It was several hours before they woke. The sounds of yawning and stretching filled the safe room.
Brandon looked towards the entrance tunnel, "I wonder what time it is and if they are cooking food. I could do with something to eat apart from meat strips."
"No idea. I have lost track of normal time in here. We can go and check, though." Kyto replied.
Tiddles was sprawled on the floor, and his eyes looked glazed. "Are you ok?" Kyto asked.
"Oh, yes. Sorry, I was reading through all the notifications. I think we will both have levelled twice from that room."
"Really?"
"Guys, why don't you go and see if you can get some food? We are just checking through our experience and levels. We will come and join you in a bit." Kyto said to the others.
The others made their way to the exit, leaving the dungeon.
"Summary details of combat. The fourth tab in the combat logs gives details." Tiddles continued.
Kyto looked at his display.
Combat Summary
Opponent
Quantity
Experience
Total Experience
Geblex
812
100
81200
Birth Sac
540
200
108000
189200
"Has that summary always been there?" Kyto asked, confusion etched on his face.
"Nope," Tiddles replied.
"So the system is changing things as we go?"
"Looks like it is doing as it pleases."
Kyto checked their summary sheet.
Experience
Kyto
Tiddles
Total
266065
268830
Next Level
200000
200000
Level
28
28
Individual Quest
Total
175536
1014
Level
7
10
Arcane Knowledge
Earned
78
85
Spent
68
74
Available
10
11
"That is a huge increase, and that is not even accepting the level increases yet. Your quest has flown up, and mine is progressing too."
"Yeah, I know," Tiddles replied with his beastly grin.
Kyto looked at his display.
Would you like to increase your level to 29? yes/no
Kyto accepted yes.
Congratulations on reaching level 29. You have been awarded the following bonuses: +1 to each of your core statistics and +5 arcane knowledge points.
"Just gone to 29, and it looks like we need extra to reach level 30," Tiddles said.
Kyto looked at the summary.
Experience
Kyto
Tiddles
Total
266065
268830
Next Level
275000
275000
Level
29
29
Individual Quest
Total
175536
1014
Level
7
10
Arcane Knowledge
Earned
83
90
Spent
68
74
Available
15
16
It had been working out to 50,000 experience per level, but Kyto's next increase was 75,000. That meant that level progression would get more difficult.
"Only the one this time," Kyto said.
"I was hoping to reach level 30."
"Yeah, so was I. The extra AK points would have been nice."
"AK?"
"Arcane Knowledge."
"Oh. That is easier to say," Tiddles smiled.
"We should skill up."
"I have already been looking. I think I am going to boost my claws, and I want to know what my Tier 4s will be."
"I am going to boost to Heal level 4, which should open up my choices for Tier 4," Kyto said, smirking at Tiddles.
"Bastard," Tiddles grumbled.
Would you like to increase Heal - Tier 3 to Level 4 for a cost of 12 arcane knowledge? Yes/No
Kyto accepted yes.
Congratulations, your knowledge of life has improved your healing efficiency by 37.5%; this includes time to heal and mana cost.
Congratulations, you have now opened your Tier 4 skill tree.
"Yes," Kyto shouted and punched the air in celebration.
He checked his Tier 4 skills before he started to curse.
"What is wrong?"
"I have 3 AKs left, and I need 4 to get a skill to level 1."
"You know what we could do?"
"What?"
"Reset level 3. Now that we know exactly what to expect, we can clear it much faster. We know the maze route, and we know how to destroy the Geblex room straight away this time. Never mind how we cleared the Oscalak."
"I cannot make that decision without discussing it with the others. Let's go to the final room before we decide on anything."
"Scaredy cat," Tiddles said.
Kyto laughed at his comment.
"I have increased my Flame Claws and am just reading my new skills," Tiddles said.
"Come on, then tell me what they are."
"No."
"What do you mean no?"
"I can not tell you. It is a secret."
"What do you mean it is a secret?" Kyto's face was flooded with confusion.
"You really are gullible," Tiddles replied, laughing.
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
"Now, who is being a bastard."
