The Adventurers Bond

by Tao Wong

  “But they’re moving…”

  “Then that’s their problem. Especially the big guy. He won’t learn without a few arrows in him,” Angie said and pointed at Daniel. “You’re on a team with a Healer. Use it.”

  Asin nodded at the words, tail lashing out behind her. It was all good advice, but receiving advice and putting it into practice were two different things entirely. Before any of the team could say anything, Angie pointed to the exit of the training grounds and added. “Good. Now, get yourself watered, fed and into the Dungeon. We’ve done enough talking and practising.”

  “Is that wise?” Daniel said with a frown and Angie shrugged.

  “Is dungeoning wise? Is sending an Orange team into a newly opened Dungeon smart?” Angie said with a smirk. “You take risks if you want the rewards. And you can’t afford to not clear that Dungeon.”

  The group grimaced but nodded, Asin feeling her tail swish around behind her. Another sniff brought the scent of a new determination to her. Even if Angie was not particularly eloquent, her point had been made. They were Adventurers. Their job was to take risks. Even if they were greater than normal.

  Chapter 4

  Daniel sighed as he looked around the grouped parties in front of the Adventuring Guild. A week later, and after numerous arduous training sessions, the team had come together. While the tactics they had worked out and trained with Angie were still rough, the gruelling hours of training had seen a significant improvement in their teamwork. No longer did Rob throw his enchanted balls of poison around without warning the group. Tula, with her greater archery skills, could now support the team even when the monsters neared them. And, perhaps most surprisingly to Daniel, Omrak had managed to learn to not charge ahead at every instance.

  Standing in the morning sunlight, Daniel peered at the numerous teams that would join them in delving Artos. While every single one of these Adventuring parties were Advanced Adventurers like them, all of them were ranked higher. The highest ranked teams were violet ranked, teams who were on the cusp of becoming Master Adventurers and thus able to enter the most dangerous Dungeons on Brad. And, Daniel reflected, it showed in their bearing and equipment. Each of the violet teams bore at least a trio of enchanted items, many wielding enchanted weapons and defensive equipment. Those, due to their size and importance, were much more expensive than basic enchanted items.

  “The Flying Tigers, the Troll Killers, the Eight,” Omrak muttered to Tula, the pair happily gossiping about the various groups with wide-eyed wonder. “Such a large collection of Heroes. Did you know, the Troll Killers gained their name from their very first Quest?”

  Daniel found himself smiling slightly, regarding his teammates fondly. The group had gelled well, but this was the first time he had seen everyone in a day. Rather than push themselves too hard, the group had taken the last day off after a healing session with him. Now, equipment buffed and fixed, everyone looked eager to enter Artos. Daniel briefly wondered what everyone had done - though from the smug look on Asin’s face and the quick nuzzling of faces he had noted of Asin and Tevik, he had a guess, at least, of the Catkin’s activities yesterday.

  As for himself, Daniel had spent the day working at a nearby free clinic, helping to heal those who could not afford it. His sessions at the clinic were quite popular, even if they were irregular. He still felt uncomfortable with how so many regarded his acts as entirely altruistic. In reality, he used his time at the clinic to help progress his own skills – a necessary requirement for upgrading his own Healing spells. Of course, he could have done the same while charging for his services, but it was a factor that he refused to consider too greatly.

  It was in the evening when Daniel finally found time to upgrade his Level. With a flick of his mind, Daniel called up his character sheet once again.

  Name: Daniel Chai (Advanced Rank Adventurer)

  Race: Human (Male)

  Class: Level 11 Adventurer (21%)

  Sub-classes: Level 7 (Miner) (2.5%)

  Life: 311

  Stamina: 311

  Mana: 229

  Attributes

  Strength: 29

  Agility: 25

  Constitution: 31

  Intelligence: 24

  Willpower: 20

  Luck: 16

  Skills

  Unarmed Combat: Level 8 (47/100)

  Clubs (Novice): Level 7 (02/100)

  Archery: Level 3 (04/100)

  Shield (Novice): Level 6 (82/100)

  Dodge (Novice): Level 1 (57/100)

  Combat Sense (Novice): Level 4 (63/100)

  Perception (Novice): Level 3 (11/100)

  Mining: Level 7 (78/100)

  Healing (Novice): Level 4 (08/100)

  Herb Lore: Level 3 (48/100)

  Stealth: Level 2 (34/100)

  Cooking: Level 4 (13/100)

  Singing: Level 2 (14/100)

  Tactics: Level 3 (02/100)

  Skill Proficiencies

  Double Strike

  Shield Bash

  Perin’s Blow

  Find Weakness

  Mapping (II)

  Inventory (Adventurer Special)

  Spells

  Minor Healing (II)

  Healer’s Mark (I)

  Gifts

  Martyr’s Touch—The caster may heal oneself or others by touch and concentration, sacrificing a portion of his life to do so. Cost varies depending on the extent of the injuries healed.

