Chapter 8

“That went much better than I expected” Nova said once the adventurers had left the dungeon.

“Yeah. Well done Azrael, you did a fantastic job!”

“No thanks are needed, I simply did my duty.” Azrael replied. “Though I did unintentionally reveal that you are sentient to the adventurers, which earned me a warning from the Evermind.”

“The Evermind?”

“The Evermind is what governs our reality, it is what creates the blue boxes and enforces things like magical contracts. As a designated assistant I have such a contract that prevents me from acting against your interests and is also what prevents me from conversing on your behalf with others. The Celestial bond you share with Azrael will do something similar.” Explained Nova.

“What I am personally interested in is what is in the box the Guildmaster left behind” Azrael said interrupting Steve’s thoughts regarding the Evermind.

“It is likely a dungeon starter kit. When new dungeons are discovered it is common practice for adventurers to leave behind such a kit as it contains very small amounts of various materials. That way they can ensure that the dungeon will be able to provide resources they require and also helps the dungeon to draw in more prey.” Advised Nova.

“Nice. Let’s see what we got then.”

So saying Steve moved his awareness close to the entrance where the box was located and focussed on the box so he could absorb it.

Congratulations! You have discovered Silver. Congratulations! You have discovered Gold. Congratulations! You have discovered Bronze. Congratulations! You have discovered Steel. Congratulations! You have discovered Jade. Congratulations! You have discovered Sapphire. Congratulations! You have discovered Ruby. Congratulations! You have discovered Cotton. Congratulations! You have discovered Silk.

After examining the flurry of prompts that appeared once he absorbed the box Steve returned his awareness to the core room to relay his new materials to the others.

“I am surprised that they would sacrifice such valuable materials.” Azrael said once Steve had finished.

“There were only tiny amounts of each once in the box. I guess I only need to absorb a very small amount of something for me to be able to reproduce it.”

“Besides, the loot they received from their run through the dungeon was worth far more than the contents of that box and this way they ensure that the dungeon can provide a wider variety of loot.” Said Nova.

“What do we do now then? Most of the skeletons should be able to repair themselves on their own and I have enough Animus to replace the heavily damaged portions of the rest and then summon replacement equipment for the boss but I'm not sure I will have enough after that to expand into another floor.”

“I would not worry about that too much.” Nova replied. “I imagine it will be a little while before any more adventurers arrive and they should be a much lower level when they do. In the meantime more wild animals will be drawn to your dungeon so you will be able to gather some Animus while we wait. Plus you will be able to start experimenting with your mana soon.”

“Yeah you're right, I can’t wait!” Steve replied.

Azrael looked from one to the other before turning to the rooms exit, his face expressionless.

-The capital of Andar-

Several hours later the adventurers had returned and were waiting on the King's pleasure so they could deliver their report. Although many other notable people were waiting for an audience with the King, he was clearly eager to hear the news as they were ushered into the throne room after waiting for less than 10 minutes.

The throne room itself was a grand room fitting for a King. Walls made of a pale stone and adorned with intricate weavings and portraits led up to high arched ceiling made of of the stone. Wide pillars made from black basalt were spaced evenly throughout the room each sporting a tower shield bearing the royal Andar crest, a downward pointing sword with a golden crown above on a field of light black.

Sat upon the throne was King Andar, a human in his late forties with dark hair and a regal bearing. Although he had not personally seen battle for many years he made sure to keep his body in good condition through training and sparring. Like those before him he renounced his own name and took upon himself the name of his Kingdom when he ascended to the throne.

Stood to his immediate left was the Royal Chancellor Velora, a tall and elven woman with white hair and dark eyes. She possessed a slim build, a keen mind and had been an advisor to the Andar line for several generations. As usual she stood straight allowing no expression to cross her features.

Stood before the throne were the rest of the King's advisors. General Duran, a dwarf with who possessed the usually small stature and wide frame that is common to their kind wearing a simple tunic and pants as opposed to his customary heavy armour. The general had recently returned from the front where he had been in command of armed forces in the ongoing conflict with the Hools. Also present was Magister Star, current leader of the Mage Guild within the city. A man of advanced years wearing a midnight blue robe, with grey hair and stooping shoulders, though wielding impressive magical power despite, or perhaps because, of his age.

High Priest Zurn stood opposite the Magister wearing his white vestments. A human in his sixties though looking at him you wouldn’t know it as he is able to retain a more youthful appearance thanks to his holy power. Next to him stands a woman named Stella, here to represent the interests of the Merchant Guild in the absence of the Guild Master who was currently away on business. Stella is middle aged and wears surprisingly plain clothing with little jewelry unlike many of her peers in the mercantile industry. Lastly was Sir Gavos, knight of the Andar’s and leader of the King’s personal guard. He was standing at attention as was his want while wearing his full armour and wearing the Andar crest upon his tabard.

