Chapter 129: Crackling Fear

Chapter 129: Crackling Fear

Walking through the sphere items level was like walking through an awakened areathe distances were large and the threats made use of the environment. Three things became clear very early on. The first was that the creatures were much more intelligent, merging and breaking up in a way to gain the greatest advantage of their surroundings. Dallion had watched a giant boar-like creature burst into hundreds of piglets in order to pass through a bush of crystal, then merge again to minimize the effects of a crossbow volley. No wonder that the guild didnt want newbies facing off such creatures. Even one such pack would wipe the floor with a random packrat. Looking at things realistically, Dallion thought he would have a very hard time winning against it in a one-to-one fight.

The second important lesson to keep in mind was that plants, like creatures, could also be lethal. Approaching too close to the popdragons caused the orange blossoms of the flower to explode, scattering a multitude of poisonous needles in anyone nearby. So far there had been no fatalities, but two packrats from another group had had their health deduced by a third. Dallion made a mental note not to approach anything that had bright colors, and be especially careful where he stepped. Judging by the reaction of the others in his group, he wasnt the only one.

Finally, there was the third fundamental discoverythe guardian chamber was hidden. Upon first hearing it, Dallion had thought that it was a matter of going through the entire level, at most having to figure out a way into the heart of a dense forest, a hollow column, or something of the sort. The truth was much more different. Apparently, mind and perception were just as important when it came to large explorations as were body and reflexes. Guardian arenas weren't merely a location, they were a set of conditions that made the guardian appear: a fruit that had to be put in a specific spot, a challenge that had to be made at a specific time, a set number of ingredients that had to be mixed into a potion An exploration was no less than an epic adventure as it was described in fantasy books back on Earth. From what Dallion learned, sometimes it took decades for an adventure to be complete, thus why powerful items needed real-life years to have their destiny complete even by guilds. It also meant that packrats lived up to their name even more.

Get some of that moss as well, Vend said to Dallion, as the rest of the group was resting.

I already have some of that. Dallion did his best not to grumble, but it was getting increasingly difficult the more things he was forced to carry.

No, you dont. This ones yellow.

Dallion glared at the moss. As far as he could tell, there didnt seem to be a difference, but then again, his perception was only at ten.

Bel, Falkner, guard him.

The pair was another surprise Dallion had come across, although a welcome one. Given the number of people that took part in the exploration, it was normal to expect that his former party members would be among them. The reason Dallion hadnt seen them in up till now was because they were among those who had joined earlier. The leader of their group had been banged up by an Amber Boar, forcing them to join other existing groups. Both of them had selected Dallions.

As much as Dallion wanted to think that the two had joined because of him, he knew the real reasonthey had joined because of Vend. Given his reputation, it couldnt be otherwise.

How have you guys been? Dallion asked. Spending time with them proved far more awkward than Dallion had imagined. For some reason both Bel and Falkner were racked with guilt about them passing their selection trial, to the point that they had even avoided his mission celebrations. In that aspect, they were unlike Arthurows who hadnt given a damn.

Fine, Bel replied, while Falkner still avoided Dallions gaze.

Thats cool. Same mentor?

No. I got selected by Blanda, one of the scout masters of the guild. She seems to think that I can pull it off. There was a long pause. Its not as interesting as it sounds. Ive been spending most of my time mending rooms at the guild one at a time. She looked at the ceiling with an annoyed expression.

That sounds harsh. Dallion was glad not to be in her shoes. Having to mend rooms a crack at a time sounded incredibly bothersome. Whats the point behind that?

Training my stealth. When Im able to kill a crack without the rest finding out, Ill move on to actual scout jobs supposedly.

I bet itll be cool, Dallion encouraged her as he grabbed a handful of greenish-yellow moss. Besides, beats being a packrat. He put the moss in one of the dozens of pouches he was given by the rest of the group. What about you, Falkner? Anything interesting?

Im learning for group leader, the boy mumbled in response. Its okay.

Group lead. Dallion whistled. That sounds like quite a big deal. That means youll be leading parties soon?

Maybe For now, I just have to get strong enough to pass my double-digit trial.

The second level appeared to be just as large as the first, only the atmosphere was different. If the first mimicked forests and meadows, the second mimicked a lake. Smooth pools of crystal replaced water, clusters of stalagmites replaced reeds and vegetation. The massive columns were still there, though, far more numerous than on the level above.

Does the item have a pyramid structure? Dallion asked.

Just about, one of the more experienced members answered. The difference wont be noticed till the tenth level.

That was reassuring, at least, although it posed more questions.

Next spot is in the middle of that crystal lake. Vend pointed to the distance. There are no creatures here, but be careful while you walk. The place is slippery.

If this place is clear, how come there are still creatures on top? Dallion wondered.

No idea. Hiding probably. Some levels are tougher than others. First, seventh, and eight are the nasty ones. Everything else, you just need to be careful where you step. And dont touch your faces, especially you, packrats. The plants get more poisonous as we go down.

Creatures and poison this definitely sounded like a fun item to have. By the sound of it the ancients who had built it had a different understanding as to what a dresser was supposed to do.

Also, Dal, youre right. It was the guard group that went missing, Vend said all of a sudden. It was the scouts that found that out after they returned from exploring level twelve. Thats why we need the numbers. The experienced parties will be searching level twelve. Meanwhile, we, along with the rest of the packrats, will go through every inch of eleven.

What if we dont find them on either of the levels? Dallion asked.

We will.

No, I mean, what if something took them deeper?

Nothing can go between levels.

Dallion felt a chill in his stomach. Just now, for the first time since hed known him, Vend had lied. It wasnt even a very good lie. True, according to Dallions senses, the man had told the truth, but there was no denying the flawed logic. If creatures couldnt go between levels, why were so many people searching the twelfth floor?

As the group stepped onto the smooth crystal surface, the walking turned into skating. It was impressive just how easy the activity became with improved body and perception. Dallion regretted not having such powers back on Earth. For one thing it would have made learning to skate a lot less painful.

The passage to the next level was exactly where Vend had said it would benext to a camp in the middle of the crystal lake. The guards must have been here for a while, for they had erected several tents, as well as started a small campfire. Seeing Vends group, one of them rushed into a tent, then came out with a pair of scrolls, which he promptly gave to Vend. Dallion expected the scroll to be then handed to one of the packrats of the party, but surprisingly Vend kept them for himself.

Well rest a while, Vend announced. Unpack and get some sleep if you have to. Well be going through five levels after this one.

Suddenly Dallion felt Nox get on edge. Hissing like a furious kitten, the creature went into a corner of Dallions awakening room back first, ready to claw at anything that approached.

Whats going on? Dallion whispered.

He wanted to calm down his familiar, but he felt that things had gone beyond that point. Something absolutely terrified the crackling, and it was coming from the level below.