  While his Level had not increased, Daniel was particularly happy about the increases in his skills. Forced to understand where his team would go and the tactics employed, he found that he had significantly increased his Combat Sense and Perception skills as well as acquiring a base Tactics skill. On top of that, his new goal of hunkering behind his shield had increased his skill with the defensive equipment even further, providing him with a nice boost. In fact, Daniel looked forward to seeing what kind of new Skills he might receive due to the recent increases. Find Weakness, as it stood, was a powerful Skill of his which allowed him to turn the tables against stronger, better-armored opponents numerous times.

  A rustle and change in mood among the groups drew Daniel’s attention back to the team as one final, last-minute addition was added. His lips peeled apart slightly, noting how the Falling Leaves, the Orange team that Daniel had bumped from their spot, were here. A brief glance around and Daniel ascertained that, including the Falling Leaves, his team was the only other Orange team. He had been too awed to notice this fact earlier.

  “What’s going on?” Daniel muttered. “Why are they here?”

  “Other team. Broke up,” Asin said. “Sleeping with each other. Drama!”

  “Oh yes, it was very interesting gossip. Happened just last night,” Rob said, chuckling softly. “It seems their team leader caught the mage and his lover sleeping together. For the sixth time! Declaring he could not ‘do this anymore’ the team leader stalked out of the city. His lover followed, of course, and the mage scurried back to his own master.”

  “Really?” Daniel blinked, then remembered that the Blackened Blades had been an all-male team. Not an entirely surprising matter since women made up a smaller number in Adventuring groups. The hardship, the physical requirements and frankly, the wider option of careers available to women made them less likely to take on such a difficult and dangerous career. “Drama indeed.”

  Daniel sighed, eyeing the Falling Leaves. This did not bode well. While each party going into the Dungeon would be acting by themselves, the teams which were in the Orange or Red groups would be on the lower Levels together. In the event of an emergency, they would have to rely on one another. But with the animosity between the groups, Daniel could not help but dread the idea of asking for help from the other team.

  �
��Now that everyone has gathered, I’d like to say a few words,” the Guild Master’s voice rang out across the square, dragging the attention of the various Adventuring parties back. Daniel turned to the older man who controlled their careers. “As many of you know, the opening of Artos is unprecedented at this time interval. It is believed the opening is due to an unnatural increase in the number of Dungeon monsters - requiring an active suppression attempt by the teams we are sending in.

  “If this is true, it will mean you will be facing greater dangers than any previous team. But Erlis does not endanger without providing reward. It is likely the rewards for what you will face will have also increased. Those who risk will triumph. Those who hide will fade.”

  All around the square, Adventurers nodded their heads. It was part of their lives, their calling to risk it all for gains. And for the civilians who lived their lives without ever entering a Dungeon. Without them, the corruption that Ba’al had implanted in the world would boil over, sending monsters into the surroundings. It was their job, as Adventurers, to ensure that Dungeons never broke.

  “All of you have received what aid we can provide - including a list of all the monsters that have ever been encountered in Artos as well as maps of the Dungeon. But, as you know, Artos changes each time it opens, and we do not expect this to be any different,” the Guild Master said, his eyes sweeping over everyone. “Good luck. And good delving.”

  At his final pronouncement, the Adventurers echoed their thanks. Daniel touched his belt pouch where a single healing potion sat, a gift from the Adventurers Guild. It was, obviously, not likely to be enough, but in itself, it was a generous act. Healing potions were expensive and rare.

  Having finished his pronouncement, the Guild Master turned and left. Soon afterwards, attendants streamed out to meet each Adventuring team to lead them towards the newly opened Dungeon. Together, the group slowly tromped through the crowded streets, filled with farmers heading to market, bakers and other early risers. Yet, upon sight of the Adventurers, the civilians parted to give way to the group, whispered conversations marking their journey.

  “It seems even the civilians are aware of the import,” Rob said as he glanced at the parting crowd. “It would be a grievous felony if we failed to clear our portion.”

  “We shall not fail!” Omrak replied. “It is only a few floors after all. And we cleared the second floor of Aramis easily!”

  “It is easier with our new friends,” Daniel chimed in, nodding to Tula and Rob. Tula just smiled slightly, skirting deeper into the group as the crowd continued to stare at them all, while Rob strode forwards with the side of his mouth curled up in a smile.

  In this manner the teams walked, heading north from the Adventurers Guild to finally arrive at a walled-off section of the city. A large gate was swung open, watched over by the town guards who waved the Adventurers in after confirming their presence with the attendants.

  Forced to wait outside the enclosure, the team milled about, chatting softly.

  “What kind of dungeon do you think it’ll be? Another cave or something wilder?” Daniel asked softly.

  “I hope it’s a forest,” Tula said, absently running her fingers over the ends of her arrows. “It’d be nice to be in one again.”

  “Even if it’s artificial?” Daniel said curiously.

  “Better than nothing.”

  “A mountainous Dungeon floor would be good,” Omrak chimed in with a grin.

  “Not water,” Asin said with a low yowl. Even if the group had chipped in and purchased the water breathing rings, it was still not a floor any of them would be comfortable in. Especially the picky Catkin.

  “I do not care of the environment, but humanoid monsters would be best,” Rob said, touching the small enchanted spheres he carried. “My poisons work best against those.”

