"I think this one will suit you nicely, Master Bazel."

Risken held up the aloha shirt in front of Bazel. The bright red flowers against a blue background were quite catching to the eye. The tag said it was a "hibiscus" print, whatever that meant.

"If you say so." Bazel took the shirt and held it in front of him while he looked in the mirror, "It's very bright."

"And it shall bring feelings of cheer upon whoever sees it!"

Risken liked fashion, and the things on display in the dungeon shops would be the talk of the town if worn back in the city. Never before had he seen such fine craftsmanship on clothing. Best of all, most garments cost between ten and twenty-five credits, meaning they could afford to splurge.

"Now," Risken looked around, "Lady Paris said we should invest in armor, but I think we will need to patronize another shop for that."

The racks in the shop they were standing in only displayed regular clothes. Risken surmised there must be a shop specializing in armor as well.

"Oh!" Risken put his finger up, "I shall ask Master Jardan! I am sure he knows."

Risken summoned his interface and pulled up the communication feature. He chose Jardan's name from the list and waited. After a few beeps, Jardan's face appeared on the screen.

"Risken?"

"Good morning, Master Jardan." Risken gave a small bow, "Would you perchance know where myself and Master Bazel could procure armor?"

"Well, you could come by my shop," Jardan rubbed the back of his neck, "I am an Artificer after all. I would be happy to make you guys some armor."

"Very well," Risken nodded, "We shall head over post haste."

Risken ended the call and turned to Bazel who was looking at him with a surprised expression.

"What was that?" Bazel pointed at the interface.

"It is the interface's communicatory function," Risken raised an eyebrow, "were you unaware of it?"

"Yeah." Bazel pulled up his own interface, "How does it work?"

Risken took a few moments to show Bazel the friends list and how to use the communicator. Of course, Risken added himself to Bazel's friend list so they could stay in touch if separated.

Risken enjoyed seeing the childlike wonder in the eyes of his friend. Bazel was like the little brother he never had, and he resolved himself to treat Bazel better than his own brothers treated him.

They both ended up buying a couple new shirts as well as suits similar to what Paris wore. They were called tracksuits, and they both got green ones to match Paris'.

"So, Jardan has his own shop here?" Bazel asked as they walked out of the clothing store.

"No," Risken shook his head, "He is an apprentice to the man who owns the shop. He just works there."

"I didn't even know that was an option!" Bazel said with a slight pout, "I thought we all had to fight monsters."

"Oh?" Risken looked over, "Do you wish to take a non-combat class and work in a shop?"

"Nah," Bazel shook his head, "At first, fighting monsters was frightening, but I think I'm actually starting to enjoy it."

"Ah, yes!" Risken said, "The joy of overcoming a foe in a life and death struggle! There is nothing quite like it."

"Samara said something similar." Bazel chuckled.

"Fear not, I feel the same way, my friend. I did not think I would revel in battle, but I find it to be very satisfying. Perhaps we are men cut from the same cloth, Master Bazel."

The pair made it to the Artificer shop – a small and unassuming building placed on a side street. They went inside and immediately spotted Jardan by the counter. The mustachioed man fiddled with some small device.

"Hey guys!" Jardan put down the device and walked over to them, "So you're looking for armor, eh?"

"Indeed, Master Jardan," Risken nodded, "We are in your care."

"Well, I already gave it some thought." Jardan beckoned them to follow him into the back of the shop, "I picked out some things you guys might like."

The back room contained all sorts of machines and tools for making equipment. Risken couldn't guess as to what any of it actually did, but it interested him.

In the center of the room were two mannequins with pieces of heavy clothing draped on them. One had a long trench coat over a cuirass, while the other had a green gambeson.

"This is for you, Bazel," Jardan pointed to the cuirass and trench coat combo, "The body armor will protect your vitals while the heavy leather coat can help keep your limbs intact. They are made from light materials, so it shouldn't hinder your movement too much."

Risken used his interface to identify the pieces.

