Dungeon Bound 2

by Bastian Knight

  ‘That is good to hear, Master. Because you are strong and unique. Ignore these pitiful fools who do not even recognize true power when they see it.’

  Gabriel took a deep breath, and his chest puffed out at his Prime’s words. She was right. A single look around the room was all he needed to confirm that Sthuza was the only Silver-ranked adventurer there.

  The only tags higher than Bronze in here besides hers are on display behind the counter.

  Gabriel glanced up at the assorted plates bolted to the board. The bottom row held one tag of each rank: Copper, Bronze, Iron, Dwarven Steel, Silver. Above the more common ranks were the elite: Gold, Mithril, Carminium, Orichalcum, Adamantite.

  That little bit of Adamantite was the most I’d ever seen until you gave that sword to Cindra.

  ‘The Guild and the nobles horde most of it on the surface.’

  Most of the higher-ranked adventurers rarely ever visited Lostbarrow anymore. After all, everyone knew the dungeon had grown weak and no longer provided the larger Magic Stones that were the mainstay of a dungeon city.

  From the looks of the few Bronze-ranked adventurers, few people above Copper even bothered anymore.

  That’ll all change once we get the crystal back to Meri and claim the dungeon for her.

  Feeling more confident, maybe even a little too much, he led the beautiful women to the counter and slapped his hand on the dark stone.

  “Yes?” an annoyed man grumbled. “May I help you?”

  The clerk was several decades older, with white hair and a heavily lined face. He stared at Gabriel for several seconds until Sthuza presented her tag.

  “I certainly hope you will,” she said icily, and her haughty tone took both men by surprise.

  “Madam, I was unaware anyone of your status was in our city. Please forgive my rudeness,” the man said obsequiously as he adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses.

  “Yes, I am sure. Now to business, please. I have many more important things to do than deal with the Guild’s vaunted red tape.”

  “Of course, Madam.”

  “First, my dear companion here, Gabriel Grimm, was robbed. Among his stolen belongings was his tag, I believe it was a Copper plate, yes?” Sthuza turned to raise an eyebrow at him.

  He nodded, and the clerk gestured to the large table-mounted Soulstone. “Very well, I just need you to activate the Soulstone to confirm your identity,” the man said, then paused.

  “Not that I’m questioning your story, Madam. It is a Guild requirement before I may authorize a replacement,” he said in a rush.

  Sthuza narrowed her green eyes, a slight sneer on her lips, but she nodded. “Of course, do hurry.”

  Gabriel held his breath as he placed a hand on the rare artifact. Soulstones were the foundation of the Guild’s success. They allowed one to call up the physical, mental, and spiritual attributes of whoever activated them. The magical stone made it easy to track and rank members.

  One of their more mysterious features was attuning them to catalog monster kills, crimes committed, and several ancillary details that Gabriel had never cared to learn.

  Shouldn’t Estrial have been tagged as a murderer after killing me? How will she deal with that the next time she visits the Guild?

  ‘There are numerous loopholes that adventurers can manipulate, Master. Though, the Guild tries to suppress them.’

  Despite numerous attempts, no Soulstone would monitor anything beyond an hour’s walk from a dungeon. They instantly updated and tracked statistics from dungeons on the far side of the world, but ignored everything outside their region.

  Of course, now that I know the Eternal Dungeon made them to guide and manipulate adventurers, the restrictions make a lot more sense. It’s hard to believe how little we knew.

  When his hand touched the faceted chunk of blue crystal, it pulsed. A powerful glow blossomed from its depths, and he felt a faint tingle as the stone activated and connected with him.

  Connected with Merideva more like. I can almost feel her presence now.

  ‘Yes, Master, it will do as Lady Merideva wishes. All of the Soulstones serve the Eternal Dungeon. Have no fear. It will never reveal your true nature.’

  Not daring to breathe, he held still as the glow pulsed several times before dimming. He lifted his hand away when the clerk nodded politely.

  The nervous man checked the results on the flat rear surface, then compared them to entries in a large book.

  I guess the large rectangular surface is a physical version of the Interface I can call up?