"I have four choices. Elemental Growth increases the size of my core pool. Elemental Recharge increases the speed at which my core recharges. Elemental Shield increases defence by 50%. Flame Skin means I can set my skin on fire at will and then the one that sounds cool. Elemental Blast releases your cores power to the outside world."
"Wow. They all sound like great additions. We just need a lot more points to be able to make use of them."
"Yeah, I have seven left, but I will save them for improving Elemental Claws to level 4 next level."
They sat discussing the plans for their skills and checked their total progression now that they had levelled.
Profession:
Chosen
Class:
Wielder
Figures:
Total points
63
Acrobatics
14
Brawling
11
Charm
11
Defence
10
Endurance
12*
Free thinking
17
Elite Skill:
Actualisation
Active
Specialisation:
Arcane Knowledge
80 of 83
Tier
Name
Cost
Level
Tier 1
Mana Manipulation
15
5
Tier 2
Wielder Support
20
4
Tier 3
Siphon
9
2
Heal
30
4
Familiar
3
1
Shield
3
1
Level
29
Experience
66065 of 75000
Profession:
Chosen
Class:
Melee
Figures:
Total points
104
Acrobatics
19
Brawling
19
Charm
13
Defence
16
Endurance
24
Free thinking
13
Specialisation:
Arcane Knowledge
83 of 90
Tier
Name
Cost
Level
Tier 1
Elemental Fire
15
5
Stealth
10
4
Tier 2
Elemental Combat
20
4
Elemental Support
12
3
Shadow Meld
2
1
Tier 3
Flaming Bite
3
1
Flaming Claws
18
3
Elemental Armour
3
1
Level
29
Experience
68830 of 75000
They left the dungeon to find the rest in the central area beyond the spike wall. They entered the dining tent and found their companions sitting, eating, and chatting to TJ and Ryan.
"Hey, guys. Anything to eat?" Kyto asked.
"I will be back in a bit. I am going to go and grab my dinner." Tiddles said.
"Sure," Kyto replied, smiling as he turned and bounded off.
The group sat at one end of the large tent, and the guards who came in and left stayed away for one reason: they all stank. Their clothes once again were ruined with the Geblex remains and grime from the dungeon, and sitting there, Kyto wished that there was a way for them to stay cleaner. Inside the dungeon, the state they were getting in was no longer apparent. They were so used to it, but every time they came outside, the looks of disgust and disbelief they received were telling.
"The lads have been telling me about your new bracer?" TJ asked
Kyto pulled up his sleeve to show the rather plain-looking item on his arm. It no longer had glyphs visible on its surface and had returned to look like a plain metal sheen.
"It doesn't look very exciting," TJ said, frowning.
"It only activates near to dark mana sources," Kyto replied.
"I hear you are in the final stage now," Ryan asked.
Kyto picked up a large piece of meat off the centre plate and bit into it. The succulent juices ran out of his mouth. "Umhm," he replied.
"So what do you think it will be?" TJ asked.
Kyto swallowed the mouthful of food before replying, "No idea yet until we open the door, apart from the fact we can guarantee that it will try and kill us."
They sat chatting for an hour or so while eating their fill and waiting for Tiddles to return. Kyto took the time to ensure his pool was full again.
"Good luck with the last phase," TJ said as he escorted them back to the entrance.
"Thanks. I just hope we can combat whatever is in there." Kyto replied.
They returned to the safe room, checked their equipment, and moved into the portal room. "Who would like the pleasure?" Kyto asked.
Lars smiled and walked over to the door, grasping the bolt and sliding it open. Their displays triggered with a new system message.
Congratulations, you have reached the end of your dungeon journey. The Level 3 Boss awaits you.
Lars pulled the door open. Foul-smelling stale air flooded their nostrils as it permeated into the portal room. There was the distinct smell of Geblex and the fetid stench of rotting meat. Sniffer blanched at the smell, "That is worse than normal."
"I agree," Brandon replied, holding his nose.
Tiddles's face was also scrunched up, and he pawed the end of his nose.
The corridor was brightly lit, so they did not require the lantern, although they brought it with them to light Tiddles if needed. Brandon led the group down the corridor. It twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the earth. Brandon found no traps, but he did find another power gem that took the total up to six now. The original gen was still powering the portal door, so Kyto placed it into his pocket to merge later.
