The next morning, Alec was studying his lore when his master came into the room.

“Ah, there’s the little barbarian.” He said, a smirk on his lips. “Heard you had quite the night. A couple of the other masters want you beaten for your behavior. The others want me to give you a bonus.” He let out a laugh before sighing. “Take a seat, boy. I’m going to give you a quick overview of the politics you’re wading into. I had hoped to be done with them after my last apprentice left. Planned on retiring, as I’m sure you’ve heard by now.” Alec nodded.

“It’s come up.” He replied.

“You were just so damn adamant about apprenticing here that I decided one more wouldn’t kill me. Didn’t expect it to turn out to be this fun. There are a lot of intricacies to the politics here, but I am going to focus on the broad picture. First, at the top, you have the richer folk, as status means more to them than it does us. They also have more time to pursue it. Top of that pile are the bankers. In our town we have just the one, Master Rocet. He has several employees that assist him in his various duties. One of those employees is the father, and master, of the young man you apparently attacked without provocation last night.” He continued as Alec opened his mouth to speak. “Don’t worry. I’ve gotten to know you at least well enough to understand that it would be out of character for you to do so. Though, I’ll admit I was surprised to learn you overpowered the boy. He’s one of the banker’s son’s bruisers if my information is correct. I assume you had some formal training in that aspect?”

“My father made sure I knew some basics, yes.” He confided.

“As every father should. Now, Master Rocet is the head of the merchant council here in Brennan. The council has thirteen members of various occupations. Beneath him are the wealthier merchants, those who control trade routes to the port town of Yersmouth, for example. Judging by the gift that came for you this morning, you made quite the impact on one of their daughters.” He winked at Alec as he handed him a bottle of white wine with a note.

I enjoyed our chat last night. I would like to repeat the experience. Simply send a reply through the courier service, they know where to find me.

-Alicia Masters

“Huh.” Alec grunted. “Was not expecting that.”

“I’d think not. Young Miss Masters is from a family that is all but nobility. Her father owns roughly half the trade that comes into town from the West. That includes Yersmouth. And I mean no offence at what I say next, but for you to catch her eye is quite surprising. I’ll tell you now, her father won’t approve, not that that would stop you, should you wish to pursue her.” He nudged Alec with his elbow.

“Honestly, she was just a means to an end. I don’t mean for that to sound as harsh as it does, but it is the truth. Girls like that are nothing but trouble.” Alec admitted.

“True enough, true enough. Though, I have personally found that they are also the most fun. Now, back to the lesson at hand. Beneath the wealthier merchants you have us. By us, I mean the suppliers and distributers of goods and services found in Brennan. We are all roughly equal in terms of political standing, though those of us that produce more wealth are looked upon more highly.” He took a breath.” Among us there is both camaraderie and rivalry. The rivalry is usually among those that want seats on the council. They are more able to sway the local lord in their favor this way. I left that faction some time ago. Your young friend Mason’s father holds the blacksmiths’ chair on the council, though I find him more tolerable than most of the others.” He placed a hand on Alec’s should as he spoke his next words, a note of seriousness entering his voice. “The reason I tell you all of this is because you have angered some of the masters with your actions last night. To them, any act that weakens their apparent strength is an affront. You lowered the other apprentices’ view of both Jacob and Kevin last night. Do not expect that to go unanswered.” He removed his hand from Alec’s shoulder and began to walk toward his room. “I’m sure you’ll be able to handle anything they come up with. As usual, the day is yours after you study and complete your quota of unguents.”

As the door closed to his master’s room, Alec’s mind was already in planning mode. He wasn’t naïve enough to believe that his actions would go unanswered. Far from it. His current goal involved the loyalty of as many apprentices as possible. The best way he could see to go about that was to rid them of the control of Kevin. He had made headway with those at Mason’s table last night. The dusky girl’s name was Tricia, and she was an apprentice goldsmith. The scars on her arms were from the melting process of gold. Apparently, gold was prone to pop and bubble, sending small droplets flying about. He had asked her why she didn’t simply wear gloves. Her response bothered him. She told him that her master despised waste. He believed that in teaching her proper melting temperatures and processes, pain would only help. Alec instantly disliked the man while simultaneously becoming more grateful for his master.

The thinner boy at the table was an apprentice armorer named Kyle. His and Mason’s fathers worked together often, thus they had known each other since they were children. Kyle was a quiet, yet humorous boy. When he did speak, it was with a quick wit and sharp observation.

Mason was beside himself all night. Alec had assured him that he would handle any repercussions from his actions, but Mason didn’t seem to trust that he realized the depth of what he had done.

Alec snapped his focus back to the present. He was to meet Sam at the portal square after he was finished with his day’s duties.

-----

Alec stepped into the portal after Sam. They had been waiting roughly two hours for their turn. Alec brought out his sword and the shard of true silver he had been saving.

// Fine Iron Short Sword

Rarity: Common

Condition: Pristine

Durability: 12/12

Damage Type: Slashing, Stabbing

Damage: 8

Material: Iron

Weight: 2.9 lbs

A short sword made of iron with a cow-leather wrapped handle. This weapon was created with Alec Montaine intended as its wielder.//

//Would you like to Enhance this item?//

//Enhance: Material

Please hold the material you would like to Enhance this item with.//

//Material chosen is True Silver.