《 Armor-weave Trench Coat, level 5

Blocks 33-61(6) damage (slashing, piercing)

Requirements:

Level 5-11

"The lowest grade Armor-weave clothing available. Trades protection for ease of maneuverability, perfect for people who don't have high stats."

…

Carbon-Fiber Cuirass, level 5

Blocks 42-70(7) damage (slashing, piercing, blunt)

Requirements:

Level 5-10

5 Strength

5 Stamina

"A light-weight alternative to metal armor, but also doesn't protect as well. Good for people who don't want to be encumbered by heavy armor." 》

"These are great!" Bazel said as he checked out the armor, "How much is it?"

"Fifteen-hundred for the set." Jardan said, "It's a good investment if it keeps you alive."

"I think so too!" Bazel used his interface to pay for it and started putting the pieces on.

"The gambeson is for you, Risken." Jardan pointed to the other piece, "It's a thousand credits, and another fifty if you want the color changed."

"No, I quite like the color." Risken said as he inspected the armor.

《 Medium Gambeson, Level 5

Blocks 40-73(10) damage (slashing, piercing)

Requirements:

Level 5-10

5 Strength

5 Stamina

"A light-weight gambeson perfect for someone on the move. The design won't hinder movement and still protect vital areas. Available in a range of colors!" 》

Risken paid for the armor and put it on. He turned to see Bazel adjusting his own armor. Bazel was really skinny, but with the armor on, it was difficult to tell.

"Thank you very much, Master Jardan." Risken gave a quick bow to the man.

"Yeah, thanks!" Bazel added.

"Hey, no problem." Jardan waved his hands in front of him, "I should be thanking you guys for bringing some business! Make sure you come back if you need it repaired, okay?"

"Of course." Risken nodded and turned to leave.

As they were walking into the main part of the shop, Risken stopped and put his arm out to stop Bazel from walking any further. Standing in front of them was a knight in full plate armor. He held his helmet in the crook of his arm, and his blonde hair flowed over his shoulders.

"Prince Risken." The knight said, "I wouldn't have expected to see you here."

"Likewise, Peton." Risken narrowed his eyes, "Aren't there any innocent women or children in need of murdering? Why would you be here?"

"I've never hurt an innocent," Peton gave a sly grin, "I'm injured by your accusation."

"Of course," Risken said, "They were all infidels, right?"

"That's correct," Peton nodded slowly, "It is my sworn duty to uphold the law of the divines. Anyone who breaks those laws is deserving of death."

"Oh?" Risken drew himself up to appear larger, "Then why have you not turned your sword against me?"

"Then you admit that you have broken divine precepts?"

"You would like that…"

"Yes." Peton put his hand on the pommel of his sword and grinned a murderous grin.

"Unfortunately for you," Risken grinned, "I have not broken any divine laws by coming here, have I?"

"I suppose not," Peton sighed and let go of his sword, "but it's only a matter of time before you slip up. Your father won't be able to protect you in here."

"From what I heard, you have bigger things to worry about right now."

Risken had overheard Hargal talking about the dungeon a few days prior. He claimed that it was built by gods who wished to make war on the divines, and the old mage had convinced the king to assemble an army to fight it. He also mentioned that there were already agents of the divine inside with the intent of sabotage.

Of course, Hargal didn't want Risken to know these things. His status as the rebellious son of the king was well-known in the court, and well-deserved. He always questioned why the divines controlled so much of their lives and impeded scientific progress, and spoke out against the holy church on more than one occasion.

While the king did his best to hide Risken's antics, rumor and gossip spread that he might be an infidel. In truth, he was, but because of his place in the court it never came to light. Also, being a member of a family "blessed" by the divines made him immune to prosecution by the church.

Risken felt it was his duty to speak out against the church and the totalitarian rule of the divines. People would listen to him, and that was a powerful tool he could use to his advantage. His true hope in coming to the dungeon was that he could align himself with these invading gods and secure their help in exposing the divines for what they really were.

"Yes," Peton said, "I am busy right now, so how about you run along, Risken."

"Of course," Risken tugged on Bazel's coat, "Let us be on our way, Bazel."

