The next day we took four trips into the dungeon. Everything was starting to work out as I hoped. For one thing, I finally made level seven, and it was about damn time! More importantly, we had begun to work like a well oiled machine. The floor boss fights were tricky, but with our jitters gone and confidence building we were able to defeat them without any help or instruction from Malik.

The day after that we went inside the dungeon four more times. I was gaining valuable battle experience fighting all manner of monsters. None of them came at you the exact same way. Depending on the type they either flew, jumped, ran or crawled. In size and style they ranged from small and quick to large and sturdy with everything in-between.

The more I fought the more I realized how little my practice mattered without experience. I was rarely able to land attacks how I'd been trained. The structured sword play that was core to the training now had to bend to the reality of unpredictable battle. Not to say the training wasn't useful. Without it I surely would have been unable to cope. The fact of the matter was that nothing could fully prepare you for the chaos of combat.

The next day we managed five trips to the dungeon. Our increased efficiency in battle allowed us to clear the floor faster. I was glad to see our progress, but there was clearly still some room to improve. While the sheer size of the dungeon no doubt caused a bottleneck as far as clearing speed, I estimated that it could be done in about an hours time if we improved enough.

I check my status screen constantly to see how fast my experience increased. I was happy to see that at this rate I would be reaching level eight in another day or two. The monsters that generally populated the dungeon gave me little experience at this point. It was only after defeating a floor boss that i saw a substantial uptick.

It got me to thinking. Why had the Devil Goat and the Devil Snake given Meri and Maddy such a huge boost of experience, but when I defeated a floor boss it gave me so little? Both of them instantly rose up to level eight after those fights. I tried to piece together everything I knew about this world and how the system worked to come up with some kind of logical reason. After considering for a short while, the answer became clear.

The first time you complete an action you seem to gain bonus experience. This includes the first time learning a skill, the first time winning a duel or the first time killing a monster, among other things. It wouldn't make sense if the bonus was a consistent value. That would make it so that your first time cleaning a dish would give you the same experience as your first time killing a floor boss. It clearly didn't work like that, otherwise non-combatants would receive level nine as easily as fighters.

No, the bonus probably worked as some kind of multiplier. Everything I knew of this world indicated that answer made the most sense. That meant to get the full benefits of such a bonus you were better off achieving something difficult on your first success. Meri had bested a Devil Goat and Maddy had defeated a Devil Snake. I'd beaten by far the weakest floor one boss we'd encountered so far. Of course he would be worth less experience than the others.

If that's true then that means I completely wasted my bonus multiplier effect. Shit. Why didn't I think of this before? Well, there was nothing I could do about it now. I just had to make sure I didn't do the same with the second and third floor bosses. If I screwed up like that again, I'd need to wait forever until I had the chance to take the level ten test.

While comparing my own experience gained to rate that Meri and Maddy were gaining experience I was able to confirm another suspicion I had. The higher your level the more experience that's needed to reach the next. I doubted this would be a revelation for anyone here, but it was nice to know.

As far as my condition to graduate from the first floor, that seemed to have hit a snag. Meri with the use of her fox claw was the only one of us who could defeat a floor one boss without help. Maddy and I had struggled to try to achieve the same result but it was just too difficult. We kept ending up having to help each other out.

At least it wasn't the life or death struggle it had been before. Now It had turned into more of a slow and calculated dismantling process until we could finally deliver the killing blow. Besides the weak Devil Mole Rat that is, but you couldn't really count those.

At least we had avoided being injured badly, so that part of the plan was working out. Mostly it had just been fairly minor scrapes and bruises the last few days. When we journeyed back to the town to resupply ourselves we would see the healer as needed. For such injuries she only required a few copper coins. I didn't see the point in pinching pennies when it came to such matters.

Rather than Maddy and I closing the gap with Meri, it was only increasing. During our last few trips she managed to reach level 2/10 in both her archery and fox claw skills. To think I was worried the most about her. During our breaks we continued to teach Meri, and now Malik, how to read. It's hard to say for sure, but i think they learned faster with me than Maddy. Perhaps my tutoring skill was coming in use. No bribes were even needed this time.

