While I waited the few days for the guardsmen to return with the reward for killing the goblins, I worked to plant what spring seeds I had on hand in an organized manner. What that really meant was that I had Baum do it while I smoked cigars and read, but in the end, the same result was had.

Arin had shown curiosity for the burning piece of tobacco I foolishly put in my mouth, but I expressly forbade her from trying any. I would’ve felt awful if the new thing I brought with me to this world was a nicotine addiction for some poor nymph. Even still, I hadn’t outright said no to her inquisitiveness, I had just monologued about how smoking could kill her. When she asked why I did it, “I think it just matches my vibe” wasn't an answer I was willing to admit.

Regardless, I had realized that though I had plenty of tobacco and coffee, I was starting to run out of rather important food items. I estimated I could live for a fair bit more time with what I had that was canned or shelf stable, but a diet of canned soup and ramen noodles did not particularly appeal to me. When this fact came up, Arin had offered to show me a few local, wild forageables.

“I’m not sure what we’ll find near the territory, but if I remember right we should have a few fruit trees nearby.”

“Well, you're the lead.” I told her,

She just smiled in response and led me through the woods. We couldn’t travel too far from the house’s boundary since Arin was there, but nonetheless, we were blessed with a bountiful harvest of fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and other wild edibles. Because many of what we harvested was unfamiliar to me, I was forced to just take Arin’s word on what I could and couldn't eat. I really hoped that nymph’s had no more poison immunity than I did.

While we were gone I also asked her what game would serve well around there, and learned to my pleasant surprise that there was quite a lot. It was quite the edin-like valley I had ended up in. I just hoped I could defend it.

When we got home, I cooked up a wild salad with what we’d found and one of the fresh lettuce heads I had tried the quick growth ability on. It was delicious and refreshing, and that comes from someone who often blows off salad as rabbit food.

It was about halfway through the meal when Arin looked up from her plate with a startled expression.

“What’s up?” I asked, concerned.

“A strong magical presence just entered the territory,” She said hurriedly, “Towards the North.”

I dropped my fork into the bowl and jumped out of my seat. The Mini 14 was loaded and next to the front door, so I grabbed it and hurried toward the back, where the north side of my property was.

I opened the back door, still in my socks, and stepped outside to look for whoever had come into my land. I had a strange sense of “git’ off muh property” that I couldn’t recall ever having before, but I chalked that up to the goblin encounter the other day. Though I had quite handily put holes in all of the little green bastards, having arrows shot at me was still rather troubling.

Walking slowly through the field surrounding my house was a small entourage of mounted, armored individuals. Four of them were dressed solely in chainmail, while the two leading the group wore full blued plate armor with golden inlays spread like cracks along their surfaces. From what I knew of history, the only time anyone would wear armor that ornate was to show off. Their horses were equally well kept, with each sporting a uniform brown coat and braided manes.

I kept my rifle in a high ready position, not aiming at anybody, but quite able to should the need arise. None of the party seemed to have any ranged weapons, but one of the fellows in plate armor held a staff with a large stone at the end, which screamed “magic” in my head. None of their weapons were drawn, so I started to make my way out to meet them.

The walk was painfully nerve-racking, but at about fifty yards out I recognized one of the chainmail guards as Durson, the tall man I had met yesterday. I hoped they weren’t here to arrest me.

“Good afternoon!” I shouted when I believed myself to be close enough for them to hear.

“Hello, friend!” One of the gilded fellows called. It was a man’s deep voice, and I was surprised it had reached me through the metal helmet. It was a nice day, likely only around seventy-five degrees, but I still suspected the armor to be insufferably hot.

About twenty yards away from me, Durson and both of the fancingtons dismounted, and covered the rest of the way on foot. The other three stayed back with the mounts.

“What can I do for you, this fine day?” I asked. A quick glance over my shoulder told me Arin was standing by the back door. Now that they were close and dismounted, I noticed that one of the metal clad ones was about a head taller than the other.

“I’m the captain of the Livartown Guard, Sir Sharl Burk.” The tall one said as he took off his helmet. His face was aged, but handsome, with creases around his eyes and a light salt and pepper stubble. His hair was shaved short. “We heard word of your home here, and wanted to ask a few more… specific questions.”

“A good few folk for questions.” I nodded back at the three other mounted men. I was horribly nervous, and wanted anything but to have to defend myself, but I believed my poker face kept that at least a little hidden.

“Forgive us, mister Cutter, but we must stand on formalities.” Durson dipped his head slightly. He didn't look uncomfortable, but I could sense a twinge of embarrassment to his voice.

“Well, I suppose I should as well.” I nodded, “Would you like to come inside?”

They obliged me, and the three followed me into my home. The horsemen behind made no move to join us. Arin saw us coming and went inside first, and I found her patiently standing beside the dining room table when I came inside.

