The Sleeper Must Awaken

by Kip Terrington

  Hybrid Magic

  New spell acquired

  L6 Weak Firearm- This spell consists of Life, Force, and Fire Magic. Once this spell is cast, your Voice of Monty Ring will superheat and melt the flesh around your fist. While the spell remains active, the caster’s punch will cause high fire damage, medium life damage, and low force damage to close combat targets. Note: this spell causes severe damage to the caster. It is not advisable to burn your flesh to spite your fist.

  “Apparently you and the UI share a similar sense of humor, but other than that, it wasn't so bad. I mean, the spell’s not great, but the message preceding it says we won,” Joe stated.

  “Read all of the messages before you say that,” Zoya cautioned.

  Congratulations!

  New feature added. Joe and Zoya, because of your unique and effective style of gameplay, the UI has created a special new feature just for you! For the next 28 days, all experience that you earn will be held in an escrow account. In 28 days, the UI will credit you all the experience accrued in the escrow account. The UI hopes that this exciting new feature will help normalize your gameplay as well as provide you with more time available for other aspects of this world.

  “It could be worse. In other games I've played, the developers would often ban players when they didn't immediately fall in line. At least we can still accrue experience. We just won't get it for a month,” Joe said.

  “I guess you're right, but it's still frustrating. We won't be hearing any dings for about a month, and I've grown rather found of the sound and feeling of leveling,” Zoya admitted.

  “Oh, I hear you. It really is a rush to hear that level notification. Shazbot! You know what? I just realized this means we're not getting into the water level of the dungeon until after the 28 days are up,” Joe said.

  “It is what it is,” Zoya lamented once more.

  “Well said. I guess you can go make your proposal to the dungeon. I'll finish up here, and then go increase the numbers of our herd,” Joe finished.

  Chapter 33 - Food is Food

  Os had to admit that there were some clear advantages to bargaining with this dark fairy. The most recent of these exchanges was one Os would not have anticipated. When the Keeper of Secrets had approached her, it had been after all of Os’ combat floors had been free of adventurers and none were left resting in the Mezzanine. Perhaps the Keeper had planned it that way. Only Os and the dark fairy remained to converse.

  As was her typical modus operandi, Os kept mostly silent. Zoya, however, as she was now calling herself, had outlined her requests in a clear fashion. It was intriguing, what she was proposing. Zoya had suggested that when one of their dungeon divers died, Os could offer them some form of compensation, or incentive.

  At first, Os had felt slightly insulted. After all, she was already the one providing treasures and the possibility of rewards for risking in battle. Why should she now reward them if they failed? Some of the movies playing in the Mezzanine seemed to advocate for the idea that everyone deserved recognition, but that seemed incredibly absurd to Os, and far too much work. Os knew the true reason the dark fairy was bargaining.

  Rod had been a wonderful meal. Unlike Zoya, the dwarf had not even attempted to hold his memories back once he died. Os knew that he had secretly fallen in the water on purpose because he hoped to gain access to his bound magic and maybe even receive his arm back. His unique combination of desperation and bravery made for a sweet and sour taste that was quite satisfying.

  The knowledge Os had gained from Rod, along with a wonderful movie called The Last Samurai, had equipped her for the negotiation.

  The dark fairy had suggested the creation of a special new dungeon token that would be granted to a dungeon diver upon their death and return to the dungeon. When this new token was submitted before opening a treasure box, it would serve to upgrade the level of loot contained in that particular treasure chest. The dark fairy had assured Os that if she agreed, then they would ensure that over ten dungeon divers would die in the dungeon within the next ten days.

  Os enjoyed the idea of encouraging dungeon divers to give it their all, but the dark fairy had asked for too much. Os changed the terms, engraved them on a stone, and dropped the stone tablet, narrowly missing the dark fairy. It would do no good for even the dark fairy to feel safe while dealing with Os directly.

