Birds chirp above us, and distant beasts roar. Golden-blue water trickles up the rock wall to our side, lighting up the world that would otherwise be dark, shaded by the thick parasitic plants growing off of the mangroves above us.

The soldiers stand in tight formation, their spears raised over their shields, ready for anything we might throw at them.

I certainly spoke loud enough. They definitely heard me. Yet, they’re not responding.

Hiding behind their shields, they think, or whisper, or hell perhaps they’re taking a piss break and the shields are just there for privacy’s sake.

Their tall shields are made of bone and chitin, some are covered in leather, some with metal clamps or edging. Each is unique, clearly made with what was on hand rather than made to order, or mass manufactured. I understand mana and magic changes things, and culture as well, but the near complete lack of efficient manufacturing is something that is unbelievably frustrating.

The spears that they wield are no different in that none are the same. Some have metal spearheads while others are made of whatever beast parts were most suitable, one a near complete stinger from a giant insect, another sharpened bone. The jury-rigged aesthetic seems rather unsuitable considering their uniform stances, but each piece of equipment glows with dangerous concentrations of mana.

Not once have the shields or spears wavered since they’ve arrived. These are soldiers, well trained and experienced.

“I think they might be a little shy.” Red says, “Promise we won’t bite you.”

“Hey, don’t go promising things without me.” I say, stepping closer.

Even with Red here to defend me, the sweat runs cold down my spine at the sight of these soldiers.

Close formations tend to be avoided, it’s too easy to annihilate a tight group of enemies with powerful attacks, because they can’t dodge properly and can’t defend properly. At the same time most of those in formation have to hold back their own attacks to avoid hurting those beside them.

Those who overcome these issues, develop into enemies to be feared.

“Aren’t they just slayers?” Casually hisses one of the soldiers, apparently in conversation behind the shield wall.

“Shut it, Glethyr.” Another hissing voice says over the first. “I’ll do the talking.”

The shield wall shifts apart just enough to reveal a long, scaled face.

“You’re all peaceful and intelligent?”

“Some of us more than others.” Red says with a laugh.

“I’m both.” Vii cries out.

“I think I’m pretty smart.” Arn says.

“Don’t we all.” I say, shaking my head, “Okay, quiet down everyone. Leave the first contact to me for now.”

I keep Red and our reforming vanguard between me and the soldiers. Diplomacy is best done when you’re not overly vulnerable, and Red can make for one formidable flesh shield.

“We’re intelligent,” I say. “We’re new to the neighbourhood, just moved in today actually. You guys are locals?”

“See they’re just slayers.” The same loud soldier from before, Glethyr, says, sounding rather relaxed considering our stand-off. The other one seems to accept his conclusion, though I still don’t quite get what they’re talking about.

The soldiers are ordered to change their formation and shift their focus onto the forest around us instead. Even so, I can feel that they’re not completely trusting of us yet. They could turn in a moment and dive into battle in but another.

“Sorry about frightening you.” The leader says.

“It’s fine, we all have to be a bit careful out here.” I reply, looking at the soldiers now that they’ve lowered their curtain of shields.

While there is diversity, some fur here, and a set of wings there, the majority of the soldiers are of the same species. Standing about a head shorter than me, they’re covered in soft, blue or green scales from head to toe. Though as always there’s a few here and there with the traits of an elf, which don’t always suit them perfectly.

They have long thin snouts, like that of freshwater crocodiles, but pointed like a beak. Their bodies are lithe, but their assorted armour and baggy clothes do cover them well, even if there’s no particular shared style between them. Comparatively few wear shoes over their webbed feet, or gloves over their webbed hands.

Their leader steps out to meet me properly, his sharp blue eyes taking on a slight glow.

“I’m Green-feet, of the Alaksar.” He says with a slight bow my direction. Chip ensures that I understand that he’s describing his species.

“I’m Kyra, of the humans.” I say, looking down at his webbed feet which are undeniably blue. “Green feet?”