Brandon slowed as he neared the end of the corridor and turned, indicating to the group. They all silently moved forward to the opening, and what they were met with took their breath away.
The room was vast and open. Standing in the centre of the room was the largest creature they had ever seen. It stood twenty-five feet tall, towering over them with the ugly features of a Geblex, four massive arms as thick as tree trunks, and stood on two ridiculously muscular legs. It held clubs in each of its monstrous fists, easily as long as Kyto was tall.
"What the fuck is that thing?" Sniffer whispered.
Kyto flicked through to the Codex and found the picture of the atrocity. He read the description out to the group.
"Groblex Tier 2 is rumoured to be the spawn of cross-breeding between a Geblex and an Ograthon. They are renowned for their violent temperament and will attack any light-aligned creatures on sight," Kyto said.
"No tips on how to deal with it," Brandon asked.
"None. Sorry."
"Well, that is a load of shit," Brandon replied, staring at the massive creature.
It was not moving. It just stood there, and as they watched, reached behind and scratched at its huge buttocks, then lifted its hand to where a nose would generally be, sniffing it.
"Gross," Brandon stated.
The room must have been close to three hundred feet square and at least one hundred feet high. It was constructed from pristine stonework and well-lit by the dungeon's unknown light source. Stood in each of the four corners of the room were four pedestals. They were similar to the loot pedestals but stood twice as tall.
"I wonder what the pedestals are for?" Sniffer asked.
"There is only one way we will find out. Is everybody ready?" Kyto asked.
"No," Sniffer and Brandon replied in unison.
"I am," Tiddles replied, and Lars nodded his head.
"Before we enter, should we not discuss what we will do?" Sniffer asked.
"Kill it," Tiddles replied sarcastically.
Kyto chuckled at his response before turning to Sniffer. "I would if I had an idea of where to start. We do not know how it fights other than it has four huge clubs that would splatter us on contact."
"I think you are starting to get a little unhinged in here," Sniffer replied, frowning at Kyto.
"Are you surprised? A few weeks ago, we were happily living in town, minding our own business, and now we are not just fighting for our survival but the survival of several thousand people, most of whom would probably think I am some freak and want to try and burn me," he replied.
Sniffer was unsure what to reply and shrugged his shoulders in response.
"I will get its attention," Tiddles said.
"Should we go and see if we can get some rifles from the guards?" Brandon asked.
"That is not a bad idea," Sniffer replied.
"We can go and check," Kyto said.
"No point," Tiddles replied.
"Why?" Kyto asked.
"As we left the corridor entrance, I heard it close and bolt shut," he replied.
"Tiddles said he heard it bolt closed when we left there," Kyto relayed to the group.
"Ok. I will go and get its attention," Tiddles said.
"Tiddles will get its attention if we move towards the nearest pillar. At least if it swings at us, we can try and move behind it," Kyto said as he pushed Mana into Tiddles.
Tiddles bounded into the room, and as soon as he did, the horror's gaze fell on him. It did not react at first, seeming to take a moment to realise something was running towards it. It then let out a ferocious roar, spittle flew from its Geblex-shaped face, and its huge incisors and upturned canines screamed aggression and hunger. It started to move towards Tiddles as he ran towards it. The remaining companions entered the room and ran towards the nearest pedestal. The Groblex thundered across the room, the stone floor vibrating under its immense weight as it moved. Its huge legs powering it at a surprisingly fast pace for its size. Kyto had expected it to lumber, but seeing it move as he approached the pedestal, it had the agility of its smaller brethren. It swung its clubs at Tiddles as he came within range.
Tiddles only just managed to move out of the way of the strikes as they smashed into the ground where he had been stood a second before. The four massive clubs were already being swung back for another strike. He sprinted around its back, activating his Flame Claws as he passed, raking them over its knee. His aim was true, but the damage was feeble as he hardly penetrated the Groblex's skin. Tiddles spun and jumped, biting at the back of its thigh.
You strike the Groblex for 1% damage.
