Theo looked inside the small building to the left as they exited the lift. The ceiling had collapsed at some point in the past, and debris cluttered the floor. "Who built all this stuff anyway? And why are the doors so short?"

Tallia, who happened to come at that moment, spoke. "I heard this used to be a goblin mine but they disappeared around fifty years ago. My name is Tallia by the way can I get you lots please?"

Michail came over next, still tieing his shield to his arm. "The lift is coming back down with another load we should talk as we go. Leave this area for the Overseers to handle they need to build up a base of operations anyway."

Anita frowned as she looked around at all the other dark doorways around the place. "Are you sure we shouldn't make sure there is no beasts lurking in some of these buildings?"

Talia and Michail only chuckled and waved them toward the only tunnel leading out of the chamber... Unless you count the lift, of course. "That lift makes a lot of noise. the closer it gets the louder it will get. trust me everything within half a mile has already left the area."

Theo shrugged "alright you're the professional but how come I don't remember the lift being that loud when we rode it down?"

"It's a small device at the bottom of the lift that directs noise downwards. It's really handy we had a lift noise device stop working a few years back and a horde of hungry rats waited at the bottom." Tallia gave an offhanded wave of her hand as if to say it happens.

When the party reached the tunnel mouth, Theo turned around, giving the chamber one last look. The two former soldiers are poking into the dilapidated sheds. At the same time, another group began tearing down already checked buildings stacking usable materials on one side, and debris got thrown into a far corner. Max had set up a table and chair and looked to be handing out assignments to people as they came up to him. "Everything seems well organized I cant even tell this is a last minute order from the Capital."

Turning back around, Theo found Michail staring at him with narrowed eyes. "What I thought you wanted to get a head start on the other adventurers." Theo spoke, barely suppressing his laughter, checking once again that his hood hid his features.

As the amateur adventurers left the entry chamber, they noticed the strange glowing green moss hanging from the ceiling, which Tallia calls glow moss. Apparently, 'Rumors' state they were planted throughout the entire mountain range by the goblin inhabitants long ago. According to a book, Michail read the plant is indigenous to a small valley deep in the sky mountains that the goblins supposedly originated.

Theo, however, didn't pay the lesson any mind since he hates reading hand gestures unless necessary. He was running his hand over a node that the system felt the need to highlight for some reason.

Copper deposit -Rare- Drops 20 copper ore, Chance for common gem 20%, uncommon 10% rare 5% magic stone 1%

Revealing his findings to Tallia, who had followed Theo to the node, he started toward another nearby. Tallia raised an eyebrow. Usually, only Overseers with many years of experience could accurately judge a node. When she reported this to Michail, he didn't bat an eye as he began scratching tiny words onto his small sketch. Unlike Tallia, Michail grew up in a tavern and had seen more than his fair share of Outworlder abilities.

Yes, Michail assumed Theo is an Outworlder. Many of their people have grown self-conscious of their eternal youthful bodies as they grew older. Also, as they have lived amongst the Andorians for two decades now, most have stopped considering themselves outsiders. They don't like the fear in the average person's eyes when they see the gem embedded in their foreheads. Mostly the fault of the few going for a race change into a Lesser Demon Kin.

The party went on like this for twenty minutes before Theo found the first Iron node. He saw dozens of copper nodes all various grades during the trip, several tin veins, and one coal deposit that Michail seemed excited to markdown. Honestly, Theo was beginning to get annoyed with all the hand signing, so he called a stop when he reached the first crossroad. To be honest, it is kind of dangerous. Since if either Michail or Tallia were talking, everyone had to look directly at their hands and lost focus on the surroundings. It is no wonder Jamal would not let James become an adventurer unless he found two people his age to party with. that could also speak with their tongues.

When they reached the split in the tunnel, Michail started moving his hands again. Theo threw up his hands in exasperation. "Thats enough if you wont talk like a normal human being don't talk. you are distracting my team from their surroundings." Michail's and Talliia's faces turned a bright shade of red at Theo's condescending words, and Michail started to draw his sword. Theo could no longer contain himself and bent double in laughter. "Oh your expressions, this was so worth it."

