“How'd it go?” Rygn asked upon his nephew's return. Sweat covered his brow from picking at the wall while Theonix was away. He looked happy for the rest.

“We have light now, don't we?” Theonix gestured around them.

“Ey. We have light.” Rygn nodded.

Congratulations! Quest: Fix the Lighting System has been completed.

You faced little opposition as you traveled back down the mine to restore functionality to the lighting system. Thankfully, it still works despite having not been used for some time. You have earned 2 silver, 5 copper, and 120XP.

“Ya didn't run inta any monsters when ya were down there, did ya?” Rygn's face filled with concern.

Hadn't he heard Theonix cursing?

Theonix's gaze dropped to his bloody shins. “Two gremlin whelps, but I made short work of them.”

“Good.” He seemed pleased. “Ya better heal an stock up on supplies before we head further in. Up 'till now, we've only run inta gremlin whelps, but there should be more powerful beasties ahead. I found a few items while ya were gone. Ya should check out my supply an see if there be anythin' ya might need.”

Theonix thought to check Rygn's inventory, and his barter screen popped up.

Dried Gremlin Meat

Quantity: 4

Uses: Food. Restores 30 Health over 30 Seconds.

Buy Price: 4 copper

Mine Water

Quantity: 3

Uses: Drink. Restores 90 Stamina over 90 Seconds

Buy Price: 2 Copper

Coal

Quantity: 2

Uses: Combustion Material

Sell Price: 1 gold, 4 silver

Potion of Minor Stamina

Quantity: 5

Item Class: Common

Quality: Average

Uses: Restores 30 Stamina.

Buy Price: 1 Silver, 2 Copper each

Potion of Minor Healing

Quantity: 11

Item Class: Common

Quality: Average

Uses: Heals 30 HP

Sell Price: 1 Silver, 1 Copper each

Coin Pouch

Inventory Slots: 1

Item Class: Common

Quality: Average

Buy Price: 2 Copper

Basic Pickaxe

Attack: +1-2

Type: Two-Handed

Durability: 30/30

Item Class: Common

Quality: Average

Uses: Mining, Weapon

Buy Price: 189 Gold, 9 Copper

He went ahead and stocked up on everything he thought was useful, leaving nothing behind but the Coin Pouch, Dried Gremlin Meat, and Basic Pickaxe. There was no reason to buy the mining tool since he already had a pickaxe of his own. After closing the window, Theonix immediately drank one of the Potions of Minor Stamina to bring his Stamina back up to 110 points.

"Ya ready?" Rygn asked.

"I think so," he said, glancing down at the rubble left behind from his uncle's efforts. Had he really only mined two pieces of coal while Theonix was away, or was Rygn just holding out on him? Judging by the additional Dried Gremlin Meat in the older Dwarf's inventory, Theonix could only assume that Rygn had encountered some gremlin whelps as well.

Rygn began walking down the mine, forcing Theonix to jog a few paces to catch up. Now that there was light following the path of the tunnel, it was easy to see their enemies coming, which was good because one of the creatures approaching them was not a goblin whelp. Slightly larger than its buddy, this foe had a green aura around it, meaning it was a higher level than Theonix. Thankfully, it was on his uncle's side. The monster approaching him was a gremlin whelp that Analyzed as blue.

Congratulations! The skill: Analyze has reached Level 3. This skill allows you to see how dangerous a foe is in relation to your own level. Use this skill frequently to avoid getting yourself killed.

Drawing their weapons in sync, the two Dwarves made short work of their opponents. Theonix favored the overhead swing technique. Although the initial decimation of his earlier opponent's head had made him ill, he was beginning to develop a sick enjoyment for the way it felt when bones crushed beneath the weight of his Worn Battle Hammer. Blood gushed from the gremlin whelp's ears, spraying out onto the floor. This time, its eyes didn't bulge, though there was a trail of viscous liquid leaking from its closed lids. Theonix wondered if he could eventually hit one hard enough to make its eyes completely pop out of its head. That would be both gross and kind of cool.

