Of course that was not the end of the conversation. However, once Lance explained his belief that each individual, each person who grew with the Shop and bought Upgrades was aiding in the breaking of the world, that this ‘Mana’ that they were using might be the cause of the dungeon ruptures, that left only one last discussion.

Perhaps the most important.

“What can we do about it, though?” Sarah said, striking the butt of her spear on the pavement. “We got to get stronger to kill the monsters. Can’t just sit around.”

“Agreed,” Neil said.

“I like having magic!” Yanesh said.

Most of the team seemed to accept the futility of complaining about what they had no choice but to accept.

Most.

“I’m destroying the world? I can’t be destroying the world. I’m a vegan! I recycle and cycle to work. I don’t even travel anywhere anymore, I try for zero waste…” Keeley was standing there, her eyes lost as she muttered her words again and again.

Matt had his hand around his girlfriend, hugging her close. “It’s not your fault. You aren’t doing it.”

“But I chose to buy those Upgrades! I’m worse than Enron!” Keeley buried her head in her hands, sobbing. Pulling her with him, Matt took the girl out of range of the still talking party.

“So you think that we’re weakening the fabric between dimensions? Creating more of these dungeons?” Yanesh said, bouncing a little on his feet.

“Or are we going to form monsters here? Maybe form dungeons on Earth? And what are these dungeons? Pocket dimensions? Locked off boundaries of reality?” Sarah added.

Neil watched the conversation, tilting his head silently while the others discussed.

“Don’t know, do I?” Lance said. “I have guesses, but so do you. But I’d bet that things are going to get worse before they get better.”

“But why now?” Sarah said.

Another shrug and the team sighed. There really was no way to tell. No giant announcement no explanation or useful document to purchase. No handy god to explain what was happening, no floating spirit or disturbed AI. Just a blank Shop that was unhelpful at best.

Choosing to change the subject to something more useful, Lance waved a hand. “Did everyone get what they need? Food, drinks, upgrades? Equipment?”

Most nodded, even Matt over where Keeley was pulling herself together. The only one who hesitated was Neil.

“What?” Lance said, then moderated his tone. “What’s wrong?”

“I just wanted some advice. You guys are a little more ummm….” Neil said.

“Meta savvy?” Yanesh supplied.

“Sure. Like, I have two options. My Pain is My Strength which umm, gives me strength each time someone hits me. It reads like it actually stores kinetic energy and lets me use it against others.”

“Kinda cool,” Yanesh said. “Good for a tank.”

“Yeah, that. The other, well, it’s called Aura Boost - Damage Mitigation. It doesn’t offer much further detail, but it says it reduces incoming damage.”

“Percentage or direct number based?” Lance asked immediately.

“None of that. Just that statement,” Neil replied.

“Right. So could be crap, could be decent,” Lance said.

“I bet if you got a Mana Core and Mana Meridians, it’d improve too!” Sarah said, excitedly.

“And destroy the world more,” Neil replied, dryly.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that part.”

“So what?” Yanesh said, crossing his arms. “It’s dying now, and there ain’t anything we can do about it. Not as we are here. Best we can do is ride it down, and maybe there’s a solution at the end.”

“Maybe.” Lance repeated then sighed. “But you’re right. Also, Neil?” The man looked over. “It’s your call, but I’m thinking you might want to go with Damage Mitigation for now. Healing’s still a little on the low side for us.”

“Yeah, and I only have a Mana Core,” Yanesh said. “Couldn’t afford more.”

Matt lead Keeley over, who offered them a tight smile.

“Which dungeon are we headed to?” she asked, her voice quavering a little.

“You sure you’re up to this?” Sarah said, concerned.

“No. But we don’t have a choice, right? Anyway, as you said; maybe we can figure out a way to save the world. And maybe Lance is wrong.” A strained smile at those words. “After all, he’s not always right. Like thinking me and Matt were going to break up.”

“You told her!?” Lance yelped, looking at Matt. “Bros before hos man.” Then he really did cry out, for Sarah punched him in the arm. “What?”

“You know why.”

“Fine…” Lance rolled his eyes. “I’m not always right. Now, dungeon?” He looked at Yanesh. “And heal? I think she actually cracked something.”

“I did not!”

Snorting, Yanesh threw a heal on Lance while Keeley pointed into the distance. “That way.” She looked up, taking in the darkening sky before adding. “Now, let’s go kick some ass and save some lives.”

The team nodded agreeably, Matt trotting forwards to take position in the front and lead the group while everyone followed along at a slower rate.

It left Lance behind, arms crossed and slowly fixing itself, his face screwed up a little in frustration.

“That’s my line…” he muttered.

Then, struck by the absurdity of worrying about having his ‘lines’ stolen in the middle of an apocalypse, he jogged after the group.

Monsters to kill, dungeons to close, people to save.

That was the goal. And somewhere along the way, maybe they’d figure out what was going on.