Erchik: Crossbowman
Level:32.28
Attack Power:143
Defense Power:191
Health:1493/1493
Stamina:871/871
Attack Speed +2
Casting Speed +0
Critical Hit +3
Movement Speed +1
Chapter Twenty-Five
Blinded by the harsh light of the midday sun Dante emerged to find Terrance, Erchik and the young maiden waiting for him with a picnic setup just outside the door on some healthy green grass bellow a tall cedar. “My Gods,” he cursed aloud, “can someone turn down the damn sun! It’s blinding after being in those damned caves for so long.”
Terrance ran over and embraced Dante and throwing caution to the wind as kissed him deeply then stepped back to allow Erchik to give Dante a hug as well. “We were a bit worried,” Terrance said. “When we saw your health points drop we thought you were in trouble but no one would let us in and we couldn’t take down the doors so we waited. Laurina here brought us food and drink as we waited and in case you were hungry when you were done inside. Other than picking an impossible fight per usual what happened?”
Being ushered over to sit on the blanket Dante quickly realized just how tired, hungry, and utterly worn out he was as he relayed all that the Crimson Keeper had told him and even showing the group his Gauntlets of the Crimson Keeper to show them the reminder that his friend left for him. Answering questions to the best of his ability Dante ate and drank his fill all the while thinking back to his battle and how he seemed to break the laws of the world with his actions in that arena.
“So,” Dante said turning to Laurina, “I have a feeling you have something you wish to say, or ask. Something about your demeanor since we got here has said as much so I would ask you to speak plainly and say or ask what you wish. Our group will be moving out after I let Brother Gregory know what details I can.”
“Just call me Laura please sir,” she responded. “As you may know I will have to leave here soon and wish to explore the world. I have been trained in the healing arts of the Ashira priests so would be an asset to your group. I also cook and know what plants and herbs are useful and edible from here to the elven borders. If you would permit sir,” she would not look him in the eye but instead curtsied. “I would be more than happy to join your party and help in any way I possibly can on your travels.”
Stroking his chin in thought Dante sat there a moment before replying. “First don’t call me sir that makes me feel old. I am just Dante, next I won’t give you an answer until I speak privately with my other party members to get their approval and then only if Brother Gregory also agrees that it is ok for you to travel with us. Just know that if at any point I feel it is too unsafe for you or any in our group I will ask you or anyone,” he said looking around and giving each one their party a stern matter-of-fact look. “To leave instead of endangering you any more than is really necessary. This is not something I am willing to argue over or debate. With the news of Gods meddling and who knows what else will be thrown at us I will not risk the chance of losing anyone I care about.”
Terrance began to argue but was silence quickly by Dante who finished his drink and stood up motioning the others to follow. They did so, though with small murmurs of disagreement at his new proclamation all the while following him as he wound his way through the abbey to the office of Brother Gregory who was not yet present. Seeing the empty room Dante asked Laura to find the brother while he spoke to his party in private as he shut the door behind him.
“So all those in favor of the girl joining us raise your hands” Dante announced and was surprised to see himself and Erchik with hands raised while Terrance looked at them both incredulously.
“She’s but a girl,” he argued. “She could get hurt or worse!” Terrance said looking from one to the other.
“As we all could, she is no different than either of you as far as we know none of you will respawn unlike the monsters of the world” Dante retorted in annoyance.
“But she is a girl!” Terrance yelled punctuating each word.
Dante stood directly in front of him and spoke in a harsh tone “I don’t fucking care if she was a Gods damned rock giant or octopus she has a right to make her own choices as anyone else would. Male or female I do not give a single fucking iota about the backwards sexist views of this world or the next. In my own world there is still a lack of equality for genders, races, and sexual orientations, and if I have any say or sway in the matter in this world I will fix that little problem as quickly as possible and I would expect someone who has known such discrimination to understand and help to further improve the equality of everyone in this world. I did not ask if she could join due to gender but simple capabilities, knowledge and understanding of this world. Taking that into thought how do you cast your vote now Terrance!” Emphasizing the word ‘you’ as he asked the last bit.
Speechless and quite abashed Terrance raised his hand in silence to which Dante responded “Glad to see you agree with us, now for the opinion of Brother Gregory,” as he said this the door opened and the brother stepped into the room with a broad smile.
“All very well said and after having discussed with Laurina I agree she would be in good hands with you three,” Brother Gregory announced before sitting in his chair while the group of now three companions sat and waited for Dante to finish relaying his information to the brother.
“Troubling,” he said. “Though in the grand scheme of things I am not too surprised. If any of the Gods were not involved I would be more shocked than to know that many were in fact involved.” Turning to Dante he ask “What do you know of the Gods of our world?” Brother Gregory asked.
