Chapter 7

-Adventuring party-

I’ve missed this. It’s been too long since I took up my hammer and ventured out to do battle. Granted a newly born dungeon wouldn’t pose a challenge to any of us, let alone all of us in a group. Still I can’t blame the old elf for wanted to get back out in the world. Mercy thought to herself.

“I can sense something in this direction, maybe two or three miles away.” Vance said pointing forwards.

It had taken them a few hours travel on horseback to reach these woods before being forced to dismount and tie the horses up. They were currently walking through the woods towards the base of the Mountain of Sorrow when the Guildmaster spoke.

“So close? At least we won’t have to hike up and down this thing to find where we're going.” Blade said, clearly happy with the news.

Midnight, as usual, remained silent, preferring to remain vigilant and keep an eye out. Mercy nodded to Vance before continuing on. Any local wildlife apparently had the sense to steer clear of the adventurers as their journey through the woods was rather uneventful. As predicted by Vance after another hour of or so they arrived at the base of the mountain and could see a cave waiting for them.

“Yep, that's the dungeon alright. No mistaking that glow for anything else.” Blade said as they approached the entrance. “So what do you think? Goblins, Kobolds?”

“I can’t say as I mind too much, it’s just nice to be out here doing something again.” Mercy responded with a grin.

“I should head in first to do a sweep of the dungeon and locate any potential traps or ambushes.” Midnight advised quietly.

Vance frowned shaking his head. “It’s a newly formed dungeon, none of that will be needed with us. It’s only going to have a single floor and some basic creatures and traps anyway.” So saying he turned and strode into the dungeon.

Not that he’s wrong but it can’t hurt to be a little cautious.

Following the Guildmaster they each proceeded into the sloping tunnel before them. After a relatively short time they reach the bottom where it leveled out and entered the first room. Looking in they were rather surprised to see some quartz growing from the far wall, some of which was glowing.

“Quartz eh? Not a bad resource to find in so young a dungeon, I will be interested in seeing what is causing it to glow.” Vance said.

“Seems unusual not to have any minions in the first room and I can’t see any traps.” Mercy said speaking her thoughts aloud.

“Perhaps there are more further in.” So saying Blade stepped forwards into the room. After just a few steps however he stopped and turned sensing movement behind him immediately spotting the skeletons which had been out of sight before entering the room. “Undead such a waste.”

Unsheathing his blades he stepped towards the group to his left. The skeletons attempted to strike the gnome however he was far too quick and simply stepped between their strikes and destroyed each skeleton with a single quick strike each.

Mercy stepped forwards turning in the other direction after Blade alerted them to the undead's presence and swung her hammer, obliterating both skeletons in a single powerful blow which sent their bones flying across the room.

As the others stepped into the room looking around Vance spoke up. “Well this is disappointing. With the state of the war the kingdom could have benefited greatly from a new dungeon, particularly one so close to the capitol.”

“You intend to destroy the core then?” Midnight asked.

“No choice. It is standard procedure when dealing with the undead. If they are allowed to continue it is only a matter of time before they begin to enslave the souls of those they kill and turn them against the living.” Mercy spoke. “I’m sure you have heard the tales of the Great Liche War like the rest of us.”

“Tales are one thing, the reality is often something else.” Midnight responded.

“Mercy is correct. We can not allow an undead foothold despite the potential benefits in the short term. While I was hoping to take this easy and let each of us have some fun we should end this.” However before he could finish he was interrupted.

“Impossible!” Blade cried.

The rest of the party quickly turned to him scanning for danger. However Blade was stood staring at the glowing quartz with his mouth hanging open.

“What is it?” Vance asked stepping forwards. Not getting a response he used his Analysis skill on the quartz.

Name: Celestial Quartz Item Type: Mineral (crystal)

Quality: Uncommon (Rare)

Description: This quartz has been infused with Celestial energy to create Celestial Quartz. As such it would be very useful in the creation or augmentation of Holy items. Other effects unknown at this time due to lack of reference material.

“How in the world did this get infused with Celestial energy?” Vance muttered aloud.

“What!?” Mercy thought she must have misheard before moving closer and examining the quartz for herself. “Perhaps there is a font of Celestial energy nearby that has naturally infused itself into the crystal? Though it is surprising to find it so close to an undead dungeon, from my understanding undead and Celestial energy do not mix well.”

“Shame it’s only a small amount. Should we gather it up now or get it on the way out?” Blade asked.

Frowning to himself Vance did not respond for several moments. “No leave it be. As you say we can get it on the way back out.”

With obvious reluctance they each turned away from the quartz before exiting the room and proceeding into the corridor beyond. After a short walk where they each kept an eye out for any potential traps or ambushes they arrived at the entrance to the next room. Again seeing no enemies within they correctly guessed the skeletons would be waiting on either side of the doorway. Just as last time Mercy and Blade entered before turning to either side of the doorway and quickly dispatching the enemies found there.

