A/N Watago is not a real city in Pennsylvania, the state they are in.

While the convoy rolled forward going past abandoned cars, the highway still seemed fine. No major damage as far as Mathew could see outside what was caused by cars. Mathew almost forgot that everyone was whisked away to their bedrooms on S-Day.

Hence why hundreds of cars were burned, crushed, or flipped over. The ground troops spent some time looting vehicles. Extra gas, food, water, and anything deemed useful.

There were three scouts that were away from the group. One of the guards, one of the adventures who wasn’t on guard duty, and Agnox. Mathew spent time melded into Agnox’s sense with his [Share Sense] ability.

An ability Mathew thought would be useless, he continued to find new uses for. If Agnox ever found something, Mathew would know instantly. Letting him tell the group to better prepare for everything.

So far, Agnox hadn’t found anything worthwhile. The occasional small forest rodent and on one occasion a lone bear. Agnox quickly killed it, probably out of boredom.

Along the way, Mathew went over the plan with everyone to ensure roles were properly followed.

“We are going there for two reasons. To claim the Undead Dungeon, and to acquire both Safe Zones as allies. Preferably to bring them as part of Blue Oaks. Expanding our reaches, the zone’s influences, and increasing our population.”

“How do you plan to pull that off?” Samuel asked. She was especially moody today. Also was never told about the plan since she was busy in the hospital.

“The first is simple. We go in, kill the boss, leave.” Leo said. “I’ll lead that attack.”

“That’s pending how strong the Dungeon is. We don’t know how many people have attempted to enter it, let alone if it absorbed any Hearth Crystals.” Mathew clarified. He was all for going in and removing the undead threat swiftly. He had given up trying to do so alone, not until he was Level 25.

Gaia’s quest to complete an Earth Dungeon on his lonesome was sounding harder than his original thought. Then again, he hadn’t tried either. He hasn’t been pushed to his absolute limit since the alpha wolf. Morthrus pushed him mentally, not physically. A small part of him wished to be pushed yet again. However, he had no death wish.

Leo just shrugged absently at Mathew’s statement. “Won’t matter. I’m still going to put an end to that place. Everyone will be a bit safer after that.”

“Right, the hard part will be the safe zones.” Mathew continued. “Our adventurers here were helpful in giving us a bit of information about them.”

Everyone nodded, the aforementioned squad of five beamed happily. Mathew gestured to their leader, Victor. He was a mace and shield user wearing equipment purchased from Di.

“Right, so when we went there, tons of zombies. We followed the typical book. Double tap, stretching, cardio, if we had a car, we would even have worn seat belts. A lot was riding on our success of-”

Mathew cleared his throat. “Just the important bits, not a full story. We don’t have all day.”

Victor snapped a finger, “Right! So, when we went into the place we noticed a sort of wall was built out of cars. Cars don’t just end up sideways on a road and piled on top of one another. We went to investigate then May over there, our healer, got an arrow to the thigh. Not quite the knee, but still hurt like a bitch.”

“We almost got in a scuffle, but luckily my quick charms eased things. Made it clear we were still alive, not undead, and not a threat, just meare travelers. Lord Mathew there didn’t want our true intentions made aware of them.”

Mathew didn’t bother correcting the used title.

“Once we were inside the safe zone, we were able to talk to a few of their big shots. Not the leader, he was too busy for us apparently. The safe zone we went to was named after the city, Watago. Rather, New Watago. Real nice people for the most part. Just trying to survive. Our guess is right around a few hundred people. Hard to get a proper headcount. They are holed up on the other side of the river, near the courthouse.”

“The other zone is called ‘Fuck The System’, a real unique one in my opinion. Really hate magic and The System. They ain’t doing too hot. Less people, less food, overall not good. If we show up with food and presents, they will adore us. Except for Matty here. He’s a mage, they don't like him.”

Everyone seemed to follow what he was saying. Lucas raised his hand to ask a question. “Why do they hate The System? I kinda can see why they would, but to go as far as not level up?”