Thinking of Meri as my student sent thoughts racing through my mind that were in no way helpful. 'Were you paying attention during my lesson? I didn't think so... Then how should teacher discipline you? Maybe if you promise to be a good student and do as teacher says from now on, I won't be too cruel with your correction'. NO! NO! Go away indecent thoughts! At least wait until I'm alone in my room again.

I refocused my mind back on teaching the sweet, intelligent, generous, brave woman in front of me, and Malik too I suppose. She was beginning to become quite the pro with two letter words. By now she had learned the sounds every letter made, or made most of the time, and could sound the words out.

The learning to read English language was rather tricky. I think I heard somewhere back in my world that depending on the person in question, it could take between a few weeks to a few months to get a handle on reading. Assuming the person in question was illiterate due to lack of exposure and not some other reason.

We were starting to make good progress on the three letter words. They still gave the duo a bit of trouble, but they could sound most of them out. Once they started to understand those I predicted it would be the start of a snowball effect. Then I could write down complete sentences using small words for them to read. Once they reached that point, it wouldn't be long till they could start teaching themselves.

All these trips to the dungeon were making us a decent amount of money. So much so that I was told the small outpost couldn't afford to pay us. In cases like ours I learned that it wasn't uncommon for these small outpost to open up a paper based account.

The owner's signature was needed to certify all the information was accurate, so I was finally able to meet that little brat's father. He surprised me by having a cheerful and bubbly personality. He was more than pleased when I asked him to explain in detail how all of this would be handled. If his son was any indication he was starved for good conversation.

Outpost like these were the norm when it came to these out of the way level one dungeons. Almost none were independent. The task of getting all the monster parts to the specialty buyers in different regions of the empire proved a formidable task. Most outpost were a subsidiary to a coalition of major companies. They made a small percentage off every item they sent to one of the main trading hubs in the close by cities.

I imagined that this was the reason this was one of the only businesses I had seen with a fixed rate that could not be negotiated. I thought of the many cracks in this system and all the possible ways one could commit fraud, but since this was such a lucrative business that had been going on for centuries I assumed they must have their ways of handling it.

We were told by the owner that we could still exchanged a fixed amount per day for instant coin, but from this point on we would have to access the bulk of our profit from a main site in one of the major cities. He handed each of us our own identification card.

We were instructed to poke our finger with a needle and spill a single drop of blood on the card. After doing so, the card gave off a slight glow. The name 'Bill Mitchell' appeared on the card along with a series of numbers. Everyone else did the same and it achieved a similar effect.

With these identification cards in hand, all we needed to do to get our money was travel to a nearby city and show them to an associated establishment. Such a system could only work due to the empire's well maintained postal service.

Theft almost never happened in these matters as the punishment for it was very severe. And if some unfortunate accident befell anyone who was charge with fraud, the empire didn't tend to investigate those matters closely. This was told to me by the outpost owner as equal part reassurance and warning.

The empire depended on the people who entered dungeons not only for precious materials, but to one day fill the ranks of their elites corp when the survivors grew strong enough. To not do everything possible to ensure things ran smoothly was intolerable. The empire went so far as to consider it a national security issue.

While that was all interesting, I wasn't worried about the politics. As long as our gold was in the city and I could get to it that was the only thing I cared about. It wasn't even an inconvenience. There was only one thing I was looking to invest any gold in at the moment. Making our group stronger. That required better equipment and magic spells. Both of which could only be bought in a major city.

With our new cards in hand and our day of venturing into the dungeon behind us, Malik and my group decided to part ways. After a tasty filling dinner we got into our nightly routine. Maddy and I did a little bit of sword training and then alternated between tutoring Meri and reading our spell book.

My shift with Meri had finished for the night, so I retired to my room so I could focus on my magic. It was exactly the same as the last few nights. I felt nothing. I have read the instructions and meditations so many times that I practically knew them by heart. I tossed the book on the bed in frustration. After an hour of meditation and not getting anywhere I needed a break. While I wanted to work quickly, I knew pushing yourself too much could be counter productive.