“Incredible. There is even more of it in here!” Blade gasped.

Indeed after entering and looking around they could see the quartz growing from one of the side walls and just as before a portion of it was glowing with Celestial energy.

“If we can figure out where this Celestial energy is coming from the Apothecaries, Enchanters and Churchmen are going to have a fit when they hear about this.” Blade said excitedly.

Still frowning Vance did not respond but instead turned to the corridor before proceeding onwards. Shrugging to one another about the Guildmaster’s uncharacteristic behaviour the rest of the party followed behind. After walking for a short time the Guildmaster stopped before turning his head to speak over his shoulder. Looks like there is a pitfall trap here in the middle of the corridor please do try not to fall in this one Blade.

“That was ONE TIME Vance!”

The others just chucked at Blades reaction before walking to either side of the obstacle.

-Core room-

Steve had attempted to simply seal himself inside the moment he realised the danger he was facing. However he was unable to do so not only because he couldn’t use his abilities while others were in the dungeon, but also because he apparently could not seal himself off from the outside world now that he had an entrance.

“At least they were interested in the infused quartz, maybe once we tell them that it was me who created it they will leave me alone?”

“I’m sorry Steve but you will not be able to communicate with the adventurers directly until you gain the required skills you will be prevented from doing so. Additionally while both myself and Azrael are not as tightly bound by this, we will be prevented from communicating on your behalf.” Nova explained with some regret.

“WHAT? Then how are we going to talk them out of destroying us?”

“I will speak with them. While Nova is correct in that we can not speak on your behalf or make any agreements, we can speak for ourselves.” Azrael calmly advised.

They continued to watch the adventurers and saw them easily destroy the minions in his second room before gathering around the quartz again. They did not speak for long this time and instead turned to continue to head further in. The leader quickly located Steve’s trap and said something to the rest.

“Ugh. That pitfall is completely useless.”

Watching the progress of the adventurers with his projection Steve was obviously disheartened by the whole ordeal. They had destroyed his minions with no effort whatsoever and were actually laughing about his trap.

“Basic starter traps like that are only ever effective if people aren’t watching where they are headed like if they are running in fear. They can also be useful as obstructions in rooms as they will need to be wary of not falling in while fighting minions.” Nova lectured, even now giving Steve tips on his dungeon building.

The adventurers soon arrived in the next and last room before they would be able to approach his core room. While the minions in here had better weapons and armour, Steve did not hold out much of any hope that they would be able to put up a better fight. Unfortunately he was quickly proven correct because as soon as the leader stepped into the room, he spoke a few words and gestured to either side of the doorway where his skeletal minions were waiting. Large spears of blue ice materialised out of thin air before flying at tremendous speeds and impacting the heads of each of his minions, shattering their skulls, helmets and all. The impact of the ice spears could even be heard in the core room where they were waiting.

“Ugh.”

Steve could only watch in despair as once again the adventurers paused next to the quartz speaking with one another briefly before continuing on. As the adventurers stepped into the final corridor Steve’s projection switched off automatically.

After a short time the adventurers arrived and filed into the core room. Steve gave a silent command to it’s boss ensuring it would remain where it was unless the adventurers made a hostile action. Initially they each had their eyes firmly fixed upon Steve’s boss, however when Azrael stepped out from behind it they each turned to stare at the red skinned angel with obvious shock.

After letting them stare for a few moments Azrael spoke. “Greetings adventurers. May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?”

They quickly shut their mouths which had been hanging open and flicked thier gaze back towards the boss, realising they had taken their eye’s off a potential enemy. However as instructed it had remained motionless. They met one another's eyes before looking to Vance for a que on how to proceed.

“Greetings. I am Guildmaster Vance here to survey this newly formed dungeon.” Vance spoke addressing the angel. “I must say I was not expected to find a Celestial inside of an undead dungeon. Why are you here if you do not mind me asking, and can I assume that you are the source of the Celestially infused quartz we have encountered thus far?”

“You could say I am indirectly responsible for the quartz. I am Azrael, Angel of Death. I am here to safeguard this dungeon core against those who would attempt to harm it while also ensuring the souls of those who die within the dungeons depths are not harmed or corrupted.” Azrael responded.

The guildmaster stood still for a moment clearly considering the angel's words. “You realise of course than an undead spawning dungeon will naturally begin to corrupt the souls of any who perish within?”

“Not while I am here.” Azrael responded firmly.

“Forgive me. While I have never met one of your kind I have, of course, heard of your race. Though I have never heard of one with red eyes and red skin.” The guildmaster said.