  Whatever the man found must have checked out, and he nodded again. He turned the display toward Gabriel and said, “Awe-inspiring growth, Mr. Grimm. I can have your tag replaced with a new Bronze one if you wish. You’ve advanced past the cap for Copper adventurers.”

  Gabriel blinked for a moment in surprise. Apparently, Sthuza hadn’t been exaggerating when she said that the stone would handle everything. His displayed physical stats were all several points higher than he’d had as a human, and his Essence value had increased by almost a hundred.

  That’s… only a fraction of what Meri actually did. If he’d seen the real numbers, he’d have boosted me past Silver—then freaked out and alerted the guards.

  “That would be great, thank you,” Gabriel replied after swallowing nervously.

  The clerk busied himself with the rear of the Soulstone for a bit before handing Gabriel a newly minted Bronze tag. Then he turned back to Sthuza. “What else may I help you with, Madam?”

  “My companion and I have decided to take on these two meatheads to train as adventurers. They will need to register formally, and I would consider it a personal favor if you can complete their paperwork before we leave.”

  The man turned to observe Cindra and Reyna. He adjusted his glasses and took a second look at the towering hellhound.

  Turning back to Sthuza, he gulped and nodded. “Of course, it would be my pleasure, ah,” he paused and swallowed again. “I take it they both have sufficient experience to bypass the combat exams?”

  Sthuza flashed a savage grin at the human. “Yes, I do not believe they will have any problems in that arena.”

  “Cindra has killed lots since joining Packm—” the hellhound declared before Gabriel slapped a hand over her mouth.

  When the man glanced back over to Sthuza, she shot him a threatening glare.

  The weary clerk swallowed again. Loudly. “Um, yes. No problems then, I’ll just go…” he said. His voice pitched up, and he trailed off as he headed through the doorway behind him.

  “Is it really necessary to terrify the man?” Gabriel whispered after stepping close to the disguised gorgon.

  She nodded, and her green eyes flashed. “Only because the man was so disrespectful toward you, Master. He is as foolish and shortsighted as the rest of these adventurers.” She sneered as she spat the title like an insult.

  “Well, if you say so, just try not to draw too much attention,” he said, then glanced back at Cindra and Reyna. “I’m pretty sure the two of them can garner plenty even while disguised.”

  “It is fine. He will return with the completed paperwork, and once they seal the contracts, we can be gone from here.”

  Gabriel nodded absently, distracted by the entry of another party of adventurers.

  Four heavily armored men strutted toward the counter like royalty.

  “Where is that lazy clerk? He’s supposed to be here working, not making us wait. They had to know we would be back before nightfall,” the lead man grumbled.

  Though all four of them wore well-crafted, heavy plate armor, his was embossed with gold trim along the edges, and the sword strapped to his waist was covered by a small fortune in gems.

  He was also the youngest looking, though his companions weren’t too much older, maybe early thirties, Gabriel guessed. It was always a little hard to estimate the age of adventurers.

  Still grumbling about the rude clerk, the younger man turned to Gabriel, noticed the
bronze plate, then sneered. “What are you looking at? Best mind your manners around your betters, peasant.”

  Nonplussed by the ridiculously boastful adventurer, Gabriel stared mutely.

  Cindra and Reyna were slightly more vocal in their responses. Though thanks to Cindra’s chest rumbling growls, no one could make out the feisty lycan’s muttered profanity.

  Thank the gods Reyna had the decency not to yell.

  Or bite them.

  Finally noticing the gorgeous, if exotic, women who accompanied Gabriel, the four men turned their attention to Sthuza.

  “Hey, you looking for a party to join? You ladies would be far better off with my boys and me than with this loser,” the talkative man said, gesturing to Gabriel dismissively with his thumb.

  “Really? You are not worried about the increased challenges presented within the dungeon if the seven of us enter at once?” Sthuza asked politely. She held a raised hand toward the pair of enraged women beside her.

  The man blinked, then grinned. “Nah, we can handle it. Not to brag, but we’re all Steel-ranked,” he explained proudly.

