Chapter 34 – Dogpile

Well, it seems like my speculations were on point.

Our little group spent a short while scouring through the back alleys of the Harbour District until we finally came upon an entrance to the sewers. I could have tried to make my way over there below ground, but I’d rather save time by going there directly. It’s not like there are a lot of players walking around as of yet, and I do have a sizeable enough force to scout the area and help me look for an entrance. The combination of my Cutpurses and Spotters work especially well together in this endeavour.

Slipping into the sewers, our little army spreads out in a defensive formation. My Hoodlums take point, supported by my Cutpurses on the flanks and the Spotters behind. I’m walking safely between the Spotters, making sure to keep the wall of Hoodlums safely between me and whatever horror is down here.

The highest level Cutpurse has already scouted out the place and confirmed that there are monsters within our level range ahead. I just don’t know what yet, since our sign language isn’t that sophisticated.

The first thing we come across is actually not monsters, but a trap. My Trap Disarm skill has gained a few levels during my earlier grinding sessions, and I’m highly anticipating the jump in proficiency and difficulty in this higher level zone.

Approaching the trap my underlings pointed out to me, I crouch to get a better look. This trap has a tripwire trigger mechanism, similar to the trigger mechanisms of the lower level traps. The sophistication is a little higher on this one though. Unlike the basic traps from earlier, this tripwire is made up of two individual wires, entwined to look like a single thread. The end of the tripwire is safely attached to one side of the corridor and stretches across to the other side where a small wooden box is snugly hidden in the shadows. There is a third wire connected to the box that joins the two prior wires which leads further down into the corridor.

That’s probably the framework. Safely stepping past the trigger mechanism, I follow the triple thread back from the framework along the wall. The thread tilts slightly upwards, and after a few meters, I find the wires attached to a contraption fixed to the roof. The contraption holds an old wooden crossbow, armed and aimed further back down the corridor towards the tripwire. This is definitely the release mechanism.

Having identified the three parts of the trap, it’s time for me to properly analyze the contraption and figure out a way to dismantle it. This trap, in particular, would be simple to just trigger prematurely, but that would also mean I would have next to zero chance of salvaging any parts or gain any skill exp. I’m particularly eyeing the crossbow, as it looks far more valuable than the rest of the materials used.

After looking for a short while, I identify the major hurdle of the trap. The two wires entwined in the trigger mechanism actually serve different functions. One of them is strung tightly, while the other is hanging a little loose. Examining the release mechanism, I notice a two-way pressure lever that will trigger the trap if the wires are either cut or pulled. That means I have to be much more careful. The third wire connected to the framework seems to be a second failsafe in case I attempt to tamper with the wire. This wire is connected to yet another pressure lever, and I need to figure out which way to properly dismantle it.

I, therefore, start by tracing the third wire back to the release mechanism. After taking a few seconds to closely examine the crossbow, I find the wire connected to a small pin lodged between the releasing point and the crossbow string. If it’s somehow removed, the crossbow will automatically fire.

My first order of business is, therefore, to secure the lynchpin in place, making sure it can’t be moved by the change of pressure. I do this by pulling out a small string of my own and tie it around the base of the lynchpin while squeezing it tightly between my thumb and index finger. After tying the string tight, I’m now confident the lynchpin won’t move while I dismantle the safeguards in the trap’s framework. Taking care not to rustle the framework’s wire, I pull out a small scissor and cut it. I hold my breath while doing this, as just a slightly too powerful tug might accidentally trigger the main trigger mechanism as the framework wire is still attached to the two main wires.

Exhaling in relief as nothing seems to happen, I work my way over towards securing the trigger mechanism. The best way to do this is to apply an anchor next to the two-way pressure lever, making the two wires superfluous. The pressure lever can only be moved in two different directions, so I need to jam it on one side. I decide to insert a small stick between the backside of the lever, anchoring it between the lever and the hard back panel of the mechanism. This makes certain the trigger mechanism won’t snap out of alignment if I cut the two-way wire as there is an opposing force keeping the lever from pulling back when the tightly tied string isn’t there to keep it in place.

My success is final when the system prompt arrives.

[Congratulations! You have managed to successfully dismantle a [Shoddy Bolt Wire Trap]. You have managed to salvage a part of the trap! [Old Crossbow. Uncommon. 28-32 Piercing Damage, +4 Dexterity, +2 Perception. Requires: Level 8.] has been added to your inventory.]

[Disarm Trap has leveled up to Novice 4.]

I grin with satisfaction. The whole procedure only lasts for five minutes, but that’s enough to cause the sweat to pour from my body and my heart to race. This is probably one of the trickiest singular acts I’ve done so far in the game, and it was well worth it. Nothing beats the rush of overcoming a challenging obstacle. That’s why I’m a gamer.

The crossbow I gained is a huge upgrade for one of my Spotters. At least it will be, as soon as we manage to level up. It might be in a day or two, but I’m not in that much of a hurry. Well, I am, but you know what I mean. Regardless, I’ll take any benefit I can get.