Is this correct?//

Alec Chose yes on this and the next notification.

//Enhancement cost is 300 experience points.

Would you like to enhance your Fine Iron Short Sword with True Silver?//

Alec focused more on the blueish-purple cloud as it transformed his weapon. This time, with his mana sense activated, he could see a war of color between the cloud and the iron. Bright grey flashes spring from the blade in uncountable numbers. Everywhere the cloud touched, mana exploded from the sword leaving a bluish silver metal behind. He watched, mesmerized until the transformation was complete. The sword was now a gleaming silver with a bluish sheen. The hilt, which had previously suited the iron blade, now marred the sword’s beauty.

// Fine True Silver Short Sword

Rarity: Rare

Condition: Pristine

Durability: 24/24

Damage Type: Slashing, Stabbing

Damage: 42

Material: True Silver

Weight: 2.3 lbs

A short sword with a blade of true silver and a cow-leather wrapped handle. The blade contains anti-magic properties. This weapon was created with Alec Montaine intended as its wielder.//

Alec sheathed the sword, wanting to see if he could tell the difference in the blade’s quality from seeing it in its scabbard.

“Scabbard hides the blade. I should be fine carrying it around as long as I don’t draw it in public view.” He told Sam, who was practically salivating over the sword.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” She asked. “Let’s go test it out!”

As they arrived at the first crab, Alec motioned for Sam to stay back. He crept towards the creature, sword at the ready. He positioned himself behind the creature, swinging his sword laterally across the beast’s shell. The swing opened the beast, its innards pouring onto the floor. Two of its legs lie on the ground, one from each side having been in the path of his blow. The creature shrieked, beginning to turn around, but Alec simply ran along its right side with his sword out, removing each leg it came in contact with. The thing fell to its side, bleeding out on the floor. Before Alec could strike the final blow, the beast began to dissipate.

//You have slain a level 3 Crusterra.

Due to the level disparity within your party, your experience gain is reduced.

You have gained 34 experience points.//

“Well.” He mumbled. “That’s not optimal. Though it was easy enough. Sam, please don’t take this the wrong way, but how do you think I would do if I were to solo this?” He asked her hesitantly.

“Without armor? You’d be able to clear the first floor easy enough, as long as you stay quick on your feet. Wouldn’t move to the second floor though.” She answered, not offended in the slightest. “Be better if we carved our way down and went after the boss though. Big as that thing is, it can’t be fast. We stick to the tactics we used last time and we could hit the last floor.”

Alec thought about it for a second before deciding.

“Alright, current plan is to get to the boss and decide from there. We don’t know anything about it, and I am hesitant to take a risk unarmored.”

“Sounds fair, but I’m not sitting back through another fight.” She said this as she walked confidently ahead. She had definitely changed from the timid girl at the shop after her name day.

-----

23 crabs and 782 experience points later, they stood at the staircase to the second level.

“Not bad experience for such easy monsters.” Alec commented. Sam just grunted in agreement. They had taken each beast down with no particular effort. Even in groups, Sam would accept their attacks while Alec was able to de-limb and kill the crabs in record time. The difference their gear made was incredible. “How is the second level?” He asked her.

“Monsters are a little bigger with a harder shell. They are faster, though not fast enough for you to worry about. Sometimes I swear you’ve had actual training with that thing.” She nodded her head at the sword in his hand. “They are stronger as well, but not enough for it to matter with the two of us.” She answered.

“Same tactics then?” After receiving her nod, he motioned for her to descend. The same grey-colored walls greeted them as the exited the cold stone stairs. This floor was a mirror of the one above, except for the larger Crusterra patrolling back and forth in front of two doorways. Its behavior was different than that of the ones on the prior floor, as all they did was eat and fight. He Identified the pacing beast.

// Crusterra Warrior

Level: 5

Health: 138/138

Condition: Alert

A large omnivorous creature found in many subterranean environments. Their shell provides a greater defense against the claws and teeth of predators than their lesser brethren. They are solo creatures and are highly territorial.//

“They are called crusterra warriors. Higher health than the little ones on the floor above us.” A question he had wandered to the surface of his mind. “I am embarrassed to ask this, but why can I see both current and total health. I mean, it’s not really helpful outside of letting me know how strong a monster is.” Sam looked blankly at him for a second before sighing.

“As smart as you are, I forget that your education was stopped sooner than most. Have you been in the settings portion of your notifications?” At Alec’s hesitant headshake she continued. “Simply think or say notification settings and a window should appear. It’s self-explanatory from there. I’ll take care of this crab while you do that.”

Alec did as she suggested, receiving a pop-up with dozens of customization items for his notifications. At its default setting, the system notifications were set to be as unobtrusive as possible. This way notifications wouldn’t be popping up in battle, distracting you at critical moments. He looked for the area relating to health notifications. There were settings for both his and his opponents damage to be seen. He set them to active and a smaller notification popped up, showing him what it would look like. He slid the window to the side of his vision and made it transparent so it wouldn’t block his view. He changed the background of his notifications into a cool blue color. It relaxed him. He also activated a setting to allow him to see damage he and party members took. There were other organizational settings, but he ignored them for now.