Defeated Level 2 Gremlin Whelp. 32XP rewarded.

Quest Update: Rid Ponoisle Mines of Gremlins – 6 of 12 Gremlins slain.

TRING!

Congratulations! You are now Level 4! Your base stats have been boosted. You have earned 3 points to assign to your characteristics. Please note that adding points to some characteristics(Vitality, Intelligence, and Strength) will further boost your base stats. You may also advance any 1 skill of your choosing by 1 level.

Congratulations! You have learned the ability Stun.

Mana Cost: 3

Cool Down: 3 minutes

Activating this ability will stun your target for 3 seconds.

Knowing that there would probably be more mining in his near future, Theonix placed all 3 of his characteristic points into Strength. He then pulled up his character sheet to try to determine how to spend his skill leveling ability best, though he already had a pretty good idea of what he wanted to do.

Name: Theonix Madguard

Race: Dwarf

Class: Battle Mage

Level: 4, 3% of the way to next level

Health: 97 / 140

Mana: 75 / 140

Stamina: 105 / 180

Vitality: 11

Intelligence: 11

Strength: 15

Agility: 11

Dexterity: 11

Charisma: 10

Luck: 10

Skills: Analyze Lvl 3; 0% of the way to next level

Two-Handed Weapons Lvl 4; 10% of the way to next level

Gathering Lvl 1; 40% of the way to next level

Battle Magic Lvl 1; 80% of the way to next level

Mining Lvl 3; 20% of the way to next level

Languages: Dwarvish

While he was tempted to level up Analyzing since it was at 0%, Theonix decided to use the ability on Two-Handed Weapons instead.

Congratulations! The skill: Two-Handed Weapons has reached Level 5. This skill enables you to use all manner of two-handed weapons to defeat enemies. Increasing your Strength will make them easier to wield. Perk: Two-Handed Weapons do 20% more damage

"Stupendous." That was what he had been waiting for, a perk that gave value to leveling the skill.

"Congrats!" Rygn clapped him on the shoulder.

"Thank you, uncle." Theonix smiled before kneeling to loot his kill.

You have received the following item:

Dried Gremlin Meat

Uses: Food. Restores 30 Health over 30 Seconds.

Sell Price: 2 copper

"Now, let's go kill more gremlins," he said as he stood and enthusiastically faced the depths of the mine.

They continued walking, and it wasn't long before another set of enemies came scrambling toward them. This time, they were both the bigger version. The one approaching Rygn Analyzed as an equal match, but the one heading for Theonix was blue.

Though he really wanted to try out his Stun ability, Theonix feared wasting his Mana on such a low-level foe, so he held back, sticking with smashing the gremlin with his hammer instead. While swinging the weapon felt no different, it didn't seem that the monster sunk a few centimeters more when he struck it than the other gremlins had.

Defeated Level 2 Gremlin Underling. 32XP rewarded.

Quest Update: Rid Ponoisle Mines of Gremlins – 7 of 12 Gremlins slain.

The gremlin underling was about half a foot taller than the whelp. Its black skin was just starting to wrinkle. Caught somewhere between a baby and an adult, its eyes had been inquisitive, though it showed no more intelligence than its younger predecessor. To Theonix's disappointment, looting it produced another piece of Dried Gremlin Meat. He had been hoping for something better since it was a different type of gremlin, but perhaps all gremlins dropped the same loot.

A third set of gremlin underlings presented themselves about fifteen minutes deeper into the mine. This time, they both Analyzed as an even match. Knowing it would better his chances, Theonix activated Rupture as soon as the monster reached him. Going for his typical overhead swing didn't fare so well this time. The gremlin underling dodged, though not quickly enough to avoid being hit entirely. Theonix's hammer clipped the side of its head, ripping part of its ear. Screaming in pain from the injury, the gremlin underling fell back. It gently batted at its wounded ear before narrowing its eyes at him.

Congratulations! The skill: Battle Magic has reached Level 2. From adding extra oomph to your attacks to healing yourself when needed, Battle Magic can turn the tides during a fight. You have earned your choice of one additional ability.

