Dungeon Champions

We all took a long, extended rest in the forest. Agent Kieran was determined to get back to Boulibar Bay and share what we’d learned, but I was adamant that we needed the rest. I got Britney some water and let her lay out in the sun.

While my party recovered, Kieran told us about how they had fared inside.

“It was a nightmare from the start,” she said, shaking her head. “We encountered those twisted monsters almost immediately. Rurik and Whistle…we could hear them. Struggling. I don’t know what I was doing, putting the two of them together. We tried to find them, but the dungeon kept shifting around us.”

Kieran’s face was drawn as she rubbed her forehead.

“We fought our way through as best we could, trying to find a way to shut the place down. But it felt like we were just going in circles.”

Tallis snorted. “Until we found some kind of control room. It was full of strange stuff. Metal bits and flashing lights. Tried to sabotage it, but that just seemed to make things worse.”

“That’s when the walls started closing in on us,” Brog said, his voice rumbling in his chest. “Barely made it out of there alive.”

I nodded, thinking about our own close calls. “We found the core and managed to destroy it. That’s what caused the collapse.”

Kieran’s eyes widened. “You actually found the core? We never even got close.”

“It wasn’t easy,” I said. “But we managed to figure out how to overload and destroy it. Though I wish we could have found you all first.”

Kieran nodded, tapping a finger on one of her horns. “You did what you had to do. And you saved a lot of lives by shutting that place down. Even if we couldn’t save two good agents along the way.”

We fell into a contemplative silence for a few moments.

I could see the pain of loss in Kieran’s eyes—the deaths of Whistle and Rurik clearly weighed heavily on her.

“So what happens now?” Zuri asked, breaking the quiet.

Kieran straightened up, her professional demeanor returning. “Now we head back to Boulibar Bay and report what happened. The Trade Regulation Bureau will want a full debrief, and we’ll need to arrange for a team to come out and secure this site.”

I considered warning her to hold off, then remembered the explosion. In the aftermath, I hadn’t seen any signs of elementals.

It’s like they all just vanished. The thought was concerning, particularly if other dungeons like this existed. Could the dangerous material simply have gone to another facility?

“Just be careful,” I said, not mentioning the things I’d stashed along the way.

She gave me a hard look. “Of course. We may not have Tablets, but we know how to do our jobs.”

***

The walk back to Boulibar Bay was quiet and tense. Everyone was lost in their thoughts. I kept replaying moments in my head, wondering if there was anything we could have done differently. The only better option, of course, was sticking together. And that hadn’t been my decision to make.

As we approached the town gates, I noticed an unusual amount of activity. Guards were posted at regular intervals along the walls, and I could see patrols moving through the streets beyond.

Agent Kieran frowned. “Something’s not right. The town’s on high alert.”

We were met at the gate by a contingent of guards, including Gate Guard Sirun.

“Agent Kieran,” Sirun said, nodding curtly. “We’ve been expecting you. The mayor wants to see you immediately.”

Kieran’s frown deepened. “What’s going on?”

Sirun’s eyes darted around nervously. “Not here. Mayor Regan has asked you be brought to him immediately. Follow me.”

We said goodbye to Tallis and Brog, who promised to keep their heads low until they heard from Kieran again. Then Gate Guard Sirun led us through the darkening streets, which were eerily quiet despite the increased guard presence. Townsfolk hurried about their business, casting wary glances over their shoulders.

Something had absolutely happened while we were gone.

We arrived at the mayor’s office to find Mayor Regan pacing behind his desk. He looked up as we entered, relief washing over his features.

“Oh, I’m so happy you’re back alive, Sera,” he said. He then looked at the rest of us and coughed. “You as well, adventurers.”

Kieran stepped forward. “What’s going on?”

Mayor Regan wrung his hands. “We started to get attacked by waves of monsters. They…were horrible. And just kept coming. About the time that you would have been going into the dungeon.” He frowned and looked down at his hands. “Bea and I assumed you’d died.”

“I’m fine,” Kieran said, her tone soft. “Milton, you don’t need to worry. I can handle myself.”

A moment passed between them, and I felt a little like we were third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth wheeling.

“When did the monsters stop?” I asked, just to distract them.

Mayor Regan nodded. “Just before dinner.”

“So right around when we destroyed the core.”

Those were the magic words. Mayor Regan stopped looking like a lovesick kid and straightened up. “You…actually destroyed it?”

“We did,” I said. At his prompting, I explained exactly how the dungeon run went. I left out the fates of the two Trade Regulation Bureau agents, and I noticed Agent Kieran looked relieved.

Mayor Regan slumped back in his chair, relief evident on his face. “Best news of the day. When those monsters started pouring out of the forest, we feared the worst. Our guards were barely holding them back.”

“How bad was the damage?” Kieran asked, frowning.

“We lost a few good people,” Regan said grimly. “And the eastern gate and Upper District are a mess. But it could have been much worse if the attacks hadn’t suddenly stopped.”

“Without the core powering the dungeon, all the monsters it created would have collapsed. I bet you’ll find the attacking wave in pieces somewhere between here and the dungeon.”

