Part Ninety-Two

Hatred. That was the only thing it felt.

Its beautiful, beautiful plan lay in ruins, all because one measly human had the audacity to survive its attack. Then another one had burned its carefully maintained fur off, and gruesomely injured it. Sure, its magic eventually restored it to its former glory, but the shame of the incident still smoldered.

But, there was one bright side. Now that the annoying pig and the shrieking sky-lizard were dead, it had full control over the rest of the Army. No one and nothing could stop it from directing the monsters as it pleased. It would use every last drop of its cunning to rip the humans apart, limb-by-limb.

***

“You’re the last one. Good, then I can start.”

An NPC had directed me to go to the stage that had been built overnight, where I was to report to the quartermaster. He was apparently in charge of whatever the heck was going on.

“As you all already know, or should know anyway, the commander is intent on giving a speech before dismissing you all from duty. I’ve been asked to make sure you all know what you’re doing, so you don’t make asses of yourselves.”

“All of you were chosen because you either had great personal achievements, or because your group greatly contributed to the fort's defense. You’re to essentially represent the entirety of the mercenary forces present within Fort Aries. For these two reasons, your honors will be more prestigious than what the others will receive.”

It wasn’t just big shots from the strike squad like Braddock and Sampson here. There were more individualistic fighters like Hunk-lite and Tiffany present, as well as a dozen faces from the ordinary mercenaries that I didn’t recognize. There were even a few surprises like Brad mixed in. All in all, it was a pretty diverse group.

“After the assembly, you’ll all have the chance the opt out of the defense force, though you’ll be giving up any further rewards to do so. And before you ask, no, I don’t know how you’ll be leaving the fort. The Archmage has kept that on a need to know basis.”

“Now all that said, there’s not actually a whole lot you’ll have to do once you’re out there. Just listen to the commander’s instructions, and everything should go off without a hitch. Are there any other questions?”

“Just one. How much longer do we have to wait?”

***

[Alicia’s POV]

Status

Race: Human

Age: 18

State: Healthy

Titles: Headshot, Razor’s Edge,

Rank: C

Skills

Normal Skills: Analyze, Stealth Rank E, Accuracy Rank C, Imbuement Rank F, Lightning Magic Rank F, Survival Instinct,

Unique Skill: Observer

Equipment: Archer's Helm, Archer's Lightweight Armor, Rapid-fire Gloves, Archer's Skirt, Archer's Boots, Hidden-shot Bracers, Impact Bow,

Mhmhm🎶, it’s hard to believe that my Status was so empty just four months ago. I may actually have more Skills than Michael now. Life's just full of surprises.

“What’s got you so cheery lass? I was under the impression that you’d be upset that you weren’t invited to be onstage.”

“Heh? Oh, no way. I’m actually kinda glad that I don’t have to go up there to be honest. Michael might hate the attention, but he’ll just shrug it off like he always does. Just the thought of being up there makes me a bit nervous.”

“Ah, alright then.”

Alicia gave a mental sigh at avoiding that landmine. She couldn’t just come out and say that she was giddy about seeing her visible growth, now could she? Cameron had been awful touchy about Statuses and anything to do with growth. He clearly had a few insecurities, but nothing she or Michael said had helped clear them up.

“Not long now. How many do you think we’ll lose? Er, I mean when the NPCs let us leave the Dungeon.”

“Hmm. Well, the lad was saying we might lose as many as half, but I’d be surprised if a third leave. I think the mood in the fort has improved since the two Mid-bosses died. There’s a lot more optimism amongst the rank-and-file then there was. Of course, there’ll still be those who flee regardless. That’s almost guaranteed at this point.”

“Yeah. It’s been, rough, to say the least. I don’t know about you or Michael, but I could use a good long rest once we get out of here.”

“Here, here! Especially Michael. The lad's going to run himself ragged at the pace he’s set for himself. He needs someone to stand behind him to keep him from getting too carried away.”

“Why do I feel like you’re insinuating that it should be me who does that?”

“Ahahahaha!”

“Cameron!”

She couldn’t help but think he was making fun of her. It was starting to seem like both Cameron and Michael enjoyed infuriating her.

Oh, who am I kidding? I know Michael enjoys teasing me, I just don’t want his behavior to rub off on other people. Maybe I should crack down harder on Michael when he does that around other people.

“Oh, I guess we’re about to start.”

The stage was quickly filling up as mercenaries and NPCs filed up. Alicia spotted Michael standing between the blond-haired girl he worked with earlier, and the guy wearing the gas mask. And based off of his body language….

“Ah, he’s not happy, is he?”

“No, no he isn’t. Oh boy. Come on Michael, don’t blow a fuse here.”

***

[Jansen’s POV]

It wasn’t just Michael’s group who’d seen great progress within the Dungeon. Others had as well, some much more so than others. And others, well, others had gained and lost in equal measure.