  Sthuza smiled at him and nodded. “Dwarven Steel. All of you?”

  “Yeah, but I’ll be promoted to Silver any day now. We can handle anything in this old dungeon, unlike this Bronze loser,” he said with a sneer.

  Green eyes flared, and their dark pupils elongated briefly before the disguised gorgon calmed herself.

  “Quite the boast,” she said softly. “Perhaps we could test it out sometime, though not today. My friends and I are headed out of town on business. But if you are still around when we return, I would love to enter the dungeon with you.”

  Gabriel had to bite his lip at his Prime’s flirting tone, but her outrage rushed across their bond and froze out any hint of jealousy. The icy undercurrent of disdain was more extreme even than Cindra’s fiery anger.

  “It would be my pleasure to escort you lovely ladies then,” the man said with a slight bow. He reached for Sthuza’s hand, but she pulled it away with a small smile that failed to reach her eyes.

  “Yes, I am sure,” she replied.

  Thankfully the clerk returned and interrupted before the arrogant adventurer could comment further.

  “Madam, I have the paperwork for your companions completed. If you would have them activate the Soulstone, I will get their tags ready.”

  A sincere smile graced her face for the first time since the four men approached, and Sthuza turned to thank the older man.

  The annoyed group continued to grumble as the clerk helped first Cindra, then Reyna activate the Soulstone and register their tags. Both women got Bronze, the same as Gabriel, which surprised him.

  Though not as much as the four men who stared at them.

  Gabriel grinned as he listened to them speculate quietly about how the two could start at Bronze instead of Copper like almost everyone else.

  I’d expected them to get Copper plates since they’re both new. Not sure how strong Reyna is, but Cindra should have gotten at least Silver based on her real stats. Maybe Meri had something to do with it?

  When they were done, Sthuza turned to the four men who stared at her. She waved, then slipped her arm possessively through Gabriel’s and clung to him as they headed out.

  They were barely down the stairs when she turned to him, her face awash with dismay. “I am ssso sssorry about acting that way, Massster. I did the only thing I could think of to prevent a fight from breaking out,” she said in a rush.

  He smiled and patted her arm gently. “It’s your turn to relax, my Prime. I trust your judgment.” He grinned as he continued, “Also, I could sense your disgust clearly.”

  She sighed in relief, and her slender body melted against him as she smiled. “I am glad, though, I would still like to lead them into the dungeon someday,” she said with a dark smirk.

  “Oh? Should I be jealous?” Gabriel joked. He could feel the gorgon’s intense dislike of the arrogant young man.

  “I hope not. I plan on offering them to Lady Merideva as a housewarming gift once she assumes control of the crystal.”

  “That sounds wonderful.”

  Cindra and Reyna caught up to them, so they let the topic drop, and instead turned to meet the two.

  “Feel any different now that you’re officially adventurers?” he asked with a grin.

  “Why the fuck would I feel different after getting a tag with my name on it? What’s next ya monster-loving pretty boy? Gonna buy me a collar and make me your pet? Cause I’m still not looking to swallow your salami if that’s what you were hoping.”

  He blinked at her, then laughed. “I suppose that answers my question. How about you, Cindra?”

  The tall hellhound stared at the small bronze plate intently. Her glowing eyes were locked on it as she shifted it back and forth slowly. “Cindra isn’t sure she likes it. Mother always said adventurers are crazy and evil. They sneak into your home at night and wreck up the place.”

  Her three companions all laughed at that, which caused the monster girl to blush and turn to them.

  “Relax, we are not laughing at you,” Sthuza said in a calm and compassionate tone. “Your mother’s words are very apt regarding adventurers. The way you said it was quite entertaining.”

  Cindra stared at the slender woman for a moment, then shrugged. She smiled, her large ears relaxing.

  Gabriel glanced around and could barely see the sun as it set over the west gate. “As lovely as an evening stroll with three beautiful ladies sounds, I think we should get back to the inn soon. We need to set out early tomorrow, and it could be a long journey.”