After approaching the throne and bowing as was custom the four adventurers stood and waited for the King to address them before speaking.

“Welcome Guildmaster Vance. It has been too long since we have seen you within our court. We were surprised to hear that you decided to survey the dungeon yourself, though we are certainly grateful for your speed.” The King spoke. While his voice remained neutral, all knew that the King and Guildmaster Vance had many disagreements in the past which was why Vance had not been present for some time. This was clear by the King’s use of the ‘royal we’ which he only resorted to when he was attempting to keep things formal.

“Thank you your Majesty. Given the state of current affairs I felt it would be prudent to ensure the crown's request was handled without delay.” The Guildmaster replied, keeping his own town and expression carefully neutral.

With the preliminaries dealt with the Chancellor spoke, saving the King the need to speak with the Guildmaster any more than he needed to. “Kindly deliver your report on the new dungeon, if you please Guildmaster.”

Nodding to the Chancellor Vance then proceeded to relay the information of his ‘adventure’ providing specific directions on where it can be found, the layout and what they found within. This was all delivered as matter of fact with no embellishment though it was clearly not what those present were expecting to hear.

“A Celestial... You are sure about that?” Magister Star asked while massaging his temple.

“I am quite sure. While I have never met one personally I know of no other creature which would possess wings like that. The Celestially infused quartz and equipment we recovered only seems to confirm this.” The Guildmaster replied.

“Celestial or no, I do not think it wise to let any trace of the undead continue to grow, particularly so close to the capitol.” Sir Gavos spoke directing his comments to the King.

“The undead may become a problem at some point but we need the resources that this dungeon can provide now!” Said General Duran, obviously getting worked up over the insinuation that the dungeon should be destroyed. “This winter will run for another 6 months at most after which the forces of Hool will once again be on the march. If we do not make us of this opportunity now then none of us will be around to argue over it later!”

“The undead is a disease that threatens not just our lives, but also our very souls Whilst I appreciate the concerns for this Kingdom and its ongoing war, sometimes decisions must be made for the greater good.” Magister Star said in response to the General's words. The General took a breath to speak but the Magister continued before he could respond. “However if the Celestial spoke truly, and I have no reason to think otherwise, and will prevent the dungeon from corrupting the souls of the departed then I believe the risk is minimal.”

Thankful to have somebody agreeing with him the General nodded to the Magister before looking to the other advisors.

After a few moments of quiet Stella spoke up. “I know little of the undead or the potential threat they pose. From the Magister’s words the danger does not seem any greater than would be expected from any other dungeon so I see no reason to delay the construction of an outpost so we can begin to harvest the resources this dungeon can provide.”

“You are underestimating the danger these creatures pose! I am surprised at you Magus, I would expect one of your learning to comprehend the true threat that these creatures pose.” Argued the High Priest. “Even having one of the Celestials present does not mean we should allow this rot to fester! I understand that the war has been difficult for the kingdom but that does not meen we can be lax in our duties. The undead must be destroyed wherever they are found, regardless of the circumstan..”

“Enough.” The King said, interrupting the High Priest before he could work himself into a full on rant. The High Priest frowned, obviously unhappy at being interrupted but staying silent nonetheless. “What do you advise, old friend?” The King asked, turning to the Chancellor standing next to him.

The Chancellor responded without hesitation. “I believe we should continue with our plans to construct a new outpost. I appreciate that the undead could potentially pose a threat in the future, I do not believe they do so now. Provided we remain vigilant and this Celestial can keep the dungeon from corrupting souls, then we should take advantage of the situation while we still can.”

The King remained quiet for a time while he considered the words of his advisors. Like those that came before him it had been drilled into him the threat that the undead can pose and that they should be uprooted and destroyed without fail. He could not help but feel that if he were not at war he would undoubtedly have the dungeon destroyed regardless of the potential gains that could be made.

“Continue the preparations. I want the outpost settled as soon as possible. I expect each of you to have a representative sent to the outpost to form a local council. I understand your worries regarding the threat the undead pose, however so long as we remain vigilant and have the assistance of this Celestial I believe this is a risk we must take.” The King declared. It was obvious from the reactions of those before him that not everybody was pleased with this decision, and truth be told the King wasn’t thrilled either. “Have word sent forth that a new dungeon has been found.”

I pray that I am not making a huge mistake...