Chapter 17: Loot a dead dungeon
The small scouting party neared the entrance of the dungeon. A soon as they stood before the dungeon, Marwa took a step inside it, waited for a minute and then turned around.
“My lady, this dungeon is indeed dead or abandoned, normally as soon as you enter a dungeon you could not see out of the entrance and as soon as you entered you should feel a shift in the surrounding mana.”: Marwa said.
Hesitantly Xhemile entered the abandoned dungeon. After being inside for a minute, she relaxed a bit and sighed as the system also didn't say anything about this dungeon.
“You shouldn't relax my lady. Monsters still can be found in dead dungeons and here we find, guaranteed, some desert dogs hiding from the scorching sun outside.”: Marwa suddenly said.
Xhemile immediately tensed up again. The party slowly advanced through the entrance hall. They found a few triggered traps in the first room but no monsters or dogs. As they walked further inside the dungeon, they soon reached the second room. In this room were 6 desert dogs dozing on the cool floor. A few coordinated hand sings and they killed these dogs during their sleep. They collected the few crystals a few dogs had and moved towards the third room. Inside the third room two dogs were playing with each other, but as soon as they noticed the intruders they jumped towards them with deadly intent. The party was ready and dispatched these dogs also immediately. Inside the fourth room, nothing was there except an old rusty chest containing expired potions and a rusty iron sword. When they reached the fifth room, they noticed a strange pillar int the middle with glowing shard scattered around.
“This was a Rank 0 dungeon. It only had four rooms and only one floor. This should be the pillar which once held the dungeon core, but somebody or something destroyed it and left its shards scattered around.”: Marwa spoke suddenly.
“Marwa do you think those shards are useful for something?”: Xhemile asked.
“These shards are indeed very valuable which show whatever destroyed this dungeon wasn't very intelligent as it left the most valuable things behind and didn't collect any other loot, my lady.”
“Well, let's collect everything which looks useful.”: Xhemile ordered her subjects. During the time they looked through everything she collected these shards and let the system analyze them.
[Dungeon core shards Rank 0:
Description: Shard of a destroyed dungeon core. A light magical presence can be sensed.
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Consumption effect: Increases Int- and Wis-stat temporarily by 2 for thirty minutes. Increases mana regeneration by 50% for ten seconds.
Crafting effect: Increases mana channeling of a weapon by 20% and magic resistance of armor by 10%.
Special effect: Can be used to strengthen other crystals.]
They also collected some other loot. More expired potions and rusted equipment like shields, swords and an axe, but nothing of use. They loaded everything inside their backpacks and took the way home as the system clock showed 06:00 pm. During the walk back to the castle, nothing exciting happened except the occasional clash with a desert dog. Halfway towards the castle they saw a group of desert dogs fight a weird bug like thing which looked like an ant only sand colored. Xhemile analyzed it with the help of the system from a safe distance.
[Giant desert ant:
Rank 0
Level 4]
“Oh god, not ants, if there is one then there are millions somewhere else.”: Xhemile complained.
“My lady. Normally giant desert ants are passive monsters. They only attack when threatened or when the hive or queen is in danger. These ants are also useful as they shed their skin every few weeks. Their hard shell is light and good for making light armor and shields. They also have a stinger which can be used to craft weapons. These are the scavengers of the desert as they eat everything, they find which was once alive. Works well in an area where many desert dogs live, as these monsters often have rank fights which often turn out deadly for the weaker opponent.”: Njoud said.
Xhemile looked a bit surprised that the quietest person explained that. She then turned to observe the fight. The desert dogs had the numerical advantage and tried to bite the ant in its weak joints where the exoskeleton was weaker. After a few seconds Xhemile noticed that the dogs were losing, despite its strong armor, the ant still was surprisingly agile. Soon the dogs were exhausted and the ant finished them of when it used its stinger a to stab them in their chests. After the fight ended the ant used its antennas to scoop the five dead dogs up and walked back towards its nest to show its prey to their queen. The scouting party also made its way back to their castle. After a grueling walk through the harsh sunlight, they finally reached Karomama castle at 07:30 pm. When the party entered the castle, they were greeted by a tired Neeth and Kira. They had worked tirelessly to craft the drinking bags and backpacks as well as some armor. They also proudly presented their new crafts and improved a few weapons.
[Crude Backpack
Description: This crudely made backpack from desert dog hide, can be used to carry more things during a walk. It is made with the thought in mind to still be very agile, even when filled with stones.]
[Leather drinking bag
Description: This drinking bag made of leather can store 2 liters of water. It has a small leather strap so it is easy to carry around.]
[Leather armor
Rank 0
+5 to Def
Description: This leather armor is made with the leather of the desert dog. It gives little protection against slash and piece damage. It is specifically designed to be used in the desert and has an inner cloth to protect the skin of the wearer from the rough leather.
Effect: The body doesn't overheat that easily in a fight in hot environments.
+20% defense against Rank 0 slash and pierce damage.
+5% defense against Rank 1 slash and pierce damage.
-10% defense against Rank 0 blunt damage.]
“My lady, we have made a special armor for you please follow me.”
“Neeth, you know how to treat a lady.”: Xhemile was giddy from the anticipation.