  In order to upgrade the level of loot in a treasure chest, ten of these new dungeon-upgrade tokens must be dropped in front of a still-living floor boss. If the boss was defeated, the loot would be of a higher quality than normally received on that floor. If the group wanted the treasure chest upgraded twice, then 100 dungeon-upgrade tokens would need to be dropped before the still living boss. If the adventurer wanted three upgrades, they would drop 1,000 tokens, and so on, and so on.

  Dungeon-upgrade tokens would now be randomly added to loot drops. If an adventurer died in the dungeon, on their return they would receive up to five dungeon-upgrade tokens, depending upon the quality of their death.

  For a greater reward upon death, the act of hara-kiri could be performed. This act of self-disembowelment with a wakizashi, or short sword, would have to be performed on the first floor of the dungeon. The adventurer would need to perform the act on the square of grass that would now be a permanent feature of the first floor and a wakizashi would be provided to those who chose to kneel on the designated square of grass. Such an honorable death would be rewarded with up to twenty-five dungeon-upgrade tokens. If the dungeon diver chose to end their own life later in their adventure, there would be no bonus to their death reward.

  Instead of displaying some sense of frustration at Os’ hard bargaining, the dark fairy had simply clapped and said, “Bravo,” and then promptly left the dungeon.

  As soon as the dark fairy exited, Os received an unsurprising, but hoped for, notification from the UI.

  Congratulations!

  As a participant in the Beta Dungeon System, your continued willingness to cooperate with users, yet still hold them to a high standard of deadly competition has been reconfirmed. You are well on the path to acquire options once only available to dungeons of a distant plane. As you continue in your symbiotic relationship with your dungeon divers, be on the lookout for ways to improve both the level of difficulty and the value of the reward.

  Prerequisites met for Second Upgrade!

  You have now earned the upgrade: Mini Games.

  Upgrade: Mini Games

  The Mini Games upgrade provides thousands of variations of classic games. Why play ordinary checkers when death checkers is available? And who would pass up a game of shuffle board when the loser has to swim through a pool of sharks with a bad case of halitosis? Feel free to use these Mini Games however you see fit.

  Smiling to herself, Os quickly converted the Floor of Wonders. She frequently skipped the Floor of Wonders anyway, only allowing adventurers to experience it on occasion. Now, instead of having the dungeon divers simply bypass the floor, she could offer a full range of dangerous Mini Games the diver could either chose to play or walk by. Let the games begin.

  Chapter 34 - I’ll Try, Mom

  The Wild Mountains.

  The Dungeon of Os’ elevator leading to the fifth floor.

  Day forty-four, just before the Noon Bunny.

  Joe was tired. He had been king now for well over a month and he'd only stopped to rest once, and that had been during a long trance.

  It wouldn't have been so bad, but for the last few weeks the UI had prevented him from leveling. This meant that each day, he had gone into the dungeon, fought through the floors, and never heard that joyful ding of leveling. If he was going to spend the time working to advance while others slept, he’d at least like to experience the thrill of allocating points for new skills and magic.

  He only had to wait three more days, and then he and Zoya would receive a huge stack of XP and all the points that went with it. He shook his head. He needed to stay present.

  Joe had j
ust completed the first four floors of the dungeon with a newly formed group of heavy hitters and one NPC. The group was experiencing all the success they could want and they had easily defeated the fourth floor, taking down the final cat like it was a kitten.

  Their group contained: the kingdom’s most powerful Mind Mage, Moes; the most powerful Life Mage, himself; a new journeyman Ice Mage, named Muck; the powerful yeti monk, San; and the determined elven archer, Hollowbirch. Joe had been forced to orchestrate such a group because Hollowbirch had made it clear she would continue down to the fifth floor, with or without a group.