A change of scenery would do me good. On a whim, I decided to go to the tavern for a drink. Drinking wasn't something I did often in my past world. The reason wasn't because no one ever invited me to a party if that's what your thinking. But yes, no one ever invited me to a party. The true reason was I had a general aversion to alcohol, probably stemming from seeing how my parents dealt with it. However, after all our hard work over the past few days I was in the mood.

Upon entering the tavern I half expected to see Malik by the bar talking to June, but besides her the place was empty. I guess since I had made him take it easy on the booze he had less reason to be here all the time. Not to mention, sometimes the best gift to give someone your dating is space. Since he was seeing June socially, it would only be a bother to hang around the bar all night.

I realized this would be the first time I'd talked to June since I told her my partly true sob story. After taking a seat, June slowly made her way to the bar until she stood across from me. “Hello Bill, I was wondering when I would see any of you again. What can I get for you?”

Not knowing much about alcohol I went with the safe route. “Could I have a cup of red wine please?” It was my mothers favorite. If I was going to take after an alcoholic in our family I suppose I should pick her.

June came back with a cup of wine and brought me a few roles of bread. “The bread is free. You'd be surprised what it saves on clean up cost for young-ins who can't hold their liquor”

“I don't think that will be a problem. I come from a line of very accomplished drinkers.” I took a sip.

“Have some none the less for my own peace of mind. I just cleaned this place up.” She inclined her head to a bucket full of rags.

I wasn't sure what people were suppose to talk about at bars. I was only good at talking when it came to the matter at hand. I wasn't skilled in the art of casual conversation. “So, did you buy this bar yourself or was it left to you?”

“It was my fathers. He bought it from the previous owner who turned into a useless drunk and couldn't pay his taxes. Not an uncommon story for tavern owners. He got a great deal on it.” The place looked in good shape. I guess things were built to last back then, or now. I still got confused about that sometimes. While this may be more like my world's past, I had to remind myself it was the present.

“Your incursions into the dungeon must be going well. Malik complained he would have to go to the city to pick up most of his money since you were making more than that little out post could handle.”

“Well, I guess if you need to complain about something, being inconvenienced to pick up a relatively large sum of money isn't so bad.” I took another sip.

She refilled my glass. “I think you've all been a good influence on him. No matter how much he tried to talk to me he never once told me about his life. A little odd for someone in my profession. Most people can't wait to tell you their life story once you put a few drinks in them. I don't know what caused him to have to escape into the bottle of a mug, but I'm glad he found you when he did.”

I took a larger drink and was starting to feel the wine take effect. “If anything its you who are the most responsible for his change.”

She leaned closer. Bringing her green eyes level to mine. “So Bill, exactly how much of that little story you told me is true? I can tell it wasn't entirely fake, but I know it wasn't entirely genuine either. This job tends to give one a knack for separating fact from fiction."

Damn, and I thought I was a good liar. I considered doubling down on the lie, but if that didn't work this could turn out badly. “It really is mostly true. I'm doing all this to help my sister. I want you to know Malik was prepared to fight to the death to help us before. He really isn't as selfish as he let's on. All that being said, he's mostly doing it for you .”

I went into a bit more detail about my story. I left out a few key facts that were just too sensitive to repeat. The parts I did tell her were completely true though. I think she believed all of it, which was a relief.

She gave me a small smile and refilled my drink. “Thank you for telling me. You know, once Malik puts down the mug he's not so bad, and dating a young man in good shape has its benefits. It isn't like a lady doesn't have needs either. As long as he's trying to turn over a new leaf I'll keep him around, but don't think I won't kick him to the curb if he acts up. Regardless of your situation.”

I nodded. “That's fair. I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you and tried to trick. I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't important.”

She gave me a coy look and lifted her eyebrow slightly. “Since you lied to me, that means you owe me. Wouldn't you say Bill?”

I didn't like how this sounded. “I guess so...”

“Don't worry so much, it's nothing serious. I’m just curious about something. You know a lady in a small town like this gets starved for good gossip. Anyway, I was wondering. Between the two ladies in your party, which one are you courting?” I Coughed up my drink while she kept her eyes confidently locked on me.