James decided that he would go scout a few yards into each tunnel and hurried off. Meanwhile, Anita rubbed her temples in embarrassment. "Theo, I think this joke has gone on long enough, take off the darn hood already." At Anita's words, Michail and Tallia's expressions turned from barely contained outrage to angry confusion. They looked from Anita back to Theo.

Something seemed to click with Michail a second before a still wheezing Theo yanked his hood back, revealing his grinning face. Michail did not hesitate and pulled his arm back, throwing a punch at Theo, his fist connecting with his grinning face. Unfortunately, this did not harm Theo in the least and only succeeded in somehow breaking his wrist and several small bones in his hand. However, it did have the effect of sobering Theo, who cringed at the sight of Michail's mangled hand.

Of course, Tallia screamed and pulled her shortsword but was immediately shoved aside by Anita running over staff glowing softly. Touching the end to the injured hand, she shouted Cure Wounds before spinning on Theo. "Why didnt you dodge that?"

Scratching the back of his neck, Theo responded sheepishly. "I didnt see it coming."

Michail watched in morbid fascination as he both could see and feel his bones pop into place. A second later, Tallia was clutching his nearly mended arm tightly, eliciting a pained wince as he did his best to tug his arm from her grasp. Catching her eyes, he found a furious wet stare looking right back. Ah, that makes sense. I am a prisoner, and I struck an adventurer. I suppose in her eyes. I acted pretty stupidly.

A large hand appeared in his vision belonging to Theo. Michail grabbed it and let himself be hoisted back to his feet. Theo gave an awkward wince before speaking. "Uh, yeah... I may have taken the joke a bit too far. Sorry about that probably won't happen again. for a few days." The last part said under his breath, but Michail still caught it. Having known Theo so long, he didn't expect anything else.

Theo didn't let go of Michail's hand, and his devilish smile spread once more across his face. Anita saw this and stepped back, dragging a still confused and angry Tallia with her. Theo started to use the skill Soverighnes Right, but a prompt stopped him.

This person has both an inborn class and is cursed with the King's Curse of silence. Do you wish to dispel, Awaken hereditary class, or merge skills but be unable to cast again for 48 hours? Note this will double the Magic cost. Note you do not have 20 magic points available remainder will be drawn from the life pool.

Theo blinked at the message, then catching Anita's eye indicated that he wanted to speak with her. After explaining the notification in hushed tones, they decided, and Theo returned his attention to Michail. "Sorry about that let's continue."

Michail narrowed his eyes. He had tried several times to pry his hand from Theo's but lacked the strength. Something he found odd while Theo had always been the stronger of the two, it wasn't to this degree. Plus, I have been swinging a pick against the stone for a bit over a year now.

Tallia is currently trying to pry Theo's fingers from Michail's wrist but wasn't getting anywhere. Before she realized it, Anita had grabbed Tallia dragging her back pulling her to the tunnel wall, where she forced her to sit while she explained what was happening. A minute later, A flash of light blinded both of them. When the spots cleared, they saw Michail standing staring into space while Theo lay writhing on the ground, blood pouring from nose, ears, and mouth.

Anita was about to get up to check on them both when she heard a chime from the system. Turning her attention back to Tallia, she asked. "Could you go check on them? I need to check something."

The status page is now available.

Name, Anita Barnabus. Aka, Anna Title, Noble +3 Charisma Race, Human Class, Druid. Requires wooden staff or wand to channel druidic spells. Lvl, 1 Exp 0/300 Characteristic Score. Modifier. Strength. 9 -1 Intelligence. 11 +1 Wisdom. 16 +3 Dexterity. 14 +2 Constitution. 15 +2 Charisma 15 +2 Luck. 8 -1 Perception. 16 +3 Accuracy. 20 +5 H.P. -17/17- M.P. -18/24- A.C. -13-

Equipped Gear. Damage. Quarterstaff. 1D6, Bludgeon. Two-handed. +10% casting speed Leather armor. 11 + Dexterity modifier. Grey Cloak. +2 Stealth in the dark or shadows. Basic Pack. I'm not giving you anything for this.