Cursed String

Rank: C

Effect: Enhances the effects, duration, and potency of Curse Magic

Description: A bow crafted from the heart of a Blackwood Treant. Despite the fact that its sturdy construction and hardy materials make it highly effective at firing physical arrows, its true purpose is to turn Curse Spells into magical arrows.

Upgrade Requirements: 1 Kilogram Blackwood Oak

5 Titan Tendons

3 Grams Powdered Silent Viper Fang

I may have no idea how to use Curse Magic yet, but I’ve already validated its effectiveness with physical arrows. It out performs the Fairy's Whisper in every aspect. It even has the potential to grow given enough time and effort. But I’ll need far more than this. And that’s what they’re for.

“Damn, don’t the Boss look dignified up there?”

“Woo-boy. Hehehe, he sure makes the others look like chumps.”

Even Jansen had to admit that Sampson certainly cut a sharp figure up on the stage. He’d taken the time to polish and buff his armor last night for this exact purpose. He was using this opportunity to leave an impression upon those who’d be left wandering after this. Jansen was certain that there would be a rush of people trying to sign up with their group after the Dungeon was cleared.

He’s conniving enough to be a politician if he wasn’t so vulgar. But that’s exactly why I’m going to use him. I’ll leverage anything and everything to destroy them.

***

[Cortis's POV]

Oh come on! Why is this taking so freaking long!? I want to go!

After they’d waited in that little room for a half-hour, they’d been brought out and paraded around like cattle. Then they’d had to wait as the NPCs sorted out who would stand where and next to who. The whole process had left him feeling antsy, especially since the person standing beside him was the one Earthling he’d rather not be around right now.

Cortis vaguely regretted using the Blitzkrieg Launcher to deal with the Wyvern. Not only had it blown his cover, but he hadn’t even gotten the reward for the kill. Someone else had swooped in and stolen it at the last second. Given that that had broken the Launcher, he was understandably miffed about having the item stolen away.

Either way, Michael was now aware that he was an otherworlder. On its own, that wouldn’t be anything to worry about. Earth was bound to see hundreds, if not thousands, more otherworlders. The issue was that the mercenaries still in the Dungeon would be wary of him after the mess with Finnél. Being under constant suspicion was sure to drive him crazy.

That, combined with the fact that he needed to restock his ammunition, drove him to decide to pull out of the Dungeon as quickly as possible. Hence his impatience for the assembly to start.

“Really? Huh. I can’t say whether or not that surprises me.”

“Uh, should it? I can’t imagine that we’re the only ones to come to this decision. Getting out now seems to be the best chance we have.”

“…I get it. You’ve got to do what works for you. But why are you telling me?”

“Well, Serena put me up to it. She had this idea that, no, it’s stupid. Don’t mind me.”

“Mm, you’re weird.”

“Wha!? Na-uh! You’re weird!”

“What are you, three? Come up with a better insult, and try again tomorrow.”

What the heck is that weirdo thinking!?

***

I’m so goddamn bored!

While the back-and-forth with Tiffany had kind of amused me for a time, standing on stage with nothing to do was quickly getting on my nerves. I was slightly perturbed by her bringing the topic up with me in the first place, but maybe she was just as bored as me. Hunk-lite certainly was, as he kept twitching and glancing at me from time-to-time.

You know, I never actually learned the guy's name. I just call him Hunk-lite because he fights and dresses like the character. Though, I don’t remember Hunk ever having a rocket launcher in any of his appearances. Eh, I guess it was a bad comparison from the start.

Thankfully, the commander arrived before the crowd could grow too restless. We could finally get this done and over with.

***

Outside the Dungeon……

“Director!? What are you doing here?”

“Did you really believe that I would miss this? As one of the principal contributors responsible for this little operation, it would be remiss of me to be absent during this most critical juncture.”

“Oh. Of course Director, I’m sorry for questioning you.”

“Think nothing of it! It was a most understandable mistake. Now, what is the status of the Dungeon?”

“Still inactive, Sir!”

Both men glanced towards the Portal, which was still firmly closed. Only the slightest disturbance in the air marked where it had been. Dungeons usually could be accessed at any time, regardless of whether there were Challengers inside or not. But some Dungeons disregarded this rule by sealing themselves once entered. Clearing any Dungeon above D-Rank came with inherent dangers. Being stuck inside was just one of them.

“The techs are saying that we’ve got just under an hour until it’s been exactly one week since the mercenaries went in, Sir.”

A Dungeon that sealed itself would only open back up if every Challenger inside managed to either escape or died, a fact the two men were aware of.

“Hm. What were the results of the previous expeditions?”

“The first one failed after just under twenty-four hours. The second lasted to just over thirty-six, and the third, which had over two hundred men assigned to it, lasted five days.”

“Hmm. I suppose this is a good sign then. If they’ve come this far, then I’m sure they’ll make the cut. And if they don’t, well, it’s no skin off my back. He he he.”