation. She was also a bit feared as she was itchy to experiment on dungeon monsters, she had been given a few bugs. She was a true alchemist that was nearly manic to study and create.

“How is she?” Jensen came the next morning with Ciela and everyone else. He looked crazed as he tightly held Aku, who they had picked up. Everyone came to the shore of the lake to see Auna in the water up to her shoulders. “My moon?”

“I’m okay. Can’t I rest without you freaking out?” Auna finally opened her eyes, looking at everyone. She gingerly pulled herself up. She felt a bit weak, though fully healed. “Hungry I think.”

“Eat.” Ciela came rushing over with a blue apple.

“Thank you.” Auna took it, moaning as she bit into it.

“I’m sorry I could not visit yesterday. I was being watched carefully by the teachers. They think I get too lonely without you guys around. They spoil me a bit though, so it is okay.” Ciela crawled onto Aunas’ lap as Jensen used his magic to dry her.

“Hi everyone, should we talk at the school?” Auna got up, swaying with Ciela in her arms. Diego quickly took Ciela into his own arms. As Bruno took Auna by the elbow, steadying her walk to the school area.

“How are you all here?” Auna asked.

“We ran the carriage through the night, hit the transport gate, came here. Us running through the night was not awkward as you were hurt. We used the door at the mayors’ house to bring you here. Then we picked up one of our children and wrapped them up tightly to be you. We were pleasantly surprised that the doors worked in your state. I think they only disconnect in extreme cases of mental strain.” Nick answered as his wife pinched the cheeks of Aku who cooed gently in Jensens’ arms.

“I see. Thank you. I don’t think I would have survived without the quick thinking. We really need to train harder. I think it might be time to bring my brother and cousins into the dungeon, in secret of course. We should train them on floors we have cleared first, and dive deeper ourselves.” Auna took a deep breath.

“Will we bring them as we dive deeper?” Jensen asked.

“No, I want the rewards for clearing to be given to us. Maybe a few other kids in the dungeon. We will need to fill out the position Seth will leave the year after next. His last year should be next, he just makes the cut of. The year after my cousins will be unable to fight with us.” Auna gave her answer.

“I think training some of the dungeon kids would be a good idea. We can start with Sambor here.” Jensen pointed to the boy sitting off to the side. “I know Ciela doesn’t like fighting all that much. So, I don’t think we should ever have fight at the festival. We can win the prizes she wants.”

“I agree, I don’t mind exploring. I do mind fighting for sport.” Ciela gave a nod.

“Okay, Sambor? Would you be okay with staying here? I know the Duke here is supposed to take care of you, in the kings' eyes. I don’t want to intrude.” Auna looked between the two.

“About that, I would like to make a proposal. Sambor here is from Wardite, I couldn’t just let him suffer. He told me he had been heading to the great monster forest, to escape the people chasing him. He would have eventually become a person you would protect.” Nick smiled softly.

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“I talked to him; he is interested in living here. He doesn’t like being controlled, especially by adults. He is willing to work with you, and listen. He recognizes your strength. He did ask to be included in clear rewards of the levels.” Nick paused.

“Sure, that should not be an issue. A team of eleven can still move through the floors without too much issue. Our tamed monsters are still small as well. What is your actual proposal?” Auna eyed him.

“I know Aku is very much a child you care for. We also care for him. I know you plan on moving him here when the dungeon stabilizes itself. However, I would like to keep him at our manor. We would start walking him to classes here though, which we would like our Gema to study here when she can as well. Having the children spend time in the dungeon will be great for their growth.” Nick stopped looking to Auna.

“The teachers you use for Gema, they are the ones you used for your other children, right?” Auna asked.

“Yes, they are part of the Pearl families. Each one comes from a trusted branch. We have three very trusted ones. The other two are rather new, I would not say I trust them. Why?” Nick was sure his guess was right, but needed to ask anyway.