“We all take on some aspects of those we bond with. In my case my colouring shifted to better match the dungeon core.” So saying he motioned with his hand to something behind the boss.

After pausing for a moment the Guildmaster moved along the wall, until it could see the pedestal upon which Steve and Nova were resting.

“As you can see, the dungeon core has also received my mark.” Azrael continued.

The Guildmaster was clearly surprised to see that the dungeon core was not a red orb as he had expected, but was instead an even mix of both deep red and shining white.

“You bonded with a dungeon?!” The Guildmaster asked.

“I bond with whichever sentient creature releases me.” As Azrael said this he froze momentarily, though those present were unsure why. A moment later he continued. “Well, as you have stated that you pose the dungeon core no harm please feel free to continue. Once you have completed your….survey, of course feel free to claim any loot you have found.” Azrael then turned and strode to stand in front of the pillar.

The other adventurers were now looking back and forth between themselves and the Guildmaster clearly unsure on how to proceed. Vance motioned to the adventurers to back out of the room and they retreated down the corridor so they could speak with one another a bit more privately.

-Corridor-

“What the hell!?” Blade whispered to the others.

Mercy shook her head, clearly at a loss for words and the others looked similarly shocked.

“I mean seriously? A Celestial, here? And bonded to a dungeon core of all things!” Blade continued his voice getting louder all the time.

“Keep it down!” Vance admonished the gnome who had the good sense to look apologetic.

“I must say I am rather conflicted. If the angel spoke truly and it could prevent the dungeon from corrupting the souls of those who die within…” Mercy trailed off letting everybody think through the implication.

“Then their would not necessarily be a reason to destroy it. But can the angel be trusted to be telling the truth? It bonded to a freaking dungeon core!” Blade whispered back.

“The angel spoke truly.” Vance said with conviction. “No Celestial being can speak an untruth, regardless of who or what it bonds with.”

Midnight looked at the other three in turn before speaking. “Then I do not see an issue. We should finish the dungeon, defeat the boss and collect any loot as the angel suggested. If it is true that the souls of defeated adventurers will be safe then we have no reason, or justification, to destroy the core and I do not think the King would be pleased if we decided otherwise.”

They each nodded to this, though some were obviously reluctant to agree.

“Very well. Let’s get this over with so we can return to the capitol.” The Guildmaster decided, grimacing at the inevitably long and tedious meetings (arguments) that were sure to follow his report.

They each turned back towards the core room and reentered. Wanting to finish things quickly, Vance spoke a few words of power before gesturing towards the head of the large skeletal boss in the centre of the room.

As soon as the mage began its cast the boss raised its weapons and started to approach the adventurers. It moved it’s shield to protect itself as the Guildmaster finished his spell and flung his arm forward.

It seems the days surprises for the adventurers were not over as instead of simply passing through the shield as they expected the large ice spear instead seemed to ricochet off the mirrored shield flying back towards them. Scattering to either side the spell passes through the centre of the group and out into the corridor behind them.

Their surprise and hasty evasive moves allowed the boss to close within range. Keeping it’s shield firmly between it and its foes it thrust its sword forwards attempting to impale the Guildmaster. Mercy quickly jumped at the Guildmaster, knocking him to one side taking the hit herself relying on her impressively robust armour to protect her. However this was only partly successful. The unnaturally sharp blade was able to pierce the armour to some degree inflicting a small wound on the large woman.

Before any more blows could be struck a glowing green arrow sped past Mercy and struck the skeleton in the neck. Upon impact the arrow broke apart into several blobs of acid which quickly melted through the vertebrae keeping the head attached. A half second after impact the bones had completely melted through causing the head, and then the rest of the skeleton, to collapse to the floor.

“Congratulations adventurers on defeating the final boss. Feel free to take any equipment dropped by the creatures you have slain and any of the quartz found growing within the dungeon as reward for your efforts.” Azrael spoke, addressing the adventurers.

The Guildmaster looked from the angel to the core sitting on the pedestal and back for a few seconds before turning to nod at his companions. He and Mercy moved to the remains of the boss and started to remove its equipment while Blade and Midnight moved to the quartz growing in the room and began to break it off in large pieces before placing them in their backpacks. Once everything had been collected the Guildmaster once again paused looking at the dungeon core, clearly conflicted.

Seeing this the angel stepped forwards between the Vance and the core. “Farewell and safe journey.” The angel said.

Getting the message the Guildmaster turned and led his group back through the dungeons. They left the inferior equipment of the regular minions behind but made sure to collect the rest of the quartz growing in the dungeon. Once in the last room the Guildmaster stopped in place for close to a minute before coming to a decision. He then reached into his back and pulled out a wooden box before placing it on the ground. The others did not looks surprised by this action and followed the Guildmaster out of the dungeon once he was finished.