You have slain a level 5 Crusterra.

Due to the level disparity within your party, your experience gain is reduced.

You have gained 46 experience points.

Sam was just getting finished with the crab and he wanted to gain some levels.

“That is much better.” Alec said to Sam, who nodded knowingly.

“You should see mine, it’s pretty.” She replied to him. Alec wasn’t able to picture what her notifications would look like, but he let it go, it wasn’t important right now. “The floor layout is essentially the same, except that there are two shorter paths rather than one long one. They meet up at the end, so it doesn’t matter which way you choose.

“Let’s take this one and fight our way back up the other one. We can check out the boss after we have cleared the floor.” Alec suggested.

Sam shrugged and began walking down the dark hallway. They ran into their second monster not long after. This time, Alec followed as Sam charged the beast. She slammed her weapon into it and Alec expected it to be smashed to the floor like the rest. This one, however, maintained its footing and swatted her with a claw. She blocked it with a swing of her weapon, hitting a joint. Alec watched as the things claw become nothing more than a crude shield. He didn’t have too much time to be impressed, as he had arrived at the side of the creature. He swung his sword through the thing’s leg, encountering no more resistance than he had in the past.

You have dealt a serious blow!

Crusterra Warrior has taken 27 damage.

He read the notification as he took off another leg.

You have dealt a serious blow!

Crusterra Warrior has taken 27 damage.

He decided to ignore the notifications unless he needed to know the effectiveness of a specific attack. He did note that he was doing less damage than the value of his weapon. He would ask Sam later.

The fight went much the same as the others, Alec not really doing much outside of taking off a few legs. He said as much and got Sam’s attention.

“Stop that line of thought right there. This whole fight was you. You gave me the tools and the chance to fight these things. In a sense, I am simply another of your weapons. Without you, I would be stuck on the first floor stabbing at crabs with a cheap sword, alone. There’s no way in the hells that I’d be walking through this dungeon as I am, smashing my way to level after level. I have gained six levels in two dives. Six! Most people stop at level five because of the difficulty to get to level six with a party in this dungeon. I am level 7, well on my way to eight because of your trait, and your kindness. Do not belittle how important you are.” Sam’s voice was fiery.

Alec was taken aback at the passion in her voice. He hadn’t meant his comment as more than a joke. As he thought about it more deeply, he saw that she was right. The thought was simply a seed. Left to grow unchecked it would grow and sow negative feelings toward Sam. He was also surprised at how offended she had gotten. Since when did she think so highly of him? He could understand thankfulness, as he did give her some excellent gear, but this seemed a bit much. He would think on this later. They had a dungeon to clear.

The went room to room, destroying any monsters that got in their way. Even when they faced four of the creatures at once, which only happened because Sam was getting bored, the beasts posed no threat to them. Between Alec’s sword and her armor, the crabs simply couldn’t cause any damage to them. They finished circling the floor, Alec counting 18 beasts defeated. He had gained a level and put one point into strength, agility, and intelligence. He checked his character screen.

Name : Alec Montaine

Age : 16

Level : 4

Experience : 1706/2700

Condition : Perfect

Health : 104/104

Health Regen : 5.5/min

Mana : 62

Mana Regen : 2.375/min

Physical

Strength : 10

Endurance : 6

Perception : 6

Agility : 8

Constitution : 7

Mental

Magic : 5

Intelligence : 13

Wisdom : 7

Fortitude : 6

Willpower : 6

Attribute Points available :0

Traits :

Enhance : Spend experience points to modify the properties of an object or entity targeted by the user. May not be used on self. Object must be under the ownership of the user. Sentient beings must give their consent. Non-sentient beings must be under the control of the user.

Cost: Variable Experience Points

Skills :

Mana Sense

Rarity: Common

Effect: Channeled

Cost: 2 mana/sec

Distance: 5 ft

Description: Allows the user to see the flows of mana around them.

Imbue Mana

Rarity: Common

Effect: Channeled

Cost: 5 mana/sec

Range: Touch

Description: The user may guide his mana into an object.

“You close to gaining a level?” He asked Sam.

“Depends on how much the boss is worth.” She replied to him easily.

“Alright, alright. Let’s go take a look. I reserve the right to back out if I don’t like our odds.” He made sure to impress that last bit on her. He was already being reckless by entering a dungeon with no armor.

They made it to the end of the hall relatively quickly, as there was nothing to slow them down still alive. Alec took a breath and followed a creeping Sam around a corner. He couldn’t see past her, so he stepped to the side to get a better view. What he saw made him start to back up. The beast was huge. Even with his sword, it would take several strikes to get through the thing’s legs. They were like small trees stemming from an enormous body. The bottom of its shell stood just over Alec’s head, and the thing was much taller. He grabbed Sam’s arm, about to pull her back, when the beast looked directly at him with one of its twisting eyestalks. The thing shrieked as a wall slid in place behind Alec. He stumbled, his back hitting the new addition and he cursed.

“This is not ok.”