“Why don’t we bring in the three trusted teachers everyday they teach normally. Then Aku and Gemma can leave to be taught by the other two at your manor. I trust you, if you trust them, I will give them that trust as well. You have saved me from a marriage I did not want. Allowing you to benefit from our ties more should be okay.” Auna smiled adding. “Your two older sons should be brought into the dungeon more as well. They can come in through the door in Jensens’ room.”

“Really you would allow that?” Seni had tears in her eyes. “I know you love Aku, I want to continue to raise him beside Gema though. They are only a few years apart; they are good siblings.”

“I would. I understand you love Aku, I love him as well. I feel like he is mine, as much as I feel that about Ciela. I don’t feel that about every child here.” Auna paused to sweep her arm toward the children, who were listening intently to their teacher on the other end of the school area.

“I feel responsible for them, but not like a mother to them. I understand it would be hard for you to release him to my care so easily. I know even when I have a home in the outside world, I will have to make a door for you two. He will be just as attached to you, his grandmother.” Auna smiled softly. “As for your other children. I really should have been allowing them in the dungeon already, letting only four of your seven children to benefit is rude.”

“I would never accuse you of being rude. A dungeon is a great resource, allowing others to benefit from it is not smart. We do not want it to collapse, though I think since you farm here it won’t. The farm should count as resources, though you need to be careful how often the floors are cleared.” Seni sighed.

“I know, we can start with rotating the floors in monthly intervals. We will open floor 3 for a month, then 4, then 5, then a month of no floors opened. This should keep a collapse from happening. It will have to be honor system, as I can not block off stairways. Though I think everyone will listen as this is their home, they do not want to lose it. As we open more floors the rotation will grow.” Auna watched as Grandmother Elf came up.

“I agree, we have discussed this with the people already. This is why we want you to clear more floors, to decrease the risk of collapse.” She sat down near Auna.

“I think it is very smart. Allowing us to benefit even just a little, it is such a lovely thing. You will have to be sure Seth will not tell Count Jade though.” Seni pressed.

“I don’t think that will be an issue. My youngest brother was born last month. Count Jade has named him Regan Jr. Count Jade also told him that Regan Jr. will be taking the Jade title. Apparently, the recent improvement in grades, and fighting is not enough. Regan Jr. he was the only child born with classes, stats, and blessings Count Jade approves of.” Auna gave a smile of pity.

“I see. I heard rumors; I didn’t dare think it was truth.” Nick sighed deeply.

“Yeah, it is fairly shitty. Seth doesn’t think he will be allowed to stay in the house once he turns 16. Count Jade has to keep up appearances, so Seth should be able to continue school. For now.” Auna took the drink Grandmother Elf handed her.

“I see poor boy. Your cousins?” Seni pushed.

“They don’t like Count Jade. My uncle lives in the capital now, he has left the estate.” Auna took a look at a few papers the grandmother Elf had brought.

“We did hear he was running his business from the capital, no one thought much of it though. Many second sons, and daughters do that.” Nick was thinking hard.

“Yes, it is why they were not forced to stay in the territory.” Auna reassured Nick, turning to grandmother Elf she asked. “You already have inventoried three advance magic books. Isn’t the fire one Sambors’ book? You can assume mine and Jensens’ will be public use. However you must ask Sambor for his.”

“I had assumed when the Duke gave me all three it was already decided.” Grandmother Elf explained.

“Sambor, did you agree to give the book up?” Auna asked the boy standing off to the side.

“He said it would be safer to put it here, instead of travel with it.” Sambor gave his non-answer.

“Would you like the book back?” Auna tried a different approach.

“Can I?” Sambor raised his eyebrows.

“Give him the book back.” Auna directed to the Grandmother Elf. “Next time please be more mindful. I do not want us to become a society that removes belongings from people as they feel fit. Taxes, labour, even some insights can be expected from people for the greater good. However, removal of something owned by another without explicit permission should not happen again.”