“Oh, they have levels. Just not magic. Purely martial, or tech based classes and weapons.” Victor clarified. “Anyways, we didn’t get a chance to talk to them. With two of us being mages, and one an obvious one, we rather not get shot. A classic rule to this day, don’t go on another man's lawn to shit on it unless he ain’t home.”

Mathew internally sighed. Victor’s group got results, but his way with words was not a golden trait. Hence why he would do the talking. Him and Leo. Mathew found it somewhat poetic. He would be returning to his old stomping grounds. Yet he didn’t want to appear to choose sides. That would cause him to lose the other Hearth Crystal, unless he took it by force, something he would absolutely do, but only as a last resort.

“Thank you Victor.” Mathew said. “Our goal isn’t to play games with either side. We are going to set up inside a building and use that as our personal post. Outside both zones, but nowhere near the zone itself. Leo will talk to the anti-magic group, I’ll talk to the New Watago people. From there we will help clear out undead and scout out the Dungeon. We will figure out future steps after that.”

Mathew’s face grew serious as he looked at everyone. “I will bring up one major important thing. This isn’t a do or die mission. We will absolutely bail out if things turn sour or a civil war breaks out. When I’m not around, Lucas is in charge of those in the guard.” Mathew turned to the five adventures. “You guys are with Leo for now. His word is equal to mine. However, if he makes you go into the Dungeon, and you don’t want to, don’t.” Mathew looked at his friend. “Leo, we will do it. I promised you, we are here. But we do it right.”

Leo grumbled slightly, but nodded sternly. “Right. Any ideas of where we are going to hole up?”

A sly grin appeared on the summoner's face. “Only one place in this city I trust with my life.”

A grin was returned as everyone else was confused. “Anyone else not liking that the two lawyers are smiling at each other?” Lindsey asked.

Samuel rolled her eyes and got back into the truck. “We are wasting time talking. Let's go. I want a roof over my head when we sleep.”

The convoy continued, the city line was within sight. They were barely an hour away when Agnox flew back.

“Boss, got a group of people to our uhhh,” Agnox looked up at the sky then counted on his fingers. “Four o’clock?”

Lucas frowned, “Can you just point. This isn’t Zack’s fantasy. We don’t always use clock directions for everything in the military.”

Agnox pointed the way he just came from, causing Lucas to facepalm. “That would be our seven o’clock. Or, you could have just said south, or pointed the first time.”

“Hey, I don’t know the times you humans use. I’m still learning. You wouldn’t get mad at an innocent and adorable imp who is trying his best would you?” Agnox asked innocently. However his impish face did him no justice.

“How many?” Mathew asked. He already summoned his rod and was ready to go and investigate.

“Five, one was bleeding. I know that for sure.” Agnox said. “If I was a betting imp, which I am, they are heading to Blue Oaks. I followed them for a few minutes. Seems to be keeping the road within sight and following it from the forest.”

Mathew nodded and glanced at Samuel. “Want to go help some people?”

She was already grabbing her medical bag, magically enchanted by Mathew to have it full of supplies for moments like these. “Yup. Who’s all going?”

“Me, You, five guards. Everyone else stays here.”

Nobody objected and the seven of them were following Agnox.

Mathew had them several paces apart. A large group showing up armed to a wounded group would look bad. Agnox flew back toward them, “Just up ahead, you can kinda see the pink jacketed one.”

Mathew squinted his eyes, but could see a pink blur up ahead. “Okay, Samuel and you three stay behind.” Mathew pointed at three guards. “You two are with me and Agnox. Let’s hope they are not hostile. Agnox you stay hidden. If you see anything that could be like an attack, give a warning shot. If they keep going, rain down hell.”

Agnox gave a two finger salute and flew off. Mathew started to walk to the group, looking as less hostile as possible. He was banking on them being from Watago.

Once he thought they were in ear shot he cupped his hands, “Hello! Yes, the people who just ducked down and are looking my way. Are you guys okay?”

The group froze and all turned to him. Mathew was ready for any ranged attacks, but doubted they were hostile. One of them was short, probably a child or a small teenager.