Mayor Regan nodded slowly. “I see. Well, you’ve done this town a great service. We owe you a debt of gratitude.”

“There’s more you should know,” I said, glancing at Kieran. She gave me a small nod, so I continued. “A lot of the equipment down there was powered by elemental containment spheres. Like the ones from Captain Drake’s ship. They called it ‘Project Synthesis’ and it was led by someone named Arlen Voss.”

At this, Regan’s head snapped up, his eyes sharp. “Are you certain?”

I nodded. “Absolutely. We saw this all with our own eyes.”

The mayor sat back, running a hand over his face. “This is... concerning. Very concerning indeed.”

“What do you want us to do?” Kieran asked. “I need to report back to the Bureau, but given what we’ve found...”

Regan held up a hand. “No. Not yet. We need to handle this carefully. If word gets out about those spheres or the Trade Bureau’s apparent involvement, it could cause widespread panic. Not to mention attract unwanted attention from those who might want to exploit such technology.”

I didn’t really agree, but I nodded anyway. It was better to let people stay in the dark, to not know what was going on…but it felt rotten. “So, what’s our next move?”

The mayor stood, pacing behind his desk. “For now, we keep this information contained. Agent Kieran, I need you to delay your report to the Bureau. Just for a day or two, until we can figure out how to approach this.”

Kieran frowned but nodded reluctantly. “I don’t like it, but I understand the need for discretion. What about securing the site?”

“I’ll send a small, trusted team to guard the area,” Regan said. “No one goes in or out until we decide how to proceed. Jordan, I’d like you and your party to stay in town for now. Your expertise might be needed if we encounter any…remnants of the dungeon’s influence.”

I glanced at my companions, who all nodded their assent. “We can do that. But we’ll need somewhere to rest and recover. It’s been a long day.”

Regan smiled tiredly. “Of course. Which brings me to my next point. We need to have a celebration. To honor those who died in the defense, and to celebrate you fine folk as heroes.”

Britney looked excited at the prospect of a party, but the rest of us were exhausted.

“And…” Mayor Regan smiled. “I may have a gift for you.” He reached into his desk and pulled out a piece of paper. “It’s a deed. To a home near my own, large enough for the lot of you. For saving Boulibar Bay.”

I stared at the deed in Mayor Regan’s hand, momentarily stunned. A house? For us? It seemed almost too good to be true.

“That’s…incredibly generous,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Are you sure?”

Regan nodded, his smile warm. “Absolutely. You have more than earned it. And frankly, having heroes like yourselves close at hand could prove invaluable in the future.”

I took the deed, scanning over its contents. The property was called Logan’s Peak and was indeed sizable—a multi-story home with several bedrooms, a large common area, and even a small courtyard. Located in the Upper District, it was prime real estate.

“This is wonderful,” Britney breathed, peering over my shoulder at the document. “Our own place! No more inns!”

I could feel the excitement radiating from my companions, but a part of me remained cautious. Nothing came without strings attached.

“Thank you, Mayor Regan,” I said carefully. “We’re honored by your generosity. But I have to ask—what exactly are you expecting from us in return?”

Regan’s smile didn’t falter, but I caught a glimmer of something in his eyes—approval, perhaps? “Sharp as ever, Jordan. I appreciate directness. The truth is, Boulibar Bay needs protectors. People we can trust to handle…delicate matters. Your actions today proved you’re more than capable.”

“We don’t plan on being your personal party of adventurers,” I said. “We have our own aims, and they’ll bring us all around the Concord Island Cluster…and beyond.”

Mayor Regan nodded, folding his hands across the top of his desk. “But not for some time, right?”

I hesitated, considering how desperate we all were for time to consolidate what we’d learned and earned. “We’re not ready to move on yet.”

“Good. Then help me now, especially in sorting out this Trade Regulation Bureau nonsense. Enjoy the house. If you end up wishing to relinquish it later, that will be fine. But it is yours.”

I grinned. “So what would you have done with it if we died in the dungeon?”

“Well, I suppose I’d have found some other worthy recipients,” Mayor Regan said with a wry smile. “Or kept it for myself. But I’m glad it didn’t come to that.”

I nodded, still a bit overwhelmed by the gesture. “We appreciate it, truly. And we’ll do what we can to help with the Bureau situation.”

“Excellent,” Regan said, standing up. “Now, I suggest you all get some rest. The celebration will be tomorrow evening. I’ll have someone show you to your new home.”

As we filed out of the office, I caught Kieran giving the mayor a meaningful look.

Feeling safe, without anyone breathing down our necks or monsters about to pop out, I finally checked my Tablet. Notifications and quests popped up, one after the other.

Notice: Local violation detected. Steps have been taken to remove problematic material. The Fates extend gratitude to the [Society of the Defiant] for their hard work.

Notice: You have collected an [Amalgam Core Seed]. This device has been sanitized. You are allowed to use it for your advancement, or other purposes. Consider this your reward for service rendered.

Quest: Investigate/Defeat the Mysterious Dungeon - Complete

Reward: 100 experience reward each.

