by Ryan DeBruyn
Sela looked at him, and he shrugged. He couldn’t think of anything else to negotiate for. “The final four corpses, you can have, but we get a large favor to be named later, and two thousand ‘deaths’ paid for.”
“A thousand deaths, and a minor favor.”
“Guess we will go talk to Maximus—”
“Deal. Two thousand ‘deaths’ and your large favor sound totally reasonable.”
This is a stopgap measure, for sure. I need to go through LFD in the future to figure out why his Dungeon is so hard. Or maybe we need to stop groups from entering altogether, in order to teach him a lesson. That, or use the large favor to get him to reorganize.
Zippo joined them on their trek to Maximus.
“The council is ready to meet as soon as you arrive,” Zippo informed them. “Genius plan with the ogre crafting materials, Rock.” He passed the gear he had been asked to identify back to Rocky. “What would you do without me? Now, do you need my help with Maximus, or should I go get started on cooking something for the meeting?”
Rocky turned to Sela. She stood stock still with her mouth hanging open. She hadn’t told Zippo to do this?
He blinked and turned back to the young man, “Thank you, Zippo. Get to cooking! I could eat a dragon, I think.”
“Fresh out of dragon, unfortunately, but I think I can manage something.” Zippo laughed as he jogged off toward the Mess Hall.
Rocky swallowed his drool. He was starving after all that ogre killing. He picked up his pace and hurried to reach Grotto's northern wall.
I can’t wait. Zippo loves to cook meat, too.
“Men and their food,” mumbled Sela from behind him.
Outside the entrance of the Arena Dungeon stood two enormous advertisements. One displayed a list of dead arena combatants, with a countdown timer. The other was titled ‘Current Champions’ and had six names listed—Sela, Zippo, Rocky, Azoth, Tao, and Gamma.
“Hello, Maximus. I am sure you have noticed this pile of ogre corpses outside your entrance,” Rocky greeted the dungeon cheerfully.
“Hmm, I did notice their stench, yes. I think you are covered in one of them.”
Rocky looked down at himself. He really needed a dunk in the river. He waited for the Dungeon to say more, but it was apparent that Maximus wasn’t planning on speaking again. He cleared his throat and continued, “I would like to negotiate with you for their value. How many names are on the list here?”
“Eight-hundred and forty-five.” A hint of pride tinted his bodiless voice. “Since I don't hold the people captive for the week, it seems they prefer my sands over the depths of that Delving Dungeon.”
“Ahh, so you believe that you are the superior choice to our Delving Dungeon, do you?” asked Sela.
“Of course I am. I bring the monsters to you and create scaling challenges that bring out the best in your combatants. LFD's second floor is filled with mobs that are copies of his first-floor boss. That Dungeon has no creativity, no passion.”
Rocky facepalmed.
Of course it is!
Their quick fix wasn’t going to last long, if that was the case. They would have to go back and have another discussion with LFD. If his floors escalated that sharply, it was no wonder that most of the populace failed his challenges.
“Well, Sela, I am sure those six ogre corpses we gave LFD will allow him to increase his Dungeon size. Once we mention to him a possible way to increase attendance—”
“You already gave him six of these corpses? You wouldn't give him more, then,” Maximus sputtered.
Rocky let the silence linger. He was prepared to wait the dungeon out to keep the upper hand in the negotiation.
“What do you want for them?”
They exchanged four of the corpses, including Azoth’s meal, for similar concessions as those they had earned from LFD. They scored a monthly tournament held by the Dungeon, twelve hundred deaths to be named at a later date, and had paid for this week's kills.
Rocky fought hard for one last prize—a final advertisement wall. If he was honest, he would have given the corpses to the Dungeon for this one treasure alone. It would be a wall of remembrance. On this board, people could request names to be added. Names of family, friends, and loved ones lost since the start of the Apocalypse. Joe would be the first name. It was only fitting.