“Care to have a seat?” I asked the three. The shorter helmeted knight made no move to remove their helmet. The armored ones obliged and took their places, but Durson remained standing behind with his arms behind his back.

“Thank you, mister Cutter.” Sir Burk said.

“Forgive me for not knowing proper courtesy for this region.” I sat down across from them, “I can’t say I’m from around here. Could I offer you something to drink?”

“Oh- that’s quite alright.” The captain said.

“I could make some ‘coffee’” Arin offered behind me.

“Coffee?” Burk repeated.

“It’s a wonderful drink.” I grinned and turned to Arin, “If you’d be willing to brew some, I for one would be much obliged.”

She smiled at me and walked into the kitchen. I had taught the nymph to brew coffee pretty quickly after I had gotten over the confusion of being in this new place, and was very glad that we both enjoyed the drink.

“So,” I turned back to my guests, “what questions brought you out here today?”

“I appreciate you being to the point.” Burk smiled, “Our guardsmen told us about this place, and we-”

“Is this a Dungeon Sanctuary?” The still helmeted individual interrupted. It was a woman’s voice.

“Milady, the idea was for you not to say anything until we’d talked further.” The captain pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

“Well maybe I just wanted to get this dreadful thing off my head,” The woman sighed as she pulled off her helmet.

Under the brain bucket was a sophisticated looking young woman. Her dirty-blond hair was tied back and lightly matted to her head with sweat, and she wore minimal, tasteful makeup. Her eyes were a bright blue, she had soft but stern features. I noticed a small scar running from under her armor by her collar up to the left side of her jawbone.

“Miss.” I nodded at her.

“This is-” The captain started.

“My name is Caro Livar, the second daughter of Count Livar.” She introduced herself.

“Milady, we’ve talked about this…” The captain sighed again. “Your guard is to introduce you to strangers.”

“It’s a pleasure.” I smiled at her, “Do forgive me though, I don’t know how to address someone of your title.”

“Lady Caro will do fine.” She said in a mildly regal tone.

“Lady Caro it is then.” I responded, “Back to your original question though, you asked if my home is a ‘Dungeon Sanctuary’”

“Yes. Our guardsmen made mention of an interesting construction with foreign building and decor. And as there was a noticeable magic field, and you’re human, this being a Dungeon Sanctuary is the natural conclusion.” She shared her reasoning. I didn't think it was particularly natural, but to each their own.

“Well…” I started, but was interrupted by Arin entering the room. She held a serving tray with five mugs in one hand and a full, ten cup chemex in the other.

Lady Caro seemed peeved that I had been interrupted, but both the captain and Durson were intrigued by the black drink in the strange vessel. Arin, with surprising grace, poured each mug to about three fourths of the way full, and passed them out. She handed one to Durson, which surprised the guard, and took one for herself as well. Also on the serving tray was a selection of cream and sugar. I was personally most fond of black coffee, but Arin had taken to drinking it with milk.

“Do be careful, it’s quite warm” I warned, “If it’s too bitter for your liking, feel free to add some milk or sugar.”

“Milk?” Burk asked, “I didn't see any pasture coming up.”

“Well…” I laughed, “About this ‘Dungeon Sanctuary’ business, I do believe that’s what my house is, yes.”

Arin nodded to back me up, then took a quiet sip of her coffee. I was impressed that she could drink it when it was so hot.

“And how long have you existed in this place?” Caro asked.

“Roughly a week.” I answered.

“I see…” She went into thought. “Do you know where the dungeon is?”

“To the South, if I recall. In the mountains.” I tried my coffee. Delicious. “I’m not sure of the exact location, nor how large its territory is.”

“We need to call for diving parties immediately..” She said to the captain.

“Milady, I understand the urgency, but if it’s only been a week the dungeon likely won't break the surface for another month. There’d be no way to find it, let alone raid it.”

Lady Caro didn't respond. There was a long pause as she contemplated what to do.

“If you don't mind my asking, are you a nymph, miss?” Sir Burk was the one to break the silence.

“I am, yes.” Arin answered politely.

“Would it be possible for us to get an audience with the Deity?” He asked her.

“I’m afraid the Deity has moved on to the next world.” Arin said regrettably, “That’s why she summoned Thomas.”

“A foul time for it, huh?” Burk sighed.

“I’m afraid so.” Arin responded, “But I believe it should work out.”

“I do need to ask,” I said, “how could you tell she’s a nymph?”

Both the captain and Lady Caro looked at me funny.

“I’m no mage,” Burk started, “but the miss has quite the magical energy around her. As do you, sir.”

“Huh.” I said. “I suppose I can’t see it.”

I received a few blinks, but the conversation continued on.

“Sir Cutter.” Caro addressed, adding the title, “As you’re the master of a Sanctuary Core, would you be willing to work with us at Livartown to cull the dungeon?”