He scratches the scales on his cheek and looks down at his feet with an embarrassed expression.

“They were green when I was a hatchling.”

“Ah, well it’s a memorable name at least.” I say, trying to hold back a nervous laugh.

“Where did you come from?” He asks, getting back on track and looking between us, “You’re all wondering slayers? We don’t often have your sort coming by this way. We were concerned that you were bandits.”

He says the last part questioningly as if expecting me to just up and admit to being a bandit or something.

“We’re only bandits if you consider these little gremlins to be poor innocent merchants.”

“Good, good.” He says, nodding as he looks over the corpses we’ve littered around the battlefield. The gremlins don’t seem to matter much to him. “I probably don’t need to tell you at this point, but these gremlins aren’t acknowledged as citizens. They’re smart enough, but they’re not interested in respecting the rights of other species.”

“So, we’re free to kill them as we please?” I ask.

“They’re not citizens, so yeah.” He shrugs looking at me curiously, “This is basic knowledge, you grow up in a closed cavern or something?”

“Came from up top.” I say, wanting to see how he’ll react.

“All the way up the top?” He asks curiously, “Makes sense you wouldn’t know, then.”

“You’re not surprised?”

“I’ve heard stories of people wondering down here from above.” He shrugs, “Usually it’s stories about idiots getting themselves killed. I don’t really care wherever it is you come from, it’s just nice to have a few more slayers around.”

“What about this stuff about citizens? And what’s a slayer?” I ask, Chip not translating the point clearly.

“A citizen is anyone smart enough to talk and trade, and a slayer is anyone willing to hunt down the dangerous beasts like these gremlins here.” He says, “Seems you lot fit as both, considering what you’ve done here.

“When we heard the commotion, and then the explosion, we were worried that there might be a dangerous new omega beast making itself at home down here.”

“Nope, just us.” I reply with a shrug, “We won’t have any trouble moving in down here?”

“So long as you don’t cause trouble for other citizens,” Green-feet says. “Might be best if you come speak to the lord, though. He can explain a few things about Frey, and the rules we live by down here.

“You’ll also want to visit our markets, can’t make much of a living as slayers without having somewhere to trade the parts you gather.”

“The lord?” I ask, my skin itching at the thought of some feudal lord ruling over us.

“Yeah, our boss. The guy in charge around these parts, making sure everyone behaves and no bandits make trouble for the rest of us. You’ll like him, most people do. Unless you’re really strict and serious, those sorts hate him.

“Also, you should come check out our markets.”

“You keep saying that.” I point out, and a few of his own men laugh.

“You look like you have some good stuff.” He says, clearly trying to hide something. “It doesn’t hurt to at least check the stalls. You should clean up first, but. With that stink about you, I think the shop keepers would drive their prices up just to spite you.”

“You just want to send ‘em to Shira. She’s not going to let you get in her pants just because you send customers her way.” Glethyr says, which the others apparently find quite amusing.

“Shut it, Glethyr.” Green-feet hisses back, before starting on a lecture which none of the others seem to be taking seriously. Even he stops after a moment, laughing it all off.

“I think we can put a cap on the beast deterrent.” I say, turning to Red to see that she’s already well ahead of me.

“Already did that a while ago.” She admits without a hint of shame. “I’d rather be fighting beasts than putting up with that smell. Shame it doesn’t fade easily.”

I sigh and rub at my temple.

Kyra- What do you guys think about this?

Eshya- they’re formation looks dangerous. Anyone who can hold together a shield wall with any measure of competence is not anyone we should be picking a fight with.

Vii- They seem nice. Maybe they know more about the dungeon and other people living down here. We should make friends with them.

Red- If it’s a trap, we can kill them and take their home. This seems like a boon either way.

“We’ll go with you, but we have others waiting for us, so it has to be a quick trip.” I say, looking for any sign that he might be lying. I mention the others hoping that it might make him hesitate to screw us around, knowing that we’re not alone.

