The sun had already fallen below the treeline by the time Boltar stepped out of the Bishop's temporary quarters and back out into the camp. As he walked back over to his squad his mind spun with what the Bishop had told him. There seemed to be much more happening here than what was just at the surface. Questions that couldn't be left for the Guild to answer. He was disappointed that he couldn't tell his squad what the true purpose of their mission was, but the Bishop was right. Until they knew more, spreading it around might just cause unnecessary conflicts to rise up due to assumptions from both sides. And the Lady only knew there was enough conflict between the Order and the Guild already, regardless of how polite they might seem on the surface. Though he supposed it didn't seem as bad as it once was, since the Bishop had at least been able to negotiate for their Challenge. Once the Guild's Hallmaster had returned from conversing with the Dungeon the Bishop had had a long discussion about the Order's role in the camp. Despite the Guild's priority, a concept which he'd always thought was stupid, but that was something for those higher up than him to decide. Regardless though the Order had been given the right to perform their own Challenges ahead of schedule, with the pretext that they clear out the Floor's they Challenge completely and make extensive notes for the Guilder's to use. The first one they'd have done anyway, and while the second made Boltar a bit uncomfortable the Bishop had assured him the Order would not use these notes. In fact as a part of the deal they would only be given to the Challenging party the night before their Challenge, with instructions that they were not to pass it on any further, lest it get into the ears of those who preferred their Challenge pure.

It still wasn't ideal, but it was worth it for getting them their Challenges sooner. And the chance of finding out the truth about what was really going on here.

"Captain." Aldrick said and stood as Boltar approached their tent. The rest of the squad stood got to their feet a second later and saluted.

"First Clergyman." Boltar nodded and signaled for his team to relax.

"What did the Bishop have to say? Did we get our orders?" Aldrick asked.

"We did." Boltar said. "We are to undertake our Challenge tomorrow."

Excited cheers erupted from some of the Inquisitors, that soon petered out when they saw that Boltar was not done talking.

"What's the catch?" Tyree asked from the back, her hand unconsciously tapping the hilt of her war-hammer.

"We've been given the time slot the Guild would usually use for their Investigation of the Floor." Boltar explained. "That means that while we get to go, the other Tier 2 squads are not so lucky. At least not while the priority holds."

"Stingy." Seraphina said. "But that's to be expected when dealing with the Guild."

"Seraphina." Boltar said.

"I know, I know. Don't deprecate the Guild in public." Seraphina muttered.

"Remove 'in public' from that sentence and you got it. There's enough friction between our organizations as it is." Boltar said. "We're Inquisitors. We need to be mindful of how we act. Especially here, yes. But not just here."

"The captain's right." Waldemar said. ”Especially now as well. There are going to be plenty of Guilders that aren't happy we’re 'stealing' one or their spots.”

"I get it." Seraphina said with a sigh.

"Good." Boltar said with a nod. "Now this Challenge will be a bit different from our last one. As the replacements for the Guilder's investigators we will have to fill that role to some extent." Seeing the frowns on his squad members faces he quickly continued on to explain. "The Bishop has already made sure that this won't be taken too far. All we will need to do is take notes on what we find down there and hand them over to the Guild. They have agreed to only give them to the Challenging party the night before, to prevent them being spread around. The parties themselves will also be barred from talking about them both before and after their Challenge." He took a deep breath. "It's not ideal, but it's the price we have to pay for expediency. Any questions?" Boltar asked, and after seeing there were none he nodded. "Good, then you are excused for the rest of the day. Make your preparations. Pray, eat, and rest. Tomorrow we fight."

***

Boltar led the way through the entrance of the Dungeon, as was the captains duty. Aldrick followed after as his second, followed by Seraphina and Tyree, then Waldemar, and finally Mirielle protecting their back. They wouldn't be facing any real difficulties until they arrived on the second Floor, but they still kept formation as was tradition.

