Damien Franklin

He had decided, regardless of the practical purpose, that magical glowing paint was quite fun to work with. The paint in question was for a marking system that Malachi had come up with. Through it, they would map the routes and it would allow one to keep track your location while down in the big plateau’s cavern. A little magic was required to get the full effect that the leader of the Sixty wanted. In this, the obsidian acolyte was all too happy to take on the puzzle. With the help of Valerie Moore, he solved it.

She had been brought onto the project on Soren’s recommendation.

A smart one it turned out.

Adding a magical effect to an object wasn’t something Damien had spent much thought on yet. The closest to that had been placing a spell on a rock, but that turned out to be completely different. Being temporary and not at all incorporated into the object. More like pouring jelly on a donut rather than injecting it inside. Jelly or Mana could only stick on for so long. Also, it would be messy so processes would be messy. When properly applied, an enchant was easily made permanent.

Or at least, that was what Damien believed.

That’s where Valerie's insights were invaluable. He was very excited by avenues that were opening up. His fellow acolyte revealed that the screens had granted her an extra book on enchantments and runic application. The book’s text was thick with knowledge. Enough that even Damien felt a little daunted by the subject matter. It was a completely new way to look at Mana. Studying this would be taking up most of his free time for the foreseeable future. The obsidian acolyte only hoped that in his enthusiasm that he wouldn’t pester the nice woman too much.

The paint turned out to be a good entryway into the discipline. As it relied on concepts that both Damien and Valerie needed to understand to pull off more advanced enchantments. They began with regular paint in a variety of colors picked out by Julia. Choosing to use acrylic because of the dampness of the cavern walls. It would hold up there better than water or oil-based ones. Next, silver dust was added for the material effect and the magical affinity. The argument about whether silver really was more Mana inclined had to be shelved for a later date. The obsidian acolyte noted that subjective belief was likely the reason it worked better in his new friend’s eyes.

Another interesting fact was that while simple craft materials like silver dust or steel plates were purchasable, anything more complicated was locked out until the fifth floor was cleared. Just like the crafting stalls were. The prevailing theory there was that The Pit wanted them to concentrate on bettering themselves rather than relying on gains from equipment. A concept Damien quietly agreed with. Valerie, on the other hand, found it extremely frustrating due to her affinity for the crafting school of magic.

Once the paint and the silver were mixed to a perfect subtle shimmer, the enchanting could begin. Their cooperation was required because it wasn’t possible to carve runic commands into paint nor inject Mana delicately enough for lasting effect. The solution was twofold. Valerie would prepare sheets with the required runic arrays and the Mana impressions from those sheets could act as guides for the right imprints. That would take a lot of effort off Damien’s shoulders. Reducing creating the effect while impressing it to essentially transfer effects into the paint.

The arrays picked out to accomplish this were simple ones. The primary was illumination so that the painted marks could be seen easily in the dark. In support would be two setups. One for drawing Mana into power everything and another that would make all of the paint in the bucket be considered one whole. That way the enchantments wouldn’t break apart as they spread around in pieces. On a metaphysical level, the paint was still connected.

Enchanting brushes to apply those effects with every stroke was considered, but the two of them decided that was beyond them so far. Valerie after trying a few designs declared it too difficult to create an array that applied effects on their own. Looking at the attempts, Damien knew it would be too difficult for him anyway. He would be unable to transfer something so complex. That assurance quelled her wounded pride.

A few practice attempts and failures later, there was a rainbow of magical paint for them to play with. Damien noticed that Valerie seemed a lot calmer than when he first met her. Even a few hours had made a drastic enough change for him to notice. Since Soren knew the acolyte best, it was the gunman he asked. They simply replied, “Val finally feels like she can contribute.”

Damien understood the sentiment. Being useless was terrible. It had been that fear and threat that drove most of his life. That motivated him, even more, to make plans with Valerie. Her expertise was valuable and he would need to understand it better to support her. Knowledge was nice, but friends were better.

With paint in hand, Malachi’s and Phelian’s party went straight to the cavern maze. If Damien was asked to summarize it, the next couple of hours were less exploration than a survey operation. The two parties worked in tandem to check the various routes that continuously branched out from the originals. Colors were designated for those four and secondary colors to codify the turns off the designated “main route.” It was impossible to say what would be the real way forward, so they picked at random. Sometimes having to go back to recode due to dead ends. Slow work, but massively useful in the long run.

Malachi’s marking system was based on how hiking trails were often distinguished by splotches of colored paint. Double dots for the main route and a primary route color with a secondary for the others. As the paths split more colors were added to the scheme so that one could trace color order back to the main routes. Every crossroad was also labeled with an arrow pointing the way back to the stairs. Any dead ends had a red x painted where the path began so that you didn’t waste any time.

They battled monsters as well. Mostly otters, but there were a few appearances of a pale eel. Not very tough. More ambush predators, that then often tried to flee when the opponent refused to die on the first attack. No one died and not a single eel escaped.

The deeper in the two parties moved. Clearing together before spreading out to do the appropriate paint jobs. Julia and a few others drew out maps so that there would also be an overview of the general layout.