The Groblex bellowed in pain and swung one of its arms backwards where he had struck. Tiddles dropped from its thigh just as the club's head swept where he had been clung moments earlier. He leapt back as the Groblex turned towards him. There was no hesitation in the Groblex as it immediately lashed out as it turned, its size defied by its speed. The clubs smashed into the ground, missing Tiddles as he darted sideways. He sprinted towards the other side of the room, away from the others, and the Groblex followed.
"What now," Sniffer asked.
Lars signed at Kyto, indicating he was going to help Tiddles. Tiddles was too far away from them for Kyto to be able to help if he was injured, and he knew that he needed to be close.
"We have to go and fight," Kyto said.
They moved from around the pedestal's side and started towards the creature. "Split up," Kyto said as he watched Tiddles dodging club blows. Tiddles still had the Groblex's attention as Lars moved in behind it. He slashed with his blades at the rear of its knee, attempting to sever the thick muscular cord that ran down the back of its leg. His blades hardly scratched the creature's skin, and he dove backwards as one of its four arms swung towards him.
Kyto stood off the others, surveying the team and watching for any damage. Tiddles dove forward, snapping at the creature who brought two clubs down simultaneously. The impact of the clubs striking the floor together sent a shock wave, and they all fell backwards as it pushed them and put them off their stride.
"Fuck," Sniffer shouted as he straightened up, having leaned forwards to retain his balance.
Kyto's bracer began to glow through his jacket. He had not even thought about using it stupidly, and he pulled his sleeve up and pointed it towards the creature. The blue light met its skin and began to pulse, and the bracer started to charge. He was focused on what he was doing and did not see the creature swing towards Lars, who was trying to penetrate the backs of its legs again. The club caught him on his side with a crunching sound, and his body was hurled across the chamber, landing by Kyto, making him jump.
"Shit," he said, startled and looked down at Lars's form that was lying unconscious by him. His health bar had reduced to a slither, and Kyto was amazed he had survived being hit by the club. He threw his healing strands at him with his other hand while still trying to maintain a pull with the bracer on the creature. The charge was slowly increasing, but it would take time to charge. Sniffer and Brandon were trying to move within striking range, struggling to get close enough, with the club now being swung behind the creature defensively while it focussed on Tiddles with its three other appendages.
Lars was out cold, and Kyto bent down, shaking him, trying to wake him now that he had been healed. It had taken Kyto nearly half of his pool to repair the damage to his body, knitting his pulverised bones. Tiddles let out a yelp, and Kyto looked up to see him flying across the chamber. The creature had managed to catch him with a club strike. His health had dropped by 50%, but he was still in the fight, turning and snarling as he landed and skidded on the stone floor. He ran head-on at the monster, leaping up and over the swing of its club and landing on its chest. The impact of Tiddles hitting it was like an immovable object meeting an immovable mountain, and the room seemed to shudder as they met.
Tiddles raked at its body, creating deep welts in its chest as he did so. The Groblex dropped one of its clubs and punched at Tiddles. Kyto winced at the impact against Tiddles's side and let go, falling back to the floor. His health was now down to 40%. The bracer was flashing now it had reached a 10% charge, and Kyto got within range and pushed the button. The pulse swept out and hit the Groblex in its leg. It did not have the effect that Kyto had expected, but it did help as the Groblex's right leg was pushed backwards and made it stagger. Its left leg was unaffected as it was not in the blast range. It maintained its balance by using its clubs as supports and turned its attention to the annoying ant that had just made it stumble.
Kyto gulped as the Groblex's focus turned on him, moving towards him. He turned and ran, trying to reach the safety behind the pedestal. He made it halfway before the first club strike caught him. It was like a giant swatting a fly, and his shield triggered, and his health was reduced by 70% as he was cast across the room. He landed in a crumpled heap on the floor, smashing into the hard stone surface, causing even further damage to his pulverised frame. His shield had used up his mana reserve to keep him alive, and as he landed, it was not there to protect him. He screamed in agony as he felt his leg snap and his arm break as his shoulder slammed into the stone surface. His health was now down to 10%. He lay on his side screaming in agony, feeling the blood seeping from the open fracture of his leg. He had no mana left to heal himself and could do nothing to help others.