Benoit, Nadine, and Lacy. Is it time for me to give up? Should I put my family’s names on the list?
He clutched what was left of the hope that he would find them alive. He thumbed at a tear running down his cheek. He would find his mother, sister, and brother-in-law.
“I wonder what we should do with these Champion and boss corpses?” He tried to make his voice carefree and sounded like a prepubescent boy instead.
Sela patted him on the shoulder and he turned to her. She placed her other hand on her chin. Rocky got caught in her eyes but attempted the same thinking pose, distractedly.
They held their breath. The sounds of the Grotto echoed over the grass.
“Arena Dungeons collect boss mobs. I could use them to help advance your population. Perhaps if they are intelligent enough, they can even help train your people. Please don't give them to LFD. Delving Dungeons can create new mobs in time. I can only collect creatures that venture into my traps or sands.”
Rocky and Sela breathed out in unison, the moment broken.
Rocky summoned Ragnar's corpse out of his Bag of Holding and placed it at the entrance. “Can you do anything with this boss from Apep's Dungeon?”
Something stirred in the air, giving Rocky goosebumps. He looked around, feeling something but unable to see anything. The feeling increased in intensity—his skin broke out in cold sweats. He closed his eyes and used his Ether Manipulation to find the cause. Thick tentacles of navy blue extended from Maximus' entrance to Ragnar’s corpse. It poked and prodded the body.
“Use your Ether Manipulation skill, Sela.” Fascinated, he couldn’t tear his eyes away as Maximus examined every inch of Ragnar.
“It will take quite a bit of strength, but I may be able to break his bond. It is already stretched thin,” Maximus declared.
“How much power do you need?” asked Rocky.
“For this? At least the equivalent of a thousand apprentice-level creatures, perhaps more. It depends on their potency.”
Sela pointed to the two Ogre-Boss corpses. “And how much are these worth in that assessment?”
A shiver ran down Rocky’s back. Twice as cold as the first shudder. He closed his eyes and found two tentacles examining the ogre corpses.
“Their value for Ether and Essence is only moderately above the other corpses you brought me.”
“You honestly expected us to believe that? Their true value for Ether and Essence would bring you halfway to the required amount,” Sela said.
“Perhaps.” The silence stretched out, like Maximus' tentacles.
“You know these are worth more. You can respawn them. That should double their worth,” Rocky added.
“Alright, I will take them as a trade for this deed, but it will take me weeks to recover and begin utilizing the new mob.”
“Only if Ragnar is allowed to exit your Dungeon and train the villagers of the Grotto,” said Rocky.
“As long as he returns if I need him for defense, and your people vow not to kill him outside of my depths.”
***
Negotiations finished, Rocky and Sela walked away. Maximus had their permission to take the corpses. Ragnar would be allowed to live in the Grotto six days of seven. However, he would need to return to Maximus for a full week before each month's Tournament.
His quest was updated as Maximus finished absorbing Ragnar’s body.
Request
Party Quest – Request
Release Ragnar
You have found a way to release Apep's hold on Ragnar. If successful, Ragnar will return as a Champion in your Arena Dungeon. Ensure your Dungeon resurrects him for your reward.
Rew
ards:
Etherience
Weapons trainer
Arena organizer
Speak with Ragnar for other possible options
The very thought of the formidable Vanir training his citizens instilled hope equal to his trepidation. This also reminded him of the sword they had taken from Ragnar; the same sword Zippo had delivered with the rest of unlocked loot.
Ring of Pebbles’ Champion
● This ring is part of a set. Both rings must be worn together to harness the power of its Enchantments.
Set item (1 of 2)
Enchantments: Bloodlust, Time Bubble
Bloodlust (Locked)
● If both rings are worn at the same time, the wearer can cast Bloodlust. Skill information hidden until rings are worn together.
Time Bubble (Locked)
● If both rings are worn at the same time, the wearer can cast Time Bubble. Skill information hidden until rings are worn together.