After a moment another shout was returned by one of the men, “We are not here to cause problems. Hopefully you are not either. Just let us go on our way, and we will let you go on yours.”

“Looks like one of you is hurt. I have a medic here who can help if you want it. We are heading into Watago to hopefully help remove the undead problem. We just want to help, and maybe ask some questions, that’s it.”

Mathew continued to watch the group talk to themselves. Even with his improved hearing, he couldn’t make out what was being said at this distance. An afterthought of what the next rank would do to him over all crossed his mind, but stayed focused on the task at hand.

The group started to shuffle closer to him. “Yes we could. But only if you are there too. We came from Watago.”

Mathew turned around to one of his guards, “Grab the others. Don't be fast, but don’t be slow either. Nothing to make them suspicious of us.”

He nodded and half jogged away. Mathew turned to the group of five. It was a mismatched group of people and gear. Two grown men, each with guns one could buy from a shop like Di’s. One woman had a crossbow and sword on her hip. The fourth adult had a pair of wands on his hips, an older man. The last, now that Mathew could see him, was a young teenage kid. He had a sword on his hip. The older man had his arm in a sling, with where a hand should be was a bloody bandaged stump.

“Hello everyone, I’m Mathew. We came from the Airbase just a few hours from here.” He eyed the old man's wound, “How did that happen?”

The group looked at each other hesitantly, but the old man scoffed. “One of them zombies bit me. Had to chop it off or risk getting infected too.”

Mathew raised an eyebrow, “It spreads like an infection?” He slightly recalled being injured by an undead as well two months ago, yet was fine.

“No clue, ain’t risking it. I lived this long, ain’t letting some freak of nature end it early.”

One of the men who seemed to be in charge rolled his eyes, “Dad, I told you that’s only in books and movies.”

“Looks like a book and a movie and a video game all at once to me. You had me babysit my grandson while you worked. I learned a thing or two.”

The boy looked down at the ground, finding something interesting to look at.

Mathew had a friendly smile. “Of course. Well our medical professional should be here in a moment and can get that arm checked out. I don’t think she is good enough to regrow it however.”

The old man seemed fine with that answer. “I saw plenty of prosthetics in that fancy shop. Having a robot arm would be cool. I can finally lift weights again!”

A moment later Samuel and the other guards came walking up. She winced when she saw the bandages but started to pull out supplies. “You come here and sit down.” She pointed at a fallen tree for him to sit on.

“So, why are you going to Watago?” The woman asked. Mathew would ask for names, but didn’t care enough since they would be splitting up soon enough.

“Clear out the Undead problem, make friends with the other two safe zones, and get stronger. Why are you leaving Watago?”

The other man scoffed, “The opposite reasons you are going in. Good luck getting Bob to side with you if you use magic, even if you are a healer. New Watago is decent. Old gang members took charge. So long as you pay their tax and don’t cause problems you are fine. We finally got tired of it all. No progress was made in removing the undead. For every one we killed, two more showed up a day later it seemed.”

Mathew tried to imagine how many people died on S-day. Then he realized just how many undead there could be. It was going to be a lot of work. He was banking on closing the Dungeon and forcing them to retreat, just like how they solved the Infernal problem.

“Can you tell me more about them both?” Mathew asked.

“Bob is in charge of the anti-magic zone. He outlawed all magic after he took over. The original leader used to be the head sheriff. The Hearth Crystal is over by the old mall. They use that building as their safe area. It expands a few more blocks out from there. They clear out undead all the time. Bob typically is with them doing so. He is a martial artist, using his staff to whack them over the head. He is super strong, hence why he is in charge.

The other zone is run by Tyrone. His gang took over about two weeks after the System came down on us. It’s by city hall. A few of the old political leaders used to run it. But a few gun shots later, Tyrone is now in charge. Their zone covers a larger area, but it’s mostly tall buildings. Hard to defend it properly. Rouge undead get in sometimes, they find the hole then plug it up. We were there until they refused to help the old man here. He never paid their taxes.”