  His companions nodded, though only Sthuza was willing to meet his eyes—the other two could only look at the ground.

  Guess we embarrassed Cindra, but why is Reyna acting shy all of a sudden?

  He felt something like tinkling laughter dance along the edge of his mind, but it faded away before he could identify it.

  Sthuza separated from him and walked the rest of the way back with Cindra. The pair kept their heads bent close in whispered conversation.

  “Are you even able to handle both of those hot-ass girls? They haven’t worn your dick out yet or nothing?” Reyna asked without warning.

  He stumbled and almost fell before he recovered and turned to glare at her. “What are you on about now?”

  The short woman shrugged but didn’t look at him. Her gaze was focused on the stars beginning to reveal themselves in the sky. “You’re boning ‘em both, aren’t ya? I’m curious how it’s working out for ya.”

  “I don’t think our relationship is any of your business,” he grumbled. I am not going to talk about my sex life with a filter-less, foul-mouthed lycan.

  Reyna didn’t acknowledge his abrupt dismissal. “I need some details, you know? Like how does sex work with the hellhound? That’s what she is, right? Mother told us stories about them. Never thought I’d meet one.”

  Staring ahead, Gabriel ignored her and focused on recalling the new glyphs he’d studied from Kelith’s spellbook.

  We can’t reach the inn too soon.

  He managed to tune Reyna out for a while, his thoughts occupied with the complex magical symbols.

  “So how hot is it inside her? Do you have to magic your little man to keep her from burning it off? Can she shoot fire out of her pussy?”

  He stumbled again, grunting in surprise.

  His bonded turned back and stared at them when Reyna chortled.

  “Haha, knew it!”

  Sthuza leveled a sharp glare at the shorter woman. “Knew what?”

  Reyna shook her head vigorously, and her white-blond hair swirled about. “Nothing, just um… hey look, there’s the inn!”

  Sthuza arched an eyebrow at the werebadger, then grinned at Gabriel.

  “Let’s grab a table and see about a late dinner before we turn in,” he said.

  Need to change the damn subject.

  ◆◆◆

  Of course, Cind
ra was the only one willing to let the topic go. After dropping the loot off in their room, she was easily distracted by the thick clam chowder. Darlene handled Gabriel and his companions for much of the night, but a young human waitress was quick to serve them when she was busy.

  Sthuza and Reyna continued to send sharp glances and biting remarks toward each other throughout the meal. When she wasn’t busy eating or bickering with the lycan, Sthuza had to fend off the teenager who stood too close to Gabriel every chance she got.

  While the rich food was delicious, Gabriel found himself the last to finish eating. It was a bit of a surprise, given that he and Sthuza were the only ones who didn’t order seconds. Cindra had devoured three large bowls and two full loaves of bread before he finished his stew.

  By the time they were all done, Reyna’s belly was almost as swollen as the hellhound’s.

  He did his best to ignore the young human woman’s blushing attention while she slowly collected their dishes and headed back to the kitchen.

  Sthuza leaned close to Cindra and whispered in her ear. Whatever she said had an immediate effect on the larger monster girl. Cindra leapt to her feet and bolted for the stairs, her gray face flushed.

  “If you will excuse us, Master,” Sthuza said, drawing his attention from the sprinting hellhound. “Cindra and I are going to make some preparations before bed. Perhaps you would enjoy another drink before retiring for the night? I will be back down shortly.”

  Puzzled by the odd behavior from both his bonded, he smiled and nodded. “Sure, I’ll have one last drink with Reyna and wait for you to return.”

  Not sure what she’s up to, but I do trust her.

  His Prime beamed at him, smiled at Reyna, then threaded her way across the crowded tavern with far more grace than her fellow bonded.

  When Gabriel spotted the young waitress looking his way, he waved her over.

  “Is there anything I can get for you, Sir?” she asked breathlessly. The brown-haired teenager was clearly interested in him. The increased attention he’d received from women in the city still surprised him.

  Mrs. Spaulding had handled his table’s needs for the most part throughout dinner. The few times she didn’t, Sthuza’s sharp gaze had kept the young woman in check.