The tunnel seemed made of chiseled stone, and other than being built it seemed carved out of the rock itself, though Boltar knew better. The only exception to this fake naturality were the marble steps leading them down into the dark. Before he could even say anything Aldrick had already raised his staff and cast [Light] atop it, illuminating the staircase ahead. They walked forward slowly but with deliberate steps until the stairs stopped and the tunnel widened out into a cavern. A quick count revealed twelve separate doorways leading in all directions, one of which they came out of. Some of the doors had symbols carved above them, though Boltar couldn't say immediately what the purpose of them were.

"Waldemar. Direction." He called out. The [Priest of Fire] remained silent for a few seconds before opening his mouth.

"Straight ahead. The one with the bat abo..."

He was interrupted by a sudden surge of mana coming from within the room to the one to the left of the one Waldemar pointed out. Boltar immediately raised his shield. The mana, while it didn't seem directly hostile towards them, seemed much too powerful for the first Floor. He couldn't quite believe something Tier 1 would be of any threat to them, but he firmly believed in the mantra that it was better to be safe than sorry. And if something did pop out at them, he wanted to be prepared.

"Wait." Waldemar said. "I think I know what this is."

"Speak."

"The mana surging is Tier 2, and it changed the flow. Now the way forward is through that left doorway rather than straight ahead... It's a skip."

"A portal based skip?" Seraphina asked. "Why not just make a staircase?"

Waldemar shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe the Floor's don't line up properly. Whatever the reason it's there now."

"Is it safe?" Boltar asked. Waldemar nodded.

"Yeah. It's no different from the puzzle Dungeon a bit north-east of Ebereya, Betu. You know how it uses portals to get you to the next Floor after you've cleared the puzzle? Same principle here."

Boltar nodded. "Good, that saves us some time. Let's go."

He led the way through the doorway, beneath the not at all ominous picture of a skull, and into a smaller circular chamber. And just as Waldemar had predicted there was a portal inside. A swirling vortex of mana that converged at the center, while at the same time seeming to curve around itself. He'd seen drawings of portals like this before, but that didn't come close to how they were in real life. Disconcerting to the senses, but not in a negative way. A swirling storm of lights that weren't quite there, like looking at something while also looking behind it and around it at the same time.

"It's beautiful." Tyree said, echoing his thoughts. "The pictures don't do it justice at all."

"Tell me about it." Aldrick said.

"Everyone ready?" Boltar said.

"Yes, captain." came their answers immediately. He nodded, and stepped into the swirl. He found himself staring at a monument to something precious. He didn't recognize the woman the statue was depicting, but he could tell it's purpose right away. A statue above an offering plate, showing respect to those who lay beyond and the woman itself.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Then the system blared a notification right in front of his eyes.

Entering Floor - “The Mausoleum of the Protectors!"

Light and Life Element Skill Mana Costs Increased by 15%!

Dark and Death Element Skill Mana Costs Decreased by 5%!

Waldemar whistled in surprise, while Seraphina cursed.

"Typical." She muttered. "Why is it always light that gets cursed in these places?"

"They're underground." Mirielle said with a shrug, the first thing the [Guardian Paladin] had said since they'd entered. "Makes sense to me."

"Yeah well... It's still annoying."

"No arguments here." Alrdick said.

"What do you think about the statue?" Tyree asked. "It's clearly here for a reason."

"It's nice." Seraphina said. "It's obvious the creator found the woman and her purpose very important. Though I'm not sure about the halberd. I think it clashes with the aesthetic."

"...I meant what is the reason it's here, in relation to the Challenge."

"Oh." Seraphina said. "Well that I don't know."

"Take an image of it. It might be a clue to a puzzle later on." Boltar said. "For now in my opinion it's there for theming and aesthetics, not function. I could be wrong, but until then we should focus on the immediate Challenge first and foremost."

"Roger that." Aldrick said. His staff flashed bright for a moment as he activated his Skill, then he nodded for Boltar to continue. Beside the altar was a staircase leading even further down. Like before Boltar walked in front, and led them down over a dozen meters of steep staircase before the ground leveled out in front of them. They weren't in a hallway for very long however before a doorway brought them into a wide square chamber. Each wall had a doorway, with the largest one being straight ahead. But those weren't what caught Boltar's attention. That would be the four sarcophagi in the center of the room.