His mouth twisted when he realized who had the ring that accompanied this one. He passed the ring to Sela. Her face bore the same expression as his.
He would have to talk with Derik. That idiot really did ruin everything.
He checked the other items, hoping to cheer himself up.
Great Ax of the Vanir
● This Ax is extremely heavy and unwieldy but has an edge that never dulls.
Ether Pool Size: Large
Current Ether Pool: 42 / 100
Enchantments: Sharp V (+50%), Savage Blow (+50 / -50 Strength)
Sharp V
● This blade projects a thin layer of Ether across the length of the blade. This Ether layer increases its cutting power while also protecting its edge. This ensures the Ax never dulls.
Savage Blow V
● This Enchantment adds 50 Strength to the wielder during a swing. Once the swing has completed, the Strength will vanish.
—
Ragnar’s Longsword
● This sword is far too big to be used as a longsword by most living beings. Its craftsmanship and history are ancient.
Ether Pool: Huge
Current Ether Level: 100 / 410
Enchantments: Vanir’s Might (One-Handed), Monster’s Bane (Wildlife)
Vanir’s Might
● This Enchantment reduces the weight of this weapon to a wieldable level by a single hand. The magic activates only if the Strength and Stamina of the individual are above 50.
Monster’s Bane
● When fighting wildlife, this blade ignores the inherent Ether of its opponent.
—
Rattleshirt’s Breastplate of Protection
● This breastplate is made from a bone so dark, it is nearly black, and appears to be unbreakable.
Ether Pool: Large
Current Ether: 42 / 140
Enchantments: Protection V (50%), Stamina V (+10)
—
Apep’s Void Shroud
● This armor was created from a Dungeon under the control of a Void God.
Ether Pool: Small
Current Ether Pool: 10 / 25
Enchantment: Intellect II (+3), Wisdom I (+1)
—
Apep’s Void Stick
● These staffs are rumored to be all that is left of an entire planet's vegetation. Ether Pool: Small
Current Ether Pool: 11 / 25
Enchantments: Intellect I (+1), Wisdom II (+3)
There was nothing that he could really use, other than the breastplate. But even that would be better off for a class like Victoria’s. The robes would offer him some stats, but he’d probably trip over long flowing material in combat.
With nothing more of immediate concern, Rocky and Sela headed to the fire they traditionally used for town meetings and took seats on one of the logs ringing the fire pit.
“How are we the first ones to arrive?” Rocky wondered.
“Perhaps the new council members are involved in the quests from ogre drops?”
He ran his hand through his drool-crusted hair. The old council had consisted entirely of combat classes. Considering that the A-Team had been halved in numbers, and Joe was no longer with them, the council must have been nearly depleted. Who would show up today?
He glanced at Sela, who seemed to be rooted in thought. He cleared his throat to ensure his voice didn’t startle her and asked, “Did anyone tell you who was added to the Council when we were in the Spirit Realm?”
The sun was sinking in the distance, its light painting a mural of colors behind her as she turned to face him. Her hair became a halo as her face entered the shadow of light disparity. Rocky squinted. Her features were shrouded in darkness, surrounded by her nearly glowing hair, which the sun intensified.
“I have heard the names, but I am unsure if I have met the individuals personally. Mr. Pips asked me to approve the additions during our first meeting.” She paused and added, “I guess that falls to us now.”
He bristled at the mention of Mr. Pips seeking Sela's approval. He should be involved in these decisions. He was the leader, after all. According to the system, he owned Algonquin Valley. He should be the person his people counted on. But everyone seemed to go to her first for everything.
Rocky shook his head, dispelling his negativity. Until recently, he had wanted nothing to do with being a leader. But things were different now. He was ready to be the leader. As people saw his new determination, his willingness, they would come to him. They would follow him.
“I don't think I know more than a handful of people who reside here,” he said, stifling any trace of jealousy in his words.