He nods happily showing no signs of deceit or worry.

“What are you doing with those?” He points at the corpses of the beasts that are still bleeding into the soil at our feet. I’d like to bring the ape back at least; it seems halfway edible.

“Food.” I say with a shrug.

“You’re new here, yes? Do you have a chef? Someone to butcher the beasts? We could prepare the meat for a portion of it.” He says, “It’ll be a good deal for you, to celebrate your arrival here.”

“Uh, sure.” I agree hesitantly. I already have more trust in them compared to my butchery teacher at the moment, so it’s a gamble that I’m willing to make for now. I’ll just have to be careful that there’s no poison involved.

“If you’re really new you probably don’t have a home here yet. I’m sure the lord could get you somewhere secure to live that’ll be better than where you’re staying now.” He says growing still more excited. “Let’s get going then.”

“Just a minute.” I say, looking over the corpses and the silver that’s now leaking out of the gremlin’s bodies. It’s just what we needed. With all our combined efforts, it doesn’t take long to pull the silver blobs from the dead bodies. While rather macabre, the process is also relatively easy.

It’s like pulling a long, wet rag from the snotty nose of a dead, and rather ugly, magician.

“Okay, that should do it.” I say when we have everything together.

The other soldiers talk and joke cheerily as they lead us away, their shields and spears still as disciplined as ever. If I was unsure whether they were soldiers before, I can be quite sure now. I imagine only skilled soldiers can spew this much shit without getting distracted from their duty.

We follow behind them, our vanguard largely at the front but for Bessy who’s following after us while carrying the headless, naked ape, and the strange insect that Red killed. She’s easily capable of carrying enough freight to compare with the heaviest of trucks, and that’s not even taking into consideration what’s in her stomach.

The beasts around us treat the formation of soldiers with caution, something not to be messed with. I don’t know what’s happened to earn them this respect, but I can only suspect that they’ve killed more than their fair share of beasts. We’ll probably enjoy the same privileges given enough time and a tall enough pile of bodies ascribed to us.

“About those gremlins…” I ask. “Are they all as violent and stubborn as the ones we met?”

“Pretty much,” Green-feet replies. “They’ll attack if they think they can beat you, they’ll try to make you fight other beasts if not. Even the youngest ones act the same.”

“That’s a shame.”

“It is.” He says, nodding along. “We can’t change them, though.”

We hop over roots and push past the bushes in the way as the soldiers lead us away. I’m hesitant in trusting them completely, but the way they’re acting, it doesn’t seem like they’re leading us into a trap.

A short, peaceful stroll through the forest and we’ve reached the entrance to their base. It’s closer than I was expecting it to be, but it’s much different from what I was expecting of it. The soldiers surround the trunk of a mangrove tree, waving at another pair of soldiers hiding in camouflaged fortifications that I only see because of the pleasantries.

The tree trunk that we’re surrounding has a hole carved out of the side of it, revealing the rushing, glowing waters racing upwards within. It’s like natural pipe moving water from the lower lake to the upper one, what the mangroves get from doing this I can’t even begin to guess.

If it weren’t for the environment we’re in, I’d think it was some sort of intense water ride. As it is, instead it seems like a death trap that’s going to leave us drowned and floating as bloated corpses in the gravity defying lake far above us, picked apart by whatever fish swim about up there.

“This leads directly up into our base.” The Green-feet says, “It’s not dangerous, but you will have to hold your breath for about ten seconds. Oh, and don’t try to swim around too much, you don’t want to swim out of the current.”

A few of his soldiers are already stepping into the flow, perhaps in an attempt to prove that it’s not a trap.

“Red, you seem like a talented swimmer.” I say, turning to her, “Want to go first?”

“No, no, no.” she asks, “You’re the one who wants us to trust these people, you can go first.”

“It is safe, we’re not lying to you.” The Green-feet says, and from the casual nature of those behind him, it really seems like he’s being genuine.