Anita could only stare in confusion at the numbers. "Um, system what is a modifier or 1D6 mean?" After a slight pause, Anita heard another chime.

Sorry I uploaded the wrong stat sheet. That one is mine, for... reasons. Anyway, give me a sec and done. Refresh the page, and your good.

Anita navigated the menu and clicked on Status once again. The same screen appeared but without some of the information. Weird I am starting to think somebody is controlling this system somewhere. Slightly concerned, Anita shrugged her shoulder. Nothing I can do about it best let things be for now.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

While studying the status screen, Anita caught sight of James attempting to sneak up on her. When he got close enough, Anita tried to shove him over, but James nimbly dodged aside and laughed as she slipped and fell face-first on the floor. Anita narrowed her eye dangerously at the rogue, who decided to back off.

"So what's been going on here? and why is Theo sitting down next to a small puddle of what I assume is his own blood considering the mess on his face?"

Still scowling, more from her own clumsiness than because of anything James did, Anita explained what happened with Theo's skill.

With a disappointed grunt, James complained. "So, I will have to wait at least two more days before I can get my system activated. Maybe four since Theo really hates people talking with hand language."

Walking away, Anita waved a hand over her shoulder before replying. "Probably but with your natural talents you are far better off then most."

Joining the group gathered around Theo, James reported that he heard some creatures further down the left tunnel, probably rats. He nodded, then winced before peaking. "Alright nice work lets take a short rest here to let Anita recover some of her magic and me some health before we head down to check it out... Hopefully, another group shows up and we can split up the two tunnels I hate to leave an unknown possible threat at our backs."

A loud chorus of clapping was then heard from a point the way too close for comfort. The entire group either spun toward the noise or jumped to his feet in Theo's case, drawing the massive Greatsword from his back. Not even twenty feet from the A large man and two women emerged as if from a shadow grinning at them.

In a strange rolling accent, (Scottish but they don't know that.), the frontman spoke. "You lot need to pay more attention to yer surounding's." The gem in their forehead marked them as Outworlders. Each wore matching sets of scale armor, and a gold guild tag hung from their necks. The man speaking held a massive Warhammer in both hands. At the same time, one of his followers carried a two-handed sword and the other a quarterstaff.

The women with the staff prodded the man from behind. "Ah right where are my manners. My name is Baldrin these two fine ladies are Sheela my sister and Agnes our good friend." After pointing out each, he stared at the group in expectation.

Theo started after a moment. "Yes, introductions of course. My name is Theodore Arturian the Twelfth. My companions starting from my right are the lovely Lady Anita Barnabus. Michail Arturian, My Cousin... technically he is my Nephew but... nevermind, . Tallia, well that's all I know about her and I am not entirely sure I am pronouncing it correctly as she doesn't say much. And finally my good friend James Harrison of Woodhaven." Both teams gaped at Theo, one side in amusement, the other in exasperation.

Shaking himself slightly, Baldrin grew severe. "Right, that was slightly more formal than I expected but to each their own. Anyway, that was a very smart move waiting for backup as none of these tunnels have been mapped. So to be fair my group will take the path your young rogue didn't scout while you guys go play with what will most likely be a Large rats nest. A good challenge for a group of copper members. However saying that if you get in over your head don't hesitate to fall back, the other team will arrive soon and they will probably start constructing a fallback position here. Any questions... No good alright were off, Sheela, throw a cure on the lad bleeding from his ears." As Baldrin walked by, he stopped and turned back to Theo. "Let that be a lesson don't overuse your magic it can have disastrous effects and may cause death in the wrong circumstances." Moments later, they vanished from sight heading down the right tunnel.

As the three adventurers vanished, Theo clapped once. "Okay, great here is what we will do Michail and Tallia will stay here since one is slightly distracted with new stuff. While Tallia I somehow doubt would willingly part from him. The rest of us will head down the left tunnel and continue today's scouting and possibly get in a little fighting. whats does everyone think?"