  “Well, I doubt it’ll be kobolds,” Daniel said with a smile, making his original friends chuckle at shared memories.

  “DAO!” the Guild attendant called. The party quickly moved forwards, streaming into the enclosure. The party immediately spotted the single, glowing, double-doored portal that was the entrance to the Dungeon. Its swirling colours gave no further hint of what might be within.

  “You know, I think we should change the party name,” Tula said. “After all, we’re part of the group now.”

  “So, you wished to be known as DAROT? Or perhaps TAROD?” Rob said scornfully. “I prefer not.”

  “Something with a little more flair,” Tula rebutted as the group walked towards the Dungeon portal. As Daniel was about to enter it, Omrak reached out and gripped Daniel’s arm, shaking his head.

  “This is my honor,” Omrak said.

  “No,” Asin said, prodding the Northerner in the side. When Omrak frowned, Asin pointed to the attendant who was busy playing with some stones to the side.

  “Ah…” Omrak subsided, waiting for the attendant to finish configuring the portal. As they waited, the Falling Leaves entered as well. The parties fell into an uneasy silence, eyeing each other warily. In the end, Daniel drew a shaky breath and walked over to Gerardo.

  “Gerardo, congratulations on getting in. And, well, I hope you do well,” Daniel said, offering his hand.

  “Only someone like you would wish to gain entry into a Dungeon by such means,” Rita said with a snarl. “Take your backstabbing hand out of here. Don’t think you’re going to convince us to go easy. We’ll get the Floor Champion and the Floor Chest for both floors!”

  Daniel grimaced slightly at her words, taken aback by the vitriol. When he glanced over to Gerardo, all he saw was the portly Adventurer glaring back at Daniel. Defeated, Daniel slunk back to the team.

  “That went well,” Rob said sarcastically.

  “No,” Asin said, her tail lashing out behind her as she glared at Rob and then the other team.

  “Fear not, Friend Daniel. We shall show the Fallen Leaves that we deserve our place,” Omrak said clapping his friend on the shoulder. When the attendant nodded to the group to indicate the portal was ready, Omrak strode forwards only to be brought up short by Farhad who had slipped ahead of him. The robed and masked swordsman just stared up at the big Northerner as his teammates slipped past. Omrak glared downwards, but a quick shake of Daniel’s head stopped the Northerner from acting further.

  As the last of the Fallen Leaves walked into the shimmering portal, Tula muttered, “Now I’m getting annoyed. Let’s beat their uppity asses.”

  Daniel could only nod to those words while waiting for the attendant to reconfigure the portal again. In minutes, it was ready, and the party stepped into the Dungeon portal.

  Chapter 5

  As the first through the portal, Omrak knew his job was to ensure that the area around the entrance was clear. While it was highly unlikely for there to be monsters near the entrance, it was still an important precaution to take. As such, the giant Northerner strode forwards immediately and started looking around, searching for trouble.

  The first thing Omrak noticed was that they had exited in an area with significant illumination. In fact, the light source was not the usual slightly blue illumination of Mana-imbued stones but a more natural light source reminiscent of the first level of Aramis. The second thing Omrak noticed was that the mist covered the ground below the hill he was on, ensuring that the lowlands of the moor that splayed out before him were hidden. Only a few higher hills like the one he was on were visible. In the distance, Omrak could just about see the gleam of something that did not look at all natural. Admittedly, natural was a loose term in a Dungeon. The last thing that Omrak discovered was the slight chill that pervaded the Dungeon floor, one that made the Northerner grin.

  “Cold!” Asin yelped as she walked in and prowled the edges of the hilltop. Her tail lashed out behind her as she sniffed the air and eyed the grassy flooring.

  “A perfect temperature!” Omrak rebutted, stretching wide as he walked to the edge of the hill before it started
dropping precipitously down. He laughed, eyeing the rolling mists below for hints of what they might encounter.

  “Quiet,” Tula growled as she joined Omrak near the edge. The blonde noted how she kept a decent distance from him and stayed further away from his left, allowing him to draw his sheathed, cross-body great sword without hitting her. He found himself nodding in gratitude. Some things, obviously, had been ingrained over the past week’s training.

  “I am quiet, Hero Tula,” Omrak said but lowered his voice to slightly above a whisper nonetheless.

  “She’s right,” Daniel said as he joined the group, eyeing the ground below. “Mists like this generally mean we’re looking at ambush predators of some sort. No need to make it easier for them to find us.”

  “Are we keeping a close or open formation?” Rob asked, frowning at the mists. A hand touched a bracelet on his arm, the only defensive item that the mage carried. Other than the light chainmail jerkin that he wore to cover his body.

  “Tula?” Daniel asked the Ranger.

  “Closed for now,” Tula said after considering the environment one last time. “I don’t know this area well enough to scout too far ahead. The monsters might be able to confuse or obfuscate themselves too, so splitting the party would be a bad idea.”

  “Agreed,” Asin said, sniffing the air again before she wrinkled her nose. But she did not comment further so Omrak turned away from the Catkin to Daniel who was staring at the mists.

  “Direction?” Daniel asked, squinting as he searched for a clue for the Dungeon exit.