Combat Experience Awarded: Due to the significant intervention of the Battle Scholar, experience awards have been normalized. Each team member has earned 120 experience points.

Merielle, Britnayel, Nym, and Zuri: Each team member has earned a total of [220] experience points. They require [52] experience points to reach level [7].

Jordan: Jordan has earned [220] experience points. He requires [167] experience points to reach level [13].

Supplementary Quest: Locate Arlen Voss and discover his intentions. Learn about ‘Project Synthesis’ and either stop it or request assistance in doing so. If there are ties to Earth, a temporary Veil Key may be issued to the [Society of the Defiant]. Any actions on Earth will require a guide and discretion.

Assigned to: Society of the Defiant.

Estimated Time to Completion: Unknown.

Estimated Risk: Legendary.

Potential Rewards: 500-1000 experience points; 1 piece of [Legendary] tier gear; a favor from the Fates.

“I’m absolutely not leveling up again right now,” Merielle declared once I shared the notes. “I want a bath, and to relax before we go into any more debates about attributes and tactics.”

Britney groaned in agreement. “Unless there’s a monster attack, I want to just enjoy myself for a solid week. Maybe two.”

Zuri and I exchanged warm looks. Clearly, my half-gorgon lover agreed with their sentiment.

***

Our house was even more impressive in person than the deed had suggested. Logan’s Peak stood three stories tall, its stone facade weathered but sturdy. A wrought iron gate opened onto a small but well-maintained courtyard, complete with a bubbling fountain.

Inside, the main floor boasted a spacious common area with plush furniture and a large fireplace. The kitchen was well-equipped, and there was even a small library tucked away in one corner. Upstairs, we found several bedrooms—more than enough for our party, with room to spare.

“This is incredible,” Merielle said, running her hand along a polished wooden banister. “I’ve never lived anywhere so…grand.”

Nym was already curled up on one of the sofas, Sadie purring contentedly in her lap. “It feels like home already,” she said with a sleepy smile.

I had to admit, it was tempting to just collapse into one of the comfortable-looking beds and sleep for a week.

But there was still work to be done.

“Everyone get some rest,” I said. “We’ve earned it. Tomorrow, we’ll need to prepare for this celebration and figure out our next move.”

As the others dispersed to claim bedrooms and explore further, Zuri pulled me aside.

“Jordan, are you sure about this?” she asked in a low voice. “It feels like we’re getting tangled up in local politics.”

“I know what you mean. But we’re already embroiled in this, whether we like it or not. At least this way, we have a base of operations and some leverage.” I smiled. “And…worst-case scenario? If you and the others decide you don’t want to be adventurers? You’ll have a place to stay. Somewhere safe and luxurious, and best of all, yours.”

Zuri sighed. “I suppose you’re right. Just…be careful. I don’t fully trust Mayor Regan or his motives.”

“Me neither,” I admitted. “But for now, we play along. Get some rest. Tomorrow we’ll play the heroes and gather information, and then figure out our next move. We’re not committed to anything long-term yet.”

Zuri gave me a small smile. “Always thinking ahead. All right, I’ll trust your judgment on this.” She yawned, stretching her arms above her head in a way that had nothing to do with her being tired. “I think I’ll claim one of those bedrooms before they’re all gone. Come find me if you want.”

She headed upstairs, and I found myself alone in the common room. Well, almost alone. I sank into one of the plush armchairs, finally allowing the exhaustion of the day to catch up with me.

Skullie wiggled against my pack. “Quite the turn of events, eh?”

I chuckled tiredly, picking up my pack and pulling Skullie out of his holster. “You can say that again.”

“And you’re now local heroes,” Skullie said, his tone almost wistful. “Never thought I’d be the familiar of a hero.”

I gave him a fond look. “After your actions of late, I think it’s safe to say you’re becoming a hero, too, Mr. Lich.”

His jaws clacked open and closed. I thought he was going to make a joke. Instead, he slumped. “You brought me back. I didn’t expect that. I mean, it makes sense logically, since I’m an investment and what-not. But…no one I worked with before would have done it, not without forcing my soul to agree to some new terms or something.”

“You saved lives. Mine and others. You’re part of the team now.”

His bone eyebrows wiggled. “Team. Skullie on a team. Yeah. I can’t say I hate that. Especially if I can get a new body, and that evolution thing.”

“Always ambitious, eh?”

“I mean, I am who I am.”

“Fair enough.”

My familiar rested his head against my shoulder. It was an odd sensation, acting as a source of comfort for an old evil wizard. But I’d experienced stranger things lately.

He said, “Just don’t let all this go to your head. We’ve still got a lot of questions that need answering.”

“I know, I know,” I rubbed my eyes. “You’re right, though. We’ll play along for now, gather what information we can. But we need to be ready to move if things go south.”

“Speaking of moving,” Skullie said, his tone turning sly, “when are you going to make a move on that elf girl? Or the catgirl? Or the celestial? Or—”

I groaned, cutting him off. “Not you too. I swear, between you and Zuri…”

Skullie’s jaw clacked in amusement. “Just saying, boss. Mortal life is short, especially for adventurers. Might as well enjoy it while you can.”