“Yes, of course.” The Grandmother Elf walked to the storage shed. She gathered the advance book of fire. “Sambor, here this is yours. Please accept my apologies for the misunderstanding.”

“Okay.” Sambor snatched the book and turned away to huddle with it in his arms. He eyed everyone with suspicion for a few moments before relaxing. He then sat opening it to read.

“Well, please update your inventory list. Are there any other pressing matters?” Auna asked. She still felt tired.

“Not really. The crops are growing well. Though as we feared the amount is getting a bit hard to harvest in a timely manner.” Grandmother Elf sat back down.

“I can help that.” Rowan who had been quietly playing in the grass looked up.

“How so?” Auna asked putting her hand out to the girl. Rowan carefully dusted herself off before coming close.

“I can birth treants, intelligent ones, not the crazed ones. I am comfortable allowing a few to be tamed, it can actually help me as I can’t control them all. Though I can birth about forty in a month. I will need to go to the forest to actually do it though, it may be a bit dangerous. I can birth more if they are tamed. I won’t let just anyone take my babies though, only people you trust.” Rowan finished.

“Okay, and how long will it take for them to be able to work the fields?” Auna questioned.

“A day or two, they will have to get their feet under them. After that it is just needing to show them what to do. Most are born with decent intelligence especially when it comes to plants.” Rowan smiled proudly.

“Everyone in this dungeon can be trusted. Grandmother Elf here will add checking on the birth Treants well being. She will report to you once a month. Will that work?” Auna asked.

“That will work. The Duke said I will have to spend time at the school, not here. Everyone knows I am yours. So, it will be odd if I am not kept at the school. I understand though.” Rowan looked a little sad.

“You can decide if you want to sleep with me in my bed, or stay in the tamed beast barn.” Auna gave her a look of pity. It was going to be difficult for a tree to live that way. She could not do anything about it, not yet. She needed to keep her secrets for a little while longer.

“I’ll decide later.” Rowan said nodding. She then just walked away. “I can explore right?”

“Of course, just please don’t hurt anyone, or anything.” Auna waved the wooden girl off.

“Hey kid!” Larn yelled as he got out of the cave.

“Don’t be rude to her! Address her with respect!” The Grandmother Elf scorned him again.

“Leave it, I am a child. I am sure he meant no disrespect.” Auna waved the dwarf over. He was holding something. “What is it?”

“Well. We all worked very hard through the night. This is your new falcata.” He handed Auna the bundle.

“A what?” Auna asked unwrapping the weapon. It was not long enough to be a long sword, nor was it short enough to be a short sword. It had a slight curve on the normally sharp side, making it fatter just before the tip. The top was sharp from the tip to the midpoint. The point at which the top of the blade was sharp and not sharp came together as a sharp jet out. Like waves crashing. The handle had a thick grip, and nearly c-shaped cutouts to keep her hand in place. The entire thing was made from black mithril. An extremely rare metal, that looked like the more common black steels used to make swords.

“It is so beautiful, are you sure I can, have it? Wouldn’t it fetch a high price?” Auna asked though she didn’t really want to give it up.

“I am sure. We want you, and your team to have weapons strong enough to keep up with you. We will work on more for the rest of the team. As for the metal it is actually worth more unprocessed. People prefer custom items from such a rare metal.” Larn gave her a cheeky thumbs up.

“I see. How much of this rare material can we get?” Auna asked turning her new sword in her hands.

“Well, to get that much took about the entire time we have been mining. There is not much of it, it does regenerate though. We think we might find more deeper as we expand the tunnels. Say, can you maybe get a strong ancient mining tamed creature?” He gave a smirk and winked.

“I will see what I can do. For now, please try to cope.” Auna winked back.

“Well, I think we should get everyone back to the school.” Nick sighed. He had a door in the capital, at his own villa. He had parked his carriage there as well.

“I agree. Thank you again Larn. Sambor, please stay here for now. Read, learn with the other children if you will as well.” Auna gave him a wave as he nodded.