“And I still won’t! Didn’t pay my actual taxes, the IRS never did shit. Why should I still do it now that the IRS is gone?”

Mathew almost let out a snort of laughter. His own taxes were less than honored. Plenty of donations to help offset what he actually owed.

“Okay, what about the Dungeon? How many people have tried to clear it out?”

“Several groups did, myself included.” The father said. He looked back to the city. “My other son died there trying to protect my old man.”

Mathew nodded, “I see. How many attempts were there when you last saw it?”

A grim expression came over the man's face. “Twelve. My group made thirteen. We are lucky it hadn’t claimed any Hearth Crystals. It’s only Novice Ranked, but fucking christ it’s strong. We had a team of ten go in. Only three of us left alive.”

“Technically less than three, I’m missing my hand!” The old man joked.

Mathew could appreciate the man’s sense of humor. “Right, that’s not good. Each attempt empowers the dungeon. What levels are all of you?”

“I’m the highest level, 16. Group was all above 10. We assumed we could clear it out. If you think the hoard on the outside is a lot, wait till the inside.”

“We would have been fine if Bob came with us! He claimed to be Level 20! Has a class dedicated to killing undead, the whole shabang.” The woman huffed.

“Well, good news for you all. My team members are all above level 15. We plan to bring a whole army in there if needed. Yet we are going to request help from both zones.”

“Ha, good luck.” The woman scoffed. “Bob and his people wont’ work with anyone who casts spells. They seem to enjoy killing undead more than removing the threat itself.”

Mathew seemed puzzled by that information. “Why would they not want to get rid of it?”

She shrugged, “My guess? They are using it to get more levels and experience. Remove the source, they can’t level up as much.”

“Do they not know they could claim the Dungeon Core and continue to fight undead that way?” Mathew asked.

She paused, “No. I don’t think so. I didn’t know.” She looked at the rest of her group. Everyone else shook their heads.

Mathew clapped. “Good, then we have a bargaining chip. Think it will be enough to gain some helpers?”

“Maybe. Some people would want to remove the threat permanently though.” The father mentioned.

“Just like someone else I know. Oh well, lying on the back end can help smooth things over. We can always convert the dungeon into a power source for the Hearth Crystal again down the line.”

A half thought of a proper contract came to his mind. He would work on that later.

“You said you came from the airbase right?” The other man asked.

“Yup. If you are going there, just say Mathew sent you there. You will get a warm welcome, just follow the rules and pull your weight. All that is asked of you all.”

“What’s their leader like?” The woman asked. “Is he some government official who is taxing us out the asses, then giving us two pennies to cover rent?”

Mathew chuckled, “No, he isn’t that bad. Some people think he has a love for grapes, I for one think he is a swell fellow. He did, after all, remove a Beginner rank Dungeon. Pretty good looking too. He just wants what is best for everyone, maybe himself a bit too. Kinda hard to tell. Like I said, follow the rules and everything will be fine.”

She seemed to accept that answer. “What kind of work is required?”

“Depends upon your skill set.” Mathew replied.

“I used to work at a starbucks to pay off my college debt. Doubt you need a coffee barista.” She said flatly.

“No, we don’t. What about fighting? Liked doing that?”

She looked down at her crossbow, “Not really. I went to college to get a degree in physical health. Dad was a coach. Couldn’t play football, the best way I can still help out my old highschool team. But that won’t matter much now will it? I doubt you have a team playing.” She laughed at her own terrible joke.

“Well, we could use more medical professionals.” Samuel said. “The hospital there is understaffed, but with magic patients go in and out pretty quickly. Add in magic, and who knows what you could become.”

Mathew was silently taken aback at how nice Samuel was being to the woman. Maybe it was because she didn’t want to scare away potential new people.

The woman smiled at what Samuel was saying. “Sounds like you guys have a nice place. I can’t wait to meet the leader if he is half as nice as you make him sound to be. Perks of being a leader, get to stay behind safe walls. What level is he?”

“Oh I wouldn’t worry too much about his level. You might have trouble meeting him, I heard he is very busy.”