With the crossbow safely stored in my inventory, we fall back into formation. The Cutpurses return to scouting while I keep casting and recasting my ‘Chameleon’ spell as soon as my mana regenerates. It doesn’t regenerate fast due to my low Wisdom attribute, but I have to make do with what I’ve got.

We head on for a short while until our group comes to a halt. Looking ahead, I notice my high-level Cutpurse sneaking back towards us. He holds up two fingers while nodding. Good. That means there are two enemies we should be able to handle. That’s a good sign, which means my zone analysis from earlier was spot on. With a wave, I order my Hoodlums to take point while the rest of us spread out as much as we can, limited as space may be. It doesn’t take long until the two enemies come within sight.

[Human Zombie(10). HP: 240/240.]

[Dwarf Zombie(11). HP: 260/260.]

Undead! There are undead down here! I smile. Undead are my favourite type of opponent, mostly because they always have glaring weaknesses and few surprises. There is hardly anything more cliche than zombies in a game, and these guys don’t disappoint in that regard. Speaking from experience (I used to be a Necromancer after all), these guys are ridiculously slow-moving while also dealing little damage. It doesn’t matter if they wield low-level weapons. If they can’t use the speed, that might just as well be bricks in their hands. Albeit some very sharp bricks in some cases.

Zombies are pretty weak, even for undead standards. Their strengths lie with high resistance to Slashing Damage and moderate defence against the other physical types of damage, while being weak against magic and blows to the head. Since they are so slow, it’s also easy to gang up on them and beat them to a pulp without them having much of a chance to fight back.

They are really up against a bad opponent for this. This will be easy.

Grinning, I address my underlings. “Get them, boys. Cheap shot!”

Cobra guffaws, taking point while charging towards the two zombies and cackling menacingly. “Come get me you little buggers!”

My Lieutenant charges forwards, throwing his entire body weight against the zombie dwarf. Being the naturally strongest of the two zombies, the dwarf is still unable to stand up to the might of my powered-up Hoodlum. The pair slams into the ground, the rusty iron hammer flying from the zombie’s grip as it tries to bite and claw at Cobra. It gets in a few good jabs and I spot a few small gashes appear on Cobra’s chin and wrist.

“You biting little bastard!” Cobra roars, while simultaneously stabbing the zombie in the gut. “I’ll make you regret ever deciding to come back to life you snot-sucking little dirtbag!”

Their shouts and mortal combat fades from view as the rest of my underlings charge forward to surround the remaining zombie. My dwarven Hoodlum takes point and is currently dodging the slow blows from the zombie’s rusted shortsword. The level difference is noticeable, as my Hoodlum struggles, but she doesn’t fight alone. The zombie already has a bolt and a throwing knife embedded in its torso, while its Achilles heel has been cut by my Cutpurse. The two Hoodlum half-orcs have taken up a flanking position, but they are hesitating to attack as they might not survive a single swipe from the much stronger zombie.

No matter how I look at it, this isn’t an easy fight. We may be slowly whittling down the enemy, but due to the level difference, my underlings still take a fair amount of damage. Cobra is faring worst, but luckily, he is also the underling with the largest health pool. Due to the nature of his fight, it’s difficult for the rest of my underlings to pitch in as limbs are flying everywhere. You approach that battle only at your own risk. Cobra isn’t entirely on his own though, as the low-level Cutpurse decided to help him out. She isn’t making too much of a difference, but she at least managed to get a few shallow gashes into the dwarven zombie’s face. If anything, she’ll probably gain a whole lot of experience from this fight.

Standing at the back, I can’t help but feel a little useless. I wish I had a few more skills to help out, but the situation is what it is. If this large army of underlings can’t even manage this much on their own, then I have bigger problems to worry about than a lack of skills.

The battle rages on for a short while, and the progress is slowly but steadily turning in my favor. Despite being at a much lower level, Cobra is winning the fight against his opponent. He is technically still the weaker opponent, but his grapple skill keeps him in an advantageous position, and with its slower movements, the undead is just unable to dish out any real damage except for the occasional scratch and bite. It doesn’t help that the low-level Cutpurse is dealing more and more damage after repeatedly striking the same places on its face, stacking up extra damage due to repeatedly striking an ever-growing weak spot.

The other fight is going much better. The dwarven Hoodlum is battered and bruised but still kicking. She dances around the slow zombie’s swings while dishing out a few small stabs of her own. The main difference in this fight though is that the majority of my underlings are involved and they are quickly bringing its health low.

The goings are slow, but everything abruptly escalates when the Cutpurse completely severs the majority of tendons in the human zombie’s left foot, causing the zombie to lose balance. Seeing this, the dwarven Hoodlum charges into its chest, bringing them both to the ground. To prevent the fight to turn into a copy of Cobra’s fight, the two half-orcs each grapple an arm each, keeping them pinned. Lying on its back at the bottom of the dogpile, the human zombie can only smack its teeth together while waiting for the Cutpurse’s dagger to hack into its brain.

The human zombie dies shortly after, and the Hoodlums immediately move to help out Cobra, repeating their successful tactic of throwing themselves at the enemy. With four Hoodlums pinning the dwarven zombie to the ground, the second fight goes pretty much the exact same way as the first, with the zombie dying for the second, and hopefully last time of its existence.