I put my drink down and waved my hand. “I'm not courting either. We're just friends that are traveling together.”

She wasn't about to settle for that answer. She kept up the silence and looked expectantly until I gave her a bit more. “If I had to say which I was most interested in, it would be Meri the foxkin girl, but that's kind of complicated at the moment.”

She gave a small laugh at my answer. “So you are the type that has a thing for beastkin is it? Not usual, but not entirely unheard of either. Most people either hate or fear them. Now I have another question for you. If you like the girl then why aren't you going after her?”

“She....” I signaled her for a refill and tried to think of how to answer. I can't tell her that Meri has been a slave all her life, and if I put the moves on her I've no doubt she wouldn't have it in her to protest. Or worse, she'd agree just to make me happy and avoid any conflict. Not to mention her mentality was like that of an abused child in many ways. Then add on the lack of any real life experience.

“She's what?” June was a bit miffed about me trailing off and not answering what would usually be a simple question.

I shrugged. “She's complicated.”

“And all other women in the world are simple, is that right Bill?”

“You have a fast tongue June, I'll give you that. In any case, I'm still getting to know her. Once I know who she is, who she really is as a person, then I'll decide what to do.” I could've also mentioned that Meri is still learning who she is, even if she didn't realize that yet. Such a statement would only bring on a much longer conversation.

She poured some wine in a cup for herself and gave me a toast. “Well look at you. I didn't think there were any real romantics left in the world.” She swallowed it in one gulp like a seasoned pro. I didn't see myself as a romantic, but I didn't try too hard to insist otherwise. If she liked me that would only make her more likely to help keep Malik on the track I needed for the time being.

We talked a while longer as I turned down the refills. The idea of getting drunk didn't sit well with me. After the nice long break I decided I may as well try to get in a little more training before bed. I bid her farewell and retired to my room. I started to see why Malik was so interested in her. A kind, intelligent, beautiful woman full of life along with a hint of mischief.

I read the book while I sat on the floor with my legs crossed. I set the book aside, putting my hands on the knees as I tried to follow the instructions. Controlling and slowing my breathing, I focused on my center and listen for my heartbeat. All I felt was emptiness.

I thought back to the first time I experienced any magic. The feeling of falling through space as I came to this world. There were so many sensations at the time it was hard to pick out the exact one I wanted. Eventually I found it in my memory. The warm constant feeling that was in the background of everything else at the time. I tried to remember how it felt and recreate it within myself.

I pictured the movement of mana within my body. I tried to push it all into my center of balance and energy. I imagined calling forth my mana. I felt the rhythm of my heart, the rhythm of my breath. My mind repeated the chants over and over. It started to have an odd calming effect.

In my mind I pictured a well that went down so deep into myself that I couldn't see the bottom. This would be the well that would contain my mana and allow me to access it. The mental projection would aid in the manifestation of that which was already in every living thing. In its blood, in its bones, in its flesh, in its will.

As I pictured the well I felt a small amount of liquid fill it. Then a tiny surge of mana within my body. I tried desperately to hold on to this feeling. I started to lose focus and the power began to slip from me. I refocused as hard as I could. Trying to get into the same state of mind as before.

I opened my eyes and quickly grabbed my sword. I felt my hold on the mana starting to fade. Before I lost my grip entirely I had to do this. I willed the mana into my blade. After feeling it spill into the sword through my hand I quickly tried to manipulate it. I made the mana in the blade move and rub against itself. I could feel heat starting to come off the blade. I tried to speed up the pace as much as I could.

The blade of the sword now had a slight tinge of red. The red of the blade lit up the room just a tad more than the single candle. I opened my status screen to see my mana was draining. I relaxed everything and saw the red tinge quickly disappeare from the blade. Putting my hand close to the balde I noticed that I couldn't feel any heat coming off it. I gave it a quick touch and pulled back. Nothing.

All the heat just left in an instant? How was that possible? Whatever, now was not the time to worry about it. I put the sword down and focused my mind again. I had to repeat the process while it was all fresh in my mind. I knew I wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight. I saw the status pop up just before I started my meditation again.

[LVL 1/10 Burning Blade]