Risken almost made it to the door before Peton spoke again, making him stop.

"You know what this place is, don't you?" Peton asked, "I sure hope you aren't planning on seeking help with your cause here. If you were, that would be a clear violation of divine law."

The threat was clear. Peton knew that Risken wanted to deliver a blow to the divines, and that he had come to the dungeon with that goal in mind. Risken couldn't say how Peton knew, but he did.

"I'll be watching you." Peton said.

Risken walked outside while dragging Bazel behind him. Bazel didn't resist, but he kept looking back at the shop.

"Was that a holy knight?" Bazel asked, "I mean, I knew he was here, but–"

"Stay far from him, Bazel." Risken said without slowing down, "He is trouble in its truest form."

"Says the guy that was picking a fight with him!" Bazel tugged his sleeve out of Risken's grasp and stopped walking, "What was that all about?"

Risken stopped and turned to face Bazel, "Perhaps I allowed my ire to overcome my common sense, but I refuse to be intimidated by that man. He is nothing more than a violent thug."

"Which is why we shouldn't make him angry." Bazel said, "Maybe you should apologize to him?"

"It would not make a difference." Risken shook his head, "Besides, I feel no remorse for anything I said to him."

"Okay." Bazel looked back at the shop and turned to face Risken again, "And what was that he said about knowing what the dungeon really is?"

"Oh, well…" Risken looked away.

How much should I tell him? Could he be in danger if I speak the truth?

Risken didn't want to put Bazel in a position where he couldn't feign ignorance of the dungeon's true purpose. He was sure that most of the people inside had no clue they were working for invading gods, and he didn't plan on telling them. Yet.

"I think Peton was just being paranoid," Risken said, "That is probably it."

Bazel looked at Risken with a blank expression. That blank expression turned to one of shock as Bazel's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.

"You know!" Bazel pointed at Risken, "You know what's actually going on here!"

Wait… does Bazel know?

Bazel grabbed Risken by the shoulder and hauled him over to a nearby alleyway. He then summoned his interface and called someone named Cassandra.

"I'm sorry, Risken," Bazel waited for the person on the other end to pick up, "We have to tell Cassandra about this."

"Are we in some sort of trouble?" Risken asked.

"Not yet," he shook his head, "but you're stuck with us now."

■■■

"Please come again!" The mustachioed man waved at Peton.

Peton walked out of the artificer shop and started heading back to the job office. He still hadn't found any hint of where the dungeon's core could be, and needed to search more. He guessed it was on a higher level that he didn't have access to yet.

In order to gain access, all he could do was keep gaining levels.

As he walked, he couldn't stop thinking about Risken. Surely the king didn't know one of his children was in the dungeon, much less trying to gain the favor of the interloping gods. Peton didn't have proof that's what Risken was doing, but he felt it in his gut.

As he passed the plaza, Peton saw another person he recognized – the first prince Tarken.

Is the whole royal family here?

Peton walked over to the man and stood before him.

"Let me guess," he said, "you're looking for Risken."

Tarken folded his arms and raised an eyebrow, "Have you seen him?"

"Just a little while ago," Peton pointed over his shoulder, "as I was going to get my armor repaired."

"Can you help me find him?" Tarken asked, "I would like to retrieve him and return home as soon as possible."

"You want a troublemaker like him at home?" Peton asked.

"Honestly?" Tarken sighed and shook his head, "I would love to see him perish of his own stupidity, but father dotes on the boy."

"That's too bad," Peton pouted, "I was hoping I would finally be able to oust him for the heretic he is."

"Oh?" Tarken seemed to consider that for a moment, "But we would only be dragged through the mud with him. You don't want to bring down our whole family, do you?"

"Perish the thought!" Peton shook his head, "but maybe there's another way to rid us of him…"

Tarken frowned and looked like he would refuse Peton's offer, but then he pursed his lips and thought for a moment. After a few beats, Tarken looked up and smiled at Peton.

"Let's talk about this over a drink."

"Sure," Peton turned and beckoned Tarken to follow, "I know just the place."