Please select between one of these two abilities.

Fist of Pain

Health Cost: 5

Cool Down: 5 minutes

Sacrifice 5 Health to do 5 damage to an enemy, negating any buffs or armor that might otherwise prevent them from taking the damage.

Bash

Mana Cost: 5

Cool Down: 3 minutes

Knock down and stun an enemy for 3 seconds.

Theonix pushed the notification away. There was no time to look at it while he was in the middle of a battle. As it was, the gremlin underling had already recovered and was rushing toward him. It hissed as it leaped, unable to get as much height as its younger, lighter counterpart. Both arms slashed towards Theonix. He took a quick step back, swinging his hammer to the left. The attack came too early, striking the creature on its shoulder and sending it careering to the floor. Its feet hit the ground, the momentum making it spin. One arm now hanging limply at its side, the monster charged at Theonix in a rage. Spittle fell from its lips as it slashed wildly at him. He had never seen such a ferocious gremlin before. More bewildered than afraid, Theonix swung to the right this time. The creature was too angered to be deterred. It reached toward him, one of its long claws barely scraping against his armor before he sent it sailing several feet away. It fell limp against the wall, leaning against it for support, though it still wasn't dead.

Worried that the gremlin underling would attack again, Theonix rushed over just as it was struggling to its feet. The creature looked up at him, a mix of pain and malice in its beady red eyes. Its arms hung useless at its sides, making it difficult to gain the balance needed to stand. Hisses and garbled gibberish fell from its lips as it...cursed him out? At least, that's what it seemed like it was doing. Surely, it knew it was done for.

In one last ditch effort to do some damage, the gremlin underling crouched down and lunged at him, mouth wide open, pointy teeth ready to sink into whatever it could reach. Theonix's Worn Battle Hammer caught its head in mid-flight, smashing it down against the ground. The monster's skull exploded like a watermellon, sending bone and brain matter spraying all over the floor and Theonix's feet. The smell of old meat and bowels filled the air, mixing with the horrific sight to make his stomach roll. One of the creature's eyes, popped free from its socket, sat a few inches away from the toe of Theonix's boot, staring up at him.

Defeated Level 4 Gremlin Underling. 64XP rewarded.

Quest Update: Rid Ponoisle Mines of Gremlins – 8 of 12 Gremlins slain.

"Holy shit," Theonix breathed. That had been rather intense.

Wanting to make the grizely scene disappear as quickly as possible, Theonix knelt to loot the body.

You have received the following item:

Coal

Uses: Combustion Material

Sell Price: 7 Silver

All of that for a piece of coal. It was interesting how killing the gremlins was affecting him. Some deaths were less significant, but there were times like this when he actually felt some small level of guilt. The creature had suffered before it had died, which was unfortunate. Theonix preferred for his kills to be clean. He'd have to work on his accuracy and controlling his emotions so that he didn't strike out so brashly.

Once looting the body was done, it was time to turn his attention to other things. There was a blinking asterisk in the upper right of his peripheral vision. Concentrating on it brought back the selection screen.

Theonix read over the benefits of each ability. Fist of Pain would be great if it didn't cost him Health. Then again, of that he had plenty. It might be worth using on weaker foes to one-hit kill them, not that he couldn't already do that with his weapon.

Bash seemed pretty similar to the Stun ability he had just acquired from leveling up. The only real benefit was that it knocked his foe down, too. He wasn't sure how useful that would be. It also had a higher Mana cost.

As he wasn't particularly impressed with either ability, it was a hard choice to make. In the end, though, he decided that learning Bash was better because it would allow him to stun two foes in battle when combined with his Stun ability, or to stun the same enemy twice for a total of 6 seconds.

Congratulations! You have learned the ability Bash.

Mana Cost: 5

Cool Down: 3 minutes

Knock down and stun an enemy for 3 seconds.

With that done, they continued walking down the mine. Thoughts of the gremlin underling's aggression and desperation haunted Theonix. The creature had honored itself by trying to kill him until the bitter end—never giving up. He could respect a foe like that. Only when he noticed that the light stopped at a fork in the mine did Theonix tear his thoughts away. Then he groaned internally as he saw two more combustion boxes.