In a raspy voice, Michail stopped Theo before he could runoff. "No, I am going with you first of all I apparently am a Mage and I have spells. Second, you need to explain why you are here and if I find out you ran away from home again I will shoot a firebolt into your stupid face."

Theo seemed to deflate as his perpetual good mood plummeted, and he took Michail by the arm leading him away from the group. Sitting down on a rock, they both began to talk. At the same time, Michail's expression continued to darken until he began to try and wipe away tears. Tallia noticed and tried to go to him, but Anita grabbed her arm, telling her to let them have a moment.

Theo sat quietly until Michail finished wiping his eyes. "Here is Mom's pendent Aunt Tracy gave it to me before we parted I thought you should take it." Theo looked at Tallia while nudging Michail's side. "Personally, if I were you I would give it to that pretty girlfriend of yours. It seems to have some kind of spell on it that lets the holder ignore the Geas. Or possibly it's more than that but you two will have to discover that yourselves."

Michail took the pendent, nodding at Theo. "Alright fine, I understand how and why you are here but what about this strange ability to break the Geas? I mean why didn't I get it? I have just as much right to the throne as you more so really since I am the eldest son of the King's eldest son."

Thinking for a moment, Theo shrugged. "Maybe because I am older?"

"Actually, you may be right... Whatever not like I have any interest in the throne. So give me the quick tutorial on the system but let's do this as we walk." Getting to their feet, Theo waved the rest over, and they walked into the left tunnel.

Before Theo began lecturing, Michail walked over to Tallia and placed the pendant around her neck. "Anita, sorry to ask this but could you help Tallia with talking? I need to understand these new spells before we enter into a battle."

Anita immediately bowed slightly. "Of course your Highness I will start right away."

Michail eyed Anita for a second before raising a hand in a stop motion. "No... none of that just call me Michail."

letting out a relieved sigh, Anita nodded once then turned to Tallia, a wide grin on her face. "Let's Begin repeat after me..." Tallia tried to ask Anita about what the Highness thing was about, but Anita never looked down at her hands. Lifting a finger, Anita placed it on Tallia's lips. "Use those pretty lips as the Almighty intended and let me hear the lovely voice."

While James and Michail gave Anita strange looks, Theo looked on with complete approval. Turning his attention to Michail, he winked. "I taught her that.. But enough lets begin."

Name, Michail Arturian. Title, Royal +5 Charisma Race, Human. Class, Mage. Lvl, 1 Exp 0/300 Characteristic Score. Strength. 4 Intelligence. 21 Wisdom. 19 Dexterity. 10 Constitution. 9 Charisma 17 Luck. 11 Perception. 12 Accuracy. 11 H.P. -15/15- M.P. -24/24- A.C. 13

Equipped Gear Padded Armor 11 AC Iron short sword Don't bother, try to find yourself a staff Wood shield 2 AC

Spells Magic Missile Conjure three missiles that can target one enemy three times or three different enemies -non-elemental force damage- Cost, 3 Magic +1 per 10' Max 120'. Cast time, however long it takes to mark your targets. Damage, 1-6 +5 - Enemy A.C. Scan Cast on Monster, beast, or object. Depending on a power outside your control, you will know things about it. Cost 5 MP, Range 100' Frost arrow Conjure an arrow of ice that flies toward your enemy. Cost 8 MP, Range 60' Cast time, 2 seconds Damage 1-8+5

Name, Theodore Arturian the Twelfth Title, Royal +5 Charisma. Owner of the Warriors Legacy +Str, +5 Con. Race, Variant Human. Class, Warrior + Lvl, 1 Exp 170/300 Characteristic Score. Strength. 21 Intelligence. 11 Wisdom. 8 Dexterity. 16 Constitution. 18 Charisma 20 Luck. 16 Perception. 11 Accuracy. 13 H.P. -23/27- M.P. -12/12- A.C. 14

Equipped Gear. Greatsword. Damage 2-12+5 Leather Armor. AC 14 Grey Cloak. +2 Stealth in the dark or shadows Basic Pack. I'm not giving you anything for this.