Damien didn’t think they would get very far today, but that was alright. This run of the maze was more about testing out the marking system. Everyone would get more efficient with the colors and what symbols to use when. Soon it would be second nature. There was no doubt the exit would be cracked.

Clarissa Evans

Eventually, the monotony of slow exploration got to her. On top of that was the meticulous trail marking causing time to grind down on her. She needed to do something exciting. All of it was too unbearably boring. The prime archer went to Malachi expecting to plead a case worthy of a supreme court. Prepared entirely to give her full effort to gain precious freedom. The speech poured out from her, sweet and logical. Her finish landed perfectly and the rebuttals to the rebuttals were all ready.

Then, the request was accepted without an argument. Turning out to be an easy victory. Suspiciously so.

“Yeah, that would be fine,” agreed Malachi. “Take Reuben with you and look around for us. Split if there’s trouble. We shouldn’t be too far away if something chases you two.” Raising her hackles further, he handed Clarissa an already prepared small container of paint. With a suitably small brush.

Conspiracy! she claimed to herself! Which was quickly proved correct when the betrayer spoke up. As they always do.

“Hah! Told ya she wouldn’t last more than an hour!” declared Juila. Her friend was sickenly delighted with her victory. “Malachi, you can pay up when you get back.” The leader of the Sixty only smirked before nodding.

“I’m not sure I appreciate that I’m becoming predictable to you two,” growled Clarissa. “Things might need a change up.”

Tone serious and eyes pleading, the sword acolyte leaped to say, “Please don’t take this as an excuse to create chaos more than normal. We just figured that the joys of methodical mapmaking wouldn’t be for you.”

He added morosely, “I did think you would’ve lasted longer though…”

Knowing she sounded petulant and not caring, “I would have if I knew there was a contest.”

“What?” accused Julia. “How does that make sense? You weren’t supposed to know, we were betting on you!”

“I’m just saying… I can be very patient… if I had a good reason to be,” replied the redhead stubbornly. “Also that is very rude of you!”

Malachi’s eyes closed and rubbed his face while Julia, all sparkle-eyed, stuck her tongue out. Meaning she came out as the winner. Clarissa took the offered paint and left a champion. After yoinking Reuben to go play in the dark.

In truth, she likely could have borne more boredom, but a passage a few turns back had caught her eye. The prime archer kept thinking about it until there was a feverish need to see what was around that particular corner. Reuben dazedly followed behind as Clarissa led them back to that intriguing turn. It was marked with the primary route color of light blue and farther out tertiary route of pale yellow. Before slipping through, she opened up the paint to mark her passing. It was a shade of green that perfectly matched her Mana. No doubt mixed by Juila and further proof that the two of them knew her too well.

A new experience, one that was frustrating and warm.

After a flamboyant “C” was splashed on the wall, Reuben slipped into the shadows. Following after, Clarissa noticed that despite the scout’s Form dimming his appearance, he was still faintly visible. She wondered if that was on purpose by not fully going stealth or if it was possible to make others an exception to the cloaking. They were scouting together so it would make sense, but the prime archer had never seen this partial use before.

An interesting effect of this was that Clarissa could feel how the Mana worked. Something about the current state made the Form louder to her senses. She called up her own Form, but held it at the cusp. Utilizing that starting point where pure intentionless Mana covered you. From there it was a process of imprinting the same designs and intentions. The Mana rebelled a little at the results she wanted. Understandable. The prime archer knew that being loud and noticed was more her game. Still, being stealthy wasn’t just in her wheelhouse, but a skill acquired before The Pit. Mastered even. Enough to hunt successfully more often than not.

To make the imprint she summoned memories to pour into the Mana. Those long days and nights where catching something was the only guaranteed food most weeks. Returned to many panic moments when child services came too close and slipping away unnoticed was the only way out. Clarissa remembered sneaking unseen around other people. All of it was packaged together and given to the nascent Form until there was a snap. Everything falling into place. She knew that her version wasn’t as good as Reuben's. His was so much more complex, likely dimming more than sight and sound as hers did.

The scout turned around and started to look for where she went. Her disembodied laugh echoed in the narrow tunnel before she thought for Reuben to be excluded. Once she returned to sight there was even more confusion on his face.

“Since when can you cloak?” asked Reuben

“Since now,” grinned Crimson. “I copied your Form.”

“You can copy… Forms?”

“Somewhat, I guess. Yours is still better than mine.”

Reuben went thoughtful, “Huh, wait till Damien hears about this.”

“O’ oh no!” said Clarissa in faux alarm. “He’ll dissect me for my secrets!”

“The experience of the thousand questions that man will launch at you ain’t much different,” laughed the scout.

“That may be true, but I counter with that I am very fast,” argued the redhead. “And, am I not magically stealthy!?”

“Didn’t help Vincent much.”

“I can’t believe that I missed that fight. Bet it was awesome.”

Grinning, Reuben confirmed. “Most of us are pushing at our best every day. I’m not sure we’ve seen Damien sweat yet.”

“Now that’s a scary thought,” said Clarissa with a frown. “I feel bad for whatever gets his full attention.”