“Better idea.” I say, taking Red by the hand. “Together. If things aren’t what they seem, we stand the best chance of surviving with the strongest of us together.”

“Strongest of us?” Red rolls her eyes at me. “Fine, fine.”

“I’ll go too.” Eshya says, stepping up to my side, but I hold out a hand to stop her short.

“Stay on watch down here, just this once.” I say. If I need to attack with everything I’ve got, I’d rather have Red by my side since I’m sure I wouldn’t kill her accidentally as I would with Eshya.

“I can’t risk you here. Red won’t die as easily.” I send to her, but she still looks a little sour as she nods obediently.

“We’ll have to go next.” Vii says hopping to her side, and looking up at her with big bright eyes. “I’d feel safer if you went on the ride with me.”

The sight brings a little smile to my lips as Eshya’s expression softens a little.

I won’t unnecessarily risk her life just because I don’t want to hurt her pride. Honestly, I’d rather not be charging in first myself, but even if Red would go in my place, I’m not sure I’d like to leave this to her alone.

Most of the soldiers have gone ahead of us, trying to prove that it’s safe, I refuse to pause for even a moment, charging recklessly into the waters flow while holding Red’s hand. There’s nothing sweet about it, of course. Especially not when I spin around and cling to her so we don’t get torn apart in the ruinous currents that surround us.

The waters glow consumes the world around us. The water is mana dense, but not quite as much as I am at the moment, so the current doesn’t carry me up quite as easily as it otherwise would. Red has a similar issue but taken a little further.

Become mana dense enough and I guess you’d be forced to swim upwards rather than floating on the current. I’m lucky that my amour enchantments aren’t reacting to force of the water, else I might be in that situation myself.

I lose my grasp on time in this liquid world, and as much as I try to bury it, I do feel growingly uncertain the longer we stay like this. Red doesn’t move under my grip, simply relaxing and letting the flow take her.

We burst out of the water and into cool air, just about the same moment my lungs start feeling uncomfortable. It couldn’t have lasted as long as it felt like.

I try to rush to my feet, but the rushing water flowing through the drain at my feet makes me stumble more than once. Leaning on Red I do eventually pull myself out of the flow and take in the room around me.

The room is pleasantly bright, enchanted lamps hanging from the walls shining with the same golden-blue light as the glowing waters. Not a shadow manages to survive here.

A few soldiers are standing here waiting for us, while chatting casually, but most of them have already left ahead of us.

I take a glance back at where I came from.

The flooding rush of water bubbles up in a far corner before running down and through the wide drain running the length of the room. Travellers like us get strained out and have to crawl ourselves free of the waters flow. Not the best elevator ride.

The architecture here is nothing like the ruins we’ve come from. The passages are carved with much less concern for clean corners and smooth walls, there are columns spaced out all throughout the room, filled with mana, and clearly intended to keep the ceiling from coming down.

This place is clearly not a natural cave, but it’s closer to one than it is to a palace at least.

“It’s all safe here, as you can see. It’s dangerous for your friends to wait around below for too long, there are still beasts down there who’ll see a group like yours as a meal.”

“If this is a trap...”

“We’re with the regional lord, no one would dare lie about that.” He says, smiling and shaking his head. “You lot really are new here.”

“Hold your breath on the trip and follow us. It seems like it’s safe up here.” I send to our compatriots below, “Apparently it’s not entirely safe from beasts where you are, so watch your backs.”

“Coming now.” Eshya sends in reply.

There’s a little drying area set aside for travellers and a cleansing stone that’ll wash away even the dripping water. By the time we’re finished cleaning up Eshya and Vii burst through the surface of the bubbling pool, washed aside and along the strainer.

“Over here,” I call them over and help our dripping harpy and soaked elf find their feet.

“Doesn’t seem that impressive.” Eshya says looking at the roughly carved walls and ceiling.

“Not impressive?” Vii asks, “How the heck did you make this place?”