The sun setting behind Sela's head still shadowed her face, and he couldn't read her reaction to his admission. He shifted his gaze to the river. Maybe he had time for a dunk? He was still covered in ogre goobers.
“What are you two doing here? The town hall is where meetings are held now. Did no one tell you?” Zippo called from fifty feet away as he strode toward them. He stopped and motioned them in his direction.” Everyone is there already. We are just waiting on you.”
Late for his first official council meeting. People seemed to understand, though; at least, no one showed open anger or disappointment when they arrived.
The meeting began with introductions all around. Rocky missed the first few opening statements by Mr. Pips that prompted the ensuing presentations. He was too busy, staring at the two empty chairs. One of those would be filled shortly, but the other—
You don't need the Satellite connection. You haven't had one ‘til now.
A woman Rocky didn’t recognize stood up. She had brown curly hair and seemed to be in her mid-forties. The woman's eyes gleamed, and her smile accentuated her crow's feet.” My name is Astrid, and I was a seamstress in the village of Dorset, mostly tailoring new suits and patching old ones. I have chosen the class of Tailoress and was voted onto the council.” She paused and smiled sheepishly. “Because I played video games, I kind of fell into being the leader of the group from Dorset.”
Another person stood up and told a similar story, and Rocky wondered what had led them to Algonquin Park. The man was in his twenties, and his heavily scarred face added a dangerous vibe. His hair covered his forehead in a comb-over style made famous by a Canadian celebrity. His voice was surprisingly gravelly. “Thank you for having me. My name is Gerard, and my group is from Brent. We were a small group of gamers who played together at a local gaming shop, and we were mid-session when the Ether Wave hit. I had always played games as a warrior tank, and chose that class again—in what I believed to be a bizarre dream.”
Another tank in the Grotto. There might be hope for us, after all. I didn’t think so many humans were this sadistic.
Gerard continued, “The group believed that the most dangerous mobs were the converted buildings. So, we entered Algonquin Park, hoping to find some low-level mobs to level from. Instead, we found the Territory—” he nodded to Sela, and then Rocky, “—and we have become hunters and adventurers. I was also vo
ted into my position.”
As he sat down, another individual stood. His face was completely shadowed by the hood of his cloak, and his loose-fitting black Karate Gi made the outline of his body impossible to discern. “I am Jorge, Shadow class.” He sat down. How did this charismatic fellow get onto the council?
The final new member stood up and said, “My name is Yuri, and I am a Smith. The people recognized that we have worked hard. They voted one of us into a council seat. My compatriots chose me to represent.” The balding, silver-bearded man stood there awkwardly, still wearing his smithing apron. Rocky, who wasn't an expert on accents, would have guessed he was Slavik of some sort. Yuri nodded to indicate he was finished before sitting down.
The group turned their eyes on Zippo, Sela, and Rocky, attentively listening to their brief introductions. Zippo went first, and after he was done, he moved to a side table. As Rocky spoke, Zippo distributed rough clay plates heaped with food. The delicious smell filled Rocky’s nose and he stuttered in his introduction.
As everyone ate, small issues were discussed. Items like electricity for a few final buildings that had yet to acquire their own Ether converters. Rocky placed most of the new equipment on the side table and asked people to find appropriate homes for it, reserving the chestpiece for Victoria. While it might be beneficial to sell the gear, he preferred to strengthen his people.
As he sat back down, he noticed the distance everyone had left around him. His skin itched, and he wrinkled his nose. He definitely needed a dunk in that river. At least he was nose blind to whatever odor he was giving off.
With the housekeeping topics out of the way, the discussion moved to more serious issues.
“One of our Dungeons held my group captive for four days. This is extremely counterproductive to a growing population,” Gerard remarked, referring to LFD and its captive policy.
Rocky nodded. Gerard wasn’t wrong—four hundred people had missed leveling for a maximum of five days. It wasn’t time they could afford to squander.