Chapter 97: Dungeon Crawling

Chapter 97: Dungeon Crawling

The first level of the daggers realm had the appearance of a cave, with one major differenceall the passages were brightly lit up by an invisible source of light. While the effect was beneficial, it also felt unnaturally strangenothing in the cave had any shadows, including the members of the group. It took Dallion several steps to get partially used to the notion. Not seeing a dark spot beneath his feet upon lifting them from the ground was just too creepy.

Does anyone have a high perception? he asked. The other members of the group looked at him with blank expressions.

Seriously? Dallion grumbled in his mind. Although this was a fantasy world, hed have hoped that they would know basic tactics.

Its better if the one with the greatest perception is in front, like a scout, Dallion explained. Meanwhile, the ones with greatest body and guard stats should act like t he stopped himself. There was no way anyone would understand the meaning of the word tank. Bodyguards of the group, Dallion quickly corrected himself.

The silence indicated that while not objecting, no one thought the idea particularly good either.Nêww chapters will be fully updated at novelhall.com

My perception is six, Dallion offered.

The moment he put his hat in the ring, the groups attitude changed. There was no longer the fear that he was taking advantage of them. Now it was only a matter of simple comparison, and where there were comparisons, there was pride.

Im at eight, Bel said.

Six here. Arthurows shrugged.

Cellano didnt bother saying, suggesting that his perception was the lowest of all.

Im at ten, Falkner said, as Dallion suspected he would. Anyone who had improved his clothes to such a level had to have a high level of perception. Guess that makes me the scout?

Sort of. Just walk in front. Ill be a few steps behind in case something attacks. Dallion tapped on his buckler. The attackers should be a few steps behind me, so they can jump into action when needed.

After some readjustments, the party moved forward. Given the nature of the cave, Dallion wasnt worried about attacks from the rear and, provided there were no such things as grenades in this world, he wasnt overly concerned with ambushes, either. If they faced an enemy with area attacks, though, some changes might be needed.

As they walked, Dallion kept an eye on Vend. The echo had chosen to follow the group a few steps away. Maybe that was how its owner usually behaved in group fights, but Dallion had the sneaky suspicion that the party was in for a serious attack at any moment now.

I see something. Falkner stopped, pointing forward. Some kind of reptilian creatures.

Good. Next time, maybe whisper that, instead of letting the whole cave know. Get back here. Anyone with ranged weapons, prepare to fight. Ill take the lead and act as a wall. Although, it would have been better if he was equipped with a tower shield instead of a small buckler.

To Dallions surprise, Arthurows joined him in the front line.

Im also a good guard, Arthurows whispered, then to Dallions astonishment, drew a large shield out of nowhere. Here to lend a shield. He smiled.

Dallion had no idea how that trick worked, nor what shield exactly Arthurows had with him, but he knew he wanted one. A shield that could be carried with such ease was a huge advantage.

Thanks. Dallion drew his dartbow, while raising his buckler to protect the upper part of his torso. We go slowly.

The effort proved quickly wasted. Before they could even take a step forward, the cave echoed with the sound of running. Dozens of claws hitting rock resonated throughout the tunnel, approaching closer and closer.

Species: Amphibion

Class: Earth

Statistics: 100% hp

Skills: Venom claws

Weak spots: Tail

White rectangles hovered above each of the creatures. There were dozens of them, filling the tunnel like a wave of water.

No. They are nothing but a nuisance. Better get used to them, theres a lot more until you reach the level guardian.

Do we get an achievement if we kill them all?

Art, Vend sighed. Your only choice is to kill them all. Why do you think theyre names blockers? Their only purpose is to block people going forward. If youve reached the guardian, it means theres none of them left to block you.

Figures. Arthurows shrugged.

We go on like before? Falkner had already gone a few steps forward. I dont see anything in the next five hundred feet. Think we should run till the end, Dal?

Slow and steady wins the race. Dallion returned his dartbow to his holster. Theres no telling what we might find.

Good job, by the way, Bel said as she passed by. The group thing was a good idea.

This was officially Dallions first compliment. Not the best one possible, but at least he was no longer considered an outsider. Maybe that would earn him a few contribution points going on? If they managed to reach the fifth level. This was the very first encounter, and already it was much more difficult than what Dallion had faced in the realm of the well.

Going forward, the group picked up the pace slightly, although everyone had their guard up. Discussions were scarce, mostly comments on skills and weaponsthe first signs of opening up. The next common battle followed minutes later.

The creatures attacking were the same, and just as before, Dallion found himself issuing orders. Directing four people should have been the simplest thing possible, yet for some reason no one here seemed to grasp it. Looking at them, Dallion had no doubt that each of his group members could take down the wave of amphibions on their own, but working together proved a challenge. It was almost like watching a cat learning to walk with slippers.

Defeating the last of the creatures, the group went on. The cave tunnel went on and on, curving slightly as it did. It was as if they were walking along one giant spiral. Every now and again it would straighten, indicating a new group of enemies was about to attack.

With each battle, coordination improved. Roles and positions within the party shifted. Given their kill rate, Cellano moved to the front, alongside Falkner. Bel and Dallion took the second row, using ranged attacks to diminish the number, while Arthurows took the rear, with the role of guarding the echo of their future instructor, should any of the enemies pass through. All in all, it was a sound idea, although Dallion suspected that Arthurows was using it as an excuse to slack off.

Alas, the smoother their fights became, the more concerned Dallion got.

Guys, how many were there in the last group? he asked.

Fifty-seven, Cellano said.

More like fifty-nine. Falkner corrected.

Any chance they could have been sixty? Dallion wondered.

Could be. Why

And the last time they were fifty-five?

I guess What are you thinking?

Sir, Dallion turned to Vend. Do blockers depend on the size of the group?

No. They are always one and the same, the echo replied. No matter if its one person or a hundred.

Dallions puzzle mind took over. A pattern had formed. The logic seemed flimsy at first. Nothing but a coincidence, but with each battle, his silly theory had got one step closer to being confirmed.

The first fight included thirty-five enemies, which was five times seven. Each subsequent fight the number increased by five. So far, they had gone through six waves, which suggested the next would be the last before the guardian.

The next fight well face sixty-five of them, isnt that right? Dallion asked. And the first guardian will follow.

March didnt exaggerate. Vend smiled. You catch on quickly. Just be sure not to die till the end.

Everyone stared at Dallion, but his mind was elsewhere. This wasnt the first artifact hed seen with similar numbers. The awakened shrine had also had five trials, each helping Dallion to increase his level. Could this be the same? Very soon hed find out.