"Circle. Watch." Boltar called out.

"Understood." Waldemar was the one who answered, but they all moved as one. Their line spread out to form a circle, each of them facing outward with their weapon raised. Boltar walked forward slowly towards the sarcophagi. Six steps into the room the lids started to creek, stone on stone, but Aldrick spoke up before Boltar could open his mouth.

"Skeletons! Left doorway." He said from Boltar's left.

"Right as well." Came Tyree's voice from his other side.

"Archers!" Came Mirielle's voice a second later, just as Boltar turned his head to look down the side path to see a pair of skeletons, each raising a bow. "Shields up!"

The Clerics fell back to within the circle, while Boltar and his Paladins all raised their shields. A moment later the clanging of metal on metal signaled the first arrow hitting. From the left. Boltar looked ahead to the final opening, but could see nothing but darkness in there.

"No archers in front." He called out. "Focus fire. Left then right. Mirielle move up front to watch the sarcophagi with me."

She didn't answer, but he could hear the sound of her metal boots clicking against the stone as she ran low through their circle to join him up at the front. With a crash the four lids of the sarcophagi were thrown off, and four skeletons rose, moving with surprising agility, and leapt out. Three of them wielded the shield and a sword, while the fourth, a larger version, held a heavy hammer in both hands. He raised his sword in challenge and stepped up to meet the creatures. Bolts of light and fire flew to his left, he could see it through the corner of his eye, but he blocked it out. Forcing all of his focus instead on the enemies in front of him.

[Enhance Strength].

He felt the fiery energy of the Skill surge through his veins as it took effect, gripped his sword tight, and charged.

The closest [Skeleton] swung wildly, and while Boltar could tell there was some power behind the blow it wasn't enough to scare him. He deflected it easily, forcing both swords down to the ground before crashing into the creature with his shield. At the last second before impact, he activated [Shield Bash], and felt himself rush forward as the magic of the skill took hold. The skeleton flew back, crashing first into the side of the sarcophagus it had come from and then onto the stone floor. It didn't remain there for long, but the brief engagement was enough to tell Boltar a whole lot about his enemy. These were not at his level, whether it be in the literal sense or in their aptitude. They didn't seem that high in Tier 2 at all, if he was honest. Which would make some sense considering this was the first room, if the Dungeon wanted to ease their Challengers into the new environment. They didn't all care enough to do that, so it illuminated a lot of the Dungeon's personality to Boltar. He'd have to confirm it with [Inspect] to be sure, though. But that would have to wait until the battle was won.

"One down!" Aldrick said from behind him as he charged the second closest skeleton "Other one falling back in the darkness. Switching sides."

"Keep an eye out for the remainder." Boltar yelled back, parrying a blow then kicking the leg out from underneath the creature. He heard a loud crash to his right as Mirielle brought her shield up to block the blow of the hammer-wielder. It was louder than he'd expected, hinting at the possibility that this was the most dangerous foe here. But not loud enough that he was worried Mirielle couldn't handle it. He held the steletons arm down with his right foot and brought his shield down hard. Once. Twice. Three times he hit it before he felt the bones beneath him crack. Then he tossed himself to the side and rolled away from his first opponent that had once more reached him. While rolling he allowed himself a glance to the side. Mirielle had one foe missing an arm, forcing it to try and attack with nothing but its shield and letting her focus most of her attention on the hammer-wielder. In the brief second he watched he saw a wide grin on her face and a light shining from her eyes.

Yeah, she was fine.

He rolled to his feet and swung wide behind him as he spun, catching the sword of the skeleton at a bad angle. For it, not him. It fell to the stone below with a clang, and he pushed forward, activating [Shield Bash] and once more forcing the creature to the ground.

"One down right. Remainder falling back again." Aldrick called out. "I think it's around the corner."

"The one on the left hasn't fired an arrow again."

