Chapter Ninety-Eight

Name:Dungeon Life Author:
Chapter Ninety-Eight

Everyone stands around the dead scythemaw, trying to figure out the answer to Ragnars question: How will they get this thing out of here? Its too big and heavy for them to lift, and even if they manage to cut it into pieces, theres still the matter of all the other scythemaws between them and my territory.

Maybe a shortcut? suggests Aelara, but the others dont look too sure of that.

Even if Teemo made one, we still wouldnt be able to lift the entire thing, points out Yvonne.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.

Teemo tilts his head slightly as I tell him Ill help, and he smiles once I explain. The Boss says hes sending Fluffles to come get the scythemaw. He should be able to levitate the corpse without much issue, and probably us with it. Once back in Thedeims territory proper, you guys should be able to get a cart and some laborers or something.

Ragnar grins at that idea. An we cn parade this thing through town. I ken were the first ta fell one. The others enjoy the idea of the fame that will bring, before Yvonne speaks up.

Oh, Aranya. Did you want to officially join the guild? Your prayers made that fight much smoother, she points out, and the other two nod as the kobold considers that.

What about my responsibilities to Thedeim?

Teemo shrugs. You know how his plans can change, but hes not planning any new enclaves for a while. Im pretty sure the other spawners still have quite a few upgrades to go before any of them would be ready, too.

She thinks while the others idly chat and poke the dead maw, taking their time to examine their prize as they wait for Fluffles to get there. He has no trouble flying high and over the scythemaws, and theyre content to ignore him. He earns the occasional growl when he flies over some nests, but thats it. Once he arrives and slips past the doors, Aranya seems to take that as her cue to announce her decision.

I think I will join the Adventurers Guild, if youll have me in your party. You are allowed more than three, right? Ive only ever seen trios or solo people, sometimes a delver leading a non-combatant to the nodes.

Aelara nods. Theres no official limit to a party size, but three is the traditional number. It tends to give a good balance of roles while minimizing the need to divide loot and experience.

You all are fine with me having a share of both?

They all nod, and Ragnar speaks up. Aye, lass. If na fer yer prayers, that maw could ave left me as half th dwarf I am now.

I start to get a bit worried for the group when I notice Grim make his way down to one of the tunnels, and I set a few healing slimes to follow him. Theres only that one group thats hunting right now, so I hope things are going well for them.

Things dont seem to be going well for them, as I soon feel the elf sprinting into the tunnel with Grim, the gnome and halfling over his shoulders. The halfling is looking like a rabid can-opener attacked him, and the gnome is looking pretty pale from blood loss. The culprit is probably that deep gash on her thigh. I can see something smeared over the wound, but I dont know what it actually is.

And not far behind comes a rampaging scythemaw, roaring and chasing as quickly as it can. Grim watches them all, and motions at the elf before indicating the two red slimes behind him, and slowly walks forward. The elf rushes past him and gives the two slimes a weird look, before the gnome manages a few pained words.

Into the slimes she groans, recognizing the healing properties even in her state. Grims scythe makes a rhythmic sound as he uses it as a walking stick, continuing his pace towards the tunnel horror, seeming to pay no mind to the scenes before or behind him.

The elf, apparently Dirnos, manages to get his companions into the jells before he looks back, and his eyes widen as he feels Grim tap into his true power. My Groundsreapers robes seem to softly billow in an unseen breeze as he comes to a stop, the scythemaw practically upon him. If I had eyes, theyd widen, too, when I take a peek at Grims stats. Hes got a few new titles.

Grim, the Groundsreaper

Skeleton Scion

Bloom of Life

Touch of Death

The Bridge Between

Grim doesnt even move as the maw collapses like a puppet with its strings cut, a faint caw echoing through the tunnels. Momentum carries it to Grims feet, where he reaches into his robe and pulls out a simple daisy and lays it upon its snout. His task complete, he turns and walks back past the stunned elf and the recovering others. Theyre in no position to say anything, but he quietly swears once Grim passes out of his view, and he looks back towards the dead scythemaw.

By the Raven

I dont think hes too far off.