  Hollowbirch and the other NPCs had proven that, if they were careful, they could survive in the dungeon and gain in levels and power. The Mezzanine now housed almost as many NPCs as players. Joe had been resistant to the idea, but they had all noticed how NPCs seemed to level faster than players. He assumed this was due to the increase in danger. As a result, the NPCs realized that they could be a true help to the kingdom if they were allowed in the dungeon. Joe didn't like it, but it would have been hypocritical of him to forbid them the risk.

  Until this run, Joe hadn't allowed any of the NPCs to proceed past the Mezzanine, but now even that boundary had been broken. With their levels rising so much faster than the players, he might soon be forced to let NPCs lead the way.

  After they had defeated the cat, Joe had tried to convince the group that they should head back to the Mezzanine, but Hollowbirch had had none of that. As the group trudged through the desert sand into the elevator, Joe took note of the group members and their new levels.

  NPC, Hollowbirch

  Elven Archer

  Level 98

  Player, Muck

  Yeti-elf Mage

  Level 67

  Player, San

  Yeti Monk

  Level 81

  Player, Moes

  Halfling Mage

  Level 83

  As the doors to the elevators closed, Moes couldn't keep himself from offering his own bitter commentary.

  “This elevator better not take us to that blasted game floor again. I haven't seen the Floor of Wonders in almost a month,” Moes complained.

  “You better hope we don't get the Floor of Wonders this time. We've got an NPC with us. We're not taking any unnecessary risks,” Joe said with no humor in his voice.

  “I know, I know. I haven't even fasted anyway. I just don't want to play another game of pinball where there's a good chance I'll get shocked to death if I don't get a high score,” Moes confessed.

  “You know, you don't have to play any of those. They're all optional Mini Games,” Muck remarked.

  “I know that. The thing is, you got to play to win. And we all know that without a win, there's no reward. Who wants to go to a floor where there's no reward?” Moes began to whine when a set of familiar words began to appear on the doors in front of them.

  Welcome adventurers! Prepare yourselves for The Floor of Wonders! The rule is simple—you may not touch any of the treasures within. One infraction and the entire party forfeits their lives. This is your only warning. Please enjoy your time on the Floor of Wonders.

  “Dark Stars! You have got to be kidding me. Ashes of the Grove!” Moes cursed in frustration.

  “Watch your language in front of a lady!” Muck rebuked.

  “Moes, you just said you wanted to go into the Floor of Wonders. Make up your mind,” Joe commented.

  “But that was before I realized we might actually get to go in! This is one of the few times that I haven't been fasting and we've got an NPC that we have to treat with kid gloves. It's really the worst time I could end up having access to the Floor of Wonders!” Moes whined.

  “We're not going to have a problem, are we Moes?” Joe asked as he studied the halfling.

  “Whoa! Hold your horses, king man. I might be a little self-centered, but I'm not a murderer. In fact, I bet I'm going to be less tempted than you. I propose a wager. Whoever gets less experience at the end, pays the other ten gold royals,” Moes challenged.

  “That's a bet that I would like to take. However, I know you remember that I can't even access how much experience I get right now. I still have a little time to go, so stop rubbing it in,” Joe said and Moes couldn't hide his grin.

  Once their slowest reader, Muck, finished reading the words on the doors, the dungeon floor opened to them. Joe turned, about to caution the team, when Hollowbirch cut him off.

  “There's no need for more talk, Your Majesty, we've all been thoroughly briefed.”

  Knowing what she said was true, Joe nodded and led the party into the Floor of Wonders. The piles of gold and jewels were no less stunning than before. The path, however, wound a completely different route than their previous visit. Wanting to maintain their focus and keep their feet from touching the coins on the path, the group kept silent until they reached the forest of pillars.

  The first object Joe noticed was a beautiful chess set, obviously carved by a master. Each piece was modeled after a different fantasy character. There were orcs, dwarves, elves, and other heroes of old. It was the type of item that could launch a thousand stories. This epic crafted item was not his to take, however, so he turned away. There was too much at stake.