"We're going to have to mine again, aren't we?" he asked his uncle.

"I'm not." Rygn grinned from ear to ear, walking straight up to the combustion box on his side of the tunnel and opening it to fill it with coal.

As Theonix stood there watching, a notification popped up.

Quest: You Know the Drill

This ain't your first rodeo. Mine 12 more coal, fill the combustion box on your side of the tunnel, and flip the switch. Otherwise, you'll be proceeding in the dark. At least you don't have to backtrack this time.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Success: Finish repairing the lighting system

Reward: 5 silver

Will you accept this quest: Yes or No?

"Ugh," Theonix complained under his breath. Tedious. This reminded him of those repetitive games he didn't really enjoy.

Time to bust out his pickaxe again. At least, he only needed 8 coal this time instead of all 12.

"Got any more coal for sale?" There was no shame behind the question. If Theonix could cut down on time, he would.

"I'm sorry, lad, but yer gonna hafta do tha hard labor this time." Rygn didn't sound apologetic at all as he flipped the switch on his side and sent light streaming down the left fork.

"I suppose this is as good a place to mine as any." Theonix looked at the wall. "But what are you going to do, stand there and watch me?" He gave his uncle an annoyed look.

"Nah. I'm gonna head down that side." Rygn pointed his weapon down the left path. "When yer done fixing tha lighting, ya can go down tha other. I should finish before ya an be able ta meet up. Be careful though, there's usually a boss somewhere in tha mine. If we kill it, that should keep the gremlins from comin' back long enough fer us ta get more people down here ta keep em' out."

It wasn't the worst plan. While Theonix would have much preferred for his uncle to stay and help him mine the remaining coal to fill the other combustion box, at least he would be doing something useful. Without having to see the sun, Theonix knew that they were almost out of daylight. They needed to wrap this up quickly if they didn't want to spend the night in the mine. Once the sun set, gremlins would likely flock to the cave, and they could become overwhelmed. Every second mattered.

"Alright," he replied reluctantly, watching as his uncle took the path to the left.

"Holler if ya need me," Rygn cast over his shoulder. "Not that I'll probably be able ta hear ya." This last bit was said under his breath.

Theonix shook his head and dug into his bag for a Stamina potion as his uncle walked away. More than likely, he was about to drain all of his Stamina items mining what he needed to complete the quest.

As Finborh would have it, Theonix struck coal on his first pick.

You have received the following item:

Coal

Uses: Combustion Material

Sell Price: 7 Silver

Quest Update: You Know the Drill – 5 of 12 coal mined.

Maybe this won't be so bad after all, he thought, hopeful.

Three more picks, and he struck coal again.

You have received the following item:

Coal

Uses: Combustion Material

Sell Price: 7 Silver

Quest Update: You Know the Drill – 6 of 12 coal mined.

Halfway there.

Theonix pulled one of the small bottles of Mine Water from his bag. He uncorked it and drank the entire thing in five long gulps. It had a minerally taste but was still refreshing. Slowly, he felt his strength recovering. The glass bottle that the Mine Water had been in disintegrated, and Theonix took back up his pickaxe to continue with his work.

Two more strikes and he drew back his pickaxe sans tip.

"What the fuck?"

A notification popped up to clarify the situation.

Your Starter Pickaxe has broken. As long as an item's durability hasn't run out, you can take it in for repair. Once an item's durability wears out, it can no longer be used and must be replaced.

As soon as Theonix pushed the notification away, his Starter Pickaxe disintegrated in his hands.

"Oh, what the fuck!?" he screamed, his voice echoing. The frustration tearing through him like a tsunami made him kick the wall. Rubble crumbled at his feet. He kicked it a few more times for good measure, hoping that some coal would magically fall from his efforts. It was a no-go.

Trying to calm himself and stop the pulsing pain in his foot, Theonix stepped back, staring at the place where he had been chipping away at the rock. "What am I supposed to do now?"