“The builders are Alaksar. We’re aquatic, so they probably carved it all out rather easily.” Green-feet says. “We’re still building it out more too. It’ll be more impressive if you give us some time.”

“Why didn’t you just take the city below?” I ask, still thinking of the stone walls and magnificent elvish architecture.

“Infested.” He shrugs, “Filled with all sorts of nasty things. We’re not confident in taking the city and holding it, so we’re here instead.”

“Ah, so that means it’s free for the taking? Just have to clear out the beasts infesting the place?” I ask, thinking over what it is that I’ll need to do in preparation for that endeavour.

Bessy splashes her way into the room, floating a pair of corpses beside her. They’re a little cleaner from all the swimming.

With our beast repellent packed away and with all traces of it now washed off, the somewhat more tepid smell of blood fills the room. Whether offended by the smell or simply enthusiastic to get the meat to market, they encourage us to rush the corpses away the moment our team has fully gathered.

“Our butchers and chefs are all pretty good, they know all the best techniques to the keep the mana good, and make the meat last.” Green-feet says.

“Not like you’d say anything else.” Glethyr says with a chuckle. “Shira would be angry to hear anything but blessings.”

“Tell me she’s not the best chef you’ve ever known.” Green-feet says.

“I used to eat from the trash, Greens. She could be the shittiest chef around and she’d still be the best I’ve ever known.”

“Then you should learn some politeness so you can keep eating her food.”

“How’s her home cooking? Oh, that’s right, you wouldn’t know.” The troop of soldiers seem to enjoy picking on their commander, it’s a good thing Green-feet isn’t soft skinned.

“At least I don’t lick at the algae off the walls.” He hisses back, not actually seeming upset.

“It’s your loss.” Glethyr replies, “Stuff tastes great. I heard the chefs were powdering it and using it as a spice.”

“There’s a difference between eating the end product and licking the damn ground, Glethyr.” Green-feet says.

Passing through a series of tunnels, each taking us up higher into the base, we step into a wide busy room.

The noise hits me first.

A couple dozen boisterous people stand around casually, their voices filling the air with a messy cacophony of unusual sound that my translator is convinced is all friendly chatter. Only a single pair at the back are shouting more aggressively, apparently in the midst of bartering, but the clinking of coins describes the end of the deal and they’re all friendly again.

Most of the people here turn towards us as we enter.

“Bart! A couple of new slayers have brought some meat.” Our guard calls into the crowd, while turning to smile at one particular stall where a pretty, young lady stands. A half elf, half Alaksar, with long silver hair. She waves back with a rather stiff smile of her own.

The rest of the guards split off, busying about with their own tasks, and saying their farewells.

“Bart! Are you there?!” He calls out again, summoning a tall creature that reminds me rather closely of the praying mantis that we slaughtered before but for a few details. He’s considerably smaller, though still taller than myself, and his body is much more bulbous, even his legs are larger if a little short and closer to his body.

His short mandibles click back and forth as he speaks with us, his serrated scythes held tenderly close, careful for the people that he’s passing.

“Is the trade already done?” He asks. Looking over the pair of corpses with apparently no interest in us.

“What do you say?” Green-feet says turning to us, “9 parts your way, 1 part ours? The inedible parts are prepared for you. It’s a good deal, to celebrate your moving into the region so don’t expect a deal this big next time.”

“Sure, I don’t mind.” I say. I don’t have any clue how good that trade actually is, and I’d rather rely on people who have more knowledge, but we don’t have anyone like that here right now.

“I’ll take care of it, then.” Bart says, using his serrated scythes to pull the corpses away into a side room wide enough for him to get to work. We gaze around the busy stalls, filled with all sorts of people, busying about life. It’s not nearly as large as the surface markets, but it is more lively for the sake of actual trade.

Arn and Korgan have already gone to another store themselves. If I’m to guess, they’re looking for alcohol? So long as they don’t get us banned from these markets or get themselves killed, I don’t mind.