“Not much, I only really know of Ashira and Tarrok because as Adventurers throughout our questing we run across a lot of lore and information about them. Though even then I would say I am far from knowing the full details of either, especially in light of recent developments” Dante answered honestly.
Nodding Brother Gregory riffled through a stack of books and pulled out a slim one handing it to Dante. “I figured as much and this is a small rundown of the Gods, their roles in the pantheon, and what they each reign over. Feel free to keep it and look it over at your leisure though I would say not during travel otherwise you might be distracted in a dire moment” chuckling at his own comment.
Dante and the others spoke a bit more with Brother Gregory while Laurina gathered what little she had of her belongings. When she was done they met her in front of the abbey with many of the monks including Brother Gregory who hugged her and handed her a small wooden box saying “Every healer needs their symbol of power tied to their patron deity. I had this prepared for you the moment I saw these people and knew you would likely join them.”
She opened it up and gasped as she pulled out a golden necklace staring first at it then at Brother Gregory. Not sure what was so special about it Dante inspected it and was equally shocked with the information he found.
+20 Legendary Golden necklace of Ashira
Blessed by the Goddess herself this necklace will bolster the healing powers of any who wear it, allowing them to protect and serve in her name. A single special effect unique to the class type can be triggered once by the wearer of this item.
+1 to Attack, +2 to Casting, +1 to Critical chance, +200 to mana
The item was an otherwise unheard of legendary accessory and Dante was excited to see it in action. He stifled his thought though as he waited for the final goodbyes as others gathered around and offered small items such as a travel bag and rations before the group of four began making their way down the road and towards their next stop.
Dante Alexander: Knight Mage
Level: 36.04
Attack Power:134
Defense Power:378
Health:1782/1782
Mana:962/962
Stamina:954/954
Attack Speed +5
Casting Speed +5
Critical Hit +5<
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Movement Speed +4
Gear:
Main Hand
+14 Blade of Chaos
Off Hand
+14 Short Sword of Chaos
Helm
+19 Hidden Circlet of Chaos +150 HP
Armor
+25 Leather Breastplate of Chaos +250 HP and +30% Damage Reduction
Gloves
+14 Leather Gloves of Chaos
Shoes
+18 Leather Shoes of Chaos +250 stamina, +87 to evasion
Set effects:
2 pieces: + 1 to casting/ attacking speed
3 Pieces: +1 to critical hit
Full set: ???
L Earring slot +20 Earring of the Enchantress +50 Mana/Energy, +20 Attack, +20 Accuracy
R Earring slot Empty
L Ring slot Ring of Attack +1 to attack speed
R Ring slot Empty
Necklace slot Empty
Belt slot Empty
Skills:
Basic Attack
Swift Strike
Cascading Blades
Scatter Blades
Chaotic Shield
Hidden Power
Cycle of Fate
Chaos Hold
Shadows of Chaos
Intertwined Fates
Chaos Dash
Plight of Chaos
Chaotic Blast
Chaotic Subterfuge
Light of Chaos
Dominion of Chaos
Core Attack: Annihilation
Chaotic Flow
Evasive Blade Stance
Lashing Chaos
Burst of Chaotic Blades
Leap of Chaos
Companions:
Terrance Walsh: Warrior
Level:32.01
Attack Power:121
Defense Power:312
Health:2103/2103
Stamina:1184/1184
Attack Speed +3
Casting Speed +2
Critical Hit +4
Movement Speed +4
Erchik: Crossbowman
Level:32.28
Attack Power:143
Defense Power:191
Health:1493/1493
Stamina:871/871
Attack Speed +2
Casting Speed +0
Critical Hit +3
Movement Speed +1
Laurina: Healer
Level:28.64
Attack Power:94
Defense Power:146
Health:1139/1139
Mana: 741/741
Stamina:472/472
Attack Speed +1
Casting Speed +2
Critical Hit +1
Movement Speed +0
Chapter Twenty-Six
Everyone walked in silence as they made their way north along the path. Terrance stayed in the back way from the others and would not look Dante in the eye as they continued onward.
Eventually the tension got to Erchik and he spoke up. “So are we going to kill the queen next or is there somewhere else we need to stop first?” he asked aloud to no one in particular.
“Oh almost forgot we still need to take out Dargath before we head into Serlonian territory. I want to be as ready as possible in case there is any major trouble. What better way than to get a full set of legendary boss gear before facing the army of one of the strongest nations around?” Dante chuckled at the astonished look on Laurina’s face as he spoke.
“Do you know where he resides now?” Terrance piped up from the back.
“In the Witches Lighthouse” Laurina said proud of her knowledge.
“He used to have a camp with some of the more vicious imp groups near there but I didn’t expect him to still reside near there” Dante replied.