“What would that mean exactly?” I asked, scratching my chin.

“If you would allow our exploratory parties through your lands, as well as perhaps allow the establishment of some supporting infrastructure closer to the dungeon. If you’d be willing, we’d pave a road from here to town as well.”

I took a moment to think, but noticed the captain nudge the lady with his elbow. Because they were both in plate armor, it made a sharp clink.

“And,” She continued, “We’d be willing to support endeavors that would encourage the growth of your territory to combat the dungeon.”

“That could be useful.” I said, “I’m not quite sure what my job is, but from what I understand it’s something of a race between me and the dungeon?”

“That’s about right.” The captain explained. “From our histories, whenever a dungeon appears in an area with a deity, a sanctuary will be summoned to balance the scales. It’s very fortunate the dungeon began to form before the deity passed. Should one go unopposed, there's a high chance that all the surrounding land will be blighted with monsters and plague.”

“But since we have you, if we beat it, the area may grow even more prosperous than it already is.” Lady Caro added, “but first we need to beat the dungeon. I could tell from the magic field that you’ve been progressing, but dungeons have a much easier time of growth than you do.”

“How do they grow?” I asked.

“Everything opposite of how you do.” She said, “Where you build, a dungeon destroys. Monsters are naturally drawn to them, and they bring their destruction with them. That’s why those goblins yesterday had skulls, they planned to sacrifice them when the dungeon broke the surface. And coins too, normally goblins bury their gold, but not when they can give it to a dungeon.”

“Hmm…” I thought for a moment, “And how do we destroy the dungeon?”

“We need to break its core.” She answered, “Once it breaks ground we’ll send raiding parties in, but we’re far from the nearest Diving Corps. It’ll take at least five weeks to have true professionals arrive.”

“Doesn’t that time nicely with when it breaks ground?” I asked.

“It would, if the dungeon itself were the greatest of our worries.” The captain answered, “Monsters from the southern mountains and the surrounding forests are likely already en route. Those goblins were only the first, and likely the least of what we’ll see. They’ll be hunting any humans and uncorrupt creatures they can find on the way.”

“Will the town be okay?” I asked.

“It’s walled, so anything short of an army or a dragon won’t pose a threat. The real worry lies with the villages in the county.” Caro said. “Tradesman too, the period before the dungeon opens is always the worst for a town’s economy.”

“Before?”

“There’ll be vast riches once the dungeon opens.” She said matter of factly, “Especially for one in the southern mountains. It’ll refine and cut any valuable metal or ore inside its territory, in addition to whatever valuables the attracted monsters bring.”

That was interesting. Why ancient crypts in fantasy always had vast pools of valuables never made sense to me, but to each author their own. Here, if the dungeon's ability to grow was similar and opposite to mine, it made good sense that the underground construct would also serve as an ore refinery of sorts.

“That doesn't sound particularly fair.” I said. “If the dungeon can mine whatever it wants and I’m stuck gardening…”

“You have a magical capacity, right?” The lady said.

“I do.”

“Oh!” Arin started, “I think I can explain this one.”

Everyone looked at her expectantly.

“Mana generation is based on territory and bounty, while mana capacity is based on the magical porousness of what makes up the land. Flora and fauna absorb and hold magic much better than stone or minerals.”

“And the dungeon’s territory is anti-life by its nature.” Lady Caro added.

“So the dungeon can grow faster than, if I’m reading this right.” I said. “But I can make bigger magical moves if I’m patient?”

“I believe so. I’ll have a rider come and deliver whatever books we have on the nature of dungeons and sanctuaries. It’s been awhile since one appeared in this country, but since the master’s of sanctuaries are generally human, how they work is well documented.”

Generally?

“I’m sorry my knowledge has been… lacking.” Arin apologized.

“Not at all.” I waved my hands at her, “You’ve been incredibly helpful so far. Without you, I never would’ve even bothered looking at the core book, and likely wouldn't have started growing my territory yet either. The company upon being appointed to this job has also been awesome…”

We spent probably another fifteen minutes going over things relevant to my job as a Sanctuary Master before Lady Caro and the captain excused themselves. “Do come to Livartown whenever it’s fitting to get away.” Lady Caro said before they left, “Meeting over future plans there would be very beneficial.”

“What she means is that you’re welcome in town.” The captain sighed, “You needn’t worry about papers or passports.

“Well thank you for that.” I stood with them, “I’ll be sure to. When I get the chance, naturally.”

Now that they knew there was a dungeon nearby they needed to send the word out as quickly as possible, and they still had quite the ride ahead of them. They did end up leaving me with the reward for the goblins though, so I guessed that the original reason the soldiers came still applied.

I was now four silver coins richer, but I thought that the true value came from the knowledge. It is power, after all.