“This way.” Green-feet says excitedly, waving us over to the platinum haired woman that I presume is this Shira that they keep talking about.

She’s a little shorter than even Green-feet, and has mostly elven features, some groups of scales here and there, and strangely glowing eyes the most prominent differences at first glance. Even her hands and feet are mostly like that of a human or an elf.

“You need someone to cook those beasts for you?” She asks as we approach, while getting some things ready behind the table, apparently already assuming that we’re going to accept her deal. The oven behind her is heating up already, preparing for the meat coming this way.

“You can make it keep for a while?” I ask.

“Any decent chef can do that much.” She says, “I’ll do better than that. Do you want it all made to last, or would you prefer some fresh?”

“Red?” I turn to her, “You’ll be the one eating it.”

“Make it to last.” Red says, “I’ll can always hunt more fresh.”

“Alright then.” Shira says, “Six/four split, in your favour? Before you start bargaining you should know I’m the best there is here. If all you want is jerky with half the meats mana drained in a day, you can go visit one of the others.”

“Vii, Eshya?” I ask the pair. “Are either of you bothered at taking that deal? Should we barter or something?”

“I imagine Nel would want to check with others first, but she’s not here. I could run around and talk to the others, but I don’t know if I can tell if they’re better or worse deals.” Vii says.

“We’re not desperate for food right now.” Eshya shrugs, “If she screws us somehow, we can deal with it later.”

“Unless she uses poison.” Red says, standing off to the side. “But then we can always feed it to someone else first, and see if they die.”

“I doubt any of my spices will kill you.” Shira says, her tone a little confused but not particularly concerned either. “I’ll be using a few different varieties, which is why I demand so much meat in return. If one sits wrong with you, then don’t eat it.”

“This is all too strange.” Eshya says, shivering as she looks at the people who have returned to their own business, only a few are still focused on us.

“It is all unusual,” I say. “But not entirely unwelcome either.”

“What’s so strange?” Shira asks, still readying her worktable. “Green-feet, go fetch the first chunks of meat, would you?”

“Right away!” He shouts, rushing back over towards the praying mantis in charge of dismantling the beasts.

“This entire dungeon.” I say, “We’re not particularly familiar with how everything works down here. I was expecting endless beasts and nothing smart, charging into the forest below and meeting a few gremlins, I thought that’s what we got.”

“You’re new to the dungeon?” She asks as Green-feet brings over the first cut of meat. “Did Frey bring you here?”

“Frey? We came from the surface.”

“Oh, I just assumed, since… well, you’re not dead.” Shira says, glancing between us before diving into her work. “Not that it makes a difference. We’re all surviving together, however you ended up here.”

“That’s a nice attitude,” I say. She looks up from her work, looking between Vii, Eshya, and I, thoughtfully before shaking her head and returning to work.

The more I talk to these people and see from them, the more this feels like the frontier. The sort of place where new people are always welcome so long as they have something to provide to the community.

Then again, the frontiers are never quite the same as their romanticised stories.

Another of the Alaksar people rushes over towards us, catching Green-feet as he’s running laps between the butcher and the chef.

“Kyra, and the rest of you. The lord wants to meet with you.” He says, “Don’t get too scared by him or nothing. He’s a lazy slob, so long as you don’t do anything really bad, you’ll be fine here. He’s probably just planning on welcoming you and telling you all the rules and everything.

“I’m sure it’ll take just a moment.” He says as we check over our weapons again, while rounding up Korgan and Arn.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Skills & Stats

~Mana Form:

Current mana density: 789 units

~Mana distribution:

Catagory Current Max. Skin 5% 28% Muscle 33% 33% Mind 20% 65% Cardiovascular 11% 11% Misc. 10% 10% Efficiency 79% 79%

~Favourited Skills:

-Chip Shredder

-Multi-mind

-Tag

-Mana surge movement

-Mana surge punch

-Reactive mana skin

-Infused delayed Casting

-Fire burst punch