[You have slain Human Zombie(10). Gain 75 Experience.]

[You have slain Dwarf Zombie(11). Gain 90 Experience.]

Phew.

That fight was tough, but unlike most of our much tougher fights earlier, this went far smoother. The biggest difference is obviously Cobra who managed to tank the strongest monster while my underlings dealt with the weak one. I’m lucky to have him, and I don’t regret upgrading the Hoodlum one second. I doubt an upgraded Cutpurse would be nearly as effective. The enemies were at a much higher level, and even if this was a clean win, we still took a lot of damage. I decide to bring up my combat underlings’ stats.

[Human Elite Hoodlum - Cobra(7). Lieutenant. Fighter. HP 140/360. Infamy Tier 1.]

[Human Cutpurse(7) - Underling. Rogue. HP: 113/155. Infamy Tier 1.]

[Wood Elf Spotter(6) - Underling. Ranged. HP: 120/120. Infamy Tier 1.]

[Dwarf Hoodlum(7) - Underling. Fighter. HP: 102/240. Infamy Tier 1.]

[Halfling Spotter(6) - Underling. Rogue. HP: 110/110. Infamy Tier 1.]

[Half-Orc Hoodlum(5) - Underling. Fighter. HP: 147/200. Infamy Tier 1.]

[Half-Orc Hoodlum(5) - Underling. Fighter. HP: 167/200. Infamy Tier 1.]

[Gnome Cutpurse(5) - Underling. Rogue. HP: 92/125. Infamy Tier 1.]

That fight went really well. Almost all my low-level underlings leveled up. Combined with their ridiculously low levels, as well as my experience enhancing skill, the underlings are practically shooting up in level. This is obviously how it should be, and I just wish it was just as easy for me. Even my latest additions have nearly caught up to the rest of us. It’s slightly frightening really, but I don’t mind. It would be weird if I were stuck with a long string of low-level underlings for the rest of the game.

I can’t really complain about progress though, can I? Besides, we are still weak. Very weak. Their levels don’t count for much if I can’t properly equip them. This is the real reason I am so happy to run into zombies down here. Since they are humanoid creatures wielding weapons, they are also able to drop said weapons, which is perfect for a Thief Lord like me.

Don’t get me wrong though. Farming weapons from humanoid creatures isn’t as cracked up as it sounds. While they do indeed drop weapons, they are far from what you would call a good catch.

The way the economy and looting works in this game is that you rarely get surprised, and you always get items relevant to your class and skill paths. Random mobs like these rarely drop weapons better than common quality, and those weapons will always have an equipment level of roughly five levels lower than the monster that dropped it. For example, if a level ten humanoid drops a weapon, then it will almost always be a common grade level five weapon. Weapons like this will always be considered to be trash items to a regular player, and you will very rarely see a player equip a weapon if it drops. Players will usually always have an uncommon grade weapon or better, usually at a level matching their own. Those weapons only drop from elite mobs, quest mobs, or dungeon bosses, but they can also be sold by vendors in cities or crafted by a blacksmith. Regular players usually just sell these trash weapons for spare coins.

That’s regular players though. For a player like me who has an ever-growing army of underlings? This option is perfect. Having the best equipment for my underlings at all times is unrealistic, and getting these types of weapons is nothing short of an economic miracle. After all, all my skeletons back when I played as a Necromancer wielded weapons I looted off of a tribe of Hobgoblins I found deep inside the forest. I gotta make do with what I’ve got and all that.

Looting the bodies, I’m happy to notice we lucked out this time.

[Rusty Iron Shortsword. Common. 12-14 Slashing Damage. +1 Strength, +1 Agility. Requires: Level 5.]

[Zombie Brains. Common Alchemical Ingredient.]

Not a bad haul. And perfect timing! My lowest level underlings just hit level five after that last fight, making them eligible to equip the sword. I hand it over to one of the half-orc twins.

This is pretty great! If I keep this up, then I’ll hit level eight in no time. I’m getting pretty close. I estimate three or four more zombies should do it. We should be able to do that within an hour or so if all goes well. Too bad my underlings regenerate their health so darn slow though…

I shrug. Can’t help it. I’m still more effective than a full party of players by now anyways.

Idling around, I start pacing. I’m usually a very patient man, but I get really antsy when I get this close to a level up. Not only will I gain another level, but I will finally have enough skill points to start producing traps of my own. I can’t wait to see what utility I can bring to the table. I’m going to have one hell of a fun night ahead of me.

…

Oh right! It’s evening. It’s about time for good old Ryan to log back on, isn’t it?

I open up my menu and access my friends list. After I switch my status to appear online, it only takes a few seconds for a message to appear.

[Anna’el Windrider writes: Ryan. We need to meet.]

Uhm. That sounds ominous.

[Rynorn Stabberton writes: Oh hello, Anna. Is something the matter?]

The reply ticks in almost immediately.

[Anna’el Windrider writes: Now.]

A shiver crawls down my spine. Oh, buggers… That doesn’t sound good.