"Then leave it." Boltar said as he delivered the finishing blow to his downed foe. It dissipated into motes of mana as he rose, his legs already moving towards Mirielle and the hammer-wielder.

While it was stronger and its attacks heavier than its fellows, it was still well below them in levels, and outnumbered six to one. It didn't take long before all that was left of both it and the crippled skeleton were motes of mana floating up into the air. Boltar took a breath, but didn't sheath his sword.

"Status? Clerics first." He asked.

"Eight tenths. Health full." Aldrick said.

"Seven tenths. Health also full." Waldemar said.

"Seven and a half tenths. No damage here either." Seraphina said.

Boltar nodded. "Good. Paladins? Eight tenths here. No damage."

"Nine tenths on both." Mirielle said. "Tanked some hits with my shield."

"Eight and nine." Tyree said.

"Alright. Good engagement, everyone." Boltar said. "But it's not over yet. We still have the two archers."

"It's a bit suspicious that they never returned." Aldrick said. "Skeletons don't exactly flee in fear."

Boltar nodded. "They're probably meant to ambush us later, or lure us into a trap."

"My vote's on trap." Waldemar said. "A single skeleton won't make a very good ambush."

"Don't underestimate the damage an arrow can do at the wrong time." Boltar cautioned. "But I agree that a trap is probably more likely. Seraphina, time to potion up."

"Already on it." She said as she pulled a small glass vial from her pouch. She grimaced at it. "I really hate drinking these. They're gross, and take forever to brew." Then she brought it to her lips and downed it, grimacing as she did so.

"Blegh." She said, then scanned the room. "No traps in here at least."

"None that you can detect." Waldemar corrected.

"Yeah, whatever. Same thing." Seraphina said. "If I can't see them even after drinking this, we'd never be able to spot them before they triggered anyway."

"Good point." Waldemar admitted.

"Anyway, I can't see any traps in this room or the part of the hallways I can see." Seraphina said. She turned to face Boltar. "Which way are we going, Captain?"

He frowned, then turned to Waldemar. "Which way leads to the end of the Floor?"

The man shut his eyes for a few seconds, then pointed straight ahead. "They can all reach the end, but that path's the shortest. Followed by the one to the left of where we came in."

Boltar nodded. "Then we go right first. And remember we're supposed to be investigators. Before we go anywhere have a look around in here and make notes.

"Of what?" Seraphina asked.

"Anything you find interesting." Boltar said. "And everything you think the Guilders would find interesting as well. And as always if you find any treasure or possibly puzzle pieces bring it to me for now."

They all nodded, and went their separate ways to search the room. Unlike Boltar, they had no idea what they were looking for, but they were smart people. They'd know it if they found it.

A few minutes later they had combed the entire room with a fine toothed comb, and Boltar was certain there was nothing more they could have found. In the end the room hadn't contained anything obviously interesting. The sarcophagi had some symbol carved into their lids, a tower with a star atop it, but none of them recognized it. He suspected it was just for aesthetics and not really important for the Challenge itself, though he still had them draw it just in case it was a clue for a puzzle further along the Floor.

Once they were done they once more assumed formation, though this time with Seraphina walking in front right beside Boltar, and set off to the right. The hallways was dark, lit only by the light of Aldrick's staff, but otherwise empty. It reached only half a dozen feet before turning ninety degrees to the right. They paused at the edge of the wall, Seraphina and Boltar sticking their heads out, her to scout for traps and he to shield her from possible arrows, and Aldrick lighting the way as best he could with his staff. The corridor was covered in outcroppings on a wall that seemed much more carved and natural than the one they had just been walking down. The light from Aldrick's staff cast shadows that seemed to dance and twist, making it hard to make out anything more than five feet in front of them with any real detail. Boltar could only barely see the outline of the skeleton up ahead, along with the bow it held in one hand down by its waist. What he couldn't see at all was what the other hand was doing, reaching up into the wall.

Seraphina let out a gasp and jolted back around the corner, pulling Boltar with her.

Then a gout of flame as wide as the hallway flew past where their heads had just been less than a second earlier.