Nodding Laurina continued “Around the same time as the Crimson Keeper was waging his war a group of witches and wizards banned together and sealed Dargath under the Witches Lighthouse creating a pseudo dungeon that he was tied to and unable to escape. Most of them died in the process but there is always a guardian at the door who is a descendant or relative of one of the original captors who makes sure none can enter and release the legendary beast to wreak havoc.”
Dante shrugged. “Makes sense to me but I hope this guardian doesn’t try to cause us any problems when we try to enter the dungeon.”
Laurina shook her head. “I doubt it to be frank. Last word I heard about the area they use it as a tourist trap and a place for young fighters and warriors to show their mettle with how far they can get in the dungeon. Mostly they charge per person to enter and you have to sign off that if anything goes wrong you and your family won’t hold them liable for it.”
Laughing at the news Dante said “No matter the world people will still try anything to make a quick bit of money off the unknowing masses.”
The others agreed and then settled into small chatter about simple things such as local crops, townships, and trade. All of which was beginning to give Dante an idea he would have to look into before heading into Serlonia. If it all worked out he might just be able to get their group setup with a good cover and make it all the way to the palace before having to stir up trouble for the kingdom. As they traveled they had small ambushes of the Fugue but nothing they could not easily handle and after a few days of travel they reached the Witches Lighthouse.
It was a massive structure built atop some granite filled hills with jutting stones all around and a small inn and an almost-village built around it. The entrance was blocked by burly men who seemed to act the part of bouncers while a somewhat long line was formed at a booth just to the side of the entrance. While Dante waited in line with Erchik, Terrance and Laura went to the nearby inn and got some fresh food and relaxed.
“Name and number of people?” the nasally fat man in rich silks asked as Dante approached the stand.
“Four in total and the name is Dante” he replied simply.
“Four hundred thousand for the group and the next available slot will be next Wednesday” he man replied jotting down the information and reaching out a hand for the money all the while without looking at Dante.
“Sir,” Dante began “we are in a bit of a hurry and I have a legendary beast to slay before moving along. Is there any way I can persuade you to let us go now?”
Shaking his head and finally looking at Dante the man looked him over thoroughly. “Though you seem to be geared for this, the only way I could allow you through now is if you would be willing to pay,” he stopped and scratched his head in thought then with a devilish gleam continued “at least three million gold per each person.”
Dante guffawed at the man causing him to scowl. “You want me to pay you three million per party member to do something I was sent to do by the Gods?!”
This time the man was the one laughing. “Sent by the Gods to do this? You sure are a funny boy! I don’t care if the Gods themselves were standing here at this very moment ordering me to allow you in I would still hold firm to what I have said. Now you either pay up or I might have to move you to another slot. Let's say, next month some time? Final offer.”
Dante grumbled and pulled out twelve million that had been piling up from completing the small hidden quests as well as defeating the legendary beasts so far and slammed the pouch of money onto the table before turning on his Legendary Beast Destroyer title and staring the man down. “Paid in full and if you or your muscle over their try to get in my way I will not hesitate to put you all down here and now.”
The man paled when he saw the title, which knowing as anyone in that world should that it was only given to those who had beaten at least three legendary beasts. Nodding and shrinking in his chair as he stuttered “Of… Of… course sir, my apologies.” Then rushing over and pushing his men out of the way and directing Dante and the newly refreshed group into the building and down the stairs leading to the dungeon below.
When the doors closed behind them the whole group burst out laughing “That was great!” Erchik shouted as his voice echoed through the cavernous catacombs.
>
Terrance and Laurina nodded before Terrance said “May have been a bit harsh but he seemed like the kind who needed to be put in his place.”
Nodding Dante motioned for Erchik and Laurina to light the oil lamps that they had bought at the inn and the group fell into formation with Terrance in the lead, Dante not far behind followed by Laurina and finally Erchik taking up the rear all of which quickly shifted into a more serious and battle ready state. Before long they came across their first enemy which was the Special: Undead Imp Warrior who was no more than level twenty-five and was taken out with a swift swing from Terrance followed by an arrow from Erchik.
Clearing the first floor making quick work of the undead imps they found the entrance to the next floor fairly quick. It was just a large dark oak door with iron bands covered in runes. They stopped for a bit of water and a nibble since Erchik and Dante had waited in line instead of going to the inn with the other, before proceeding onto the next level of the dungeon.
“According to what is known there are three levels to this dungeon and no one has made it past level two since there is a guardian at the end. Seems like it is some sort of undead imp general around level thirty-six and a small pack of minions around level thirty-four on average” Terrance informed them of the information he had gathered from the inn.
“How do they know there are only three levels if they have never made it past level two?” Dante asked.
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