“You and me both, lady,” said Reuben ruefully.

There was a bit of shared laughter and they started moving again. With both of them hidden from sight, the scout sped up their pace a little. Her chosen path led to a crossroad with choices all orientated away from the direction the rest of the raid group was moving. Clarissa was already feeling her luck. Doubly so when one of the tunnels was decidedly downwards. She knew instantly this was important as so far the cavern maze was all on a flat plane if rough terrain.

They came to a silent agreement on which one to check out. Reuben had noticed the difference right away too. After marking the way back and their chosen tunnel, it was time to go. The way was straight for dozens of meters, slanted downwards, and completely enclosed. A sharp turn appeared that seemed to uturn, but instead met up with a steep stairway. The sound of water that had been left behind was loud again. Below, just in view, was a new level covered in white crystals.

Clarissa looked at the sight with delight. Whispering to her companion, “Adventure!”

He rolled his eyes at her, but Reuben had a smile too.

Phelian Starr

Another eel leaped from a cave pool, almost invisible between the gloom and a refraction of light. Used to these ambushes, he only pivoted before slashing. His sword aglow passed through the open mouth down to the tail. A splash of milky blood as the two pieces rubberily hit the floor. The arisen warrior paused, waiting. Nothing. The water in the pools was calm. He relaxed the blade, but kept alert. Sometimes the pale fish timed their attacks at odd intervals. Suggesting maybe they were either intelligent or able to detect the awareness of others.

Hector walked up to the dusting monster and tapped it with his toe. “Huh, you’re getting good at slicing them lengthwise. Kinda creepy.”

The arisen warrior grinned at his partner. Lovingly saying, “Don’t be disturbed by my talent. Instead, imagine how good I’d be at sushi!”

“Uh huh,” said Hector, frowning.

“Come on, you know those things are aggressive,” complained Phelian. “You don’t destroy the brain, they keep coming or run away to try again. This way, easy cleanup!”

“Because our stuff is self-cleaning.”

“And the blood turns to dust too!”

“True.”

“Gods, how much of a blessing is that, right?” said Phelian with a smile.

“Too right,” agreed Hector, shuddering at how gross fighting the Ratsins had been. “Without that, I would demand we hose everyone off at the Doors.”

“But we don’t have a hose in the Hall?”

“I would damn well find one or make it happen!” exclaimed Hector in good humor. “Otherwise, mutant rat guts everywhere!”

“Wouldn’t that be quite the sight!” said an amused Phelian

They shared a laugh in the dark together.

The two of them stood at the front fringe of the trail marking operation. Clearing out the next crossroad so it could be painted up. Phelian found the whole thing kinda funny. In a game or some other story, adventures just leap into the mazes. Wandering about to find their way by luck or simple plain stubbornness. Malachi’s way would one hundred percent work, but in a brute force kind of way. Time consuming too. On the other hand, getting lost in a wet cave wasn’t a pleasant thought in real life.

Wonder how those that came before us did it, thought the arisen warrior. Did they rush in? Map as they went or was our way the same as theirs? Why did they do it? What is a Brave anyway? Annoying how many answers can make new questions.

“Hey Hector, how do you think those that came before us did this part?” asked Phelian.

His love looked uncomfortable, but thoughtful too. “I guess it counts on why those old ones were in The Pit in the first place. That ghost said it was a trial to become a Brave. Whatever that is… but that says to me maybe it wasn’t quite so “your life's on the line” as it is with us. I bet they just ran it.”

“Hmm, that’s a good point,” murmured Phelian. “I guess there’s a lot of reasons not to be reckless.”

“I wish it surprised me that the danger factor hadn’t occurred to you before,” grumbled Hector.

“That’s not nice. I know caves are dangerous, even without monsters!”

“And, yet, what was your first thought when we came down here?”

Phelian smiled hesitantly and slowly admitted, “That it would be… really fun to… run around down here… rather than take the time to paint everything…”

Hector chuckled as if the world was ludicrous.

“Well I didn’t say anything!” complained the arisen warrior. “Not like I told Malachi he was being boring like Clarissa did.”

“Yeah, but despite being more outrageous than you, she at least has a sense of self-preservation,” grinned Hector.

“Your teasing is not appreciated,” pouted Phelian.

In good humor, Hector assured him that it certainly was.

“Sigh… I just want to go on an adventure,” he confessed. Slow crawling through the maze for one day was already straining. The idea that this was going to take days was unbearable.

“Don’t worry, things’ll pick up soon,” theorized Hector. “The other parties will join us down here and then the numbers alone will get us through this. I think that’s part of the reason Malachi’s doing this. Give others time to form proper parties going forward.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah, our leader’s pretty shrewd.” The tone said that statement was both a compliment and a complaint.

“What? No, I meant… that things will get more exciting soon.”

Laughing, Hector replied, “Yes! Very soon you’ll get all the monsters and adventure you want. If not this floor, there’s ninety eight more of the two of us to explore.”

“Sounds pretty good when you put it that way,” smiled Phelian. Hector agreed with a kiss.