  The journey past the pillars of treasure was solemn and pensive. The only person in the group who appeared to be actively perusing the items was Hollowbirch. Despite her clear insistence on looking, nothing she saw seemed to affect her determined, unchanging face.

  Casually, the NPC elf walked up beside Joe and dropped her customary mask of formality.

  “I know that I don't show it, but I appreciate what you've done for me and what you will do for my people,” Hollowbirch said as actual emotion bled through the tone of her voice.

  Joe was unprepared for such a heartfelt statement from a person who had, thus far, only been cold.

  “Thank you,” Joe responded, not sure what else to say.

  “Moes, San, I name you as official witnesses for what I'm about to say. I, Hollowbirch of the Windswept Grove, declare that Joseph Marco Petrov is now my recognized heir with all responsibilities and benefits thereof. I am your mother. You are my son, whom I love. Continue to make me proud,” Hollowbirch said and before anyone could respond she turned and sprinted back toward where they had just come.

  Attention:

  Joseph Marco Petrov, you have been named the official heir of Hollowbirch of the Windswept Grove. The traditions and ceremonies of the Windswept Grove require two witnesses for all binding agreements. The UI recognizes that all necessary conditions have been met and officially confirms your new status as heir.

  Joe's eyes grew wide in fear. Heirs were only necessary if one died. Almost as one, the rest of the group turned back to catch the fleeing elf, as she hadn't gone far.

  Hollowbirch turned to face the group, her hand only inches above what appeared to be a simple wooden stake.

  “No one come any closer, or I touch it before we can say goodbye,” Hollowbirch said, flicking her fingers for emphasis.

  The group halted their progress, sliding to a stop about a stone's throw away from the elf.

  “Don't do this, Hollowbirch. As king, I forbid it,” Joe commanded.

  “It is not a child's place to instruct their elders on what is proper,” she responded.

  “I don’t need a new mother. Besides, I have been alive longer than you. Do not pretend it is wisdom to throw your life away. To life, you must be dedicated,” Joe said, his tone softening.

  “Life? I’ve heard you mourn for your late wife and yearn to be near her side. You know the pain of losing a loved one and feeling the unjustness of it all. Do not act as if you are wise and then say you don’t need a mother. You are younger that you think. I've always found it disconcerting that people believe time is what makes one old. It only appears that this is so. You see, as time passes, we suffer and the suffering is what causes age. Few have suffered to the extent I have. Almost without exception, a woman dies after her te
nth child is taken to become the food of monsters. I was captured at a very young age, sadly, just after my first moon’s flow. And I was cursed with truly exceptional fertility and strength. Forty-two children have I born and forty-two children have I mourned. For the food of a vampire is not truly alive, at least not in spirit,” Hollowbirch said.

  “I'm so sorry. I promise you, I'm going to kill the mistress, but you don't have to die. Just lift your hand away from the stake, come over here, and we'll finish this walk. Everything's going to be okay. You can trust me,” Joe pleaded.

  “Oh, precious child, I know that I can trust you. That's why I cannot lift my hand. This is not some neon gravestone calling out to me. When you healed us, I felt who you were, so there is no doubt in my mind that you will give every effort to destroy her. But despite what people think, effort is rarely enough. I have met the mistress many times, for a producer like myself is a true prize. She loved to have the heifer, that I was, paraded before her. Her strength and power is far above yours. To kill her, you're going to need more than Life or Fire Magic. I don't care if you were Level 200, you would not be a match for her,” Hollowbirch gently consoled.

  “We have more than two months left of training before we have to face her. I will be ready, this is not the way. Please lift your hand away from the stake, we don't need it,” Joe reiterated.

  “Joe, my son. Sometimes a mother has to make decisions for her children even when they don't understand. But you are not so young that you can't see the reason behind what I'm about to do. You haven't even looked at the item my hand rests above. Without even knowing what we're talking about, you have no right to instruct me on what I should do,” she said and Joe pursed his lips and begrudgingly clicked on the item.